One year, I can't tell you which one, I was pretty smart and organized. Since I feel like I'm regularly losing brain cells, it must have been quite a while ago. Anyway, I typed in our Thanksgiving menu into the computer. I also added the recipes, and on the second page I added the shopping list. For the last few years I simply hit print and my menu comes out, along with the shopping list.
~The Stout's Thanksgiving Menu~
Appetizer platter: stuffed celery (cream cheese or peanut butter), carrots, pickles, nuts, Aunt Christina's eggs
Roast Turkey
Stuffing with onions, olives and celery (Nana Hill's recipe)
Plain Stuffing (for the picky)
Cranberry jelly (out of the can, for Don's comfort)
Cranberry Jell-o Salad (Nana Hill's recipe)
Green salad with raspberry dressing, dried cranberries and pralines
Spinach and Artichoke casserole (from the year the Crouch's didn't have a kitchen and this was their favorite and we didn't want them to miss out, but we thought we should adopt it as a regular)
Carrot/Cheese casserole (Nana Hill's recipe)
Macaroni and Cheese casserole (Nana Hill's recipe)
Green bean Casserole (Mom Stout's recipe)
Sweet Potato Souffle (Grandma Hattenfield's recipe)
Pumpkin soup (My own recipe!)
Garlic mashed potatoes (for my niece, Christen's delight)
Turkey gravy
Cranberry juice with 7up (Nana Stout's mixture)
Egg nog (A recipe I adopted while in college from my Campus Crusade for Christ staff member)
Fresh baked bread
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie (I prefer Dutch Apple or French Apple, so I make one of those, and then a traditional for everyone else!)
Each year, we host a different crew. And I see, as the years go on, that it will continue to be different people for the rest of my life. Tomorrow we are hosting 21. But every year is different. I input all of the casserole recipes into a calorie counter a few years ago, and figured I ate 3100 calories in one meal! On Monday of this week, I boiled and peeled everything. Yesterday I mashed everything. Today, with the help of Priscilla, Philip and Andrew, we mixed everything. Tomorrow we will put on the toppings and bake everything, after the turkey is done, resting and waiting to be carved. I love to have a clean kitchen when I serve dinner. I like the dishwashers to be empty and ready to be loaded with the dinner dishes before we eat dessert. That's why I trash my kitchen the day before! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Our Own Little Corner of the World
Life has been a whirl the last two weeks. We watched a national election. We watched the responses of people who didn't like what happened on that November 4th. Some people gracefully took the results of the evening with sighs of resignation, while others stormed the streets, stomping like outraged toddlers, who didn't get what they wanted. It makes one wonder about parenting techniques all over again. If the toddlers throw big enough tantrums will they eventually get what they want? And then the compliant child never really gets what he wants because he was obedient to the authorities around him. I know which one I'd rather go to a restaurant with!
Along with my Political Science degree, I was majoring in Psychology. Did anyone really know that? Or did they care? And actually, my senior year, I was so fed up with what was being taught, I couldn't agree with my professor any more. People really have spiritual problems, more than psychological problems, and too many times they are allowed to make excuses. Don't get me wrong. I believe that there are hormonal imbalances, and other causes for apparent psychological issues, but I always believed many people used the psychobabble as an excuse for their spiritual shortcomings. Needless to say, I got a D in one certain professor's class, and I lost my major, so it was considered a Psychology minor. So, I have a Psychology minor. But I digress.
In one of the many classes I took, I remember them talking about men and midlife crises. The need to go get the sports car. The need to trade in the old, faithful wife for one half her age. When talking about the reasons for this "midlife crisis", one reason cited was that when a President gets elected younger than you are, you take stock of your life and realize that you may or may not be where you want to be in your life. And chances are, you will probably never be President. Younger men had "midlife crises" when John F. Kennedy was President, than when Ronald Reagan was President. But isn't that a funny thing to consider?
Well, look at Barrack Obama. He is younger than my husband is. Pretty much proof that my husband will never be President of the United States. Glad that question is settled! Okay, should I expect that my husband will have a midlife crisis? Well, I lean back to my original gut feeling, that it really is a spiritual issue.
But, what about our own little corner of the world? Have we been faithful in the small things that have come our way? I pray so. We have our own places of influence. Our children, our church, our homeschool group, our neighbors.
Just this week, we got to minister to our son and his friends whose college has been affected by the fires. We get to pray on a daily basis for all of our children. We get to discipline them and disciple them. We also get to minister to other children on a daily basis. Spanish, Science, American Government, Speech, Debate and service to others. There is no shortage of outlets to affect our own little corner of the world. My husband is allowed to minister to a wider range of people, whether or not they know they are being ministered to, he is serving them with the gifts given to him by his Creator.
And although the last two weeks have been a whirlwind, and we are only now getting to the crazy holiday time, I pray that we are faithful to our own little corner of the world. And when confronted with issues we don't like, we teach our children to sigh and behave with grace.
Along with my Political Science degree, I was majoring in Psychology. Did anyone really know that? Or did they care? And actually, my senior year, I was so fed up with what was being taught, I couldn't agree with my professor any more. People really have spiritual problems, more than psychological problems, and too many times they are allowed to make excuses. Don't get me wrong. I believe that there are hormonal imbalances, and other causes for apparent psychological issues, but I always believed many people used the psychobabble as an excuse for their spiritual shortcomings. Needless to say, I got a D in one certain professor's class, and I lost my major, so it was considered a Psychology minor. So, I have a Psychology minor. But I digress.
In one of the many classes I took, I remember them talking about men and midlife crises. The need to go get the sports car. The need to trade in the old, faithful wife for one half her age. When talking about the reasons for this "midlife crisis", one reason cited was that when a President gets elected younger than you are, you take stock of your life and realize that you may or may not be where you want to be in your life. And chances are, you will probably never be President. Younger men had "midlife crises" when John F. Kennedy was President, than when Ronald Reagan was President. But isn't that a funny thing to consider?
Well, look at Barrack Obama. He is younger than my husband is. Pretty much proof that my husband will never be President of the United States. Glad that question is settled! Okay, should I expect that my husband will have a midlife crisis? Well, I lean back to my original gut feeling, that it really is a spiritual issue.
But, what about our own little corner of the world? Have we been faithful in the small things that have come our way? I pray so. We have our own places of influence. Our children, our church, our homeschool group, our neighbors.
Just this week, we got to minister to our son and his friends whose college has been affected by the fires. We get to pray on a daily basis for all of our children. We get to discipline them and disciple them. We also get to minister to other children on a daily basis. Spanish, Science, American Government, Speech, Debate and service to others. There is no shortage of outlets to affect our own little corner of the world. My husband is allowed to minister to a wider range of people, whether or not they know they are being ministered to, he is serving them with the gifts given to him by his Creator.
And although the last two weeks have been a whirlwind, and we are only now getting to the crazy holiday time, I pray that we are faithful to our own little corner of the world. And when confronted with issues we don't like, we teach our children to sigh and behave with grace.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Yes on Proposition 8 will equal PARENTAL RIGHTS!
One of the more irksome commercials here in California, is where the Superintendent of Schools, Jack O'Connell claims that schools aren't required to teach anything about marriage. Why is it irksome? Because it is not true!
The California Education Code under the section for teaching "Health" is listed here. I've bolded the code as it pertains to marriage:
EDUCATION CODE
SECTION 51890-51891
51890. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, "comprehensive health
education programs" are defined as all educational programs offered
in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in the public school
system, including in-class and out-of-class activities designed to
ensure that:
(1) Pupils will receive instruction to aid them in making
decisions in matters of personal, family, and community health, to
include the following subjects:
(A) The use of health care services and products.
(B) Mental and emotional health and development.
(C) Drug use and misuse, including the misuse of tobacco and
alcohol.
(D) Family health and child development, including the legal and
financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. (E) Oral health, vision, and hearing.
(F) Nutrition, which may include related topics such as obesity
and diabetes.
(G) Exercise, rest, and posture.
(H) Diseases and disorders, including sickle cell anemia and
related genetic diseases and disorders.
(I) Environmental health and safety.
(J) Community health.
(2) To the maximum extent possible, the instruction in health is
structured to provide comprehensive education in health that includes
all the subjects in paragraph (1).
(3) The community actively participates in the teaching of health
including classroom participation by practicing professional health
and safety personnel in the community.
(4) Pupils gain appreciation for the importance and value of
lifelong health and the need for each individual to take
responsibility for his or her own health.
(5) School districts may voluntarily provide pupils with
instruction on preventative health care, including obesity and
diabetes prevention through nutrition education.
(b) Health care professionals, health care service plans, health
care providers, and other entities participating in a voluntary
initiative with a school district may not market their services when
undertaking activities related to the initiative. For purposes of
this subdivision, "marketing" is defined as making a communication
about a product or service that is intended to encourage recipients
of the communication to purchase or use the product or service.
Health care or health education information provided in a brochure or
pamphlet that contains the logo or name of a health care service
plan or health care organization is not considered marketing if
provided in coordination with the voluntary initiative. The
marketing prohibitions contained in this subdivision do not apply to
outreach, application assistance, and enrollment activities relating
to federal, state, or county sponsored health care insurance programs
that are conducted by health care professionals, health care service
plans, health care providers, and other entities if the activities
are conducted in compliance with the statutory, regulatory, and
programmatic guidelines applicable to those programs.
51891. As used in this chapter, "community participation" means the
active participation in the planning, implementation, and evaluation
of comprehensive health education by parents, professional
practicing health care and public safety personnel, and public and
private health care and service agencies.
Don't even get me started on Planned Parenthood's Involvement! This blog is specifically about Proposition 8 and the lie that California Public Schools don't teach about marriage. Further more, Code 200 is listed under the Intended Purposes of the California Education Code.
EDUCATION CODE
SECTION 200-201
200. It is the policy of the State of California to afford all
persons in public schools, regardless of their disability, gender,
nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any
other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate
crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code, equal rights
and opportunities in the educational institutions of the state. The
purpose of this chapter is to prohibit acts that are contrary to that
policy and to provide remedies therefor.
So what is Jack O'Connell doing, lying in these commercials?
Parental rights have already become compromised in the state of Massachusetts, that allows homosexual marriage. Parents who objected to pro-homosexual curriculum lost their lawsuit seeking to excuse their children from the material, because a federal court said that the public schools, "have an interest in promoting tolerance, including for the children of gay marriages." (Parker v. Hurley, 514 F.3d 87 [1st Cir. 2008])
And for my children, I want to say "who", I want to say "when", I want to say "what" in regards to teaching my children about marriage.
Voting "Yes" on Proposition 8, keeps homosexual marriage out of the classroom, and keeps our Parental Rights intact.
The California Education Code under the section for teaching "Health" is listed here. I've bolded the code as it pertains to marriage:
EDUCATION CODE
SECTION 51890-51891
51890. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, "comprehensive health
education programs" are defined as all educational programs offered
in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in the public school
system, including in-class and out-of-class activities designed to
ensure that:
(1) Pupils will receive instruction to aid them in making
decisions in matters of personal, family, and community health, to
include the following subjects:
(A) The use of health care services and products.
(B) Mental and emotional health and development.
(C) Drug use and misuse, including the misuse of tobacco and
alcohol.
(D) Family health and child development, including the legal and
financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. (E) Oral health, vision, and hearing.
(F) Nutrition, which may include related topics such as obesity
and diabetes.
(G) Exercise, rest, and posture.
(H) Diseases and disorders, including sickle cell anemia and
related genetic diseases and disorders.
(I) Environmental health and safety.
(J) Community health.
(2) To the maximum extent possible, the instruction in health is
structured to provide comprehensive education in health that includes
all the subjects in paragraph (1).
(3) The community actively participates in the teaching of health
including classroom participation by practicing professional health
and safety personnel in the community.
(4) Pupils gain appreciation for the importance and value of
lifelong health and the need for each individual to take
responsibility for his or her own health.
(5) School districts may voluntarily provide pupils with
instruction on preventative health care, including obesity and
diabetes prevention through nutrition education.
(b) Health care professionals, health care service plans, health
care providers, and other entities participating in a voluntary
initiative with a school district may not market their services when
undertaking activities related to the initiative. For purposes of
this subdivision, "marketing" is defined as making a communication
about a product or service that is intended to encourage recipients
of the communication to purchase or use the product or service.
Health care or health education information provided in a brochure or
pamphlet that contains the logo or name of a health care service
plan or health care organization is not considered marketing if
provided in coordination with the voluntary initiative. The
marketing prohibitions contained in this subdivision do not apply to
outreach, application assistance, and enrollment activities relating
to federal, state, or county sponsored health care insurance programs
that are conducted by health care professionals, health care service
plans, health care providers, and other entities if the activities
are conducted in compliance with the statutory, regulatory, and
programmatic guidelines applicable to those programs.
51891. As used in this chapter, "community participation" means the
active participation in the planning, implementation, and evaluation
of comprehensive health education by parents, professional
practicing health care and public safety personnel, and public and
private health care and service agencies.
Don't even get me started on Planned Parenthood's Involvement! This blog is specifically about Proposition 8 and the lie that California Public Schools don't teach about marriage. Further more, Code 200 is listed under the Intended Purposes of the California Education Code.
EDUCATION CODE
SECTION 200-201
200. It is the policy of the State of California to afford all
persons in public schools, regardless of their disability, gender,
nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any
other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate
crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code, equal rights
and opportunities in the educational institutions of the state. The
purpose of this chapter is to prohibit acts that are contrary to that
policy and to provide remedies therefor.
So what is Jack O'Connell doing, lying in these commercials?
Parental rights have already become compromised in the state of Massachusetts, that allows homosexual marriage. Parents who objected to pro-homosexual curriculum lost their lawsuit seeking to excuse their children from the material, because a federal court said that the public schools, "have an interest in promoting tolerance, including for the children of gay marriages." (Parker v. Hurley, 514 F.3d 87 [1st Cir. 2008])
And for my children, I want to say "who", I want to say "when", I want to say "what" in regards to teaching my children about marriage.
Voting "Yes" on Proposition 8, keeps homosexual marriage out of the classroom, and keeps our Parental Rights intact.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Yes on Proposition 8 will equal RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!
Who would ever consider that our Religious Freedom would be at stake?
Marriage has always been a moral issue. It has up until now been considered between one man and one woman. It is currently illegal to be a polygamist. It is currently illegal to enter into a marriage with an animal.
When the four judges overturned the 61% of the voters and made same-sex marriage legal, they made same-sex marriage a civil right. This means that all Californians, whether they are doctors, Christian school principals, pastors, and members of other religious organizations can now potentially be sued for personal religious beliefs.
In August of this year, again the California "Supreme" Court ruled that two Christian Doctors in San Diego, who had previously been sued because they refused to artificially inseminate a lesbian couple based on religious convictions, could not refuse to perform the procedure.
Basically, in the court ruling, homosexual rights trump Religious Freedom. What's next? Are Pastors going to be forced to marry homosexuals, even though it is against their Religious Freedom?
It is imperative that Proposition 8 passes, because it equals RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
Marriage has always been a moral issue. It has up until now been considered between one man and one woman. It is currently illegal to be a polygamist. It is currently illegal to enter into a marriage with an animal.
When the four judges overturned the 61% of the voters and made same-sex marriage legal, they made same-sex marriage a civil right. This means that all Californians, whether they are doctors, Christian school principals, pastors, and members of other religious organizations can now potentially be sued for personal religious beliefs.
In August of this year, again the California "Supreme" Court ruled that two Christian Doctors in San Diego, who had previously been sued because they refused to artificially inseminate a lesbian couple based on religious convictions, could not refuse to perform the procedure.
Basically, in the court ruling, homosexual rights trump Religious Freedom. What's next? Are Pastors going to be forced to marry homosexuals, even though it is against their Religious Freedom?
It is imperative that Proposition 8 passes, because it equals RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Yes on Proposition 8 will equal DEMOCRACY!
In the year 2000, 61% of Californians voted to protect traditional marriage. It was called Proposition 22, or the California Defense of Marriage Act.
Prior to Prop 22, in the California Civil Code, and more specifically in the sections referred to as the California Family Code, and section 300 defined marriage as:
a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary.
Section 308 was seen as a loophole:
A marriage contracted outside this state that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state.
And the need for additional language became available in Prop. 22. After passing Prop 22 added a new section, 308.5, that reads:
Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
The voters in California wanted this language included in the California Civil Code.
In May of this year, 4 judges overturned the will of the people in California and ruled to legalize same-sex marriage. Proposition 8, as a Constitutional amendment, will override the ruling by the judges that struck down Proposition 22 as being unconstitutional. The Constitution, as amended, would add a new section to Article I. This new section would read:
Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
So, instead of 4 activist judges dictating the will of the people, the will of the people will amend the California State Constitution. In this way, Yes on Proposition 8 will equal DEMOCRACY!
Prior to Prop 22, in the California Civil Code, and more specifically in the sections referred to as the California Family Code, and section 300 defined marriage as:
a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary.
Section 308 was seen as a loophole:
A marriage contracted outside this state that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state.
And the need for additional language became available in Prop. 22. After passing Prop 22 added a new section, 308.5, that reads:
Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
The voters in California wanted this language included in the California Civil Code.
In May of this year, 4 judges overturned the will of the people in California and ruled to legalize same-sex marriage. Proposition 8, as a Constitutional amendment, will override the ruling by the judges that struck down Proposition 22 as being unconstitutional. The Constitution, as amended, would add a new section to Article I. This new section would read:
Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
So, instead of 4 activist judges dictating the will of the people, the will of the people will amend the California State Constitution. In this way, Yes on Proposition 8 will equal DEMOCRACY!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Don't Get Me Started...
For those of you who don't know, I was a Political Science major at USC. I was accused of trying to get my "MRS" degree by hanging out with the pre-law bunch. Back during those years, that was the furthest thing from my mind. Having been raised as a quasi-feminist, my goal was to make life miserable for each and every man that had a class with me. Although I became a Christian in high school, I didn't have a very clear picture of the value of a traditional wife/mother. My mother was a stay-at-home mom and was continually miserable. She often reminded me about how "lucky" I was that I didn't have to be "just" a stay-at-home mom, I could be anything I wanted. I took my education seriously, and after graduation moved to Washington, D.C., worked on Capitol Hill, got married, and then God had to do some serious work on me to get me to where I am today! Pity my poor husband in those early years!
Although I had a baby in 1986 and another one in 1989, I kept myself involved. First it was to continue working on "The Hill" while Don stayed home during law school. Then, after we moved back to California, I got involved in campaigns and causes.
My Congressman, who really believed in term limits, after his 12 years in Congress, ran for the Republican Senate in 1992. He lost in the primary. I went into a terrible grieving process. It was June. I had three children, and had just finished Kindergarten with my eldest. I actually became useless. I would wander around aimlessly during the day, barely meeting the children's needs. I remember starting the dryer, and looking at the endless pile of clothes and bursting into tears. Why was the sun shining? Why were the birds singing? Our country was going down the tubes. Finally, two weeks later, I told myself to snap out of it! I was going to walk away from politics. It was too painful and I needed to be productive and love and nurture the 3 children that I had. I did. I walked away and didn't look back.
November 1992 brought even worse to our country, but it didn't bother me. I expected it. Now I needed to do what I could to protect my children, and it didn't include politics.
In the fall of 2004, I was teaching American Government to my high school Senior and Junior. I protected myself and although I made sure they were well versed in the issues, they did one phone bank day, and that was about it.
Here we are fall of 2008. I am again teaching American Government to my high school Junior. Tonight I took the three boys who still live at home to a "Yes on Prop. 8" rally. We had a good time. There are 8 working days until the election day. How deep can I get in 8 days? I'm trying to determine where I go from here. I feel this desperate need to get involved. Can I make a difference as one person? I've always been convinced that I can.
But if I get started, will I be able to stop? It's almost like an addiction, and I'm afraid to go there. What harm can come in 8 days? Only time will tell. Check with me on November 5th!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
'Twas the Night Before School Starts
It seems like I should try to write a poem a la "Twas the Night Before Christmas", but alas, I am out of time, so I'll need someone more clever than me to write it.
The night before a new school year is always different. Yes, we have schooled all summer, taking breaks only for vacation time. Yes, we never did finish several subjects last year, so we will continue those subjects. So why does it seem like a new school year?
It's almost like New Year's to me. I've made resolutions to be in bed by 10:00 (and I'm pushing that even as I write.) I've made resolutions to be up early. To walk for an hour in the morning. To meal plan diligently and to make our life style that much healthier.
I've made resolutions to make the boys work late in the evening should they not accomplish what I need them to by 3:00. I've made book lists to be read aloud several times a week. I've resolved which rooms will be decluttered. (Boy, do we have to get rid of some books!)
The sad part is that by this time next week, I know that it will be a fight. A fight to go to bed by 10:00. A fight to get up early and walk with my husband for an hour. A fight to meal plan, let alone to make healthier meals. But I have picked the battles I'm willing to fight: The one about making the boys work late into the night should they not accomplish what they need to accomplish... they'll be happy to hear that!
Well, the clock struck 10. At least I'll get my first day off to a good start!
"And to all a good night!"
The night before a new school year is always different. Yes, we have schooled all summer, taking breaks only for vacation time. Yes, we never did finish several subjects last year, so we will continue those subjects. So why does it seem like a new school year?
It's almost like New Year's to me. I've made resolutions to be in bed by 10:00 (and I'm pushing that even as I write.) I've made resolutions to be up early. To walk for an hour in the morning. To meal plan diligently and to make our life style that much healthier.
I've made resolutions to make the boys work late in the evening should they not accomplish what I need them to by 3:00. I've made book lists to be read aloud several times a week. I've resolved which rooms will be decluttered. (Boy, do we have to get rid of some books!)
The sad part is that by this time next week, I know that it will be a fight. A fight to go to bed by 10:00. A fight to get up early and walk with my husband for an hour. A fight to meal plan, let alone to make healthier meals. But I have picked the battles I'm willing to fight: The one about making the boys work late into the night should they not accomplish what they need to accomplish... they'll be happy to hear that!
Well, the clock struck 10. At least I'll get my first day off to a good start!
"And to all a good night!"
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Church Hunting
Okay, we're in Virginia, returning our daughter to her beloved college. Last year, she tried 3 churches, and then decided to attend one. After several months, when she decided to become a member, so that she could actively serve in the church, she had some reservations and decided to move on.
Well, this morning, we tried the fourth church since we've been making regular trips to VA. And next week, we already know that we are trying a fifth church.
Finding a church is a hard thing. We know that. Back in the Fall/Winter of 1998/99 we visited 11 churches in 5 months looking for the "perfect church." We now know, that on this fallen earth, there is no such thing as a "perfect church." They are full of fallen people. And everything is prone to fall. But this is good for her, and so is the opportunity to find out what you like in a church and what you don't like in a church. Or what are the most important things to look for in a church. And in her process, she doesn't have to haul little babies into different nurseries, like I did back in 1998. And she will realize that, eventually, she will find an imperfect church with an imperfect body, but it will be where God wants her. And that's what is most important.
I feel blessed on two counts. 1. That my daughter is learning valuable lessons while she is young, and 2. that I have very lovely sons who are willing to (and want to) go to strange Sunday School classes without any fuss.
Well, this morning, we tried the fourth church since we've been making regular trips to VA. And next week, we already know that we are trying a fifth church.
Finding a church is a hard thing. We know that. Back in the Fall/Winter of 1998/99 we visited 11 churches in 5 months looking for the "perfect church." We now know, that on this fallen earth, there is no such thing as a "perfect church." They are full of fallen people. And everything is prone to fall. But this is good for her, and so is the opportunity to find out what you like in a church and what you don't like in a church. Or what are the most important things to look for in a church. And in her process, she doesn't have to haul little babies into different nurseries, like I did back in 1998. And she will realize that, eventually, she will find an imperfect church with an imperfect body, but it will be where God wants her. And that's what is most important.
I feel blessed on two counts. 1. That my daughter is learning valuable lessons while she is young, and 2. that I have very lovely sons who are willing to (and want to) go to strange Sunday School classes without any fuss.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Wedding Traditions
Don and I, along with David and Stephanie, went to the wedding of a girl that we have known since she was 4. She and David grew up in the same Sunday School class and had all of the same Sunday School teachers. Well, today was her much anticipated wedding. She was so excited and so sweet. Her groom wept as she walked down the aisle... his love for her overwhelming him. It was precious to see.
At the reception, they had a special dance. They made ALL of the married couples get onto the dance floor and they played "Through the Years". After one stanza the DJ announced, "Okay, everyone who has been married less than 5 hours, get off the dance floor." The bride and groom left. Then he said, "Everyone who has been married for less than 5 years, get off the dance floor." A handful more left. After every stanza he went up another 5 years. Finally, he got to 45 years and all but 5 couples were back in their seats. He then interviewed the 5 couples. Two had been married for 48 years, one for 50, one for 51 and one couple for 53 years. Of course, they were all elderly, sweet people, and their advice was "don't bother trading her in for a younger model, no one will be as good." Or, "just persevere when the going gets tough." Yes, they all had something sweet to say. But most of all, I liked the concept of showing longevity in a marriage at a wedding, and encouraging others to do the same!
At the reception, they had a special dance. They made ALL of the married couples get onto the dance floor and they played "Through the Years". After one stanza the DJ announced, "Okay, everyone who has been married less than 5 hours, get off the dance floor." The bride and groom left. Then he said, "Everyone who has been married for less than 5 years, get off the dance floor." A handful more left. After every stanza he went up another 5 years. Finally, he got to 45 years and all but 5 couples were back in their seats. He then interviewed the 5 couples. Two had been married for 48 years, one for 50, one for 51 and one couple for 53 years. Of course, they were all elderly, sweet people, and their advice was "don't bother trading her in for a younger model, no one will be as good." Or, "just persevere when the going gets tough." Yes, they all had something sweet to say. But most of all, I liked the concept of showing longevity in a marriage at a wedding, and encouraging others to do the same!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Same Message, Different Time, Different Meaning
Back in 1992, when we started to homeschool my eldest, we attended the free evening of the CHEA convention. The speaker back then was Gregg Harris. He talked about the different stages of life: the education stage, the babies and business stage, the statesman and civic duty stage, and the elder stage. I have a post related to that discussion dated October of 2006, if you want to go back and read more.
The funny thing about that seminar, was that I took out of it that I needed to be fully engaged in the babies and business stage. I thought a lot about my educational years and in those early years I formed a lot of my ideas on courtship. I was able to present these ideas to my 5 year old (in his terms) but that is really what I got out of the talk.
Today, at CHEA, 16 years later, I decided that I wanted to hear Gregg Harris again. The topic was the stages of life, but it didn't ring any bells until I was 1/2 way through the seminar. But now what I got most out of the message was the civic duty stage that I will be approaching in a mere 8 years. My "babies and business" stage is quickly coming to a halt. I don't want to prematurely be thinking about my civic duty stage, but I do need to be maturing to prepare for it.
In contemplating this, I was again affirmed as to why it is good to read my Bible through time and time again. Because everytime I go through it I am at a different stage in my life and even though I will get the same message, there will be a different meaning in my life context. I just need to be faithful to keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing what comes next...
The funny thing about that seminar, was that I took out of it that I needed to be fully engaged in the babies and business stage. I thought a lot about my educational years and in those early years I formed a lot of my ideas on courtship. I was able to present these ideas to my 5 year old (in his terms) but that is really what I got out of the talk.
Today, at CHEA, 16 years later, I decided that I wanted to hear Gregg Harris again. The topic was the stages of life, but it didn't ring any bells until I was 1/2 way through the seminar. But now what I got most out of the message was the civic duty stage that I will be approaching in a mere 8 years. My "babies and business" stage is quickly coming to a halt. I don't want to prematurely be thinking about my civic duty stage, but I do need to be maturing to prepare for it.
In contemplating this, I was again affirmed as to why it is good to read my Bible through time and time again. Because everytime I go through it I am at a different stage in my life and even though I will get the same message, there will be a different meaning in my life context. I just need to be faithful to keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing what comes next...
God Equips
Yesterday, Priscilla and I did our annual Bible story time at the Child Evangelism Fellowship booth. Priscilla typically calls to the young children walking by, "Do you want to hear a Bible Story? It will take about 7 minutes." Most parents agree to let their children go into the little Noah's Ark to hear a presentation of the Gospel. While the children are there, the parents either sit and rest their feet or they walk around to the nearby booths to look at some of the items their children wouldn't be interested in.
This year the "Bible Story" was actually the wordless book: gold (heaven), black (hearts dark with sin), red (the blood that Jesus shed), white (hearts that are clean), green (everlasting life).
I had told the story about 5 times, when two little 4 year old girls came in. The one girl introduced the two of them. I asked them introductory questions about themselves. The 2nd little girl only answered back in Spanish. Did you know that I actually can speak Spanish? I learned when I was 15, but since I began homeschooling high school, I have greatly increased my grammar and vocabulary. Especially when it comes to biblical vocabulary.
Well, the two little girls' mothers disappeared. They were gone for about 20 minutes. When my 7 minutes were up, I got to go through the wordless book again, but this time in Spanish, so that the other little girl would completely understand. Then, I had time to pray for both of them in English and Spanish. Finally, their mothers returned.
I just couldn't help but think that the Lord knew when to bring those little girls. How many other teachers were there that wouldn't have been able to share the Gospel in Spanish? How did He know that I'd need more time to do it in both English and Spanish? How did he equip me with the right vocabulary? Only six years ago did I start learning "ministry" vocabulary. "Sin" isn't a vocabulary word taught in the secular curriculum that I learned with! He wanted those little girls to know, so He sent them to me, and He gave me the time to do it thoroughly. What a miracle!
This year the "Bible Story" was actually the wordless book: gold (heaven), black (hearts dark with sin), red (the blood that Jesus shed), white (hearts that are clean), green (everlasting life).
I had told the story about 5 times, when two little 4 year old girls came in. The one girl introduced the two of them. I asked them introductory questions about themselves. The 2nd little girl only answered back in Spanish. Did you know that I actually can speak Spanish? I learned when I was 15, but since I began homeschooling high school, I have greatly increased my grammar and vocabulary. Especially when it comes to biblical vocabulary.
Well, the two little girls' mothers disappeared. They were gone for about 20 minutes. When my 7 minutes were up, I got to go through the wordless book again, but this time in Spanish, so that the other little girl would completely understand. Then, I had time to pray for both of them in English and Spanish. Finally, their mothers returned.
I just couldn't help but think that the Lord knew when to bring those little girls. How many other teachers were there that wouldn't have been able to share the Gospel in Spanish? How did He know that I'd need more time to do it in both English and Spanish? How did he equip me with the right vocabulary? Only six years ago did I start learning "ministry" vocabulary. "Sin" isn't a vocabulary word taught in the secular curriculum that I learned with! He wanted those little girls to know, so He sent them to me, and He gave me the time to do it thoroughly. What a miracle!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Second Generation Homeschoolers
Today, I, along with 9 others from our homeschool board, attended the leadership portion of the CHEA convention.
The last couple of years have been trying ones for the Board of our ISP. Some people in our ISP have been difficult. Some don't like the code of conduct we have for our student body. Some don't like that we have an interview process. Some don't like the way we keep records. Some don't like how many units we assign to classes. Some don't like the cost of classes. Mostly it's about 15 unhappy families out of 150 families. But it seems like it is a constant barrage of discontent. It's hard to see around these families to see that there are about 135 families who are generally content. We needed a shot of inspiration.
I digress. Back to the leadership portion of the CHEA convention. Last year, for the first year in a long time, we went as a Board. We were reaffirmed by the convention speakers that we were doing the right thing. Not because they knew our situation, but because what they were saying made it SEEM like they knew our situation. It's hard for our husbands to take another day off of work, but our husbands are so committed to homeschooling and the call of God to be in leadership in our ISP, that they took the day off. Again, we attended the leadership portion of the CHEA convention. Again, we were reaffirmed. This year though, it was a different topic, different speakers, but AGAIN it seemed as if they all were talking straight to us.
The biggest blessing came when we couldn't get enough of talks given by second-generation homeschoolers. Yahoo! It gives us hope and an insight into the future of our students. These second-generation homeschoolers have the true vision of family based home education. They want to be involved in the discipleship of their children. They will pick up where we, tired, first-generation homeschoolers are falling off! What a blessing to hear from them. Their parents were pioneers and they continue to carry the torch. There is hope for our future.
By the grace of God, may I raise five second-generation homeschoolers who will continue to carry the torch.
The last couple of years have been trying ones for the Board of our ISP. Some people in our ISP have been difficult. Some don't like the code of conduct we have for our student body. Some don't like that we have an interview process. Some don't like the way we keep records. Some don't like how many units we assign to classes. Some don't like the cost of classes. Mostly it's about 15 unhappy families out of 150 families. But it seems like it is a constant barrage of discontent. It's hard to see around these families to see that there are about 135 families who are generally content. We needed a shot of inspiration.
I digress. Back to the leadership portion of the CHEA convention. Last year, for the first year in a long time, we went as a Board. We were reaffirmed by the convention speakers that we were doing the right thing. Not because they knew our situation, but because what they were saying made it SEEM like they knew our situation. It's hard for our husbands to take another day off of work, but our husbands are so committed to homeschooling and the call of God to be in leadership in our ISP, that they took the day off. Again, we attended the leadership portion of the CHEA convention. Again, we were reaffirmed. This year though, it was a different topic, different speakers, but AGAIN it seemed as if they all were talking straight to us.
The biggest blessing came when we couldn't get enough of talks given by second-generation homeschoolers. Yahoo! It gives us hope and an insight into the future of our students. These second-generation homeschoolers have the true vision of family based home education. They want to be involved in the discipleship of their children. They will pick up where we, tired, first-generation homeschoolers are falling off! What a blessing to hear from them. Their parents were pioneers and they continue to carry the torch. There is hope for our future.
By the grace of God, may I raise five second-generation homeschoolers who will continue to carry the torch.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Fourth of July
How nice to have Fourth of July fall on a Friday! We had a great time with our friends. Did I ever mention that we have a great backyard? We have a pool with a rock slide, a basketball court, a ping pong table, a fire pit, a play structure, a gas barbecue and a big covered cabana with fans or gas heaters, whatever you need to keep the temperature the way you want it. The sad part about our back yard, is that so many times we have big events here, that we never just hang out with our friends. We use our backyard for book club meetings, high school events, baptisms, game nights, interviews, meetings, you name it. But it all seems that it is a big production and we never just have fun.
Well, this summer is different. The boys said that they didn't want to do ANYTHING this summer. They didn't even want to sign up for AWANA Scholarship camp, which they typically LOVE. No surf camp, no baseball camp, no Junior Life Guards camp, no tennis camp. They just wanted to hang out. We do school work until noon, and now they go into the backyard and play. They've also been able to go up to the local park and play baseball, or just go up the cul-de-sac and play whiffle ball with the neighborhood boys.
This Fourth of July was different. We had dear friends over and we just hung out. We made it simple. Hot dogs on the barbecue, green salad, watermelon, apple pie. I got in the pool with my girl friends. Me. The one who NEVER swims when we have company. My friend, Linda, and I got in the pool and floated on rafts while the kids played all around us. Of course they tried to cannon ball as close to us as they could, or bounce the ball to splash as close to us as they could. But we didn't mind. After dinner, Carie got in with us, but the kids were too rowdy to let her (or any of us) float in peace, so we got in the spa. We have lived here over 10 years. I don't ever remember getting in the spa with my friends. My sister-in-laws, yes, my kids, yes, my husband, yes, but never with my friends. And then about 5 of the kids joined us in the spa and we had nice conversations with them. The three moms decided we didn't want to be too aggressive in hunting for fireworks, so 15 minutes before the local fireworks show started, we got out, changed into dry clothes and climbed our back slope to watch the fire works that were about 3 miles away. We all had glow-in-the-dark necklaces (of course) and we sang all of the patriotic songs we knew.
When the fireworks show was over, we climbed back down our slope, lit the fire pit and ate apple pie that Holly had made or roasted marshmallows for s'mores. Everyone went home about 10:30 PM.
The boys were right. We needed to have a slower summer, where not everything is a production. We have enough productions slated anyway, so what better day to celebrate with good friends than the Fourth of July. Without the production.
Well, this summer is different. The boys said that they didn't want to do ANYTHING this summer. They didn't even want to sign up for AWANA Scholarship camp, which they typically LOVE. No surf camp, no baseball camp, no Junior Life Guards camp, no tennis camp. They just wanted to hang out. We do school work until noon, and now they go into the backyard and play. They've also been able to go up to the local park and play baseball, or just go up the cul-de-sac and play whiffle ball with the neighborhood boys.
This Fourth of July was different. We had dear friends over and we just hung out. We made it simple. Hot dogs on the barbecue, green salad, watermelon, apple pie. I got in the pool with my girl friends. Me. The one who NEVER swims when we have company. My friend, Linda, and I got in the pool and floated on rafts while the kids played all around us. Of course they tried to cannon ball as close to us as they could, or bounce the ball to splash as close to us as they could. But we didn't mind. After dinner, Carie got in with us, but the kids were too rowdy to let her (or any of us) float in peace, so we got in the spa. We have lived here over 10 years. I don't ever remember getting in the spa with my friends. My sister-in-laws, yes, my kids, yes, my husband, yes, but never with my friends. And then about 5 of the kids joined us in the spa and we had nice conversations with them. The three moms decided we didn't want to be too aggressive in hunting for fireworks, so 15 minutes before the local fireworks show started, we got out, changed into dry clothes and climbed our back slope to watch the fire works that were about 3 miles away. We all had glow-in-the-dark necklaces (of course) and we sang all of the patriotic songs we knew.
When the fireworks show was over, we climbed back down our slope, lit the fire pit and ate apple pie that Holly had made or roasted marshmallows for s'mores. Everyone went home about 10:30 PM.
The boys were right. We needed to have a slower summer, where not everything is a production. We have enough productions slated anyway, so what better day to celebrate with good friends than the Fourth of July. Without the production.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)