Beyond What I Deserve

About a year ago I was still recovering from one of the greatest miracles I had ever been allowed to witness. Our home was yanked out from under us and we only had a week to find a new house, pack, and move. We summoned prayers from literally everyone we knew. We hand-delivered our request to God and believed that He would provide the answers we so desperately needed. Turns out we were not disappointed.

The very next day we found a house listed in the classifieds. It had beautiful hardwood floors and marble countertops and was only a mile away from where we were already living. We met the owner and were told that we could move in as soon as we were ready. We were allowed to keep our dog and we wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of changing phone numbers or elementary schools. The best part was that it was smaller and easier to clean! It was such a perfect arrangement that all we could do was stand in awe. God sure knows how to take care of us!

A year ago today I looked around at all that God had given me and I praised Him. I praised Him for allowing me to live and grow for another year, for all the amazing people He put in my life, and for meeting our needs in such a perfect way. My husband asked me last week what I wanted for my birthday. I had to think long and hard because honestly, there isn’t a thing that I could want or need. I have it all and I am so very blessed.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me and being a part of my life. I treasure you more than you could know.

So very blessed,

Sherry

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

We may as well call this the Gifts and Goodbyes chapter because that’s basically all we’re witnessing at this point. There is a smattering of new characters introduced and a few scenes we would rather forget. Before we go any further, let’s recap on what we discussed about chapter 2.

• Last week we decided that everyone is a hero. The residents of District 12 in particular seemed to shine almost as bright as the tributes simply because of their obstinacy.
• Speaking of District 12, we liked that they helped us affirm in our minds that Peeta is indeed a likeable guy. It’s almost like they are the backbone of this operation, working behind the scenes to help the good guys win just by association.
• We also decided that these first two chapters summon up a very broad range of emotions and feelings. We’re angry at the capitol, sad for the situation our heroes are in, and emotionally charged for Katniss and Peeta. We want them-need them to succeed.

The first thing I noticed about chapter 3 is the sharp contrast between the capitol and District 12. We are getting a glimpse of two entirely different lifestyles and it’s jarring to me. How can one part of the country live so decadent while the other starves to death? Katniss enjoys the feel of velvet; she eats so much that she gets sick to her stomach. These are things she is completely unfamiliar with. Now suddenly she is thrust into a world she must adjust to as she processes the fact that soon she will fight for her own survival.

We also become familiar with the mockingjay, a symbol that would appear important to me. Somehow I think Collins planted this bit of information in our minds for a reason. Will it be useful later?

Things I pondered-

• The attitude is incredibly somber- Katniss says goodbye to her friends and family, receiving gifts from people she did not expect to see at all. Have you ever accepted a gift from someone you never thought would cross your path? How did you feel after receiving the gift?
• Again, there is a dividing line between the way Katniss treats her mother and the way she treats her sister. She can no longer hide her resentment but is wise enough to remind her that underneath all that anger, love still lives.
• We get a rough idea of what the games are truly like to witness and participate in. The battles are gruesome, vicious, and cruel. Was it really necessary to describe so graphically how children were chosen to die in sport? I am conflicted with these scenes because I see them from both writer and reader’s perspective. Details might be necessary to give us a sense of the brutality used. Yet something tells me our own imaginations could probably do the job just fine. We are given enough information about the capitol and the way it operates to draw our own conclusions. What do you think?

That’s all for this week. Come back next Thursday when we dive into chapter 4. A side note- school is starting next Wednesday. That means I’ll have more time to write on other days of the week as well. Look for new blog posts unrelated to our HG discussion.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Happy Hunger Games! Chapter 2 Discussion

Chapter 2

Before we delve into chapter 2, I thought I would give a quick recap of last week’s discussion. In case you missed any of it or need a refresher here are some things we decided based on Chapter 1:

• My initial assessment of Effie Trinket may have been off base. I have decided that she is a Stepford wife who happens to be married to the most vicious child-killing dictatorship I have ever heard of. She is a robot and she does her job well.
• The early character development was pure genius. We love getting to know the key players and how they think and why they do the things they do. We are looking forward to seeing how things progress between Gale and Katniss and deep down, we either want a Gale in our own lives or just want one for our daughters.
• Katniss is a hero. We root for her because of her survivalist attitude. She’s a tough chick. We like that.

We are ushered into chapter 2 with the wind knocked out of us. Collins uses an excellent analogy to help us feel the way Katniss feels-stunned, breathless, and in total shock that her sister’s name was called at the Reaping. When she volunteers to take Prim’s place she becomes the hero in every sense of the word. Katniss displays selflessness, courage, and bravery as she takes the stage, refusing to shed a single tear. From this point on she must remain guarded at all times or she becomes an easy target for her competitors.  

In this chapter we meet Peeta and discover that he has many of the same qualities as Katniss. What he lacks in strength he makes up for in selflessness and bravery. Risking a beating from his mother to help Katniss feed her family establishes him as a hero in his own right. I feel sorry for him when his name is called but also a bit comforted to know that Katniss will not be in the games alone; she has an ally and one who seems naturally adept at protecting her well being.

Things I pondered:

• The residents of District 12- immediately after Katniss took her sister’s place a tangible shift in attitude took place. They immediately looked to her as a source of hope which was evidenced in their refusal to clap when commanded to do so. To solidify their allegiance they offer her a rarely seen hand gesture, their loyalty forever etched into her mind. I found this whole scene incredibly moving. Can you think of a time in your own life when you had to take a physical stand against some form of evil or injustice?
• I will not get into a political debate in this discussion but let the record state that I find the capitol’s behavior despicable. Allowing innocent people to starve to death while sending in “robots” to clean up the bodies makes me sick to my stomach. ‘Nuff said.
• Katniss’s conflicting emotions regarding Peeta-he’s the guy who helped her when she was at her weakest. Now she has to compete with him in a fight to the death. She feels like she owes him a debt she cannot pay and that really bothers her. Have you ever felt so indebted that you felt like it was impossible to pay it back? How did you come to a resolution?
• Katniss’s strength and determination to keep her family together- Those images of Katniss struggling to survive really resonated within me. Can you relate to her internal battles?
• The symbols of hope-the loaves of bread and the dandelion gave Katniss hope that things were going to be ok, that she would not remain in this place of uncertainty and helplessness. Do you have any symbols in your own life that give you comfort in the face of adversity? What are they?

I’m looking forward to hearing your responses! Come back next week for a recap of chapter 2 and a hearty discussion on chapter 3. Happy Hunger Games!

Happy Hunger Games! Chapter 1 Discussion

Welcome to The Hunger Games Dissection and Discussion group! Let the games begin!

Chapter 1

Our first chapter opens with a superb introduction to the main characters. We become acquainted with Katniss, her sister Prim, and their mother. We learn that Katniss is a survivalist, fighting for what she believes in but also smart enough to avoid trouble. She makes the best out of difficult situations but can hold a grudge with the best of them. We also meet her friend, Gale who provides a safe haven for Katniss when she needs to let down her guard and be herself. I thought Collins’s choice to illustrate the relationships between each person was a brilliant way to hook the reader. I already want to see where things will lead between Katniss and Gale.

Panem is cleverly outlined, its history described during the Reaping. We get a real sense of what it’s like to live in a place like this with its strict rules and dictatorship. The dark and barbaric way of maintaining order within the districts is foreboding and haunting. How long will the president be able to keep his residents frozen in fear and dependant upon the capitol? How will Katniss help to bring about the change that is obviously necessary?

Things I pondered:

• The contrasting relationships between Katniss and her mother and Katniss and Prim- I could really identify with that mother/daughter dysfunction and I found a kindred spirit in Katniss. Which character could you most relate to at this time? Why?
• The “Big Brother is watching” feeling I get every time I see the Capitol in my mind’s eye. Can you see any similarities between our America and their Panem? From a Biblical standpoint, does anything seem familiar?
• The Reaping- this whole ghastly ordeal reminded me of Nazi Germany when children were recruited to Hitler’s army. Can you think of any other time in history when there were similar practices?
• Effie Trinket-I kind of feel sorry for her. What would it be like to be forced to stifle your feelings as you hand select the children who will die at the mercy of your president? Do you know anyone who is so broken inside that they hide behind a mask of vigor and perkiness?

 I hereby declare this discussion open! Don’t forget to come back next week for Chapter 2. Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!

In Her Shadow

Sherry & Kristina 1992

My friend, Jan posed the question yesterday at Jewels of Encouragement. (Click on the tab and scroll down to yesterday's date to find her post) “What are some sounds that you would prefer you didn’t have to listen to?” Loud snoring and bad grammar top my list. Still, it got me thinking about sounds I love to hear. Jim Brickman on the piano. Rain tapping against the window. My dog’s playful bark that sounds more like a howl. My daughter’s laugh and my husband’s sexy voice on the phone. These are all sounds that I adore but there is one in particular that never gets old. I never tire of hearing my little sister asking for my attention.

“Hey, want to hang out tomorrow?”
“How did you know when you were in love?”

“Let’s go shopping and buy BFF necklaces!”

“I love you!”

Sherry & Kristina 2010

Although I feel plain, ordinary, and insignificant around her I’m perfectly fine with that. She glows and she makes everything and everyone around her better somehow. I know I’m the older one so logic would dictate that she look up to me. The truth is that as many years as there are between us, I will always look up to her. Standing in her shadow, the sun is shining on the both of us and everything is beautiful. 

January 30, 2012
Reading from John 9


Jesus knew the Pharisees would have major issues with the healing of the blind man. They would either have to take him at his word that he was the Son of God or they would have to deny the truth. They chose door number 3- get rid of the evidence. Rather than face the face truth, they booted the evidence. Out of sight, out of mind, right? When faced with disturbing truths in my own life, how am I apt to respond to them? Will I face my own inadequacies and repent, deny the truth about God, or toss the evidence and pretend nothing happened? I every instance-either good or bad- I should choose Jesus. Denial or indifference does not change facts. Lesson of the day: When Truth confronts you, embrace it and repent. Do not deny or hide from it. Learn from mistakes and allow the Lord to change you from the inside out.


Dear God,
Open my eyes to truth about myself and ways I need to change. Speak to the lost and heal their blindness.
Amen. 

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