I think it has been something like six weeks since I wrote. It really can't be October already, can it???
These past few weeks have been very full of possible blogging titles. We have been camping, started school, rolled out a new chore and reward system, started music classes, moved in a free piano we were given, wiped our computer completely clean, painted the girls' room, painted the Master bedroom, and had many more exciting adventures, I am sure. I just can't recollect them all right now. And of course, you can be sure, S has never taken a break from her special way of life.
But really, I decided that blogging was not a high priority. This page does not bring in any income nor move any mountains, for our family, so to speak. However, my job as a mom and housewife were given to me by the Almighty. Blogging needed to take a backseat. Consistent devotions and exercise were a must for me as we began our fall school schedule. Those items are beginning to find a comfortable home in most mornings so hopefully blogging will pick back up a bit.
However, this fall has definitely been a time of shifting my paradigm. Last year I thought that homeschooling my children was a big responsibility. This year I would second that and add that it is a huge, and I mean HUGE, time commitment, err...uh...a full-time job! I am essentially teaching a 2nd grader, 1st grader, and Kindergartner while I try to keep an eye on a mellow (thank you , Lord for that!) two year old and an absolute loose cannon of a seventeen month old.
I am simply trying to get to the end of my day with school complete, some laundry done, S in one piece, and dinner eventually appearing.
Thus, if I get a blog post written it is simply icing on the cake.
Thanks for still reading and here's to more days with icing!
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
October 05, 2011
August 03, 2011
Passiveness...
Some recent encounters with literature recommendations, the news, and discussions with my very enlightening husband have me pondering...
Have you heard about the neighborhoods in the UK with the yellow posters?
Recently, there were notices put up in some pleasant, tree lined, suburbs of London announcing that shari'a law was in effect and will be enforced. What?!
Think that can't happen here? I would suggest you might want to think again.
Sure, the UK authorities are working to take down the signs....but how would you feel about walking those streets in jeans and a tank top with your children in tow?
How does this happen?
Satan was given a foothold. That's how.
Christ's followers became passive. That's how.
He will try in our country. Satan is trying in our country. Did you know that some public schools are now instructing children on observing Ramadan? These are the hearts and minds of the future of our country. Those are seeds planted.
Some may say that kids need a full education of all options. Really? Then why don't the public schools teach how God was so instrumental in the founding of our country? Why should Christmas go away?
Teach your children, passionately, moms. Don't think your vote worthless. Stand up for what is pure and holy, even in church!
And watch out for passiveness being disguised as peace. Do you know the full history and meaning behind the now absurdly popular 'peace-sign'? I didn't.
Here it is:
PEACE SYMBOL or NERO'S CROSS: A broken, upside-down cross. To Roman emperor Nero, who hated and persecuted the early Christians, it meant destruction of Christianity. Revived in the sixties by hippies and others who protested nuclear weapons, Western culture, and Christian values, it now symbolizes a utopian hope for a new age of global peace and earth-centered unity. But many of heavy metal rock fans would agree with Nero and use it to mock Christ and His followers. [taken from: http://www.radioliberty.com/Symbolsandtheirmeaning.html ]
Some people argue against the historical validity of the explanation above. Let's say we give them the benefit of the doubt. Have you ever seen the peace symbol have a particular significance in the Christian faith? On the other hand, in the world of wicca they embrace the peace symbol wholeheartedly and it holds special meaning. Seems to me there should be a distinction here....
Why is this sign all over children's (not to mention adult) sandals, hats, and clothing? The devil does not usually work in a quick obvious manner. Be discerning and bold.
Multi-culturalism is becoming a prevailing trend even in homeschooling. This can be a slippery slope. We need to ask ourselves, "does my six year old really need to read stories validating the Muslim faith or making light of superstition"? Consider what the state is of the soil of their hearts before you go this route.
Yes, God loves every person in every land. He does not think America any better than another mass of land He created. And neither should we.
However, the ideals our country were founded on are not the same as most others! The freedoms we have came from our founders' beliefs in The Creator. We are going to have to fight for them or else we will lose those freedoms. There is no way around it.
Jesus speaks to His disciples in John 15:18-20,
Sitting by quietly will only pass on a greater struggle to our children.
Have you heard about the neighborhoods in the UK with the yellow posters?
Recently, there were notices put up in some pleasant, tree lined, suburbs of London announcing that shari'a law was in effect and will be enforced. What?!
Think that can't happen here? I would suggest you might want to think again.
Sure, the UK authorities are working to take down the signs....but how would you feel about walking those streets in jeans and a tank top with your children in tow?
How does this happen?
Satan was given a foothold. That's how.
Christ's followers became passive. That's how.
He will try in our country. Satan is trying in our country. Did you know that some public schools are now instructing children on observing Ramadan? These are the hearts and minds of the future of our country. Those are seeds planted.
Some may say that kids need a full education of all options. Really? Then why don't the public schools teach how God was so instrumental in the founding of our country? Why should Christmas go away?
Teach your children, passionately, moms. Don't think your vote worthless. Stand up for what is pure and holy, even in church!
And watch out for passiveness being disguised as peace. Do you know the full history and meaning behind the now absurdly popular 'peace-sign'? I didn't.
Here it is:
PEACE SYMBOL or NERO'S CROSS: A broken, upside-down cross. To Roman emperor Nero, who hated and persecuted the early Christians, it meant destruction of Christianity. Revived in the sixties by hippies and others who protested nuclear weapons, Western culture, and Christian values, it now symbolizes a utopian hope for a new age of global peace and earth-centered unity. But many of heavy metal rock fans would agree with Nero and use it to mock Christ and His followers. [taken from: http://www.radioliberty.com/Symbolsandtheirmeaning.html ]
Some people argue against the historical validity of the explanation above. Let's say we give them the benefit of the doubt. Have you ever seen the peace symbol have a particular significance in the Christian faith? On the other hand, in the world of wicca they embrace the peace symbol wholeheartedly and it holds special meaning. Seems to me there should be a distinction here....
Why is this sign all over children's (not to mention adult) sandals, hats, and clothing? The devil does not usually work in a quick obvious manner. Be discerning and bold.
Multi-culturalism is becoming a prevailing trend even in homeschooling. This can be a slippery slope. We need to ask ourselves, "does my six year old really need to read stories validating the Muslim faith or making light of superstition"? Consider what the state is of the soil of their hearts before you go this route.
Yes, God loves every person in every land. He does not think America any better than another mass of land He created. And neither should we.
However, the ideals our country were founded on are not the same as most others! The freedoms we have came from our founders' beliefs in The Creator. We are going to have to fight for them or else we will lose those freedoms. There is no way around it.
Jesus speaks to His disciples in John 15:18-20,
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."He continues in 16:1,
"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God."Sobering words.
Sitting by quietly will only pass on a greater struggle to our children.
February 05, 2011
Green and Gold
Some areas of our country take different things seriously. For some areas in the south it would be music. For Florida it would most likely be their beaches and tourist attractions. We moved three years ago from California where it is very serious that nothing be taken seriously. Now we live in Wisconsin. We have learned about what is important around here.
Wisconsinites take their alcohol seriously. I mean seriously. No blenders needed or desired here. Did you see the news reports about the bars in Pasadena running out of some alcohol (I would guess brandy and whiskey) for the Badger fans in town for the Rose Bowl? That is not necessarily an honorable claim to fame, but it is very true. Farming and dairy are a serious business around here. Many a family live off of the industry. The current market prices for dairy and a discussion of them are news items on the radio here every hour. Farmers set up tables in grocery stores with that day's fresh cheese (and yes, it is extra delicious). But there is one entity that is more important to the people of Wisconsin than anything else. The Green Bay Packers.
It is completely normal for a family to wait generations to finally receive season tickets to the Packers. The games are always sold out. No matter how cold it is. About a year and a half ago Ryan and I were privileged to go to a game at Lambeau field by way of his employer. This was an experience we will never forget. The stadium is nearly plopped right in the middle of a neighborhood. The surrounding homes take great advantage of this and charge for parking on their lawns! It is nearly impossible to explain how amazed we were by the fanatic fans, the pristine parking lot where thousands had been and were tailgating, the camaraderie of the entire stadium. It is kind of like a wholesome high school football game on steroids. Even the cheerleaders are actually from local high schools (the schools rotate)!
Have you heard they are playing in the Super Bowl this weekend? If not, you obviously don't live around here. The blizzard that came through was talked about briefly on the news before we came to the 'real' news: the half hour "Super Bowl Report". And if the Packers weren't in the Super Bowl we wouldn't even hear about the big game.
Wisconsinites bleed green and gold through and through. It is not a part of their life. It is woven into their entire life. Everyone watches the games. There are TV's in grocery stores with the games on and the sound being broadcast on their loud speakers throughout the store. Restaurants and fast food places (yes, even McDonald's) are closing down early on Sunday. Movie theatres are closed (except for the one showing the big game, for free!). For good reason: there would be absolutely NO customers. And I mean empty. Never mind that their employees might quit in favor of watching the game.
Most employees of any service industry either own or are provided with Packers jerseys to wear on Sundays (and this entire past week, for that matter). I actually am wearing #50 as I write this which came from a restaurant where I worked in which I needed one for any Sunday evening I served. Ryan (a Broncos fan) was supposed to wear Packer gear to work yesterday or else pay the 25 cent fine which they impose on management for breaking the so called 'rules' (which includes profanity). Seeing as how I do not like contributing a quarter to the management 'after hours drinking fund' (does anyone else see the irony here?) I tried to find a way out of this fine. I finally realized we owned one of the famous cheeseheads (we were given it shortly after we moved here). Yes, he wore it yesterday to the amusement of many, but hey, we saved a quarter!
Packer flags are flying on nearly every home. Bell peppers are arranged into the Green and Gold logo in the produce departments. There were trucks with smashed bears on their front grills two weeks ago. And to top it all off people are painting the snow in their front yards green and gold with various slogans about the Pack.
So in honor of tomorrow we proudly say "Go Packers!".
Wisconsinites take their alcohol seriously. I mean seriously. No blenders needed or desired here. Did you see the news reports about the bars in Pasadena running out of some alcohol (I would guess brandy and whiskey) for the Badger fans in town for the Rose Bowl? That is not necessarily an honorable claim to fame, but it is very true. Farming and dairy are a serious business around here. Many a family live off of the industry. The current market prices for dairy and a discussion of them are news items on the radio here every hour. Farmers set up tables in grocery stores with that day's fresh cheese (and yes, it is extra delicious). But there is one entity that is more important to the people of Wisconsin than anything else. The Green Bay Packers.
It is completely normal for a family to wait generations to finally receive season tickets to the Packers. The games are always sold out. No matter how cold it is. About a year and a half ago Ryan and I were privileged to go to a game at Lambeau field by way of his employer. This was an experience we will never forget. The stadium is nearly plopped right in the middle of a neighborhood. The surrounding homes take great advantage of this and charge for parking on their lawns! It is nearly impossible to explain how amazed we were by the fanatic fans, the pristine parking lot where thousands had been and were tailgating, the camaraderie of the entire stadium. It is kind of like a wholesome high school football game on steroids. Even the cheerleaders are actually from local high schools (the schools rotate)!
Have you heard they are playing in the Super Bowl this weekend? If not, you obviously don't live around here. The blizzard that came through was talked about briefly on the news before we came to the 'real' news: the half hour "Super Bowl Report". And if the Packers weren't in the Super Bowl we wouldn't even hear about the big game.
Wisconsinites bleed green and gold through and through. It is not a part of their life. It is woven into their entire life. Everyone watches the games. There are TV's in grocery stores with the games on and the sound being broadcast on their loud speakers throughout the store. Restaurants and fast food places (yes, even McDonald's) are closing down early on Sunday. Movie theatres are closed (except for the one showing the big game, for free!). For good reason: there would be absolutely NO customers. And I mean empty. Never mind that their employees might quit in favor of watching the game.
Most employees of any service industry either own or are provided with Packers jerseys to wear on Sundays (and this entire past week, for that matter). I actually am wearing #50 as I write this which came from a restaurant where I worked in which I needed one for any Sunday evening I served. Ryan (a Broncos fan) was supposed to wear Packer gear to work yesterday or else pay the 25 cent fine which they impose on management for breaking the so called 'rules' (which includes profanity). Seeing as how I do not like contributing a quarter to the management 'after hours drinking fund' (does anyone else see the irony here?) I tried to find a way out of this fine. I finally realized we owned one of the famous cheeseheads (we were given it shortly after we moved here). Yes, he wore it yesterday to the amusement of many, but hey, we saved a quarter!
Packer flags are flying on nearly every home. Bell peppers are arranged into the Green and Gold logo in the produce departments. There were trucks with smashed bears on their front grills two weeks ago. And to top it all off people are painting the snow in their front yards green and gold with various slogans about the Pack.
So in honor of tomorrow we proudly say "Go Packers!".
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