Category Archives: Blog

The Chosen: A TV Show About the Unlikely Followers of Jesus

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The Chosen is a TV show about Jesus Christ choosing unlikely people to help Him with his ministry. We see Jesus though the eyes of his followers—specifically Mary Magdalene, Peter, Matthew, and Nicodemus. There’s artistic license of course, and it’s actually pretty neat. And coming from me, that’s a huge compliment since I tend to shudder at biblical fiction. But I recommend watching this show! (Visit http://www.TheChosen.tv and check out the show’s social media pages.)

In this post, I’ll share things that stood out to me about the characters’ portrayals as well as include links (which will be in red) within the text that go to certain clips from the show and background with the show’s director, Dallas Jenkins.

Jesus Christ
In many interpretations, Jesus has a sort of distance about Him, but when I look at Him in this show, the first word that comes to mind is “smiley.” He’s still serious about his message and confident, but He’s approachable.

Mary Magdalene
Talk about rock bottom! But a huge relief when the Savior stepped in to save her. Afterwards, we see her take charge of her life and become more confident. It was a nice touch that she hosted a Shabbat dinner, and that an important guest made an appearance. Her character shows how Christ respects women. (Click here to see the director’s discussion about Jesus and women.)

Peter
Peter is probably one of the most intriguing people in the Bible. The Chosen introduced the fisherman as a real fighter, but that’s all right since Peter will show a certain toughness and determination in his future experiences. I’m glad the show decided to feature Peter’s wife. The show gave her the name, Eden. Eden is an important character in the show. I have no doubt the wife of Jesus’ right-hand man was also extremely important to Peter in real life and was a main source of support to her husband.

Matthew
Much sympathy to the tax collector that probably didn’t have many friends. First, the show takes a humorous side to that aspect (sneaking to work covered in a cart), but you feel the darkness the real Matthew could have experienced. I can’t wait to see how Matthew makes friends and receives his invitation from Jesus.

Nicodemus
Prominent actor, Erick Avari, does an amazing job in showing how Nicodemus knew of his own importance, but allowed himself to be vulnerable. In the current episodes, the curious Pharisee hasn’t talked to Jesus yet, but instead talked to some other people that existed. Such meetings probably didn’t take place, but the actors played those conversations brilliantly. Oh, but the last conversation was the best! Actually, it was only the start of a conversation with a dynamic kin of Jesus. Then the episode ended, and I yelled, “WHAT?!?!”

Well done, and I can’t wait for episodes 5-8, and hopefully more seasons to come!

http://www.TheChosen.tv

Aladdin, Jasmine, and Freeing Princesses

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I saw the Aladdin remake, and I surprisingly liked it very much. Fun song and dance numbers. I enjoyed Will Smith’s zingers. I don’t want to compare too much of the movie to the original, but I was still most charmed by Aladdin being a street rat. It’s easy to see why Jasmine was so attracted to him. My friend and I were awed. I agree with her in saying it’s one of Disney’s better live-action remakes. I left away wanting to sing, dance, and go on a magic carpet ride—with Aladdin, please.

Time for some seriousness. Today, many women in the Middle East world are extremely oppressed. Forced into marriages, voiceless, murdered in honor killings are a few examples. Also, princesses—as well as princes—go missing. Even at this moment. They’re locked away. Some escape, but a lot don’t. What would these people say?

I wonder if the movie will be shown to such oppressed peoples. I want to know what five certain locked-away princesses think.

Four are sisters in their forties—they haven’t had the opportunity to pursue a career or have a family. Last I heard, they were still locked away but give credit to their faith for their strength to keep going. (Yes, that video is five years old. I haven’t found a recent one yet.)

Then there’s the other princess who tried to escape from her father but was discovered. The family says she’s fine and even has shown pictures of her shown to be alive—though, she looks ill.

What are your thoughts? I really, really want to know.

A zazzle lamp

Anne Neville’s Guide to Success

Blog, Royalty, Strange but true, ,

Here’s a little tongue and cheek about how King Richard III’s wife, Anne Neville, got to the top.

Get Your Dream Career

By Anne Neville Queen Anne, Beloved Consort of King Richard III

I grew up an heiress and was temporarily Princess of Wales. After my first husband and father died in battle,  I lost everything. I know I should be grateful that the king let me live with my sister and brother-in-law, (who’s the king’s little brother). So, see I was trapped by powerful men and family. It was impossible to break away. But I knew I had to in order to fulfill my dreams as an heiress who would have it all.

  1. Know Your Goals
    Even after I became a complete nobody, I still had the mindset as a queen. That mindset led me to fight for dreams. I wasn’t about to let my brother-in-law send me to a convent so he could take my inheritance. I had to accomplish my goals and went about doing research. I discovered my best ally would be the little brother of my brother-in-law, Richard Gloucester. His status was high. Plus, his relationship status was single.
  2. Network
    However you want to do it, get the word out. Be on the lookout! Whenever I was with my sister in public, I looked presentable. Yet, she and my brother-in-law kept a close watch on me.
    My prayers were answered during the holiday celebrations of 1471-72. I had made official contact with Richard. After shortly recounting celebrations we shared as children, I stopped small talk so we could just talk business. I told him I knew he needed money and would be happy to help if he signed a marital contact. He said he was relieved because he had been too shy to ask about the monetary/matrimony contact. On his part he said he would have the King invite my sister and brother-in-law to a mandatory banquet and he would personally deliver me out of the house where I had been a well-dressed prisoner.
  3. Follow- Through
    You’ll know you’ve picked the right business partner if he is as motivated as you are. Richard picked me up, and there was family drama that followed within the next couple months. I got some of my wealth back, and as a bonus, got a baby.
  4. Repeat Steps 1-3
    I still had the queen mindset after I married Richard. When the king died, Richard and I researched through many channels, and found the king’s children were not allowed to rule. After the tedious paperwork, Richard and I finally had our joint coronation.

Sincerely,
Your Majesty Queen Anne

©Sarah Patten, 2019

 

Featured Image: Richard III and Anne Neville stained glass image in Cardiff Castle, UK.

King David’s Biography, A Poem

Blog, Michal, Poetry, Royalty, Truth

Some think I’m too harsh on King David. It’s heartbreaking for sure when researching people that associated with him. His victims didn’t get that much justice during their lives. Here’s my biography about the man:

“King David’s Biography, A Poem”

King David gloried in his life and times
But tried to cover up his crimes.
He got caught in his lies
And his family cut ties.
He took too many wives
And destroyed many lives.

King David’s Biography, a Poem ©Sarah Patten, 2019

Sharing Both Bad and Good News

Blog, Easter, Fathers, My Family, Truth, United Sates of America

Christian cathedrals and churches have been destroyed this last week. Will these tragic events be investigated and discussed or will some try to conceal the information? I suppose it depends on certain media outlets…

In my professional experience in education, I notice that some can go to great lengths to conceal information.  Keeping bad news from children in many cases is a transgression. I’m not saying that you go to your kid and start spouting off sorrowful occurrences. I’m saying that you need to be honest and build on details as the child matures. This is actually something that protects them.

For example, I’m still shocked that when I was subbing six years ago, there was no trace of United States patriotism at the school on 9/11. However, I  must add, I have regained hope that adults will share. Three years ago, at another school, sixth-graders were introduced to  the sad events that occurred on 9/11. They were appalled but were strong. Gradually, they will gain more knowledge as they get older.

While life isn’t all candy and ice cream, there is hope. Hope is found though Jesus Christ. There are those who are trying to wipe away His name from the public as well. I believe that by installing Judeo-Christian values in our children, there is more freedom and safety.

One experience that comes to mind happened when I was a small child. I was watching The Ten Commandments with my family. I was terrified at the destroying angel part.

“Dad, what if that happens again?”

He said something like, “If we listen to the prophets, we’ll be okay. They’ll let us know what to do.”

It was a short response, but I was satisfied. I have never forgotten that counsel.

It’s bad to conceal bad news, but it is a deep sin to also conceal the good news–the good news being Jesus Christ.

Eleanor Talbot

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Eleanor Talbot became a star shortly before the infamous Richard III became king. She wasn’t even alive. However, when she was alive, she had met Edward IV (eldest brother of Richard), and supposedly married him in secret.

Soon enough Edward went his way and married Elizabeth Woodville three year later. When Edward died in 1483, the crown naturally went to his twelve-year-old  son, who became Edward V—but only for a short time while it was discovered that the late king had been married to Eleanor while also married to Elizabeth. Supporters of Richard concluded that the marriage between Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville had been bigamous thus making their children illegitimate and out of the succession.  Richard soon became king with much controversy that hasn’t gone away.

I’m in the process of rereading John Ashtown-Hill’s Eleanor The Secret Queen: The Woman Who Put Richard III on the Throne while reading Chris Skidmore’s Richard III: Brother, Protector, King, and it is quite the experience reading opposing views! These books are making me think very hard about Eleanor’s character. I have many ideas about Richard III but haven’t formed any clear picture of Eleanor yet. century-2026562_960_720

There are those who believe that Eleanor gave birth to a child that Edward IV had fathered. If this shaky claim is true, the baby either died young or was quickly taken out  of sight. If she had had a child, then that child and his or her posterity would have kept Eleanor’s memory alive and stood up for her.  When women don’t have living and direct descendants they tend to disappear more than the men who don’t have any heirs. It’s sad but true.

I believe that there are many people who, like Eleanor, want to be found. They want to show up in our history books with their stories truthfully told.

 

Coco and My Own Grandmas

Blog, My Family

It’s the Day of the Dead, and I want to watch Coco!

In my humble opinion, Coco, is one of the finest films ever made. It brings out emotions, memories, and its soundtrack has helped me through some hard times this last year.

One of my favorite parts is when Coco joins Miguel in singing “Remember Me.” Coco’s look of recognition is powerful, and it’s made me aware of how the senses can bring out memories. For instance, I’ve smelled the lovely scent of Grandma Lund from time to time. My mom’s mom passed away over two decades ago. There are certain times, though, when I smell roses and think, “Is that you, Grandma?” It’s almost like I’m traveling back in time and watching her water her plants.

In Grandma's lapc

The veil between this life and the other is so thin sometimes! During summer vacation I went home where I had unexpected news. Before I left home again, I looked through one of my boxes in the garage. I found a card my dad’s mom had written to me upon my high school graduation which said:

Isn’t it all wonderful–the ups and downs and the twists and turns we have to take to get where we are going? If you put the Lord first, Sarah, you will come out, or, things will work out for the better.

Grandma Patten died almost ten years ago, but it felt like she was standing by me speaking that advice.Grandma Lund Since then I’ve recognized that she has been on adventures with me sort of like how Miguel went on a journey with his grandpa.

I tend to think that my ancestors  laugh at me a lot, but I also think they laugh with me as well as  cry with me.

Above all, I hope we’re enjoying each other’s company!

Alice

Blog, Mothers, My Family, Siblings

Note: The following narrative is from an assignment I did a couple years ago for a family history class. The family pictures with my commentary were added afterwards. 

A Life Sketch Mary Alice Villiborghi Lund
Written by Sarah Patten from an Interview with the Alice’s daughter, Martha Jane Lund Patten

Mary “Alice” Villiborghi was born February 13, 1909 to Italian immigrants Maria Domenica Alberti and Virginio Lorenzo Villiborghi in San Francisco, California. She was the second of fourteen children. One could say that she could be seen as the oldest since she had a brother that was born the year before her and only had lived for two months.

Alice’s family lived in an Italian neighborhood. She had cousins who lived there too as well as grandparents next door. The family knew the value of hard work and the necessity of prayer to get by. Always industrious, Alice’s leisure time included her gardening, sewing, and canning— even in the last years of her life. She grew up during the Great Depression, and there were plenty of mouths to feed and children to dress. She and her family were into “recycle chic” (a fashion style that would be shared by her granddaughter). Flour sacks were used to make her brothers’ shirts. When those shirts wore out, the remains were put together in a yoyo quilt.

Alice was interested in secretarial work and even took a shorthand writing class in school. She made it to the eleventh grade but had to leave school to support her family. She went to work for a pants factory called Ben Davis where she sewed jeans with an industrial sewing machine. Her arms would ache from the labor. She worked there for sixteen years. An aunt suggested she apply for a job at the post office. Alice secured a job and formed strong friendships. She met Reuben Lund through a mutual friend.

Reuben was one of the most influential people in her life. He introduced her to a whole new world. He took her to concerts and operas which was a new experience for her. They enjoyed hiking together. They married June 26, 1945 at a courthouse in Santa Rosa, California. He continued to help build her confidence and believe in herself.

It was somewhat of scary experience when she discovered she was pregnant because she was nearing forty; she was on the older side, and there were greater health risks. Reuben made sure she got the best medical care. On February 24, 1949, Alice gave birth to a baby girl, whom they named Martha Jane.

Martha recalls her mother being “generous to a fault”. Alice would find people to help. She saved money and even bought Martha a petit grand piano. Alice’s gift is still being used today by her daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, piano students, and those who desire to touch the piano keys.

I'm honored my favorite pianist happens to my mom. She could have made bucks but continues to share her expertise and expression music with others. Here she is teaching a grandchild.

Here my mom is with a grandchild playing at the piano my grandma gave her. Grandma would have loved this picture!

Alice found life difficult in the 1980s when her husband died and her health declined. She moved in with her daughter and her family. But there were positive highlights—like the births of her five grandchildren. She brought laughter into the home, kept up with gardening, and planted roses around the house.

In the early 1990s, she spread her wings by doing what she had dreamed of doing for so long. Traveling. She took Martha and her family to Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

It was nerve-racking because she was anxious to fly, but things worked out.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

In fact, she was so much in awe, the family made the trip again six months later.

My very patient grandma helping me! These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

My very patient grandma helping me! These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

Alice died June 28, 1991 and is buried next to her husband, Reuben, in Parkview Cemetery, French Camp, California.  She left a legacy of faith, resourcefulness, and humor for her posterity.

rose-48889_1280

Additional Notes:
Featured image is of my mom with Grandma Lund. 

Special thanks to my mom for the interview and for supplying Grandma Lund’s autobiography. 

All photos courtesy of my family. 

Sleeping Princesses: Standing Up for Sleeping Beauty and Snow White

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I’ve been wanting  to write about the popular damsels in distress for a long time. And since the feminist live action Beauty and the Beast movie is coming to theaters very soon, I’m going to prove how awesome Sleeping Beauty and Snow White actually are.

No, I’m not going to go through modern retellings. However, I have to say that modern observations in health are important when looking at these traditional fairytales. Whether it be waking up from a concussion, seizure, a form of shock, heat exhaustion, an illness, or some other shock that overcame your body, it can be very scary, and sometimes life-threatening.

I know because I’ve been there.

Once upon a time, I nearly got a prince.

Years ago, I was doing some student teaching in the summer. With all the stress, lack of sleep, and heat, I passed out and needed medical help. The paramedics were there in minutes. (So I heard.) I remember waking up and saw some attractive gentlemen hovering over me. They were so sweet asking about how I was feeling and asked other nice questions witnesses told me later. I remember thinking that I couldn’t mess up. Guys like these never approach me! I didn’t want them to think I was stupid. I felt stupid, though, when a fellow classmate gave the following account:

“One of the guys went right by you and said, ‘Hi, I’m Jake. What’s your name?’ And you just looked at him.’” She reenacted a blank stare. “ ‘Can I sit by you?’” My classmate stared again. It was a good laugh.

Despite a fall, I was still in fine health. I hadn’t needed CPR, but apparently I resisted and was scared  when they were trying to stabilize me. I was such an idiot!

Another witness, who always wore her gray hair in a bun, said, “They were hot! You should bake them cookies.”

But someone said the paramedics were probably married.

Darn!

Whatever the marital status, I was grateful for their help, but was alarmed at the insurance bill. I couldn’t help but think, “Well that’s the most expensive date I’ve ever been on!”

In all seriousness, though, I saw the world in a different kind of light. I saw genuine kindness from classmates and mentors. My family still supported me, and I was stronger than I thought I was. I passed and completed that semester.

From a couple weeks to a hundred years, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White eventually came out their drowsiness. They had help, but we know that we must accept help sometimes in order to live.

They managed to ride a horse, dance, and found someone that wanted to marry them. Finding someone that wants to marry you, despite past and present medical conditions, is one of the greatest challenges of all.

So, don’t you dis on Snow White or Sleeping Beauty!  They’re heroines who learned to ignore the negative stigmas placed on their health conditions.

Take that, Belle!

 

Image: Resting by Victor Gabriel Gilbert

 

The Pretty New Girl

Blog, My Family

Some of the “obstacles” Grandma—or Geri—faced growing up was constantly moving and her younger sister. Geri was more proper, and her little sister was more laid back. A memorable experience was when Geri was called to the school office once. It turned out it was because her little sister was going by the name, “Honey.” Was that actually true? The school officials wanted to know. “No, her name’s not ‘Honey,” said Geri. Her sister said Honey was her name because, “That’s what everyone at home calls me.” Little sister hadn’t meant to embarrass Geri.

It would have been tough switching schools so often. Grandma was involved with school activities. One icebreaker seemed to be band.

A member of the band

A member of the band

She was a clarinet player. I call her the “pretty new girl.”I could picture students saying, “Have you met the new girl?” “Her name’s Geri Evans.”

The prettiest girl at every school

The prettiest girl at every school

This was backed up by Grandma herself when I told her how pretty she is in her pictures. She smiled and said people often told her that when she was growing up. She then told me she went to the movies with a boy in fourth grade. My jaw dropped. According to her and my mom, the church didn’t have strict rules about dating. But still, I was in shock. “Grandma!”