Lazy Day

I'm off this week. Not much to do here, but now that the Holiday rush is past, I'm enjoying winding down,

listening to the snoring of my lazy cats.....

Daisy, on the new game seat,

Misty, under my son's blown out speaker,

Annabelle, lounging on the Chaise.

And me, enjoying a hot cup of espresso and fooling around with my new laptop!

aaaah, this is the life!

On Traditions:

There is something about saying, 'We always do this,' which helps keep the years together. Time is such an elusive thing that if we keeping meaning to do something, but never do it, year would follow year with no special thoughtfulness being expressed in making gifts, surprises, charming table settings, and familiar food. Tradition is a good gift intended to guard the best gifts.

~Edith Schaeffer

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

G.K. Chesterton

Beauty in a Postmodern World

I read in the most recent issue of the Charlotte Mason Educational Review that the topic for the next Charlotte Mason conference is: Beauty. I have been mulling this idea in my head for several weeks trying to figure out what beauty in a Charlotte Mason context means. I've also been reading/listening to a lecture series on Post-Modernism which has a lot to say about beauty. These two ideas are converging in my mind and here I am trying to sort them out.....Bear with me for thinking out loud, again.

Beginning my studies of CM's writings in earnest three years ago, her writings have slowly dismantled many unworthy habits and ideas as well as solidified several truisms in regards to children, education, and parenting I have long held. After grappling with her philosophy and comparing it to Christianity I do find her most of her theories and methods to align very closely with Scriptural principles. Her writings were considered in her day counter-culture but in light of our current trends, her insights transcend time and are desperately needed in our Postmodern society.

Many ardent CMers read of her theories, strive to implement her methods in our classrooms and home as closely as possible. We love the idea of doing nature study or picture study; sprinkling our day with classical music in the background, a poem or two. We attend symphonies and ballets, visit museums and nature preserves for field work. We build real & virtual communities with other CMers for co-ops, support, encouragement and social gatherings. But why? What is the purpose of all this?

In School Education, Charlotte Mason says that studies serve for Delight, for Ornament and for Ability. (p.214) Paraphrased, studies should serve us for enjoyment, beauty and to enable us to do something. Just how do our studies bring beauty into our lives?

An acquaintance of mine signs her emails with this tag: Truth, Order Beauty. I read this tagline soon after being introduced to CM and found it to be intriguing; it was simple yet profound. Another friend of mine has shared her Sunday School class's lecture transcriptions with me. They have been studying Covenant Seminary professor, Jerram Barrs' lectures on Postmodernism and Evangelism. He points out many consequences of living in a Postmodern culture of individualism and moral relativity, one being that absolutes have been obliterated. You can no longer speak about absolute truth, order or beauty--it all depends on your own interpretation. You can no longer say what is right or wrong--that depends on your own experience. Based on personal experience and opinion you can have your own truth--but it does not have to apply to anyone else. Furthermore, you cannot challenge anyone's opinion or their right to decide what is true and beautiful. Pushing your opinion and agenda infringes and violates the rights of others.

Sadly, everything loses meaning. Art, for instance, is all subjective. A urinal is not deemed artistic by most of us, but to some it was beautiful when exhibited in a museum in the early 20th century. Chaotic music with no melody or rhythm is considered just as noteworthy as Bach's Air on the G String. A wordless play is as worthy as Macbeth, given credence and considered an interesting observation of humanity.

One of the saddest results of Postmodernism is that all this individualism lands us on isolated islands without bridges for communication or relationship. You can express your own ideas, but what's really the point? Others will simply disagree or have a different opinion, a different truth. Relationships are no longer convenient because of these clashing viewpoints. Plus there's the added expectation of serving another at the expense and sacrifice of your own self-interests. "You just keep your ideas of truth, order and beauty to yourself and I'll keep mine to myself," seems to be the sentiment. Staying consistent with this line of thinking, we are led to a dismal place devoid of joy or beauty. We are left alone, depressed and hopeless.

But alas!, we are not without hope. There is an absolute Truth! This is where I see Charlotte Mason's philosophy and methods stepping in to shed light a darkened mind. Her philosophy is a path to living a beautiful life by enriching our lives through joyful learning. Charlotte said that, "Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child--the knowledge of God, of man and of the universe,--the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable and most happy-making." (A Philosophy of Education, p.158.) Charlotte recognizes that knowing God is truly the path to a joyful, beautiful life. She continues:

"The most important part of education is religious training, and our mission is to give children the knowledge of God. We won't go into the area of intuitive knowledge, we'll stick to the knowledge that is attainable because it's what God expressed for us. That knowledge comes from the Bible. The worst indignity we can commit on children is giving them our own rendering of scripture or a well-intentioned re-telling of the clear, beautiful language and poetic phrasing of the Bible itself." (Modern English translation, A Philosophy of Education, p. 160)

Defining two aspects of religion: our attitude toward Christianity and our perception of God, she illustrates this with a reflection of the life of Goethe and his own quote:

"In the first of these senses, Goethe was never religious, but the second forms the green reposeful background to a restless and uneasy life and it is worth while to consider how he arrived at so infinitely desirable a possession. He gives us the whole history fully in Aus Meinem Leben, a treatise on education very well worth our study. There he says,––
'Man may turn where he will, he may undertake what he will but he will yet return to that road which Dante has laid down for him. So it happened to me in the present case: my efforts with the language" (Hebrew, when he was ten) "with the contents of the Holy Scriptures, resulted in a most lively presentation to my imagination of that beautiful much-sung land and of the countries which bordered it as well as of the people and events which have glorified that spot of earth for thousands of years. Perhaps someone may ask why I set forth here in such detail this universally known history so often repeated, and expounded. This answer may serve, that in no other way could I show how with the distractions of my life and my irregular education I concentrated my mind and my emotion on one point because I can in no other way account for the peace which enveloped me however disturbed and unusual the circumstances of my life. If an ever active imagination of which the story of my life may bear witness led me here and there, if the medley of fable, history, mythology, threatened to drive me to distraction, I betook myself again to those morning lands, I buried myself in the five books of Moses and there amongst the wide-spreading shepherd people I found the greatest solitude and the greatest comfort.'

It is well to know how Goethe obtained this repose of soul, this fresh background for his thoughts, and in all the errors of a wilful life this innermost repose appears never to have left him. His eyes, we are told, were tranquil as those of a god, and here is revealed the secret of that large tranquility." (POE, p.160-161.)

The other ingredients necessary for joyful learning and beautiful living: Knowledge of man and knowledge of universe are an outgrowth of this knowledge of God and all He has created. She encourages us to learn about people past and present that shape our current culture and worldview. She reminds us that being made in His image we are creative beings with desires to create works of beauty through the arts. We are free to discover with wonder and awe all that God has created in the universe. We explore the created world, observe patterns, collect information, formulate hypothses, and simply appreciate God's handiwork. From the smallest micronism to the grandest, we leave no rock unturned in our pursuit of analyzing the "rocks and trees, the skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought." Through the study of nature we see that

"This is my Father’s world,
the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere."

These branches of knowledge are off-shoots from the foundational understanding that Christ is King and knowledge of Him is supreme. Herein lies our hope. Seeing the beauty of life that surrounds us gives us hope. Our hope is in Christ and his finished work on the cross. Christ, our righteousness, is beautiful. His truth reigns, there is order in the universe and knowing him is the most beautiful relationship we will ever know.

When teaching using CM's principles, our children's lives will naturally become infused with these characteristics of truth, order and beauty. They will emulate this beauty. Their lives will communicate to others this Truth and the beauty of righteousness. They will become the salt and light to future generations, perhaps without saying a word. (I Peter 2:12)

As a Christian parent and teacher, I want my children to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord. I want them to lead a life that ultimately glorifies God, adoringly worships Him, and delights in serving Him.

Specifically, Charlotte's advice on habit training has greatly helped me to diligently train my children in righteousness. She has enlightened me with powerful reasons and practical methods to disciple my kids.

We use living books to introduce us to people, minds and ideas of the past and present; to their struggles and triumphs connecting us across time and space one to another. These living books spur within us new ideas which open new vistas of thought and action.

We broaden our horizons by delving into the realm of human achievement and created beauty in song, paint, clay, wood, dance and words.

But again, I must ask, Why? Why do we bother to learn all or any of this? Knowledge just for the sake of knowledge puffs up. Why do we care so much about learning using the Charlotte Mason method. What do we want our children to do with all this knowledge? There must be something more.

I believe Charlotte's ideas and methods resonate deep within us on a core level. We do this because we want our children to live beautiful lives Coram Deo no matter what their circumstances are in any given moment. We want them to live the truth in such a way that commends the law of God and commends true righteousness to all people (Jerram Barrs, Lecture 8, p. 3). We yearn for them to live a genuine life of beauty so that all who see it will give glory to God.

As Charlotte Mason knew full well, this beauty is derived only from a supreme knowledge of Christ--who illuminates the darkness--who considered equality with God something not to be grasped--who humbled himself by taking on the form of a bondservant--who became obedient to death, even death on a cross--who is our Hope.

We want our children to effectively demonstrate and communicate Christ's lasting, eternal beauty to a lost and dying world--perhaps without saying a word. Beautiful!

Bible Advent Calendar

I found this nice website with a daily Scriptural reading for the Advent season.

http://bibleadventcalendar.co.cc/

For unto us this day is given, in the city of David, a son, who is Christ the Lord!

Blessing of Thorns

It's easy to praise God for the roses,
not so for the thorns.

But those thorns are usually the very things that drive us to our knees in prayer.

That is a blessing.

Here's a link to a beautiful story that you can listen to (or read) about being thankful for the thorns from Revive our Hearts....

And a Poem:
Life seemingly paved in an abundance of roses
Threatens the presence of troublesome thorns
Each step taken shackled with tenuous fear
Terrified of what lies beneath the fragrant carpet

A path of uncertainty for all to embark
The journey begins purely without introspection
With trepidation we wind our way
Through miles of flora and rolling meadows

Sweet florid scents fill the air
Soothing those who breathe in her sweet bouquet
Reassuring us, calming all fears
Encouraging us to wander forward

- Anne Mundy

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV

Grateful...

Heart break
Heart ache
New day
New Grace

Learning, trusting
Leaning, hoping

I do not know what tomorrow holds;
Thankfully, I know the One Who holds it

In His arms, I rest.

Grateful

A Christian's Civic Responsibility

"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty -- as well as the privilege and interest -- of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

John Jay, (1745-1829, Original Chief Justice of the

United States Supreme Court

[John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed. (New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1890), Vol. IV, p. 365.]

www.wallbuilders.com

The Essence of Christianity

"The very essence of Christianity is personal loyalty, passionate loyalty to our adorable Chief. In the idea of Christ is life; let the thought of Him once get touch of the soul, and it rises up, a living power, independent of all formularies of the brain. Let us save Christianity for our children by bringing them into allegiance to Christ the King. How? How did the of Cavaliers bring reverence for not too worthy princes? Their own hearts were full of it; their lips spake it; their acts proclaimed it; the style of the clothes, the ring of their voices, the carriage of their heads--all was one proclamation of boundless devotion to their king and his cause." ~~CM


"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
~~Deuteronomy 6:5-7

A trip Down Memory Lane

Some of my friends from waaay back...

One is expecting her first baby,

one is trying,

one has moved back to the old neighborhood,

me, happy to travel down memory lane:

seeing the places where we hoped, imagined, laughed, cried, danced, sang, roller skated, dressed up, played, picked flowers, swam, twirled batons:

reminiscing about the "goot" times we had.

True Friends are Truly Friends Forever!

Worship Quote of the Week

This is again from Chip Stam: http://www.blogger.com/www.wqotw.org
www.sbts.edu/icw

Prayers for National Life

SCRIPTURE QUIZ (You may consult your Bible.)

Q: What do Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Timothy 2:1-6 have in common?
A: These are two passages in which the apostle Paul gave instructions
about the Christian's posture towards civil authorities.

Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE takes a look at a section of prayers ("Prayers for National Life") contained in THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (1979). I think the authors must have studied the Scripture passages mentioned above. Read on. Pray on.

PRAYER FOR NATIONAL LIFE

18. For our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

20. For Congress or a State Legislature
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

21. For Courts of Justice
Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

22. For Sound Government
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

23. For Local Government
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, __________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

24. For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

25. For those in the Armed Forces of our Country
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

26. For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience
O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.

--THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (The Episcopal Church), 1979, "Payers and Thanksgivings," pp. 820-23. http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/formatted_1979.htm.

"...the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes" Daniel 5:21

Never be with in doors when you can be with out!

Today we spent the entire day at the Park. It was a perfect day for an outing. Because the air was cool and crisp this morning, we had to dig out our jackets and sweaters for the first time of the season.

This was our first field trip of the year. For many of the sutdents and parents, it was their first nature walk aside from the ones we do around the school.

Everyone paired up with a buddy to hold hands with...

We viewed the lake first...

We found several leaves that had changed color and fallen already.There were many red and yellow silver maples, yellow elms, brown oaks (probably left over from last year). We compared the leaves we found to our nature book to learn the names!

Next, we spied a school of fish swimming back and forth along the shore.

We rubbed the bark of a pine tree which stretched way up high and touched the sky. We listened to the leaves clap their hands as the northerly wind blew through them.

Did we locate Peter Rabbit's hole?, or at least one of his relations.

We finished up the day with a picnic.....






and playing on the playground.

A good time was had by all. The children, parents and teachers enjoyed the sights and sounds of their first Nature Walk together.

La Mi Nonna Sansone Minestra Di Pollo

My grandmother passed away many years before I was born. Every Christmas we have an Italian Feast in honor of my dad and his family who are no longer with us. One Christmas, I asked my uncle to recall some of her best recipes. I had to improvise a bit, but I'm happy to report it turned out benissimo! It has become a staple of our Italian Christmas Feast.

Because a dear friend was feeling under the weather this weekend I thought some good Chicken Soup was in order,

along with some cheery flowers...

and a good detox bath.....
I hope she feels better soon. I hope you'll enjoy our family soup....

My Grandmother Sansone’s Chicken Soup

Appetizer (First Course)
As remembered By Joe Sansone December 16, 2006

Chicken boullion
Chicken stock
Carrots, sliced
Onion, sliced
Celery, chopped
Soup greens
Salt & Pepper
Other soup spices

Add bouillion, chicken stock, carrots, sliced onion, chopped celery, and other soup greens and spices

Boiled chicken breast was shredded into the stock pot after it was cooked separately.

that all cooked together to a slow simmering (I don't know how long) low boil.

then she added cooked pastina, (cooked separately), into the soup so that it became quite thick.

Just before serving, she would beat an egg or two and very slowly, with a fork, drip the eggs into the pot, a few drips at a time which poached in fine little egg drops .

After serving, add grated Pecorino Romano or Locatelli Romano Italian cheese to taste.

Buon Appetito!

CHILDREN'S BEATITUDES

I found this over at Higher Up and Further In .
Good way to start the day after a hard one.....

Blessed is the child who has someone who believes in him, to whom he can carry his problems unafraid.

Blessed is the child who is allowed to pursue his curiosity into every worthwhile field of information.

Blessed is the child who has someone who understands that childhood's griefs are real and call for understanding and sympathy.

Blessed is the child who has about him those who realize his need of Christ as Saviour and will lead him patiently and prayerfully to the place of acceptance.

Blessed is the child whose love of the true, the beautiful and the good has been nourished through the years.

Blessed is the child whose imagination has been turned into channels of creative effort.

Blessed is the child whose efforts to achieve have found encouragement and kindly commendation.

Blessed is the child who has learned freedom from selfishness through responsibility and cooperation with others.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

A Salute To Our U.S. Constitution

By Chuck Baldwin
September 17, 2008

On this date in 1787, the U.S. Constitution was adopted. 39 delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies (Rhode Island did not send a representative) affixed their signatures to the greatest civil document ever conceived by men. Famous patriots such as George Washington, Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, Gouverneur Morris, James Madison, George Clymer, and Abraham Baldwin were among this gallant group.

Under divine Providence, it has been allegiance to the Constitution that has preserved our liberties and protected our very way of life. Most of the problems, failings, and frustrations that plague our nation today are due to the propensity of our civil magistrates to ignore or blatantly abuse constitutional government. Accordingly, fidelity to the Constitution would likely repair most of the damage done by this neglect.

It is the responsibility of a free people to jealously guard the principles upon which their liberties are predicated. For citizens of these United States, the principles that duly protect our liberties are contained in the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every American to studiously familiarize himself with these documents.

Furthermore, it is the duty of every American to stubbornly hold their elected representative, at every level of government, accountable to his or her oath to the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution is the contract that every civil magistrate makes with "We the People." Failure of an elected representative to fulfill that oath to the Constitution should be met with swift and certain rejection by the people at the polls. Nothing else should matter. Republican or Democrat, man or woman, black or white, believer or unbeliever: it is the responsibility of every civil magistrate to submit to the restrictions and instructions of the Constitution.

Our Constitution (along with the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence) was formed, framed, and founded upon the eternal principles contained in Natural Law, which proceeds forth from man's Creator and Redeemer. No people in human history have ever been so blessed as the people of the United States to inherit such a legacy. Such a heritage serves only to heighten our own responsibility, as "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."

On this Constitution Day of 2008, may this generation of Americans live up to its responsibility to valiantly bequeath to our posterity the same legacy of freedom that was so bravely and miraculously bequeathed to us. For the sake of freedom, for the love of our children, and for the safety and security of our republic, may each of us determine for ourselves--and commit to Almighty God--to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The Love of God

One of my all time favorite songs....

Thinkerup: Why Do Bad Things Happen?

Thinkerup: Why Do Bad Things Happen? by Voddie Baucom

Charlotte Mason Wordle

Found this from Debi at Charlotte Mason & Home Education .
You can even print it out.



For a larger view: http://wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/153317/Charlotte_Mason

First Day of Preschool was swell!

Our first day of preschool went so well. The children came in and played well. We had our morning devotions, sang a song (Jesus Loves Me, I signed along). Then we talked about the alphabet. We also sang the alphabet while jumping to release some energy.

Soon afterwards, we went outside for our first Nature Walk. Guess what! One of my new friends is scared of outside sounds & sights. He was leery of walking on the sidewalk hidden by maples and when a bumblebee buzzed by, he covered his face and ears! Oh no!, I thought. Has this little one never been introduced to the wonders of outdoor life? We did find a millipede, that look exactly like this one:


Initially, the child tried to stomp upon, then shied away from, but we did manage to observe it walking to and fro and decided he must be going home to find his children.

I was so happy to find the Handbook of Nature Study at Google Books which I'll be studying and sharing with my little friends and their parents. Hopefully by the end of the year, we'll all love to be outside more than inside!

At last, we played on the playground. It was hard to decide which activity to do first! Swings, slides, monkey bars, oh my!

We came in and ate a yummy lunch, tidied up the room and settled down for a read aloud. Attention span was pretty good, probably because it was at the end of the day and with full bellies, sleepiness was setting in.

All in all, everything went extremely well. This is the day that the Lord has made....

Looking forward to tomorrow!

So Much Going On....

... finding time to post here has not made it on my plate.

We hosted our Preschool Open House this week.. It was such a pleasure to see old friends, make new ones.

In between preparing for that, I've also been helping my mom pack, sort and move to the beach. We'll drive her down this weekend.

I've also been working on lesson plans and the new preschool newsletter. Here's the first CM Parent article of the new school year. I briefly explained CM to the parents at Open House. The newsletter articles, I'll use to go into further detail developing the Four Pillars over the course of the year. All this is in an effort to come alongside the parents and support them in their duty as parents and uphold their authority in the family. "The family is the unit of a nation."

The Essence of Charlotte Mason by Me

Charlotte Mason’s many ideas on education revolve around one central truth: Children Are Born Persons. She recognized that although, young and inexperienced, children, are created in the image of God,; therefore, worthy to be respected and reverenced. Our very Lord says: “Let the little children come to me, an do not hinder them. For such is the kingdom of heaven.” Miss Mason challenged the understanding of her day (and ours) that children are not mere possessions or cogs in a machine; nor, are they blank slates or empty vases to fill. No, she held fast that children should be loved not for who they may become, but, rather who they are now. Ms. Mason developed an effective educational philosophy that transcends time. Believing that education should be an instrument serving the child, she outlines her ideas in four pillars. First, Education is an Atmosphere. More than a learning environment, this is an atmosphere of love, truth, humility, security, and forgiveness where the child knows he is accepted just as he is: loved by God. Our children need to experience the daily reality of those living life in a relationship to our Living King (MacAulay, For The Children’s Sake, p.105). His mind must be respected so he may flourish in the energizing atmosphere of sharing truly worthwhile interests with people who like him as a person (70). Secondly, Education is a Discipline. We purposefully plan for the contact between child and truth not leaving it to mere chance (105). More than just rules of etiquette, we learn who God is and what He requires of us: To love Him and love others. Parents & educators are responsible for whether we teach helpful habits or non-helpful ones. “If we fail to ease life by laying down habits of right thinking and right acting, habits of wrong thinking and wrong acting fix themselves of their own accord” (CM. Vol. 6 p.101). Thirdly, Education is a Life. The life of the mind feeds upon ideas. Ideas are of spiritual nature and are conveyed “by word of mouth, written page, Scripture word, musical symphony; but we must sustain a child’s inner life with ideas as we sustain his body with food” (109) The apostle Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8 to think on these things...“whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy….” Because of her great respect for the mind of a child, Miss Mason believed in giving children the best ideas from the best authors, artists, composers, poets, etc. Lastly, Education is a Science of Relations. Spreading a generous and rich curriculum before the child gives him opportunity to build relationships with a vast number of things and thought (MacAualy, p91). This relationship building occurs both in our out of school. Parents & educators open the doors to knowledge. The three sorts of knowledge proper to a child: Knowledge of God, of man and of the universe. “Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child…..—the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable and most happy-making.” ( CM, Vol. 6, p. 158)
More to come regarding specifics of the Four Pillars throughout the year. Questions and comments welcome.

Personal Thoughts on CM

(My sentiments are the same so this is a repost from about this same time last year)

All summer I've been reading through The Story of Charlotte Mason. It has been so enlightening. After reading through the Original Homeschooling Series (Confession: I haven't finished reading all of it yet), it has given me tremendous insight into who she was and where her incredible philosophy came from, and, has been instrumental in allowing me to get to know her in a personal way; understand her guiding principles better. I feel like I've spent my summer with CM herself!

I'm just thinking out loud here, like CM says once an idea strikes you you have to communicate it!

I've been gearing up for another year of preschool. Each year I want to move more in line with CM principles. That's why I spend the summer re-reading Home Education. Then, I mull over new ways to implement these methods. Since I'm in a perpetual Year 0 (preschool), I never get to move into teaching formal lessons like copywork, dictation, keeping a Book of Centuries, etc...But, what I have come to believe is that my role and responsibility as an educator is two-fold.

1. I am teaching the children. (Obviously)
2. I am teaching the parents! (Not so obvious)

My job is to love the children, and to show their parents how important their parental duty is, as well as encourage them. How do I do that is the BIG question. This responsibility is not something I take lightly. I feel a heavy burden that what I am doing is having an eternal impact on the children and their families. I shall stand accountable for my actions one day. Now, you may think I'm being too serious; it is only preschool, after all. And, I don't think all the families or teachers share that burden. But, for me, what I do, I do for the Lord and by Him. It is only by His grace that I can do any of this anyway. It is my joy to share the love of Christ with these families; it is my sacrifice to train myself and try to be the best role model possible. It is my privilege to gather His little lambs close to me and point to Him. I know I am far from perfect, mind you, but by and through Christ's strength, can this enormous task be accomplished.

Whew! All that to say that what struck me today while finishing the article, 'Children are Persons' is this concept of realizing ideas are like seeds. Once planted, they germinate, recieve nourishment so as to produce fruit in its given time. The preschool years are the ideal time for planting an array of seeds. As those seed which take root grow, one idea will lead to another. Soon new ideas follow along paths already tread. This is why, to me, it is of the utmost importance to present ideas that are noble, good, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy. Like follows like. We as educators of our own children or someone elses have the duty and porivelge of supplying a bounty of good and noble ideas before our children. We may filter inadequate, insufficient, unworthy ideas; in the long run ,however, the child partakes of those ideas which, given by Divine Inspiration he is interested. Ideas plant themselves in the mind, watered by the Holy Spirit according to the path which was ordained before time began to accomplish the will of God, for His glory!

I am not the planter who plants. I am not the gardener who tends. I am simply a presenter. My responsiblity is to present living ideas leaving the results in God's hands. Journeying along with these young people is a source of true joy. Each year I get to explore and discover along with them the God of the universe! Whether they grow up and remember me is inconsequential. Whether they grow up and remember the One in whose image they were created: essential!

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who
sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:

“ He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the
poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you
are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through
us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs
of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of
your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them
and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the
exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

~2 Corinthians 9:6-14

Just me thinking out loud!
Jennie

Worship Quote of the Week

Thanks to a friend for showing me this great resource....

Today's WORSHIP QUOTE deals with the majesty of God and how our understanding of His greatness shapes our worship. The author is J. I. Packer.


A REASON FOR FLABBY WORSHIP
Our word "majesty" comes from the Latin; it means GREATNESS. When we ascribe majesty to someone, we are acknowledging greatness in that person and voicing our respect for it: as, for instance, when we speak of "Her Majesty" the Queen.

Now, "majesty" is a word which the Bible uses to express the thought of the greatness of God, our Maker and Lord. "The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with MAJESTY . . . Thy throne is established of old" (Ps. 93:1 f.). "I will speak of the glorious honor of thy MAJESTY, and of thy wondrous works" (Ps. 145:5). Peter, recalling his vision of Christ's royal glory at the Transfiguration, says "we . . . were eyewitnesses of his MAJESTY" (2 Pet. 1:16). In Hebrews, the phrase "the Majesty" twice does duty for "God"; Christ, we are told, at his ascension sat down "on the right hand of THE MAJESTY in the heavens" (Heb. 1:3; 8:1). The word "majesty," when applied to god is always a declaration of His greatness and an invitation to worship. The same is true when the Bible speaks of God as being "on high" and "in heaven"; the thought here is not that God is far distant from us in space, but that He is far above us in greatness, and therefore is to be adored. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised" (Ps. 48:1). "The LORD is a great God and a great King . . . O come, let us worship and bow down" (Ps. 95:3, 6). The Christian's instinct of trust and worship are stimulated very powerfully by knowledge of the greatness of God.

But this is knowledge which Christians today largely lack: and that is one reason why our faith is so feeble and our worship so flabby. We are modern men, and modern men, though they cherish great thoughts of man, have as a rule small thoughts of God. When the man in the Church, let alone the man in the street, uses the word "God," the thought in his mind is rarely of divine MAJESTY. A recent book was called YOUR GOD IS TOO SMALL [J. B. Phillips, 1953]; it was a timely title. We are poles apart from our evangelical forefathers at this point, even when we confess our faith in their words. When you start reading Luther, or Edwards, or Whitefield, though your doctrine may be theirs, you soon find yourself wondering whether you have any acquaintance at all with the mighty God whom they knew so intimately.

Today, vast stress is laid on the thought that god is PERSONAL, but this truth is so stated as to leave the impression that God is a person of the same sort as we are--weak, inadequate, ineffective, a little pathetic. But this is not the God of the Bible! Our personal life is a finite thing; it is limited in every direction, in space, in time, in knowledge, in power. But God is not so limited. He is eternal, infinite, and almighty. He has us in His hands; but we never have Him in ours. Like us, He is personal, but unlike us He is GREAT. In all its constant stress on the reality of God's personal concern for His people, and on the gentleness, tenderness, sympathy, patience, and yearning compassion that He shows towards them, the Bible never lets us lose sight of His majesty, and His unlimited dominion over all His creatures.

— J. I. Packer, KNOWING GOD. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1973, pp. 73-74. ISBN 0-87784-867-X

MORE GREAT WORSHIP QUOTES FROM J. I. PACKER
www. wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2008-01-01
www. wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2008-01-08
www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2006-09-12
www. wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2006-07-11
www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2002-11-12
www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2001-04-24
www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=1996-08-27

~~By Chip Stam
Director, Institute for Christian Worship
School of Church Music and Worship
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, Kentucky
www.wqotw.org (You can subscribe for yourself, here)
www.sbts.edu/icw

We're Beachin'

The Whole Family is going to the beach this year! 25 people, 7 days, 6 cars, 1 airplane, loads of fun and memories!Pictures when we get back....

Cherokee Mission Trip Slideshow

His Grace is Sufficient

We've been back from Cherokee since last Saturday. I'm still working on a presentation for it. I'll post it when its finished.

We've had a very busy week. VBS at our church started on Monday. We're using the same VBS our mission team taught in Cherokee.

This week my friend, Donna and I are presented Missionary stories. Each day we introduce the students to a new missionary. The kids are making lapbooks and add new inforamtion each day.

I taught about Tammy Jackson, our Cherokee native missionary. I even put together a Charlotte Mason styled lesson plan.

Missionary Stories

Tammy Jackson, Native Missionary
Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation

Object: 1. To introduce children to a living missionary
2. To give them an understanding of why the Cherokee need evangelism and discipleship.
3. To create interest in praying for the needs of the ministry
4. Learn a little of the Cherokee language, singing Amazing Grace in their language.

Materials: Lapbooks, Glue, Markers, Cherokee Flag, Original Cherokee Territory Map, Current Qualla Boundary Map, Tammy Jackson’s picture (make 1 large copy, 55 small copies), picture of Cherokee Flag (55 copies), Amazing Grace in Cherokee song sheet (55 copies)

Lesson:

Step 1. Display Cherokee Flag. Ask children if they know who the Cherokee are where they are from.

Step 2. Show the picture of the Cherokee Territory before the Indian Removal Act.
Originally, Cherokee land encompassed 140,000 square miles throughout what would now be part of eight southern states.

Step 3. Tell Children that Missionaries first brought the Gospel to the Cherokee around 1800.

Step 4. Tell children briefly how/why the Cherokee were removed and to where. Explain Cherokee hesitation to trust gov’t.
“by 1820s and after nearly 200 years of broken treaties, the Cherokee empire was reduced to a small territory. Andrew Jackson began to insist that all southeastern Indians be moved west of the Mississippi. The federal government no longer needed the Cherokees as strategic allies against the French and British. Land speculators wanted Cherokee land to sell for cotton plantations and for the gold that was discovered in Georgia. Although the Cherokees resisted removal through their bilingual newspaper and through legal means, taking their case all the way the Supreme Court, Jackson’s policy prevailed. In 1838, events culminated in the tragic Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokees in the East to Oklahoma. One quarter to half of the 16,000 Cherokees who began the long march died of exposure, disease, and the shock of separation from their home.”

Step 4. Show picture of current EBCI reservation.
A few Cherokees refused to move and hid among the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, avoiding the army and authorities. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal members are direct descendents of those who avoided the Cherokees’ forced removal to Oklahoma. These Cherokees were allowed to claim some of their lands in western North Carolina in the 1870's. In 1889, a 56,000 acre sect of land was chartered and is now called the Qualla Boundary.
The Qualla Boundary is the current home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The 56,000-acre area is located in western North Carolina adjacent to the southern end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The main part of the Boundary lies in eastern Swain County and northern Jackson County, but there are many smaller non-contiguous sections to the southwest in Cherokee County and Graham County. A very small part of the Qualla Boundary extends eastward into Haywood County. There are more than 13,300 enrolled members of EBCI and approximately 60% live on the Qualla Boundary. The total land area of these parts is 213.934 km² (82.600 sq mi), with a 2000 census resident population of 8,092 persons.

Step 5. Introduce Tammy Jackson. Give brief biography of her life. Pass her picture around. Tammy Jackson grew up in Cherokee and is an enrolled member of the EBCI. At age 12, her grandmother urged her to “go down to the altar”, and make an insincere profession of faith. But Tammy, despite fear of disapproval from her grandmother chose not to go at that time. Two years later, after feeling like the Lord was truly calling her, she finally “went down front,” where she made a sincere profession of faith and received Christ. Unfortunately, due to lack of discipleship, Tammy did not grow in her faith and began to make wrong choices. But, the Lord has been faithful to complete the good work He began in her and Tammy was introduced to the Doctrines of Grace. She began to grow and felt like the Lord was calling her to disciple and teach other Cherokee women the Word of God. Tammy currently serves as a missionary to the Native American people of Cherokee, NC. She also serves the needs of the Lummi, Colville, Omaha, Creek of Alberta, and Hobbema of Edmonton, Canada, through Mission To The World.


Step 6. Tell of Tammy’s desire to minister and disciple the needs of the Cherokee, her native people.
Having seen in her own life how the truth of God’s word can transform, Tammy’s focus has been and continues to be the discipleship of Cherokee women in Christ through various Bible Studies and ministry opportunities. She asks the we pray for hearts to be opened and the Word to reach out across the Cherokee Reservation.

Step 7. Tell of Tammy’s health issues and her prayer requests for the ministry.
For many years, Tammy has been serving the Native peoples. This year, she was diagnosed with lupus. Due to this, she has had to cut back on her ministry roles. But again, the Lord has been faithful and He has risen up fellow Christians to take over where she has had to leave off. Her specific prayer needs:

Pray for me as I learn to live with lupus and make the necessary adjustments to my life, and that it will go quickly into remission. Pray as I seek God on what His new ministry for me will be and how to approach it. Pray for a hunger for truth among the Cherokee and a desire to know God.

Pray as we continue to recruit additional members for our Cherokee missionary team. We still need a family or couple that has a background in discipleship, working cross culturally and outdoor adventure programs or at least some experience with such programs.
Pray for Ronny and Patricia Starling whom served there this summer and assisted Tammy with the development of follow-up programs. Pray for the Starlings further ministry here and raising their support.

Pray for the MTW staff, teams and their leaders. Also the Cherokee who will assist or just be apart of the ministry.

Pray for God to continue moving on the hearts of the Cherokee. That He would open more doors and grant more opportunities for MTW to take the Gospel further in the relationships we have formed with the Cherokee people.

Pray for the eight Native American and First Nations Tribes MTW will send short-term teams to again this summer and the new work we will begin among tribes in Washington State.
Living Faith recently returned from a mission trip to Cherokee. We did this same VBS with the children at a Summer Camp and visited with the elderly at the Tsali Care Center. Pastor Wadhams also went to Washington State on the Lumni Reservation preaching God’s word!

Step 8. Pass out song and sing Amazing Grace in Cherokee.

Step 9. Have children add Tammy Jackson and her location to the lapbook.

Step 10. Give children picture of Tammy and Cherokee flag for lapbooks. Let them take home the music for Amazing Grace.


Tonight, I'm teaching about John and Betty Scott Stam.

The year 1934. Americans John and Betty Stam were serving as missionaries in China. One morning Betty was bathing her three-month-old daughter Helen Priscilla Stam when Tsingteh's city magistrate appeared. Communist forces were near, he warned, and urged the Stams to flee.
So John Stam went out to investigate the situation for himself. He received conflicting reports. Taking no chances, he arranged for Betty and the baby to be escorted away to safety if need be. But before the Stams could make their break, the Communists were inside the city. By little-known paths, they had streamed over the mountains behind government troops. Now gun shots sounded in the streets as looting began. The enemy beat on the Stams' own gate.
A faithful cook and maid at the mission station had stayed behind. The Stams knelt with them in prayer. But the invaders were pounding at the door. John opened it and spoke courteously to the four leaders who entered, asking them if they were hungry. Betty brought them tea and cakes. The courtesy meant nothing. They demanded all the money the Stams had, and John handed it over. As the men bound him, he pleaded for the safety of his wife and child. The Communists left Betty and Helen behind as they led John off to their headquarters.
Before long, they reappeared, demanding mother and child. The maid and cook pleaded to be allowed to accompany Betty.
"No," barked the captors, and threatened to shoot.
"It is better for you to stay here," Betty whispered. "If anything happens to us, look after the baby."
When we consecrate ourselves to God, we think we are making a great sacrifice, and doing lots for Him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, He fills them full of His treasures. --Betty Stam
Betty was led to her husband's side. Little Helen needed some things and John was allowed to return home under guard to fetch them. But everything had been stolen. That night John was allowed to write a letter to mission authorities. "My wife, baby and myself are today in the hands of the Communists in the city of Tsingteh. Their demand is twenty thousand dollars for our release. . . . We were too late. The Lord bless and guide you. As for us, may God be glorified, whether by life or by death."
Prisoners in the local jail were released to make room for the Stams. Frightened by rifle fire, the baby cried out. One of the Reds said, "Let's kill the baby. It is in our way." A bystander asked, "Why kill her? What harm has she done?"
"Are you a Christian?" shouted one of the guards.
The man said he was not; he was one of the prisoners just released.
"Will you die for this foreign baby?" they asked. As Betty hugged Helen to her chest, the man was hacked to pieces before her eyes.
Terror in the StreetsThe next morning their captors led the Stams toward Miaosheo, twelve miles distant. John carried little Helen, but Betty, who was not physically strong, owing to a youthful bout with inflammatory rheumatitis was allowed to ride a horse part of the way. Terror reigned in the streets of Miaosheo. Under guard, the foreign family was hustled into the postmaster's shop.
"Where are you going?" asked the postmaster, who recognized them from their previous visits to his town. "We do not know where they are going, but we are going to heaven," answered John. He left a letter with the postmaster. "I tried to persuade them to let my wife and baby go back from Tsingteh with a letter to you, but they would not let her. . . ."That night the three were held in the house of a wealthy man who had fled. They were guarded by soldiers. John was tied to a post all that cold night, but Betty was allowed enough freedom to tend the baby. As it turned out, she did more than that.
ExecutionThe next morning the young couple were led through town without the baby. Their hands were tightly bound, and they were stripped of their outer garments as if they were common criminals. John walked barefoot. He had given his socks to Betty. The soldiers jeered and called the town’s folk to come see the execution. The terrified people obeyed. On the way to the execution, a medicine-seller, considered a lukewarm Christian at best, stepped from the crowd and pleaded for the lives of the two foreigners. The Reds angrily ordered him back. The man would not be stilled. His house was searched, a Bible and hymnbook found, and he, too was dragged away to die as a hated Christian. John pleaded for the man’s life. The Red leader sharply ordered him to kneel. As John was speaking softly, the Red leader swung his sword through the missionary’s throat so that his head was severed from his body. Betty did not scream. She quivered and fell bound beside her husband’s body. As she knelt there, the same sword ended her life with a single blow. Although John and Betty's earthly lives were ended, they were placed forever in the glorious presence of their Lord.
BettyBetty Scott was born in the United States but reared in China as the daughter of missionaries. She came to the United States and attended Wilson College in Pennsylvania. Betty prepared to follow in her parents’ footsteps and work in China or wherever else the Lord directed her. But China it proved to be. At a prayer meeting for China, she met John Stam and a friendship developed that ripened into love. Painfully they recognized that marriage was not yet possible. “The China Inland Mission has appealed for men, single men, to work in sections where it would be impossible to take a woman until more settled work has commenced,” wrote John. He committed the matter to the Lord, whose work, he felt, must come before any human affection. At any rate, Betty would be leaving for China before him, to work in an entirely different region, and so they must be separated anyhow. As a matter of fact, John had not yet even been accepted by the China Inland Mission whereas Betty had. They parted after a long tender day, sharing their faith, picnicking, talking, and praying.
Betty sailed while John continued his studies. On July 1, 1932, John, too, was accepted for service in China. Now at least he could head toward the same continent as Betty. He sailed for Shanghai.Meanwhile, Betty found her plans thwarted. A senior missionary had been captured by the Communists in the region where she was to have worked. The mission directors decided to keep her in a temporary station, and later ill-health brought her to Shanghai. Thus without any choice on her part, she was in Shanghai when John landed in China. Immediately they became engaged and a year later were married, long before they expected it. In October, 1934 Helen Priscilla was born to them. What would become of her now that her parents John and Betty were dead?
Pastor Lo
In the HillsFor two days, local Christians huddled in hiding in the hills around Miaosheo. Among them was a Chinese evangelist named Mr. Lo. Through informants, he learned that the Communists had captured two foreigners. At first he did not realize that these were John and Betty Stam, with whom he had worked, but as he received more details, he put two and two together. As soon as government troops entered the valley and it was safe to venture forth, Mr. Lo hurried to town. His questions met with silence. Everyone was fearful that spies might report anyone who said too much.
An old woman whispered to Pastor Lo that there was a baby left behind. She nodded in the direction of the house where John and Betty had been chained their last night on earth. Pastor Lo hurried to the site and found room after room trashed by the bandits. Then he heard a muffled cry. Tucked by her mother in a little sleeping bag, Helen was warm and alive, although hungry after her two day fast.
The kindly pastor took the child in his arms and carried her to his wife. With the help of a local Christian family, he wrapped the bodies that still lay upon the hillside and placed them into coffins. To the crowd that gathered he explained that the missionaries had only come to tell them how they might find forgiveness of sin in Christ. Leaving others to bury the dead, he hurried home. Somehow Helen had to be gotten to safety.Pastor Lo's own son, a boy of four, was desperately ill -- semi-conscious after days of exposure. Pastor Lo had to find a way to carry the children a hundred miles through mountains infested by bandits and Communists. Brave men were found willing to help bear the children to safety, but there was no money to pay them for their efforts. Lo had been robbed of everything he had.
From Beyond the GraveBut from beyond the grave, Betty provided. Tucked in Helen's sleeping bag were a change of clothes and some diapers. Pinned between these articles of clothing were two five dollar bills. It made the difference. Placing the children in rice baskets slung from the two ends of a bamboo pole, the group departed quietly, taking turns carrying the precious cargo over their shoulders. Mrs. Lo was able to find Chinese mothers along the way to nurse Helen. On foot, they came safely through their perils. Lo's own boy recovered consciousness suddenly and sat up, singing a hymn.
Eight days after the Stams fell into Communist hands, another missionary in a nearby city heard a rap at his door. He opened it and a Chinese woman, stained with travel, entered the house, bearing a bundle in her arms. "This is all we have left," she said brokenly.
The missionary took the bundle and turned back the blanket to uncover the sleeping face of Helen Priscilla Stam. Many kind hands had labored to preserve the infant girl, but none kinder than Betty who had spared no effort for her baby even as she herself faced degradation and death.
John and Betty spent but a few years in China before they were martyred, but their deaths stirred a revival for missions. Money poured in to missions agencies and a new generation of young people dedicated their lives to overseas service. Through their faith and dedication, John's last written wish was honored, and God was indeed glorified in life and in death.

What Happened to Helen?Kathleen White has written an excellent and very readable biography John and Betty Stam, available from Bethany House Publishers (1988). She reports that Betty's alma mater, Wilson College in Pennsylvania, took over baby Helen's support and covered the costs of her college education. She added: "Helen is living in this country (USA) with her husband and family but does not wish her identity and whereabouts to be made known."


All the missionaries we've learned about are so inspring.

Tomorrow we leave at the crack of dawn to attend my flower girl's wedding in PA. She was only 7 when we got married! My, how time flies....

Thank God for His grace that keeps us going.....

SDG,
Jennie

Unto These Hills.....

We are going to Cherokee for a week long mission trip. Most everything is packed. Supplies have been purchased. Instructions to the boys have been explained. The girl is set to stay with her BFF.

Now we just need prayer. Lots of it!

• Pray that we will have a safe trip.

• Pray that we will meet and make many new friends.

• Pray that God prepares the hearts of our new friends to be receptive to the Gospel.

• Pray that our ministry will be effective. We're using CDG's The Call of God with the school age children in the mornings. Afternoons we'll spend with the elderly at the Tsali Care Center playing games and having fun.

• Pray that God's name will be glorified!

In His Service, For His Sake!

Living by Faith,

Jennie

99 Balloons

Children are Born Persons...

Culitvating Spirituality in Children...

A dear friend of mine intived me over last week for lunch and to chat about our church's Sunday school curriculum. She and her husband recently inherited a class of intelligent, well-read, well-founded third and fourth graders.

She was finding the lessons to be below their level as well as incoherent. This was due to the constant stopping and starting built in the lesson to display pictures and or word phrases meant to help the children remember the lessons. However, all those interruptions only seemed to confuse the students more.

We discussed how a new friend of mine transformed twaddly VBS lessons into Living Lessons a la Charlotte Mason style.

That seemed to be inspiration enough. Today we are both presenting lessons similarily styled!

I also loved this recent post from LindaFay on Cultivating Spirituality in Children.

I especially liked this post because our Summer Children's Program is centered on teaching children HOW to pray. Keeping a journal was suggested as a way for the children to record prayers, praises and answers.

Although I do keep a list of prayers and petitions for Salvation it could be enhanced by keeping them in a journal with my sermon notes. Actually, I think I'll begin today.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Go Dara!

The Endless Benefits of Swimming

You dive into the pool for a game of Marco Polo or to cool down from the hot summer heat. You love the calming feeling of being submerged in water and the fun factor of frolicking in the pool like you were 10 years old again. But do you ever just swim for exercise and for the array of the health benefits of swimming? Don’t be a fish out of water when it comes to knowing just how wonderful swimming is for your mind, body and soul…

Have you ever watched the Olympics and found yourself in awe of the professional swimmers’ physiques? Their long, lean and toned muscular bodies seem to glide through the water effortlessly. Swimmers are in fantastic shape and those who swim regularly know that they not only look great on the outside but feel just as great on the inside. The health benefits of swimming are almost unmatched by most any other sport.

Why is Swimming So Good? Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility all at the same time. Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without overworking your heart.....

Click here to Continue Reading, I'm going for a swim!!!!

Father Knows Best

Since reading Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen, I've been adding more healthy, unprocessed , as near to the orginal state as possible, raw foods to my diet. I've been feasting on lots of fruits and veggies, nuts and dried fruits, whole grains and anything fresh! I'veremarked severl times to friends that: since God made our bodies and made the food for our bodies, I should probably eat what He gives instead of processed to dust, packaged food with a shelf life of 100 years.....


Recently, a friend sent this to me.

We all know that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body! God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopene and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.


Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.


Let us taste and see that the Lord is good and eat from the bounty of the earth which He provides! Thank you Lord for your wise provision!