I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE OUT SO...
Yesterday my oldest son read my post about happiness and asked why he wasn't included. So I need to say something wonderful about him so he doesn't feel left out. It's not hard although we have been battling a lack of diligence with him.
My oldest son is so encouraging with his brother who's starting school this year. This is part of the reason we're working on diligence actually. When his brother writes something new in his handwriting book he wants to help him or compliment him. He's just so excited that his brother is learning. I find this so refreshing. It seems the prevailing attitude amongst siblings is to belittle them if they can't do something and you can. This is one of the major reasons I love homeschooling. My children are learning how to live with one another in an understanding way. Lessons in patience, forbearance and mercy are daily occurrences sprinkled throughout our history lessons and math problems.
Off topic for a moment - have you ever really looked at a buttercup? You know those pretty little flowers that come up with the weeds in your yard? Yes we have weeds. Actually the whole backyard has been given up because of the dog. We love him but trying to get a landscaper perfect back lawn while you have three kids, a puppy and a swingset isn't really possible. Back to the buttercup. Pick one and take a closer look. The symmetry is amazing. First you have five yellow petals. Behind the petals are five little green leaves that taper to a point. Those five green leaves are positioned right behind and inbetween the yellow petals. Then there's another set of five green leaves behind the tapered ones, of a totally different shape. To top it all off, in the center is a fuzzy yellow "ball" (sorry to the plant experts) surrounded by tiny little yellow stems with tiny little "balls" at their tips. The day I really looked at these buttercups made me realize the majestic, creative goodness of God. The Bible says that the grass withers and the flower fades, but even so He has clothed these little buttercups with more splendor than Solomon. Amazing. And even more amazing is that we are so much more precious to him than a flower that is here today and withers tomorrow. Astounding!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
HAPPINESS IS...
Listening to my 5 year old precious little son learn to read.
Drawing yet another pink heart for my little daughter to color.
Enjoying the aroma of 3 loaves of bread baking.
Having a Father in heaven to thank for all of these blessings.
Lord, please don't let me miss these things. Open my eyes to more and let me always be full of gratitude.
Listening to my 5 year old precious little son learn to read.
Drawing yet another pink heart for my little daughter to color.
Enjoying the aroma of 3 loaves of bread baking.
Having a Father in heaven to thank for all of these blessings.
Lord, please don't let me miss these things. Open my eyes to more and let me always be full of gratitude.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
SOME ANNOYANCES
Last night I was in Publix and was checking out a display of bestselling books. I picked up a coffee table size book which was a compilation of favorite articles from Oprah's magazine - O. As I thumbed through it one article caught my eye. It was an interview Oprah did with a mother of nine children. Threaded all throughout this interview was this concern on Oprah's part that this mother was not getting enough time for herself, even though all the kids were in preschool or public school, and that this mother was losing her sense of self. I know I shouldn't expect Oprah to have a biblical worldview but this subtle theme of noble selfishness really bothers me. It bothers me even more when I hear it coming from Christians. What about the words of Christ when he said that those who wish to save their lives would lose them but those who lose their lives for His sake will find them? While I think we all need to take care of ourselves as mothers, especially those who have a lot of children, the obsession with making sure your children don't rob you of your personal time or your sense of self is such a lie from Satan. What this argument really says is that someone who invests their whole selves in their family and children are just abnormal and need to get a life. People like Oprah want to make sure that your precious children aren't robbing you of your sense of self, whatever that is. How dare they?
My other annoyance comes in the form of a question. Do you memorize Scripture? Have you ever memorized a whole book or a chapter? Why do I feel embarrassed to admit this to other Christians? The other night I was listening to John MacArthur on the radio. He was giving a brief biographical sketch of John Calvin. I had no idea the suffering he went through. Not only did he suffer spiritual persecution but he suffered from physical suffering (migraines, gout, etc.) and the death of his infant child and his wife several years later. But he still preached and worked tirelessly. As MacArthur went on to detail how much he preached - he took six years to preach through Acts - I felt like such a slug. Is it just me or are we slouching whiners as a culture? We think that if we are suffering from something this gives us an excuse to not work. Calvin worked through his sufferings up until death in his mid 50s. This mindset of laziness that I see in myself and this culture and in the church really annoys me.
Final question - when you read of or hear of people like Calvin or Edwards who accomplished so much despite their sufferings do you
a) feel guilty
b) feel awed
c) feel motivated
d) all of the above.
Last night I was in Publix and was checking out a display of bestselling books. I picked up a coffee table size book which was a compilation of favorite articles from Oprah's magazine - O. As I thumbed through it one article caught my eye. It was an interview Oprah did with a mother of nine children. Threaded all throughout this interview was this concern on Oprah's part that this mother was not getting enough time for herself, even though all the kids were in preschool or public school, and that this mother was losing her sense of self. I know I shouldn't expect Oprah to have a biblical worldview but this subtle theme of noble selfishness really bothers me. It bothers me even more when I hear it coming from Christians. What about the words of Christ when he said that those who wish to save their lives would lose them but those who lose their lives for His sake will find them? While I think we all need to take care of ourselves as mothers, especially those who have a lot of children, the obsession with making sure your children don't rob you of your personal time or your sense of self is such a lie from Satan. What this argument really says is that someone who invests their whole selves in their family and children are just abnormal and need to get a life. People like Oprah want to make sure that your precious children aren't robbing you of your sense of self, whatever that is. How dare they?
My other annoyance comes in the form of a question. Do you memorize Scripture? Have you ever memorized a whole book or a chapter? Why do I feel embarrassed to admit this to other Christians? The other night I was listening to John MacArthur on the radio. He was giving a brief biographical sketch of John Calvin. I had no idea the suffering he went through. Not only did he suffer spiritual persecution but he suffered from physical suffering (migraines, gout, etc.) and the death of his infant child and his wife several years later. But he still preached and worked tirelessly. As MacArthur went on to detail how much he preached - he took six years to preach through Acts - I felt like such a slug. Is it just me or are we slouching whiners as a culture? We think that if we are suffering from something this gives us an excuse to not work. Calvin worked through his sufferings up until death in his mid 50s. This mindset of laziness that I see in myself and this culture and in the church really annoys me.
Final question - when you read of or hear of people like Calvin or Edwards who accomplished so much despite their sufferings do you
a) feel guilty
b) feel awed
c) feel motivated
d) all of the above.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
LITTLE HOUSE SABBATH
Last year I read the whole Little House series to my children and they just adored it. So did I, by the way. A while back I started a "series" discussing my observations on the books. Here's my second installment; please forgive my extreme tardiness. For those who are curious, we read Swiss Family Robinson after Little House and we are now almost done The Secret Garden. I have to admit that even though SFR was interesting and exciting, it wasn't what I would call a joy to read aloud. On the other hand, The Secret Garden is one of the best books we've read. I just wish I could do a good Yorkshire accent. I keep trying to imitate Eliza in My Fair Lady but I know I'm falling far short. The good thing about reading aloud to your children though is that they don't care. They have no expectations and I am free to read as dramatically as I like.
On to the Little House books. In the first one, Little House in the Big Woods, I was struck by how the family spent their Sundays. They didn't have the opportunity to go to a church but they observed the Sabbath anyway. However, I felt the restrictions that were made on the children were kind of severe.
"On Sundays Mary and Laura must not run or shout or be noisy in their play. Mary could not sew on her nine-patch quilt, and Laura could not knit on the tiny mittens she was making for Baby Carrie. They might look quietly at their paper dolls, but they must not make anything new for them. They were not allowed to sew on doll clothes, not even with pins."
It seems Sundays were supposed to be as quiet as possible and as solemn as possible. If you've read the book you know that Laura couldn't take it one winter Sunday and started playing with the dog very loudly. However, Pa was very merciful to her and instead of punishment he told a story about how their grandpa had it even worse on Sundays. Grandpa had to do everything perfectly on Sunday - walk solemnly, talk but not laugh, sit perfectly still in church during a two hour sermon, plus sit perfectly still on a hard wooden bench in the afternoon studying their catechism. I wonder if this was typical for most families back then. They even ate their meals cold because cooking was considered work. I guess today the pendulum has swung far to other side. I think most evangelicals today don't try to set apart the Sabbath for anything except going to church and then maybe going out for lunch or having a special dinner.
Question: How does your family set the Sabbath day apart? Is it a day of solemnity or a day of joy and celebration?
Our dog finally gets neutered this Friday. Hallelujah!! He has so much energy I think we could power our house off of him. I hope neutering will help with his chewing obsession. He loves the kids' stuffed animals. I've already had to replace one of my daughter's.
Have a great week! Sorry I've been so lax in posting lately. I'll try to post another review of Piper's When I Don't Desire God next. Blessings.
Last year I read the whole Little House series to my children and they just adored it. So did I, by the way. A while back I started a "series" discussing my observations on the books. Here's my second installment; please forgive my extreme tardiness. For those who are curious, we read Swiss Family Robinson after Little House and we are now almost done The Secret Garden. I have to admit that even though SFR was interesting and exciting, it wasn't what I would call a joy to read aloud. On the other hand, The Secret Garden is one of the best books we've read. I just wish I could do a good Yorkshire accent. I keep trying to imitate Eliza in My Fair Lady but I know I'm falling far short. The good thing about reading aloud to your children though is that they don't care. They have no expectations and I am free to read as dramatically as I like.
On to the Little House books. In the first one, Little House in the Big Woods, I was struck by how the family spent their Sundays. They didn't have the opportunity to go to a church but they observed the Sabbath anyway. However, I felt the restrictions that were made on the children were kind of severe.
"On Sundays Mary and Laura must not run or shout or be noisy in their play. Mary could not sew on her nine-patch quilt, and Laura could not knit on the tiny mittens she was making for Baby Carrie. They might look quietly at their paper dolls, but they must not make anything new for them. They were not allowed to sew on doll clothes, not even with pins."
It seems Sundays were supposed to be as quiet as possible and as solemn as possible. If you've read the book you know that Laura couldn't take it one winter Sunday and started playing with the dog very loudly. However, Pa was very merciful to her and instead of punishment he told a story about how their grandpa had it even worse on Sundays. Grandpa had to do everything perfectly on Sunday - walk solemnly, talk but not laugh, sit perfectly still in church during a two hour sermon, plus sit perfectly still on a hard wooden bench in the afternoon studying their catechism. I wonder if this was typical for most families back then. They even ate their meals cold because cooking was considered work. I guess today the pendulum has swung far to other side. I think most evangelicals today don't try to set apart the Sabbath for anything except going to church and then maybe going out for lunch or having a special dinner.
Question: How does your family set the Sabbath day apart? Is it a day of solemnity or a day of joy and celebration?
Our dog finally gets neutered this Friday. Hallelujah!! He has so much energy I think we could power our house off of him. I hope neutering will help with his chewing obsession. He loves the kids' stuffed animals. I've already had to replace one of my daughter's.
Have a great week! Sorry I've been so lax in posting lately. I'll try to post another review of Piper's When I Don't Desire God next. Blessings.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
I'M BACK
Our week with no TV, Nintendo and computer for the kids (and mostly for me) went better than I thought. Thanks for thinking of us and even praying for our media-free week. It was a little difficult considering that Katrina had just happened but I did get to see some coverage when my husband came home. The media-free week was mostly for the kids. I had no problems with whiners and complainers. Even my 4 yo daughter didn't whine too much. She only asked once or twice a day if she could watch TV. We hadn't started school yet so I had to fill the day with other activities. We had lots of fun and I learned a few things too. I hope to enlist my husband's help in getting up some pictures of "tent-city" in the boys' bedroom. My youngest played Candyland and Chutes and Ladders for the first time and we all learned to be good sports when someone else wins or when someone gets stuck in the Molasses Swamp. My oldest got tired of Monopoly Jr. so we went out and bought the original version and introduced him to this cut-throat game. The first game was a real trial by fire in that he kept landing on my properties with hotels and I never landed on his Boardwalk or Park Place until the last roll of the night. There was some crying but he did continue the game until the next day when he finally went bankrupt. He then proceeded to bury me the next game by accumulating lots of property and over $3,000!
The main thing I learned is something that's hard to confess especially for someone who homeschools. By nature, and I'm talking about the flesh here folks, I am not intentional about spending time with my children. I'm very selfish for my time and like to sink into a melancholy isolationism. By making myself be intentional about spending time with the children I realized how selfish and lazy I've been with the time I've been given. It's not my time anyway. But it was such a blessing to spend that time with the children. That is the good life. Doing things that seem unimportant and not exciting to the post modern mindset but things that will build a lifetime of memories. As I reflect back on this past week I keep thinking of that article Denise Sproul recently wrote in Every Thought Captive. I wrote about it here. It's in the small seemingly unimportant areas of our daily lives where we are tempted and tried, shaped and molded.
By the way, thanks for the advice concerning MOTH. After three days of implementation, I'm realizing that it will help for some parts of the day and hinder other parts. I'm finding that there is something in me that just rebels against having to stick to a schedule every day. I think that's a hindrance to me in the diligence department but not something I'm going to have a guilt trip over.
This week is going well for our first week of school. It's the first year of me teaching two so I'm needing to be more diligent with time. We are reading The Secret Garden aloud and loving it. And Play-doh is taking up a lot of my preschoolers time! Don't you love the smell of Play-doh?? Just don't mix the colors!
Blessings. (Hi Mom! I know you're reading this.)
Our week with no TV, Nintendo and computer for the kids (and mostly for me) went better than I thought. Thanks for thinking of us and even praying for our media-free week. It was a little difficult considering that Katrina had just happened but I did get to see some coverage when my husband came home. The media-free week was mostly for the kids. I had no problems with whiners and complainers. Even my 4 yo daughter didn't whine too much. She only asked once or twice a day if she could watch TV. We hadn't started school yet so I had to fill the day with other activities. We had lots of fun and I learned a few things too. I hope to enlist my husband's help in getting up some pictures of "tent-city" in the boys' bedroom. My youngest played Candyland and Chutes and Ladders for the first time and we all learned to be good sports when someone else wins or when someone gets stuck in the Molasses Swamp. My oldest got tired of Monopoly Jr. so we went out and bought the original version and introduced him to this cut-throat game. The first game was a real trial by fire in that he kept landing on my properties with hotels and I never landed on his Boardwalk or Park Place until the last roll of the night. There was some crying but he did continue the game until the next day when he finally went bankrupt. He then proceeded to bury me the next game by accumulating lots of property and over $3,000!
The main thing I learned is something that's hard to confess especially for someone who homeschools. By nature, and I'm talking about the flesh here folks, I am not intentional about spending time with my children. I'm very selfish for my time and like to sink into a melancholy isolationism. By making myself be intentional about spending time with the children I realized how selfish and lazy I've been with the time I've been given. It's not my time anyway. But it was such a blessing to spend that time with the children. That is the good life. Doing things that seem unimportant and not exciting to the post modern mindset but things that will build a lifetime of memories. As I reflect back on this past week I keep thinking of that article Denise Sproul recently wrote in Every Thought Captive. I wrote about it here. It's in the small seemingly unimportant areas of our daily lives where we are tempted and tried, shaped and molded.
By the way, thanks for the advice concerning MOTH. After three days of implementation, I'm realizing that it will help for some parts of the day and hinder other parts. I'm finding that there is something in me that just rebels against having to stick to a schedule every day. I think that's a hindrance to me in the diligence department but not something I'm going to have a guilt trip over.
This week is going well for our first week of school. It's the first year of me teaching two so I'm needing to be more diligent with time. We are reading The Secret Garden aloud and loving it. And Play-doh is taking up a lot of my preschoolers time! Don't you love the smell of Play-doh?? Just don't mix the colors!
Blessings. (Hi Mom! I know you're reading this.)
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