"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
My bible verse that I turn to is Revelation 21:4. It helps me through difficult times because it's showing me that God will be there to wipe every tear from my eyes. In heaven there is no more death or crying or pain, it made me realize this when I was yelling at God for taking away someone I loved very much. He died at age 29 from cystic fibrosis. When I read this verse it showed me that all of the pain he was going through is now gone, he's not crying or dying anymore. He is now where I hope to be someday. So I no longer blame God, I thank Him for being my one and only Savior.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Reflecting on a Verse that Provides Comfort by Lindsey Beich (In Reference to The Hiding Place, which we are currently reading)
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
This verse constantly gives me peace when my plans change. Once I get out of high school I have my whole college and life career planned out, but if God wants to call me somewhere else then that is His plan and it may not be easy, but it is His plan for me. My brother thought that when he got out of high school he was going into engineering, but God is calling him into ministry and the missionary field. This verse gives both of us so much peace.
This verse constantly gives me peace when my plans change. Once I get out of high school I have my whole college and life career planned out, but if God wants to call me somewhere else then that is His plan and it may not be easy, but it is His plan for me. My brother thought that when he got out of high school he was going into engineering, but God is calling him into ministry and the missionary field. This verse gives both of us so much peace.
Reflecting on a Verse that Provides Comfort by Blake Tamez (In Reference to The Hiding Place, which we are currently reading)
"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5
This speaks to me because it tells how God is good and will always be perfect. Whenever things go bad, people blame God for it. To me, knowing that God is without any kind of evil and I can go to Him and He can clean me from my impurities is comfort.
This speaks to me because it tells how God is good and will always be perfect. Whenever things go bad, people blame God for it. To me, knowing that God is without any kind of evil and I can go to Him and He can clean me from my impurities is comfort.
Reflecting on a Verse that Provides Comfort by Jacob Smith (In Reference to The Hiding Place, which we are currently reading)
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:8-10 (NIV)
This gives me comfort because it assures me that I am not alone. Not only is God always with me, believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. So not only does this verse give me comfort, it is also my favorite verse I know.
This gives me comfort because it assures me that I am not alone. Not only is God always with me, believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. So not only does this verse give me comfort, it is also my favorite verse I know.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Anne Frank Quote and Thoughts by Katherine Hare
"Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness."
- Anne Frank
If you were stuck in a dark room with nothing but a single burning candle, how would you feel? Would you feel like you had nothing, that this tiny candle is just a hill in the mountains of overwhelming darkness? Or would you be ecstatic that even in all this darkness of the world, you have something to make it light up even a tiny bit? People seem to forget that even when the darkness is taking over, when it's making your knees weak and your breath heavy, there is a light, a hope for you. Even the smallest bit of it could really turn things around. It could give you the power to stand up to the darkness, and if not that, a sense of hope that you will find the light one day.
Our world today is facing many problems. Terrible things are happening to us, and we only have two choices - to stand up or to break down. The people that break down feel like there is no hope, and that things will never get better. They do things that make the darkness even darker for them, even though they think it is helping. But only the light can overrule the darknesss. And the light is hope, forgiveness, and acceptance. There is always hope, no matter the situation, and people need to remember that. Things can always get better no matter what. It is important for us to remember this because so many people feel like they have nothing and that they could never get better or back to normal, but even a tiny candle can light up the darkness in someone's life.
I chose this quote because I thought it was very important for us to remember that we'll always have something in a seemingly hopeless situation. Anne Frank was an amazing example of finding light in the darkness because her situation seemed hopeful in her terrible situation. Even I've dealt with darkness in my life, and although it was hard, I've kept hope. And my situation did get better. So I think everyone should remember, there is always hope, and light will always take over darkness.
- Anne Frank
If you were stuck in a dark room with nothing but a single burning candle, how would you feel? Would you feel like you had nothing, that this tiny candle is just a hill in the mountains of overwhelming darkness? Or would you be ecstatic that even in all this darkness of the world, you have something to make it light up even a tiny bit? People seem to forget that even when the darkness is taking over, when it's making your knees weak and your breath heavy, there is a light, a hope for you. Even the smallest bit of it could really turn things around. It could give you the power to stand up to the darkness, and if not that, a sense of hope that you will find the light one day.
Our world today is facing many problems. Terrible things are happening to us, and we only have two choices - to stand up or to break down. The people that break down feel like there is no hope, and that things will never get better. They do things that make the darkness even darker for them, even though they think it is helping. But only the light can overrule the darknesss. And the light is hope, forgiveness, and acceptance. There is always hope, no matter the situation, and people need to remember that. Things can always get better no matter what. It is important for us to remember this because so many people feel like they have nothing and that they could never get better or back to normal, but even a tiny candle can light up the darkness in someone's life.
I chose this quote because I thought it was very important for us to remember that we'll always have something in a seemingly hopeless situation. Anne Frank was an amazing example of finding light in the darkness because her situation seemed hopeful in her terrible situation. Even I've dealt with darkness in my life, and although it was hard, I've kept hope. And my situation did get better. So I think everyone should remember, there is always hope, and light will always take over darkness.
Anne Frank Quote and Thoughts by Joshua Cauto
"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." - Anne Frank
This quote means a lot to me in many ways. I've heard this many times in my lifetime, from some that are believers in Christ and from some non-believers. Some on both sides have said, why is there evil in this world? Why would a loving God allow this to happen? How can you believe in something but not be able to see it? Well, let me explain.
We were all put on this earth for a reason. We were intricately designed by a loving, caring, and intelligent Creator. God allows evil on this earth for a temporary time because he wants us to have a free-will, or choice. To either choose to believe in Him and His son, Jesus, or reject Him and live on this world and do whatever we please. His love will never change for us because He gave Jesus, to die in our place.
But one of the main reasons I like this quote from Anne Frank is because is reminds me of my parents. I don't know what I would be today if my parents hadn't taught me the right way. They have taught me the Godly principles of being a follower of Christ. They have shown me the right path. In the same way God is our Heavenly parent, showing us the right way, but it is our choice to choose the path that we want to go on. No one can make the decision for you except yourself.
This quote means a lot to me in many ways. I've heard this many times in my lifetime, from some that are believers in Christ and from some non-believers. Some on both sides have said, why is there evil in this world? Why would a loving God allow this to happen? How can you believe in something but not be able to see it? Well, let me explain.
We were all put on this earth for a reason. We were intricately designed by a loving, caring, and intelligent Creator. God allows evil on this earth for a temporary time because he wants us to have a free-will, or choice. To either choose to believe in Him and His son, Jesus, or reject Him and live on this world and do whatever we please. His love will never change for us because He gave Jesus, to die in our place.
But one of the main reasons I like this quote from Anne Frank is because is reminds me of my parents. I don't know what I would be today if my parents hadn't taught me the right way. They have taught me the Godly principles of being a follower of Christ. They have shown me the right path. In the same way God is our Heavenly parent, showing us the right way, but it is our choice to choose the path that we want to go on. No one can make the decision for you except yourself.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Free Verse Poem by Abigail Mayfield
I see Your eyes are for the blind
Such as hope for the hopeless
For Your hand heals a broken heart
Lord, let me be as You
Let me raise the sun's rays
Beyond a world of dim and sorrow
For once I lived inside these walls
Needing an escape into gentle arms
It is known I live within hate
A sinful realm hidden from truth
But before the light of Your eyes
Clipped wings are freed as eagles
I wish to understand Your ways
Which hold just
So before I fade into the mist
Lord, let me be as You
A light in the darkness
Ode Poem by Maci Calder
So dark and peaceful
So sweet and crisp
I walk outside
And your breeze sweeps me off my feet
And carries me along
As if we were dancing to a song
Your arms of sweet darkness
Your stars of pure light
Hold me tight
Through the night
Haiku Poem by Connor Thornhill
Lightning and Thunder
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet
But always gorgeous.
Sonnet Poem by Jessica Wallis
Friendship is a tree, beginning so small.
This tree will keep on growing,
Until one day you see it is big and tall.
Now you have gained a friend, without even knowing.
Friends are meant to be there through trials.
When the winds blow, together you're strong.
For close friends distance means nothing, they will travel miles.
When you need them they are there, it will not take long.
But sometimes, even close friends grow apart.
The laughing and talking may turn to crying.
You hear only silence, though they remain in your heart.
For no reason at all it seems, your friendship is dying.
Sometimes in the end, even the biggest and strongest trees fall.
But do not worry, you will find a new friend in no time at all.
Elegy Poem by Lindsey Hill
Goodbye Winter
Snow will stop to fall
And no more sledding for all
It's time to put up your coats
And head to the lake on your boats
No more time for skiing
But you can still go swimming
Summer is not bad
It can just make some people sad
Some like the hot
For others they do not
We will miss the cold
But can't wait for what Summer beholds
Goodbye Winter
Friday, January 30, 2015
Poetry Review of "Ode on Solitude" by Emily Schmukal
"Ode on Solitude" by Alexander Pope has a main theme of peace and finding comfort. It tells the story of the life of a man who finds comfort in living in solitude and being alone. He wants no one to know where he lives and wants no one to mourn his death. Being unknown to the world is something that makes him feel calm and at ease. Alexander Pope describes how the man's land provides him with everything he needs and that he has "peace of mind" and " health of body". Since the man has all of life's essentials, he is fine with living alone and having his life pass by in solitude. Sometimes being around certain people can cause sadness and worry, so this may be what he is trying to avoid.
This poem is a traditional ode. It is traditional because it has a regular pattern of rhyme and rhythm. It has an ABAB rhyme scheme and is separated into four - line stanzas. The narrator of this poem is the man, who speaks about his own life.
The author uses many personifications and imagery to describe the things that the man enjoys about living alone and the benefits it has. "Hours, days, and years slide soft away", "whose flocks supply him", and "not a stone tell where I lie" are examples of personifications in this poem. Some of the imagery in "Ode on Solitude" such as, "whose trees in summer yield him shade, in winter fire" help the reader to imagine the scene of the man's peaceful home and life of solitude.
This poem is a traditional ode. It is traditional because it has a regular pattern of rhyme and rhythm. It has an ABAB rhyme scheme and is separated into four - line stanzas. The narrator of this poem is the man, who speaks about his own life.
The author uses many personifications and imagery to describe the things that the man enjoys about living alone and the benefits it has. "Hours, days, and years slide soft away", "whose flocks supply him", and "not a stone tell where I lie" are examples of personifications in this poem. Some of the imagery in "Ode on Solitude" such as, "whose trees in summer yield him shade, in winter fire" help the reader to imagine the scene of the man's peaceful home and life of solitude.
Poetry Review of "Boots of Spanish Leather" by Paiten Baesa
In "Boots of Spanish Leather" written by Bob Dylan a man is waiting for his true love to sail back to him sooner than planned. This poem is based off of love and compassion for one another. She offers to send things of silver and gold but nothing can take her place until she comes back to her true love. "I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss, For that's all I'm wishin' to be ownin'."
This poem is written in traditional form which it might have a specific number of lines and stanzas or a regular pattern of rythm and rhyme. Every other line in each stanza the last words rhyme, such as, "I'm sure your mind is roamin' ... But with the country where your're goin'."
Many different literary devices can be seen in this poem. One of the most commonly seen can be rhyme. Rhyme is the repetition of sounds at the ends of words or phrases, "It only brings me sorrow ... I would want again tomorrow." Another device that is seen is alliteration which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. An example of this could be, "Take heed of the stormy weather ... Spanish boots of Spanish Leather." A third device seen throughout the poem is imagery, a language that appeals to one or more of your senses, such as, "Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night, And the diamonds from the deepest ocean, ..." The last device I saw was rhythm which is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. "It was from her ship a-sailin' ... It depends on how I'm a-feelin." Literary devices can change one speech, thought, word or phrase to how the poet envisions it.
This poem is written in traditional form which it might have a specific number of lines and stanzas or a regular pattern of rythm and rhyme. Every other line in each stanza the last words rhyme, such as, "I'm sure your mind is roamin' ... But with the country where your're goin'."
Many different literary devices can be seen in this poem. One of the most commonly seen can be rhyme. Rhyme is the repetition of sounds at the ends of words or phrases, "It only brings me sorrow ... I would want again tomorrow." Another device that is seen is alliteration which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. An example of this could be, "Take heed of the stormy weather ... Spanish boots of Spanish Leather." A third device seen throughout the poem is imagery, a language that appeals to one or more of your senses, such as, "Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night, And the diamonds from the deepest ocean, ..." The last device I saw was rhythm which is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. "It was from her ship a-sailin' ... It depends on how I'm a-feelin." Literary devices can change one speech, thought, word or phrase to how the poet envisions it.
Children's Book Review of The Nutcracker by Kaitlyn Florence
The Nutcracker is a sweet traditional story. It is told in chronological order with enough details sufficient to the story. Each page is about a paragraph long made up of detailed, yet easy to read sentences. The author is especially good about including literary tools, for example the writer uses the onomatopoeia, "bong" to convey the feeling that time is running out for Marie, the main character. Also, the book uses the simile "sweetly as a nightingale" to express to the reader exactly how well Herr Drosselmeier, Marie's godfather, made toys. One of the neat aspects of this tale is the personification of the flowers, snowflakes, toys, teas, and coffee. These objects I have just mentioned become beautiful dancers in this magical storybook. The fairy tale is told at a fast pace. He often ends a page in the middle of an action-packed scene encouraging the young reader to turn the page. Other than writing, the author also illustrates the story.
Susan Jeffers, the author/illustrator, designed a striking cover that presents two main characters in the story, which helps introduce them to the writing. Marie is depicted on the cover as a loving person. Jeffers really has a natural talent for showing expression in an individual's eyes. You can tell by the way Marie's hair is flowing and her flushed cheeks that she is running away from something. She is not running away from the nutcracker in her arms, so she must be saving him and herself from an unknown character. This shows she loves him no matter what his appearance may be. The artist used drawing as their primary medium. Pages seventeen and eighteen summarize the story very well. These pages show several characters in one scene. They display to the young reader the setting and time of year the tale took place, Susan placed the characters under a Christmas tree. Also, she shows the transition of scenes to exhibit the different parts of the story. If you look closely at the ornaments in the picture you can see Marie's godfather. That helps explain how all of the magic is happening. The illustrator has two main elements in her illustrations. Most of her drawings show the two main characters, Marie, and the nutcracker. However, she has another element throughout her drawings, the spirit and magic of Christmas. Jeffers's is great at showing characterization in the pictures.
In the sotry, Marie is characterized as a loving child. She loves the nutcracker even though he was ugly. She has an unconditional love for him. The text is also very clear that Marie is courageous. Throughout the tale the text clearly states that Marie is courageous. She even kills the Mouse King to save her beloveed nutcracker. The illustrations in the story show her as a sweet, grateful, and selfless child. Young children can relate with Marie's traits. Children, young girls especially, can be very protective. They protect their dolls and toys as if they were a real baby or soldier. Marie genuinely loves and protects her little doll.
She is a trustworthy individual. You have to be trustworthy to go places in life, learning this is a life lesson. The main problem in the story occurs when Marie tries to escape the Evil Mouse King. Running away does her no good, but once she fights the "problem" instead of running away she then is able to solve it. Many kids can relate because they run away from their fears and problems instead of turning around and solving them. Although she is only a young child, she takes matters in her own hands to solve the conflict. She ends up killing the Evil Mouse King to save her and the nurcracker. Altogether, Susan Jeffers has created an interesting, creative, and visually stunning fairy tale!
Susan Jeffers, the author/illustrator, designed a striking cover that presents two main characters in the story, which helps introduce them to the writing. Marie is depicted on the cover as a loving person. Jeffers really has a natural talent for showing expression in an individual's eyes. You can tell by the way Marie's hair is flowing and her flushed cheeks that she is running away from something. She is not running away from the nutcracker in her arms, so she must be saving him and herself from an unknown character. This shows she loves him no matter what his appearance may be. The artist used drawing as their primary medium. Pages seventeen and eighteen summarize the story very well. These pages show several characters in one scene. They display to the young reader the setting and time of year the tale took place, Susan placed the characters under a Christmas tree. Also, she shows the transition of scenes to exhibit the different parts of the story. If you look closely at the ornaments in the picture you can see Marie's godfather. That helps explain how all of the magic is happening. The illustrator has two main elements in her illustrations. Most of her drawings show the two main characters, Marie, and the nutcracker. However, she has another element throughout her drawings, the spirit and magic of Christmas. Jeffers's is great at showing characterization in the pictures.
In the sotry, Marie is characterized as a loving child. She loves the nutcracker even though he was ugly. She has an unconditional love for him. The text is also very clear that Marie is courageous. Throughout the tale the text clearly states that Marie is courageous. She even kills the Mouse King to save her beloveed nutcracker. The illustrations in the story show her as a sweet, grateful, and selfless child. Young children can relate with Marie's traits. Children, young girls especially, can be very protective. They protect their dolls and toys as if they were a real baby or soldier. Marie genuinely loves and protects her little doll.
She is a trustworthy individual. You have to be trustworthy to go places in life, learning this is a life lesson. The main problem in the story occurs when Marie tries to escape the Evil Mouse King. Running away does her no good, but once she fights the "problem" instead of running away she then is able to solve it. Many kids can relate because they run away from their fears and problems instead of turning around and solving them. Although she is only a young child, she takes matters in her own hands to solve the conflict. She ends up killing the Evil Mouse King to save her and the nurcracker. Altogether, Susan Jeffers has created an interesting, creative, and visually stunning fairy tale!
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Happy New Year and Welcome to our Classroom Blog!
January
2015
Hello HCA Families!
My name is Robin McCartney
and I am the new addition to the English Department at Heritage Christian
Academy. I am excited to get to know
your students and explore English Literature, Grammar and Writing with them!
Let me tell you a little bit
about myself. My husband Marc and I have
been married 19 years and live in Rockwall.
We have 2 daughters, Macy (15) and Mallory (12). We are active members at Lake Pointe Church
and love watching our daughters play high school and middle school basketball.
Professionally, I have taught
middle school and high school english and history. Most recently, I have been an elementary
school counselor and middle school counselor.
Of all the things I have done in education, my absolute favorite age has
been middle school students. I love
working with and being around this particular age group.
I am excited to introduce to
the students our very own Classroom Blog!
During the spring semester students will post from time to time on our
classroom blog. This will be an
opportunity for students to publish their writing and an opportunity for
parents and others to see their written work.
I will also communicate important information and updates with students
and parents through Remind 101 and Twitter.
Please be sure to sign up for updates with Remind 101 on your mobile
device. It is quick, safe and easy. I am attaching the information for sign up,
please be sure and sign up for your student’s particular class. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting
spring semester with your students at HCA!
Go Eagles!
Robin McCartney
Email: rmccartney@hcarockwall.org
Twitter: @HCA_English
Classroom Blog: http://mccartneyclassroomblog.blogspot.com
Remind 101: Sign Up information attached
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