A Place for Chatations (yes I made that word up): Aka enjoyable conversations.

[Buddy J.]

Hey guys! I am putting this up just before I start my school work, but am hoping to finish that rather quickly today. This is a topic where we can enjoy conversing without worrying about filling up a different topic.

Honestly so long as people are being civil, and keeping our conversations clean (I wouldn’t expect anyone to do anything else, but please still do so) I don’t care what is said, but please remember that any of us are setting an example of what our faith is, and witnessing through our words.

Also, if we have multiple conversations going at once (I don’t think that will be much of a problem) please remember to hit “reply” in reply to someone instead of making a completely new speech thingamabobby (and yes I made that word up too, because I don’t know the correct terminology). This will keep the topic pretty orderly. And if that made no sense, I can take screen shots of what I mean.

That being said, I hope we can all enjoy peaceful, or friendly not so peaceful, chatations on this topic.

[Toklaham Veruzia]

What if a pencil became sentient? Is that something worth talking about?

[Buddy J.]

Sure, but if people start showing annoyance let’s forgo it.

[Buddy J.]

What defines sentient? And do humans have the ability to create something sentient at all? Also if they could would it be a good idea?

[Toklaham Veruzia]

Those are all very good questions. In one sense humans create something sentient each time a new human being is conceived. However, in this world I do not believe we will ever be able to create something that’s not human yet still has the image of God, the most noticeable feature of which is the ability to make moral decisions. This is what I mean by sentience. Many science fiction stories involve computer programs that somehow attain sentience and some believe that this may be possible in the future. However, I hold the position that this is impossible, or if it is possible it requires some kind of technology that is vastly different in kind, not only in degree, from what anyone has access to today. Because all computer programs are merely series of commands that tell the program what to do based on certain external conditions, no program ever truly makes a choice. Although an extremely complicated program could approximate an appearance of decision-making, in reality it would only respond to its circumstances in accordance with its code.

In a fantasy world things are different, because you can have different kinds of sentience such as elves or hross, whereas here there are only humans and angels. Whether or not a pencil could become sentient would depend on the rules of creating sentience. In my fantasy universe, the Domidium, new sentience can only be created by the natural method, i.e human conception. However, it is theoretically possible to detach a human soul from its body and attach it to a pencil, at which point the pencil would be sentient. It would not, however, be a completely new category of being, but rather a human in the physical form of a pencil. However a different world may have different rules that allow for the creation of an entirely new order of being known as a sentient pencil.

As for whether or not it’s a good idea, I don’t think the creation of sentience can be condemned as morally wrong in all cases, because that would include condemning the propagation of the human race. However, it would carry with it great responsibility in all circumstances, in the same way that the parents of a child have a responsibility to care for that child.

[Buddy J.]

Okay… I agree with all of your points except for one.

I don’t believe that human reproduction is us creating a sentient being. God has already set up the system for us, and he is the one putting the soul in the child. Now humans I believe are the only creatures made in the image of God, I don’t believe angels are. So that would lead me to think that a soul (or spirit if you prefer) is not what makes us in the image of God.

Now, I believe that in order for something to be sentient it must have a spirit, or something like that which I don’t know about. That being said, I have more reason to believe animals have spirits than not (I have more to back that up if you want, but I won’t die on such a hill).

So, God is the only one able to create life. We can put together the pieces needed to sustain that life (which God gives us the means to do), but we can not take something lifeless and put life into it.

I believe any computer we have, will never get to the level where we humans no longer have the right to shut it down.

And I would like to mention that in fantasy, all of the sentient creatures are ones that were created by God, and if the author says thy came from nothing their reasoning is poor. Whereas a pencil is something that died (was a tree, but not sentient), and is still dead, so I think making it sentient is not logical, unless (totally theoretical) a human spirit was transferred to it. And I’m not even sure how logical that is, which is why it is fantasy:).

That was a mouth full, and it may have sounded like I was repeating you, and I may have been, but it was to tie what you said into my thoughts.

—
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

[Toklaham Veruzia]

I agree that God is the one putting the soul in a human embryo at the moment of conception. In Mere Christianity C.S Lewis distinguishes between ‘begot’ and ‘created’, saying that to create is to make something that is not the same kind as oneself, whereas to beget is to make something of the same kind as oneself. So we could say that only God creates humans, although we can beget children after our own kind. The system of begetting was set up and is sustained by God, and parents have much less control over what kind of child they beget than if they were creating, say, a statue. They can’t choose what the hair, eye color, personality, and so on, of their child. Therefore, humans can’t beget a sentient pencil.

So, yes, unless God created a new type of being called a sentient pencil, or if (somehow) a human soul ended up inhabiting a pencil, there’s no way for a pencil to become sentient.

Thank you for your input! What I intended as a very silly question has resulted in some very interesting discussion.

[Buddy J.]

It’s funny because e were just having a very similar discussion in my house, about to what degree animals are sentient.

Now you and I were using the word sentient differently than its definition, but I wasn’t sure we had a better word for what we were talking about, and I understood what you were saying, so I left that part alone.

[Buddy J.]

Also I VERY much enjoy these kinds of discussions, and there are very few people in my life that do, so if have more topics that easily annoy the people you live with, but you see as valid topics and want to chat about them, feel free to come with me. And if you think it would annoy fellow Flabbits, we can exchange emails through Elia.

[Isaac Loyd]

It’s not annoying me, that’s for sure.

I agree, a pencil cannot be sentient unless God makes it sentient. First of all, humans cannot move souls around as humans are, trying to do so would not be possible due to the soul leaving the human body when they try to take it out. Technology would not work at all in this manner, because a soul is not matter. Moving a brain would result in there being a large bunch of mush in the pencil, that has no reasoning whatsoever due to the lack of soul. The only possible way of making a inanimate object sentient would be if God granted that ability to someone, or he did it himself.

(To the image of God reference, if a pencil was given sentience it would not be exactly desecrating the image… Maybe, I am not a theological expert on this subject so don’t trust me in what I say about this subject. But the image of God was the ability that he gave man, to create out of the things that God has given him. I am not positive, but I think that the image of God was the image of creator given to created. Seeing as only man is able to actually “create” something out of substance, unlike other animals, with rationality. I might have to ask someone else on this, so you can refute it if you want.)

[Buddy J.]

Man’s being made in the image of God is not just about creation though. I’d like to add that as image bearers we have a responsibility to uphold that image given to us, even though it is innate it is still our responsibility to remember and act upon. It is in effect an authority given at creation.

Genesis 1:26-31 English Standard Version (ESV)
26 Then God said, “Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Animals have the ability to use Gods creation, and use it to their will, though not with the ingenuity of man. But he has no image he must uphold. Man was given this responsibility at creation, and failed when eating the fruit. Man has never perfectly upheld this image since the fall.

[Noah Aikens]

Sentience is I believe the act of being aware of ones surroundings. We can normally tell if something is sentient by it’s choice of action. Pencils are inanimate objects, which means they cannot move or “animate” without any input from an animate being.

We can safely say that any object that is NOT biologically living, is not sentient.

So the sentience difference between plants and animals is quite hard to define. As plants have a form of awareness. They can detect heat, and move toward it. But here is the difference, while plants will ALWAYS move to the source of light and heat. Animals have the ability to make choice.

In increasing level of IQ animals will tend to make more choices that do not always seem to be the one in their best immediate interest.

So biologically, humans are the “most sentient”, as we are the most aware, and make the most choices.

[Buddy J.]

Which is why I would say sentience is not the “big” difference between us and animals.

[Buddy J.]

Don’t you think my profile is fitting? I call this one “The Confused Pen”.

[Buddy J.]

I think you are just agreeing with what we are saying, but please let me know if you have a disagreement. But it just seems like you are clarifying.

[Buddy J.]

Yes, but how far does that argument go? When talking about robots or computers, what makes us sentient and them not? I think God is the best explanation when talking about that, and I want to start my argument with the presupposition that God is, and God has everything to do with this. He is the only one with the ability to create sentience. We can input a code that resembles sentience (which I believe a tree’s decisions are, “code”), so our ability only goes so far as God allows, and so far, that has not been the creating of sentience.

[Noah Aikens]

Yes agreeing. I was trying to think of an argument that would not require God in the picture. But only solely for the exercise.

[Buddy J.]

Sorry, my last reply was to this, but I didn’t want to wait for your comment to show up on the forum, so I replied to the last one. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Sabina B. In reply to your question on 100 Cupboards.

My favorite character is Henry, though Fat Frank is also pretty amazing. And FYI, the it’s raggant, Rag Ant is not technically correct (if you want to keep calling it a Rag Ant, we will still know what you mean) 🙂 .

And Ian, have you submitted any stories yet?

[Sabina B.]

Oh okay. I haven’t read the books in a while. Yeah Fat Frank is fun. Especially when people start to call him something like: Formal Fat Frank Fairy 🙂

[Ian G.]

In a word: nope. In more words: I can never seem to get myself to finish a story, though I really want to. Maybe one day I can discipline myself enough to do so. 🙄

[Ian G.]

Note: that was in response to Buddy J.’s question.

[Buddy J.]

Okay! What are some of your favorite books?

[Ian G.]

Let’s see…

The Wingfeather Saga (of course!), The Green Ember series, LOTR (though I haven’t read them in a while), Outlaws of Time, to name a few. Everything I’ve read by C.S. Lewis so far has been great, such as the Chronicles of Narnia, The Srewtape Letters, and Mere Christianity. Next on the list to read is his Space Trilogy. (I have a long list of need-to-reads and need-to-read-agains.)

Speaking of books, does anybody know what Andrew Peterson is writing? On his website page about “Resurrection Letters, vol. 1” he mentioned being very busy during the months of recording and listed writing a nonfiction work as one of the reasons. I’m curious about that.

[Buddy J.]

Glad to know you have good taste. 😉

I’ve read all of those, except for Mere Christianity and Space Trilogy.

And as far as Peterson’s writing, I have no idea.

[Noah Aikens]

I know he contributed an essay for a book on Wendell Berry recently. Beyond that I don’t know anything.

[Buddy J.]

Hmmm… Okay.

[Sabina B.]

Okay, this might be a silly question, but what is Wendell Berry?

[Buddy J.]

If anyone else has a better answer, please feel free.

Wendell Berry is an American novelist who was born in 1934.

[Sabina B.]

Oh okay, that makes since 🙂

[Sabina B.]

Hey guys I know this is random, but has any one else here read any thing by James Riley?

[Buddy J.]

Did he write Story Thieves? If so, no I have not, though they look fun.

[Sabina B.]

Yes he did! They are really fun, and I have almost started reading the last one. (he is awesome!)

[Buddy J.]

Okay! I may see if I can get my hands on them.

I just recently finished book three of the Outlaws of Time trilogy. It held up to expectation, magnificently.

[Isaac Loyd]

Just bought and finished that one yesterday!

[Buddy J.]

Great book.

[Sabina B.]

Also a random question, does any one here know adventures in odyssey?

[Buddy J.]

Yes… Though I have only seen one or two of the movies. I have friends that listened to them all the time.

[Sabina B.]

They are so fun! I have listened to all 800 something episodes several times! You should listen to them sometime.

[Buddy J.]

I honestly don’t really like audios. If I don’t have a choice, I will listen, but my preference is reading.

[Sabina B.]

Okay, that makes since. If you could bring out one book character from their book, who would you bring out?

[Buddy J.]

Henry York (100 Cupboards), or Cyrus Smith (Ashtown Burials).

[Buddy J.]

But if you were going to let me bring Cyrus, you would also have to let me bring his sister Antigone.

[Sabina B.]

Wait, would you choose him back when he was Henry York, or would you choose him when he was Henry Maccabee (not sure if that is spelled right)

[Buddy J.]

The latter.

[Buddy J.]

What about you?

[Sabina B.]

Well, either Janner (wing feather saga), Aslan (Narnia), or Kiel (Story Theives). But if I had to choose just one…. oh man I don’t know they are all so fun!!

[Buddy J.]

Just think… Aslan represents a true person who’s spirit lives inside of us.

[Sabina B.]

Yeah, I am so glad for that!

[Ian G.]

Sam Miracle (Outlaws of Time) or Picket (Green Ember) would be pretty awesome, though I feel like it would be easier to interact in general with a human character.

[Buddy J.]

Yeah! Sam would be pretty cool! Here’s the problem with Picket, is he is really a human in animals skin. When we write stories about animals, we are telling a humans tale through an animal, so that creates and akwardity.

[Bethel]

I would choose Fergal (dawn of wonder) (((which, if you’ve not read it, is a really good book))) or Maralay (The Wingfeather Saga) or maybe, If I were to go classic, Sam Gamgee. (LOTR)

[Isaac Loyd]

🙂 I would choose Hulwen(wingfeathersaga) maybe, Or even Smaug(LOTR) XD.

[Buddy J.]

Yes Hulwen would be cool, but… Smaug?! Am I going to need to use my Security Presence badge and escort you out of here.

*pulls out radio* “Um Elia, we have a situation!”

XDXDXDXDXD

—
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

[WhiteKnight111]

I am sorry I’m not Elia, but I am here just the same. Elia and I have actually had a conversation concerning this exact issue. Smaug is indeed cause for concern, but he is naught compared to the likes of Glaurung or Anglacon the Black. All in all, it is a tame situation for one to simply have Smaug. And hey, it could be Hulwen. But you did right raise an alarm!

XDXD!

WhiteKnight111

[WhiteKnight111]

Also, speaking of the Pencil discussion, what appears to be being discussed is the difference between what Aristotle defines as Sentience vs. Rationality. I know I am taking this and abstracting it to the Greek logic of things but the basis of the whole thing is that while all animals or things with any form of sense (i.e. sight, smell, etc.) are capable of being self aware. Rationality extends only to humans, who can rise above the simple animal impulses, and produce civilization. I would call this the soul, God given, and breathed into Adam in the beginning, but all the same. This all is much more than the simple pencil can grasp, what is yet to be seen is a pencil which write on its own. Could this be equated to rationality, even if there were no coherent words? If it wrote in any language, even improperly, would this qualify as inate knowledge? How would it even know it’s purpose is to write?

Tonight on Unsolved Mysteries, we delve deeper into what is fast becoming one of the chiefest and foremost in the minds of philosophical communities around the globe. What is a truly self aware pencil, and can it ever be achieved?

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

WhiteKnight111-

If you do not believe animals are ‘rational’ creatures, I’d like to know where that can be shown. I don’t even think there is biblical evidence for that idea. We are called to a higher standard that animals (i.e. we have the image of God to uphold) but I don’t believe it talks about animal’s rationality or not, and I don’t see any problems if they are rational.

[Buddy J.]

By the way, I’m not sure if we have met. My name is Buddy. I am an author, primarily, but dabble in art, and play the Mountain Ocarina. I relate to the Throne Warden role, but decided to go with Security Presence, as it is more understandable to those people outside of our circles.

—
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

[WhiteKnight111]

Hi Buddy!

No, I don’t believe we’ve met, although I have haunted this particular forum for a long time, and have recently been absent. I’ve been friends with Elia for almost 2 years now (God help us I’m old), and I am glad that you have come to see this place as area where people of our interests can make friends and chat. I agree with what you are saying about the animal issue. There are various times where animals are capable of speech and so forth. I like your little self introduction! A pretty nice list of titles. I am personally the Prime Minister to her Imperial Majesty Manna P. Reed the First (my dog), and Throne Warden to a younger sibling as well. I too dabble in writing, and am somewhat amateurish in piano and abominable in art, but I make the best of it. Nice to meet you too btw!

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

And just to clarify… I’m not the oldest child, but am the fifth out of seven. Even so, I see it as my responsibility to protect all of them. My oldest sibling is my only sister. And one of the things I’ve learned is that even though she is my older sister, I still have a responsibility to ensure her safety. Part of this may come from my martial arts training, but even though I have four older siblings, I have had similar responsibility to an oldest at times. Even though those times were not pleasant I learned a ton from them.

Also, are you an adult? Your profile makes me to believe you’re an adult, but it’s hard to tell online.

[WhiteKnight111]

Hi!

That’s cool about protecting your family even though you’re not the eldest. And Martial arts too. Asian or European Martial Arts perchance? And yeah, you learn a lot from protection of others, even when it’s painful.

No I am not an adult XD! I am the young boy on the far left side of that profile picture, only I’m 17. Yeah it is hard to tell online. Sorry about that. So no, not an adult.

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

American Martial Art. I train in United States Sport Karate, which is a hybrid that teaches self defense, but is easily applicable to sport.

At 17 I think you are the oldest Flabbit. What are you studying currently?

[WhiteKnight111]

The Oldest Flabbit at 17? (Shaves White Hair). I don’t know whether that’s a complement or if it’s just plain depressing. It’s cool that there’s an entire generation growing up with the Wingfeather Saga don’t get me wrong, but it would be nice if some other YA’s could get into it too. (Except for you Madame Sidler, you’re the best).

I am currently studying Honors in History, Theology, and Literature, as well as trigonometry. I have combined my junior and senior years of highschool and will graduate this summer. How old are you, and what are you studying?

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

I am 15 years old, almost done with Algebra 1 (Ten lessons left). Dad says after I finish Algebra 2 I am officially done with highschool. So I still have Geometry and Algebra 2 left, but my math curriculum mixes those into one school year of 129 lessons. I plan on working through the summer to get it done as soon as possible. My other school consists of writing, karate, different other writing things, learning Esperanto, memorizing scripture and Shakespeare, reading literature, bible study, the ocarina is kind of an elective in our homeschool as is drawing, which I dabble in.

My birthday is June 16th, so I hope to finish highschool before turning seventeen.

[WhiteKnight111]

Man, you get it nice! Finish with Highschool after Algebra 2? What state do you live in?! I live in Tennessee, and it’s state law that we have to do 4 years of Math, I had Algebra 2 in Sophmore year. I combined Business Math and Trigonometry into this year, so that I could graduate a year early and I finished with my Business Math awhile ago. It was once my dream to graduate at 16. What do you read for literature?

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

I live in Texas, and because we are homeschooled, the state does not regulate. It is my goal to write for a living, so math isn’t quite so high a priority. For literature I read anything from greek mythology to Shakespeare. Currently I am reading Song of Roland, and hope to read Hamlet next. As part of our literature reading dad has us write a paper on it, which is super fun. To help introduce me to greek myth, dad had me read The Lightning Thief, which I read in two days (fastest read in that class). I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t take me longer, because after finishing it, I had to get back to the harder stuff. That was three-ish years ago.

[WhiteKnight111]

Ah, the great republic of Texas! Hook ’em Horns! Song of Roland is exemplary! Have you read Saga of the Volsungs? An excellent German epic of similar style, or the Kalevala, to Finnish epic? Of Shakespeare, which is your favorite? I love Henry V, Richard III, Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear. I never cared for Hamlet though, nor Romeo & Juliet. A little too deepened in modern culture to me (i.e. I knew the stories from too early of an age, so I can’t enjoy them as much). I never read the Lightning Thief, it never really interested me. Greek myths are good on their own in my opinion. What was the “harder stuff?” Sorry I haven’t been typing back to you as quick, college applications are pressing down on me.

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

The harder stuff would have been the Shakespeare, Greek myth ect… But this was four years ago, I was eleven. Shakespeare is no longer hard.

Song of Roland, although I’m enjoying it, is very in poetry. It’s inconsistent to a large degree, except for repeated stanzas, where he describes several different characters in the exact same way. He changes tense all the time, and rarely does it rhyme (I realize rhyme is not needed for good poetry). But that being said, after getting past the inconsistencies, and once realized that it’s a translation, I am enjoying it. I have not read any of those others.

My favorite two Shakespeare plays are Macbeth, and Much Ado About nothing. Much Ado is the higher ranking of those two. Hamlet might be about to trump them, because I hope to read it again as a school book. I read it in a book study two or three years ago, but want to reread it with my gained comprehension. I am currently memorizing Hamlet’s speech “To be… or not to be…” and have only a few lines left. Another reason for wanting to read Hamlet again has to do with a theory i came up with, that I will likely go into when I write my paper on it.

If you would like to read my papers on the Shakespeares I’ve read here are my best: Our Final Counsel Backing down to stand in place.

I have not read Romeo and Juliet, but will probably do so soon. And it’s not of utmost importance that you read The Lightning Thief, but I think reading it helped me enjoy Greek myth more, because I was able to see it as fiction more than history. I think it’s easy to start thinking about it as history. My favorite Greek myth is The Aeneid. And then as for history, The Early History of Rome is really good, also known as Livy (It’s author).

—
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

P.S. Might you be interested in sharing emails (through Elia)?

[Buddy J.]

BTW… I gave you two links there, just didn’t put a space between them, sorry about that.

[WhiteKnight111]

Yeah, Song of Roland is a old Frankish poem, so it doesn’t really rhyme. The Aeneid is an amazing work of literature, I prefer it over the Odyssey. I like the Illiad more though. The early history of Rome is fascinating as well. I personally enjoy in similar veins, The History of the Kings of Britain by Bede, and the Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Sure I would enjoy sharing our emails! (Elia where art thou?)

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

Elia just moved back to the US from Thailand (or is still in transit to resting place) so it may take him a while to get back, but I’ll ask him to give you my email.

I’ll have to read the Iliad again. Being ten or eleven it was a struggle, and I really didn’t understand a lot of what was going on. The Odyssey was my first book ever in literature class, so it was hard but I had other source materials to help, so I was able to understand it pretty well, besides the Iliad I think was harder to follow, even though it was my second literature book.

I have heard of Bede, but not read any of his works. We might The History of the Kings of Britain in our house library, but the other one I’m sure we don’t.

—
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

[Buddy J.]

Okay… I found The History of the Kings of Britain, in our home library, and thought you might want to know that it’s by Geoffrey of Monmouth, and not Bede. Bede was an English monk also known as Saint Bede, Venerable Bede, and Bede the Venerable. He wrote Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Your probably already knew that and just got their names mixed up.

[WhiteKnight111]

I know! Elia and I talked while he was in Seoul waiting to fly over to L.A. I’m really trying to meet up with him while he’s here. I’ve had a couple of facetimes with him but never actually met him.

Yeah, the Odyssey is essentially the hero’s journey. Pretty simple. Illiad is a much more complex political and theological drama. I can get that it would be challenging at that age. And thanks! I wasn’t sure if I was getting those names mixed up or not. I’ve requested Elia for your email, he’s already got mine.

WhiteKnight111

[Buddy J.]

Oh good! I’m glad ya’ll have been able to keep in touch. I’ve emailed with him a little lately, but it’s been a while since we did a video call.

[Buddy J.]

I asked him to send you mine, so I guess we are good to go as soon as he gets time to do it.

[FBI]

Hello if you would please sit down we are going to need to ask you a few questions

[Sabina B.]

Yeah he is a lot cooler at the end of the books.

[Buddy J.]

My friends of Flabbiton! Lately I opened up a new topic for my latest story on my blog, and am looking for feedback. Here is a link to the topic, which will have a link to the story. I’m looking for bold feedback, and encouragement. But please don’t let encouragement get in the way of critique. The Will And The Wall

And quick note. Please be sure to check the Flabbit Room home page, and not just go directly from email. When someone opens a new topic, it doesn’t send you an email, so if all you do is go from your email, peoples topics can go unnoticed for quite some time. Thanks 🙂

​–
-Buddy Lieberman- Author of TheBookshelfStaircase.wordpress.com, Reader of many books, and Security Presence.

[Buddy J.]

Isaac Loyd (It’s so hard for me to remember that your name is Isaac and not Issac.)Every single one of those was something other than mine. You’ll have to do better.

[Buddy J.]

(It might even be a girlish name, which is why I don’t tell people straight up)

[Isaac Loyd]

… Janiece, Jorokine, Jaa’ab, Janderin, Josiah,… (There aren’t actually that many ‘J’ names that I am familiar with)

[Isaac Loyd]

Wait, is it Janiece/(God is gracious)?

[Isaac Loyd]

I’ve only heard it in a girls’ name, so probably not.

[Buddy J.]

Nope.

[Buddy J.]

If I’m Marry Queen of Scots. Am I?

[Isaac Loyd]

It was a guess, and since I don’t exactly know that many boy ‘J’ names, the list will probably just get absurd.

[Isaac Loyd]

Nah, I just looked it up, Janice is both a boy and girls’ name.

[Isaac Loyd]

🙁 Your name isn’t Buddy Jocodadomanthery Lieberman? (How surprising)

[Buddy J.]

How’d you know?

[Isaac Loyd]

… Jadauy, Jellyfin, Jimakaa, Jopercin, Jinieth,…

[Isaac Loyd]

…J.King, Jackinthebox, Jubilee, Jernene, Jimmy…

[Isaac Loyd]

…JJSNOWCONES, Jeffery, Jellybean, Jumpytoed…

[Buddy J.]

It is one of these:”Jeduthun, Jeezer, Jegar-sahadutha, Jehaleleel, Jehdeiah, Jehezekel, Jehiah, Jehizkiah, Jehoadah, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehohanan, Jehoiachin, Jehoiada, Jehoiakim, Jehoiarib, Jehonadab, Jehonathan, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jehosheba, Jehoshua, Jehozabad, Jehozadak, Jehu, Jehubbah, Jehucal, Jehud, Jehudijah, Jehush, Jekabzeel, Jekameam, Jekamiah, Jekuthiel, Jemima, Jemuel,Jephthah, Jephunneh, Jerah, Jerahmeel, Jered, Jeremai, Jeremiah, Jeremoth, Jeriah, Jericho, Jeriel, Jerijah, Jerimoth, Jerioth, Jeroboam, Jeroham, Jerubbaal, Jerubbesheth, Jeruel, Jerusha, Jesaiah, Jeshebeab, Jesher, Jeshimon, Jeshishai, Jeshohaia, Jeshua, Jeshurun, Jesiah, Jesimiel, Jesse, Jesui, Jether, Jetheth, Jethlah, Jethro, Jetur, Jeuel, Jeush, Jeremiah, Jezaniah, Jezer, Jeziah, Jezoar, Jezrahiah, Jezreel, Jibsam, Jidlaph, Jimnah, Jiphtah, Jiphtah-el, Joab, Joachim, Joah, Joahaz, Joash, Joatham, Job, Jobab, Jochebed, Joed, Joel, Joelah, Joezer, Jogbehah, Jogli, Johanan, John, Joiarib, Jokdeam, Jokim, Jokmeam, Jokneam, Jokshan, Joktan, Jonadab, Jonah, Jonan, Jonathan, Jorah, Joram, Jordan, Jorim, Josabad, Josaphat, Jose, Joses, Joshah, Joshaviah, Joshbekashah, Joshua, Josibiah, Josiphiah, Jotham, Jozabad, Jubal, Jucal, Judah, Judas, Judith, Julius, Jushab-hesed, Justus, Juttah”

[Isaac Loyd]

LOL

[Buddy J.]

So the question is: Do I let you figure it out? Do I help you narrow it down? Or do I tell you?

[Isaac Loyd]

Technically I can’t figure it out without narrowing it down by guesses.

[Buddy J.]

J.E.R.E.M.I.A.H.

[Isaac Loyd]

Jeduthun, Jeezer, Jegar-sahadutha, Jehaleleel, Jehdeiah, Jehezekel, Jehiah, Jehizkiah, Jehoadah, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehohanan, Jehoiachin, Jehoiada, Jehoiakim, Jehoiarib, Jehonadab, Jehonathan, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jehosheba, Jehoshua, Jehozabad, Jehozadak, Jehu, Jehubbah, Jehucal, Jehud, Jehudijah, Jehush, Jekabzeel, Jekameam, Jekamiah, Jekuthiel, Jemima, Jemuel,Jephthah, Jephunneh, Jerah, Jerahmeel, Jered, Jeremai, Jeremiah, Jeremoth, Jeriah, Jericho, Jeriel, Jerijah, Jerimoth, Jerioth, Jeroboam, Jeroham, Jerubbaal, Jerubbesheth, Jeruel, Jerusha, Jesaiah, Jeshebeab, Jesher, Jeshimon, Jeshishai, Jeshohaia, Jeshua, Jeshurun, Jesiah, Jesimiel, Jesse, Jesui, Jether, Jetheth, Jethlah, Jethro, Jetur, Jeuel, Jeush, Jeremiah, Jezaniah, Jezer, Jeziah, Jezoar, Jezrahiah, Jezreel, Jibsam, Jidlaph, Jimnah, Jiphtah, Jiphtah-el, Joab, Joachim, Joah, Joahaz, Joash, Joatham, Job, Jobab, Jochebed, Joed, Joel, Joelah, Joezer, Jogbehah, Jogli, Johanan, John, Joiarib, Jokdeam, Jokim, Jokmeam, Jokneam, Jokshan, Joktan, Jonadab, Jonah, Jonan, Jonathan, Jorah, Joram, Jordan, Jorim, Josabad, Josaphat, Jose, Joses, Joshah, Joshaviah, Joshbekashah, Joshua, Josibiah, Josiphiah, Jotham, Jozabad, Jubal, Jucal, Judah, Judas, Judith, Julius, Jushab-hesed, Justus, Juttah

[Isaac Loyd]

…(etc)

[Isaac Loyd]

If it is alright with everyone, I’m going to start another conversation.

As a Christian, is it right or wrong to kill in self-defense or in the protection of an innocent, when there is no other option? The fifth commandment is to not murder or kill, but we are also told to resist evil. (I just want everyone’s thoughts on this)

[Buddy J.]

A very good question!

I can tell you that not every Flabbit agrees here, so an interesting conversation this will be. I have already discussed this with certain Flabbits, but will share my thoughts more broadly.

It is my belief that the Bible permits killing in defense of others, and also the defense of self, though that is a very lengthy discussion. Thus for now, I will show the scripture proofs of killing in defense of others: First, the bible never contradicts its self, and there are scriptures telling us to kill in the defense of others, thus the Sixth Commandment can’t be talking about all killing. In Proverbs 24:11 we read:

Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

This is a clear command. And in Nehemiah we have chapter 4, verses 10-14.

10 In Judah it was said,[d] “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”[e] 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

And then in the following eight verses of the same chapter:

15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”

21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.[f]

So it seems clear to me that in defense of others, to the point of killing someone, is fully permissible.

Now even though I believe killing in self defense is permissible do I believe we should always do it? No! As a martial artist, I am taking on a burden. I am learning how to fight someone in such a way that I don’t necessarily have to kill them. In many ways it’s easier to kill someone, than subdue them. In learning I am taking on the extra responsibility of deciding whether or not I kill them. It’s not a choice I ever want to make. But I pray to God, that I will make it wisely.

[Isaac Loyd]

*sixth

[Buddy J.]

🙂

[Buddy J.]

Auto correct?

[Isaac Loyd]

No, auto-correct might be annoying, but I don’t think that it would mess this up. I have no idea what it is, but words get drastically changed occasionally.

[Buddy J.]

Hmm. I have not had the problem.

[Isaac Loyd]

Google must have changed it, because I just noticed as I was reading it again. (Google seems to be bugging out lately.)

[Bethel]

this question sparked some very fun, and delightful conversation at our house. I agree with buddy. I believe that sometimes it is right to fight, and to kill in defense of others and yourself, but yet I believe that sometimes it’s not the right thing. – Ecclesiastes 3:8 b ‘a time for war and a time for peace’

so that’s my view on the topic, but I’m open to other arguments, and would love to discuss it further. I’m also curious to hear (read?) your views on this, Isaac.

[Buddy J.]

Same here.

[Isaac Loyd]

My thoughts on this are that yes, it is right to kill in the defense of others when there is no other choice. This applies to war as well, for killing in the event of a war is obeying God when you are fighting for a right and just reason (not as common as you would think). But in the rare occasion when it is either you or someone else, and no one else would be affected or killed if the other is left alive, then I would prioritize the attacker’s life over mine. This would be incredibly rare, because on most occasions that this happens, you are still able to disable or maim the other without killing them.

[Sabina B.]

Well, I tend to agree with the famous soldier Alvin York. During World War 2 he was confronted with the choice to either go to war to protect his country, or stay home because of his beliefs. When trying to decide, he went to be alone with God, and to read his bible. Eventually he found a passage when Christ said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He pondered on that for a long time, and finally decided that making peace without violence is always the best thing, but sometimes the only way to make peace is to fight for it. Even if it involves killing. Any way, that is my point of view on the subject.

[Buddy J.]

Side note… I just finished Algebra 1. The last three lessons took me all day, and it is so relieving to be done.

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

Huzzah! Great job, Buddy!

[Vekka Youngbeast]

Yayyy, Buddy!! Algebra is not fun. Congrats for pressing on!

[Buddy J.]

Thanks to both of you!

And Vekka, though you may dislike it, I find Algebra very enjoyable.

[Vekka Youngbeast]

Oh, I like Algebra, too! It’s just very tedious and fatiguing.

[Buddy J.]

Yes.

[Evelyn]

Congrats! I just finished Algebra 1 too and though I liked it, (Algebra is by far the best Math) I was relieved to be done. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Have you done Algebra 2?

[Evelyn]

Not yet, I’ll start this fall.

[Buddy J.]

I think I will start this Monday. It’s my last math year in highschool, so I’d like to finish before turning seventeen. And if you are wondering about Geometry, it’s mixed in with my Algebra 2. What curriculum do you use?

[Evelyn]

Nice! are you graduating next year then? I use Saxon math with sprinkles geometry through all the books even though they are called “Algebra” and stuff like that. I am doing some math this summer though – I’m actually doing a course in Euclidian Geometry this summer… it’s different than modern geometry in a couple ways. It’s a lot like logic and is based off of a book written in 300B.C. =)
(Don’t tell me you use Saxon Math too… if you do I will then start my Saxon Math rant.) 😉

[Evelyn]

*I use Saxon math that..* not with. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

I have used Saxon all my life, this will be my first year without D.I.V.E. (other than those done with mom) Geometry is sprinkled through algebra a little (though I think more so in Pre Algebra). It is my understanding that Algebra 2 takes the brunt of Geometry though.

[Buddy J.]

I have a Saxon Math rant… But it’s more about how the D.I.V.E. is taught. I respect Dr. Shorman, and he has been very helpful, but sometimes I get mad at him.

[Evelyn]

Wow. Just WOW! I can’t believe this! I’ve done Saxon all my life and use the D.I.V.E. cds too!!! I can’t believe this. XD This is simply hilarious… “But most importantly Buddy, you need to have a good attitude. You can have a great math curriculum and an amazing teacher, but if you don’t have a good attitude…” XD

[Buddy J.]

That’s not what bothers me the most. His way of teaching seems to expect to much of the student, so sometimes I have a ton of trouble following him, and I wish he would explain more why something works than expect the formula to take as much precedence. I think if you are going to teach a formula, you need to teach why it works. I think math should be about teaching why it works. And this is agreed upon by math teachers I know.

[Buddy J.]

It’s nice to meet a kindred spirit.

[Evelyn]

Lol, nice to meet you too. XD

[Buddy J.]

Do you pronounce your name Eve-lyn or Ev-elyn?

[Evelyn]

Ev-elyn. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Okay, that’s what I thought.

[MC]

I am like a ghost…. Maybe a phantom. I read but haven’t yet posted.
School is almost over guys I promise I will be back soon!!!
Great conversation Buddy!
I’ll be back!
**disapears**

[Chris]

Hello everyone!
I wanted to share a short poem of mine:

I saw the bald king of the sky
As he soared by
Streaking across the expanse of blue
Into the pines with things to do

This being my first shared poem I kept it short, more to come, stay tuned.

[Buddy J.]

We are tuned, and waiting in anticipation. 🙂

[Vekka Youngbeast]

… Umm… Madame Sidler, Was I advertising too much on Evelyn’s thread? Is that why my post disappeared?

[Vekka Youngbeast]

Oh wait, never mind, the post is back. That was weird…

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

I don’t mind your advertising one bit! It’s helpful to hear more than one experience with Story Embers. 🙂 I don’t know why, but sometimes it takes a second or two for a new forum post to show up, which is probably why yours looked like it had vanished. Glad it’s there now!

[MC]

I already posted this on one thread but just in case not everyone has commented on there here it is again:

I have officially finished school for the summer- except for finals next week- and this means I will have more time to write and more time to chat on the forum. I just wanted to wish everyone both a happy summer and happy Friday.

Also, I’m thinking about starting a story with a bunch of us working on it together we could do it on google docs and really make something out of it what do you guys think?!
I know some of us are good artists as well and we could incorporate illustrations and even songs since I know at least Noah writes music!
Anyway just an idea but write me back your thoughts!

I’ve done some looking around and I think these
(Elia, Buddy, Noah, Vekka, Evelyn, Sabina, Isaac, Bethel, Whiteknight111, Ian, Toklaham, J.S.B, Cadwick, S.P.B, Leeli, Chris, Solivar, Marcus Anton, Rebecca, Sophia, Teresa) 22 members including me and not counting Madam Sidler WOWWW!
are most of the members if not all of them (if I didn’t include you I apologize). Thats a lot of people which is so awesome, when I first started chatting with Elia the Whiteknight and Noah early on last year it was only like four or five of us. I don’t know if everyone is still active but if we did a story together that would be really cool if not everyone working on one story but sharing ideas and constructive criticism it would be so much fun so yeah what do you guys think?

-MC

[Evelyn]

That sounds like a ton of fun MC! (And congrats on finishing school!)

[Buddy J.]

Thank Marcus! And Congratulations!

[Buddy J.]

Hey Guys! I just created a new thread and am looking for feedback on it. Here’s the link: Burrow Meet

[Buddy J.]

Hey Evelyn-

What story have you published?

[Evelyn]

Buddy are you referring to my bio on my blog?

[Buddy J.]

Yes I am.

[Evelyn]

Okay. 🙂
So long story shortened: my first writing was published in a photo contest. XD Yup. Anyways it was just a short poem to go with a picture.

I haven’t published a book or anything… I’m not that impressive. =)

[Buddy J.]

Okay.

[Buddy J.]

Flabbits! In support of her new book, Hope Ann (from Story Embers and Kingdom Pen) is having a giveaway for her new book ‘Burning Rose’ as well as a pair of daggers. Just click the link, and sign up for a name drawing, where it’s possible that you might be the winner to get her book.

https://authorhopeann.com/giveaways/autographed-copy-of-burning-rose-matching-dragon-daggers/?lucky=667

[J.S.B]

Okay, totally random question for Sabina:
I know you said you live in Europe. Do you speak any European languages? (I kind of have a thing for languages, so I was just curious.)

[Sabina B.]

Well I have lived here since I was four (nine years ago) so yes I do know the language (Macedonian). I am not saying I know the language perfectly, but I can keep up conversations.

[J.S.B]

Cool!
It’s too bad I don’t know any Macedonian. I would be fun to have someone to talk to in a language other than English.
Do you know what language branch it’s from?

[Buddy J.]

I am learning Esperanto, a constructed language, created in 1887 by L. L. Zamenhof as a universal language. There are over 2,000,000 speakers of it, though not many of them live in the US (especially not in the south, where I live). You may be wondering what the benefit of learning a language, that doesn’t have speakers around you, is. Well, first we can help spread it. When my family becomes fluent in it that will be super cool! Others may want to do so. It’s one of the easiest languages to learn, and has no inconsistencies. This means it can take a quarter of the time to learn. Also, the more you study a different language the more you learn about your own.

There is my rant about Esperanto. If you want to learn it, I would recommend starting at Duolingo.com and taking their course.

[Sabina B.]

it is similar to Russian

[J.S.B]

I speak Dutch pretty well, and I can’t wait till next year to start learning Spanish, but Esperanto is one I don’t believe I have heard of. I sounds cool though. I’m going to put it one my list along with pretty much every language I have heard of. I’ll just have to see how many I can learn in my lifetime.

We have a family in our church whose kids can say a rhyme in Russian because they have Russian neighbors. I think it sounds cool, mostly because it sounds nothing like English or Dutch. (I tend to like languages that sound very different, especially Welsh.)

[Buddy J.]

If you are good with languages Esperanto probably won’t be super hard.

[J.S.B]

I’m sure I will enjoy it.

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

Languages are so fun! We have a thread in the main part of the forum where people were talking about that, too. 🙂

Languages and people who like to learn them

[Buddy J.]

Hey Sabina, have you listened to all of Peter Crowly’s music? He has great creativity music.

[Sabina B.]

Not all, but alot of it. It is best when writing INTENSE scenes. The thing is when I wrote the book I put the song on repeat until I finished the chapter.

[Buddy J.]

I’ve done that before with a different song. It helps, not having to put on a new album every half hour to every hour.

[Ian G.]

Somewhat off topic, but does anyone know anything about what happened regarding the Florid Sword comic? Has it gone to backers? Will it be available to all? Why am I asking so many questions? 😉

Happy D-Day everyone, by the way. (Wait. Is it a thing to wish someone “Happy D-Day?” Ugh. More questions)

[WhiteKnight111]

Actually Ian, I have no idea what ever happened to the Florid Sword comic, and as a backer, I can say I’ve never so much as heard of any progress being made on it for at least a year. I think it’s safe to say that either we’re not getting it period, or it’s printing/production has been significantly pushed back and delayed. I don’t really think that this is anybody’s fault, when the Kickstarter thing went through, the short film took precedence in everyone’s mind. So I think that it was just something forgotten about, except by we faithful few. I hope we get it eventually, but I have heard no news of it arriving anytime soon. Cheers,

WhiteKnight111

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

Hey guys, rest assured that Andrew and Chris have NOT forgotten about the Florid Sword and Shadowblade. Three or four times in the last year Andrew has announced that he is going to work on the story, but he’s been going nonstop for months and hasn’t had time. Our illustrator, Mr. Jay Myers, has taken a new job and moved his family cross-country, so he doesn’t mind a little extra time either. Chris can’t help, but he feels bad about it, too. Extra prayers for all of them would be fantastic. I’m so sorry it’s taking so long, but you WILL get that comic eventually.

[Ian G.]

Thanks for the clarification, Madame Sidler! Just making sure I hadn’t missed something.

[WhiteKnight111]

Thank you for giving us news about it Madame Sidler!!! Thank you for blessing us with the news of the Florid Sword’s rooftop adventures! First time in a year or so I had hope again for it’s release! Thank you so much!

WhiteKnight111

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

You’re welcome! I’m dying for the Florid Sword comic myself, so I get it. 🙂

[WhiteKnight111]

Thanks Madame Sidler!

It’s nice to know that someone else is still in anticipation of it! BTW, on entirely separate note I sent you a short story (not a full 3 pages). Elia thought it was really good and wanted me to send it to you. Did you ever get the chance to look at it?

WhiteKnight111

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

Ah! Shoot. I haven’t yet, but thank you for the reminder! I’ll try to look at it this week. 😀

[Sabina B.]

Hey Madam Sidler, I was just wondering if the art by you section is still getting updated. Just curious because a lot of people said that they contributed in the comments (myself included) but most of those pictures aren’t on the page. And I saw that the last update was from 2009. Do you know any thing about that?

[Madame SidlerKeymaster]

That is another thing that is perpetually on my to-do list. 🙁

[Sabina B.]

Got ya 🙂

[FBI]

please don’t say shoot if you continue we may have to arrest you

[Evelyn]

Lol XD

[Sabina B.]

So I told you guys at the burrow meet that I would post this link to my art, Lord of the Pens. I would love feedback, critical or not, but before you give any critical feedback look at the whole album because it took 6 months to draw and I got to be a better artist as I went. Now for a little introduction to it. Lord of the pens tells the story of Lord of the Rings through pictures, except for one thing, all of the characters are stuffed animals. I hope you enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoyed drawing it. https://photos.app.goo.gl/caghX3bC3snML5rq7

[Bethel]

I did find it hard to follow when you went into the more cartoony pictures, but this is cool Sabina! it’s really funny.

[Elia Tyson]

Wow, those were great! And hilarious. 😂 I love Sauron’s commentary.

[Sabina B.]

Thanks, it was really fun to do.

[WhiteKnight111]

I absolutely agree with Elia. Sauron is hilarious. Grade A humor.

[Sabina B.]

Oh and all of the character pictures have funny little notes from Sauron that I wrote. I know they are corny, but so what 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Who cares about corny? It works… VERY WELL. There is so much talent and care going into the characters.

P.S. I didn’t know it was possible to make Aragorn so cuddly.

[Sabina B.]

I personally kind of like to look at the credits and see how much more friendly the characters seem without the LOTR’s names. Also, in the credits it mentions the background song. If you don’t know LEGOLAS!!!! then go to this link, the song is at the end of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZm_Zth0rhw

[Evelyn]

That was hilarious! XD

[Evelyn Kelly]

I really enjoyed these Sabrina! Especially the “corny” commentaries by Sauron and then Gandalf. XD
Good job!

[Buddy J.]

Hey guys! Are ya’ll looking forward to the school year?

[Vekka Youngbeast]

Hiya! I’m not. 😛
I’m going to have to work very hard with catching up and stuff, and I’m a lousy procrastinator. I’m not looking forward to it.

Are you excited?

[Ian G.]

To quote Gavin, “TERRORS TERRORS TERRORS COMING COMING COMING! (etc.)”
Just kidding. It’s not that bad. Mixed feelings. Wanting summer to last, but also wanting to feel productive and somewhat looking forward to school. ‘Tis what ’tis.

[Buddy J.]

I have already started school, but I do very much enjoy it!

[Buddy J.]

Between finding actual joy in school, and being in my last year, school is fun!

[S.F. Dekreel]

Do tell: How/Where do you find joy in school? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

[Buddy J.]

It engages my mind. It’s a way of working toward my goals. Math is not my favorite thing in the world. But it is fun, and I have to do it, so why not enjoy it as much as I can? As is the same for my other school work.

[Evelyn]

That’s a really good question. Joy is school is so hard to find.

I struggle with that a lot and I’m trying to improve, especially for subjects I find harder. Science for example… I’ve never been a science-y person and I find it hard to stay focused or understand it – much less actually enjoy it. Here’s where I am though… How do I actually find joy? I take a step back, a deep breath, and think about a couple things:

1. All subjects point to God. Every single one. And through every single one, we can learn more and more about God. Science is all about his handiwork and how he created this world. Though I might find it hard to understand molecule or atoms, I can still stand in awe the perfect detail that God used in creating us. Math points to the same thing. And also it’s so orderly and beautiful – Part of the reason I love Algebra. It’s very satisfying to have a problem, to work it out orderly on the page, perhaps mess up, cross it all out, start over, but in the end find the answer.

2. The process of learning is really beautiful I’ve found. And so rewarding. Just to acknowledge that helps me appreciate why everyday I wade through modules and tests and homework. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and look at the bigger picture.

So, we all hear those things. A lot. It’s the school sermon I’ve heard thousands and thousands of times. But it wasn’t until lately that it really sunk in, and yet, still on a day to day basis, though I may know those to be true, but I may not feel them. But I try.

I have no idea if that helped at all. I pray that you find joy in your school work. Though it seems like schoolwork is just in the way of hobbies or hanging out with friends, it is so good. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Thank you Evelyn! Your eloquence outmatched mine there (it was a hard school day 😉 ).

[Evelyn]

*Joy in school is hard to find…

Typos 😛

[S.F. Dekreel]

Hello, everyone! Most of you probably don’t recognize me, while a couple do. . . Months back, you knew me as “Vekka,” until my cover was blown, that is. . . *sideways glare at Wordsmith*

Anyway, sorry for disappearing. I hope to stop by more often in the days to come. 🙂 Anything interesting happen while I was gone?

[Buddy J.]

Hey there! Did I actually blow your cover? Or was it that I said I knew who you were… I honestly don’t remember.
But welcome back!

[S.F. Dekreel]

I think you just said you knew who I was. But I’m kiiiiiind of sensitive. It’s not totally your fault.

Thank ye!

[Buddy J.]

Well in that case… you spilled da beans. I can only claim three ninths of the glory.

[Sabina B.]

Hi, S. F. Dereel, so much has happened in the last few months that I don’t even know where to start. So do you know anything about the Ildathore project?

[S.F. Dekreel]

The “Ildahore project”?? Nnnnnope. I have no idea what that is.

[Evelyn Kelly]

S.F. Dekreel, the Ildathore project is something that was started earlier this year, where a certain amount of Flabbits come together to create a world, which we call Ildathore. We brainstorm together and write stories set inside it.

Here are our stories: https://theflabbitroom.weebly.com/blog

[S.F. Dekreel]

Actually yeah, I saw something about that earlier. It sounds interesting. Sort of wish it weren’t full so I could join, but that’s just my sense of peer pressure being annoying. 😛 I probably wouldn’t stop by much, anyway.

[Evelyn]

Hey S.F. Dekreel! Welcome back. 🙂
Like Sabina said, have you heard about the Ildathore Project? That’s what we’ve all been up to lately.

[Evelyn]

Wow… it’s been quiet. Well, I’m stepping in to start some enjoyable conversations here. 😉

Merry Christmas everyone!

What is your favorite Christmas memory? What about you favorite Christmas tradition?

I don’t really have a favorite Christmas memory… all of them are special. 🙂 One thing that comes to mind right now though, are the nights spent with the family in front of the fire, drawing while my Dad would read to us. <3
As to tradition, I love our tradition of having the big meal the day before Christmas and eat the leftovers on Christmas, so Mom wouldn’t be in the kitchen all day and get to have a break.
I also love the amount of board games we play as a family over December… though I guess that’s not really a tradition. 🙂

What about you guys?

[Evelyn]

(*your favorite Christmas tradition.)

[Nathan George]

My favorite Christmas memory is when I was about 5 or 6. (I’m 16 now) My dad built a large stable out of old wood and brought it into our living room. We decorated it and covered the roof with pine branches, then that night I slept in the stable. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep all night and watched my parents come and put all the presents under the tree at about 2 in the morning. I finally went to sleep after a while. That’s my favorite memory.

My favorite tradition is to open the meager amount of presents Christmas Eve after sunset. Then it’s dark outside and it feels warm and cozy inside, and all the Christmas lights are on. It feels like home. 🙂

[Evelyn]

Wow, those are both really neat. 🙂

[Bethel]

I don’t really have a favorite Christmas memory, but I do have a favorite tradition – early on Christmas morning (like at 5-6.. we’re usually up WAY earlier than that.) my family gets up, we go to the hospital, (my dad’s a doctor.) And make pancakes for my dad’s unit. And then we go home and open presents.

[Evelyn]

Wow, Bethel. That really neat!

[J.S.B]

That sounds like fun!
We don’t have any major traditions on Christmas, but we always put our tree up on Thanksgiving right after the people leave. It’s a fake tree that we’ve had since my first Christmas. We got it at our Walmart when we lived in Idaho.
We smother it in all the ornaments we have and then everyone but me has eggnog, which I’ve never liked.
Normally we all sleep in the living room that night, which we call ‘sleeping under the tree’. My little brother likes it so much that it has already happened 3+ times this year, a new record.

[Evelyn]

Cool!
I’ve only slept “under the tree” once, and found it quite uncomfortable. I guess next time I do it, I should use a sleeping bag or something. 🙂

[Nathan George]

I’ve never even had eggnog, but I can’t imagine it being good. 😀

[Ian G.]

Happy New Year everyone! (Especially to those of you in the Central Time Zone at the time of this post.) May 2019 be a blessed year to all of you.

Are there any AP songs that are good for a new year? I can’t think of any right now…

[Nathan George]

Happy New Year! There is a song called “Maybe Next Year” I haven’t listened to it, but the name fits! 🙂

Also maybe “We Will Survive” not very directly though.

[Evelyn]

What about Day by Day? It’s about growing older and older. 😉

Anyways, a very happy new year to everyone and to your families! I hope that we all grow stronger in our faith through 2019. 🙂

[S.F. Dekreel]

Hey, guys! I haven’t been here in epochs. How’s everyone been?

[Evelyn]

Eyy! S.F.! Welcome back. 😉

Been doing well. How about you?

[S.F. Dekreel]

(I actually go by Dekreel. It’s complicated. o.o)

I’m all right. Kind of sad though. Because POLITICS.

How’s your blog doing?

[Evelyn]

Oh duh. 😛 I should have remembered.

And yeah… politics is. Um. Politics. *sighs*

My blog is doing well, thanks for asking! 🙂 How is yours? (From your perspective that is. I love it, so I assume it’s going well. 😉 )

[S.F. Dekreel]

Thanks. It’s not going well. XD I haven’t published anything for months because I’ve been kind of insecure about it since it won’t let me add a follow button. I’m publishing something new tomorrow morning though! 😉

[Evelyn]

Yeah. Hmm. Are you using WordPress.com or WordPress.org?

Ooh something tomorrow? Can’t wait! 😀

[S.F. Dekreel]

I’m using WordPress.org, but I meant to use WordPress.com. Not quite sure how that happened. *glares at WordPress*

[Evelyn]

Hey. At least you don’t have ads plastered over your blog. *glares at WordPress* 😛

[S.F. Dekreel]

Hmmm. . . I wasn’t aware of that. O.O I wonder if it has anything to do with WordPress.org, or just the fact that our house has a pretty powerful ad-blocking system.

[Evelyn]

I think it’s WordPress.org. Since you have to host it yourself, they don’t (maybe even can’t?) put their ads there. And self-hosted means things like not being able to add widgets such as follow this blog. And you have to deal with spam yourself. And your own web address. So yeah… they both got their ups and downs I guess. 😛

[S.F. Dekreel]

Oh wow. . . Maybe I’m using WordPress.org because I paid for my own domain! O.O

Okay, I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks for sharing your input! I feel like I should have connected the dots much sooner. X’D Welp, it seems I’m on my own.

[Evelyn]

Yeah. xD
Sorry about all the problems you’ve been having! 😛

[S.F. Dekreel]

Hey, Wordsmith/Buddy, I. . . nominated you for the Liebster award on my blog. I’m not quite sure you’d accept it on your blog since you only post short stories. Just making sure. If you accept, I’ll pass you the link to my blog. If you don’t, that’s totally fine. 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Hey there! I actually don’t know what that means… XD I’ll check out your blog to see if that helps, but could you explain?

Either way… COOL!

[Buddy J.]

Well… I would check your blog, if I knew how.

[S.F. Dekreel]

Sorry, I should have given you the link. 😛
Here’s the post.

Basically the Liebster Award is where bloggers link to other bloggers and ask them fun questions. It’s a fun way to learn more about the blogger and to spread word about other bloggers you like.

Here are the rules:

1. Acknowledge the blog who nominated you for this award. In this case, me.

2. Answer the 11 questions that the blogger gave you. Your questions are near the bottom of my blog post.

3. Give eleven random facts about yourself.

4. Nominate eleven other blogs and give them eleven questions to answer. If you don’t know eleven blogs, that’s fine. I don’t know very many either. Just tag who you can, or skip this step if you don’t know any blogs at all.

You can see an example post in the link above. It will be extra long because two people nominated me, so I answered twenty-two questions instead of eleven.

Let me know if you have any questions!

[Buddy J.]

Okay… so here’s the deal… I don’t actually do those things. I’m an anonymous blogger, who does only short stories. Porru…

But I appreciate the thought 🙂

[S.F. Dekreel]

Yeah, I didn’t expect you to do it. Happy blogging anyway! 🙂

[Buddy J.]

Thank you!

[Buddy J.]

Wow… It’s been a long time. *shakes the dust off his security uniform… grins* Way too long. That being said, I think it was a good kind of way too long. I mean, lots has happened and my mind feels refreshed in coming back here. So, allow me to re-introduce myself…

Hello, I’m Buddy J. I am the author of TheBookshelfStaircase blog, a reader of many books, and (yes, I am still) Security Presence.

God has been wonderful in allowing me to have finished many many short stories over the past year, and finished not just one but two drafts on my WIP. The first of them is 60,000 words and complete, the second is 30,000 words and not complete, but served it’s purpose. Draft three is at about 1,000 words and giving me a hard time. But never fear, my mind is softening it.

I am currently waiting for results on the Story Embers Annual Short Story Contest (which I entered)… though we have to wait until some time in October.

Though I haven’t been super active on the blog I am still there, posting occasionally. You may want to check it out if you haven’t already.

And lastly, I’ve made lots of writing friends, all of whom have had a massive impact on me. I’m a beta-reader to some of them, and to others a writing buddy *winks*.

I’d love to hear from you, young or old, new or veteran of TFR. *bows*

[Evelyn Kelly]

Welcome back Buddy!
Congrats on starting your third draft of your current WIP, and even more congrats on finding a group of beta readers and friends! That’s great!

[Buddy J.]

Thank you! How’s the writing on your planet?

[Evelyn]

Same ole same ole. (:

[Buddy J.]

*whispers* Evelyn… come on, for those watching. I know what you’ve been up to… *points at those who don’t* Act for them. *winks*

[Evelyn]

haha, right.
*would wink back, but doesn’t actually wink in real life* 😛
*smirks* Well, I would tell… such people… that writing has, in short, mainly consisted over the summer of a (originally) short story I was working on for Ildathore, poetry, and my WIP 51, which sounds super organized and small and doesn’t seem to encompass my summer at all. So then I’d say that life is crazy, crazy-busy, crazy-shocking, crazy-weird. which only means it is crazy fun and crazy beautiful and crazy hard. And crazy-weird again.

But when is it not?

[Evelyn]

Satisfied? XD

[Buddy J.]

Beautiful. *nods* Thank you, Evelyn.

[Evelyn]

*bows*

[Elia Tyson]

Wow… I really missed a lot in here. XD Better late than never I suppose, so… hi! Glad to hear your editing is going well, Buddy! Can you share a title and premise or is it not ready yet?

[Buddy J.]

Ha! A title or premise? *shakes head* Way to put the pressure on, man. *grins* Boy is it good to be back.

My story is currently under the code name Catalyst. I say “code” name because that may not be the title. Catalyst is a story about a little girl in a grey school uniform, a man in a black trench-coat, a captain in white… all on a planet of the Ensign.

The girl is Newsie. She is cool and represents innocent perception.

The man is Darker. He represents a priest… in the most “rude” and “rough” sense. Meaning he is an intercessor, or one who intercedes. Physically, protecting, fighting.

The captain is Dae. Dae wears his uniform seriously. He’s charming and slick like a fox. And an ambiguous character as of now.

The Ensign is merely my version of Earth. Kinda. Okay, not really. It’s just my place of high-concept, large arc, and massive conflict. Okay. Maybe more like Earth than I thought.

There! How’s that? *grins*

[Buddy J.]

OKAY! You all deserve it. A third draft snippet. I mean, you don’t truly deserve it, that’s just my language. And I want to share it with you. BUT! I’m going to send you to my blog to read it. Here: The beginning of a novel…

[Bethel]

Wow Buddy. That’s amazing! It’s very.. different (In a good way, I think. :P) I can’t wait to read more!

[Evelyn]

Wow interesting! The POV is very intriguing.
And Bethel when did you change your profile picture? Its been the laser-light things for like… years! XD

[Bethel]

Well, Now I did. 😛 But originally, I just changed my Gravatar photo.

[Evelyn]

I like it!
It’s a lot less dark and oppressive. 😉

[Buddy J.]

I thank you both! The POV probably won’t stay the same for the novel, going into an omniscient third. But I hope things flow well from one part to the next. It’s an interesting dynamic.

[Elia Tyson]

Wow Buddy. The storytelling and style are super unique and interesting! I actually don’t think I’ve ever seen second person plural done in a novel before. It’s awesome, and I can’t wait to read the whole thing when it’s done!

[Buddy J.]

Thanks, Elia! Glad you enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the whole thing either! 😜😜

[Aidan Jones]

Nicely done Buddy! The style and intro is intriguing. I look forward to the rest.

[Buddy J.]

Your words are appreciated, Aiden. Maybe you can be hopeful alongside me that the rest will come out with more or less fluidity.

[Aidan Jones]

Haha! Yes indeed. I’ll be praying for you my omnipresent Flabbit.

[Buddy J.]

Thank you. XD
Though, I must say I no longer hold that title.

[Author]

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