Ugly Things
"Opinions divorced from knowledge are ugly things ." - Socrates
Posts
Calling all readers who love to do Women's Bible Studies
Imagine you were in a church, possibly grew up in it, that never did a woman's Bible study before. Which of these studies below do you think would be a good start? I'm thinking of doing Partow's 90-day thing on my own, so I'm leaning towards the bottom three books for the study group. Any opinions out there?
Donna Partow guides stressed-out women through a 90-day odyssey that provides a doable plan to revamp all areas of your life. Rediscover the importance of Scripture memorization, daily prayer, healthy eating, and exercise to restore balance and well-being to your life. In her signature style, Donna Partow encourages and instructs women by combining solid biblical teaching and stories from her life. Written for the busy, often stressed-out woman, this practical, doable plan provides insight and ideas to regroup and renew all aspects of her life. Memorizing Scripture, spending time in prayer, eating healthy, and exercising are all part of the achievable plan laid out in one handy volume for readers to follow.
One of the most elusive qualities in our world today is peace. We are hurried, pressured and stressed. Relationships have broken down. We have fears, anxieties and unanswered questions. Lynn Stanley has provided a thoughtful look at the reasons for our lack of peace and the answers found in God's Word. Jesus promised us peace. Using commentary, Scripture - KJV and NIV included - and practical application questions separated into 5 days, this study shows how to appropriate His peace and live it out in our daily experience.
Satan is a liar. When women become entrapped by his lies their spiritual lives, marriages, and emotional well-being suffer. Through her many conferences, Nancy Leigh DeMoss has witnessed the many different and damaging ways these lies destroy women's lives. This companion study to Lies Women Believe will help women go deeper into God's Word, walk more fully in His grace, and experience the joy of the abundant life Christ promised.
Elizabeth George lets women know that loving the Lord involves action! Focusing on six main scripture passages, she helps readers understand what it means to truly let your mind think on what is true about God and about life, grasp and move toward God's purpose for life, and trust the Lord in all things. Drawing on biblical wisdom as well as personal experience, Elizabeth helps women handle their emotions and discover inner peace that comes from focusing on what is true. She shares six powerful Bible truths that will help readers draw closer to God and know His joy and love.
Churches Closed for Christmas
(Rant on) Oh, this is so silly. The church is supposed to be our family, so why not spend time with our church family on Christmas? Church lasts...what... 1-3 hours tops? There's still 21-23 hours left of Christmas Day to spend with other loved ones and family... what they really want is more time to spend with their STUFF. "Should we open presents before or after church? If we open before... we won't have time to play. If we open after, we'll be too excited to concentrate on worship... I know, let's just nix the worship and get to the "important" STUFF." It's not the "spending time with family" thing... but that sounds better. Somehow most of us are able to combine church and family on Easter... so why can't it be combined on Christmas? Oh yeah... it's not really the family they need time with... it's the STUFF. As if today's "Church" needs more encouragement to be self-centered and narcissistic.... (Rant off)
Narnia
The Amy who loves books recently wrote an eloquent review of the children, the witch, the wardrobe (and a lion) . BTW: (I am valiant, brave and loyal. While I may have a silly name, I help others in the face of adversity and always uphold what is right.)
Wonderful update from Melissa
She was able to write it herself! Please click on the Caring Bridge link in the previous post, or Melissa's heart on the right. And please, please, keep praying! Thank you so much for your prayers thus far.
Please pray for my friend Melissa and her sweet family.
Caring Bridge site for Melissa Snow She recently had a sweet baby boy after six daughters. Last Sunday she woke up from a nap with a numb arm and everyone suspected stroke. It turned out to be a tumor in her temporal lobe. She is having multiple seizures, and she is losing the use of her limbs. She is unable to nurse or hold her sweet new baby. The tumor is inoperable due to a main artery running through it, and doctors say radiation is no longer an option. They are consulting with a top neurosurgeon today, and will basically follow his advice. Things do not look hopeful. A miracle is needed. I was looking forward to hearing her adventures on raising a boy after all those girls. It breaks my heart to think of her never getting to watch her sweet prince grow up... and of him not knowing his very special mama. Please pray for a miracle.
Catherine did that thing that most Fours do once. Found a stray pair of scissors. Cropped hair. Lydia was the lucky recipient of a shearing. Came to me. Said in a sad, plaintive voice.. "Catherine cut my hair". Catherine with the habit of mis-quoting terms ("It was an accident" and "I didn't do it on purpose") said with accidental honesty "I did it on purpose!" Thankfully Lydia's honey locks are so abundantly abundant, the damage does not show.
My theory on all these leaves....
Now... I think God made leaves fall for a purpose... they fall in Fall and make a warm blanket to prepare and protect tender plants for the coming blanket of snow in winter. And maybe I should just leave them be and do their job? But then... maybe come spring I won't care for a brown mass of pulp or whatever on top of what should be my green lawn? Or... will the leaves completely rot away to make way for my freshly green lawn? Or perhaps the purpose of leaves, is to be raked by Jane, who is then asked by Mary if she may jump in them... to which Jane responds, "Of course? Why else would I be raking them?" Oh bliss. "I've been dreaming and dreaming my whole life about doing that, and finally it's coming true!"
What type of homeschooler am I?
Abraham Lincoln You have a Bible and a library card what more could you possibly need? You prefer the Charlotte Mason Method of reading living books for everything: historical fiction, biographies, real histories, nature guides, etc. No soon-to-be-outdated textbooks for you. Visit my blog: http://www.GuiltFreeHomeschooling.blogspot.com What Type of Homeschooler Are You? brought to you by Quizilla
Anne! Anne!
(just checking if you're paying attention, LOL) I just stumbled across the neatest link featuring an old hand-written cookbook (older even than my great-grandmother's!) I thought of Anne when I saw it, but it may be that others of you love to cook, too, and will enjoy it as well, so here's the link: Carrie Watkins Cook Book
Okay, I'm not Catholic, but if I were....
You scored as Evangelical Catholic . You are a Protestant convert, or have been affected by evangelical Protestantism in some way. You love Scripture and incorporate into your daily life. You have a clear vision of Catholic morals and doctrines, and you make great effort to adhere to them. However, your interpretation of Scripture may not be in line with Catholic teaching, and you may not accept legitimate plurality in doctrinal expression. You might want to read the Fathers of the Church and Papal encyclicals to deepen your Catholicism. Evangelical Catholic 76% Traditional Catholic 69% Neo-Conservative Catholic 67% Radical Catholic 48% New Catholic 45% Liberal Catholic 36% Lukewarm Catholic 17% What is your style of American Catholicism? created with QuizFarm.com
You Are A: Pony ! Who doesn't love a pony? You are one of these miniature horses, renown for your beauty and desired by many. Full of grace, you are a beautiful and very special animal, full of strength and majesty. You were almost a: Bunny or a Duck You are least like a: Groundhog or a Monkey The Cute Animals Quiz
Fives
I'm finally getting around to answering this tag . Sorry it took me so long, TD! I just couldn't get past your Fall/Winter Checklist ... I kept feeling like I should do something besides sit on my duff! First the rules: Remove the blog at #1 from the following list and bump every one up one place; add your blog's name in the #5 spot; link to each of the other blogs for the desired cross pollination effect. 1. Blue Stocking: http://bluestocking.typepad.com 2. Simply Coll: http://colleenscorner.com/blog 3. My Boutiful Life: http://billi-jean.com/thebounty.html 4. Today's Lessons: http://todayslessons.blogspot.com 5. Hind's Feet: http://hindsfeet.blogspot.com Next: select four new friends to add to the pollen count. (No one is obligated to participate and anyone can play if they want to). (I'm making it five in keeping with five) 1. Kimberly: http://peacebeyondunderstanding.blogspot.com/ 2. Melanie: http://dandelionsandroses.blogspot.com/ 3. Truth: http://live4...
Mothers Provide Best Care
Extensive study reveals social and emotional development of children cared for by someone other than their mother "is definitely less good." Link to full article
What do you do...
What if you long for something, but you have a spiritual conviction not to pursue that something... but you see other Christians pursuing it and validating their reasons.... and you feel your reasons look foolish to them, and you feel foolish for standing in what you believe to be true... yet you know you still cannot pursue it, because you have no doubt it is wrong? How does anyone make a stand anymore in this world? There are compromises right and left and people rushing to validate their reasons, and ready to shout "don't you dare judge me!" When I'm not judging, just stating my own stand. If they feel hurt... "socked in the stomach"... isn't it perhaps because the Spirit is convicting them? If there is no truth to my stance, why should it phase them? We are usually hurt most by the truth, when we are not standing in it, but our spirit knows we should be. If someone says "your daughter is a brat" and you know she is not, it doesn...
Autumn
The ripe fields are scattered in eddies of gold On the verge of the forest that’s kindling apace; And the orchards that dapple the wide-spreading wold, Through their loopholes of leaves — as we pause to behold — Flash their beautiful, festival lamps in our face. And the amber, coned pear, with the peaches flushed ball, And the sunny-cheeked apple that’s crimsoned all o’er Blends with the pleiads of grapes that in purple showers fall Over many a green-muffled trellis and wall, With a thousand bright fancies and dreams at their core. —James M’Carroll
The test
I took the test with 45 questions because it said the most questions would be the most accurate. I retested with 27 questions, and got the same result. I think I get Hussein because I am truly not afraid of confrontation. When I took the test with 18 questions I get this result, which I like better (with 9 questions I become JFK): What Famous Leader Are You? personality tests by similarminds.com
I stand aghast (can I re-take the test???)...
What Famous Leader Are You? personality tests by similarminds.com
Pride & Prejudice
Opening tomorrow in theatres!!! View trailers here Of course, with MIL here, I can't go see it. Even without her here, I couldn't go see it (no babysitter), but the sooner it's in theatres, the sooner I can rent it on PayPerView. :) WhooHoo!!
Sun Prints
We made the hand prints using a Sunprint kit from the University of California's Lawrence Hall of Science (in Berkley). You can order them online here: Sunprint Kits
When Did Parents Stop Being Right?
Every time I read Betsy Hart's column I just want to stand up and applaud.
Granny Robert's So Good Meals
I have in my possession a collection of recipes that my great-grandmother began about 100 years ago. It was passed down to her daughter... my paternal grandmother (b.1899), and then on to my aunt (b. ca. 1921). It's pages are filled with handwritten recipes, newspaper & magazine clippings, and other recipes written in the handwriting of neighbors, friends and family. I will be sharing it's contents here , in my great- Granny Robert's So Good Meals blog.
Make your own poem...
I found this at Kimberley's Blog and she found it somewhere else. ;o) Finish each sentence to create your own bit of poetry. I am I wonder I hear I see I want I am I pretend I feel I touch I worry I cry I am I understand I say I dream I try I hope I am Here's mine: I am weary I wonder what the dog is barking at I hear her barking I see nothing in the darkness I want her to be quiet and let me sleep I am weary I pretend to be strong I feel so weak I touch Catherine's damp forehead I worry that she's been sick I cry tears of hopelessness I am so far behind in getting this house in order I understand this too shall pass. I say "be strong, and of good courage" I dream that I am not afraid I try not to be I hope I can be strong I am so weary.
Sometimes we homeschoolers....
We scoff at other homeschoolers who used packaged or "canned" curriculum, but at the same time we're hovering around homeschool message boards or listening to other moms conversing at our local homeschool group, hoping to pick up ideas on what curriculum is popular, what works... Then we, as a group, latch on to certain things like Math U See or Saxon and when something new comes along, we resist it, because it's not tried and true. Sometimes taking the path most traveled is akin to purchasing canned curriculum. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not against canned. Sometimes canned is a perfect fit for a family... Especially, perhaps, a large family where the mom just does not have the time to sit down and follow rabbit trails, sampling this and that. I'm sure my point isn't coming across... The guest room is ashambles and my mother-in-law is arriving tomorrow from the Netherlands, and I need to make a run to the city for supplies as well, so both a chor...
Thought Provoking Reads
Katrina and Gaza: is God speaking in New Orleans? - Avner Bosky Katrina - A Warning to Avert Futher Judgments? - Rick Ridings
Homeschooling again...
After a brief stint in our one and only available public high school, we have brought our older two home again with the blessing of the principal, no less, who had spoken with the guidance counselor. Together they concurred that I had obviously done a excellent job thus far and had absolutely no worries about taking them out, knowing that I was seeking to do the best for my children and that I would accomplish that. Whew. And I had worried that once they were "in the system" we were asking for trouble if we pulled them out again. California school districts are often quite hostile towards homeschoolers. So, we started school again yesterday. It feels so good!
Sometimes I get out of bed, look back, and wonder how I slept at all...
There were four feet pushing against my back all night...(Lydia must have really scrunched up!)
It looks like Sonlight's coming in....
Y'all have probably realized the struggle I've been going through for the past year of what curriculum to use with my younger ones. When I first started my homeschooling journey years ago, all the old timers cautioned me not to go with "canned" curriculum. "Plan your own!" they cried. "The glory of homeschooling is flexibility!" they exclaimed. So for years I pulled together an eclectic mix... trying this, trying that, creating gaps, backtracking and filling them... I can tell you I've tried just about every popular and not so popular textbook/workbook/unit study among homeschoolers today... And I finally came to the conclusion... I need canned. I want canned. I want everything planned for me so I have time to milk goats, bake fresh bread, do laundry, and otherwise manage more than a handful of hectares and a handful of kids. I want a set path to follow... and of course there's room for rabbit trails and adding an AVKO speller if need be......
Which type of Austenite are you?
The Emma type is friendly and outgoing , she is the social butterfly of the Austenites. She is forgiving of human nature, and believes that anyone can change. "Pictures of perfection make them sick and wicked" She enjoys watching the process of growth and maturation. And she may be too fanciful and intelligent for her own good. Jane Austen novel quiz brought to you by Quizilla
Winter Promise Curriculum
Here are links to the curriculum in my poll below: Winter Promise (da-niel, I mispelled it in my poll!) FIAR Weaver Interlock Sonlight K Rod & Staff And one I'm also considering, but forgot to include in the poll is: My Father's World I've done years of unit studies, planning my own, etc. I'm ready for packaged. ;)
Friday's Feast
From Friday's Feast : Appetizer Did you sleep good last night? No. Waited up for Steadfast to call from Graz, which he did not do, calling late this afternoon from Frankfurt instead. I did however spend a very pleasant night chatting until after 2 am with two dear friends who live in an earlier time zone than I. ;o) Soup What is your current computer desktop image? Plain white. How boring is that? But I have a LOT of desktop icons and pictures make it look cluttered. Salad When was the last time you planted something, what was it and where did it go? Too long ago to remember when. Corn. Steadfast mowed it down (by accident for those who know me and suspect he did it on purpose) Main Course What's your favorite condiment? Arby's Bronco Berry Sauce. My sister actually collects them from Arby's and sends me a box full for my birthday. It tastes really good on chicken. I wish they'd market it. Dessert Share a quote that you like, for whatever reason. Be who ...
Blog Rounds
Loved Kristen's view on Judging Rachel's getting pretty inspirational with her camera . Got the following quiz from Rene You scored as Christianity . Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Do more research on Christianity and possibly consider being baptized and accepting Jesus, if you aren't already Christian. Christianity is the second of the Abrahamic faiths; it follows Judaism and is followed by Islam. It differs in its belief of Jesus, as not a prophet nor historical figure, but as God in human form. The Holy Trinity is the concept that God takes three forms: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (sometimes called Holy Spirit). Jesus taught the idea of instead of seeking revenge, one should love his or her neighbors and enemies. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save humankind and forgive people's sins. Christianity 83% Buddhism 46% Judaism 46% Islam 25% Hinduism 17% Satanism 13% Paganism 13% agnosticism 8% atheism 4% Whic...
Buy & Sell Locally
I just found a great site a lot like Ebay... but it specializes in items that are difficult, or costly, to ship. You can search for items near your zip code to find items within a driving distance. You don't have to worry about shipping costs, and you can see before you buy! LiveDeal (It does look suspiciously a lot like Ebay... is that legal?)
Homeschool Blogger
I have joined other homeschoolers in starting up a homeschool blog at homeschool blogger . I am not going to be double posting though. This blog is easier to post on with w.bloggar , so my random and fleeting thoughts through the days will still arrive here... while any cohesive homeschool ramblings will be reserved for that other spot.
I'm an aunt again!!
Our fifth nephew was born on August 2nd. He is first grandson on Steadfast's side of the family! Welcome to the world sweet Tomas Daniël... Je tante wil je graag zien, lief jongetje!
A Meme
I got this from Paula and Kathy 10 years ago: I was living in a three story row house on this street in the Dutch town of Dinteloord with Steadfast and our oldest two daughters, waiting for his American visa to get approved, so that we could move to the States. 5 years ago: We had recently moved into this house in California and were blessed with sweet baby Mary after nine barren years. 1 year ago: I was newly pregnant after a miscarriage... but lost that baby too. Yesterday: We had a local pastor and his wife over for dinner and dessert (blackberry pies from our own blackberries!) and had a very enjoyable evening getting to know them. Today: Had a very warm and lazy-daisy kind of Sunday in between searching high and low for a box (lost in the move?), popping Catherine's dislocated toe back into place (tricycle accident) and cleaning the pool. Tomorrow: Laundry, cleaning, homeschool planning for Mary & Catherine, registering Jane & Elisabeth at the local high school...
Rural Delivery, Part Two
Just now I was startled by a car coming down my drive honking and honking. Out here in the Boonies you hear that sound and you think it's a neighbor needing help, and needing help PDQ. So I ran out PDQ. But nope, to my stunned surprise it was C.B. Like the Radio, bringing me a package, even though the ladies at the local P.O. say "he's not allowed to go down any drives" -- Go down a drive he did! Now wasn't that nice? I think it was PDN.
Killer Brownies
Go potty first, make sure you're not drinking anything that would hurt coming out your nose, and then go read Deborah Markus' recipe for Killer Brownies over at Natalie's Blog.
Rural Delivery
The there was a note in my mail box that we had an express letter that would be waiting for us at the post office after 4 pm. I went to the post office the next morning and they said it was out for delivery again... and that it needed my signature. I said "I was home all day yesterday" and she said, he probably honked at the mail box and when you didn't come out, he left. I said "I live a quarter mile from my mail box, how could I hear him honk? And if I did hear him honk, would he have waited for me to walk the quarter mile?" And she said "he'll bring it back in this afternoon" So I went to the Big City to run errands and got back to "town" around 4 pm, so I decided to check if the letter was there. I didn't see the old chevy with the light on top in the parking lot, so I didn't hold much hope and sure enough, the letter wasn't back yet. He was on the last road though, which is my road, and if I just drove out my road I could...
My mom has just gone into surgery
... and I'm waiting with baited breath 2700 miles away and praying. She's undergoing surgery for breast cancer after having completed four months of chemo. If you feel so led, please pray for her. Thank you!
Thanks for the welcome back!
Yes, we're moved! We're still waiting for Steadfast's car which is somewhere in Kansas on a transport that broke down, but otherwise the move could not have been smoother! I love Ohio so far. We're still unpacking, assembling furniture, scheduling doctors/dentists/DMV things... Jane & Elizabeth need dental work completed that was started in CA, and I have an impacted wisdom tooth. Here I am nearly 40 and that last one hasn't come through yet! I got one at 25, one at 30, and one at 35, so I guess I have a five year pattern established. I have found a doctor I'm very happy with so far, and he recommended a dentist his family has been happy with, so I guess I'll give him a call. I think that's the second hardest part about moving (after leaving loved ones behind)... Finding doctors, dentists and churches in your new home. We have visited two churches so far, and we have not yet heard the pastor speak at either church. The first church was an...
You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming! The World's Shortest Personality Test