IF YOU GIVE A HOMESCHOOLING MOM A COOKIE
by Sher Birmingham
If you give a Homeschooling Mom a cookie, she'll want the recipe.
She will plan a complete unit study on the History of Cookies.
The family will take field to a farm and see where we get eggs, milk and grain.
At home they will make butter out of milk. The children will want to start grinding their own grain.
Mom will purchase a Bosch Universal Kitchen System.
She will remember she will need a new list of cookbooks.
So she will order An Introduction To Whole Grain Baking w/ CD, Desserts, The Cooking With Children CD, and Lunches & Snacks Cookbook by Sue Gregg, also Whole Foods for Kids to Cook.
Mom orders a 100 lb. bag of wheat berries.
Now she will grind her own wheat grain into flour.
The children remember the farm field trip and knowing they can't possibly get a cow they beg for a few chickens.
So to a trip to the library to research how to build a chicken coop and to how to care for chickens.
On the way out the door Mom see the book, "Chicken Tractor" by Andy Lee & Pat Foreman.
They stop by the Feed and Seed to pick up materials and ask where to purchase the chicks.
There the clerk tells them about egg that can be incubated.
He sells them a book on hatching eggs, eggs, and incubator.
At home Mom and the younger children set up the incubator while Dad and the older children build the chicken tractor.
Back to the library to pick up gardening books and more books on chickens.
The oldest daughter now starts a business grinding flour for the her friend's families.
While her younger sisters are selling homemade cookies to their neighbors.
The boys have started building a new chicken tractor because they want more eggs for breakfast.
That cookie that started this all. the homeschooling mom's three year old ate it.(---based on If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. Sher Birmingham is wife to Bill and author to Successfully at Home Business, School, and Cooking; her website is _http://www.SherBirmhttp://www_ (http://www.sherbirmingham.com/) .)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
If your a MOM you must read....
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Homeschooling..which IS the right way?
The Right Way to Homeschool by Leslie Murgatroyd
Before I pulled my eight and ten year old children out of the school system, I had become friends with a neighbor who was already homeschooling. I asked her if I could come over one day, to “watch” so I could “see” how they homeschooled. When I arrived, my friend was folding clothes on the kitchen table and one of her sons was lying on the floor (in his pajamas, mind you!) doing some sort of “school work”– math, I think it was. The other boy was sitting on the couch reading. They would occasionally ask her questions and she would occasionally remind them of something else they needed to “do”. And that was about it! Not at all what I had pictured in my mind!
I came away thinking, “I can do that!” I also still had this mental picture of us sitting around the kitchen table (not on the floor!) “doing school.” So, that's where we started...at the kitchen table...eventually.
Initially, we just had fun! We went on hikes, picked wild flowers and pressed them, had picnics in our front yard, read lots of books aloud, frequented the library, baked, experimented with baking soda and vinegar...
One day we walked to the local cemetery. There, we studied “math” as the kids tried to figure out how old the people were when they died (1916 − 1995 = 79). We also discussed the differences in our lives now and in the life of someone who was born in 1916 (the beginning of “unschooling”? Nah...there is no way I could do THAT!).
Then I decided it was time to DO something. So, I started looking at curricula. One of my “complaints” about the public school system was that it had not been academic enough. Too much time was wasted teaching the kids how to recycle, how to wash their hands and tie their shoes, and so forth. I wanted those academics! I wanted my kids to memorize the multiplication tables and diagram sentences! After all, that's what I did when I went to school, right?
I ordered books from a popular curriculum publisher after attending one of their “motel meetings.” My kids now had language books, books to improve their reading speed and comprehension, history books, health books and reading books. We were all set! I also got a popular set of math textbooks, with the company's box of manipulatives and all!
I even made up a schedule, allowing the kids to sleep in a little, of course. We started our “school day” at 9 and ended by 1 or 2. This was the life, as far as I could tell! The best of both worlds my children were getting the proper instruction, and the one-on-one attention they needed, yet there was still plenty of “free time” for them. I smugly sat back in my chair to watch.
Lo and behold...the kids came to me one day and said, “This is just like 'school.' We might as well still be in public schools!” (insert a whiny tone of voice). Imagine my complete surprise! I had thought I was doing everything “just right.”
“Okay,” I thought, “so we'll toss out some of the 'books' but not the math book!” My son started watching a lot of TV. Things like the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet...and I mean, hour after hour...and he started to read...book after book. I was amazed at what he was learning. I was frequently heard saying “WHERE did you learn THAT?” It might be an absolutely gorgeous day outside, but instead of wanting to go out and play, he'd often be inside...watching tv...usually, the History Channel.
My daughter started taking a quilting class. She had never learned that lost art of “sewing” before...didn't have the time. I was amazed at the fabrics she selected for her quilt–absolutely gorgeous and very creative. I could never have put those fabrics together in my own mind to come up with a quilt like that. She's made two more since then, and always dazzles me with her ability. She has also made herself clothes, and adorable pillow shams for her bed.
Meanwhile, it wasn't long before the math texts produced tears in the eyes of my kids. They learned to hate math. So, out went those books along with the others. I was starting to get a very nice collection of slightly used curricula!
We decided as a family to start going places and doing things. We spent time in Yosemite, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, canoed, ferried, went to museums, zoos, to Canada, interesting factories, and every water park we could find. We also attended our state homeschooling organization's family camping trip and The California Home=Education Conferences. We were having fun...and the kids were learning.
They might not have been learning the same things as their peers in the public schools, but they were truly learning–not just memorizing for the next test. They were learning about things they wanted to learn about–not just what some government employees decided they should learn. Hmmm...maybe this “unschooling” thing was something we should consider?
My kids became even more involved in the 4-H Program. They took projects in: model rocketry, dog obedience, market sheep, horse, breeding sheep, quilting, small engines, rabbits, leadership, dog agility, horsemanship, arts & crafts, market beef, babysitting/CPR, and electricity. Their 4-H Record Books became our language program! Weighing animals, increasing and decreasing feeds, became part of our math program.
At some point in there, I had my first major PPA (Parental Panic Attack). I decided that the kids really needed to “learn” math. So out came the math textbooks again. And out came the tears again! I was forced to find something different, and I discovered some workbooks (Key Curriculum) that went over much better than the other textbooks had.
My son is an unschooler by nature. He has proven this to me over and over again. Despite my interference! He does not learn from reading a textbook–he is still allergic to textbooks...any size, any shape, any form. He can learn, however, by reading the maintenance manual for his Yamaha dirt bike! He can learn from watching TV shows. He learns from all the books he loves to read! He learns from life itself. He knows a lot about auto maintenance, just from watching his dad! And I guess that's what unschooling is all about! I don't tell many people that he “unschools” because most people don't understand what that means. I still don't understand exactly what that means. I just see that it works...for my son.
My daughter is a little more eclectic. She doesn't have allergies to textbooks, although there aren't many that appeal to her. She has occasionally asked me to purchase some for her, and I do. She's more likely to want to be like her peers. They have books, they do assignments...and she'll give that a try. I'm wondering how far she'll get with the Basic College Math book I recently bought her... But, she's happy to know that if she doesn't like a particular book that I've bought, she won't be made to use it. (Someday, I'm going to get rich from the Recycled Resource Room at the state homeschool conference!) But she also learns from life. She volunteers at our local vet clinic...says that she might want to be a vet some day. She is taking on more and more leadership roles in 4-H...last year treasurer of the club...this year president!
I used to be very supportive of the public school system... I volunteered in classrooms, was treasurer of the PTA, headed school fundraisers, was on Site Council, etc. I even worked as a teacher's aid for several years! All this was part of trying to make it better for my children. Then I realized that it wasn't going to work. It was time to bring them home, where they belonged in the first place. I had always been one of “those” parents...you know, the one who looked forward to spring, summer, and Christmas vacations...the one who was sad in the fall when the kids went back to school. You know the type...we are far and few between! I quit my job as a Medical Assistant so that I could be home with them. My husband works overtime, so that I don't have to. It's not always easy being a one-income family but it is worth it!
So that's how we have homeschooled in the five years since we began. We've gone from “School at Home” to being eclectic unschoolers. What I have learned from all of this is that there is no right or wrong way to homeschool. It gets back to my basic philosophy in life: “whatever works!” It's been hard, for me, because I'm the kind of person that wants to be sure I am doing things “right.“ It was hard for me to realize that there is no “right” way when it comes to homeschooling. But, my kids are teaching me that. Loud and clear!
-----}Nikki here....
This is something I struggle with all the time. I've been homeschooling for many years.
I hate to hear the kids say " I don't like school"....isn't that what most kids in public school say??
Sometimes, its good to sit back and relax and know that this isn't about public school...its about the love of learning we are trying to teach our kids.......
Before I pulled my eight and ten year old children out of the school system, I had become friends with a neighbor who was already homeschooling. I asked her if I could come over one day, to “watch” so I could “see” how they homeschooled. When I arrived, my friend was folding clothes on the kitchen table and one of her sons was lying on the floor (in his pajamas, mind you!) doing some sort of “school work”– math, I think it was. The other boy was sitting on the couch reading. They would occasionally ask her questions and she would occasionally remind them of something else they needed to “do”. And that was about it! Not at all what I had pictured in my mind!
I came away thinking, “I can do that!” I also still had this mental picture of us sitting around the kitchen table (not on the floor!) “doing school.” So, that's where we started...at the kitchen table...eventually.
Initially, we just had fun! We went on hikes, picked wild flowers and pressed them, had picnics in our front yard, read lots of books aloud, frequented the library, baked, experimented with baking soda and vinegar...
One day we walked to the local cemetery. There, we studied “math” as the kids tried to figure out how old the people were when they died (1916 − 1995 = 79). We also discussed the differences in our lives now and in the life of someone who was born in 1916 (the beginning of “unschooling”? Nah...there is no way I could do THAT!).
Then I decided it was time to DO something. So, I started looking at curricula. One of my “complaints” about the public school system was that it had not been academic enough. Too much time was wasted teaching the kids how to recycle, how to wash their hands and tie their shoes, and so forth. I wanted those academics! I wanted my kids to memorize the multiplication tables and diagram sentences! After all, that's what I did when I went to school, right?
I ordered books from a popular curriculum publisher after attending one of their “motel meetings.” My kids now had language books, books to improve their reading speed and comprehension, history books, health books and reading books. We were all set! I also got a popular set of math textbooks, with the company's box of manipulatives and all!
I even made up a schedule, allowing the kids to sleep in a little, of course. We started our “school day” at 9 and ended by 1 or 2. This was the life, as far as I could tell! The best of both worlds my children were getting the proper instruction, and the one-on-one attention they needed, yet there was still plenty of “free time” for them. I smugly sat back in my chair to watch.
Lo and behold...the kids came to me one day and said, “This is just like 'school.' We might as well still be in public schools!” (insert a whiny tone of voice). Imagine my complete surprise! I had thought I was doing everything “just right.”
“Okay,” I thought, “so we'll toss out some of the 'books' but not the math book!” My son started watching a lot of TV. Things like the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet...and I mean, hour after hour...and he started to read...book after book. I was amazed at what he was learning. I was frequently heard saying “WHERE did you learn THAT?” It might be an absolutely gorgeous day outside, but instead of wanting to go out and play, he'd often be inside...watching tv...usually, the History Channel.
My daughter started taking a quilting class. She had never learned that lost art of “sewing” before...didn't have the time. I was amazed at the fabrics she selected for her quilt–absolutely gorgeous and very creative. I could never have put those fabrics together in my own mind to come up with a quilt like that. She's made two more since then, and always dazzles me with her ability. She has also made herself clothes, and adorable pillow shams for her bed.
Meanwhile, it wasn't long before the math texts produced tears in the eyes of my kids. They learned to hate math. So, out went those books along with the others. I was starting to get a very nice collection of slightly used curricula!
We decided as a family to start going places and doing things. We spent time in Yosemite, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, canoed, ferried, went to museums, zoos, to Canada, interesting factories, and every water park we could find. We also attended our state homeschooling organization's family camping trip and The California Home=Education Conferences. We were having fun...and the kids were learning.
They might not have been learning the same things as their peers in the public schools, but they were truly learning–not just memorizing for the next test. They were learning about things they wanted to learn about–not just what some government employees decided they should learn. Hmmm...maybe this “unschooling” thing was something we should consider?
My kids became even more involved in the 4-H Program. They took projects in: model rocketry, dog obedience, market sheep, horse, breeding sheep, quilting, small engines, rabbits, leadership, dog agility, horsemanship, arts & crafts, market beef, babysitting/CPR, and electricity. Their 4-H Record Books became our language program! Weighing animals, increasing and decreasing feeds, became part of our math program.
At some point in there, I had my first major PPA (Parental Panic Attack). I decided that the kids really needed to “learn” math. So out came the math textbooks again. And out came the tears again! I was forced to find something different, and I discovered some workbooks (Key Curriculum) that went over much better than the other textbooks had.
My son is an unschooler by nature. He has proven this to me over and over again. Despite my interference! He does not learn from reading a textbook–he is still allergic to textbooks...any size, any shape, any form. He can learn, however, by reading the maintenance manual for his Yamaha dirt bike! He can learn from watching TV shows. He learns from all the books he loves to read! He learns from life itself. He knows a lot about auto maintenance, just from watching his dad! And I guess that's what unschooling is all about! I don't tell many people that he “unschools” because most people don't understand what that means. I still don't understand exactly what that means. I just see that it works...for my son.
My daughter is a little more eclectic. She doesn't have allergies to textbooks, although there aren't many that appeal to her. She has occasionally asked me to purchase some for her, and I do. She's more likely to want to be like her peers. They have books, they do assignments...and she'll give that a try. I'm wondering how far she'll get with the Basic College Math book I recently bought her... But, she's happy to know that if she doesn't like a particular book that I've bought, she won't be made to use it. (Someday, I'm going to get rich from the Recycled Resource Room at the state homeschool conference!) But she also learns from life. She volunteers at our local vet clinic...says that she might want to be a vet some day. She is taking on more and more leadership roles in 4-H...last year treasurer of the club...this year president!
I used to be very supportive of the public school system... I volunteered in classrooms, was treasurer of the PTA, headed school fundraisers, was on Site Council, etc. I even worked as a teacher's aid for several years! All this was part of trying to make it better for my children. Then I realized that it wasn't going to work. It was time to bring them home, where they belonged in the first place. I had always been one of “those” parents...you know, the one who looked forward to spring, summer, and Christmas vacations...the one who was sad in the fall when the kids went back to school. You know the type...we are far and few between! I quit my job as a Medical Assistant so that I could be home with them. My husband works overtime, so that I don't have to. It's not always easy being a one-income family but it is worth it!
So that's how we have homeschooled in the five years since we began. We've gone from “School at Home” to being eclectic unschoolers. What I have learned from all of this is that there is no right or wrong way to homeschool. It gets back to my basic philosophy in life: “whatever works!” It's been hard, for me, because I'm the kind of person that wants to be sure I am doing things “right.“ It was hard for me to realize that there is no “right” way when it comes to homeschooling. But, my kids are teaching me that. Loud and clear!
-----}Nikki here....
This is something I struggle with all the time. I've been homeschooling for many years.
I hate to hear the kids say " I don't like school"....isn't that what most kids in public school say??
Sometimes, its good to sit back and relax and know that this isn't about public school...its about the love of learning we are trying to teach our kids.......
Thursday, January 17, 2008
What about Resolutions...just try these.
Just For Today!
1. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes that what Abraham Lincoln said is true, that "most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Happiness is from within; it is not a matter of externals.
2. Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.
3. Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse nor neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.
4. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
5. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways; I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two things I don't want to do as William James suggests, just for exercise.
6. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor fault with anything and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.
7. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.
8. Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests, hurry and indecision.
9. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. In this half hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life.
10. Just for today I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe that those I love, love me.
If we want to develop a mental attitude that will bring us peace and happiness, here is Rule #1:
Think and act cheerfully, and you will feel cheerful.
(mine here)---One day at a time so you don't feel discouraged when you had a bad day!!!!
Written by Sybyl F Partridge in 1916 and printed in "How To Stop Worrying, And Start Living" by Dale Carnegie, 1951
1. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes that what Abraham Lincoln said is true, that "most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Happiness is from within; it is not a matter of externals.
2. Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.
3. Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse nor neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.
4. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
5. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways; I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two things I don't want to do as William James suggests, just for exercise.
6. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor fault with anything and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.
7. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.
8. Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests, hurry and indecision.
9. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. In this half hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life.
10. Just for today I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe that those I love, love me.
If we want to develop a mental attitude that will bring us peace and happiness, here is Rule #1:
Think and act cheerfully, and you will feel cheerful.
(mine here)---One day at a time so you don't feel discouraged when you had a bad day!!!!
Written by Sybyl F Partridge in 1916 and printed in "How To Stop Worrying, And Start Living" by Dale Carnegie, 1951
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Happy 10th Birthday Angelina!!!!
She turns 10 years old on the 10th of January!!
Happy Birthday to my dear daughter!!!!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Rubel Shelly thoughts....
Taken from www.heartlight.org
A New Year's Prayer by Rubel Shelly
Holy God of Heaven and Earth,
I know that a thousand years are as a day to you, but we humans are bound up in time. As a new year is beginning, please teach me to ...
care more about people and less about money,
enjoy my work but not let it enslave me,
and laugh more easily than I did last year.
As I get ready for 2008, help me to remember things that are easy to forget ...
that it might well be my last year,
that some people are counting on me,
and that you have things for me to do.
Lord, with the things I have accumulated over the years, please let me ...
shake off the monotony of life,
try some new things in this new year,
and mend some broken fences.
And, Father of Mercies, please teach me in this new and unspoiled year to ...
lighten up and enjoy children, sunsets, reading, and long walks,
avoid quarrels and work at being a peacemaker in this world,
and start next year with fewer regrets than I bring to 2008.
May we live it for your glory!I cannot know what this year will bring, and I am grateful for that! But help me ...
eat less junk food,
exercise and take better care of my body,
and learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Above all other things, Father, I want to be your instrument for ...
easing somebody's too-heavy load,
relieving some sad person's misery,
and introducing some lost soul to Jesus.
Come what may in the year about to begin, may we live it for your glory, within your will, and to your delight.
We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
A New Year's Prayer by Rubel Shelly
Holy God of Heaven and Earth,
I know that a thousand years are as a day to you, but we humans are bound up in time. As a new year is beginning, please teach me to ...
care more about people and less about money,
enjoy my work but not let it enslave me,
and laugh more easily than I did last year.
As I get ready for 2008, help me to remember things that are easy to forget ...
that it might well be my last year,
that some people are counting on me,
and that you have things for me to do.
Lord, with the things I have accumulated over the years, please let me ...
shake off the monotony of life,
try some new things in this new year,
and mend some broken fences.
And, Father of Mercies, please teach me in this new and unspoiled year to ...
lighten up and enjoy children, sunsets, reading, and long walks,
avoid quarrels and work at being a peacemaker in this world,
and start next year with fewer regrets than I bring to 2008.
May we live it for your glory!I cannot know what this year will bring, and I am grateful for that! But help me ...
eat less junk food,
exercise and take better care of my body,
and learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Above all other things, Father, I want to be your instrument for ...
easing somebody's too-heavy load,
relieving some sad person's misery,
and introducing some lost soul to Jesus.
Come what may in the year about to begin, may we live it for your glory, within your will, and to your delight.
We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do bad things happen to good people? That was something that was discussed in part in our Bible Study last night.Because of the tragedy of Opal Thomas, there are alot of things that might be going thru the minds of Christians and Non Christians alike.
Maybe some doubting questions..." Why would God allow this to happen to such good people?"
I have asked myself questions like this for a long time. I think the biggest tragedy that happened in my life was when my mom died of cancer when I was 11 years old.
It was awful to watch my mom dwindle away and not see family pulling together. My own family was falling apart in so many ways.
But here is the thing....
The person I have become today is (I believe) very much related to what happened to me in my life. That tragedy made me focus on the person I wanted to be and how much children, husbands and family really mean. Of course, I didn't REALLY come to realize it all until I became a Christian many years ago, but when my children need me, I'm here for them. I try not to take my family for granted because I know first hand it can be gone in a moment.
Why did this happen to the Thomas's? I do not know. But God knows and I know that Harold loves God and trusts God. The song that comes to mind is " My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name, On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand...." Our faith must be on Christ and what He did and what promises God has made us time and time again in scripture. Maybe this was Opal's time and God wanted to spare her the suffering by taking her in a way that she didn't suffer and the docs have said that she did not suffer so that is great!!
Alot of people will see how Harold and his family from National Road are handling this loss....What a statement to make to the world!!!! God may be bringing many people to Him thru this loss. Yes, its our loss but her gain. She is with the Lord. She will be there waiting for Harold for when his time is called up yonder and those she left behind. Oh what a sweet reunion that will be.
Harold and the Thomas family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this incredibly hard time. I didn't know Opal well, but what I did know of her was all fantastic.
Harold, please know that if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.
A little poem I found online..
Comfort
Surrounded by friends
yet all alone
the one I loved
God has called home
the hugs of friends
helps ease the pain
and I know my loss
is my loved one's gain
but tears now flow
across my face
as I long for just
one more embrace
then comfort comes
and I see Christ's face
He hugs my loved one
and I feel God's grace.
Author Unknown
Opal, you will be missed here on this earth by many, many people.
But someday, all of God's children will be together and the reunion will be sweeter than our imaginations can even conjure up.
Until then dear sister,
Until then
Nikki Vilano
Maybe some doubting questions..." Why would God allow this to happen to such good people?"
I have asked myself questions like this for a long time. I think the biggest tragedy that happened in my life was when my mom died of cancer when I was 11 years old.
It was awful to watch my mom dwindle away and not see family pulling together. My own family was falling apart in so many ways.
But here is the thing....
The person I have become today is (I believe) very much related to what happened to me in my life. That tragedy made me focus on the person I wanted to be and how much children, husbands and family really mean. Of course, I didn't REALLY come to realize it all until I became a Christian many years ago, but when my children need me, I'm here for them. I try not to take my family for granted because I know first hand it can be gone in a moment.
Why did this happen to the Thomas's? I do not know. But God knows and I know that Harold loves God and trusts God. The song that comes to mind is " My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name, On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand...." Our faith must be on Christ and what He did and what promises God has made us time and time again in scripture. Maybe this was Opal's time and God wanted to spare her the suffering by taking her in a way that she didn't suffer and the docs have said that she did not suffer so that is great!!
Alot of people will see how Harold and his family from National Road are handling this loss....What a statement to make to the world!!!! God may be bringing many people to Him thru this loss. Yes, its our loss but her gain. She is with the Lord. She will be there waiting for Harold for when his time is called up yonder and those she left behind. Oh what a sweet reunion that will be.
Harold and the Thomas family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this incredibly hard time. I didn't know Opal well, but what I did know of her was all fantastic.
Harold, please know that if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.
A little poem I found online..
Comfort
Surrounded by friends
yet all alone
the one I loved
God has called home
the hugs of friends
helps ease the pain
and I know my loss
is my loved one's gain
but tears now flow
across my face
as I long for just
one more embrace
then comfort comes
and I see Christ's face
He hugs my loved one
and I feel God's grace.
Author Unknown
Opal, you will be missed here on this earth by many, many people.
But someday, all of God's children will be together and the reunion will be sweeter than our imaginations can even conjure up.
Until then dear sister,
Until then
Nikki Vilano
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The grinch that stole Mommy!!!
The Grinch That Stole Mommy
By Jenny Runkel
I hate the Christmas season. Ok, maybe hate is too strong a word. That's the problme with being a writer. Everyone pays really close attention to your words and if you're not careful, they come back to haunt you in one way or another. So which word really pinpoints my feelings about Christmas? Bitterness? Melancholy? Cynicism? Dread? Hmm…that has a nice ring to it. Yes, I think that just might be it. I dread Christmas.
Sad, but true. I dread “the most wonderful time of the year.” I should be traipsing around town spreading cheer and drinking Peppermint Lattes, but I just can’t. To tell you the truth, I feel more like curling up into the fetal position and trying to sleep my way through the craziness. There is just something panic-inducing about the month of December. I have never sat down to try and outline what makes me so anxious whenever I hear Bing Crosby dreaming of a White Christmas, but with another yuletide quickly approaching, it’s high time I did just that.
Maybe it’s the catalogs that arrive before I’ve even finished sneaking the KitKats out of my kids’ Halloween bags. Those things are relentless. The catalogs, I mean. They clog my mailbox daily, promising lifetime guarantees on “gift solutions that make life easier.” Let’s think about that for a moment. Does a chocolate fondue fountain really make my life easier? What about a hand-held gnome that repeats phrases you give it in a “gnome accent?" You know what would really make my life easier? Not getting any more catalogs! Maybe it’s the supermarkets. I went to the grocery store on November 1st this year to do my weekly shopping. I expected the Halloween candy to be on sale and I knew Thanksgiving trimmings would greet me at the door—stacks of cranberry sauce, perhaps even rows of Indian corn. What I didn’t expect was to be hit in the face by Christmas. Literally. A gigantic inflatable Santa smacked me in the head just as I walked down the greeting card aisle. On November 1st! The clerk hauling Jolly St. Nick to his appointed spot apologized profusely, saying that she didn’t see me around the corner, but I know better. I saw the look on Santa’s face as they headed down aisle 14 to meet up with the candy canes. He was definitely smirking.
Maybe it’s the magazines lining the checkout counters. While I’m wrestling my kids away from the Skittles (and remembering that one of them hasn’t had a dentist appointment in ages), I’m faced with photos of darling children in precious Christmas sweaters making their own ornaments and baking cookies while Mom is scrapbooking the moment as it happens. AUGH!!!!
And then it hits me. I don’t really dread Christmas itself. It’s the pressure of the Holidays that make me woozy. All the glitz and glitter that the stores and commercials try to sell us has left me feeling empty and small. Real holidays, at least the holidays I’ve experienced, usually involve hurt feelings and awkward conversations. The catalogs, stores, and magazines don’t show you that side of things. They show the plastic side of Christmas.
It’s not the decorations or shopping that make me crazy, it’s the expectations that I’ve attached to those things. I’ve been listening to my inner “Should” without even recognizing it. This voice tells me what I’m supposed to do, how I’m supposed to look, how my children are supposed to behave. Apparently, it doesn’t stop there, though. It also tells me what the Holidays are supposed to be like. It tells me that I should bake cookies and put up Christmas lights. I should get the perfect gifts for my kids’ teachers, crossing guards, and coaches (not to mention friends and family). I should decorate the house and create a warm, cozy environment. I should write the perfect holiday letter and take the perfect holiday photo. I should catch up with all my long lost friends who send those same perfect letters and photos to me. I should record all these fantastic moments for eternity with pictures and videos. And I MUST do it all in precious Christmas sweaters.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. I am paralyzed by the sheer volume of things that need to be done. What am I doing to myself? To my family? This is Christmas, not the Mommy Olympics. Although sometimes it feels like it, there is no one watching my every move and waiting to give me a score, The loud echo of The Should doesn’t have to govern my actions and attitudes
No more! I am a smart, successful woman. I have the power and ability to overcome the lure of The Should and start enjoying the winter wonderland along with the best of them. From now on, I will listen to a new voice in my head. One that is a little more gentle, a little more wise and a lot more sane. I will call this my Maya Angelou voice. She sits on a windowsill in my mind waiting to comfort me with a smile and a nod. When I feel the urge to deck something other than the halls, I will hear her say to me in her warm, buttery voice,
“It’s ok to say no. You don’t need to attend all those parties and volunteer for every activity.”
“Put your feet up and take care of you for a change. When’s the last time you had some peace and quiet?”
“You are not alone. Just about everyone gets stressed around the holidays.”
“Be creative. There is not one right way to do everything. Revel in your unique approach.”
“Work smarter, not harder. Figure out what you’re not great at and let someone who is lend you a hand.”
“Enjoy the little moments. You will one day miss the way your child furrows her brow when writing to Santa.”
“Be gentle with yourself and with others. That is a gift worth giving.”
My inner Angelou. She makes me feel better already. There’s one problem with my plan. The Should won’t go away easily. It’s comfortable in my head. It’s been there for a long time and if I’m not careful, it will choke out Maya at the first sign of stress. I’ve got to think up a way to take that annoyingly persistent whine out of my head before it ruins yet another Christmas.
An epiphany! I know what I will do. I will order the Talking Gnome. I can give my Should another home and this time, instead of sounding like me, it will have a “silly gnome accent”. Maybe that Gnome really will make my life easier, after all.
By Jenny Runkel
I hate the Christmas season. Ok, maybe hate is too strong a word. That's the problme with being a writer. Everyone pays really close attention to your words and if you're not careful, they come back to haunt you in one way or another. So which word really pinpoints my feelings about Christmas? Bitterness? Melancholy? Cynicism? Dread? Hmm…that has a nice ring to it. Yes, I think that just might be it. I dread Christmas.
Sad, but true. I dread “the most wonderful time of the year.” I should be traipsing around town spreading cheer and drinking Peppermint Lattes, but I just can’t. To tell you the truth, I feel more like curling up into the fetal position and trying to sleep my way through the craziness. There is just something panic-inducing about the month of December. I have never sat down to try and outline what makes me so anxious whenever I hear Bing Crosby dreaming of a White Christmas, but with another yuletide quickly approaching, it’s high time I did just that.
Maybe it’s the catalogs that arrive before I’ve even finished sneaking the KitKats out of my kids’ Halloween bags. Those things are relentless. The catalogs, I mean. They clog my mailbox daily, promising lifetime guarantees on “gift solutions that make life easier.” Let’s think about that for a moment. Does a chocolate fondue fountain really make my life easier? What about a hand-held gnome that repeats phrases you give it in a “gnome accent?" You know what would really make my life easier? Not getting any more catalogs! Maybe it’s the supermarkets. I went to the grocery store on November 1st this year to do my weekly shopping. I expected the Halloween candy to be on sale and I knew Thanksgiving trimmings would greet me at the door—stacks of cranberry sauce, perhaps even rows of Indian corn. What I didn’t expect was to be hit in the face by Christmas. Literally. A gigantic inflatable Santa smacked me in the head just as I walked down the greeting card aisle. On November 1st! The clerk hauling Jolly St. Nick to his appointed spot apologized profusely, saying that she didn’t see me around the corner, but I know better. I saw the look on Santa’s face as they headed down aisle 14 to meet up with the candy canes. He was definitely smirking.
Maybe it’s the magazines lining the checkout counters. While I’m wrestling my kids away from the Skittles (and remembering that one of them hasn’t had a dentist appointment in ages), I’m faced with photos of darling children in precious Christmas sweaters making their own ornaments and baking cookies while Mom is scrapbooking the moment as it happens. AUGH!!!!
And then it hits me. I don’t really dread Christmas itself. It’s the pressure of the Holidays that make me woozy. All the glitz and glitter that the stores and commercials try to sell us has left me feeling empty and small. Real holidays, at least the holidays I’ve experienced, usually involve hurt feelings and awkward conversations. The catalogs, stores, and magazines don’t show you that side of things. They show the plastic side of Christmas.
It’s not the decorations or shopping that make me crazy, it’s the expectations that I’ve attached to those things. I’ve been listening to my inner “Should” without even recognizing it. This voice tells me what I’m supposed to do, how I’m supposed to look, how my children are supposed to behave. Apparently, it doesn’t stop there, though. It also tells me what the Holidays are supposed to be like. It tells me that I should bake cookies and put up Christmas lights. I should get the perfect gifts for my kids’ teachers, crossing guards, and coaches (not to mention friends and family). I should decorate the house and create a warm, cozy environment. I should write the perfect holiday letter and take the perfect holiday photo. I should catch up with all my long lost friends who send those same perfect letters and photos to me. I should record all these fantastic moments for eternity with pictures and videos. And I MUST do it all in precious Christmas sweaters.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. I am paralyzed by the sheer volume of things that need to be done. What am I doing to myself? To my family? This is Christmas, not the Mommy Olympics. Although sometimes it feels like it, there is no one watching my every move and waiting to give me a score, The loud echo of The Should doesn’t have to govern my actions and attitudes
No more! I am a smart, successful woman. I have the power and ability to overcome the lure of The Should and start enjoying the winter wonderland along with the best of them. From now on, I will listen to a new voice in my head. One that is a little more gentle, a little more wise and a lot more sane. I will call this my Maya Angelou voice. She sits on a windowsill in my mind waiting to comfort me with a smile and a nod. When I feel the urge to deck something other than the halls, I will hear her say to me in her warm, buttery voice,
“It’s ok to say no. You don’t need to attend all those parties and volunteer for every activity.”
“Put your feet up and take care of you for a change. When’s the last time you had some peace and quiet?”
“You are not alone. Just about everyone gets stressed around the holidays.”
“Be creative. There is not one right way to do everything. Revel in your unique approach.”
“Work smarter, not harder. Figure out what you’re not great at and let someone who is lend you a hand.”
“Enjoy the little moments. You will one day miss the way your child furrows her brow when writing to Santa.”
“Be gentle with yourself and with others. That is a gift worth giving.”
My inner Angelou. She makes me feel better already. There’s one problem with my plan. The Should won’t go away easily. It’s comfortable in my head. It’s been there for a long time and if I’m not careful, it will choke out Maya at the first sign of stress. I’ve got to think up a way to take that annoyingly persistent whine out of my head before it ruins yet another Christmas.
An epiphany! I know what I will do. I will order the Talking Gnome. I can give my Should another home and this time, instead of sounding like me, it will have a “silly gnome accent”. Maybe that Gnome really will make my life easier, after all.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Mary's Choice
by Phil Ware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The story is familiar, maybe to the point that we have forgotten how incredible it is. Some have trouble accepting the virgin conception and birth of Jesus because it is so outside our experience. Since we believe that God created and ordered a universe beyond our comprehension, it is not so difficult to believe he could create a child in the womb of a virgin. What is truly amazing to me is that this young, peasant, pious, small-town Jewish virgin would accept such an awesome and challenging task.
Let's read the story again with just a few questions and comments to help us hear the story again and rejoice.
Do you think Mary ever imagined an angel would speak to her personally? (Luke 1:26-29 TNIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
How could Mary think God would notice a poor girl like her from despised Nazareth? Even the Bible itself reminds us that people of Mary's day asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Why would God notice her, in this out of the way place, among a group of people with no claim to power or position? (Luke 1:30-33; John 1:46)
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Legend has it that Jewish women often prayed that they could be the mother of the Messiah. But could Mary actually dare to pray such a prayer? What right, what claim, did she have to even be able to utter these words? The angel's words pull back the curtain of life and help us see God's grace at work. (Luke 1:34-37)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
How could she believe God would bless her when it appears in every way that he hadn't? After all, she was poor, her country under the heel of the Roman boot, and her people had been under political subjugation for hundreds of years. Mary had no financial or legal claim to expect God would bless her in this way. Yet Mary does believe that God has seen her situation and has come to bless her, and through her, the Almighty would bless his people! (Luke 1:46-49)
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
Looking at the horrid political situation of her time — coupled with the religious hypocrisy and power struggle — how could Mary think of Herod and the Romans, yet still pray for God’s deliverance? God's deliverance seemed blocked by the power-mongers and the dishonest religious leaders in the system. Yet Mary proclaims: (Luke 1:50-52)
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
How could she believe God would bless her so?
but has lifted up the humble.
Don't you think it must have caught in her throat when she saw Pharisees & Sadducees gloating in their rich and religiously arrogant sense of superiority? But, Mary steadfastly trusted that God would turn the tables and make things right for his downtrodden people. (Luke 1:53-55)
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors."
Most of all, Mary surely realized the mess she would bring on herself by accepting this challenge! How could her friends believe her? Wouldn't her reputation be trashed as the rumors of her pregnancy swirled in the small village of Nazareth? She must have realized that even going to live with Elizabeth during her pregnancy would not silence the skeptics and she would be disgraced in her home town — for how could anyone understand this miracle inside her? (Luke 1:56) Don't you think she knew her son, Jesus, would one day be called "Mary's Boy" because no one would believe his miraculous conception? (Mark 6:3) Most of all, Mary surely had to anticipate possibly losing her betrothed husband, Joseph, for how could he understand? (Matthew 1:18-24;Joel 1:9)
Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the betrothed of her youth.
When given the open challenge of bearing the Messiah miraculously conceived in her womb by God's Holy Spirit, Mary said, "Yes!" This is the power of God's miracle — Mary is willing to partner with God in a mystery she could not fully understand. Mary said, "Yes!" to the challenges and joys as well as the surprises and wounds. She said, "Yes!" to the precious moments she would share with her baby, but she also said, "Yes!" to hearing her son being called Mary's boy in ridicule. She said, "Yes!" to wonder of the Magi and their gifts and also said "Yes!" to the horrifying moments as she watched her boy crucified before a hardened and mocking mob. While she could not anticipate where all this would lead anymore than she could understand the miracle of her son's conception, Mary said, "Yes!"
You see, one verse, the miracle verse of the whole story, stands out. When faced with this blessing and this cost, with this joy with such challenge, Mary answers the Lord with these incredible words of pledge: "I am the Lord’s servant ... May it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Such is the stuff of miracle and grace — the gift of character that forms us to be like the Savior and provides us our way back to God!
by Phil Ware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The story is familiar, maybe to the point that we have forgotten how incredible it is. Some have trouble accepting the virgin conception and birth of Jesus because it is so outside our experience. Since we believe that God created and ordered a universe beyond our comprehension, it is not so difficult to believe he could create a child in the womb of a virgin. What is truly amazing to me is that this young, peasant, pious, small-town Jewish virgin would accept such an awesome and challenging task.
Let's read the story again with just a few questions and comments to help us hear the story again and rejoice.
Do you think Mary ever imagined an angel would speak to her personally? (Luke 1:26-29 TNIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
How could Mary think God would notice a poor girl like her from despised Nazareth? Even the Bible itself reminds us that people of Mary's day asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Why would God notice her, in this out of the way place, among a group of people with no claim to power or position? (Luke 1:30-33; John 1:46)
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Legend has it that Jewish women often prayed that they could be the mother of the Messiah. But could Mary actually dare to pray such a prayer? What right, what claim, did she have to even be able to utter these words? The angel's words pull back the curtain of life and help us see God's grace at work. (Luke 1:34-37)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
How could she believe God would bless her when it appears in every way that he hadn't? After all, she was poor, her country under the heel of the Roman boot, and her people had been under political subjugation for hundreds of years. Mary had no financial or legal claim to expect God would bless her in this way. Yet Mary does believe that God has seen her situation and has come to bless her, and through her, the Almighty would bless his people! (Luke 1:46-49)
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
Looking at the horrid political situation of her time — coupled with the religious hypocrisy and power struggle — how could Mary think of Herod and the Romans, yet still pray for God’s deliverance? God's deliverance seemed blocked by the power-mongers and the dishonest religious leaders in the system. Yet Mary proclaims: (Luke 1:50-52)
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
How could she believe God would bless her so?
but has lifted up the humble.
Don't you think it must have caught in her throat when she saw Pharisees & Sadducees gloating in their rich and religiously arrogant sense of superiority? But, Mary steadfastly trusted that God would turn the tables and make things right for his downtrodden people. (Luke 1:53-55)
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors."
Most of all, Mary surely realized the mess she would bring on herself by accepting this challenge! How could her friends believe her? Wouldn't her reputation be trashed as the rumors of her pregnancy swirled in the small village of Nazareth? She must have realized that even going to live with Elizabeth during her pregnancy would not silence the skeptics and she would be disgraced in her home town — for how could anyone understand this miracle inside her? (Luke 1:56) Don't you think she knew her son, Jesus, would one day be called "Mary's Boy" because no one would believe his miraculous conception? (Mark 6:3) Most of all, Mary surely had to anticipate possibly losing her betrothed husband, Joseph, for how could he understand? (Matthew 1:18-24;Joel 1:9)
Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the betrothed of her youth.
When given the open challenge of bearing the Messiah miraculously conceived in her womb by God's Holy Spirit, Mary said, "Yes!" This is the power of God's miracle — Mary is willing to partner with God in a mystery she could not fully understand. Mary said, "Yes!" to the challenges and joys as well as the surprises and wounds. She said, "Yes!" to the precious moments she would share with her baby, but she also said, "Yes!" to hearing her son being called Mary's boy in ridicule. She said, "Yes!" to wonder of the Magi and their gifts and also said "Yes!" to the horrifying moments as she watched her boy crucified before a hardened and mocking mob. While she could not anticipate where all this would lead anymore than she could understand the miracle of her son's conception, Mary said, "Yes!"
You see, one verse, the miracle verse of the whole story, stands out. When faced with this blessing and this cost, with this joy with such challenge, Mary answers the Lord with these incredible words of pledge: "I am the Lord’s servant ... May it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Such is the stuff of miracle and grace — the gift of character that forms us to be like the Savior and provides us our way back to God!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Boy its been a while
Things have been so incredibly busy here that I haven't had much time on my own computer.
My two oldest boys computers died and they are almost fixed. Michael got his back and Joey is supposed to get his back no later than Tuesday. THEN I only have to share with Angel and Tony lol!!!!
Its been a busy season getting ready for the Holidays. This week finds me making cookies and fudge....planning Christmas dinner, ordering my Heavenly Ham, wrapping presents, still BUYING presents lol, and trying to find joy in the midst of all the craziness.
I've been going thru many trials and tribulations lately but I have to say that God is bring me thru each and every one of them.
Its like I'm being carried. It feels so peaceful knowing that I'm not alone.
Tuesday I have an interview for a new day care girl who is 2. She will come 3 days a week so thats a good start since my daycare inspection probably won't even happen until the end of January. Boy Ohio is sooo slow at trying to get their providers ready to accept kids. Its almost like they don't want us.
Well, the weather sure was frightful today. COuldn't even venture out for church. This morning, weather wasn't bad but we decided to wait until evening to make sure the roads had been cleared. We got ready to go to evening church when the snow started to come down and come down heavy.....soooo needless to say, we didn't make it.
well, there's an update. They have been few and far between but I hope to do better once I have more time to get on here lol.
Blessings to all
Nikki
My two oldest boys computers died and they are almost fixed. Michael got his back and Joey is supposed to get his back no later than Tuesday. THEN I only have to share with Angel and Tony lol!!!!
Its been a busy season getting ready for the Holidays. This week finds me making cookies and fudge....planning Christmas dinner, ordering my Heavenly Ham, wrapping presents, still BUYING presents lol, and trying to find joy in the midst of all the craziness.
I've been going thru many trials and tribulations lately but I have to say that God is bring me thru each and every one of them.
Its like I'm being carried. It feels so peaceful knowing that I'm not alone.
Tuesday I have an interview for a new day care girl who is 2. She will come 3 days a week so thats a good start since my daycare inspection probably won't even happen until the end of January. Boy Ohio is sooo slow at trying to get their providers ready to accept kids. Its almost like they don't want us.
Well, the weather sure was frightful today. COuldn't even venture out for church. This morning, weather wasn't bad but we decided to wait until evening to make sure the roads had been cleared. We got ready to go to evening church when the snow started to come down and come down heavy.....soooo needless to say, we didn't make it.
well, there's an update. They have been few and far between but I hope to do better once I have more time to get on here lol.
Blessings to all
Nikki
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Calling all Shoppers!!!
well, its almost the biggest shopping day of the year!!
On that day, I do not leave my house :)
I wanted to share with you all that I finally have my creative juices flowing again.
In the picture you see today are things I made called Wax Dipped Room Fresheners.
They are dipped in a mixture of wax and scent and give off a fantastic aroma without burning a candle. I make these in a variety of animals but the picture shows the ones I did yesterday.
I do these in bayberry, buttercream and gingerbread scent but will be adding lovespell to that soon also.
The crosses you see in the picture are what Joey makes. In case you all don't know who Joey is, he is my 15 year old son. The crosses are made with bent nails and wire and can be done in any color!! The favorites seems to be Steelers colors of black and gold and also USA, the red white and blue ones.
His crosses go for $10 each.
The animals pictured sell for $8.
Its so much fun to do!!! If you have a favorite stuffed animal you would like done to match something in your home, let me know and I'll do my best to see if I can find it to scent for you .
Nikki
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fantastic Idea!!!!!
http://jen365.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html
If you go to the above site, you will begin reading about a lady getting ready to turn 29. So for the next year, she will do something different, that she has never done until her 30th Birthday.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that idea!!!
Now, I want to do my OWN version of this. On December 3rd, I will turn 40 and I want to do something different each day that I am 40. 40 is such a big number for me!!! (Isn't it for everyone???)
Ok everyone, I need ideas. Her ideas aren't exactly what I would do.....but I need lots of ideas...
I only have a couple of weeks to plan this but I want to do this!! I think it would be fun and give my #40 some fun that it needs!!!!!
Jump in and email me or comment me!!!!!
Nikki
If you go to the above site, you will begin reading about a lady getting ready to turn 29. So for the next year, she will do something different, that she has never done until her 30th Birthday.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that idea!!!
Now, I want to do my OWN version of this. On December 3rd, I will turn 40 and I want to do something different each day that I am 40. 40 is such a big number for me!!! (Isn't it for everyone???)
Ok everyone, I need ideas. Her ideas aren't exactly what I would do.....but I need lots of ideas...
I only have a couple of weeks to plan this but I want to do this!! I think it would be fun and give my #40 some fun that it needs!!!!!
Jump in and email me or comment me!!!!!
Nikki
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Just stuff :)
Hello everyone.
Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week from Thursday? Time seems to fly by. Next thing you know, it will be Christmas...and I am no way at all ready for that.
Things here are good.
Nothing much has changed really.
I'm still waiting on my home inspection for my childcare certification.
I am getting myself into some crafts though.
I make wax scented bears (stuffed animals) and will be trying my hand at candles too. I still continue to make my lip balm and one that about myself that I hate is that I think of a bunch of good ideas, but do nothing.....
Kids are all doing fine.
Happy Birthday Rachel.(my sister in law)
Love
Nikki
Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week from Thursday? Time seems to fly by. Next thing you know, it will be Christmas...and I am no way at all ready for that.
Things here are good.
Nothing much has changed really.
I'm still waiting on my home inspection for my childcare certification.
I am getting myself into some crafts though.
I make wax scented bears (stuffed animals) and will be trying my hand at candles too. I still continue to make my lip balm and one that about myself that I hate is that I think of a bunch of good ideas, but do nothing.....
Kids are all doing fine.
Happy Birthday Rachel.(my sister in law)
Love
Nikki
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
What is YOUR identity?
How many of you out there feel like as you've gotten older have lost your "identity"?
I've been married for 20 years and sometimes I feel like I've lost my identity. I tend to take on the identities of those around me. I'm not me anymore. I'm Angel's mom or Joey's mom, or Mike's wife. I "think" at one time I knew who I was....but now, I have no idea :)
I know as a Christian I am not my own but I am Christ's. But how does one find out who you are after giving so much of yourself away year after year to others? I would think back....what music did I listen to years ago, and why did I stop. Yes, I listened to the Carpenters years ago. I loved that music. I think over the years, no one else liked it so I stopped listening to it.
I know as Christians we are to consider others better than ourselves. We are supposed to put others first. But where do we as individuals in Christ fit in then? I know its healthy to be an individual and have your own interests and likings....How does it all fit together to form a healthy human being?
Please, email me your thoughts on this...
Winter is coming....
Nikki
I've been married for 20 years and sometimes I feel like I've lost my identity. I tend to take on the identities of those around me. I'm not me anymore. I'm Angel's mom or Joey's mom, or Mike's wife. I "think" at one time I knew who I was....but now, I have no idea :)
I know as a Christian I am not my own but I am Christ's. But how does one find out who you are after giving so much of yourself away year after year to others? I would think back....what music did I listen to years ago, and why did I stop. Yes, I listened to the Carpenters years ago. I loved that music. I think over the years, no one else liked it so I stopped listening to it.
I know as Christians we are to consider others better than ourselves. We are supposed to put others first. But where do we as individuals in Christ fit in then? I know its healthy to be an individual and have your own interests and likings....How does it all fit together to form a healthy human being?
Please, email me your thoughts on this...
Winter is coming....
Nikki
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Report cards for parents
City Considers Grading Parents
MANCHESTER, Conn. -- A member of the Manchester Board of Education has proposed grading parents of the district's students with report cards.
Steve Edwards said the idea is meant to get more parents involved in their children's academic careers and to make them more responsible.
"There are people who see it as anti-parent, I see it as pro-parent," Edwards said.
The idea stirred controversy in Chicago after a short-term implementation.
Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News said that they are considering the idea.
"I think it's a good idea because I don't think parents step up to the plate these days," said Manchester parent Maureen Madrak.
If passed, teachers would keep tabs on parents in five different areas. Teachers would evaluate whether students are doing their homework, arriving at school on time, eating a good breakfast, dressed appropriately for the weather and if parents are actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.
"This isn't a program to evaluate a program or someone's lifestyle -- this is a program to help figure out how kids can succeed in school," said Edwards.
Edwards said currently the plan is just an idea and that he plans to discuss it more at future Board of Education Committee meetings.
~~~~Nikki Here.....Interesting article. Hmmmm if parents fail on their report card, do they get grounded by their child??? Detention maybe? Joking aside....Parents need to be involved!!!
There is a book I am very interested in reading called Screamfree Parenting. I will start reading it soon and posting info about it here. If its really good, I might want to start a once a month book club about this book. OOPS, if i say it outloud, I might have to actually do it :) :)
Be Blessed
Nikki
MANCHESTER, Conn. -- A member of the Manchester Board of Education has proposed grading parents of the district's students with report cards.
Steve Edwards said the idea is meant to get more parents involved in their children's academic careers and to make them more responsible.
"There are people who see it as anti-parent, I see it as pro-parent," Edwards said.
The idea stirred controversy in Chicago after a short-term implementation.
Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News said that they are considering the idea.
"I think it's a good idea because I don't think parents step up to the plate these days," said Manchester parent Maureen Madrak.
If passed, teachers would keep tabs on parents in five different areas. Teachers would evaluate whether students are doing their homework, arriving at school on time, eating a good breakfast, dressed appropriately for the weather and if parents are actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.
"This isn't a program to evaluate a program or someone's lifestyle -- this is a program to help figure out how kids can succeed in school," said Edwards.
Edwards said currently the plan is just an idea and that he plans to discuss it more at future Board of Education Committee meetings.
~~~~Nikki Here.....Interesting article. Hmmmm if parents fail on their report card, do they get grounded by their child??? Detention maybe? Joking aside....Parents need to be involved!!!
There is a book I am very interested in reading called Screamfree Parenting. I will start reading it soon and posting info about it here. If its really good, I might want to start a once a month book club about this book. OOPS, if i say it outloud, I might have to actually do it :) :)
Be Blessed
Nikki
Monday, October 29, 2007
Been in Ohio for 1 year now
Well, the one year mark has come and gone.
What a crazy year its been. That is for sure!!!
When we arrived in Ohio, I hadn't even seen the home we were going to live in.
But God worked it out.
The kids and I managed to get thru the time without Mike here.
God worked it out.
Once Mike arrived home, the retirement pay and unemployment monies were no where to be found...
God worked it out.
With the job situation, so many doors were shut, couldn't understand why...
God worked it out.
Now, Mike likes his job in Pittsburgh and we can see how God was working the whole time.
Remember, God IS working in our lives. Whether it is painful or not, He is working.
Sometimes the anvil is painful but He is molding us. Call it growing pains I guess but God WILL work it out
NIkki
What a crazy year its been. That is for sure!!!
When we arrived in Ohio, I hadn't even seen the home we were going to live in.
But God worked it out.
The kids and I managed to get thru the time without Mike here.
God worked it out.
Once Mike arrived home, the retirement pay and unemployment monies were no where to be found...
God worked it out.
With the job situation, so many doors were shut, couldn't understand why...
God worked it out.
Now, Mike likes his job in Pittsburgh and we can see how God was working the whole time.
Remember, God IS working in our lives. Whether it is painful or not, He is working.
Sometimes the anvil is painful but He is molding us. Call it growing pains I guess but God WILL work it out
NIkki
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A neat thought on Pumpkins :)
THis was sent to me in an email and I thought it was a neat thought :)
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light insi de you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light insi de you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Just an update :)
Hello!
Wow, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and really, my last few posts have just been some neat video's I've found.
Things here are good.
Mike still likes his job in Pittsburgh.
I miss having him home and having the ease of having my van at all times but I'll get used to it again. Its a good thing I'm 4 houses from Convenient Store :)
Michael is now working pretty much full time at Deluxe toy and hobby store in Martins Ferry which is also only a block and a half from our house.
Joey and Tony and Angel are working on school and soon will be making plans for Thanksgiving Feast!! Joey is my cook so I hope maybe he can come up with something really delicious. It will be our 1st Thanksgiving in many many MANY years to be here with family.
My daycare certification is coming along. WHen I talked to my worker, she said she is hoping within a month or so ...to have the interview with me and be done! SOoooo, that means working on my house to getting everything done that needs to be done for it. With my certification, it means I can accept state paid kids. I wish I had kids in here now but so far, nothing.
Well, there is an update. Sorry its been so few and far between. I think of things to write about as I lay in bed, then forget by the time I wake up....
More later
Be Blessed
Nikki
Wow, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and really, my last few posts have just been some neat video's I've found.
Things here are good.
Mike still likes his job in Pittsburgh.
I miss having him home and having the ease of having my van at all times but I'll get used to it again. Its a good thing I'm 4 houses from Convenient Store :)
Michael is now working pretty much full time at Deluxe toy and hobby store in Martins Ferry which is also only a block and a half from our house.
Joey and Tony and Angel are working on school and soon will be making plans for Thanksgiving Feast!! Joey is my cook so I hope maybe he can come up with something really delicious. It will be our 1st Thanksgiving in many many MANY years to be here with family.
My daycare certification is coming along. WHen I talked to my worker, she said she is hoping within a month or so ...to have the interview with me and be done! SOoooo, that means working on my house to getting everything done that needs to be done for it. With my certification, it means I can accept state paid kids. I wish I had kids in here now but so far, nothing.
Well, there is an update. Sorry its been so few and far between. I think of things to write about as I lay in bed, then forget by the time I wake up....
More later
Be Blessed
Nikki
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