Monday, May 7, 2012

What Really Matters

The Rich Young Ruler

 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them,
Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
(Matthew 19:16-30 ESV)


One of the great saints in the family of God was called home to receive her reward last week.

Deborah Hawes Godwin McAnulty lived everyday loving Jesus, loving her family and loving her friends. If you met her, she loved you. If you were related to someone she met, she loved you And she made sure you knew it. Her love for Jesus, for what He had done for her, filled her up with so much joy that it spilled out in a continous flow to everyone.  She knew that knowing Jesus and sharing His gift of eternal life, grace and peace was the only thing that really mattered.  Debbie lived the Gospel out loud. The Lord gave her many opportunities to share His Love all around the world. He gifted her with a very special way to encourage and comfort, always pointing back to the One who suffered the wrath of God in our place.  She leaves an inspiring legacy. Post after post on her Facebook page shows how far and wide her impact for the Kingdom on God reaches.

Although this world is a little less bright as we who remain adjust to her departure, I know without a doubt she is Home where she belongs. Receiving her crown of glory, casting it at the feet of Jesus; hearing the words all the saints long to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant.....you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race...."  I know Debbie is safe in the arms of Jesus, praising and worshipping Him face to face, resting in His perfect peace.

As radiant as her smile was here on earth, I can just imagine how glorious it is now that her faith has become her sight?

Saturday, February 11, 2012

YES! Young Brains Do Need Play

Regarding the Early Years, Charlotte Mason says of parents: "To form in his child right habits of thinking and behaving is a parent's chief duty...To nourish a child daily with loving, right, and noble ideas we believe to be the parent's next duty" ( Vol. 2, p. 228).

Contrary to the current performance-based, "the-earlier-the-better mentality," Mason also advocated postponing formal school lessons until the child is six.

"We (of the P.N.E.U) begin the definite 'school' education of children when they are six; they are no doubt capable of beginning a year or two earlier but the fact is that nature and circumstances have provided such a wide field of educaiton for young children that it seems better to abstain from requiring direct intellectual efforts until they have arrived at that age" (Vol.6, p.159).














New research is confirming what Charlotte Mason said 140 years ago,  that "it takes six years of ideal conditions where a child gives his heart to his parents."

Read more here:
"Young Brains Need Play; Preschoolers Learn Best While Having Fun."

This philosophy is why in my preschool class I provide numerous activities and experiences designed to help children explore and discover the world around them using all their senses.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Walking for Lupus

On May 5th I'm walking for lupus.
Walk for Lupus Now Charlotte 2010

{WHY I'M WALKING}
I am walking for my daughter's best friend. She was diagnosed two years ago at age 17. She is a sweet young lady who is persevering with a positive outlook and lots of smiles! I also want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed and to prevent more from learning what it means to live with this disease.

{WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT MY EFFORTS}
  • More than 1.5 million Americans and 45,000 NC residents have lupus. 
  • The effects on individuals with lupus and their families can be life diminishing and life threatening.
  • Lupus is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed diseases, with no known cause.
  • On March 9, 2011, the FDA approved, BENLYSTA, the first drug ever to be specifically developed to treat lupus. This is a significant first step.
  • The LFA, Piedmont Chapter uses funds collected from WFLN to support research efforts and to provide programs & support to lupus thrivers. 

{HOW YOU CAN HELP TOO}
Please join me in supporting all those living with lupus and their families. There are two ways to help.

  1. Sign Up to walk with us at Walk for Lupus Now Charlotte. It's free to walk   ~OR~
  2.  If you can't join us, please donate and help me raise funds and awareness about this disease. My goal is $100 (not $135,000 like the widget says). Click the Thermometer on top right sidebar to donate to this worthy cause.