2013 ALA Award Winners

From my inbox through Follet's information service --

And the 2013 ALA Award Winners and Honors are…

As advocates for international schools and libraries, we understand the excitement of book award and honor winners and having the information as soon as possible. (Did you see our Tweets? Or Facebook post?) We wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the list of all of the American Library Association’s 2013 Award and Honor titles that were announced on Monday.  

In addition, make sure to read about our Give Away at the bottom of this email message!

John Newbery Medal

“The One and Only Ivan,” written by Katherine Applegate

Three Newbery Honor Books also were named:

·      “Splendors and Glooms” by Laura Amy Schlitz

·      “Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” by Steve Sheinkin

·      “Three Times Lucky” by Sheila Turnage

Randolph Caldecott Medal

“This Is Not My Hat,” illustrated and written by Jon Klassen

Five Caldecott Honor Books also were named:

·      “Creepy Carrots!” illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds

·      “Extra Yarn,” illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett

·      “Green,” illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

·      “One Cool Friend,” illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo 

·     “Sleep Like a Tiger,” illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader:

“Up, Tall and High!” written and illustrated by Ethan Long

Three Geisel Honor Books were named:

·      “Let’s Go for a Drive!” written and illustrated by Mo Willems

·      “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons”

·      “Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover,” written and illustrated by Cece Bell

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

“In Darkness,” written by Nick Lake

Four Printz Honor Books also were named:

·      “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

·      “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein

·      “Dodger” by Terry Pratchett

·      “The White Bicycle” by Beverley Brenna

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award

“Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America,” written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Two King Author Honor Book recipients were selected:

·      “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

·      “No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:

“I, Too, Am America,” illustrated by Bryan Collier

Three King Illustrator Honor Book recipients were selected:

·      “H. O. R. S. E.,” illustrated and written by Christopher Myers

·      “Ellen’s Broom,” illustrated by Daniel Minter, written by Kelly Starling Lyons

·      “I Have a Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr.” illustrated by Kadir Nelson, written by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Schneider Family Book Award

Children Ages 0-10 - “Back to Front and Upside Down!” written and illustrated by Claire Alexander

Children Ages 11-13 - “A Dog Called Homeless” written by Sarah Lean

Children Ages 13-18 - Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am,” written by Harry Mazer and Peter Lerangis

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences:

·      “Caring is Creepy,” by David Zimmerman

·      “Girlchild,” by Tupelo Hassman

·      “Juvenile in Justice,” by Richard Ross

·      “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore,” by Robin Sloan

·      “My Friend Dahmer,” by Derf Backderf

·      “One Shot at Forever,” by Chris Ballard

·      “Pure,” by Julianna Baggott

·      “The Round House,” by Louise Erdrich

·      “Tell the Wolves I’m Home,” by Carol Rifka Brunt

·      “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?,” by Maria Semple

Library Bulletin Board: Tips & Updates

Library Link Lesson: The Research Cycle & The Research Model

Reflectionson tok mockessaytheresearchmodel from Zarah Gagatiga

Filipino Librarian: Roderick Ramos

And so we begin this year's Filipino Librarian series post with Mr. Roderick Ramos, as Mr. January.

Eric, as he is fondly known, received PAARL's professional service award last January 26, 2013 during its 40th year anniversay. He is no stranger to awards. In fact, as librarian of St. Louis College, Valenzuela many years ago, he was recipient of an award for service and honor performance as President of the Association of Schools of Valenzuela for Culture and the Arts. This recognition was given to Eric by the local government unit of Valenzuela for spearheading activities that develop and promote the city museum. This goes to show that Eric's leadership skills stretch out from the library to the community it serves.

 His experience working in varied libraries, from school libraries to academic libraries, fortified his people skills and professional competence for what seemed to be a thin academic preparation in library school. He started out as a teacher librarian in the Manila public school system; moved to St. Louis Valenzuela as college librarian; went farther north in Sagada and served as librarian in St. Mary School and cataloger in the William Henry Scott Library; back to the lowlands he worked in PNU, his alma mater, and then settled in DLSU, Taft for a couple of years. There he finished his graduate studies, a MA in Education. After his stint as readers services librarian in DLSU Taft, he got a job at Adamson University doing library promotions, marketing content and services. Right now, Eric's professional home is the University of Perpetual Help Library where he and his family live very near the learning community.

A rolling stone gathers no moss, so they say, but Eric believes otherwise. Subscribing to the idea that change is constant, the library hopping is a non-issue. The real adventurer, he organizes trips to Sagada, Mt. Pinatubo crater, Babuyan Island to mention a few, for a good cause. On top of this, he managed to participate in professional organizations since his return to PNU. He was elected President of PNULISSAA in 2008 and in 2010, he was voted Vice President of PAARL.

In between working, adventuring and running organizations, he writes a monograph, Produktivong Librarianship to inspire, influence, promote the profession and encourage librarians to be productive. He is one marketing marvel and this talent he uses to help up lift colleagues in the profession. 2012 was his 20th year in the profession. This new year, Eric begins another decade by keeping a dynamic and proactive outlook, taking into account prospects in the training scene and professional development of librarians and continuing to organizes trips for librarians and pilgrims. His unsolicited advice to the younger, hipper librarians: integrate and fit the library to the lifestyle of your library patrons!

There's only one Eric Ramos, Filipino Librarian!

Information Literacy Lesson: Reflection and the Research Model

Il tok gr.11 reflection_research from Zarah Gagatiga

Dear Librarian Reply: Appraisal and Evaluation Tool for School Librarians

Here now is my reply to Ms. Quilantang's query on appraisal and evaluation tool for librarians and library personnel.

* Define the purpose and the objectives of the evaluation tool, as well as the procedure for the evaluation process. You may need to consult the HR Officer and speak with the Principal, or who ever your immediate supervisor is, on this matter. Performance evaluation is very much related to supervision by your Principal. The HR officer sees to it that supervision and performance evaluation procedures are implemented fairly. Meet with them first and articulate the impetus for designing an appraisal system and evaluation tool for library personnel.

* When you're given the green light by your administration, work with your co-librarians and library staff on this evaluation tool. Make it a team project. Set a strategy to finish this project that agrees to your team's context and your learning community's work culture and character.

* Always be guided by the school's VMG, in a macro level, and the library's VMG, on a micro level.

* Research, benchmark, set articulation meetings with other school librarians and/or professional librarian's group in your area. You may set standards that your region or district follow on performance appraisal and evaluation.

* Draft an evaluation tool base on your job description. You can get the rating scale used for teachers or office personnel. Check on rubric making and study how rating is done. For example, one job description is: Catalog print, AV and media resources. A rating of 5 as the highest and 1 as the lowest may be assigned to gauge the level of expertise and coverage of the task achieved in a given school year. Each rating has a qualitative description. Once the draft is done, make a proposal to your principal. A cover letter is necessary.

* Be ready for feedback. Keep an open mind.

Below is an introduction for designing a performance appraisal and evaluation tool.

Lib media specialist from Zarah Gagatiga

This page is taken from the book, Enhancing Professional Practice by Charlotte Danielson, published by ASCD, 2007. I encourage you to get this book for the library's collection. Apart from librarian appraisals, the book fleshes out standards and evaluation measures for teachers, school nurses, IT personnel and staff support.

If you have further questions, feel free to comment.

Library Bulletin Board: From Tablet to Tablet

Dear Librarian: Appraisal and Evaluation Tool for School Librarians

Rose Marie Quilantang, a librarian from Cebu City sent this query on evaluation tool for librarians and library personnel.
 

Hello Ma'am Zarah. Hope you are fine. I Just want to ask if you have an evaluation tool for librarians. It is because we don't have any. During evaluation time, the evaluation tool we used in rating is the same as the secretaries, maintenance personnel and other staff. Though at the moment I'm still surfing the internet. Thank you in advance and God bless.

I will post my reply to Ms. Quilantang this week.

In Memoriam: Susima Gonzales 1928-2013

Many good things and notable achievements have been said about Madam Susima Gonzales over at Facebook since news of her passing reached the closely connected circle of Filipino Librarians. Indeed, her accomplishments are countless. She had monumental contributions to Philippine librarianship. We lose one influential and revered pioneer in the discipline.

On a personal level, I thank you, Ma'am Susi, for the advice you gave me when I was a fresh graduate from PNU eager to take the license exam for librarians. Right after my oath taking, I was brave enough to ask you of the process involved in getting my ID at the PRC for I was two years shy of the legal age to have one. You told me to be patient and to wait till I'm 21 years old to file my documents. Just a couple of years ago, you helped me once more in facilitating the renewal of my license. You know how important it was. You took my plea seriously for having a license is not merely a requirement that every Filipino librarian must posses. It is a moral obligation. Salamat po.

Colleagues will include in their roaring tributes of you how you helped build Philippine librarianship over the course of four decades. I celebrate the simple and quiet deeds you have done for me and other young Filipino librarians out there.

Rest in peace, Ma'am Susi.

Photo source: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/03/outstanding-librarian-2004susima-l.html

Information Literacy Skills Instruction at Home - Part 2

When I looked at the text she was reading online, the word radius is mentioned as a part of the bone structure of the hand and the arm. There was no definition of the word. So, logging in World Book Online, I told Zoe to go to World Book Kids. Being in grade five, World Book Student is too advanced for her to use.

The simple design of World Book Kids makes it easy for Zoe to navigate the site. Her familiarity with search boxes prompted her to type the word radius. Results came back with definitions that was not related to her search.

"Try radius, plus sign, arm, plus sign, hand." I said.

Information on the arm and hand came up. No radius.

"Let's think of related words." I said.

"Bones?" She guessed.

"Ok!"

She typed in radius, plus sign, bones. Viola! A radius is one of two bones of the forearm.

Photo source: World Book Online for Kids

Zoe smiled knowingly at me. She said,  "Hay. Salamat at may mama akong librarian na katulad mo!"

Translation: Sigh. Good thing I have a mother who is a librarian!

Call for Papers: 42nd IASL Annual Conference*

CALL FOR PAPERS  

International Association of School Librarianship

42nd Annual International Conference 

incorporating the
17th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship

August 26 – 30, 2013
Bali, Indonesia  

Proposals are invited for presentations at the 42^nd Annual International Conference of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), incorporating the 17^th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship, to be held in Bali, Indonesia on August 26 – 30, 2013.

THEME

The theme for the conference is Enhancing Students’ Life Skills through the School Library. The role of the school library in education has long been accepted, and there is much evidence that the school library plays an important role in student achievement. However, less explored is the role of the school library in developing students in a holistic and integrated manner to become responsible members of society. The term life skills has been defined by WHO and UNICEF (2003) as ‘abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life’.   The sub-themes reflect the categories of life skills as laid down in the UNICEF (2003) definition including Cognitive Skills, Personal Skills, and Inter-personal Skills.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be submitted online via http://iasl2013.org/call-for-papers-submit-proposal/ or as an attachment to callforpapers@atpusi.or.id using the Proposal Form available at http://iasl2013.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/IASL-2013-Call-for-Papers-Proposal-Form.doc  Please go to http://iasl2013.org/call-for-papers-information/ for more information.   

All proposals must be received by February 15, 2013.  The Organizers reserve the right to reject proposals received after the closing date. 

*Lifted from the IASL website.

Felt Bookmarks

I am proud to tell the world that I made these felt bookmarks over the holiday break!

The materials I used are scraps of felt cloth, left overs from a doll making project of the grade 11s last year. I got the idea of making felt bookmarks from Pinterest. There are plenty of felt projects there and saw one on bookmarks. As for the patterns, I made them myself!

Basic stitches are all you need: back stitch, running stitch. Materials: thread of choice, scissors, pencil and ruler.

It took me two days to finish each. I did other stuff in between but I think I can finish one in a day if I focus on just doing the bookmarks.

These bookmarks shall be the library's giveaways for February.

Information Literacy Skills Instruction at Home - Part 1

Charity begins at home. The same goes with Information Literacy.

When my eleven year old daughter, Zoe asked permission if she can go online to search for information on the weak points of the human body, I allowed her. She knows how to turn the laptop on and connect online via broadband. Google is the search engine of choice. Over the years, she has acquired the habit of thinking aloud, especially when she's unsure of her thoughts or when the ideas in her head are all a clutter. Saying the words aloud helps her think.

I have not taught her yet that writing  ideas down will help in finding clarity. That would be the next lesson.

So, when she blurted out, what are the weak points or weaknesses of the body, I knew she's using her brain to access information from Google. I stepped in.

I told her, "You don't type the whole question on Google. What is it that you want to know?"

She replied, "I want to know the weak points of the human body."

"OK. I can identify two phrases that you can use to search in Google. Weak points and human body. That's all you need to type in Google." I said.

"Oh. Thanks, Ma!"

In less than a minute, Google gave her hits.

"See," I said. "Weak points and human body are key words to help you search faster online."

She clicked a link and started reading. I was amused at how amused she was learning the different weak points. I learned too that many weak points are found in the face. It was interesting stuff. She got her notebook and took notes. Luckily for her, the site she was on had text that was easy to read. When stumped with a difficult word, she paused and asked, "Ma, I need to check the dictionary."

She used the dictionary app in my MacBook. When it did not give her the meaning of the word, she called again for me.

"It's not in the dictionary."

"Use World Book Online. Your word must be a difficult one."

"Yeah. The word is radius but it's not about the topic I'm reading on the human body. Look here."

--To be continued--

Love and Filipino Librarians

In February 2011, the blog had eight Filipino librarians write about their loves: books, reading, the profession in general, the career choice they made, librarians who inspired them to be. Here are the eight who dared bare their loves and "lovers" to the blogosphere.
 
Dean Igor Cabbab wrote a poem in Filipino on staying in love. He has kissed his bachelor days goodbye by marrying librarian and educator Iyra Buenrostro.

Darrel Marco was at the IFLA World Conference in Helinski last year. I have a feeling this Filipino Librarian will definitely stay on.

Fe Angela Verzosa climbed a mountain to celebrate her appointment as director of DLSU Taft Library. Spunky!

Peachy Limpinis the first president of PNULISSAA, the alumni association of PNU LIS. She's one good writer. I miss reading her blog entries.

Ann Grace Bansig had the opportunity to study in Belgium a few years ago. She came back to work in a school library at DLSZ. Together with Darrel Marco, they presented a paper on DLSZ Library's Book Mobile Project at Helinski last year.

Audrey Anday is back from her two year sojourn in Europe I still have to meet her for coffee to catch up on life and librarianship. More of her adventures in Europe in future posts.

Angelic Bautista is a school librarian who is very much proud of her chosen profession.

Micaella Gonzales reviewed a book affirming that librarians are readers, indeed!

This review is made in preparation for the monthly Filipino Librarian series of 2013.

IASL 2013 Calendar

One of the many perks I get from being a member of IASL is receiving a neat IASL (International Association of School Libraries) calendar from Lisa Marquardt, Director Europe for IASL, IASL-IFLA SL  Joint Committee.

2013 iasl ifla-slrc-calendar from Zarah Gagatiga

Book Project Update: A Tale of Two Dreams

I posted a preview of Bernadette Wolf's ink studies and water color of the book we expect to see published this year, 2013, by Lampara Books Philippines. Latest update is that the teacher's guide I worked on last December 2012 is set as appendix to the book.

Taleof2 dreams teachersguide from Zarah Gagatiga

If all goes well with the publication time line, the illustrated story book shall be born before July! Hopefully, in time for National Children's Book Day.

Looking for Andoy

2013 marks the sesquicentennial of Andres Bonifacio officially on November 30, 2013. The Official Gazette has a slew of links for researches and readers young and old alike who wish to know more about events and activities on Bonifacio's 150th year.

The Presidential Museum and Library has an article on the iconic Bonifacio portraits through the years and down to the commemorative stamps and the ten peso coin we use as legal tender. This, somehow, satisfies my question on the artists who rendered his images that I'm familiar with from a history textbook by Teodoro Agoncillo. Thanks to this article, I am moved to look at more Bonifacio sightings in every day life. Will my own conclusion of an under-rated Bonifacio change as I try to look for Bonifacio icons and images this 2013? This is a journey worth taking.

For starters, I have posted a 2013 planner with Bonifacio on the cover last October 2012. This I bought last year during the sale at the UP Diliman Press. Sometime last month, having lunch with a friend at a restaurant that serves Mediteranian food,  I found this photo of Bonifacio in the menu --

The chili sauce that the restaurant serves is named after Bonifacio. Note that the sauce is triple Xtra hot. What else will I find in the course of a year? My journey to look for Andoy begins.

Author of the Month: Russell Molina

Let's kickstart 2013 with an author interview. The blog's featured Author of the Month is Mr. Russel Molina.

In this interview, he shares his thoughts on his writing process and how he started out as a writer. He reveals his inspiration for writing the PBBY Salanga 2012 winner, Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon. Illustrated by Hubert Fucio and published by Adarna House, the story book is available in bookstores nation wide.

1. When did you start writing for children?

I started in 1998 with the story "Ang Lumang Kumot ni Lola."  I wrote it then entered it in the PBBY Salanga Writer's Prize.  Luckily, it was given a special citation that year.  I took that win as a nudge that I should pursue writing for children.  I never stopped writing ever since.  

My background is really advertising.  I write copy (text) for numerous print ads and television spots. So it's also like telling stories in 30 seconds or 15 seconds.  So the shift from writing copy to creating children's stories wasn't a leap.  I actually use what I learn in advertising when I write for kids and vice versa.  It's a fun process.  

2. What was your inspiration for writing "Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon"?

"Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon?" is a combination of two experiences first, as a child growing up and visiting the barbershop with my mom and dad and second, as a father bringing my daughter to her own haircut sessions.  

At the 2012 NCBD, Museo Pambata

As a child, I remember sitting in the barber chair and devouring pages of Funny Komiks (remember those?) in between snips.  Those times, I think, were my most creative moments.  Just being alone with your thoughts and your comics.  You can let your mind explode with ideas even if you're stuck to a chair.  And I remember imagining different hair styles then.  "What if" moments come to you when you let your mind fly and wander.

As a father, my heart aches every time I think of the time when my little daughter inevitably grows up -- old enough not to need her dad to tag along.  She would finally make her own decisions, in hairstyles and in life.  So I guess I wrote this story also for parents.  Moments such as these are fleeting.  Embrace them and hold on tight as long as you can.  

3. Among your published stories, which story do you consider the best?

All my stories are my babies.  I gave birth to them. So it is really hard to choose. 

4. Describe the "creative process" you went through while writing "Anong Gupit Nating Ngayon". Did you undergo the same experience while writing your other books?

I really do not follow a strict process when it comes to writing.  Writing is like a journey and I seldom take the same route twice.  I allow myself to lose my way sometimes.  But all my stories start with an idea.  I don't think you can ever begin writing a story without an idea.  What is it that you want to say?  Where do you want to take your readers?  And what is it about your story that would make them sit up and listen?  If you can answer these questions THEN you can start the trek.  

At a public school in Batangas

5. As a writer for children, where do you see yourself ten years from now against the backdrop of Philippine Children's Literature?

I still see myself creating stories that celebrate the Filipino spirit.  Stories open the eyes, minds and hearts of Filipino children.  Books are the best vehicles to encourage kids to get to know themselves better.  And it is important that they read ABOUT themselves in the pages.  There are still a lot of Pinoy stories that are left untold.  I hope to continue championing this cause.  

6. Short message please, for teachers, parents, and children who read your stories.

To the parents, the best stories are YOUR stories - stories about your childhood, about your family, about your community and about your life in general.  These are the best stories because you are part of them.  Pass them on to your kids.  These stories are your legacy.  Also, don't forget to read to your kids.  And don't forget to open a book too. 

The culture of reading starts in your own home.  

To the teachers, we need new writers and storytellers and I really believe that you are primed to take on the challenge of creating wonderful stories for kids.  Jump in!  Take the leap!  

Thank you for your support and for making my stories come alive with every telling.  

To the Filipino child, open a Filipino children book today and read all about you.  You have always been our inspiration and we hope to return the favor and inspire you back with our stories.  

Thanks! Happy New Year everyone!  

 

 

Librarians Read Series of 2010

In November 7, 2010, I asked five librarians to guest in the blog and share their reading choices over the years. This blog series was in part, a carry-over of Teen Read Week 2010. From November 8-12, 2012, one Filipino Librarian was featured in the blog. I am re-posting and curating the posts as part of the Filipino Librarian blog series I'll be reviving this month.

The five reading librarians are: Darrel Marco, Ann Grace Bansig, Dean Igor Cabbab, Fe Angela Verzosa, Von Totanes

Would be cool if there's a book discussion group with librarians as members meeting once a month.

Call for Entries: 2013 PBBY Alcala Prize

The Call for Entries to the PBBY Alcala Prize for 2013 has been made official. Lifted from the PBBY website --

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2013 PBBY-Alcala Prize.

The winner shall be given a cash prize of P25,000.00, a gold medal, and an opportunity to be published. Prizes will be awarded in an appropriate ceremony to be held during the celebration of National Children's Book Day on July 16, 2013.

Go to this link to read the contest rules The winning Salanga Prize for 2013, Ngumiti si Andoy by Michael Jude Tumamac, can be downloaded for the artist's reference. For more information on past Salanga and Alcala prizes, view them here.

February 14 is International Book Giving Day

Tarie Sabido, PBBY rep for book reviewers, spreads the book love to bloggers and readers all!

International Book Giving Day. There's an official website where you can check the details. To sum up, the event can be celebrated simply, but with sincerity it can be pretty special.

International Book Giving Day’s focus is on encouraging people worldwide to engage in simple acts of giving. We will invite individuals to: 1) give a book to a friend or family member, 2) leave a book in a waiting room for children to read, or 3) donate a book to a local hospital, shelter or library or to an organization that distributes used books to children internationally.

 I'll be doing all three! What about you?

Featured Filipino Librarians 2009 - 2012

Starting this year, I'll be featuring Filipino Librarians more consistently in this blog. In the past, I have written about Filipino Librarians, the work they do and the libraries they manage. The objective, at the time, was to promote librarianship and to break the traditional librarian stereotype. For 2013, readers of the blog will read about sixteen  dynamic and multi-faceted Filipino Librarians! I will not name them yet for I wish this to be a surprise.

Before I plunge into the project full steam, allow me to review the Filipino Librarians I've featured in the blog in the past three years ca. 2009 - 2012. Feel free to click the links and you will discover that librarians are far from the one dimensional stereotype that media and pop culture portray them to be.

Hermie Salazar, January 2009

Mercy Servida, August 2009

Lillian Liberty Elanzano-Ventura, November 2009

Cora Nera, February 2010

Romy Sebastian, August 2010

Mary Ann Jimenez-Salvador. April 2011

Jocelyn Ladlad, June 2011

Salvacion Dimzon, September 2011

Jude Gorospe, March 2012

Rosal Yniguez Bulaong

Apart from them, I invited many Filipino Librarians to share their reading list and library stories in previous blog projects. More of these links on fantastic Filipino Librarians in the coming weeks!

Prayer for the 1st Day of the Year

PRAYER FOR THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR

O God, ever blessed and eternal

I THANK you that today you have

Allowed me to begin a new year.

Here in your presence I make my

Resolutions for the days to come.

I resolve:

To be faithful and true to those who love me

And loyal to those who are my friends,

So that I may never bring distress to their hearts

To live in forgiveness and in kindness,

That I may go about doing good.

To live in goodness and purity

That I may resist temptation and

May be a strength to others who are tempted.

To live in sympathy and gentleness,

That I may bring comfort to the

Sorrowing, and understanding to the perplexed.

To live in serenity and self-control,

That no anger and no passion may

Disturb my own face and the

Peace of others.

To live in full obedience to you and

In your perfect love, that in doing

Your will I may find peace.

O God, My Father, grant me the

Strength to keep these resolutions

All this year through Jesus Christ

Our Lord.  AMEN.

2013 New Year Greeting

Happy New Year! From my family to yours, here's wishing all of you a grace-filled and blessed 2013!