A Magical Mystery Tour
Piling our stuff and then ourselves into the Harris Van, not knowing that this would be an adventure we would long remember………it was a Tuesday evening. We arrived in Hernando without incident and had a restful night sleep after “the girls” (Amy, Grace and Jenna) stopped talking.
Wednesday, after decorating the Van with “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” “HONK if U heart JESUS” “Dare you to Move” “F.U.S.I.O.N.” “L-D DEBATE TEAM” Our FUSION Logo among other things, asking for God’s traveling mercies, we set out for Wake Forest, North Carolina. The joy truly is in the journey………
“We bow down and we worship you Lord…..” “Change my heart O God, make it ever new……” “My heart and flesh cry out for you the Living God” these are just a few of the songs that the girls led us into spontaneous worship. What a privilege to enter into the presence of the One who made us!
As we were cruising along, I asked Karen if she had picked up Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Well, not only had she bought, she had brought it with her to read. Karen, Tom and I continued talking. Sometimes on these kinds of trips Karen would read aloud to Tom. Since, we are both Wild at Heart families, we were already familiar with the Eldredges, so when asked, I said I would be happy to read it out loud.
“She is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman. In one last flourish creation comes to a finish not with Adam, but with Eve. She is the Master’s finishing touch………Eve is…….Breathtaking.
“Given the way creation unfolds, how it builds to ever higher and higher works of art, can there be any doubt that Eve is the crown of creation? Not an afterthought. Not a nice addition like an ornament on a tree. She is God’s final touch, …..Step to a window, ladies, if you can. Better still, find some place with a view. Look out across the earth and say to yourselves, “The whole, vast world is incomplete without me. Creation reached its zenith with me.” Captivating page 25
To say the least us 5 girls were feeling pretty built up by this chapter. Every woman needs to know that she too is captivating. For every woman reading, you are captivating!
This is just a mere morsel of what we read from this refreshing and inspiring book, written together by a man and wife. Our first reading we only got through the first 42 pages. We had interrupted with songs and stories. On page 42 I had just read, “Whatever else it means to be feminine, it is depth and mystery and complexity, with beauty as its very essence. Now, lest despair set in, let us say as clearly as we can:
Every woman has a beauty to unveil.
Every woman.”
As I was reading this very line, Tom was pulling over. A woman was hitch-hiking in the dark and we would be the ones to get her home. Kim was a beautifully wounded woman who only wanted us to take her to the next exit but Tom got her to let us take her to her street. Our time with her was brief but it touched the hearts of our children. There were only a couple more paragraphs on the page. Grace interrupted, “Mum, could we pray for Miss Kim?” Of course, honey, let me finish the page. So, I did and then we found ourselves in the Loving Presence of our Abba Father, coming to Daddy with a burden for Kim, another daughter of Eve, another beautiful woman.
This is the Gaelic name for Catherine. A pilgrim with Scottish, Irish and English heritage.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Thanks for all the comments and kudos for my last blog. One of my dear friends from back home commented that I don't blog enough. Well, Grace and I are preparing to leave this coming Tuesday to travel to Regionals. Since, the last tournament I have done follow up and Grace has just bared down on preparing for the next step. It is similar to advancing to the playoffs in sports. You gear up and work harder.
On a more somber note, I took Michael to his first wake. He has been to funerals. This was a wake for his friend Anthony's 4 year old brother, Mikey. Little Mikey was killed in a car accident. He was playing in the street. Mikey was the youngest of 4 children. It was heartbreaking and hard to go, but Dan and I knew it was the right thing to do. Anthony was very grateful that we came....not that he said so in so many words but his little face lit up when he saw us and he knew we cared enough to come. At the last minute Michael didn't want to go and I told him that it never gets easier but we need to not think about ourselves but about Anthony and his family. They need us to be there and be a comforting presence. And of course, after I left the funeral home where a little life has come to a premature end, I held Michael's hand a little tighter, and couldn't help but think of my own children and how precious they are to me. Death is a part of life.
On a more somber note, I took Michael to his first wake. He has been to funerals. This was a wake for his friend Anthony's 4 year old brother, Mikey. Little Mikey was killed in a car accident. He was playing in the street. Mikey was the youngest of 4 children. It was heartbreaking and hard to go, but Dan and I knew it was the right thing to do. Anthony was very grateful that we came....not that he said so in so many words but his little face lit up when he saw us and he knew we cared enough to come. At the last minute Michael didn't want to go and I told him that it never gets easier but we need to not think about ourselves but about Anthony and his family. They need us to be there and be a comforting presence. And of course, after I left the funeral home where a little life has come to a premature end, I held Michael's hand a little tighter, and couldn't help but think of my own children and how precious they are to me. Death is a part of life.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Post Tournament Update
Amazing! Enthusiastic, poised, spunky, energetic, entertaining, delightful, strong yet gentle style, confident…..these are just some of the wonderful adjectives that judges use to describe Grace’s speeches and debates.
I imagine you may be interested in how she did with the Red Sox speech. One of her favorite comments from a judge from this event was, “How is it possible that you made a subject that usually bores me and kept me spell bound?”
This morning I was all gung-ho to list how well she did…..and perhaps I will but you need to know something about Grace, she really see this as a place to grow and learn skills that will benefit her throughout her life. In fact, she whole-heartedly agrees with her fellow FUSION debater, Jarret, who wrote on his xanga, “My NCFCA experience means nothing at all if I haven't collected some logical reasoning skills during those debates.”
It makes a mama proud to see her own child staying right sized.
It was such a full week. We hosted an out of town family in our home, so our children all bunked out with us in our room. All fared pretty well. On Wednesday night, we got to talking, then the kids started laughing and I wanted to go to sleep and I did to the laughter of my children. These are treasured moments.
My favorite part of this tournament was that each one of us was involved in a very real way. Dan, Katie, Michael and I were a part of the operating team (the committee is what most of the people call it). Dan and I ran errands, did some judging, assisted the Tab Room, worked in the hospitality room and whatever else was needed. Katie was the official Tab runner which means she did most of the postings for each round of speeches and debates (among other duties). Michael timed in practically every round. Each speech and debate requires a timer. Michael & Katie were also instrumental in set up and break down of the rooms.
In the past, we have told our children, “it is not ok to be proud of yourself but it is ok to feel good about making someone else proud.” (Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. So says the proverb) Well, our Grace made us proud. God has been showing us how each of our children are made and what their giftings are. Grace is capable of becoming a great communicator.
So, I guess it would be ok to let you know how Grace did. She placed in 5 of the 6 events that she entered. She qualifies her to go to regionals in these events.
Original Oratory 3rd place Red Sox
Lincoln-Douglas Debate 8th place Advanced to regionals
Persuasive 6th place Africa aids, debt and trade
LD Speaker 4th place Debater earn speaker pts.
Impromptu 3rd place Limited prep
Duo 1st place A dramatic duo with friend
Chanae
Sweepstakes tied for 6th place with friend Kyndra. This is given to the top 8 speakers of the entire tournament. (90 students)
Hopefully, I will write more tomorrow. Send congrats to Grace at lilgreekgirl@pilgrimhighway.com
Amazing! Enthusiastic, poised, spunky, energetic, entertaining, delightful, strong yet gentle style, confident…..these are just some of the wonderful adjectives that judges use to describe Grace’s speeches and debates.
I imagine you may be interested in how she did with the Red Sox speech. One of her favorite comments from a judge from this event was, “How is it possible that you made a subject that usually bores me and kept me spell bound?”
This morning I was all gung-ho to list how well she did…..and perhaps I will but you need to know something about Grace, she really see this as a place to grow and learn skills that will benefit her throughout her life. In fact, she whole-heartedly agrees with her fellow FUSION debater, Jarret, who wrote on his xanga, “My NCFCA experience means nothing at all if I haven't collected some logical reasoning skills during those debates.”
It makes a mama proud to see her own child staying right sized.
It was such a full week. We hosted an out of town family in our home, so our children all bunked out with us in our room. All fared pretty well. On Wednesday night, we got to talking, then the kids started laughing and I wanted to go to sleep and I did to the laughter of my children. These are treasured moments.
My favorite part of this tournament was that each one of us was involved in a very real way. Dan, Katie, Michael and I were a part of the operating team (the committee is what most of the people call it). Dan and I ran errands, did some judging, assisted the Tab Room, worked in the hospitality room and whatever else was needed. Katie was the official Tab runner which means she did most of the postings for each round of speeches and debates (among other duties). Michael timed in practically every round. Each speech and debate requires a timer. Michael & Katie were also instrumental in set up and break down of the rooms.
In the past, we have told our children, “it is not ok to be proud of yourself but it is ok to feel good about making someone else proud.” (Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. So says the proverb) Well, our Grace made us proud. God has been showing us how each of our children are made and what their giftings are. Grace is capable of becoming a great communicator.
So, I guess it would be ok to let you know how Grace did. She placed in 5 of the 6 events that she entered. She qualifies her to go to regionals in these events.
Original Oratory 3rd place Red Sox
Lincoln-Douglas Debate 8th place Advanced to regionals
Persuasive 6th place Africa aids, debt and trade
LD Speaker 4th place Debater earn speaker pts.
Impromptu 3rd place Limited prep
Duo 1st place A dramatic duo with friend
Chanae
Sweepstakes tied for 6th place with friend Kyndra. This is given to the top 8 speakers of the entire tournament. (90 students)
Hopefully, I will write more tomorrow. Send congrats to Grace at lilgreekgirl@pilgrimhighway.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
This is my daughter, Grace's Red Sox speech
1918!
1918!
1918!
1918!
There was that chant again. As distracting as it must have been for the Red Sox players, it was heart wrenching for us watching at home. Must they rub it in our faces? Oh, why, of course they must. They are Yankee fans. But little did those fans know that this would be the year that THEY choked, and we triumphed.
So, what made this year different than all other 86 years? Could it be that Jesus was playing in Center Field under the Alias “Johnny Damon”? Could it be because of Curt’s passionate courage? Was it because so many men had the threat of being free agents the next year? And who is that guy ‘Belhorn’ getting almost as many strikeouts as Babe Ruth? What really was it that drove the Red Sox to their first world series since that dreaded year: 1918?
There are many, many reasons, but for the sake of time I will focus on only 3;
Johnny Damon, Curt Shilling, and The Fans of the Boston Red Sox.
Johnny Damon:
Conan O’Brien, the host of “Late night with Conan O’Brien” had this opinion: “When your leadoff hitter is a 600,000 year old caveman, an 86 year-long curse seems pretty insignificant.”
To understand what this means I must take you back to spring training 2004, where the leadoff man Johnny Damon stepped out onto the City of Palms Park field right here in Florida and shocked his teammates and Sox fans with his wild caveman like look. His hair was to be envied by women (yes, women) everywhere…his beard to be longed for by a gillet razor. Damon went from being an average, mostly unheard of Center fielder, to the catalyst and jumpstart of the 2004 world champion Red Sox. We can only speculate at what transformed this scruffy man into the player who had an on base % of .380, scored 123 times, and had 94 RBIs. He bulked up over the off season, grew his hair out, didn’t shave, and ~WALLA~…one of his best seasons ever.
In case you haven’t seen a red sox game, or seen Mr. Damon in the sports section of the newpaper, I’d like to paint a short picture of what he looks like. His dark brown hair is past his shoulders, stadiums like to play “the dude looks like a lady” when he comes to bat, his beard gets bushy fast, and he’s above 6’. Now, this probably sounds like the last person you’d like to meet in a dark alley, but in reality Johnny Damon is one of the most loved players on the Boston Red Sox, by fans and players alike "He's the nicest guy in the world'' commented teammate Gabe Capler. Lovingly nicknamed the “caveman” or “Jesus” Johnny has really stuck out in more ways than one. With his look, his glove, his bat, and his team spirit.
After we all got over the initial shock of his new look, it seemed to really grow on people, “Our caveman’s pretty awesome” said Jason Varitek (the catcher for the red sox and the team captain) New pictures of Johnny Damon began to appear on Sox fan’s walls (namely mine).
Johnny Damon summed up his job as leadoff man by saying; "My job is to go out there and score lots of runs and get on base. and I have so many big guys who hit behind me." but he doesnt just get on base, he also plays the wall (better known as "the Green Monster") better than anyone since fred lynn (so says Johnny Pesky, former red sox great)
But Johnny catapulted the Red Sox to this World Series not only with his strength and athleticism, but with his vibrant personality. This was recognized when he received the Jackie Jensen Award for leadership and team spirit.
CURT SHILLING;
but personality and athleticism isnt the only thing that wins you a world series, Some call it being courageous, some call it fortitude, others call it perseverance, I prefer to just call it Guts. Something that Red sox ace Curt shilling seems to be made of.
Curt aggravated an old injury in his ankle in early october, but instead of sit out and watch his teammates compete in the post season, he made a daring move by getting an temporary radical surgery that stitched him up inside the ankle to keep the tendon in his leg in place so that he could push off his ankle to pitch...
And pitch he did...in the 6th game of the American League Championship Series against the Yankees and the second game of the World Series, and win he also did–both times. Headlines the next day read “Red Sox [s-o-x], Red Socks [S-o-c-k-s]” What exactly were they referring to? They were talking about curt shillings blood soaked sock. Yes, his ankle bled, leaving his sock red for all to see, who could not root for this man and his team? Here he was, probably in such pain through every pitch, and yet through all this, with blood on his sock and the air so cold you could smell snow curt shilling pitched 7 innings in the game against the yankees allowing only 1 run to score and 6 excellent innings in game 2 of the world series allowing only 4 hits!
This mans almost non-human fortitude is amazing and must have spurred on his fellow red sox to give it their all. If an injured pitcher can play that amazing, surely they could do the same. Which they did. The sox won both games 4-2, and 6-2.
After the game against the yankees Shilling was asked how much it hurt to pitch, but he didnt talk about how hard it was, and how he just had to do it for the team, or about how proud he was that he could do it, instead he gave the glory to someone bigger than himself; "Seven years ago I became a Christian, tonight, God did something amazing for me....I knew I wasn't going to be able to do this alone. And I prayed as hard as I could. I didn't pray to get a win or to make great pitches. I just prayed for the strength to go out there and compete, and He gave me that. I can't explain to you what a feeling it was to be out there and to feel what I felt.''
When I saw curt shilling pitching with his bloody ankle, when Isaw him wince just from throwing a regular fastball....thats when I knew, this was it. This IS the year, theres no way we can lose with that kind of man on the mound.
Other fans seem to think so too, and this belief in the team we love seems to give the players even more drive. Doug Mirabelli said of the fans "They really are the 26th man on this team."
The Fans:
Red Sox fans are notorious for their loyalty; Fenway sells out almost every single game. The fact that the sox hadn’t won the World Series for 86 years, seemed to matter little, as signs bearing messages like “This is the year” and “We Believe” graced the stands. Fans this devoted deserve a world series.
Growing up in Massachusetts teaches you a lot, I mean, theirs monuments, ships, historic homes, and so much more. But one really big thing that anyone who is raised there will take away with them is, that we must never, never, never, give up on our team. They WILL win. It may not be now, and it may not be tomorrow. But they will, and you must always believe.
Billboards are seen saying “keep the faith”, or have pictures of players on them. Baseball in Massachusetts is much more than baseball—its beauty, its passion, its hunger, its failure, it encompasses all that we hold dear, in one team—The Red Sox.
With this passion and this hunger, the fans of the boston red sox, watched huddled to the TV in the 4th game against new york…The yanks had won the first three games—if they won this one, we were out….done for, it would have to be ‘next year’-----Again.
But with their fans behind them the red sox did what everyone said was impossible, they beat the Yankees that game, and the next, and the next, and the next, to get to, and win the biggest prize: The World Series.
So, what was it that made this year different from all other 86 years? I think it can be summed up in a 2 words: Passion and Spirit. Many people say that baseball is a thinking mans game, and indeed it is, but it is also a game where you have to be passionate, be willing to go the extra mile, and you also, must be able to keep up your spirits when the going gets rough. Johnny Damon, Curt Shilling, and Red Sox Fans everywhere exibit these 2 things every game, every season, every year. We used to end baseball season by saying "Wait till next year", I'm proud to end this season by saying for the Yawkey’s, Ted Williams, Bill Buckner, Nomar Garciaparra, Johnny Pesky, Carlton Fisk, Yaz and all the other red sox greats who never got to experience what this feels like;
"We did it.
We are the Champions of the world"
1918!
1918!
1918!
1918!
There was that chant again. As distracting as it must have been for the Red Sox players, it was heart wrenching for us watching at home. Must they rub it in our faces? Oh, why, of course they must. They are Yankee fans. But little did those fans know that this would be the year that THEY choked, and we triumphed.
So, what made this year different than all other 86 years? Could it be that Jesus was playing in Center Field under the Alias “Johnny Damon”? Could it be because of Curt’s passionate courage? Was it because so many men had the threat of being free agents the next year? And who is that guy ‘Belhorn’ getting almost as many strikeouts as Babe Ruth? What really was it that drove the Red Sox to their first world series since that dreaded year: 1918?
There are many, many reasons, but for the sake of time I will focus on only 3;
Johnny Damon, Curt Shilling, and The Fans of the Boston Red Sox.
Johnny Damon:
Conan O’Brien, the host of “Late night with Conan O’Brien” had this opinion: “When your leadoff hitter is a 600,000 year old caveman, an 86 year-long curse seems pretty insignificant.”
To understand what this means I must take you back to spring training 2004, where the leadoff man Johnny Damon stepped out onto the City of Palms Park field right here in Florida and shocked his teammates and Sox fans with his wild caveman like look. His hair was to be envied by women (yes, women) everywhere…his beard to be longed for by a gillet razor. Damon went from being an average, mostly unheard of Center fielder, to the catalyst and jumpstart of the 2004 world champion Red Sox. We can only speculate at what transformed this scruffy man into the player who had an on base % of .380, scored 123 times, and had 94 RBIs. He bulked up over the off season, grew his hair out, didn’t shave, and ~WALLA~…one of his best seasons ever.
In case you haven’t seen a red sox game, or seen Mr. Damon in the sports section of the newpaper, I’d like to paint a short picture of what he looks like. His dark brown hair is past his shoulders, stadiums like to play “the dude looks like a lady” when he comes to bat, his beard gets bushy fast, and he’s above 6’. Now, this probably sounds like the last person you’d like to meet in a dark alley, but in reality Johnny Damon is one of the most loved players on the Boston Red Sox, by fans and players alike "He's the nicest guy in the world'' commented teammate Gabe Capler. Lovingly nicknamed the “caveman” or “Jesus” Johnny has really stuck out in more ways than one. With his look, his glove, his bat, and his team spirit.
After we all got over the initial shock of his new look, it seemed to really grow on people, “Our caveman’s pretty awesome” said Jason Varitek (the catcher for the red sox and the team captain) New pictures of Johnny Damon began to appear on Sox fan’s walls (namely mine).
Johnny Damon summed up his job as leadoff man by saying; "My job is to go out there and score lots of runs and get on base. and I have so many big guys who hit behind me." but he doesnt just get on base, he also plays the wall (better known as "the Green Monster") better than anyone since fred lynn (so says Johnny Pesky, former red sox great)
But Johnny catapulted the Red Sox to this World Series not only with his strength and athleticism, but with his vibrant personality. This was recognized when he received the Jackie Jensen Award for leadership and team spirit.
CURT SHILLING;
but personality and athleticism isnt the only thing that wins you a world series, Some call it being courageous, some call it fortitude, others call it perseverance, I prefer to just call it Guts. Something that Red sox ace Curt shilling seems to be made of.
Curt aggravated an old injury in his ankle in early october, but instead of sit out and watch his teammates compete in the post season, he made a daring move by getting an temporary radical surgery that stitched him up inside the ankle to keep the tendon in his leg in place so that he could push off his ankle to pitch...
And pitch he did...in the 6th game of the American League Championship Series against the Yankees and the second game of the World Series, and win he also did–both times. Headlines the next day read “Red Sox [s-o-x], Red Socks [S-o-c-k-s]” What exactly were they referring to? They were talking about curt shillings blood soaked sock. Yes, his ankle bled, leaving his sock red for all to see, who could not root for this man and his team? Here he was, probably in such pain through every pitch, and yet through all this, with blood on his sock and the air so cold you could smell snow curt shilling pitched 7 innings in the game against the yankees allowing only 1 run to score and 6 excellent innings in game 2 of the world series allowing only 4 hits!
This mans almost non-human fortitude is amazing and must have spurred on his fellow red sox to give it their all. If an injured pitcher can play that amazing, surely they could do the same. Which they did. The sox won both games 4-2, and 6-2.
After the game against the yankees Shilling was asked how much it hurt to pitch, but he didnt talk about how hard it was, and how he just had to do it for the team, or about how proud he was that he could do it, instead he gave the glory to someone bigger than himself; "Seven years ago I became a Christian, tonight, God did something amazing for me....I knew I wasn't going to be able to do this alone. And I prayed as hard as I could. I didn't pray to get a win or to make great pitches. I just prayed for the strength to go out there and compete, and He gave me that. I can't explain to you what a feeling it was to be out there and to feel what I felt.''
When I saw curt shilling pitching with his bloody ankle, when Isaw him wince just from throwing a regular fastball....thats when I knew, this was it. This IS the year, theres no way we can lose with that kind of man on the mound.
Other fans seem to think so too, and this belief in the team we love seems to give the players even more drive. Doug Mirabelli said of the fans "They really are the 26th man on this team."
The Fans:
Red Sox fans are notorious for their loyalty; Fenway sells out almost every single game. The fact that the sox hadn’t won the World Series for 86 years, seemed to matter little, as signs bearing messages like “This is the year” and “We Believe” graced the stands. Fans this devoted deserve a world series.
Growing up in Massachusetts teaches you a lot, I mean, theirs monuments, ships, historic homes, and so much more. But one really big thing that anyone who is raised there will take away with them is, that we must never, never, never, give up on our team. They WILL win. It may not be now, and it may not be tomorrow. But they will, and you must always believe.
Billboards are seen saying “keep the faith”, or have pictures of players on them. Baseball in Massachusetts is much more than baseball—its beauty, its passion, its hunger, its failure, it encompasses all that we hold dear, in one team—The Red Sox.
With this passion and this hunger, the fans of the boston red sox, watched huddled to the TV in the 4th game against new york…The yanks had won the first three games—if they won this one, we were out….done for, it would have to be ‘next year’-----Again.
But with their fans behind them the red sox did what everyone said was impossible, they beat the Yankees that game, and the next, and the next, and the next, to get to, and win the biggest prize: The World Series.
So, what was it that made this year different from all other 86 years? I think it can be summed up in a 2 words: Passion and Spirit. Many people say that baseball is a thinking mans game, and indeed it is, but it is also a game where you have to be passionate, be willing to go the extra mile, and you also, must be able to keep up your spirits when the going gets rough. Johnny Damon, Curt Shilling, and Red Sox Fans everywhere exibit these 2 things every game, every season, every year. We used to end baseball season by saying "Wait till next year", I'm proud to end this season by saying for the Yawkey’s, Ted Williams, Bill Buckner, Nomar Garciaparra, Johnny Pesky, Carlton Fisk, Yaz and all the other red sox greats who never got to experience what this feels like;
"We did it.
We are the Champions of the world"
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Untrained Apologist
It has been a while since I have blogged. My plan today was to post at least 3 blogs but that would be amazing if I do. However, I have been spurred on to at least get this one written. My daughter Grace’s recent blog lit the pilot and the most recent tournament email ignited the flame. (I am asking the Lord to help me channel my passion so that it will generate more light than heat – pray for me)
Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing a lecture on C.S. Lewis given by Marjorie Lamp Mead who has studied in depth the life and works of C.S. Lewis. The title for this afternoon event was C.S. Lewis Impacts Contemporary Thought. It was while Lewis was a Literary Professor at Oxford that he began writing theological books. He did not avoid the hard questions; he asked them and wrestled with them. In a quote from an introduction to one of his books he said, “I am a fellow struggler who writes from one amateur to another…….” He likened his writing to comparing notes with us who question and wonder about the things of God. Lewis was an untrained apologist. In case, you think you misread that Lewis was an UNTRAINED apologist.
Grace actually got me to go to this lecture. It is not that I didn’t want to go. We just have a lot to do for the speech and debate tournament. How did she get me to make it a must for all three of my children? She said, “Mum this will be really good for my apologetics event.” Sold to the girl with the best argument!!!
In Grace’s blog she reminded me of how M. Mead spoke about Lewis’ humility and that his books continue to sell in the millions. Mere Christianity which Mrs. Mead referred to often in her lecture is used in high school and college courses in the areas of worldview and apologetics. Yet, Lewis neither considered himself an authority on the matter of theology nor to he take comfort in the money he was making (he gave it away). “Theology is more like a map than a destination. It is not God. It points us toward God,” said Lewis.
When Lewis came to Christ as an adult his focus changed from literature to theology. In fact, his writings help the church to come back to theology. He challenged the church to think through problems not dodge them.
Mere Christianity was birthed out of Lewis’ radio talks on the BBC during WWII. This is a book that is both for the believer and the unbeliever giving merely the rudiments of the Christian Faith. Although Lewis grew up in a certain denomination, he chose to write about the basics of Christianity. He did not wish to write about things that divide the church of Jesus Christ.
There is more I wish to write about (that hopefully I will get to later today) concerning the lecture and C.S. Lewis, but for now I will have to leave it at that as we are getting ready to make our way to the Reading Festival down at Centennial Park in Ft. Myers.
It has been a while since I have blogged. My plan today was to post at least 3 blogs but that would be amazing if I do. However, I have been spurred on to at least get this one written. My daughter Grace’s recent blog lit the pilot and the most recent tournament email ignited the flame. (I am asking the Lord to help me channel my passion so that it will generate more light than heat – pray for me)
Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing a lecture on C.S. Lewis given by Marjorie Lamp Mead who has studied in depth the life and works of C.S. Lewis. The title for this afternoon event was C.S. Lewis Impacts Contemporary Thought. It was while Lewis was a Literary Professor at Oxford that he began writing theological books. He did not avoid the hard questions; he asked them and wrestled with them. In a quote from an introduction to one of his books he said, “I am a fellow struggler who writes from one amateur to another…….” He likened his writing to comparing notes with us who question and wonder about the things of God. Lewis was an untrained apologist. In case, you think you misread that Lewis was an UNTRAINED apologist.
Grace actually got me to go to this lecture. It is not that I didn’t want to go. We just have a lot to do for the speech and debate tournament. How did she get me to make it a must for all three of my children? She said, “Mum this will be really good for my apologetics event.” Sold to the girl with the best argument!!!
In Grace’s blog she reminded me of how M. Mead spoke about Lewis’ humility and that his books continue to sell in the millions. Mere Christianity which Mrs. Mead referred to often in her lecture is used in high school and college courses in the areas of worldview and apologetics. Yet, Lewis neither considered himself an authority on the matter of theology nor to he take comfort in the money he was making (he gave it away). “Theology is more like a map than a destination. It is not God. It points us toward God,” said Lewis.
When Lewis came to Christ as an adult his focus changed from literature to theology. In fact, his writings help the church to come back to theology. He challenged the church to think through problems not dodge them.
Mere Christianity was birthed out of Lewis’ radio talks on the BBC during WWII. This is a book that is both for the believer and the unbeliever giving merely the rudiments of the Christian Faith. Although Lewis grew up in a certain denomination, he chose to write about the basics of Christianity. He did not wish to write about things that divide the church of Jesus Christ.
There is more I wish to write about (that hopefully I will get to later today) concerning the lecture and C.S. Lewis, but for now I will have to leave it at that as we are getting ready to make our way to the Reading Festival down at Centennial Park in Ft. Myers.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Edison Festival of Light 2005
Last night we went to The Parade in downtown Ft. Myers. We were doing a townie thing with our townie friends The McGuires. It is one of the few night parades in the country and it was an enjoyable time. Thomas Edison is the man who put Ft. Myers on the map. This parade is in honor of Mr. Edison near his birthday (Feb. 11th, 1847). The parade starts with fireworks. There were bands and floats for a parade that lasted nearly 2 and 1/2 hours. Go to the local paper at http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050220/NEWS01/502200534/1002/NEWS01 to check out more about the parade.
Our friend Pete McGuire had been in this parade when he was in high school (a few year's ago :-). My favorite parts were the bands who didn't just play the music but danced as well not just flag corp and cheer leaders but the drummers and trumpeters too. Bronson Arroyo from the Red Sox was apart of it too.
So much more has been happening. I will have to write later since I need to finish packing to go camping - yes, isn't Florida just Fabulous in February!!!
Last night we went to The Parade in downtown Ft. Myers. We were doing a townie thing with our townie friends The McGuires. It is one of the few night parades in the country and it was an enjoyable time. Thomas Edison is the man who put Ft. Myers on the map. This parade is in honor of Mr. Edison near his birthday (Feb. 11th, 1847). The parade starts with fireworks. There were bands and floats for a parade that lasted nearly 2 and 1/2 hours. Go to the local paper at http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050220/NEWS01/502200534/1002/NEWS01 to check out more about the parade.
Our friend Pete McGuire had been in this parade when he was in high school (a few year's ago :-). My favorite parts were the bands who didn't just play the music but danced as well not just flag corp and cheer leaders but the drummers and trumpeters too. Bronson Arroyo from the Red Sox was apart of it too.
So much more has been happening. I will have to write later since I need to finish packing to go camping - yes, isn't Florida just Fabulous in February!!!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Not missing out
Last night the girls and I went to a homeschooling meeting where our friend, Esther was going to be speaking about her experience in Africa this past summer. It is our delight to be supportive and attentive to those whom we love. Walking into this meeting all the parents were dressed in their Sunday best, I was a little out of place with my Birchenstock sandals, golf shorts and a Marlborough MA t-shirt but that was the least of the distinctions. I have not been to a formal homeschooling meeting in nearly 3 years and I don't thing I have been missing out on much.
When I walked into the meeting someone immediately greeted me, with Hello my name is A...B...., are you a member of CHESF (Christian Home Educators of Southwest Florida) ? I said no, we are friends of the McGuire's. Do you want to be members? No thanks. Then we were directed to the name tags. There was a professional photographer there to take pictures of the officers of CHESF, a table for the yearbook committee and so many activities available that you never have to stay home. This was not a new encounter. In Virginia we found the same kind of thing. As a family we affectionately call this "group" school.
Mind you, there is nothing wrong with activities, co-ops and the like but when you are either required or expected to participate in most things, then you are no longer functioning as a family but within the context of a group or a school, an institution. Doesn't this kind of defeat the purpose of homeschooling?
John Taylor Gatto in his book A Different Kind of Teacher referred to this as being identified by association. No longer is it ok to be an individual family or simply an individual. No one can be trusted by his or her character, that is trusted by his/her association. This sentiment has infiltrated those of us who educate our children at home. It is good to gather for support and to be supportive of one another but to be educating one another's children on a regular basis, requiring members of a homeschool group to participate in XYZ in order to continue being a member sounds very close to a system that we have choosen not to be a part of.........looks like the days of support groups are coming to a close make way for associations that conduct themselves much like dare I say it.....a school. Anyone want to be principal?
Last night the girls and I went to a homeschooling meeting where our friend, Esther was going to be speaking about her experience in Africa this past summer. It is our delight to be supportive and attentive to those whom we love. Walking into this meeting all the parents were dressed in their Sunday best, I was a little out of place with my Birchenstock sandals, golf shorts and a Marlborough MA t-shirt but that was the least of the distinctions. I have not been to a formal homeschooling meeting in nearly 3 years and I don't thing I have been missing out on much.
When I walked into the meeting someone immediately greeted me, with Hello my name is A...B...., are you a member of CHESF (Christian Home Educators of Southwest Florida) ? I said no, we are friends of the McGuire's. Do you want to be members? No thanks. Then we were directed to the name tags. There was a professional photographer there to take pictures of the officers of CHESF, a table for the yearbook committee and so many activities available that you never have to stay home. This was not a new encounter. In Virginia we found the same kind of thing. As a family we affectionately call this "group" school.
Mind you, there is nothing wrong with activities, co-ops and the like but when you are either required or expected to participate in most things, then you are no longer functioning as a family but within the context of a group or a school, an institution. Doesn't this kind of defeat the purpose of homeschooling?
John Taylor Gatto in his book A Different Kind of Teacher referred to this as being identified by association. No longer is it ok to be an individual family or simply an individual. No one can be trusted by his or her character, that is trusted by his/her association. This sentiment has infiltrated those of us who educate our children at home. It is good to gather for support and to be supportive of one another but to be educating one another's children on a regular basis, requiring members of a homeschool group to participate in XYZ in order to continue being a member sounds very close to a system that we have choosen not to be a part of.........looks like the days of support groups are coming to a close make way for associations that conduct themselves much like dare I say it.....a school. Anyone want to be principal?
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Sunset
This evening I took my Mum to centennial Park at the waterfront in downtown Ft. Myers. We watched and took pictures as the sun sank "into" the Caloosahatchee River. We returned back to our apartment where I dropped my Mum off and picked Grace up. As we drove down route 41 it dawned on me that my mother is in the sunset of her life. She doesn't walk as quickly and she sleeps more and she appreciates being waited on by her grandchildren. It is our pleasure to care for her as she had cared for each of us in the past.
I pray that the Lord will allow her, when the time comes to go gently and quietly in a clear sky and calm waters.
This evening I took my Mum to centennial Park at the waterfront in downtown Ft. Myers. We watched and took pictures as the sun sank "into" the Caloosahatchee River. We returned back to our apartment where I dropped my Mum off and picked Grace up. As we drove down route 41 it dawned on me that my mother is in the sunset of her life. She doesn't walk as quickly and she sleeps more and she appreciates being waited on by her grandchildren. It is our pleasure to care for her as she had cared for each of us in the past.
I pray that the Lord will allow her, when the time comes to go gently and quietly in a clear sky and calm waters.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Happy New Year
Has it really been since last year (2004) that I have posted? Yes. So much has happened since I posted. Grace had another practice tournament. We all participated this time. Dan enjoyed judging and sitting in on some debate. Being able to discuss important matters and look at ideas from both sides of the table is such a great skill to acquire as a young person.
We have also been participating in 4-H working on a study of Marine biology. This past week we went out among the islands of Captiva and Colossa on a boat where we got to see dolphins up close. Some of our friends had not been out there since Hurricane Charley. They were amazed at the loss of trees and the ability to see homes that you usually were coved by Florida scrub exposed. Dan and I could not grasp what it was they were experiencing. The trees that were still standing a majority of them were permenantly bowing. Seeing the dolphins playing in the water was a good disctraction from all the distruction that took place this past summer.
The big Florida sky has really captured my attention as well.
Has it really been since last year (2004) that I have posted? Yes. So much has happened since I posted. Grace had another practice tournament. We all participated this time. Dan enjoyed judging and sitting in on some debate. Being able to discuss important matters and look at ideas from both sides of the table is such a great skill to acquire as a young person.
We have also been participating in 4-H working on a study of Marine biology. This past week we went out among the islands of Captiva and Colossa on a boat where we got to see dolphins up close. Some of our friends had not been out there since Hurricane Charley. They were amazed at the loss of trees and the ability to see homes that you usually were coved by Florida scrub exposed. Dan and I could not grasp what it was they were experiencing. The trees that were still standing a majority of them were permenantly bowing. Seeing the dolphins playing in the water was a good disctraction from all the distruction that took place this past summer.
The big Florida sky has really captured my attention as well.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Yesterday (Dec 7th), Grace competed in a Lincoln-Douglas debate practice tournament. Lincoln Douglas is a one on one debate and the students are debating values. This year's resolution is "The restriction of civil rights for the sake of national security is justified." Each debater is to prepare to argue both an affirmative and negative case.
It was a family affair:
Grace did great for her first time debating
Katie video taped a number of rounds
Michael was a timer
I was a judge
Dan was sleeping after working 3 nights (7pm-7am) in a row.
Grace is a member of the southwest FL "Fusion" Speech and Debate Club and has been welcomed in by the wonderful group of young people.
One of the benefits of participating in speech and debate is to become a more effective communicator. In 2 Timothy chapter 2 it states, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." What a wonderful training ground for our children.
Of course, I am now completing this post 2 weeks after the fact but it is an important post. I will keep you posted about other tournaments and happenings within this group. CM
It was a family affair:
Grace did great for her first time debating
Katie video taped a number of rounds
Michael was a timer
I was a judge
Dan was sleeping after working 3 nights (7pm-7am) in a row.
Grace is a member of the southwest FL "Fusion" Speech and Debate Club and has been welcomed in by the wonderful group of young people.
One of the benefits of participating in speech and debate is to become a more effective communicator. In 2 Timothy chapter 2 it states, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." What a wonderful training ground for our children.
Of course, I am now completing this post 2 weeks after the fact but it is an important post. I will keep you posted about other tournaments and happenings within this group. CM
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Floridian Christmas and random thoughts
This is our second Floridian Christmas without my sister-in-law, Kelly. For a number of years we had talked about going to Florida for Christmas. Well, Kel if you are reading I am 2 up on you now and I miss you. We have had a wonderful week of getting together with friends and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It has been a great week. Our little Christmas at home happened a little earlier than we expected as Dan managed to get out of work at 4 instead of 730pm today. All of us were very grateful.
Random
"Pounding" My friend Chelo was given her daughter-in-law a "pounding" for her new home. I said, "A POUNDING?! Are you going to beat her up? I am confused. Chelo laughed so hard. A pounding is when you usually give a new bride a lb. of this and a lb. of that.....flour, sugar, butter, bananas, oranges, carrots, potatoes, etc.
There was something else but it has randomly left my memory bank. Good night one and all. May peace, joy and love fill your hearts.
This is our second Floridian Christmas without my sister-in-law, Kelly. For a number of years we had talked about going to Florida for Christmas. Well, Kel if you are reading I am 2 up on you now and I miss you. We have had a wonderful week of getting together with friends and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It has been a great week. Our little Christmas at home happened a little earlier than we expected as Dan managed to get out of work at 4 instead of 730pm today. All of us were very grateful.
Random
"Pounding" My friend Chelo was given her daughter-in-law a "pounding" for her new home. I said, "A POUNDING?! Are you going to beat her up? I am confused. Chelo laughed so hard. A pounding is when you usually give a new bride a lb. of this and a lb. of that.....flour, sugar, butter, bananas, oranges, carrots, potatoes, etc.
There was something else but it has randomly left my memory bank. Good night one and all. May peace, joy and love fill your hearts.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St. Augustine
Grace found this quote through my favorite puzzle in the Boston Herald. (Cryptoquote: letters which represent other letters and you have to figure it out.) My Mum sent Grace all the Heralds from the Yankees/RedSox ACLS series and the World series. This week is RedSox week in Ft. Myers. Dan and Grace did go down to City of Palms Park but did not have 3 or 4 hours to kill that day to wait in line for tickets or a picture with the World Champion Trophy.
Please don't take this quote the wrong way. We are fairly new pilgrims and we were settlers for many years. Now as we journey on we are in a way dependent upon the settlers of whatever community we find ourselves. In Virginia, The Coons, the Merkles, and Ms. Emily Smith; in Tilghman Md. The Cummings, in Florida, The Dalis', McGuires, Wheatherheads, Southwicks have blessed us and met our needs as travelers.
Our journey from Virginia was uneventful and for that we are grateful. To all the settlers who welcome us pilgrims we can not thank you enough for your gracious hospitality and friendship.
Grace found this quote through my favorite puzzle in the Boston Herald. (Cryptoquote: letters which represent other letters and you have to figure it out.) My Mum sent Grace all the Heralds from the Yankees/RedSox ACLS series and the World series. This week is RedSox week in Ft. Myers. Dan and Grace did go down to City of Palms Park but did not have 3 or 4 hours to kill that day to wait in line for tickets or a picture with the World Champion Trophy.
Please don't take this quote the wrong way. We are fairly new pilgrims and we were settlers for many years. Now as we journey on we are in a way dependent upon the settlers of whatever community we find ourselves. In Virginia, The Coons, the Merkles, and Ms. Emily Smith; in Tilghman Md. The Cummings, in Florida, The Dalis', McGuires, Wheatherheads, Southwicks have blessed us and met our needs as travelers.
Our journey from Virginia was uneventful and for that we are grateful. To all the settlers who welcome us pilgrims we can not thank you enough for your gracious hospitality and friendship.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Packing is nearly done
We will leave VA Beach some time tomorrow - head south to the sunshine state. Gave thanks with our friends Emily, Lee and their other invited guests, broke bread and remembered our Lord Jesus together.
Later, under a moonlit sky I strolled down to the beach, it was windy probably close to 40 degrees, deserted and breathtaking in the moonlight. The ocean roared and I bid farewell to a place I have enjoyed and feel the nearness of my Creator. Signing off....until next time.
We will leave VA Beach some time tomorrow - head south to the sunshine state. Gave thanks with our friends Emily, Lee and their other invited guests, broke bread and remembered our Lord Jesus together.
Later, under a moonlit sky I strolled down to the beach, it was windy probably close to 40 degrees, deserted and breathtaking in the moonlight. The ocean roared and I bid farewell to a place I have enjoyed and feel the nearness of my Creator. Signing off....until next time.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Those who Travel tend to travel more
This past Friday my children and I traveled to Washington DC about a 3 1/2 hour drive from VA Beach 8 days before moving back to southwest Florida. Some may think I am crazy and perhaps I am but making the trip was worth it. Our destination the National Museum of American history http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/ for The Price of Freedom Americans at war exhibit. War is a part of our life, not one that many of us like but this is a reality that I hope never becomes a TV show. Our military history is significant and worth learning about the conflicts, the impacts and of course, the cost.
This was a very sobering display of military history. There were not a lot of children. (at the entrance there was an advisory concerning the graphics of some displays) It was pretty quiet as so many were reflecting and taking things into their hearts and minds. I was moved on a number of occasions.
Our country was birthed through the pains of war. The first part of the exhibit had a combination of film, statutes and actual muskets among other things for the Battle of Lexington. I believe the film was from the Lexington Concord reenactments which I had been to as a kid with my Dad and siblings. (I grew up in the neighboring city of Woburn) Michael was fixed upon this scene intently and I intently upon him from a short distance. Our boy has talked about serving in the military. Some may think we ought to discourage him but I want Michael to be able to follow his heart and his Lord. I was praying that he would see the high cost that so many pay to serve in such a way.
Shortly after entering the Civil War section there is a circular exhibit with a great big picture of Lincoln (if you would like to see our pictures online send me an email and I will send you a link) and next to it his Gettysburg address. (Grace has always loved our 16th president, if you want to know anything about Lincoln ask her) Grace read it aloud to me at my request. Those powerful words say to me, there are some things worth fighting for and dying for...... it was a most tremendous loss of life but those veterans were honored.
Katie brought me to the Medal of Honor exhibit. "Mum," she said, "there has only ever been one woman to receive the medal of honor." We read about Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who during the Civil War was a nurse and surgeon. Her Medal was rescinded but she refused to give it back. It was however reinstated in 1977.
Vietnam, the war that I still don't understand brought me to tears. I have a friend back in Marlborough who is still suffering from his tour of duty over 30 years ago. Some of the photos showed me why the pain runs deep and wounds have a hard time healing. There were items that were selected from thousands of personal affects that have been left at The Wall of the Vietnam Memorial over the years. The most moving part of this was the video of a nurse who rescued an abandoned Vietnamese baby girl who ended up being adopted by an American couple and were recently reunited. The nurse has a classic Boston accent and it made me miss home and she also had a heart (haht) of gold. She remarked that this little girl was one of the good things that came out of one of the most horrendous wars.
Each major conflicted that the USA has been involved in was shown in this exhibit. Steel columns from the 17th floor of the World Trade Center from 9/11, a laptop, ID tags and a cell phone from an embedded newsman from NBC who road with a crew in Iraqi Freedom. Nothing was omitted. There is a time for war and a time for peace. There are different reasons for wars. The war on terror that we are in now is not easy to define or understand. The question is are we justified?
Signing off from VA Beach. The next time I write will probably be either on the road or from FL.
This past Friday my children and I traveled to Washington DC about a 3 1/2 hour drive from VA Beach 8 days before moving back to southwest Florida. Some may think I am crazy and perhaps I am but making the trip was worth it. Our destination the National Museum of American history http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/ for The Price of Freedom Americans at war exhibit. War is a part of our life, not one that many of us like but this is a reality that I hope never becomes a TV show. Our military history is significant and worth learning about the conflicts, the impacts and of course, the cost.
This was a very sobering display of military history. There were not a lot of children. (at the entrance there was an advisory concerning the graphics of some displays) It was pretty quiet as so many were reflecting and taking things into their hearts and minds. I was moved on a number of occasions.
Our country was birthed through the pains of war. The first part of the exhibit had a combination of film, statutes and actual muskets among other things for the Battle of Lexington. I believe the film was from the Lexington Concord reenactments which I had been to as a kid with my Dad and siblings. (I grew up in the neighboring city of Woburn) Michael was fixed upon this scene intently and I intently upon him from a short distance. Our boy has talked about serving in the military. Some may think we ought to discourage him but I want Michael to be able to follow his heart and his Lord. I was praying that he would see the high cost that so many pay to serve in such a way.
Shortly after entering the Civil War section there is a circular exhibit with a great big picture of Lincoln (if you would like to see our pictures online send me an email and I will send you a link) and next to it his Gettysburg address. (Grace has always loved our 16th president, if you want to know anything about Lincoln ask her) Grace read it aloud to me at my request. Those powerful words say to me, there are some things worth fighting for and dying for...... it was a most tremendous loss of life but those veterans were honored.
Katie brought me to the Medal of Honor exhibit. "Mum," she said, "there has only ever been one woman to receive the medal of honor." We read about Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who during the Civil War was a nurse and surgeon. Her Medal was rescinded but she refused to give it back. It was however reinstated in 1977.
Vietnam, the war that I still don't understand brought me to tears. I have a friend back in Marlborough who is still suffering from his tour of duty over 30 years ago. Some of the photos showed me why the pain runs deep and wounds have a hard time healing. There were items that were selected from thousands of personal affects that have been left at The Wall of the Vietnam Memorial over the years. The most moving part of this was the video of a nurse who rescued an abandoned Vietnamese baby girl who ended up being adopted by an American couple and were recently reunited. The nurse has a classic Boston accent and it made me miss home and she also had a heart (haht) of gold. She remarked that this little girl was one of the good things that came out of one of the most horrendous wars.
Each major conflicted that the USA has been involved in was shown in this exhibit. Steel columns from the 17th floor of the World Trade Center from 9/11, a laptop, ID tags and a cell phone from an embedded newsman from NBC who road with a crew in Iraqi Freedom. Nothing was omitted. There is a time for war and a time for peace. There are different reasons for wars. The war on terror that we are in now is not easy to define or understand. The question is are we justified?
Signing off from VA Beach. The next time I write will probably be either on the road or from FL.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Remaining Teachable
Dan and I had a rare day of going to a museum with just Michael. Today's visit was to Naticus, The Naval and Maritime Museum in Norfolk VA. It was a fun educational day for us all. The traveling exhibit right now is Playing with Time. One of the features was how things grow over time. When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980 nearly 200 miles of the surrounding landscape was changed forever. In the exhibit they show 9 years of growth in a high speed 42 second film. "The first plants to emerge from the ruins were the pioneers. These plants can grow under harsh conditions. They set the stage for other plants by providing shade, containing moisture and converting raw material into nutrients." Initially, I thought about those radical homeschoolers who started in the late 70's and early 80's. They really set the stage for the rest of us. Opening the way for us to choose a better way of life for our family (if you know me than you know how bias I am :-). The thought of this is still ruminating in my thoughts.
Following up on the Home Education theme. Another exhibit demonstrated to us one of the ways our brain works. We have what is called persistence of vision. "Our brains are really good at filling in any gaps." The experiment to test this persistence of vision actually shows how the brain fills in the gaps through our vision. It was fascinating. Of course my brain thought of the parents who are educating their children at home who are worried about leaving gaps in their children's education. If our brain can fill the gaps for our vision by design, don't you trust that the Lord will fill in the gaps that may be in our children's education? I am trusting in Him!!
Lastly, the three of us went to an interactive presentation where we got to be a part of a design team for building battleship X. We had to vote on certain aspects of the design of the ship. Michael took a thoughtful approach to the matter. He is a very logical thinker. To say the least he was a slightly astonished by the other kids in the room who are probably his age who were fooling around, voting joinly with their friends (when it was suppose to be an anonymous vote), and just not respecting the process. These group of kids were not very respectful and Michael notices.
To our delight Michael was thrilled to have his Mum and Dad all to himself. Exploring, learning, laughing and having sweet fellowship together. We pray that God will fill in the gaps where we falter in our parenting. Yes, we are very aware of our need for God's grace in this area of our lives. Thanks for letting me continue to cherish this day with our youngest who is in the later half of his 12th year of life and on the verge of entering the teen years.
May my heart and mind remain teachable. CM
Dan and I had a rare day of going to a museum with just Michael. Today's visit was to Naticus, The Naval and Maritime Museum in Norfolk VA. It was a fun educational day for us all. The traveling exhibit right now is Playing with Time. One of the features was how things grow over time. When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980 nearly 200 miles of the surrounding landscape was changed forever. In the exhibit they show 9 years of growth in a high speed 42 second film. "The first plants to emerge from the ruins were the pioneers. These plants can grow under harsh conditions. They set the stage for other plants by providing shade, containing moisture and converting raw material into nutrients." Initially, I thought about those radical homeschoolers who started in the late 70's and early 80's. They really set the stage for the rest of us. Opening the way for us to choose a better way of life for our family (if you know me than you know how bias I am :-). The thought of this is still ruminating in my thoughts.
Following up on the Home Education theme. Another exhibit demonstrated to us one of the ways our brain works. We have what is called persistence of vision. "Our brains are really good at filling in any gaps." The experiment to test this persistence of vision actually shows how the brain fills in the gaps through our vision. It was fascinating. Of course my brain thought of the parents who are educating their children at home who are worried about leaving gaps in their children's education. If our brain can fill the gaps for our vision by design, don't you trust that the Lord will fill in the gaps that may be in our children's education? I am trusting in Him!!
Lastly, the three of us went to an interactive presentation where we got to be a part of a design team for building battleship X. We had to vote on certain aspects of the design of the ship. Michael took a thoughtful approach to the matter. He is a very logical thinker. To say the least he was a slightly astonished by the other kids in the room who are probably his age who were fooling around, voting joinly with their friends (when it was suppose to be an anonymous vote), and just not respecting the process. These group of kids were not very respectful and Michael notices.
To our delight Michael was thrilled to have his Mum and Dad all to himself. Exploring, learning, laughing and having sweet fellowship together. We pray that God will fill in the gaps where we falter in our parenting. Yes, we are very aware of our need for God's grace in this area of our lives. Thanks for letting me continue to cherish this day with our youngest who is in the later half of his 12th year of life and on the verge of entering the teen years.
May my heart and mind remain teachable. CM
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Still Rockin' On
Steve Tyler singing the National Athem for the Boston Red Sox. He is still rockin' on and I believe he may even be old enough to be my father, if not him at least Mick Jagger is. Well, last night I found myself rockin' on at The NorVa (www.norva.com) with Grace. It was suppose to be with K too but she got sick so it was just Grace and me. Headlining for the evening Switchfoot. The band from San Diego CA who rock with meaning. The bands who opened for them definitely had lead singers who were Steve Tyler wannabe's. We tolerated them.
The NorVa has a 1500 person capacity, the majority of which is a dance floor that allows the kids to pack in like sardines. Grace wanted to be a sardine and I did not. We split up. Grace found some fellow Switchfoot lovers simply by being packed in, actually it was the kids who we sold our extra ticket to - go figure. I was glad that I gave them a deal which simply means I made my money back. I was not out to make money off a teenager. I went upstairs where they had tables and barstools where the majority of parent-loving-teenagers were hanging out. There were 2 ladies sitting at a table with 2 extra barstools. I said May I join you? They said sure. Kim and Sharon were wonderful company and they were there with their kids aka sardines.
As some of you know I already saw Switchfoot this year in West Palm Beach. I had no desire to go but I wanted K to be able to go with her sister. It just didn't work out that way. The Lord helped me to adjust my attitude and both Grace and I had a good time. Switchfoot needs our prayers. They have made a place for themselves in this world now let's pray that the world does not make a place in them, that these guys would maintain their integrity and stick to their message. Life is hard, and in their own words, "in a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt, I was trying so hard to fit in til I found out - I don't belong here - it is The Beautiful Letdown" They ask the hard questions, "are you who you want to be?" "What's it gonna take to slow us down, to let the silence spin us around?" Their declarations of hope, "We want more than this world has to offer." "I want more than just okay." "Life is more than hundred dollar bills." "Life is more than money. Time was never money." "One world....one salvation"
Experiencing life along side my kids but mostly experiencing life. CM
Part II
After I initially put up this post I started talking to Grace about what was going on upstairs. There were moms resting their heads in their hands, others yawning and one of my compadres noting that it was after her bed time and Switchfoot had not even come on yet. We laughed about back in the day bc (before children) when 10 pm was early, the night was still young. The great thing is that there are other parents out there that want to be there for their children.
Another great thing was Grace being sure of who she is in Christ. I know that she was bummed about K not being able to go but it didn't stop her from going. It was OK that it was the 2 of us and it was OK that we both split up. We made friends for a night of enjoyment. What a testimony of forgetting about ourselves and just being in the moment. God is so good, growing us up in the places we wouldn't think of planting ourselves.
Steve Tyler singing the National Athem for the Boston Red Sox. He is still rockin' on and I believe he may even be old enough to be my father, if not him at least Mick Jagger is. Well, last night I found myself rockin' on at The NorVa (www.norva.com) with Grace. It was suppose to be with K too but she got sick so it was just Grace and me. Headlining for the evening Switchfoot. The band from San Diego CA who rock with meaning. The bands who opened for them definitely had lead singers who were Steve Tyler wannabe's. We tolerated them.
The NorVa has a 1500 person capacity, the majority of which is a dance floor that allows the kids to pack in like sardines. Grace wanted to be a sardine and I did not. We split up. Grace found some fellow Switchfoot lovers simply by being packed in, actually it was the kids who we sold our extra ticket to - go figure. I was glad that I gave them a deal which simply means I made my money back. I was not out to make money off a teenager. I went upstairs where they had tables and barstools where the majority of parent-loving-teenagers were hanging out. There were 2 ladies sitting at a table with 2 extra barstools. I said May I join you? They said sure. Kim and Sharon were wonderful company and they were there with their kids aka sardines.
As some of you know I already saw Switchfoot this year in West Palm Beach. I had no desire to go but I wanted K to be able to go with her sister. It just didn't work out that way. The Lord helped me to adjust my attitude and both Grace and I had a good time. Switchfoot needs our prayers. They have made a place for themselves in this world now let's pray that the world does not make a place in them, that these guys would maintain their integrity and stick to their message. Life is hard, and in their own words, "in a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt, I was trying so hard to fit in til I found out - I don't belong here - it is The Beautiful Letdown" They ask the hard questions, "are you who you want to be?" "What's it gonna take to slow us down, to let the silence spin us around?" Their declarations of hope, "We want more than this world has to offer." "I want more than just okay." "Life is more than hundred dollar bills." "Life is more than money. Time was never money." "One world....one salvation"
Experiencing life along side my kids but mostly experiencing life. CM
Part II
After I initially put up this post I started talking to Grace about what was going on upstairs. There were moms resting their heads in their hands, others yawning and one of my compadres noting that it was after her bed time and Switchfoot had not even come on yet. We laughed about back in the day bc (before children) when 10 pm was early, the night was still young. The great thing is that there are other parents out there that want to be there for their children.
Another great thing was Grace being sure of who she is in Christ. I know that she was bummed about K not being able to go but it didn't stop her from going. It was OK that it was the 2 of us and it was OK that we both split up. We made friends for a night of enjoyment. What a testimony of forgetting about ourselves and just being in the moment. God is so good, growing us up in the places we wouldn't think of planting ourselves.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Less Boxes, more maps
Didn't I just empty these boxes? It seems that way our time here in VA is drawing to a close and today I started packing. We will definitely have less boxes this time, as the pruning process continues in our lives. Traveling can be an art form and it is really a much more with less. Learning to live with less things is a good lesson for us.
For right now we are heading back to FL which actually doesn't require more maps at this time since we are returning to where we were last winter. More maps will be needed once we leave FL for a destination yet unknown. We have somewhat of a welcoming committee of friends and relatives who will make us feel at home once we arrive. Florida has become somewhat a home away from home. Hopefully we will get some more visitors in FL this year.
Maybe I will get another box packed before the evening is over. CM
Didn't I just empty these boxes? It seems that way our time here in VA is drawing to a close and today I started packing. We will definitely have less boxes this time, as the pruning process continues in our lives. Traveling can be an art form and it is really a much more with less. Learning to live with less things is a good lesson for us.
For right now we are heading back to FL which actually doesn't require more maps at this time since we are returning to where we were last winter. More maps will be needed once we leave FL for a destination yet unknown. We have somewhat of a welcoming committee of friends and relatives who will make us feel at home once we arrive. Florida has become somewhat a home away from home. Hopefully we will get some more visitors in FL this year.
Maybe I will get another box packed before the evening is over. CM
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Someone is always watching us
Grace and I just returned from a Communicators for Christ (CFC) in Indiana. CFC has 2 websites www.commforchrist.com and www.communicatorsforchrist.com check them out. This trip was to prepare and inspire Grace for being a part of a speech and debate club in FL. Mission accomplished and much more.
CFC says you must communicate well and that you can. All of us communicate something. As Christians we have a beautiful message to communicate and we want to be able to do it effectively. No matter where we go, no matter what we are doing or saying someone is watching us. When we identify ourselves as Christians someone is watching to see what message we are sending. Let's be willing to grow in our communication skills as witnesses of the Living God.
.....much more. This past week with Grace was a building block in our future friendship. ( Dan and I do see ourselves becoming friends with our children as they grow and mature. ) Our time together was precious. Having an extended time with just one of my children is a rare thing and we made the most of it.
We walked into a crowd of friends we had yet to meet. More than friends, these people are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace and I were welcomed and accepted. It was fun being from MA via VA Beach and meeting people from California, Louisiana and Michigan on the border of KY and IN on the IN side. There is a quality about these people that I want for my children. The Lord is continuing to prepare and equip us as we continue to journey on the pilgrim highway.
Grace and I just returned from a Communicators for Christ (CFC) in Indiana. CFC has 2 websites www.commforchrist.com and www.communicatorsforchrist.com check them out. This trip was to prepare and inspire Grace for being a part of a speech and debate club in FL. Mission accomplished and much more.
CFC says you must communicate well and that you can. All of us communicate something. As Christians we have a beautiful message to communicate and we want to be able to do it effectively. No matter where we go, no matter what we are doing or saying someone is watching us. When we identify ourselves as Christians someone is watching to see what message we are sending. Let's be willing to grow in our communication skills as witnesses of the Living God.
.....much more. This past week with Grace was a building block in our future friendship. ( Dan and I do see ourselves becoming friends with our children as they grow and mature. ) Our time together was precious. Having an extended time with just one of my children is a rare thing and we made the most of it.
We walked into a crowd of friends we had yet to meet. More than friends, these people are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace and I were welcomed and accepted. It was fun being from MA via VA Beach and meeting people from California, Louisiana and Michigan on the border of KY and IN on the IN side. There is a quality about these people that I want for my children. The Lord is continuing to prepare and equip us as we continue to journey on the pilgrim highway.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Always holding on to Hope
Last night I showed my age and I couldn't stand to stay up and watch the Yankees Red Sox game. I think I retired sometime in the 8th inning. In the 4th inning Michael said "Mom this game is going to go into extra innings." At some point I awoke to the sound of 2 of my 3 children cheering. I thought RedSox did something right....I resisted the temptation to get up and find out what was happening.
Why did I go to bed? I am tired of heartache....I can't take it anymore. 2003 ouch, 1986 wince, 1975 so close.......the heartaches before that are probably before my time or at a time that I was too little to care. The temptation to want to read Stephen King's Novel Faithful is great. Is it even out yet?
I don't think I have lost my grit (Hearty New Englandah that I am). Fiercely, we hold on to hope in most situations. The Spirit of RedSox Nation is one of perseverance and determination. These are good qualities. We press on.....sometimes we forget to be gracious. The thing is to be firm and unrelenting while minding your manners, while caring for others, and remembering that Yankees' fans are people too. One of my favorite people in the whole world is a Yankees' fan(my beautiful redheaded daughter). We can be fans of different teams without being rude. In our home we are The Mullaneys first and family is first. This is a great lesson that hopefully will carry into other areas in my children's lives. When we find ourselves in circumstances with our backs up against the wall we still hold on to hope because we know the One who holds the future.
Life is a lot like being a RedSox fan. There are ups and downs but you keep your chin up. You don't give up. We never stop reaching to be the best. This is how life is to be lived. If you get knocked down, you don't just lie there, you get back up. You look ahead, forgetting what is behind, we press on to the goal. For the Sox that is the World championship, for us as warriors of the Most High, King of Kings it is life lived to the fullest knowing one day we will be with Him. That being said, I will now rise to the challenge of watching game 5 to the very end.
Last night I showed my age and I couldn't stand to stay up and watch the Yankees Red Sox game. I think I retired sometime in the 8th inning. In the 4th inning Michael said "Mom this game is going to go into extra innings." At some point I awoke to the sound of 2 of my 3 children cheering. I thought RedSox did something right....I resisted the temptation to get up and find out what was happening.
Why did I go to bed? I am tired of heartache....I can't take it anymore. 2003 ouch, 1986 wince, 1975 so close.......the heartaches before that are probably before my time or at a time that I was too little to care. The temptation to want to read Stephen King's Novel Faithful is great. Is it even out yet?
I don't think I have lost my grit (Hearty New Englandah that I am). Fiercely, we hold on to hope in most situations. The Spirit of RedSox Nation is one of perseverance and determination. These are good qualities. We press on.....sometimes we forget to be gracious. The thing is to be firm and unrelenting while minding your manners, while caring for others, and remembering that Yankees' fans are people too. One of my favorite people in the whole world is a Yankees' fan(my beautiful redheaded daughter). We can be fans of different teams without being rude. In our home we are The Mullaneys first and family is first. This is a great lesson that hopefully will carry into other areas in my children's lives. When we find ourselves in circumstances with our backs up against the wall we still hold on to hope because we know the One who holds the future.
Life is a lot like being a RedSox fan. There are ups and downs but you keep your chin up. You don't give up. We never stop reaching to be the best. This is how life is to be lived. If you get knocked down, you don't just lie there, you get back up. You look ahead, forgetting what is behind, we press on to the goal. For the Sox that is the World championship, for us as warriors of the Most High, King of Kings it is life lived to the fullest knowing one day we will be with Him. That being said, I will now rise to the challenge of watching game 5 to the very end.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Recollection
Sometimes we need to be reminded about where it is we are going. Life is a journey and none of us really know where it will lead. There are bends and twists down the road that we don’t see but the One who leads sees the beginning from the end. We can trust the One we follow. I don’t recall if I shared this on my blog.
The Lord gave us two messages from the scripture. The first is from Psalm 84.
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
The other is from Jeremiah 35
"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. 7 Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'
17 "Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.' “18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' 19 Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' "
At times we do not understand why we are doing what we are doing but we do believe we were called for a time to be traveling. This is an act of obedience. It is both exciting and knee-knocking. Living in different places, not owning any property but in a sense always having a place to rest our heads. Some have even ventured to say that the world is our oyster.
I needed to remember where my strength comes from and whose word it is to obey. Thanks for reading. CM from VA Beach
Sometimes we need to be reminded about where it is we are going. Life is a journey and none of us really know where it will lead. There are bends and twists down the road that we don’t see but the One who leads sees the beginning from the end. We can trust the One we follow. I don’t recall if I shared this on my blog.
The Lord gave us two messages from the scripture. The first is from Psalm 84.
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
The other is from Jeremiah 35
"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. 7 Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'
17 "Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.' “18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' 19 Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' "
At times we do not understand why we are doing what we are doing but we do believe we were called for a time to be traveling. This is an act of obedience. It is both exciting and knee-knocking. Living in different places, not owning any property but in a sense always having a place to rest our heads. Some have even ventured to say that the world is our oyster.
I needed to remember where my strength comes from and whose word it is to obey. Thanks for reading. CM from VA Beach
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)