#ReadingChallange: The Shack

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

I waited for months for 'The Shack' by WM Paul Young to get around my family before I could get the chance to read it.

I'll admit that I wanted to read it more so I could get into the excitement and to be able to actively join in on the conversations...I guess you could consider my reading it as somewhat 'peer pressure.'

Honestly, the first chapter or so was a bore to read. I think I may have expected the excitement of it all to start from page one; or at least that there would have been some captivating storyline. Young explained that the book was written based on conversations with the main character of the book - Mackenzie Phillips - who is said to have had the experience with the shack in question.


My first puzzled look came after the big tragedy (I won't go into much detail since you may actually want some kind of surprise should you decide to read it). Some of the events surrounding it seemed too 'coincidental' to be true, and while anything could have happened and all that jazz, it was [for lack of a better term] 'too perfect a tragedy.'

As I continued going through the book there were ups and downs. At times Young was amazingly descriptive and I almost felt that I was there; then at another point it was almost as though he was lost in thought and rambled for a few paragraphs.

I've read other Christian books in the past, and while they may not have been solely focused on the bible, there was mention or reference to it at least once. Bearing in mind that The Shack is of a Christian context, I know I was expecting the pop up of a bible verse or two....if not literally, then at least in a strong figurative sense that was simply enough for even a new believer to grasp.


My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Shack:

In a nutshell....the author's conversations with Phillips must have been pretty boring conversation at times. Maybe I expected too much from the text, but I was honestly a bit disappointed with the storyline. On the other hand, it does have strong and moving spiritual aspects, but I'm still a bit puzzled that it had nothing specifically tied back to the bible. I hoped for an awesome eye-opener, but got an ok read instead.


If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

#ReadingChallenge: Untold Story

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Princess Diana could easily be called the world's sweetheart, and though she died when I was really young, when I saw Untold Story by Monica Ali I couldn't resist picking it up.

The book is a bit controversial I'm sure because it's written from the angle that Princess Diana's fatal accident was staged and that it was her way of getting out of the monarchy to enjoy life otherwise. One could easily wonder 'what would Princess Diana be like if she were still alive' and the book somewhat gives you the chance to go down that line of thinking.

I'll admit that Ali gives the story a bit of a twist by making some changes to facts (probably for legal reasons), but then giving somewhat of an inside peek into the life of Diana that only those close to her would have known (using some factual information of course). She writes from the view of different characters and sometimes things got confusing because the different characters would sometimes give the results of an issue long before explaining the problem....of even addressing it. 

Though I was intrigued to keep reading, the language used at times made it a bit of a challenge to follow. With the Princess being British there was mention of colloquial British terms that folks of the western world may not easily pick up on.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for Untold Story:

I really did want a bit more from the book than I got. It was a good story with some twists and mystery included, and although the last few chapters had me a bit shocked, I was hoping for something more 'unexpected' to happen. It was a good bit of creative writing though, and Ali did a fair job of making it feel realistic.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

5 things I think you MUST teach kids

It's Child Month in Jamaica and a lot of attention is being given to child related and even some parenting related issues. Children getting attention is surely not a bad thing, especially since many children in Jamaica face neglect and miss out on all the love they deserve.

I'll add too how glad I am to see that there is some attention being given to reminding parents of their responsibilities as parents; especially since children are often called 'sponges' (figuratively of course) based on the fact that they absorb information like a sponge absorbs water.

There are many behaviours that kids 'suck up' from their environments and when these behaviours are negative or blatantly anti-social, I often have no qualms about blaming the parents who seem to have their kids living a 'free-for-all' life, and not teaching them what I believe are important that should be taught and embraced from an early age.

Since I have no kids now some parents may read this and say that I can say whatever I want because I don't understand, there are five things I believe every child MUST be taught/understand early, so as to ensure that the positive behaviours continue with them throughout their lives.

Here's my take (feel free to agree or disagree): 

1. Money management: 
From early ages, children should have an understanding and appreciation for saving and spending money. Nobody is expecting a child to fill a piggy bank in a week! But at least get them into the habit of putting even a few cents into a saving tin when they get money. It would also be a good idea to never tell them 'I don't have the money right now' but then you go buying some random thing for yourself....that would definitely send the wrong message.

2. Gender equality: 
Yes, I went there. I'm honestly over this talk about 'boy and girl colours' and 'boy and girl tasks'.....and I'm surely not about nasty kids who don't clean up after themselves. So instead of making a girl do this and a boy do that, how about having all your kids doing every task. Regardless of gender all children (by the time they are 17) should be able to cook and clean for themselves....regardless of gender! It's not about child labour, but instead it's about giving them manageable takes for their age. If not, how will they survive when they go off to college or leave the house (because they will leave...unless you had plans to baby someone until you die).

3. Punishment: 
Each child is different and that's how punishment should be....unless you have somewhat of a Brady Bunch, in which a situation of group punishment is probably your best option lol. Seriously though, kids need to understand from an early age that every action causes a reaction and that they are expected to be more responsible for their actions as they get older. Of course for any system of punishment to be balanced, the parents and caregivers must work together, and they must also ensure that children are praised when praise is due.

4. Giving back and civic pride: 
Charity and civic pride should be a part of any home. With charity, nobody expects that you will give up your all and everything but at least ensure that some aspect of social responsibility With civic pride, there are just some things that your child should know about the country they live in and where they were born. Not to mention the fact that both giving back and civic pride can teach respect for self, for the environment and for their country. 

5. Skills, talents and an education:
In my family, parents do their best to ensure that their children get an education while also honing individual talents and skills. Holistic development is obviously the best choice for all children and by mixing their natural talents with the opportunities for a good education the child gets the chance to be the best they possibly can be. This mix gives the child the chance to learn how to balance their live...which is something that will do wonders for them as they get older!


So there goes that...my top 5 things I believe each child must learn/understand. There are many other things I believe that kids need to get into their brains from early....but that's another post.

Come to think of it, I think I have a few more posts about 21stCenturyKids up my sleeve!

#ReadingChallenge: The Power of Giving

#ReadingChallenge

If this is your first time tuning in to my #ReadingChallenge, here's the skinny: For 2013 one of my personal challenges is to read one book a month. This has in turn become a blog challenge where I review each book I read and where necessary get some influences from each book.

Adding a bit of non-fiction to my list, I read 'The Power of Giving' by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon. It was so good!

Some may say my opinion is biased because I already have an appreciation for philanthropy and it's benefits to the society at large....and that is one of the reasons I think it's a really good book. (duh)

Honestly though, there's also the fact that based on how the book is written, persons who wouldn't normally care much for giving back, are given simple and practical ways that you can give back to those in need without putting yourself in a challenging position.

The book is focused on 'how giving back enriches us all' and is broken down into chapters that look at the 5 W's (who, what, where, when and why) of  giving back at home, at work and in the wider community. It even adds some insight to corporate giving and includes an idea of how you can assess need, select a project/group to assist, then pool your funds/friends/resources to get the job done.

It's not a huge book either, so whether you're reading for personal or for work related reasons, the book is a great eye-opener and shouldn't be too hard on you since it has engaging content.

My #ReadingChallenge rating for The Power of Giving:

My unbiased opinion is that it really is a good book, and it's 100% worth the read whether you give back often or rarely. The language and tone are so easygoing and the book may really just give you the reminder that if you have the ability to give to someone else you should make it your moral responsibility.

If you give this book a read, comment on this post and let me know what you think of it!

here's to turning 23

 
In a matter of days I'll be turning 23.

That's a mere two years away from being a quarter of a century....which could or could not be a bad thing. I'll say it's definitely not a bad thing, because each birthday is a celebration of life....and that's something that's taken from many each day.

After a particular conversation with my Grandma about celebrating another birthday and being grateful for the lessons learnt; I actually started looking back at the year's I've had, and thinking about what I've learnt. Here's more or less what I realised:

1. Money isn't the root of all evil....greed is!

2. In this the 21st century, it's better for you to know a little about 100 things than everything about one thing. This doesn't mean you need to be a 'jack of all trades' it really just means you need to open your mind to appreciating other things that may not be your norm.

3. The siblings you thought were the most annoying folks when you were a child, they will never not be annoying....but you'll appreciate them for their every ounce of annoyance as you get older.

4. Being your own 'biggest fan' is very important because not one soul will appreciate your accomplishments, goals, and dreams more than you....fortunately the real people in your life will support you anyway.

5. Many people will be 'there for you' until they really have to be there for you. Know who to trust and who you can really depend on.

6. No matter how much you 'break the mold' and counter a stereotype, there's going to be those one or two folks who believe so strongly in that stereotype that you don't phase them....don't let them bring you down, just prove them wrong.

7. Good relationships are 60% give and 40% get. That's where both persons are giving 60% and expecting only 40% in return (if you did the math then you get that it means both partners are benefiting)....if it's otherwise, just forget it.

8. There's nothing wrong with being a little bit selfish....if you overextend yourself for everyone else, then you wont have much use to yourself cause you'll be all burnt out.

9. The arts will by far be the best means of expression...there's a dance, song, piece of art or piece of writing that will perfectly describe how you feel all the time.

10. School does not teach you everything you need to know....and it's quite likely that it never will. Some things you will just have to learn yourself.

11. Do what you love...because having a career you love (with decent pay) is much more fulfilling than having a job you hate (but it pays your bills)....unless you can get the best of both worlds...and in that case: carry on!

12. Yes companies expect you to have experience, and yes you need a job to gain experience...but there's a way around that...it's called volunteering....you know that thing people seem to not be too interested in these days.

13. For many, charity isn't sexy (thanks to the bar set by most ad campaigns and music videos)....at least not unless there's a bikini or seductive voice involved....and that would kinda just be weird.

14. More often than not, there is someone out there who is less fortunate than you are. It doesn't mean you need to try and swap lives with them, but at least lend a helping hand.

15. Self assessment is necessary. Every couple months or once a year look at where you are in life and where you want to go, as well as the decisions you've made and the result of those decisions. It should help to give you a little direction and help you somewhat track your accomplishments.

16. Laughing is really the best medicine for every situation. Whether you're laughing at yourself, your friends, random folks or whatever...just don't be mean....that ain't cute.

17. Misery LOVES company...but don't try to make other persons miserable because you're feeling crappy. It's also a good idea to avoid the company of miserable people. Try to help them feel better, and if it doesn't work then move away until the person actually wants/needs you.

18. TEDtalks are the perfect source of motivation! There are hundreds of talks about so many different things across the globe. When you have no motivation to do work...spend it wisely watching some TEDtalks.

19. Take risks and grab opportunities as they come...even if they all don't pay. Who knows which opportunities will get you to exactly where you want to be. Just be sure to check it all out before you dive head first.

20. Social media is one of the greatest 21st century 'inventions' ever....but if not used correctly and in somewhat of moderation, this collection of tools can waste all your 'dream chasing' time and possibly get you into serious issues...just remember that your virtual impressions are lasting.

21. Believe in someone/something greater than yourself. My beliefs are based on Christianity, but in respecting and appreciating other views, I'm not gonna say you MUST choose to believe in God....but I will say, sort out your spirituality! 

22. Someone out there will love you, and someone out there will hate you (these folks may be different from the ones who stereotype you). Never allow the persons who hate you to determine how you live your life and whether or not you achieve your goals.

23. Stop trying to make lemonade when life gives you lemons! You're way too unique for that...make something unexpected instead.