Thursday, May 31, 2007
First Girl Moments
It's such a treat seeing the differences between our six boys and our little girl! The other day, the poor dear had to be anesthetized for a medical procedure. As she's coming out of the anesthesia, Hal asked her, "Would you like a popsicle, Sweetheart?" She moaned, "Chocolate. I need chocolate." That's my girl!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Decline and Fall of Civilization
I thought reality TV couldn't get any worse until I read this ghoulish piece in which Dutch TV show contestants compete for the kidneys of a terminally ill lady. Can this possibly be the land of godly William the Silent? The country of Haarlem, whose citizens nearly starved to the last man rather than give up their right to worship the Savior by surrendering to Alva? How the spiritually mighty have fallen! May the Lord prevent us from having descendents like these.
Update: The producers say that their show was a hoax - that the terminally ill lady was really an actress and the show was meant to draw attention to the need for organ donors. I fail to understand how this improves matters. Not only are they offering this "entertainment" but they are lying about it :-P
Update: The producers say that their show was a hoax - that the terminally ill lady was really an actress and the show was meant to draw attention to the need for organ donors. I fail to understand how this improves matters. Not only are they offering this "entertainment" but they are lying about it :-P
Wanted: Praying Friends
Our seventeen-year-old son will be leaving this Sunday to spend three months in an Asian country, working with our brother. This will be a *very* challenging time for him -- he speaks a little of the difficult language, but he will be living with our sister-in-law's father, who speaks no English at all. He will be making his way around the largest city in the world by himself and working very long hours with our very demanding brother. There are no known believers in the situation, limited if any fellowship with the expatriate church, and not even Christian websites, because they are blocked there.
In other words, he will be simply living faithfully among them. What an opportunity to impact the world!
This Wednesday is our day to fast and pray for him, as well as the many trials we've been going through in our lives in the past weeks in work, ministry, health, home repair, and more. We are feeling very weary and need to seek the Lord's face. We would appreciate any of you who feel led pray for him and us. Thanks for all your friendship!
In Christ,
Hal and Melanie
In other words, he will be simply living faithfully among them. What an opportunity to impact the world!
This Wednesday is our day to fast and pray for him, as well as the many trials we've been going through in our lives in the past weeks in work, ministry, health, home repair, and more. We are feeling very weary and need to seek the Lord's face. We would appreciate any of you who feel led pray for him and us. Thanks for all your friendship!
In Christ,
Hal and Melanie
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Memorial Day the Right Way
We are proud to know the Scott Brown family, who every year put on the perfect Memorial Day picnic for the entire community. Imagine a beautiful rural farm with glassy lakes, a big circus tent with honored veterans sharing their memories, prayers for the soldiers and their families, hayrides and military equipment to examine for the children, patriotic music, North Carolina barbeque and great fellowship! It's a wonderful way to spend the day honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, who've laid down their lives for friends - their fellow citizens - in a way that honors God, especially. If you're in the neighborhood (3721 Quarry Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587), come on over. If you aren't, I hope the Lord will raise up someone like Scott in your area - maybe it's you :-)
Check out Scott's blog for some enticing pictures!
Check out Scott's blog for some enticing pictures!
Massacring Memorial Day
I thought the Democratic candidates for president couldn't shock me. I really thought I had such low expectations that no one could fall below them. That is, until I read John Edwards' reprehensible recommendations to violate Memorial Day picnics and parades with anti-war protests. Honestly. If he thinks that the troops will feel supported by protests implying they are wrong to fight, if he thinks the new war widow will be comforted by thinking her husband died in vain, if he thinks the children whose Daddies are in Iraq will be cheered up by wondering if Daddy's doing right, he just plain doesn't have the judgement to be dog catcher, much less president. I thought about calling this post "John Edwards: Shameless Self-Promotion" because that's what it is.
Friday, May 25, 2007
The Most Basic Unit of Civilization: The Home
I just found an absolutely fantastic quote by Theodore Kuyler:
The household is the fountainhead of society. Both the commonwealth and the church grow out of the family. They both take their character from the family. The real seed-corn whence our republic sprang was the Christian households, which stepped forth from the cabin of the Mayflower, or which set up the family altar of the Hollander and the Huguenot on Manhattan Island or in the sunny South. All our best characters, best legislation, best institutions, and best church-life were cradled in those early homes. They were the taproot of the republic, and of the American churches.
For one, I care but little for the government which presides at Washington in comparison with the government which rules the eight or ten millions of American homes. No administration can seriously harm us if our home-life is pure, frugal, and godly. No statesmanship or legislation can save us, if once our homes become the abodes of ignorance or the nestling-places of profligacy. The home rules the nation. If the home is demoralized it will ruin it.
There are several essentials to a good home. Wealth is not one of those essentials, for in many an abode of honest poverty contentment dwells. Out of such lowly cottages and cabins have sprung our greatest noblest men and women. The little clapboarded farm houses of New England have been the nurseries of our greatest divines, most useful philanthropists and devoted missionaries. The riches of those humble dwellings were industrious hands and praying hearts. God's Word was the light of the homestead. The Bible, the spinning-wheel, and the family alter stood side by side. The growing refinements of later years have introduced into many rural habitations the piano, the pictures, and the pile of books. But let our people see to it that the increase of culture, money and refinement is not attended with any decrease of homespun frugality, domestic purity, and the fear of God.
A true good home is not only one in which God reigns, but it must be an attractive spot. Even all the consciousness Christian parents do not seem to find this out. The result is that the theatre, the billiard-saloon, the club, the convivial party managed to "out-bid" the home, and to draw away the sons and the daughters. It is too often the fault of his parents, that a sprightly boy prefers some other evening resort to the stupid or disagreeable place in which he eats and sleeps. If this home were made more attractive he would not seek the haunts of danger and depravity. And one of the surest methods of keeping a husband out of a dram-shop, or a son out of the haunts of sin, is the "exclusive power of a new affection" for their home. Everything that attracts our children to their homes is very apt to be, in the end, an attraction towards heaven.
Theodore Kuyler
The household is the fountainhead of society. Both the commonwealth and the church grow out of the family. They both take their character from the family. The real seed-corn whence our republic sprang was the Christian households, which stepped forth from the cabin of the Mayflower, or which set up the family altar of the Hollander and the Huguenot on Manhattan Island or in the sunny South. All our best characters, best legislation, best institutions, and best church-life were cradled in those early homes. They were the taproot of the republic, and of the American churches.
For one, I care but little for the government which presides at Washington in comparison with the government which rules the eight or ten millions of American homes. No administration can seriously harm us if our home-life is pure, frugal, and godly. No statesmanship or legislation can save us, if once our homes become the abodes of ignorance or the nestling-places of profligacy. The home rules the nation. If the home is demoralized it will ruin it.
There are several essentials to a good home. Wealth is not one of those essentials, for in many an abode of honest poverty contentment dwells. Out of such lowly cottages and cabins have sprung our greatest noblest men and women. The little clapboarded farm houses of New England have been the nurseries of our greatest divines, most useful philanthropists and devoted missionaries. The riches of those humble dwellings were industrious hands and praying hearts. God's Word was the light of the homestead. The Bible, the spinning-wheel, and the family alter stood side by side. The growing refinements of later years have introduced into many rural habitations the piano, the pictures, and the pile of books. But let our people see to it that the increase of culture, money and refinement is not attended with any decrease of homespun frugality, domestic purity, and the fear of God.
A true good home is not only one in which God reigns, but it must be an attractive spot. Even all the consciousness Christian parents do not seem to find this out. The result is that the theatre, the billiard-saloon, the club, the convivial party managed to "out-bid" the home, and to draw away the sons and the daughters. It is too often the fault of his parents, that a sprightly boy prefers some other evening resort to the stupid or disagreeable place in which he eats and sleeps. If this home were made more attractive he would not seek the haunts of danger and depravity. And one of the surest methods of keeping a husband out of a dram-shop, or a son out of the haunts of sin, is the "exclusive power of a new affection" for their home. Everything that attracts our children to their homes is very apt to be, in the end, an attraction towards heaven.
Theodore Kuyler
A House NOT Divided: Promoting Unity in the Homeschool Family Notes & Resources
A House NOT Divided: Promoting Unity in the Homeschool Family
I. Intro
II. Family Vision/Mission
Practical Ways to Impart a Sense of Unity in the Family
III. A Family That Desires Unity Tears Down Obstacles
A. Our evil habits destroy our regard and love for one another.
1. Don't allow pesting or bullying
2. Don't tolerate name calling
3. Punish provocation as well as reaction
4. Stop sarcasm and smartmouthing
5. Make competition healthy
6. Encourage peacemaking
7. Encourage shared emotions Romans 12:15-16
B. How can we change?
1. Recognize that bickering and discord is sin Proverbs 6:16-19
2. Deal with it as seriously as we do other sin
IV. A Family That Desire Unity Builds Memories
A. Form family traditions
1. Holiday means "holy day"
2. Feasting is approved by Scripture
3. Form traditions around other holidays
4. Let anticipation build
5. Be unique and don't be afraid to be alone
B. Share interests and accomplishments
1. Develop family hobbies and shared interests
2. Share adversity
3. Seek out a challenge
C. Be sure your children know you value them
1. Children pick up your attitude toward them.
2. Children will also pick up your attitude toward more babies. Psalm 127:3
3. Your parenting is impacted if you believe your children are a gift from the Lord
V. A Family That Desires Unity Reminds Themselves of It Everyday in Little Ways
A. They identify with their family
1. Matching clothes or dress code
2. Fellowship as families
3. Have a healthy sense of pride in your family
4. Have special family code language and code words
B. They guard each other's hearts and feelings
1. Criticism stops at the threshold
2. This starts with the parents
3. He's my brother...
4. Wash your dirty laundry privately
C. They spend time together
1. Quantity trumps quality
2. Bring a child on errands
3. Take the family on business
4. Read or play together as a family
5. Remind yourself of why you are doing this Deuteronomy 32:46-47
VI. Conclusion
A. Summary
B. Glorify God in your family
C. Oswald Chambers quote
"Our family life in Perth was a very united one; each evening, after the home-lessons were done, was given up to games of various kinds. We found our enjoyment and entertainment in our home; no outside amusements could possibly compare with the fun and happiness to be found there. We never had any desire to be out playing or walking with chums...
"I feel traits in my character which I knew not of before, and it causes me to bow in deeper gratitude for that home training which I have now left, for the training and disciplines of life. Oh! What a mighty influence home life has on us! Indeed, we do not know how deep a debt we owe to our mothers and fathers and their training."
D. Theodore Kuyler quote (see more of this fantastic quote in another blog entry here)
Everything that attracts our children to their homes is very apt to be, in the end, an attraction towards heaven.
Resource:
Doorposts Brother-offended Checklist
I. Intro
II. Family Vision/Mission
Practical Ways to Impart a Sense of Unity in the Family
III. A Family That Desires Unity Tears Down Obstacles
A. Our evil habits destroy our regard and love for one another.
1. Don't allow pesting or bullying
2. Don't tolerate name calling
3. Punish provocation as well as reaction
4. Stop sarcasm and smartmouthing
5. Make competition healthy
6. Encourage peacemaking
7. Encourage shared emotions Romans 12:15-16
B. How can we change?
1. Recognize that bickering and discord is sin Proverbs 6:16-19
2. Deal with it as seriously as we do other sin
IV. A Family That Desire Unity Builds Memories
A. Form family traditions
1. Holiday means "holy day"
2. Feasting is approved by Scripture
3. Form traditions around other holidays
4. Let anticipation build
5. Be unique and don't be afraid to be alone
B. Share interests and accomplishments
1. Develop family hobbies and shared interests
2. Share adversity
3. Seek out a challenge
C. Be sure your children know you value them
1. Children pick up your attitude toward them.
2. Children will also pick up your attitude toward more babies. Psalm 127:3
3. Your parenting is impacted if you believe your children are a gift from the Lord
V. A Family That Desires Unity Reminds Themselves of It Everyday in Little Ways
A. They identify with their family
1. Matching clothes or dress code
2. Fellowship as families
3. Have a healthy sense of pride in your family
4. Have special family code language and code words
B. They guard each other's hearts and feelings
1. Criticism stops at the threshold
2. This starts with the parents
3. He's my brother...
4. Wash your dirty laundry privately
C. They spend time together
1. Quantity trumps quality
2. Bring a child on errands
3. Take the family on business
4. Read or play together as a family
5. Remind yourself of why you are doing this Deuteronomy 32:46-47
VI. Conclusion
A. Summary
B. Glorify God in your family
C. Oswald Chambers quote
"Our family life in Perth was a very united one; each evening, after the home-lessons were done, was given up to games of various kinds. We found our enjoyment and entertainment in our home; no outside amusements could possibly compare with the fun and happiness to be found there. We never had any desire to be out playing or walking with chums...
"I feel traits in my character which I knew not of before, and it causes me to bow in deeper gratitude for that home training which I have now left, for the training and disciplines of life. Oh! What a mighty influence home life has on us! Indeed, we do not know how deep a debt we owe to our mothers and fathers and their training."
D. Theodore Kuyler quote (see more of this fantastic quote in another blog entry here)
Everything that attracts our children to their homes is very apt to be, in the end, an attraction towards heaven.
Resource:
Doorposts Brother-offended Checklist
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Usual Stuff
Well, we had our usual conference week - our home air conditioner croaked, the van needed a trip to the tire store, and I had a medical crisis. Ho hum. It seems to happen every year:
2006 House air conditioner out, van air conditioner broke, hotel gave us the wrong room, speaking clothes trapped in broken dry cleaner's machine.
2005 Wreck on the way to conference, raced to go to the children's dentists appointments first (30 miles away) only to find they had cancelled the appointments, Hal had to travel separately, we all got in way late
2004 I'm on pregnancy bedrest and in a motorized wheel chair. Our room isn't ready and we wait for hours, spent all Saturday night in the emergency room.
Are you getting the picture? Sure looks like somebody doesn't want us here :-)
2006 House air conditioner out, van air conditioner broke, hotel gave us the wrong room, speaking clothes trapped in broken dry cleaner's machine.
2005 Wreck on the way to conference, raced to go to the children's dentists appointments first (30 miles away) only to find they had cancelled the appointments, Hal had to travel separately, we all got in way late
2004 I'm on pregnancy bedrest and in a motorized wheel chair. Our room isn't ready and we wait for hours, spent all Saturday night in the emergency room.
Are you getting the picture? Sure looks like somebody doesn't want us here :-)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
"Yes, We Know What Causes That" - Resource List
Here are a few resources to go along with our workshop "Yes, We Know What Causes That",
North Carolinians for Home Education Annual Conference
Session 11 -- Saturday, May 24, 2007
Theodore Roosevelt on a tour of the Midwest
North Carolinians for Home Education Annual Conference
Session 11 -- Saturday, May 24, 2007
Theodore Roosevelt on a tour of the Midwest
"Three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Bower and their really satisfactory American family of twelve children!"
Books to Help You Make the Decision or Explain It To Others
A Full Quiver: Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ by Rick and Jan Hess
Be Fruitful and Multiply: What the Bible Says About Having Children by Nancy Campbell
The Bible and Birth Control by Charles Provan
The Way Home: Beyond Feminism and Back to Reality by Mary Pride
Email Groups to Encourage You
Quiver-Full! is an email discussion group for those committed to or interested in the Lord planning their family.
MOMYS Mothers of Many Young Siblings is for mothers who have ever had four or more children eight years and younger at the same time -- others can subscribe as "read only MOMYS". This one is a great encouragement and you know the advice comes from people who really know.
Biblical Resources - "To the Law and to the testimony!" (NKJV unless noted)
Man and woman were created to be fruitful
Genesis 1:27-28 - The Mandate from Creation, before the Fall
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; ...
Genesis 9:1, 7 - Repeated to Noah after the Flood
So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth ... And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”
Genesis 35:10-11 - Repeated at the establishment of God's covenant people
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.
Children are a primary purpose of marriage
Yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.
Children are a blessing and a gift from God
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
God's people should expect to have children from Him
Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
Leviticus 26:9 - God's promise to His people
"For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you."
1 Chronicles 25:5 - Seventeen children given as a special blessing
All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer to exalt him according to the words of God, for God gave fourteen sons and three daughters to Heman. (NASB)
God provides for His children
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.
Raising a family is meant for hard times, too
Exodus 1:7-9 - Israel as a refugee nation in a time of famine
But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose a new king over Egypt, ... And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we ... "
Jeremiah 29:5-7 - God's word to His people carried off to Babylonian exile
"Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace."
Homeschooled from the Beginning Resource List
A few resources to go along with my workshop on teaching your little ones.
Getting Ready for School:
The Three R's by Ruth Beechick
Devotions:
A Catechism for Boys and Girls
Divine and Moral Songs for Children by Isaac Watts
Your Bible - read early and often to them!
Buy several copies of the hymnbook your church uses for use at home!
Science Resources:
Spring and Summer in North Carolina Forests - These are older than this age range, but nice to begin reading aloud.
Fall and Winter in North Carolina Forests
The Nature Readers
Pets in a Jar
Usborne First Book of Nature
Lyrical Life Science
History Resources
Greenleaf Guides
Tapestry of Grace
Veritas Press Their catalog alone is a great resource. You don't need scripted lessons at this age! Your local library :-)
Getting Ready for School:
The Three R's by Ruth Beechick
Devotions:
A Catechism for Boys and Girls
Divine and Moral Songs for Children by Isaac Watts
Your Bible - read early and often to them!
Buy several copies of the hymnbook your church uses for use at home!
Science Resources:
Spring and Summer in North Carolina Forests - These are older than this age range, but nice to begin reading aloud.
Fall and Winter in North Carolina Forests
The Nature Readers
Pets in a Jar
Usborne First Book of Nature
Lyrical Life Science
History Resources
Greenleaf Guides
Tapestry of Grace
Veritas Press Their catalog alone is a great resource. You don't need scripted lessons at this age! Your local library :-)
Written by Me!
All of the posts labeled "By Hal" are actually by me - Melanie. Blogger did this when it migrated our blogs to google accounts and I don't have time to change them all! Sorry!
Live Blogging the NCHE Conference
I'll be live blogging the NCHE Homeschool Conference at NCHE Conference Blog. See you there!
A Letter to Children Who Have Lost a Parent
I am posting this for the children of a MOMYS, who just lost their father unexpectedly. I wrote this a few years ago when a dear friend's husband died. As I read over just now, I thought that others might benefit if I posted it more publicly.
My dear young friends,
I am writing because I have been through what you are going through. My father died when I was 14 years old. I felt so sad and confused and frightened. I wondered where we would get the money to live on and if we’d have to move. God provided all we needed and we stayed right there in our house and my mother still lives there - and it’s been 25 years!! Now my children go to spend the night in my room. I was afraid that everything would change, that we wouldn’t be a family any more without Daddy. Although Daddy wasn’t with us, and we missed him awfully, everything didn’t change. Mama was still Mama, we were still a family, we still celebrated holidays as much as we could like we did before - and we had lots of happy memories of Daddy to share.
I was also sad. I was sad that Daddy wouldn’t see me graduate or be able to walk me down the aisle when I got married. God wiped away my tears and comforted me. I know my Daddy is in heaven and that our Lord is telling him all about us. I know he can’t wait until we all get to heaven and he can meet my children. When I graduated, all my grandparents came, and I knew Dad was proud of me, even though he couldn’t be there. When I got married, my brother gave me away and I never loved him so much as I did then. It drew our hearts together. It was beautiful and special and nothing spoiled it.
I also felt funny when Dad died. Sometimes I wanted to cry and cry and cry. But sometimes I wanted to laugh and be carefree and pretend that awful things never happen and I was worried that people would think that I didn’t love Daddy if I did that. It’s okay! When you feel like crying, cry. And pray to the Lord for comfort. When you feel like laughing, laugh. Anybody with any sense knows you love your Dad and he wants you to be joyful. We are Christians and we shouldn’t mourn like the pagans do - with no hope. My father is in heaven - perfectly well, enjoying the Lord, and I know he wants the same for me. Don’t ever be afraid to be joyful!
I worried about my Mama, too. She seemed so sad and worried. I wondered how I could take care of her and help her. Now that I’m a mother, I wouldn’t want my children to worry about me. I am stronger than they are, both physically and spiritually. I would want my children to trust me to take care of them. How can you help your mother? Be honest with her. Tell her what you are thinking about. Share your feelings. Remember your Daddy and help her teach the little children about him and share those memories with them. Obey her and do your school work and chores. Give her lots of hugs and don't worry if she just has to cry sometimes. That’s a great time to pray for her.
It has been over 25 years since my father died, when I was fourteen. I can see the truth of God’s Word when it says that God would be a father to the fatherless and a judge for the widows. He has taken care of my mother and brother and me in a great way. We miss Daddy and we will never forget him, but we are happy adults. God has been so good to me! He has loved me and saved me, given me a great husband, blessed me with seven wonderful children. I wish I had known when my Daddy died, that everything would be okay, that I would be happy again, that my life would turn out just right. That’s why I’m writing to you. I thought it might encourage you to hear from someone who has suffered what you are suffering and has seen God’s mercy. He is faithful. He has taken care of me and He will take care of you. He promises to do it and He always keeps His promises. I love you all for your mother’s sake and I’ll be praying for you.
With much love and concern,
Melanie Young,
daughter of "Bill" Smith, 1940-1978
My dear young friends,
I am writing because I have been through what you are going through. My father died when I was 14 years old. I felt so sad and confused and frightened. I wondered where we would get the money to live on and if we’d have to move. God provided all we needed and we stayed right there in our house and my mother still lives there - and it’s been 25 years!! Now my children go to spend the night in my room. I was afraid that everything would change, that we wouldn’t be a family any more without Daddy. Although Daddy wasn’t with us, and we missed him awfully, everything didn’t change. Mama was still Mama, we were still a family, we still celebrated holidays as much as we could like we did before - and we had lots of happy memories of Daddy to share.
I was also sad. I was sad that Daddy wouldn’t see me graduate or be able to walk me down the aisle when I got married. God wiped away my tears and comforted me. I know my Daddy is in heaven and that our Lord is telling him all about us. I know he can’t wait until we all get to heaven and he can meet my children. When I graduated, all my grandparents came, and I knew Dad was proud of me, even though he couldn’t be there. When I got married, my brother gave me away and I never loved him so much as I did then. It drew our hearts together. It was beautiful and special and nothing spoiled it.
I also felt funny when Dad died. Sometimes I wanted to cry and cry and cry. But sometimes I wanted to laugh and be carefree and pretend that awful things never happen and I was worried that people would think that I didn’t love Daddy if I did that. It’s okay! When you feel like crying, cry. And pray to the Lord for comfort. When you feel like laughing, laugh. Anybody with any sense knows you love your Dad and he wants you to be joyful. We are Christians and we shouldn’t mourn like the pagans do - with no hope. My father is in heaven - perfectly well, enjoying the Lord, and I know he wants the same for me. Don’t ever be afraid to be joyful!
I worried about my Mama, too. She seemed so sad and worried. I wondered how I could take care of her and help her. Now that I’m a mother, I wouldn’t want my children to worry about me. I am stronger than they are, both physically and spiritually. I would want my children to trust me to take care of them. How can you help your mother? Be honest with her. Tell her what you are thinking about. Share your feelings. Remember your Daddy and help her teach the little children about him and share those memories with them. Obey her and do your school work and chores. Give her lots of hugs and don't worry if she just has to cry sometimes. That’s a great time to pray for her.
It has been over 25 years since my father died, when I was fourteen. I can see the truth of God’s Word when it says that God would be a father to the fatherless and a judge for the widows. He has taken care of my mother and brother and me in a great way. We miss Daddy and we will never forget him, but we are happy adults. God has been so good to me! He has loved me and saved me, given me a great husband, blessed me with seven wonderful children. I wish I had known when my Daddy died, that everything would be okay, that I would be happy again, that my life would turn out just right. That’s why I’m writing to you. I thought it might encourage you to hear from someone who has suffered what you are suffering and has seen God’s mercy. He is faithful. He has taken care of me and He will take care of you. He promises to do it and He always keeps His promises. I love you all for your mother’s sake and I’ll be praying for you.
With much love and concern,
Melanie Young,
daughter of "Bill" Smith, 1940-1978
Monday, May 21, 2007
A/C Then and Now - and NOT
It was when we lived in Louisiana that I first understood how people lived without air conditioning in the South. Seriously, Louisiana is so hot that no one I knew did anything at all they didn't absolutely have to outside between May and September. The sweat would roll down my back from walking from my house to the car - under the carport!
We went to visit Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon was he taught drawing to the family's daughter (what a tutor!) and where he collected very many of his specimens. It was such a hot day, we dreaded going into the house, but in the house, it was warm, but comfortable! The docent pointed out the high ceilings, carefully oriented windows and louvered porches that gave the house ventilation and kept the heat moving out. It was amazing the engineering in that old house!
Shortly after that, Hurricane Andrew came through Louisiana and knocked out our power and water for some time. We very quickly discovered that our house was NOT designed for living in without air conditioning. In fact, it was absolutely uninhabitable without air conditioning! It gave me a real admiration for those who used their wits to combat the challenges of nature and build houses like Oakley.
Sitting here in my very hot modern Dutch Colonial, I'm wishing I was back Oakley Plantation - well, maybe not, it's a lot hotter in Louisiana than it is in North Carolina - but I am realizing that the house, like our old one, is NOT designed for this. You about can't get a breeze in here no matter what you do!
Why are we so hot today? Our air conditioner died Thursday - thankfully we have had a cool weekend! We just heard the bad news that we have to either have a new compressor ($1000) or a new unit ($4000). Our air conditioner man (a homeschool dad himself!) recommends the new unit since ours is over 20 years old, but then again, he hasn't seen the exchequer! Our new business is not paying yet and it's been a long time, a long, long time, since the last salary check :-)
However, we've come to the conclusion that air conditioning is not optional. Not in this house. Not in the South. Wish I had a house like Oakley today!
We went to visit Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon was he taught drawing to the family's daughter (what a tutor!) and where he collected very many of his specimens. It was such a hot day, we dreaded going into the house, but in the house, it was warm, but comfortable! The docent pointed out the high ceilings, carefully oriented windows and louvered porches that gave the house ventilation and kept the heat moving out. It was amazing the engineering in that old house!
Shortly after that, Hurricane Andrew came through Louisiana and knocked out our power and water for some time. We very quickly discovered that our house was NOT designed for living in without air conditioning. In fact, it was absolutely uninhabitable without air conditioning! It gave me a real admiration for those who used their wits to combat the challenges of nature and build houses like Oakley.
Sitting here in my very hot modern Dutch Colonial, I'm wishing I was back Oakley Plantation - well, maybe not, it's a lot hotter in Louisiana than it is in North Carolina - but I am realizing that the house, like our old one, is NOT designed for this. You about can't get a breeze in here no matter what you do!
Why are we so hot today? Our air conditioner died Thursday - thankfully we have had a cool weekend! We just heard the bad news that we have to either have a new compressor ($1000) or a new unit ($4000). Our air conditioner man (a homeschool dad himself!) recommends the new unit since ours is over 20 years old, but then again, he hasn't seen the exchequer! Our new business is not paying yet and it's been a long time, a long, long time, since the last salary check :-)
However, we've come to the conclusion that air conditioning is not optional. Not in this house. Not in the South. Wish I had a house like Oakley today!
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Annual Homeschool Panic
Hal was checking email tonight and ran across an email from one of our friends who seemed pretty wrought up about testing and something about curriculum. Hal said, "What's the matter? Everything okay?" I told him, "No problem, it's just annual homeschool panic."
It cracks me up how everyone I know thinks everybody else is calm, collected, with an orderly, peaceful school day. Their children rise at 5am, bring their mother breakfast in bed, do all their chores, and then get started on schoolwork right away! Everyone else's house is neat. Everyone else has a weekly menu that everyone loves. Everyone else has children who just adore to share their toys and books with their siblings. Baloney! Wait, other folks might spell it correctly: Balogna!
This time of year all the bright, shiny new catalogs come out - with pictures of clean, sweet children working hard at their schoolwork. It's time for conference, too - 50,000 SF of curriculum that must be better than what I'm using! Discontentment is rampant
The truth of the matter is that homeschooling is a front line spiritual battle. It's a battle over who will disciple our children and you can bet that the enemy will not relinquish them easily. After nine months of constant warfare - ineffective curriculum (sometimes something else is better :-), sibling squabbles, teaching the same lesson you've taught to five other children, housework that never even gets close to caught up, phones that ring constantly, learning difficulties, transcript woes, the family crisis that cost you weeks of schooling that has to be made up -- after all that, is it any wonder you are tired? Is it any wonder you are worn out? Is it any wonder that you are second guessing yourself? Usually by May, I can't stand to even think about homeschooling - it makes me feel too guilty! It's the Annual Homeschool Panic.
Here's my prescription: Go to your state homeschool conference. I know you don't want to - I don't either - I think it'll make me feel worse. It never does, though. Instead, I am reminded of why I am doing this. I am fed and equipped to start again. I get new ideas and see new things. I realize I'm not alone. Give it a try.
It cracks me up how everyone I know thinks everybody else is calm, collected, with an orderly, peaceful school day. Their children rise at 5am, bring their mother breakfast in bed, do all their chores, and then get started on schoolwork right away! Everyone else's house is neat. Everyone else has a weekly menu that everyone loves. Everyone else has children who just adore to share their toys and books with their siblings. Baloney! Wait, other folks might spell it correctly: Balogna!
This time of year all the bright, shiny new catalogs come out - with pictures of clean, sweet children working hard at their schoolwork. It's time for conference, too - 50,000 SF of curriculum that must be better than what I'm using! Discontentment is rampant
The truth of the matter is that homeschooling is a front line spiritual battle. It's a battle over who will disciple our children and you can bet that the enemy will not relinquish them easily. After nine months of constant warfare - ineffective curriculum (sometimes something else is better :-), sibling squabbles, teaching the same lesson you've taught to five other children, housework that never even gets close to caught up, phones that ring constantly, learning difficulties, transcript woes, the family crisis that cost you weeks of schooling that has to be made up -- after all that, is it any wonder you are tired? Is it any wonder you are worn out? Is it any wonder that you are second guessing yourself? Usually by May, I can't stand to even think about homeschooling - it makes me feel too guilty! It's the Annual Homeschool Panic.
Here's my prescription: Go to your state homeschool conference. I know you don't want to - I don't either - I think it'll make me feel worse. It never does, though. Instead, I am reminded of why I am doing this. I am fed and equipped to start again. I get new ideas and see new things. I realize I'm not alone. Give it a try.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Truth and Deception
Today someone handed me a tract designed to look like a Wal-Mart gift card. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm all for tracts - nuggets of truth easily shared with others. This particular tract bothered me a lot, though. It plainly says at the top, "Wal-Mart Gift Card" and yet, it is not a gift card at all and has no monetary value. It is a tract with a sinner's prayer and the gospel simplistically outlined on the back in a way that looks like the fine print on a gift card.
Please stay with me a moment and let me tell you why this concerns me:
First, in just a worldly way, do you expect someone whom you've just tricked into thinking you are giving him something of value (when it is not worth what he believes it is) to then accept the thing of value you are offering him (the free gift of life in Jesus Christ). Surely, they are thinking, "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." These tactics make no sense whatsoever.
Secondly, isn't this an illegal trademark violation? The Scripture commands us not to steal, but when we use the trademarks of others without their permission and without benefiting them, aren't we breaking the law and diluting their business asset - their name and logo? Our laws protect trademarks because it is recognized that businesses invest a lot of assets into their name and logo recognition, through advertising, signage, product placement and more. When we trade on that name without their permission, we are illegally benefiting from their investment.
Lastly, I do not think we should be deceiving others to bring them to the truth. In fact, I think offering someone something that seems to be of value to him and then refusing to honor that expected value, even if we offer something else in return is, I believe, defrauding him. It is a type of bait and switch.
Dear friends, I know your heart. I know you so desire that the lost and dying people around you grasp the hope that is in Jesus Christ. I know that you only hoped to catch their eye - to get their attention. I know you only want to share the good news, but my dear brethren, is our Lord not strong enough to save without the use of that which he warns against in His Word:
Dear ones, this is not the way of our Master. God has known His people from the foundation of the world and needs no tricks to reach them. We are to proclaim the gospel to the world - by our words, by our lives - but we are never, never encouraged to deceive them. We told our children long ago, that we would never intentionally lie to them, not even so-called "white lies" because we wanted them to know that if we said it, that as far as we knew, it was the truth - they could trust it. This has meant that our family doesn't practice Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but also that our children really, really trust us. Shouldn't the world be able to do the same? Or else, how will they know when we are speaking the truth?
Can I suggest that you hand out invitations to visit your church or tracts with provocative questions or just plain old truth? Let us, as the North Carolina motto has it: To Be, Rather than to Seem - Esse Quam Videri. A good motto for a Christian.
Please stay with me a moment and let me tell you why this concerns me:
First, in just a worldly way, do you expect someone whom you've just tricked into thinking you are giving him something of value (when it is not worth what he believes it is) to then accept the thing of value you are offering him (the free gift of life in Jesus Christ). Surely, they are thinking, "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." These tactics make no sense whatsoever.
Secondly, isn't this an illegal trademark violation? The Scripture commands us not to steal, but when we use the trademarks of others without their permission and without benefiting them, aren't we breaking the law and diluting their business asset - their name and logo? Our laws protect trademarks because it is recognized that businesses invest a lot of assets into their name and logo recognition, through advertising, signage, product placement and more. When we trade on that name without their permission, we are illegally benefiting from their investment.
Lastly, I do not think we should be deceiving others to bring them to the truth. In fact, I think offering someone something that seems to be of value to him and then refusing to honor that expected value, even if we offer something else in return is, I believe, defrauding him. It is a type of bait and switch.
Dear friends, I know your heart. I know you so desire that the lost and dying people around you grasp the hope that is in Jesus Christ. I know that you only hoped to catch their eye - to get their attention. I know you only want to share the good news, but my dear brethren, is our Lord not strong enough to save without the use of that which he warns against in His Word:
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”
Dear ones, this is not the way of our Master. God has known His people from the foundation of the world and needs no tricks to reach them. We are to proclaim the gospel to the world - by our words, by our lives - but we are never, never encouraged to deceive them. We told our children long ago, that we would never intentionally lie to them, not even so-called "white lies" because we wanted them to know that if we said it, that as far as we knew, it was the truth - they could trust it. This has meant that our family doesn't practice Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but also that our children really, really trust us. Shouldn't the world be able to do the same? Or else, how will they know when we are speaking the truth?
Can I suggest that you hand out invitations to visit your church or tracts with provocative questions or just plain old truth? Let us, as the North Carolina motto has it: To Be, Rather than to Seem - Esse Quam Videri. A good motto for a Christian.
Back to the Blogosphere
It's been a hectic few months and I'm afraid this blog had to take a back seat to life for awhile. If any of you are still out there, I've got a good excuse though. While I've been gone, we found out we were expecting twins, prepared frantically for bedrest, then lost them both to miscarriage. I've started a new blog out of my frustration at the lack of information on the net about miscarriage. Check it out at Hope in Miscarriage, but I'll still be blogging here about life, the universe and everything.
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