Heard this at the Ohio homeschool convention...
Those of us who were part of the church in 1976 may remember that in all the excitement of the nation's bicentennial, believers were quoting the verses in Chronicles where the Lord says that if his people will turn and seek him, He will heal our land.
I do remember a lot of claiming that promise, a lot of people praying for the nation based on it. What came of it? One possibility which might have been claimed in the past is the resurgence of people of faith into conservative politics. Like many others, though, I'm somewhat disillusioned with politics these days.
What was pointed out at the homeschool conference was that the late 70s and early 80s is when the homeschool movement began... That's food for thought!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Proverb of the Day
Chapter 31 (Sorry, ladies. -- it's July 31st) verse 26
She speaks with wisdom
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She speaks with wisdom
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Great memory verses for kids
Of course, it's important for kids to have a handle on the basic theological verses (e.g. ten commandments, 'Romans Road,' greatest commandment, etc.)
But I find that 'Mom says' isn't as effective as 'God says', nor should it be.
So, some great verses for kids to learn:
Eph 6:1 - on obeying parents
Phil. 2:14 - Do everything without complaining or arguing
Prov. 15:32 - He who ignores discipline despises himself....
Prov. 17:14 and 20:3 on quarreling
Romans 12:17 - Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Col. 3:9 - Do not lie to each other.
James 1:19 - ... quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger...
1st Thess. 5:16-18 - Be joyful always, pray... give thanks...
Phil 4:8 - Whatever is true, noble, right, pure..... (great for beginning to teach discernment in entertainment choices)
Prov. 29:11 - A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control
Prov. 11:12 A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Rom. 8:28 - In all things God works for good...
Phil. 2:4 - Look not only to your own interests, but also to others...
Heb. 12:7 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
But I find that 'Mom says' isn't as effective as 'God says', nor should it be.
So, some great verses for kids to learn:
Eph 6:1 - on obeying parents
Phil. 2:14 - Do everything without complaining or arguing
Prov. 15:32 - He who ignores discipline despises himself....
Prov. 17:14 and 20:3 on quarreling
Romans 12:17 - Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Col. 3:9 - Do not lie to each other.
James 1:19 - ... quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger...
1st Thess. 5:16-18 - Be joyful always, pray... give thanks...
Phil 4:8 - Whatever is true, noble, right, pure..... (great for beginning to teach discernment in entertainment choices)
Prov. 29:11 - A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control
Prov. 11:12 A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Rom. 8:28 - In all things God works for good...
Phil. 2:4 - Look not only to your own interests, but also to others...
Heb. 12:7 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
One disadvantage
I appreciate my husband's career. He's an aerospace engineer, which means he often has interesting things to tell me about his work, and he's never been unemployed.
But... there is one disadvantage. One movement I love within the homeschooling community is a growing tendency for family businesses, and for fathers to mentor their children in their line of work.
My husband can't even take us to see his office since there's so much classified stuff going on! (I hope I'm allowed to say that....) Even if he could, it's not the sort of work you can learn through 'apprenticeship' unless you've already got a B.S. or M.S. in the subject.
But... there is one disadvantage. One movement I love within the homeschooling community is a growing tendency for family businesses, and for fathers to mentor their children in their line of work.
My husband can't even take us to see his office since there's so much classified stuff going on! (I hope I'm allowed to say that....) Even if he could, it's not the sort of work you can learn through 'apprenticeship' unless you've already got a B.S. or M.S. in the subject.
Proverb of the Day
Verse 20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Friday, July 28, 2006
On my own
The kids and their dad are camping, so I have the house to myself tonight. If it lasted very long, I'd start missing them all terribly, but it's nice as a rare occasion.
Proverb of the Day
28:20
A faithful man will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
A faithful man will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Too easy to vote?
It seems the momentum is all toward making it as easy and painless as possible for anyone and everyone to cast a ballot...
I'm not sure I agree with that, to be honest. Wouldn't the country by better served by voters who had to educate themselves about the election and make an effort to vote, than by making it, more or less, an afterthought?
I just don't know that 'motor-voter' registration laws and the like are a wise choice. Perhaps, more accurately, I'm not sure that those for whom voting is as important a choice as picking out a stick of chewing gum will make wise choices in the ballot box.
And then where will we be?
I'm not sure I agree with that, to be honest. Wouldn't the country by better served by voters who had to educate themselves about the election and make an effort to vote, than by making it, more or less, an afterthought?
I just don't know that 'motor-voter' registration laws and the like are a wise choice. Perhaps, more accurately, I'm not sure that those for whom voting is as important a choice as picking out a stick of chewing gum will make wise choices in the ballot box.
And then where will we be?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Violins
I think my favorite musical instrument is probably the violin. I wish I were both more talented and more literate musically, so there are probably lots of other wonderful instruments I'm not remembering.
But, there is a sweetly piercing quality to the notes of a well-played and well-made violin that reminds me of times of prayer or worship when I've felt the presence of God draw near.
But, there is a sweetly piercing quality to the notes of a well-played and well-made violin that reminds me of times of prayer or worship when I've felt the presence of God draw near.
Proverb of the Day
Chapter 26, verses 18 & 19
Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows
is a man who deceives his neighbor and says,
"I was only joking!"
Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows
is a man who deceives his neighbor and says,
"I was only joking!"
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
What to do about church?
Our dilemma:
We like our church -- it if were just my husband and I, we'd stay there quite happily. But we're not sure it's the right choice for the kids. Our kids are 11 and 13, and both are fairly strong in who they are. At this point, I'd say they're not terribly affected by peer pressure.
So, I think it's safe to say they're not being dragged down, though I'm not sure that will be the case as we continue into and through the high school years. Unfortunately, it's equally true that they're not being 'lifted up' very much either. Being a very large church, with a fair number of newer believers, and primarily public schooled kids, the aim in children and youth ministry is fairly low.
Of course, we strongly believe that the primary responsibility for teaching and training our kids in the things of God is ours, not the church's, so perhaps as long as they're not being pulled down it's o.k. if the church isn't helping with our job.
As is evident, we're trying to figure out what to do about church. I think if there were a good, largely homeschooling church closer to us rather than further, we'd probably go. But our church is farther away than we like, and the other options we've found are farther yet.
Thanks, God, for promising to guide us.
We like our church -- it if were just my husband and I, we'd stay there quite happily. But we're not sure it's the right choice for the kids. Our kids are 11 and 13, and both are fairly strong in who they are. At this point, I'd say they're not terribly affected by peer pressure.
So, I think it's safe to say they're not being dragged down, though I'm not sure that will be the case as we continue into and through the high school years. Unfortunately, it's equally true that they're not being 'lifted up' very much either. Being a very large church, with a fair number of newer believers, and primarily public schooled kids, the aim in children and youth ministry is fairly low.
Of course, we strongly believe that the primary responsibility for teaching and training our kids in the things of God is ours, not the church's, so perhaps as long as they're not being pulled down it's o.k. if the church isn't helping with our job.
As is evident, we're trying to figure out what to do about church. I think if there were a good, largely homeschooling church closer to us rather than further, we'd probably go. But our church is farther away than we like, and the other options we've found are farther yet.
Thanks, God, for promising to guide us.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Proverb of the Day
Verse 9
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
Where does global warming come from?
According to NASA, the sun's radiation, which is what keeps us from being a frozen block of ice like Pluto, has been steadily increasing. See http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030321075236.htm
This might explain the melting ice caps (I'm referring to the ones on Mars!) Ideally, it should cause those who are willing to sacrifice the economic prosperity of millions in their attempts to prevent global warming to think twice, but that's not likely.
This might explain the melting ice caps (I'm referring to the ones on Mars!) Ideally, it should cause those who are willing to sacrifice the economic prosperity of millions in their attempts to prevent global warming to think twice, but that's not likely.
Friday, July 21, 2006
How TV contributes to debt and bankruptcy
The current rates of debt and the rising incidence of bankruptcies is both distressing and frightening. It would be saddening to examine the homes of the newly-declared bankrupt, and see furniture, clothing, and appliances that seem to have come from places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but it would make sense. "Here," we could say to ourselves, "are people who tried to be frugal, to use their money wisely, but the mountain was just too high for them to climb."
But, much of the time, that's not the case. Astonishingly, the 'bankrupt' often have homes loaded down with the latest goodies and fashions. So, I ask myself why. Why do people spend all of their money (and then some!) on things they may want, but don't really need?
The answer I came up with is television. It used to be that keeping up with the Joneses meant acquiring the same quality of goods and services as your neighbor. But your neighbor was just that: someone who had been able to afford a home in a similar price range to your own. Rarely would this stretch a family's income to the breaking point.
However, now the 'Joneses' we're keeping up with are from the whole world, and most often exist only in the mind of wealthy Hollywood types. This can and does break down budgets and probably families, too.
What a horrible little box from hell the tv often seems to be!
But, much of the time, that's not the case. Astonishingly, the 'bankrupt' often have homes loaded down with the latest goodies and fashions. So, I ask myself why. Why do people spend all of their money (and then some!) on things they may want, but don't really need?
The answer I came up with is television. It used to be that keeping up with the Joneses meant acquiring the same quality of goods and services as your neighbor. But your neighbor was just that: someone who had been able to afford a home in a similar price range to your own. Rarely would this stretch a family's income to the breaking point.
However, now the 'Joneses' we're keeping up with are from the whole world, and most often exist only in the mind of wealthy Hollywood types. This can and does break down budgets and probably families, too.
What a horrible little box from hell the tv often seems to be!
Proverbs for two days...
Chapter 20 for July 20, verse 17:
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Today, Prov. 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man,
but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Today, Prov. 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Big Dig
Having lived in the Boston area for over 13 years, I am sympathetic to the plight of commuters after road closures due to problems with the Big Dig.
But I'm not surprised. One of the things which was so offensive about living there was the rampant corruption among elected officials; another was the utter foolishness of the choices made by the majority of voters.
As the project drew on, and the years which is was late in completion piled up almost as fast as the millions of dollars it was overbudget, it was clear that there were a lot of fingers trying to get into that pie.
Again, I'm not surprised. One of the reasons I believe in small government is that it seems that whenever the money pot gets big enough, the greedy and the thieves find a way to get at it. Large bureaucracies only make it easier.
But I'm not surprised. One of the things which was so offensive about living there was the rampant corruption among elected officials; another was the utter foolishness of the choices made by the majority of voters.
As the project drew on, and the years which is was late in completion piled up almost as fast as the millions of dollars it was overbudget, it was clear that there were a lot of fingers trying to get into that pie.
Again, I'm not surprised. One of the reasons I believe in small government is that it seems that whenever the money pot gets big enough, the greedy and the thieves find a way to get at it. Large bureaucracies only make it easier.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Knowledge, Foolishness, Wisdom
Knowledge directed by the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom.
(See Proverbs 1)
Knowledge which defies or denies God leads to foolishness.
(Go to any of the ivory tower type campuses and have the professors explain how, according to their postmodern worldview, truth is just a socially constructed concept, and "What's true for you isn't necessarily true for everyone." Huh?)
(See Proverbs 1)
Knowledge which defies or denies God leads to foolishness.
(Go to any of the ivory tower type campuses and have the professors explain how, according to their postmodern worldview, truth is just a socially constructed concept, and "What's true for you isn't necessarily true for everyone." Huh?)
Proverb of the Day
Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
David and Goliath
Of course every Sunday School child knows the story of David and Goliath: David, a young Israeli fights the overwhelming champion of the Palestinians... oops, make that Philistines, and defeats him with God's help.
Why were they having to fight for their land so many generations after coming to Promised Land? Here are the instructions they were given: "When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you....But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you live." (Numbers 13: 52, 55)
I guess the consequences of disobedience can last a long time.
Why were they having to fight for their land so many generations after coming to Promised Land? Here are the instructions they were given: "When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you....But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you live." (Numbers 13: 52, 55)
I guess the consequences of disobedience can last a long time.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Crazy Pastor Doings
Sometimes our pastor pushes the envelope, but I love it!
Yesterday, he preached about Joshua and the battle of Jericho--a very effective sermon with the main point being that, instead of asking God to work out our plans, we should ask Him what our part is in His plan.
Illustrating how we, like the men of Israel, often feel bewilderment and frustration with God's plan, Pastor Joe called all the men 21 and older to line up along the walls of the sanctuary, and then, after telling the women that they'd return in 6 minutes, he led them in a march around the outside of the building.
This, of course, during the heat wave! I think the men got the point he intended; some of them (not knowing yet the point of the sermon) were heard to ask why they were doing such a thing.
The women got a different point. It's hard to explain, but I think most of us acquired a more vivid appreciation than is normal in modern America for the role of men as protectors and warriors.
Yesterday, he preached about Joshua and the battle of Jericho--a very effective sermon with the main point being that, instead of asking God to work out our plans, we should ask Him what our part is in His plan.
Illustrating how we, like the men of Israel, often feel bewilderment and frustration with God's plan, Pastor Joe called all the men 21 and older to line up along the walls of the sanctuary, and then, after telling the women that they'd return in 6 minutes, he led them in a march around the outside of the building.
This, of course, during the heat wave! I think the men got the point he intended; some of them (not knowing yet the point of the sermon) were heard to ask why they were doing such a thing.
The women got a different point. It's hard to explain, but I think most of us acquired a more vivid appreciation than is normal in modern America for the role of men as protectors and warriors.
Proverb of the Day
Chapter 17, verse 9
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Highlights of our trip
All four of us seem to have a different 'favorite' part of the trip. Mine is unmistakable -- the birthday party which began it all... Leaving here on a Thursday, we drove eleven hours that day and the next, and about three on Saturday, rushing to get to Denver before noon for my grandmother's birthday party.
We made it on time, but after checking into our hotel and changing clothes, we were among the last to arrive. For me, the best part of the trip was that party. I walked in and immediately saw and greeted my grandma, but after that, it was as if every direction my head turned and every place my eyes focussed, I saw people coming over to hug me and say hi, most of which I hadn't seen in years, and some in more than a decade. After my grandma, I saw my parents, my sisters, aunts and an uncle, cousins, cousins, and more cousins, a niece, nephew and even a 'grand-niece' if there is such a thing.
I'm still smiling at the memory!
We made it on time, but after checking into our hotel and changing clothes, we were among the last to arrive. For me, the best part of the trip was that party. I walked in and immediately saw and greeted my grandma, but after that, it was as if every direction my head turned and every place my eyes focussed, I saw people coming over to hug me and say hi, most of which I hadn't seen in years, and some in more than a decade. After my grandma, I saw my parents, my sisters, aunts and an uncle, cousins, cousins, and more cousins, a niece, nephew and even a 'grand-niece' if there is such a thing.
I'm still smiling at the memory!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Proverb of the Day
Proverbs 15:17
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love,
than a fattened calf with hatred.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love,
than a fattened calf with hatred.
Our trip in a nutshell....
-5210 miles
-16 days
-9 states (including Ohio, which we had to drive most of the way across twice!)
-6 campgrounds
-3 hotels
-1 night at my sister's house
I'm glad we got home on a Friday so we have the weekend to unpack and REST!
-16 days
-9 states (including Ohio, which we had to drive most of the way across twice!)
-6 campgrounds
-3 hotels
-1 night at my sister's house
I'm glad we got home on a Friday so we have the weekend to unpack and REST!
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