I am sure I am going to hit a nerve with some people with this passage but it is something that I have been reading about and that I feel strongly about.
1 Timothy 2:11-15
11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authourity over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctify with self-restraint.
Let me give you a little background as to why this even came up. We are currently reading, "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" for our ladies' book club. This month's topic is feminism. Well, really the whole book sort of deals with this issue but lately the feminism has been a very big part of my thinking, reading, and personal life. At the same time I am reading this, it is something that has come up in conversation with several of my friends and family.
My husband and I have had the "quiet" discussion and I know where he and I stand. I have read many verses and passages and I feel it is imperitive that I remain quiet during a worship service at church. Once my husband, who is the pastor, has called us to worship, I no longer say anything. That applies if I am not at my home church as well. It also applies if we are counseling or speaking among men. I try not to address the men of the group and only speak to my husband. I don't always follow this rule, as I am human and forget. But, God has made me more aware of my surroundings and His teachings.
If we are in our home, having a family time per se, then that no longer applies. I think the word "quiet" doesn't always mean that I do not have the approval or permission to speak. It just means that I am to have a "meek and quiet spirit" that is willing and open to instruction. Our family also believes that during our Equipping Hour at church all are allowed to speak- men, women, and children. It is no longer a "worship" type setting and it is more of a "family time" atmosphere, so we feel that it is OK.
Can I ask my readers a question? If a woman is supposed to be quiet and the scriptures teach that we are not to have authority over men, would you allow a woman to sing a solo? Singing a solo is a form of leadership, maybe even a form of teaching. If there are men in the audience or congregation, then do you think it's right to "lead" them while she sings? What about women or ladies' who play an instrument to accompany the singing? At what point is it a no-no? Where do you draw the line? Leave a comment and give me your thoughts on it, if you like.
As I mentioned earlier, this idea of feminism is coming up quite often. I learned early on that feminism in the McCrory household was not going to fly. Mr. David McCrory would rule our house. Whether it was right or wrong (in my mind at least), he was the spiritual leader of our household. I had to learn the hard way because my mother ruled our house- and tried to rule the McCrory household when she was here. She had to learn the hard way, that David was the spiritual leader of our household and I was his helper. If he said we did or did not do it, then so let it be done. It work(s) for our home, and it's a biblical concept- so we will continue to do what we feel is in accordance to the Lord's will. Now, we are not perfect in these roles! Far from it! But, we do the best we can.
I remember coming into my marriage with the "You-are-not-going-to-tell-me-what-to-do" mentality. I was the boss of me and you (or God) were not going to be my authority. God quickly showed me the error of my ways. Truth be told, I drug my feet, 3 feet deep, leaving quite a trail I'm sure! I didn't like giving up MY authority to God or anyone else. Once I allowed God into my life, it and my marriage began to be more in line with the scriptures. And it should as that's how God designed it. He gave us the example of marriage to show us the image of Christ and his willingness to give up His life for ours. How Great Thou Art!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
28-Hour Days
Dear God,
Is it possible to add just a few more hours to the current day? 24 doesn't seem to be enough for me to be able to get all I need to get done. I have to pray, read Your word, teach my children, play cab driver to the children's friends, and shop for food because we have to eat. Not to mention the pile of laundry is growing by leaps and bounds. The dishes don't clean themselves. The floors don't mop themselves or toilets clean themselves. You see, I have too many things that I need to do today so I need a few more hours. Oh, and I'd also like to get a good night's sleep so the extra hours would be very helpful in that. Just this once, Lord. I thank you and would be very grateful if you could do this favor for me.
Your Loving Servant,
Michele
Is it possible to add just a few more hours to the current day? 24 doesn't seem to be enough for me to be able to get all I need to get done. I have to pray, read Your word, teach my children, play cab driver to the children's friends, and shop for food because we have to eat. Not to mention the pile of laundry is growing by leaps and bounds. The dishes don't clean themselves. The floors don't mop themselves or toilets clean themselves. You see, I have too many things that I need to do today so I need a few more hours. Oh, and I'd also like to get a good night's sleep so the extra hours would be very helpful in that. Just this once, Lord. I thank you and would be very grateful if you could do this favor for me.
Your Loving Servant,
Michele
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Those Pesky Little Insects That Sting!
I don't know why it happens but every summer Caleb gets stung by every insect that stings. It might be a bee, a wasp, a yellow jacket. Doesn't matter! If he's outside, he's gonna get stung! We went swimming at a friend's house yesterday and poor Caleb got stung by something. We are not quite sure what but today his poor hand is swollen and quite uncomfortable. I had to go get him some allergy relief medicine. I wouldn't normally use that but it's what works so I will resort to that. I feel so sorry for him. I am glad he's not truly allergic- anaphelactic shock allergic. He's not like that. He has handled the situation very well. He's such a trooper!
Monday, June 21, 2010
2 Peter 1:5-9
"(5) But also for this reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge (6) to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, (7) to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (8) For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For he who lacks these things is shortsighted even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins."
I want to go straight to verse 7.
Have you ever thought you were giving some good advice on behalf of the Lord our God? Ever thought that you were giving your loved one "the ugly Truth"- something that they were doing or saying that they might not know they were committing. I have. I have said some things that I meant but in a manner in which I shouldn't have said them. I can't imagine what it must have been like on the receiving end of that attitude but I know that I shouldn't have behaved in that manner. For I lacked "brotherly kindness." In that moment I forgot "that I was cleansed from my sin."
Sometimes we think we are preaching the gospel and all it does is go in one ear and out the other of the person we are attacking, I mean rebuking. In all seriousness, I am sure it feels like an attack. I have been on the other end of the spectrum and someone close to me thought they were "teaching" me how to live my life. For some reason, I was not ready to receive their words. Why? I cannot tell you why. Selfish pride if I had to be truthful. That selfish pride will get us in trouble in more ways than one.
Does God harden our hearts? Does He open our eyes to His ways? Yes. And sometimes he can use the person who is telling us how to live our lives. We must be able to receive the rebuke and teaching of others even if we aren't willing. We must be able to hear what they are saying and compare them to scriptures. Whether you like what they are saying or not, we must hear them. I mean really listen to them- HEAR them. If what they are saying does not contradict God's word, then we must do our best to come into submission to God's word, which will ultimately come into submission to the person who is trying to teach us. Uh-oh! I said the "s" word- submission.
That's a whole other topic that I won't dive into today for lack of time. But, I will admit this. There have been many times that I have submitted to my husbands commands (Biblical truths) out of submission and not because I believed them and wanted to obey God. I simply obeyed my husband. I do want to be in submission to my husband, contrary to popular culture teachings, but I would rather be in submission of God's truth.
I want to read, memorize, understand, and put into practice the principles taught in the Holy Bible! I do not wish to be shortsighted!
I want to go straight to verse 7.
Have you ever thought you were giving some good advice on behalf of the Lord our God? Ever thought that you were giving your loved one "the ugly Truth"- something that they were doing or saying that they might not know they were committing. I have. I have said some things that I meant but in a manner in which I shouldn't have said them. I can't imagine what it must have been like on the receiving end of that attitude but I know that I shouldn't have behaved in that manner. For I lacked "brotherly kindness." In that moment I forgot "that I was cleansed from my sin."
Sometimes we think we are preaching the gospel and all it does is go in one ear and out the other of the person we are attacking, I mean rebuking. In all seriousness, I am sure it feels like an attack. I have been on the other end of the spectrum and someone close to me thought they were "teaching" me how to live my life. For some reason, I was not ready to receive their words. Why? I cannot tell you why. Selfish pride if I had to be truthful. That selfish pride will get us in trouble in more ways than one.
Does God harden our hearts? Does He open our eyes to His ways? Yes. And sometimes he can use the person who is telling us how to live our lives. We must be able to receive the rebuke and teaching of others even if we aren't willing. We must be able to hear what they are saying and compare them to scriptures. Whether you like what they are saying or not, we must hear them. I mean really listen to them- HEAR them. If what they are saying does not contradict God's word, then we must do our best to come into submission to God's word, which will ultimately come into submission to the person who is trying to teach us. Uh-oh! I said the "s" word- submission.
That's a whole other topic that I won't dive into today for lack of time. But, I will admit this. There have been many times that I have submitted to my husbands commands (Biblical truths) out of submission and not because I believed them and wanted to obey God. I simply obeyed my husband. I do want to be in submission to my husband, contrary to popular culture teachings, but I would rather be in submission of God's truth.
I want to read, memorize, understand, and put into practice the principles taught in the Holy Bible! I do not wish to be shortsighted!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Do You Celebrate Father's Day?
It's a day that we honor fathers. It always falls on a Sunday. And it costs money. We do not "celebrate" Father's Day as you would think. It is a man-made holiday and it puts the light on the human father on Sunday when we should be honoring and worshipping our Heavenly Father on the Sabbath. We choose to glorify and worship our Heavenly Father as well as honor our earthly father(s).
That's not to say that I am not thankful for my husband. Or my own father. Or my father-in-law. All three of these men are very important to me and to the lives of our children. They all have their own special role in our lives. I get to see my father-in-law every Sunday as he attends church with us. My mother-in-law passed away over 4 years ago so Granddaddy is a widower. I cannot believe what it has been like for my husband as he preaches and looks into the congregation to see his own father.
My father drives an 18-wheeler so he is not home often. And when he is home, it's not long so I do not get to see him much. He also lives an hour and a half away. He does pick up his truck load not far from where we live so we meet for breakfast sometimes. I might try to see him sometime this next week.
Time with our family is the best gift we can give each other!
That's not to say that I am not thankful for my husband. Or my own father. Or my father-in-law. All three of these men are very important to me and to the lives of our children. They all have their own special role in our lives. I get to see my father-in-law every Sunday as he attends church with us. My mother-in-law passed away over 4 years ago so Granddaddy is a widower. I cannot believe what it has been like for my husband as he preaches and looks into the congregation to see his own father.
My father drives an 18-wheeler so he is not home often. And when he is home, it's not long so I do not get to see him much. He also lives an hour and a half away. He does pick up his truck load not far from where we live so we meet for breakfast sometimes. I might try to see him sometime this next week.
Time with our family is the best gift we can give each other!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Psalm 38: Prayer in Time of Chastening
That's how my Bible titles the 38th Psalm. As I was reading this morning in my personal bible time, I had many thoughts. But first I want to print some scripture that I found rather thought-provoking.
Psalm 38: 1-2; 21-22
"(1) O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath. Nor hasten me in Your hot displeasure! (2) For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. (21) Do not forsake me, O Lord; O My God, be not far from me! (22) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"
First, let's talk about wrath. So many Christians think that God is love and that He would never do anything that would harm us! But no one wants to think about or admit that God is Just in His judgement. Look at what the scriptures say. I didn't say or write or think them! Many have a hard time believing, following, and trusting in the God that I serve. I am a sinner. I know that! But, I know whom I serve. I know that I will be judged in Heaven. Not by how my husband acted, not by how my children behaved, or how my neighbors and family lived. I will be judged for ME! MY actions will be considered. THAT is a very sobering thought!
Verse 2 hits me hard. Those "arrows" that pierce, pierce deep, that rings very true. I am convicted daily of my sins- lazyness, stubborn pride, and selfishness. We have to put those aside and DECIDE to follow Christ and His example. So, we must be fruitful, humble, and selfLESS if we are to show others the love of Christ.
What does it mean, "Your hand presses me down"? I think in our sin, God is glorified. When we think we can not get back up and that we have fallen too far, God shows us that He is there. We might not see how the trials or troubles in our life could possibly be for our own good but they are. The marriage is rocky, your children do not obey, the doctor says the pain will never go away and you will have to live with it the rest of your life! Emotional, physical, and spiritual warfare "presses us down." All so that when we are down we have to look up and believe!
Many times I have felt "far" from God. And it's not because he has moved. Contrary to that statement, I believe we move from Him. We forget to place our lives in the Hand of God and we try to live it how WE think we should. We want things our way, in our own time, and that is not how God works. Never has, never will.
Make haste to help me, O Lord. But, also, please help those who do not TRULY know You as they should. Open their eyes to their sins.
Lord, open MY eyes to be a better servant! And in turn that will help me be a better wife, mother, and daughter. Help me to understand and obey You when you "pierce me deeply." In Jesus Name, Amen!
Psalm 38: 1-2; 21-22
"(1) O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath. Nor hasten me in Your hot displeasure! (2) For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. (21) Do not forsake me, O Lord; O My God, be not far from me! (22) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"
First, let's talk about wrath. So many Christians think that God is love and that He would never do anything that would harm us! But no one wants to think about or admit that God is Just in His judgement. Look at what the scriptures say. I didn't say or write or think them! Many have a hard time believing, following, and trusting in the God that I serve. I am a sinner. I know that! But, I know whom I serve. I know that I will be judged in Heaven. Not by how my husband acted, not by how my children behaved, or how my neighbors and family lived. I will be judged for ME! MY actions will be considered. THAT is a very sobering thought!
Verse 2 hits me hard. Those "arrows" that pierce, pierce deep, that rings very true. I am convicted daily of my sins- lazyness, stubborn pride, and selfishness. We have to put those aside and DECIDE to follow Christ and His example. So, we must be fruitful, humble, and selfLESS if we are to show others the love of Christ.
What does it mean, "Your hand presses me down"? I think in our sin, God is glorified. When we think we can not get back up and that we have fallen too far, God shows us that He is there. We might not see how the trials or troubles in our life could possibly be for our own good but they are. The marriage is rocky, your children do not obey, the doctor says the pain will never go away and you will have to live with it the rest of your life! Emotional, physical, and spiritual warfare "presses us down." All so that when we are down we have to look up and believe!
Many times I have felt "far" from God. And it's not because he has moved. Contrary to that statement, I believe we move from Him. We forget to place our lives in the Hand of God and we try to live it how WE think we should. We want things our way, in our own time, and that is not how God works. Never has, never will.
Make haste to help me, O Lord. But, also, please help those who do not TRULY know You as they should. Open their eyes to their sins.
Lord, open MY eyes to be a better servant! And in turn that will help me be a better wife, mother, and daughter. Help me to understand and obey You when you "pierce me deeply." In Jesus Name, Amen!
I Love Our Library!
Have I ever told you that I love our local library? I have gotten to know quite a lot of folks there by first name and some of them even know me by name. I know the head librarian knows us by name!
Today, I stopped by the library for a couple of reasons. The main one was because I needed to "Take a Nature Walk"- which is code for {{{{shhh- bathroom}}}. That's an inside joke and only the person who originally said it would get it! Second, there was supposed to be a storm at our house and it wasn't raining in town. We didn't want to get caught in the weather. Third, to get a movie for the kids to watch. I had met my sister in Memphis to pick up my niece who will be staying with us for a short time. And, lastly, to sign Sarah and Skye up for the Summer Reading program.
While I was there, the library was having a book sale. I found quite a few books. "John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion" and "John Wesley" both for my hubby. I got Caleb a few "Magic Tree House" books. I even got Sarah some books. I found "Silas Marner" and "Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English" as well as a couple of books that I will give as gifts. I like giving books as gifts!
Today was a fruitful day at the Olive Branch library!
Today, I stopped by the library for a couple of reasons. The main one was because I needed to "Take a Nature Walk"- which is code for {{{{shhh- bathroom}}}. That's an inside joke and only the person who originally said it would get it! Second, there was supposed to be a storm at our house and it wasn't raining in town. We didn't want to get caught in the weather. Third, to get a movie for the kids to watch. I had met my sister in Memphis to pick up my niece who will be staying with us for a short time. And, lastly, to sign Sarah and Skye up for the Summer Reading program.
While I was there, the library was having a book sale. I found quite a few books. "John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion" and "John Wesley" both for my hubby. I got Caleb a few "Magic Tree House" books. I even got Sarah some books. I found "Silas Marner" and "Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English" as well as a couple of books that I will give as gifts. I like giving books as gifts!
Today was a fruitful day at the Olive Branch library!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I Am Sad :(
I received some bad news today. Someone close to me is getting a divorce. I am in need of prayer as to how to handle the situation. I would also like you to pray for this unnamed couple. I appreciate it. That's all I have at this time.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Snakes Are NOT My Friend!
Several nights ago, I went to close the door on the chicken coop and count them. I always count them in the chicken house to make sure all 8 are there. When I opened the front of the chicken house I counted the chickens then pointed the light down to make sure there weren't any eggs. Boy, did it scare the mess out of me to see a snake staring up at me! I quickly went to get David. He tried to get the snake but it was dark and our flashlight wasn't the greatest so the best we did was scare it away.
Well, today I went to check on the chickens and look for eggs and guess what? That darn snake decided the eggs were so tasty that he would come back. I hollered for David, again, and since this time it was daylight, guess what happened to the snake? It is no longer alive. I am sorry! I am NOT letting something that is eating my eggs survive. For a while now our egg supply has dwindled and now we know why! At least part of the reason why. There is something else going on but I cannot pinpoint it. Molting? No, they still have all their feathers, except where the rooster "gets" them. No one is broody, I don't think. One chicken, Fethard, has a pale pink comb but to tell the truth I am not sure her comb was ever bright. Oh well! I am sure all will be OK and the hens will get on the ball soon!
Well, today I went to check on the chickens and look for eggs and guess what? That darn snake decided the eggs were so tasty that he would come back. I hollered for David, again, and since this time it was daylight, guess what happened to the snake? It is no longer alive. I am sorry! I am NOT letting something that is eating my eggs survive. For a while now our egg supply has dwindled and now we know why! At least part of the reason why. There is something else going on but I cannot pinpoint it. Molting? No, they still have all their feathers, except where the rooster "gets" them. No one is broody, I don't think. One chicken, Fethard, has a pale pink comb but to tell the truth I am not sure her comb was ever bright. Oh well! I am sure all will be OK and the hens will get on the ball soon!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
Here is the recipe for the cinnamon rolls. They are so delicious!
Dough:
1 cup + 2 tbsp warm milk (about 100 degrees)
1 egg + 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups AP flour
1 tsp salt
3 tsp Bread Machine yeast
Filling:
2 tbsp butter, melted
2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon
Icing:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
Put dough ingredients in machine in order listed. Select "Dough" cycle. After cycle is complete, roll dough into rectangle on lightly floured surface. Spread rectangle dough with melted butter then sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll long ways and cut into 10-15 rolls and place in greased round cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Spread on icing.
You can make this ahead of time. Just place in pan, cover and refrigerate.
MY NOTES:
I used 2 Pampered Chef baking pans to make these. I got WAY more than 10-15 because I thought they would be huge if I cut them like that. The little one I ate was very good. Made one pan today, will make the other tomorrow morning.
Dough:
1 cup + 2 tbsp warm milk (about 100 degrees)
1 egg + 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups AP flour
1 tsp salt
3 tsp Bread Machine yeast
Filling:
2 tbsp butter, melted
2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon
Icing:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
Put dough ingredients in machine in order listed. Select "Dough" cycle. After cycle is complete, roll dough into rectangle on lightly floured surface. Spread rectangle dough with melted butter then sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll long ways and cut into 10-15 rolls and place in greased round cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Spread on icing.
You can make this ahead of time. Just place in pan, cover and refrigerate.
MY NOTES:
I used 2 Pampered Chef baking pans to make these. I got WAY more than 10-15 because I thought they would be huge if I cut them like that. The little one I ate was very good. Made one pan today, will make the other tomorrow morning.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Bread Machine Teaser
I found a recipe for Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls but I am not going to post it until I actually eat one in the morning. The dough is in the machine now. When the cycle is complete, I will make the cinnamon rolls then I will refrigerate until morning. Our neighbor, Ms. La Donna, and her granddaughter, Skie, are joining us for breakfast in the morning. I am going to get up early to make some rolls for David. I may or may not allow him to take some to work with him. I know, I am a meany! :)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
BOYS!
I have spoke much on raising daughters and not much on raising sons. I think I might put down some thoughts on the subject.
When I was in kindergarten, my father found out about a job. We were living in West Tennessee and it would mean moving to Texas. I was young and do not remember any of this. My only "memory" is from pictures. Thank goodness for polaroid!
I am the oldest of 2 children, the other being another girl. The only job I remember my father having in Texas while I was growing up is on the offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. He would leave on Tuesday, get home a week later on Tuesday. Seven days on, seven days off. He would drive to Sabine Pass, Texas and take a helicopter to the rig. When it was time to go home, the helicopter would take them home. I even have pictures of one of the oil rigs that my father worked on.
Well, I say all that because my father wasn't around. Don't get me wrong, I do believe my father loved us and wanted to spend time with us but I am not sure he knew what to do with daughters. I don't blame him. I am sure he did the best he could. I struggle now with raising my son. I am a girl. Caleb is a boy! Just that fact is the first problem. I know the struggles of a girl. I don't know the struggles of a boy.
My first book to read is the Bible. The Holy Bible gives us some very clear paths to choose. God gave us some great men of wisdom and that's why I recently borrowed the book "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson from the library. I just started reading it so I am no expert yet. Just kidding but I am serious about what it says. Living with my husband and watching Caleb interact with other boys as he grows is very inlightening. I am amazed at how they act, behave, talk, fight, argue, etc. Boys are always trying to "one-up" the other, meaning if their friends can do one thing, they can do that AND something else better! Or they know someone who can! It's quite different! I guess girls do that to some extent but I haven't witnessed as much out of Erin as I have Caleb.
Caleb is 9 and will be 10 next month. When do the "hormones" kick in for boys? When do they need "the talk?" I won't be the one giving the talk and I am glad for that. I have a husband for that. What else do I need to know about boys and men? Am I forgetting anything? I am sure I am! That's why I will read the Bible, "Bringing Up Boys," and talk to my husband. I am sure they will all be a great source of guidance and wisdom.
If you have any guidance or wisdom for me, I would love to hear it! Please leave a comment.
When I was in kindergarten, my father found out about a job. We were living in West Tennessee and it would mean moving to Texas. I was young and do not remember any of this. My only "memory" is from pictures. Thank goodness for polaroid!
I am the oldest of 2 children, the other being another girl. The only job I remember my father having in Texas while I was growing up is on the offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. He would leave on Tuesday, get home a week later on Tuesday. Seven days on, seven days off. He would drive to Sabine Pass, Texas and take a helicopter to the rig. When it was time to go home, the helicopter would take them home. I even have pictures of one of the oil rigs that my father worked on.
Well, I say all that because my father wasn't around. Don't get me wrong, I do believe my father loved us and wanted to spend time with us but I am not sure he knew what to do with daughters. I don't blame him. I am sure he did the best he could. I struggle now with raising my son. I am a girl. Caleb is a boy! Just that fact is the first problem. I know the struggles of a girl. I don't know the struggles of a boy.
My first book to read is the Bible. The Holy Bible gives us some very clear paths to choose. God gave us some great men of wisdom and that's why I recently borrowed the book "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson from the library. I just started reading it so I am no expert yet. Just kidding but I am serious about what it says. Living with my husband and watching Caleb interact with other boys as he grows is very inlightening. I am amazed at how they act, behave, talk, fight, argue, etc. Boys are always trying to "one-up" the other, meaning if their friends can do one thing, they can do that AND something else better! Or they know someone who can! It's quite different! I guess girls do that to some extent but I haven't witnessed as much out of Erin as I have Caleb.
Caleb is 9 and will be 10 next month. When do the "hormones" kick in for boys? When do they need "the talk?" I won't be the one giving the talk and I am glad for that. I have a husband for that. What else do I need to know about boys and men? Am I forgetting anything? I am sure I am! That's why I will read the Bible, "Bringing Up Boys," and talk to my husband. I am sure they will all be a great source of guidance and wisdom.
If you have any guidance or wisdom for me, I would love to hear it! Please leave a comment.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Where Is My Knight?
OK, so we are studying Middle Ages in history. It's the knights, castles, and Crusades for us! Today at the library I got some books on Marco Polo, William the Conqueror, Ghengis Khan, the Crusades, and Eleanor of Aquintaine. I've heard of Marco Polo but don't remember anything about him if I ever studied about him. The only reason I think I truly know his name is because it's a water game that we played when I was young and we went swimming! I do not remember anything about William, Ghengis, or the Crusades. And, who in the world is Eleanor?
Well, that is the WONDERFUL thing I LOVE about homeschooling. I get to learn again! It's like taking those high school classes without having to test for them or having to have the books read by a certain time- well except I do have to return them to the library in a timely manner.
I HATE history. I have tried really hard to like it but cannot. I have to FORCE myself to read these books but most of the time, I start reading them and think, "This stuff is really cool! What is my problem?" I know now why I don't like most subjects and I have already touched on the "why." All I remember is studying for tests! Who wants to learn like that? I sure don't! So, that's not how I teach my children.
Well, that is the WONDERFUL thing I LOVE about homeschooling. I get to learn again! It's like taking those high school classes without having to test for them or having to have the books read by a certain time- well except I do have to return them to the library in a timely manner.
I HATE history. I have tried really hard to like it but cannot. I have to FORCE myself to read these books but most of the time, I start reading them and think, "This stuff is really cool! What is my problem?" I know now why I don't like most subjects and I have already touched on the "why." All I remember is studying for tests! Who wants to learn like that? I sure don't! So, that's not how I teach my children.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Are You Raising A Homemaker?
I am! And, she's currently 13. Now, I am NOT doing it perfectly. I was raised in a feminist household and the biblical role model for me did not exist. So, our journey began late. BUT, we are meandering our way down the path that the Lord has for us.
Several months ago, our family went through a book study on Biblical Courtship. It was a great time to discuss our expectations with our children for their future mates, if God so chose one for them. But, we also discussed what would happen if He chose to wait. What happens if you do not get married right after graduation? Then what? Our belief is that Erin would stay at home with us. Society, even Christians, are constantly asking our children, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Why is it that we get the strangest looks if and when we say, "Be a mom!" What's wrong with that? That's the only answer I want my daughter to give.
Can you be a "stay-at-home daughter" and work? I say YES! Erin wants to be a photographer. She is great at taking pictures! If we can hone those skills then there might be a future in that. She can still be a stay-at-home mom and be able to do that. It is doable.
The problem isn't with the job or the work. It's with the priorities. Where do you put your priority? No matter if you work outside the home or within, the priority has to be God, then family, then work. Period. Most employers do not understand this concept so we have to be discerning before we put on the "employee" hat. We must seek God's wisdom and guidance and choose the path that He would have us travel.
And, that path for our family is to raise a homemaker. A daughter who would first be her husband's helpmeet then one who's capable of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of all household duties.
I am writing this twofold. One is because this is truly what our family believes. Second because I would like to recommend to you this new site that I have found of great resource:
http://www.raisinghomemakers.com/
Please visit this website. They are a great resource! They are currently giving away a DVD entitled "The Return of the Daughters." It is about a family whose daughter stays at home. She is currently not married so she is still under the protection of her father and the family. What a concept! We see examples of this all over scripture. Daughters did not leave their home unless their were given by their fathers to their husbands. That's how our family will continue. And, I am glad to know, see, and hear about others.
It would be great to see the video. It would encourage our daughter and allow her to see that she is not the only one who would be living at home after the age of 18 or 20. That there are others out there who are just as weird as our family!
Several months ago, our family went through a book study on Biblical Courtship. It was a great time to discuss our expectations with our children for their future mates, if God so chose one for them. But, we also discussed what would happen if He chose to wait. What happens if you do not get married right after graduation? Then what? Our belief is that Erin would stay at home with us. Society, even Christians, are constantly asking our children, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Why is it that we get the strangest looks if and when we say, "Be a mom!" What's wrong with that? That's the only answer I want my daughter to give.
Can you be a "stay-at-home daughter" and work? I say YES! Erin wants to be a photographer. She is great at taking pictures! If we can hone those skills then there might be a future in that. She can still be a stay-at-home mom and be able to do that. It is doable.
The problem isn't with the job or the work. It's with the priorities. Where do you put your priority? No matter if you work outside the home or within, the priority has to be God, then family, then work. Period. Most employers do not understand this concept so we have to be discerning before we put on the "employee" hat. We must seek God's wisdom and guidance and choose the path that He would have us travel.
And, that path for our family is to raise a homemaker. A daughter who would first be her husband's helpmeet then one who's capable of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of all household duties.
I am writing this twofold. One is because this is truly what our family believes. Second because I would like to recommend to you this new site that I have found of great resource:
http://www.raisinghomemakers.com/
Please visit this website. They are a great resource! They are currently giving away a DVD entitled "The Return of the Daughters." It is about a family whose daughter stays at home. She is currently not married so she is still under the protection of her father and the family. What a concept! We see examples of this all over scripture. Daughters did not leave their home unless their were given by their fathers to their husbands. That's how our family will continue. And, I am glad to know, see, and hear about others.
It would be great to see the video. It would encourage our daughter and allow her to see that she is not the only one who would be living at home after the age of 18 or 20. That there are others out there who are just as weird as our family!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Farmer's Market
I went to the saddest farmer's market today. It had one vendor and they did not have but about 3 veggies. I passed another vendor in another area of town. I knew most of their produce was going to have been shipped in from somewhere else but I decided to stop and be nosy about them. I found out where some of their produce came from but also found out they were a local family and knew some people I knew so... I decided to buy some stuff from them. I got red potatoes, onions (from their garden), tomatoes (from Texas or Florida), fresh roasted peanuts, and peaches. I only spent $12 but I think I got quite a bit. I think I will budget more next time and get more of each item. I made a contact that might help me learn to can and preserve my vegetables. I am most excited about that.
I think I am going to also budget some money for my friends the Hart's. They have a garden business and I want to support them more. It's just that as you notice in what I purchased, those are not items that are local yet! And, that's where I struggle. I want veggies and produce that are not locally grown.
I would like to get there one day- the day when I can only make and eat veggies that are locally grown. Maybe. One day!
I think I am going to also budget some money for my friends the Hart's. They have a garden business and I want to support them more. It's just that as you notice in what I purchased, those are not items that are local yet! And, that's where I struggle. I want veggies and produce that are not locally grown.
I would like to get there one day- the day when I can only make and eat veggies that are locally grown. Maybe. One day!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Backyard Garden, Farmer's Market, or Store?
Which do you prefer? To grow your own? To visit the local farmer's market? Or just to buy your vegetables and fruit from the local grocery store?
We prefer to grow my own.
Next is farmer's markets but I will admit, for convenience, I buy most at the grocery stores. BOOOO. Shame on me, I know! Why would anyone want to eat what comes from the grocery store when you can have the joys of eating it straight from the garden. And when I say straight, sometimes I mean straight! I don't even bother taking it in to wash it because I know I haven't used chemicals on it so we can do just that.
This year our garden is a little more than last year. I am not putting as much effort into it as I said I was. I have good intentions but I cannot stand to scratch all day and even when I wear gloves my right hand gets this ugly rash on it that drives me crazy! I want to wash the vegetables, cook and eat them, or preserve them in some fashion but I don't really like being in the garden much. I really should help more in the garden but I don't.
So, what are we growing? Okra, tomatoes, cucumber, beans (green), already had lettuce and sugar snap peas, potatoes, watermelon (red and orange flesh varieties), cabbage, corn and collards. There might be more but that's all I can think about right now.
I cannot wait until our seeds grow more. I do enjoy going into the garden and seeing the plants grow. Especially after it rains. There's just something about rain. You can water with a hose all you want, but our plants like rain!
We planted most of our plants from seeds. We planted some in mid-April only for them to not do a single thing! Nothing! We planted the same seeds 2 weeks ago and WOW! They are doing great! I will have to take some pictures and post them. I am sure you are sooo thrilled to see how our garden is doing!
We prefer to grow my own.
Next is farmer's markets but I will admit, for convenience, I buy most at the grocery stores. BOOOO. Shame on me, I know! Why would anyone want to eat what comes from the grocery store when you can have the joys of eating it straight from the garden. And when I say straight, sometimes I mean straight! I don't even bother taking it in to wash it because I know I haven't used chemicals on it so we can do just that.
This year our garden is a little more than last year. I am not putting as much effort into it as I said I was. I have good intentions but I cannot stand to scratch all day and even when I wear gloves my right hand gets this ugly rash on it that drives me crazy! I want to wash the vegetables, cook and eat them, or preserve them in some fashion but I don't really like being in the garden much. I really should help more in the garden but I don't.
So, what are we growing? Okra, tomatoes, cucumber, beans (green), already had lettuce and sugar snap peas, potatoes, watermelon (red and orange flesh varieties), cabbage, corn and collards. There might be more but that's all I can think about right now.
I cannot wait until our seeds grow more. I do enjoy going into the garden and seeing the plants grow. Especially after it rains. There's just something about rain. You can water with a hose all you want, but our plants like rain!
We planted most of our plants from seeds. We planted some in mid-April only for them to not do a single thing! Nothing! We planted the same seeds 2 weeks ago and WOW! They are doing great! I will have to take some pictures and post them. I am sure you are sooo thrilled to see how our garden is doing!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
My Thoughts on Home Educating
It seems that our homeschooling journey has taken many routes. Like public schools we have "schooled" from September to May but the kids forgot most of what they learned during the summer because we usually didn't even pick up a book! So we do school all year long. Grocery shopping days, volunteering, visiting with friends, doctor's appointments, sickness, etc... some of these rob us of academic learning. During the "year" I ask the kids to do math and reading EVERY DAY if you do nothing else!
The freedom of homeschool is the freedom to decide what, when, where, and how we educate our children. I grew up in the public school system and although I had some fun times, there were MANY flaws. Just one example is I only remember studying for tests then being scared out of my wits to get the facts right to pass the stupid test. That's NOT learning in my book.
My husband is the most brilliant man I know. He is self-taught in most everything he knows, especially theology. He retains more knowledge than I can even think of much less put to memory! Very smart. But, he did not learn most of this because he studied for a test.
I have learned more now that I am educating our children at home than I think I ever learned in school. We read books! Lots of books! Lots of different kinds of books! That's the best way to learn in my book- pun intended! If I am not pressured into remembering what's in the book for some crazy test then I am more likely to remember what I read!
I guess I might apologize to those who have children in public school or even teach in them, but I am not going to! You do what YOU think is right, and I will do what I think is right!
The freedom of homeschool is the freedom to decide what, when, where, and how we educate our children. I grew up in the public school system and although I had some fun times, there were MANY flaws. Just one example is I only remember studying for tests then being scared out of my wits to get the facts right to pass the stupid test. That's NOT learning in my book.
My husband is the most brilliant man I know. He is self-taught in most everything he knows, especially theology. He retains more knowledge than I can even think of much less put to memory! Very smart. But, he did not learn most of this because he studied for a test.
I have learned more now that I am educating our children at home than I think I ever learned in school. We read books! Lots of books! Lots of different kinds of books! That's the best way to learn in my book- pun intended! If I am not pressured into remembering what's in the book for some crazy test then I am more likely to remember what I read!
I guess I might apologize to those who have children in public school or even teach in them, but I am not going to! You do what YOU think is right, and I will do what I think is right!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Gray Hairs
OH MY GOODNESS! I cannot believe it! My hair already falls out by the handful. A couple days ago, I pulled out a 12" long gray hair- not by choice. I just brush or wash it, gently pull on the ends, and out comes LOTS of hairs. I have changed my diet, didn't work. I exercised, NO, that didn't work either. I drink LOTS of water already. Might be the artificial sweetener that I have to use because of my diabetes. Who knows? Even if scientists think they know what is causing it, that will change in a few months or years.
My mother's hair is so thin now so I guess it is in the genes. My father's hair is almost gone so it's a double curse. I sure pray the kids don't take after my side of the family.
I saved that hair. I taped it to a black piece of construction paper. I cut the paper to about 2" x 4" and was able to wrap the hair about it almost twice. I wish I had actually measured it but I am pretty sure it was close to 12 inches.
What am I going to do about it? Not a thing. I used to color my hair when I was younger but have pretty much came to terms with the fact that I am going to grow old gracefully. They didn't have Oil of Olay or L'Oreal Regenerist back in bible times. No botox or mudwraps at the spa.
I am not going to color my hair, I don't use most facial treatments out there, or wear make-up. I can't stand to take it off so I prefer not to put it on. Now, on occasion I will wear mascara and lip gloss. My husband does not like to see me with make-up on but does not tell me I cannot wear it. He just prefers me to not wear it!
So, when you see me in 30 years, if the good Lord wills, I will be old and wrinkly! And, you know what? I will be proud of it too!
My mother's hair is so thin now so I guess it is in the genes. My father's hair is almost gone so it's a double curse. I sure pray the kids don't take after my side of the family.
I saved that hair. I taped it to a black piece of construction paper. I cut the paper to about 2" x 4" and was able to wrap the hair about it almost twice. I wish I had actually measured it but I am pretty sure it was close to 12 inches.
What am I going to do about it? Not a thing. I used to color my hair when I was younger but have pretty much came to terms with the fact that I am going to grow old gracefully. They didn't have Oil of Olay or L'Oreal Regenerist back in bible times. No botox or mudwraps at the spa.
I am not going to color my hair, I don't use most facial treatments out there, or wear make-up. I can't stand to take it off so I prefer not to put it on. Now, on occasion I will wear mascara and lip gloss. My husband does not like to see me with make-up on but does not tell me I cannot wear it. He just prefers me to not wear it!
So, when you see me in 30 years, if the good Lord wills, I will be old and wrinkly! And, you know what? I will be proud of it too!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
LORD OF THE RINGS
I have not read the books. I have tried but could not get into them. The movies on the other hand- I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! No matter how many times I watch them I see parts I didn't remember. Which isn't hard because I have the extended versions so they are almost 4 hours long for each movie!
I had never even heard of Lord of the Rings until we went to the theaters to see it in 2001. I know, I know, I just made myself look stupid by not knowing who or what this movie was all about. WOW! Can't believe it's been that long ago. I did NOT like how the first one ended and thought that was the end of it. Glad I was wrong!
We went to all three movies at the theaters. The powers that be decided to wait until 2002 to put "The Fellowship of the Ring" on DVD. My wonderful sister got me the extended edition for Christmas. I got the extended editions each year after for Christmas.
Each time I watch it/them, I get a renewed sense of wanting to read the book/s but have not commited to it yet. I hope one day to actually sit down and struggle through them. I would like to find out all the "behind the scenes" reasons for everything. What symbolizes what, why J. R. R. Tolkien wrote the way he wrote. He has been such a great inspiration to so many other writers after him. I am glad he decided to write those books. I haven't read the books so I cannot critique how the story on screen compares to words in the book. One day, though! One day!
I had never even heard of Lord of the Rings until we went to the theaters to see it in 2001. I know, I know, I just made myself look stupid by not knowing who or what this movie was all about. WOW! Can't believe it's been that long ago. I did NOT like how the first one ended and thought that was the end of it. Glad I was wrong!
We went to all three movies at the theaters. The powers that be decided to wait until 2002 to put "The Fellowship of the Ring" on DVD. My wonderful sister got me the extended edition for Christmas. I got the extended editions each year after for Christmas.
Each time I watch it/them, I get a renewed sense of wanting to read the book/s but have not commited to it yet. I hope one day to actually sit down and struggle through them. I would like to find out all the "behind the scenes" reasons for everything. What symbolizes what, why J. R. R. Tolkien wrote the way he wrote. He has been such a great inspiration to so many other writers after him. I am glad he decided to write those books. I haven't read the books so I cannot critique how the story on screen compares to words in the book. One day, though! One day!
Summer Reading Program at Our Local Library
Does your local library have a reading program? Ours does. And in the summer of 2008, Erin, our daughter began to volunteer. She worked Wednesday mornings when the preschool kids came to the library. She had lots of fun and Erin is great with kids. They had an ice cream social and Erin basically helped "run" things. The next summer the head librarian insisted that she volunteer! She also insisted that Erin help with the ice cream social, so I guess she wasn't too bossy! That summer she worked on a different day and it wasn't as much "fun" but she still loved it! This year she's working on Wednesdays again.
Today is the first day of the summer reading program and all the volunteers have to be at the library to help with all the kids that will come in to sign up for the program. There's another homeschool family who lives down the street whose girls are volunteering as well. The mom, Mrs. Kathy, and I have agreed we will do a sort of car pool this summer so we aren't always driving to the library. One week she will drive them, then I the next. This week, however, it would have been 2 times to go to the library so she is taking Erin today, and I will take her 2 girls tomorrow. Even trade! I am glad because I was sooo busy over the holiday weekend that I did not get any laundry done. And, man did we wear some clothes!
Today is the first day of the summer reading program and all the volunteers have to be at the library to help with all the kids that will come in to sign up for the program. There's another homeschool family who lives down the street whose girls are volunteering as well. The mom, Mrs. Kathy, and I have agreed we will do a sort of car pool this summer so we aren't always driving to the library. One week she will drive them, then I the next. This week, however, it would have been 2 times to go to the library so she is taking Erin today, and I will take her 2 girls tomorrow. Even trade! I am glad because I was sooo busy over the holiday weekend that I did not get any laundry done. And, man did we wear some clothes!
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