I finished book three, WHITE, last night at 12:15 am. Sometimes trilogies can leave you disappointed in the sense they book one starts off so wonderful and they go downhill from there. I can honestly say that each book got better as the series went on. What a joy to read such an amazing author, Ted Dekker. I have just picked up GREEN, book 0 in this same trilogy and am excited to read what happened before before one.
A bit about the story...without giving away too much.
Thomas Hunter is a 24 year old kid who is living in the U.S. in 2010. Every time he falls asleep he wakes up in a separate reality, one where good and evil are visible and separated from one another. Early on in book one that separation is broken by the selfish actions of Tanis, the first man created. The rest of the series is the struggle of good verses evil both in Thomas's reality and in the 2010 reality where a deadly virus is released to the entire world.
Thomas uses information from each reality to help in the what he faces in the opposite reality. It sounds very confusing, but it is beautiful and incredibly biblical.
The way Dekker describes God's love in this series is beyond beautiful. I walk away feel in a profound love for God and a desire to love Him with all that I am. Any book that can evoke this in me, I will highly recommend.
Enjoy the series - it is amazing.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Mr. Sportel
I entered into a new trilogy this week - The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker. Book one is titled Black. Book two is titled Red. Book three is titled White.
I started reading this new series because of a good friend. Mr. Sportel and I were talking in the hallway the other day after school and the subject of reading came up...shocking I know. He asked me if I had ever read Ted Dekker. I replied, "no." He went on and on about how this trilogy is one of the only book series that he owns...not just read but owns. He highly recommended it to me and I, of course, went to our library and checked out all three books.
This is my favorite way to read. I love reading a book that is recommended to me by a friend that I love and trust. Do you have these people in your life? Do you have people who not only recommend books to you, but also who shepherd you through life? My good friend Tim told me a piece of advice that I will never forget. He said, "Koeman, surround yourself with people who push you to be better than you already are."
Today, I want to be the best version of the man that God created. A big part of that is choosing my friends with wisdom. I want people in my life who will love and encourage me, even if it means confronting me from time to time.
I am 211 pages into book one. It is good. Real good. I am not surprised. Mr. Sportel recommended it after all :)
I started reading this new series because of a good friend. Mr. Sportel and I were talking in the hallway the other day after school and the subject of reading came up...shocking I know. He asked me if I had ever read Ted Dekker. I replied, "no." He went on and on about how this trilogy is one of the only book series that he owns...not just read but owns. He highly recommended it to me and I, of course, went to our library and checked out all three books.
This is my favorite way to read. I love reading a book that is recommended to me by a friend that I love and trust. Do you have these people in your life? Do you have people who not only recommend books to you, but also who shepherd you through life? My good friend Tim told me a piece of advice that I will never forget. He said, "Koeman, surround yourself with people who push you to be better than you already are."
Today, I want to be the best version of the man that God created. A big part of that is choosing my friends with wisdom. I want people in my life who will love and encourage me, even if it means confronting me from time to time.
I am 211 pages into book one. It is good. Real good. I am not surprised. Mr. Sportel recommended it after all :)
Monday, November 10, 2014
Be awhile...
So it's been awhile since I last posted. Seems like it has been one of those weeks (literally). Since the break, I have been in two different series: The Maze Runner and Matched.
The Maze Runner Series - What a fun and crazy series all in one. The series is three books: The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure. The story is Futuristic and is basically about what happen to earth after solar flares hit the surface. I will not say anymore about the plot as I do not want to give ANYTHING away. I highly recommend the series and even the bonus 4th book The Kill Order - which goes back in time to before the 1st book.
Matched Series - Another Dystopian set of books. I am enjoying the storyline. Currently, I am in the third and final book, Reached. The second book is called Crossed. In this world a group called "The Society" makes all the decision and so humans live a perfect life but have no real choices. Like all Dystopian novels (Hunger Games, Divergent, Chosen) a group steps up and challenges this way of life.
Lately, I am finding that I am enjoying being caught up in a series. It simply feels like one book cannot possibly tell everything. I think your story is much like that as well. Keep reading - it is so very god for you nd it is great fun especially if you connect with that great book.
The Maze Runner Series - What a fun and crazy series all in one. The series is three books: The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure. The story is Futuristic and is basically about what happen to earth after solar flares hit the surface. I will not say anymore about the plot as I do not want to give ANYTHING away. I highly recommend the series and even the bonus 4th book The Kill Order - which goes back in time to before the 1st book.
Matched Series - Another Dystopian set of books. I am enjoying the storyline. Currently, I am in the third and final book, Reached. The second book is called Crossed. In this world a group called "The Society" makes all the decision and so humans live a perfect life but have no real choices. Like all Dystopian novels (Hunger Games, Divergent, Chosen) a group steps up and challenges this way of life.
Lately, I am finding that I am enjoying being caught up in a series. It simply feels like one book cannot possibly tell everything. I think your story is much like that as well. Keep reading - it is so very god for you nd it is great fun especially if you connect with that great book.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Frustrated...
I am bummed out. Yep, bummed. This past week I read three books in the Lorien Legacies series. I was under the impression that the last book, The Revenge of Seven was the last book in the series and that I would find out how things "end". I was wrong. Apparently there are two more books to come. Oh, and I have to wait two more YEARS for the last one to be released. AGHHHH...
I guess that that is how it goes sometimes. I live in a world that wants INSTANT GRATIFICATION. I get mad if the person in front of me is driving the speed limit. I get frustrated if I have to wait in line at McDonalds and the person in front of me takes a long time to order. I get miffed if the spiny pinwheel comes on my computer because the internet is slow.
I am reminded that there are many times where slower is better. I wish that watching the sunset into Lake Michigan could last for an hour, instead of minutes. I wish that playing golf on a beautiful day in the fall would not be over after 18 holes. I wish that our week at the cottage would not go by so fast.
So I will wait. I will wait in anticipation. I will wait for the next book. And maybe even perhaps re-read the first 5 books. If I enjoyed them the first time, I am sure I will enjoy them the second time as well...Right? I mean I never get sick of watching that sun set.
I guess that that is how it goes sometimes. I live in a world that wants INSTANT GRATIFICATION. I get mad if the person in front of me is driving the speed limit. I get frustrated if I have to wait in line at McDonalds and the person in front of me takes a long time to order. I get miffed if the spiny pinwheel comes on my computer because the internet is slow.
I am reminded that there are many times where slower is better. I wish that watching the sunset into Lake Michigan could last for an hour, instead of minutes. I wish that playing golf on a beautiful day in the fall would not be over after 18 holes. I wish that our week at the cottage would not go by so fast.
So I will wait. I will wait in anticipation. I will wait for the next book. And maybe even perhaps re-read the first 5 books. If I enjoyed them the first time, I am sure I will enjoy them the second time as well...Right? I mean I never get sick of watching that sun set.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Lorien Legacies
So....I'm reading a Sci-Fi series....Never thought I'd say that :)
I was encouraged to read I am Number Four by a student in my 8th hour class. She loved it and highly recommended it to me. Being interested in what my students are reading, I check out the book form the library and in 2 days had it finished. It's one of those books that I just couldn't put down. The story is about an alien race that is being attacked by an enemy planet. To try and preserve their race, they send 9 children to earth in the hopes that they will grow their powers and someday be able to fight back and reclaim there home planet (Lorien).
There is so much action in the book and it was so intriguing to me that I am already 3/4 of the way through book #2 titled, The Power of Six. Although I am not a science fiction person...the characters and the story is what has really gotten a hold of me. I just checked out book #3, The Rise of Nine for the weekend. If you are looking for an action packed series...I recommend the Lorien Legacies.
I was encouraged to read I am Number Four by a student in my 8th hour class. She loved it and highly recommended it to me. Being interested in what my students are reading, I check out the book form the library and in 2 days had it finished. It's one of those books that I just couldn't put down. The story is about an alien race that is being attacked by an enemy planet. To try and preserve their race, they send 9 children to earth in the hopes that they will grow their powers and someday be able to fight back and reclaim there home planet (Lorien).
There is so much action in the book and it was so intriguing to me that I am already 3/4 of the way through book #2 titled, The Power of Six. Although I am not a science fiction person...the characters and the story is what has really gotten a hold of me. I just checked out book #3, The Rise of Nine for the weekend. If you are looking for an action packed series...I recommend the Lorien Legacies.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Smiles to Go
Over the weekend, I read Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli. He also wrote Wringer, Stargirl, Maniac Magee, Crash and many other young adult books.
Sometimes you just need a bit of a break. I had been reading some difficult material and wanted nothing more than to get "lost" in a simple story. If you are searching for easy reads that are engaging and FUN - read Spinelli. His stories are all about high schoolers: the joys and trials of being a teen. They are very fun and very real.
ENJOY!
Sometimes you just need a bit of a break. I had been reading some difficult material and wanted nothing more than to get "lost" in a simple story. If you are searching for easy reads that are engaging and FUN - read Spinelli. His stories are all about high schoolers: the joys and trials of being a teen. They are very fun and very real.
ENJOY!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Two Books
Sorry I haven't posted much this week - I have been doing quite a bit of reading...both personal and for school (I collected journals from my seniors and have been reading them).
Book 1 - FOUR
Loved it! It is the final book in the Divergent series. Basically, it goes through the life of the character named Four. His choosing ceremony, his training in Dauntless, his refusal of leadership, and his introduction to Tris are all written about. It was very fun to to scenes I read about in the Trilogy from a different perspective. It really made me think about my life and how the people i interact with may walk away from a shared experience with a very different take on it. Hmmmm...
Book 2 - Stargirl
Also a fantastic read. The story is about a girl who transfers into a high school and is completely herself (weird to all the other students). She rises to popularity and falls to outcast. She tries to fit in and reverts back to who she is. In the end she is a hero but at the cost of no longer attending the school. I am excited to read the sequel - Love, Stargirl.
Book 1 - FOUR
Loved it! It is the final book in the Divergent series. Basically, it goes through the life of the character named Four. His choosing ceremony, his training in Dauntless, his refusal of leadership, and his introduction to Tris are all written about. It was very fun to to scenes I read about in the Trilogy from a different perspective. It really made me think about my life and how the people i interact with may walk away from a shared experience with a very different take on it. Hmmmm...
Book 2 - Stargirl
Also a fantastic read. The story is about a girl who transfers into a high school and is completely herself (weird to all the other students). She rises to popularity and falls to outcast. She tries to fit in and reverts back to who she is. In the end she is a hero but at the cost of no longer attending the school. I am excited to read the sequel - Love, Stargirl.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
I want...
My daughter, Tessa, is three. Every day we work on helping move away from starting sentences with "I want..." We are trying very hard to teach her to begin the sentences instead with... "May I please have...."
I thought about it again last night while we were at our church picnic. Tess was participating in the classic game - CAKE WALK - you know, the one where you walk in a circle while the music is playing and then find a seat when it stops. Then the leader of the game pulls a card and if she pulls the card that matches your seat you get to go over to the table and choose a cake. It is great fun. After 6 times walking in the circle and NOT winning, Tess was beginning to be frustrated. Her bottom lip was getting further and further from her chin and the tears were very close now. On the 7th time...she won. Pure JOY! Then.....
She took 10 minutes looking over all the cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other treats. You see, she just couldn't decide which ONE to take home with us. Finally, I gave her the 5 second count down and she settled on some homemade cupcakes that were beautifully decorated in purple and pink sprinkles. (I knew she was going to choose that one from the beginning).
Of course....She wanted to play again. She wanted more. It was then that we had a good conversation about humility and self-control. :)
AND YET - there is something great about wanting more... I am again drawn to our theme this year - Love Does
Love Does means wanting to do more...I guess Jesus was right (He always is) when he said, "Let the little Children come to me....because THEY get it."
I thought about it again last night while we were at our church picnic. Tess was participating in the classic game - CAKE WALK - you know, the one where you walk in a circle while the music is playing and then find a seat when it stops. Then the leader of the game pulls a card and if she pulls the card that matches your seat you get to go over to the table and choose a cake. It is great fun. After 6 times walking in the circle and NOT winning, Tess was beginning to be frustrated. Her bottom lip was getting further and further from her chin and the tears were very close now. On the 7th time...she won. Pure JOY! Then.....
She took 10 minutes looking over all the cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other treats. You see, she just couldn't decide which ONE to take home with us. Finally, I gave her the 5 second count down and she settled on some homemade cupcakes that were beautifully decorated in purple and pink sprinkles. (I knew she was going to choose that one from the beginning).
Of course....She wanted to play again. She wanted more. It was then that we had a good conversation about humility and self-control. :)
AND YET - there is something great about wanting more... I am again drawn to our theme this year - Love Does
Love Does means wanting to do more...I guess Jesus was right (He always is) when he said, "Let the little Children come to me....because THEY get it."
Monday, September 8, 2014
Same Kind of Different as Me
I finished reading Same Kind of Different as Me over the weekend. I had read it before, but it had been a few years. I was again struck by the raw emotion that authors, Ron Hall and Denver Moore use in their writing.
In the story the wife of author, Ron Moore, battles and eventually loses the fight with cancer. The story however is much more about humanness and the "stuff" that connects us.
Friends...no matter where you come from: Rich, Poor, Black, White, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat, NRA, PETA.... the stuff that connects us is God's LOVE & GRACE.
I highly recommend the book - it may not change your life, but it will remind you of the Beauty of God even in the midst of tragedy.
In the story the wife of author, Ron Moore, battles and eventually loses the fight with cancer. The story however is much more about humanness and the "stuff" that connects us.
Friends...no matter where you come from: Rich, Poor, Black, White, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat, NRA, PETA.... the stuff that connects us is God's LOVE & GRACE.
I highly recommend the book - it may not change your life, but it will remind you of the Beauty of God even in the midst of tragedy.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
BEAUTIFUL
I'm not going to lie...I checked again this morning for a rainbow...In my heart I was kind of hoping for a REPEAT from last year.
Although we didn't get a rainbow this morning, we did have something BEAUTIFUL. Students came to classes, teachers taught with passion, and Christ was lifted high in the hallways of HCHS. I love coming to this place and love being part of this BEAUTIFUL thing we call Education.
There is a line from my favorite musical, Les Mes, that says, "To Love another person is to see the face of God." That is the BEAUTY I see every day here.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Reading makes us SMARTER and NICER...
Check out this article from Time
On that note...Here is a list of 25 books that I love and think you guys would love reading as well:
1) Wonder
2) The Fault in Our Stars
3) Looking for Alaska
4) Paper Towns
5) The Color of Water
6) The Giver
7) The Chosen
8) My Name is Asher Lev
9) Night
10) Same Kind of Different As Me
11) Love Does
12) The Hobbit
13) The Chrysalids
14) Season of Life
15) Divergent-Insurgent-Allegiant
16) The Book Thief
17) A Wrinkle in Time
18) Feed
19) Bridge to Terabithia
20) Number the Stars
21) Ender's Game
22) If I Stay
23) Where She Went
24) Chronicles of Narnia
25) To Kill a Mockingbird
On that note...Here is a list of 25 books that I love and think you guys would love reading as well:
1) Wonder
2) The Fault in Our Stars
3) Looking for Alaska
4) Paper Towns
5) The Color of Water
6) The Giver
7) The Chosen
8) My Name is Asher Lev
9) Night
10) Same Kind of Different As Me
11) Love Does
12) The Hobbit
13) The Chrysalids
14) Season of Life
15) Divergent-Insurgent-Allegiant
16) The Book Thief
17) A Wrinkle in Time
18) Feed
19) Bridge to Terabithia
20) Number the Stars
21) Ender's Game
22) If I Stay
23) Where She Went
24) Chronicles of Narnia
25) To Kill a Mockingbird
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
LOVE DOES
What an amazing sunrise! Bless you, Father.
Psalm 103:8 "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in LOVE." I love that God LOVES!
I don't think we have ever had a better first day of school. My lovely freshmen...you guys are dynamite. As I sit here this morning at my desk, I am thinking of nothing but you. May you have another great day and may your high school journey be filled with joy, mystery, and most of all LOVE.
LOVE DOES - get used to hearing it around here. And jump right into doing it...
I love you!
Psalm 103:8 "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in LOVE." I love that God LOVES!
I don't think we have ever had a better first day of school. My lovely freshmen...you guys are dynamite. As I sit here this morning at my desk, I am thinking of nothing but you. May you have another great day and may your high school journey be filled with joy, mystery, and most of all LOVE.
LOVE DOES - get used to hearing it around here. And jump right into doing it...
I love you!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Welcome!
I LOVE reading. Seriously, I read as much as a dad of a three-year-old and 21month old can. Typically, this means reading in bed from 11 pm - 1 am. Honestly, I am surprised I have energy in the mornings. I just eat books up. I love watching authors create magic. I love lots of things really: SPORTS, FISHING, TACKLE TIME, CHRISTMAS, ENCOURAGEMENT NOTES, SNOW DAYS, CHIPS, AWKWARD MOMENTS, LONG DINNERS, SLIP N SLIDES, SUNSETS...
This year I do not want to assign you reading. My hope is that I can provide opportunities for you to engage with reading on your own. I want you to LOVE what you read - that is my goal. We will read a few things in class together, but much of your reading will be CHOICE reading (you get to choose what you want to read).
More details to come...and just so you know...I HATED READING WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN. Ask me about it..... :)
This year I do not want to assign you reading. My hope is that I can provide opportunities for you to engage with reading on your own. I want you to LOVE what you read - that is my goal. We will read a few things in class together, but much of your reading will be CHOICE reading (you get to choose what you want to read).
More details to come...and just so you know...I HATED READING WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN. Ask me about it..... :)
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