The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

One of the books that has been a hit this week was "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I began reading it and made a few comments about how much I was enjoying it. I read a quote from the book to anyone who would listen. Pretty soon SWEETHEART and SUNSHINE were scrambling over each other to read the story. Whenever one would put it down the other was there to swoop in and bury her own nose into the book.

It was originally published in Brazil in Portuguese. It has now been translated into fifty-six languages and sold more than twenty million copies. "The Alchemist" is a magical parable like story about discovering our own personal calling and the path God leads us on toward the realization of that great treasure. If there was ever a book (scripture excluded) that relates more to the theme and intention of this blog it would be this one.

As the main character discovers his "personal legend" and makes the journey toward it he faces the same kind of obstacles that we all face in pursuit of God's will: those both real and imagined. As the story concludes it becomes apparent that not only is there a treasure to be sought but that the journey in seeking it is a treasure itself and perhaps even more important or just as important as the treasure being sought.

I would like to share the quote I read that began my daughters' interest in the story. At this point in the story the main character Santiago has become aware of this "personal legend" (a treasure) and begun the journey to retrieve it. He has sold all that has to begin this journey and a thief has taken everything. Santiago has spent the night depressed and lost of hope with no money and nowhere to go.

As he mused about these things, he realized that he had to choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief or as an adventurer in quest of his treasure.

"I'm an adventurer, looking for treasure," he said to himself.

I wonder, is there a time in your own life that you had to reframe it, like Santiago? How did it change you from thinking of yourself as the poor victim of a thief to an adventurer in quest of treasure?

One of Mine:

I was a college freshman, living in the dorms, far away from home. I was discouraged. I'd not performed well on a recent test, my roommate was deliriously "in love", I'd not had a date for a while (sad, I know), it would be about a week before I was going to get any money, I was broke and had a pile of laundry I could not afford to clean. I had gone for a walk by myself and was complaining to God about my troubles as I walked. I felt lonely and was sure that no one cared. I told God all of this. As I walked through a park I sat under the shade of a large tree. Something shiny caught my eye (probably reflected in the tears). There on the ground were several quarters and a sliver token for a free ice cream sundae from Dairy Queen. I heard/felt My Father (My God) say, "I am here for you. You are not alone. I care." As it turned out there were EXACTLY the number of quarters necessary to clean my dirty laundry. I still have the ice cream token as a reminder that God hears prayers, (even the silly frivolous prayer of a college freshman) and that He cares about my heart aches (both big and small). I can handle anything with Him beside me.

God is my strength and my refuge (and my ice cream sundae). Psalms 46:1

We're Reading!

We went to the library in the "BIG CITY" yesterday. We've come away with many books, some really great ones, I think/hope.

Started with Patrick McManus "The Good Samaritan Strikes Again". I read the first two chapters this morning as everyone was finishing breakfast. This author is quite the character. He has such a great wit (and a bit of sarcasm) which makes his story both entertaining and insightful. We're not quite sure how the story will progress at this point but we are all anxious to find out and enjoy his wit in the process.

I'm in the middle of the first book in the Atrimus Fowl series. There's a lot going on in the story and it is entertaining to read. I'm sure this will become a valuable resource for me in my Middle School classroom (when I finish my degree this year).

Side Note: I've registered for classes this fall

and have three semesters left before I can

begin my "true calling" as a teacher.

SUNSHINE had a difficult time finding something she's not already read. We asked the librarian for a book list for middle schoolers. He handed her a copy of the most recent award winners. She's read every one of them. She balked at the list of "classics" he suggested. I talked her into reading "Olive's Ocean". It's different than the fantasy books she's used to reading but, I think it's sublime. I hope she likes it.

SUGAR got a few "Geronimo Stilton" books, a "My Weird School" book and a "Magic Tree House" book. She's liken the series.

SWEETHEART checked out some mysteries by Mary Higgins Clark.

SUPERSTAR refused to come. "I hate reading." Which I'm hoping to exert greater influence these next few weeks.

I'll be reading "The Christ Commission" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" when I finish with Atrimus.

Darling Husband seems to have adopted SUPERSTAR'S approach. Whadda ya do?

We looked for "Molly Moon" , "Charlie Bone" and the "Stonewycke" series but without luck. Those books must be pretty popular 'cause there wasn't a single one not already checked out.

One other thing that I thought about was some great poetry. Last night I read Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" to the kids. We talked about both the literal and figurative meanings and some of the imagery he uses.

Tonight I think we'll read Carol Lynn Pearson's poem

On Nest Building

Mud is not bad for nest building.

Mud and sticks

And a fallen feather or two will do

And require no reaching.

I could rest there, with my tiny ones,

Sound for the season, at least.

But--

If I may fly awhile--

If I may cut through a sunset going out

And a rainbow coming back,

Color upon color sealed in my eyes--

If I may have the unboundaried skies

For my study,

Clouds, cities, rivers for my rooms--

If I may search the centuries

For melody and meaning--

If I may try for the sun--

I shall come back

bearing such beauties

Gleaned from God's and Man's very best.

I shall come filled.

And, then--

Oh, the nest that I can build!