By Catherine Amaris Muñoz
“The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge… He who gains intelligence is his own best friend; he who keeps understanding will be successful.” ~Proverbs 18:15 & 19:8
Hello fellow home-schooling teens!! My name is Catherine Muñoz. I am a homeschooler from Monrovia, California, USA. I am in the 11th grade. This is my debut column for the “Homeschooling Teen e-zine”, and I am excited to share more columns with you all in the future!
March’s Movie Review: “A Walk To Remember” (2002)
Being that I am a fan of the best-selling author, Nicholas Sparks, I did not fail to enjoy A Walk To Remember, which was based on one of his amazing novels. I know it isn’t anything close to being a recent film, but I had the desire to review it because of it’s good nature, despite its relatively old age. I also felt that it was fitting for me to review A Walk To Remember because it goes parallel with the morals and mission statement of the “Homeschooling Teen e-zine” itself:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be a good example… in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” ~Timothy 4:12
And…”Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8
I believe A Walk To Remember’s Jamie Sullivan lives by Christian morals by her own choosing, because they are a part of who she is, and not simply because she is a preacher’s daughter.
When “bad boy” Landon crosses paths with “good girl” Jamie, a clash (or chemical reaction, if you would) is inevitable, but it doesn’t take long for Landon to realize what he’s been missing, all this time he’s been fooling around with his friends of bad influence. I believe many of us homeschooling teens, whether girls or boys, can relate to Jamie Sullivan and/or Landon Carter. Perhaps, like both, you’ve been mocked for not following the “cool” crowd… Perhaps, like Landon, you’ve stood-up for your friend, or maybe even for your beliefs, and have had to face the repercussions of losing your pride, or even a friend… or two.
Perhaps, like me, you can relate to Jamie Sullivan: Being that I am homeschooled, I have experienced, and sometimes still do experience, the exclusion, the funny looks, the dubious questioning, and countless other awkward encounters which spotlight me as being “different.” Then again, like Jamie, I have met and befriended countless accepting people (young and old) who have brought me to realize, “I am capable of much, and I do possess qualities which are so needed in this world. I will make a difference.”
Jamie’s life ~ so short, so fragile ~ impacted so many people around her, and all she had to do was wear the armor of God, in whom she placed her complete faith and trust in, and face the adversity of the modern world, with its peer pressures, temptations, tribulations, and personal battles. Jamie is like a lot of us… And, this is why A Walk To Remember is so memorable to me. Because that is exactly what life is: A Walk To Remember.
St. Patrick’s Day ~ “Three-Leaf Clover Cookies”
Above photo provided by www.marthastewart.com.
This delicious recipe is perfect for baking with friends and family!
Makes about 2-dozen sugar cookies.
Estimated total time required: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need:
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
· 1 cup sugar
· 1 large egg, lightly beaten
· 2 tablespoons milk
· 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· For clovers: 1/3 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, 1 teaspoon green food coloring, and a clover stencil
Directions:
1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl; set aside. With spatula, or with an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar; mix until light and fluffy. With mixer running, add egg, milk, and vanilla; mix until well combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add reserved flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
2. Transfer dough to a work surface. Shape into 2 discs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350º F (176º C). Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
4. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles, or perhaps even clovers, and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch in between. Leftover dough can be rolled and cut once more.
5. For cloverleaf design, sift together the powdered sugar and green food coloring. One at a time, place clover stencil over unbaked cookie and sprinkle green powder over stencil, using a small sieve. Remove stencil, chill dough for 15 minutes, and bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Enjoy!!
Baker’s Tip: You can find a clover stencil template on Martha Stewart’s website here: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/clover-cookies