01 The Write Elements: 2010

Sunday 19 December 2010

Advent Candle: Love







Hi Jade

 

Got your sms and photos of the primary kids. Thanks!

 

We have been writing a few lines on the meaning of each Advent candle starting from the Sunday of Hope, Peace and this week is Joy. I have also used the attachment to extract some contents, besides using the Advent booklet. Wd you like to peruse thru on the 4th Sun's write up, as well as Google on reliable websites to write another 100 word write up about the 4th Sunday of Advent, and meaning of the last candle of which marks "Love"? As always, submission by Tues.

 

Let me know if you can take this up.

 

Thanks and have a blessed weekend,

Tricia

CDM Parish Bulletin_Vol62[1] (i THINK it's there, i THINK it's there...)

The fourth candle, the "Candle of Love," reminds Christians that God loves us enough to send his only Son to Earth and that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts, because without Him there is no peace in this world. With this flame we signify the love of God that surrounds and fills us at all times, but that we recognize in a special way in the Christmas story. There is no greater power than love. It is stronger than rulers and empires, stronger than grief or despair, stronger even than death. We love, because God loves us.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the focus is on "Love". It reminds Christians that God loves us enough to send his only Son to Earth and that Jesus comes to bring peace to both the world and to people's hearts, because without Him there is no peace in this world. And with this flame not only do we signify the love of God that surrounds and fills us at all times, we recognize in a special way the Christmas story. There is no greater power than love. It is stronger than rulers and empires, stronger than grief or despair, stronger even than death. We love, because God loves us.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: “...the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1: 78b-79

Saturday 11 December 2010

Gaudete Sunday

CDM Parish Bulletin_Vol61[1] (yayyyyyy)

 

Gaudete – or “rejoice” – Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent and with a rose candle lit it is a day to rejoice as we reflect on the wonder and the anticipated coming of Christ in the Nativity and His coming again. One could hardly start to imagine the world without Him. So, like Lent, Advent is a penitential season which means the priests normally has on purple; however on Gaudete Sunday (which is pass the midpoint of Advent), the Church will lift the mood with the priests wearing rose/pink vestments. The change in colour provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation—especially prayer and fasting—for Christmas.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

The Significance: Advent wreath

While several people may affix a wreath to their front door, it is doubtful if many truly are aware of the significance of Advent. Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas, when Christians traditionally mark this period by fasting and penitence. It historically marked the anticipation of the birth of Christ as prophesied by Isaiah and other prophets in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. Today, Christians may also use the four weeks of Advent to meditate on the second coming of Jesus as proclaimed in the New Testament. Advent is our time to become more involved, more caught up in the meaning and the possibilities of life as a Christian community. Thus we are preparing not only for Christmas but also for Christ's Second Coming. This means that when He comes again, we will be awake and watchful. He will not find us asleep.

 

The process is not necessarily the swiftest but overall it does look nice in the end

CDM Parish Bulletin_Vol59_Colour[1] (shortened article, but still, this one is ALL MINE!!!!!)


Underline, may not want


While several people may affix a wreath to their front door, it is doubtful if many truly are aware of the significance of Advent


Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Christians traditionally marked this period by fasting and penitence. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "advenio," meaning the coming, or arrival of an important person or holiday.


Advent historically marked the anticipation of the birth of Christ as prophesied by Isaiah and other prophets in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. Today, Christians may also use the four weeks of Advent to meditate on the second coming of Jesus as proclaimed in the New Testament.


OR


The vision of life that Advent gives us is twofold; it looks back to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and it looks to the future when Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find meaning for our life as a Christian


Advent is our time to become more involved, more caught up in the meaning and the possibilities of life as a Christian community. Thus we are preparing not only for Christmas but also for Christ's Second Coming. This means that when he comes again, we will be awake and watchful. He will not find us asleep.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) by Ilona Andrews


Image from Shelfari

Not a lot can be said for something undeniably perfect. Except this:
It's impossible to say anything without ruining the book for others. But I have to say, two thumbs and toes way WAY up! Magic Bleeds is as witty and beautifully written as the rest of the series. I honestly can't wait for more and I'll turn savage if I have to ;)

All Saints and All Souls

November 1st is the day which a Christian feast is held to honour all the saints, including those who have not been canonized. The Church has always honoured and held the celebration of the anniversary of “all the martyrs” early in the 4th century. On this day, we remember the holiness of saints who have modeled grace for us. And in our liturgical celebration, we are participating in the holiness of the Communion of Saints, who are in union with us and actively share in our worship, as together we await the day of the Lord

CDM Parish Bulletin_Vol55[1] - all saints (my article)

As I researched I came across a list about All Souls Day, and honestly I was hoping to incorporate that in more than what I had to write 

Go for point 6, I wrote in my notes. 

It is not a sad, scary or morbid ritual. It's a day of happiness because the loved ones are being remembered with fondness. Although when in the graveyard, people tend to assume an introspective brooding attitude. It is about Love not Fear. All Souls’ Day was meant for love and not fear, and to remember those who passed away with fondness.

Shame this didn't make it in 

Friday 10 September 2010

Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead


Image from Shelfari

I'm borderline on "I Really Liked It" and "I Loved It", because there's hardly a book that'll get me to think of more things that could go between the characters and have me start bawling up a storm. It was beyond great!
I was initially putting off reading this book because I knew how it'd end (thanks to me looking at the synopsis from the next book) but I am truly glad I did.
You won't have someone who you could completely envy yet find some sentiment in loving Georgina, as I have. There's no one who swears and yet lights up a room in a whole different way either.
It all happened for a reason and if you had to, I'd go and pick up this book. It's one story you can't live without. And I'm dying to know how Seth and her might ever end up together.

Thursday 2 September 2010

Bite

Bite is an anthology by some fantastic authors:
Laurell K. Hamilton
Charlaine Harris
MaryJanice Davidson
Angela Knight
Vickie Taylor

Image from Shelfari

For some parts, they were lengthy and that made me lose interest, but I kept reading on. I'm really glad I did. It's a wonderful book full of creative authors (reknown or otherwise, they gave the book different depths) for the different uses of biting and blood. Plus, incredibly erotic :-P I really did enjoy reading Bite :)

Thursday 26 August 2010

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


Image from Shelfari

Here's how I chose to start of a truly moving and captivating book:
Characters come first!
Gale is undeniably one with strength, but to have two strong people with each other, there'd bound to be clashes. They're too tough together, which is not necessarily bad.
Then again.. Honestly I pegged Peeta once as a weakling (only slight), especially from the first book, if I had to choose one word for him. However, the fact that Katniss does whatever it takes to protect him even though it had to do with the possibility of winning in the arena *cough, cough*, can't help noticing the awesomeness that a girl can finally rescue the guy; that, and for the fact that he showed he would do anything for her, so far, anyway.
I managed to love the book even more, though I don't get how it was possible, and around the ending of the 1st where she hurt Peeta (I won't say why) and before when I came to so many conclusions on what Gale might have said when he was pulled away (“Remember I-”), I felt like fainting, and I almost did.

One scene from the book doesn't just enthrall you, they all do. It was unbelievably well written. Blood and gore are something given, but the intensity behind everything else, especially when Katniss and Peeta were in the giant arena with the others, was striking and amazing. I could feel the feelings that Katniss felt.
It was something else entirely. And for an author to evoke so much off a page is breath-taking.
I can't wait for the next books!

Green by Laura Peyton Roberts


Image from Shelfari

It was definitely interesting how it started out - an exploding present (I'll have to be more careful myself, from now on). Trials (even one of friendships) mark the sign of struggle and sooner or later, preferably sooner, a heroine. No one ever said kicking booty was easy. And never have I found it more amusing to dive into a world full of leprechauns.
Unfortunately, I have to say, Lilybet is slightly naïve, especially when it came to Kylie. But giving her the benefit of the doubt, seeing as she did have no idea what were customs of being a k - - - - -, and she was sort of floored that a guy like him would even talk to her, though she is definitely making up for that in her wit and underestimating herself so much till the end.
I'm impressed that she did finally become more like her Clan o' Green, even in scheming, and more so when she.... ah, well :)
All in all, if you favour little green men - so to speak - this is an awesome book!

Monday 23 August 2010

Twilight (Manga, Volume 1) by Stephenie Meyer & Young Kim

Just like Twilight (though the quotes couldn't all be piled in and exact - there would be too thick a book), still loved it. Good choices have been made for it, and the words derived straight from the book are good choices - thankfully slightly better in picks than the movie.. And it's possible, in my case, to fall in love with Edward all over again, and even more so after seeing what another possibility there is to his face :-D

Saturday 21 August 2010

Freaksville by Kitty Keswick



Images from Google

With Josh, you don't know whether to love him or to hate him (mostly in the end, and especially if the book does come with the excerpt from the next book in the series). And then there's Kassidea, his bird, and the solution to the never-ending problems faced by the pair and their friends.

The protagonist, that is Kasey, is one I could relate to because there are definite real fears, like her stage-fright or finding out her boyfriend is a w... oops, said almost too much :-P

I did really like it and the ideas that were pitched here and there between Kasey and Gillie. The graphics were definitely detailed, as well. You could almost see the bristling coming from the territorial wol- *cough*

There I go again.

Anyhow, 

here on the author's page is where I found the trailer that has a synopsis on the book.
I added the link in there for both.

I really enjoyed it (both the trailer and definitely the book)!

Monday 9 August 2010

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

Since my reviews are based on what I put on Shelfari, looking at its star pointers give y'all a hint as to why I say...

Image from Shelfari

The stars say it all. I truly do love the writing, it's beyond the boundaries of brilliance, though a leeeetle long at some points (it is crucial, of course), you'll never want to put it down. And I almost didn't, except for moments *cough*. The characters are too perfect, and not the cliche fairy tale type you'd think. Owen is to die for, and Katie is just as amazing. Magic and mystery work wonders here. You'll end off with a cheer even if you're coming to an end and reading the last few pages, that I am sure of.

Sunday 8 August 2010

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd : a comic strip by Agatha Christie

Image from Shelfari

It was new reading a comic strip, for me. And I've never been one for reading Agatha Christie either - back then, but now I realize the Queen of Crime doesn't disappoint. A good way to start into such complex thinking was to go with colours, and lots of it. Though I think it was a little... comically drawn (no pun intended), it was oh-so-vivid. For obvious reasons as well as the frown lines and wrinkles (hee).
Hercule Poirot is definitely brilliant, but v. confusing. Then again, most detectives are. If you tried to guess who the murderer is, it won't be easy. I can say I didn't get it on my first try, because the way she wrote, it came a beautiful full circle - a poetic justice, and I couldn't have been more surprised even if I tried. But I have to say, it does keep me guessing, perfect end to a stormy night.

Sunday 1 August 2010

Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers #34 by Franklin W. Dixon

The Children of the Lost

Image from Shelfari

I really liked it. It'd be perfect if you liked suspense, and it kept me on the edge as I was shocked by some of the events. I was never more interested, or adrenaline-pumped. The plot was there so I see the need for a trilogy. At the end... a shocker. Better not spoil it (though if you took a chance to see the cover of the second you might guess right) :)

 

Sunday 18 July 2010

Sweet and Deadly by Charlaine Harris

Image from Shelfari

To be honest, I did go in with an optimistic view, don't get me wrong I love her work. But it's something, maybe in the plot, that I just didn't quite take a fancy to. Perhaps I'm skewed to reading about the paranormal world which first introduced me to her writing (the Sookie Stackhouse series). Like I said, open-mind. Most of it was forgettable, sad to say. The characters and even what happened in the beginning of the book is all foggy to me. If I recall it enough, there's something about a dilapidated house (picture..) and the main character walking through the door only to find .... ??? (see my point!) And then something about a chopping block and a whole swarm of flies. Merit: the book's descriptions here and there were vivid, especially about the crime.
So, unfortunately, I didn't even have the want to finish the story, though I usually continue to the end (in case I miss out some merit points). Against every fibre of my being (v. exaggerated, I know) I put it through the book drop. I'm used to a grin on my face when I finish one of Miss Harris's books - just not this time.

Tuesday 29 June 2010

my views on The Giver by Lois Lowry





I had to do this review for school, so the questions raised are theirs. This is the link to the comments that were made by others about the book :)


1. What is the author’s attitude towards the book? (Did he like the book? Did he hate the book?)



2. How do you know? Quote some of the words which tell you so?


3. What were some of the comments raised that disagreed with the review?


4. Based on the comments and the review, what do you personally think of the book?



What I actually have to say is a turn from what the people think. I believe any book should be given a chance, how ever... boring it may seem. Because the author put his soul into writing it and then it turns into a flop, I feel saddened.


People have found some sort of light, which I tend to work on; that "there were a few interesting lines" and it shows the Giver not being a total literary disaster.


Albeit they also complained that it was dreadful and "became  more and more dissatisfied with each page." and there were the bout of hurtful pessimistic comments: "I don't think it was the worst book I ever read, but I didn't like it either.", "i dont think the book is terrible, but in my opinion i didnt like, and niether did anyone else in my class" and of course the occasional "Yuck."


And then enters that single ray of hope given to future readers of the book saying words that "The Giver is not at all horrible the author gives several great ideas and themes. The end did not suck at all the author simply wants you to end the book yourself and show your creative side. He simply lets you decide how you want the book to end.". Viola! A creative and non sheep-like point of view into the depths of finding a little optimism because you spent that moment of your life reading such a tale.


And so it goes on to and fro from there with readers saying that the Giver had its moments and wouldn't be all that bad to begin with, in which I am inclined to concur :)