Santa or no Santa is the current debate in our household. I do not wish to perpetuate the fantasy of Santa to our child(ren in the future). I don't see the point. Yes, we all lived through it and amazingly still trusted our parents after the pulled a huge rouse over our heads. I just can't do it. What makes me highly amused this Christmas is looking at the thought of Christmas through non-believers who celebrate it anyhow. Those people with the "holiday" trees and such. If you look at Christmas strictly from that view it is hilarious. They are celebrating a fantasmical man who "breaks" into houses to leave gifts. What is the point???? It's absurdly funny. Celebrating a fat man whose belly is like a bowl full of jelly. Pointless. Yes, you can say that it's the spirit of St. Nick that they are celebrating. Giving to others. That is a good thing, don't get me wrong. But why must we do it under the cloud of some nice guy that lived a long time ago? Why can't do we believers go along with the fat man idea and tell our children that some mystical person cares about them enough to give them presents? Why do we do that? What about the real reason of Christmas? The real person who came down to earth, the real person who gave us the best gift of all. Why don't we give eachother gifts in memory of Jesus coming to earth? Why do we buy into the fantasy fat man?
Maybe it's the magic of being young. But it seems shoddy that we have to lie to our children to give them some magic in their lives. I think the magic in life can come from the amazement of how a tiny acorn becomes a mighty oak tree. That kind of magic will even cause adults to take a second look at the amazment of it.
So my reasoning abolishes the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny from being acceptable facets of the holidays and the like. Not everyone in my household agrees with me mind you. Why did I come to this line of thought? I have two children whom I give cooking lessons to. They were here about two weeks ago and they were going on and on about Santa and how they have seen him here and there and some elf creature that lives in their house who goes to the North Pole every day to report on their behavior, etc. etc. etc. It pained me (really it did) to hear them, ages 10 and 7, go on and on and on about this. I felt awful listening to them and going along with the lie that they believed. I didn't agree with them or encourage them. I didn't say anything except "wow" and the like. I didn't need to because they were so excited.
Maybe I'm being overly analytical about this whole thing. Maybe I should just relax and let my child believe in the fat man. But I don't know why I should. Why should some fat guy he's never met love him more than I and buys him gifts that he'll love get all the thanks? Not that I need praises from my child, but I don't think some nobody should get the credit. I want to focus on the real reason for the season. I want my family's view to be that of Jesus and not a guy in a red suit. Is that so wrong?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Come Lord Jesus
I regularly read a blog and I came across this from an entry on this particular blog and I agreed a lot with the sentiments that she expressed -
Honestly, I am grieved over other things…I am grieved that some Christians are walking around with anxiety, gripped with fear that O is the Antichrist. I am also grieved that other Christians are walking around rejoicing in a man’s ability to save them from all their sorrows, all their pain, their financial woes, and who knows what else. If people were to actually read the Bible they would see that God has always been aware of who is in office and at times, appointed leaders to teach His children lessons. I am grieved that for some, so much emotion is put into a political election that when their candidate wins or loses, some actually think it is the saving answer or the end of the world…So? What if it is? What if it is the end of the world? Why does that thought provoke paralyzing fear in some people, namely people who claim the name of Christ? Either God is on the throne or He’s not…He is who He says He is or He’s not…either He is truth or He isn’t…either He knows what He’s doing, or well, if He doesn’t, we are all screwed, frankly, so none of this really matters…I rest in the peace of knowing that God is good, He is on the throne, and that He loves us too much to allow us to become complacent...He is sifting, therefore, He disciplines those He loves. (noahsteven.blogspot.com)
It is true. It is interesting that people think Obama is going to save us from ourselves. He can try, but he is man. Man cannot save himself or anyone else. And does it really matter about O's position on life? Not really. We're all responsible to God for our decisions. If we support abortion and partial birth abortion murder then we answer to God for what we believe. I wish that people didn't believe that abortion was a good answer to an unwanted pregnancy, but unfortunately it is. But whether or not it's legal or whether or not our president elect is for or against it, he will answer to God just like everyone else. All we can do is to pray for those who feel that way because answering to God for the murder of an innocent human being is going to be quite a scene, one that I never want to be a part of. God knit everyone in their mother's womb from the time of conception onward. He is the one that is going to be angry at anyone who thinks that abortion is a good idea. We don't have to be angry at them. We need to feel sorry for them and pray that they will have a change of heart.
And also to comment on the quote I have above, I agree, so what if it is the end of the world? If you're a Christian, what in life is there to fear? Nothing and no one but God himself. He is the only one that deserves our fear. It is He who controls the storms and the wind and the waves. It is He who provides and gives is what we need. Not man, not a president. No one but God Almighty is to fear. And if the end of the world is coming, all I have to say is "Come Lord Jesus."
Honestly, I am grieved over other things…I am grieved that some Christians are walking around with anxiety, gripped with fear that O is the Antichrist. I am also grieved that other Christians are walking around rejoicing in a man’s ability to save them from all their sorrows, all their pain, their financial woes, and who knows what else. If people were to actually read the Bible they would see that God has always been aware of who is in office and at times, appointed leaders to teach His children lessons. I am grieved that for some, so much emotion is put into a political election that when their candidate wins or loses, some actually think it is the saving answer or the end of the world…So? What if it is? What if it is the end of the world? Why does that thought provoke paralyzing fear in some people, namely people who claim the name of Christ? Either God is on the throne or He’s not…He is who He says He is or He’s not…either He is truth or He isn’t…either He knows what He’s doing, or well, if He doesn’t, we are all screwed, frankly, so none of this really matters…I rest in the peace of knowing that God is good, He is on the throne, and that He loves us too much to allow us to become complacent...He is sifting, therefore, He disciplines those He loves. (noahsteven.blogspot.com)
It is true. It is interesting that people think Obama is going to save us from ourselves. He can try, but he is man. Man cannot save himself or anyone else. And does it really matter about O's position on life? Not really. We're all responsible to God for our decisions. If we support abortion and partial birth abortion murder then we answer to God for what we believe. I wish that people didn't believe that abortion was a good answer to an unwanted pregnancy, but unfortunately it is. But whether or not it's legal or whether or not our president elect is for or against it, he will answer to God just like everyone else. All we can do is to pray for those who feel that way because answering to God for the murder of an innocent human being is going to be quite a scene, one that I never want to be a part of. God knit everyone in their mother's womb from the time of conception onward. He is the one that is going to be angry at anyone who thinks that abortion is a good idea. We don't have to be angry at them. We need to feel sorry for them and pray that they will have a change of heart.
And also to comment on the quote I have above, I agree, so what if it is the end of the world? If you're a Christian, what in life is there to fear? Nothing and no one but God himself. He is the only one that deserves our fear. It is He who controls the storms and the wind and the waves. It is He who provides and gives is what we need. Not man, not a president. No one but God Almighty is to fear. And if the end of the world is coming, all I have to say is "Come Lord Jesus."
Find Your Fun
I had orchestra rehearsal last night. I finally practiced my piece with some determination to master some rather difficult parts with nearly impossible fingerings. I'm tell you, Tchikowski was no flute player. That's besides the point. As I was playing and finally able to play those tricky measures I realized how much fun I have playing. I think when we get to be adults we put behind some of those things that use to give us so much pleasure as children. Who says that you can't still play on a soccer team or still play your musical instrument? There are plenty of outlets in most major cities for people who want to continue something that they enjoyed earlier in life. I think that not finding a fun outlet is another reason why so many people are so glum all of the time. I'm around other mothers quite often and I don't see a lot of sparkle anymore. I sometimes think, do these women really know how to have fun anymore? We get so bogged down by the trials and not so fun stuff that we have to deal with as adults that we forget to have fun once in a while. I love playing my flute in the New Life Symphony Orchestra. Yes I'd love it more if I got paid for it, but that isn't the point of this orchestra. I have fun, it is challenging, and it is something that is unique and different about me because I really don't know a whole lot of adults who still have hobbies that they began when they were only 11 years old. Go find your fun. Join a club, band, team, whatever and stop being so gloomy and feeling sorry for yourself.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Was Jesus a Socialist?
Interesting thing to think about on the heels of yesterday's election. Obama's name is closely associated with the word socialist it seems. You could say that Jesus held socialist ideals. One big idea of socialism is equality and giving to the poor. A sort of Robin Hood idea - steal from the rich to give to the poor. So here are some verses in which someone could make an argument that Jesus would be okay with socialism -
- Galations 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. "
- Luke 12:33 - Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
- Luke 18:22 - When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
I'm sure you could find more, but you get the point. However, even if you could find 100 more verses supporting a socialist thought in the New Testament, you are failing to see the heart behind the matter. Jesus doesn't force anyone to give to the poor. He doesn't make anyone do anything that they don't want to. Jesus gives us the freedom to give to those less fortunate then ourselves. And another thing, though there are many verses that speak to being generous with one's possessions, the focus on Jesus's ministry was on spiritual matters, not material. He also made it quite clear what his true priorities were. For instance, when asked if he had come to abolish the law that was set in the Old Testament, he replied:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:17-19).
And how about what he wanted us to do with our lives?:
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mark 28:18-20).
He wanted and wants us still to spread the Gospel, give to the poor because we know it is the right thing to do, not because someone forces you to do so. And another thing, true socialism, since it wants to erase classes and differences would take away your freedom.
As Pope Benedict XVI has written:
"Let us recall the fact that atheism and the denial of the human person, his liberty and his rights, are at the core of the Marxist theory...Moreover, to attempt to integrate into theology an analysis whose criterion of interpretation depends on this atheistic conception is to involve oneself in terrible contradictions. What is more, this misunderstanding of the spiritual nature of the person leads to a total subordination of the person to the collectivity, and thus to the denial of the principles of a social and political life which is in keeping with human dignity."
- Galations 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. "
- Luke 12:33 - Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
- Luke 18:22 - When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
I'm sure you could find more, but you get the point. However, even if you could find 100 more verses supporting a socialist thought in the New Testament, you are failing to see the heart behind the matter. Jesus doesn't force anyone to give to the poor. He doesn't make anyone do anything that they don't want to. Jesus gives us the freedom to give to those less fortunate then ourselves. And another thing, though there are many verses that speak to being generous with one's possessions, the focus on Jesus's ministry was on spiritual matters, not material. He also made it quite clear what his true priorities were. For instance, when asked if he had come to abolish the law that was set in the Old Testament, he replied:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:17-19).
And how about what he wanted us to do with our lives?:
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mark 28:18-20).
He wanted and wants us still to spread the Gospel, give to the poor because we know it is the right thing to do, not because someone forces you to do so. And another thing, true socialism, since it wants to erase classes and differences would take away your freedom.
As Pope Benedict XVI has written:
"Let us recall the fact that atheism and the denial of the human person, his liberty and his rights, are at the core of the Marxist theory...Moreover, to attempt to integrate into theology an analysis whose criterion of interpretation depends on this atheistic conception is to involve oneself in terrible contradictions. What is more, this misunderstanding of the spiritual nature of the person leads to a total subordination of the person to the collectivity, and thus to the denial of the principles of a social and political life which is in keeping with human dignity."
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hashimoto!
Isn't that fun to say? Hashimoto. Come on, say it out loud, fun, isn't it? I mean, it's great to get diagnosed with something that is actually fun to say. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Tons of fun.
I finally found a doctor that I like! Never mind that I was there for THREE HOURS. But, he is into holistic medicine and it makes me happy! He actually believes in propolous for the immune system! Go figure. God made things that can help us feel better? No way! I like God made cures for things. Even my new medication isn't synthetic. Yay! Oh and for more giggles, his first name is Vladamir (like Dracula) and I saw him on Halloween, and they took blood. hahaha.
Basically after I had Knox, my immune system went crazy and as my doctor said, "Your immune system woke up and it was like it got a machine gun and went Boom! Boom! Boom! and it shot your thyroid." Even the way it happened is amusing. This explains why my allergies have been something awful this past year. My immune system is just trying to hold it all together. I'm surprise that I didn't get really sick this year. I think all I've had was a cold or two. Yay for washing hands and eating healthy. So basically it will slowly deteriorate throughout my life. Oh well. It could be worse. Well, potentially it could be. Type One Diabetes and Celiac Disease are related to Hashimotos so hopefully I don't get either one. I haven't figured out which causes which others so maybe I don't have to worry. That's a question I'll need to ask next time I spend the afternoon at the doc's office. But seeing as I can pretty much understand his English despite his Russian/Ukrainian accent, he's into holistic medicine, and he actually TALKED to me, I'm a very happy Hashimoto Thyroiditis individual. It doesn't take much to make me happy these days!
I finally found a doctor that I like! Never mind that I was there for THREE HOURS. But, he is into holistic medicine and it makes me happy! He actually believes in propolous for the immune system! Go figure. God made things that can help us feel better? No way! I like God made cures for things. Even my new medication isn't synthetic. Yay! Oh and for more giggles, his first name is Vladamir (like Dracula) and I saw him on Halloween, and they took blood. hahaha.
Basically after I had Knox, my immune system went crazy and as my doctor said, "Your immune system woke up and it was like it got a machine gun and went Boom! Boom! Boom! and it shot your thyroid." Even the way it happened is amusing. This explains why my allergies have been something awful this past year. My immune system is just trying to hold it all together. I'm surprise that I didn't get really sick this year. I think all I've had was a cold or two. Yay for washing hands and eating healthy. So basically it will slowly deteriorate throughout my life. Oh well. It could be worse. Well, potentially it could be. Type One Diabetes and Celiac Disease are related to Hashimotos so hopefully I don't get either one. I haven't figured out which causes which others so maybe I don't have to worry. That's a question I'll need to ask next time I spend the afternoon at the doc's office. But seeing as I can pretty much understand his English despite his Russian/Ukrainian accent, he's into holistic medicine, and he actually TALKED to me, I'm a very happy Hashimoto Thyroiditis individual. It doesn't take much to make me happy these days!
Rebellion and Redemption
This is the chapter theme for chapter one of Isaiah. Reviewing the background of Isaiah would help before proceeding.
In chapter one, God is upset with Israel because they do not understand God. They are revolting against him and he's not too happy with it. The Israelites are offering sacrifices to God like he commanded them to do, but they are not doing it because they want to. For them it's just another ritual. God says that he is weary of bearing the festivals and feasts. The offerings are worthless and the incense that they are burning is an abomination to him. He is thoroughly frustrated with his people. He even says to them in v 15 "So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hid My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. You hands are covered with blood."
We can be much like the Israelites. We go to church because we're "supposed to", we may do our quiet time because "everyone else is doing it" and we do many other things that we may just do them because that is what a "good" Christian does. God doesn't want your puppet responses, he wants to you want to worship Him. He wants you to want to read about Him. Does God listen to the prayers of the insincere? We talked about this in Bible study. Some people thought that God hears the prayers of everyone, but perhaps ignores the insincere ones. I don't know the answer. We can read that here God ignores the prayers of the Israelites, but we live in a time after the coming of the Messiah which makes a difference in how some things now work. The bottom line is that God wants sincere hearts when living our faith and our lives.
Even though he is completely upset with his people he still offers forgiveness to them. V 18 "Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as son; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."
No matter how badly we mess up, God always is there to forgive us and cleanse us. No sin is too great for him to forgive us from. The New Testament tells us many times over that if we believe that we have everlasting life from our belief in Jesus, then we do. Our outcome is determined by ones faith. If we look at what influences us, what/who we turn to in trouble, what/who we turn to in joy, it can show us where our faith lies. God doesn't want you on the fence. He wants you all for him. Jesus came and is kind of like the great divide - either you believe in Him or you don't. There isn't a grey area like we love to have on issues. It is pretty clear cut with God. Either you believe and have everlasting life, or you don't. We all get a chance to believe. More on that in a few more chapters.
Hold on to your hats though, things get worse before they get better. The Israelites are not always the smartest people (hmm.. like us!) and we're going to see how God deals with them and their rebellion and their breaking of the everlasting covenant.
In chapter one, God is upset with Israel because they do not understand God. They are revolting against him and he's not too happy with it. The Israelites are offering sacrifices to God like he commanded them to do, but they are not doing it because they want to. For them it's just another ritual. God says that he is weary of bearing the festivals and feasts. The offerings are worthless and the incense that they are burning is an abomination to him. He is thoroughly frustrated with his people. He even says to them in v 15 "So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hid My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. You hands are covered with blood."
We can be much like the Israelites. We go to church because we're "supposed to", we may do our quiet time because "everyone else is doing it" and we do many other things that we may just do them because that is what a "good" Christian does. God doesn't want your puppet responses, he wants to you want to worship Him. He wants you to want to read about Him. Does God listen to the prayers of the insincere? We talked about this in Bible study. Some people thought that God hears the prayers of everyone, but perhaps ignores the insincere ones. I don't know the answer. We can read that here God ignores the prayers of the Israelites, but we live in a time after the coming of the Messiah which makes a difference in how some things now work. The bottom line is that God wants sincere hearts when living our faith and our lives.
Even though he is completely upset with his people he still offers forgiveness to them. V 18 "Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as son; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."
No matter how badly we mess up, God always is there to forgive us and cleanse us. No sin is too great for him to forgive us from. The New Testament tells us many times over that if we believe that we have everlasting life from our belief in Jesus, then we do. Our outcome is determined by ones faith. If we look at what influences us, what/who we turn to in trouble, what/who we turn to in joy, it can show us where our faith lies. God doesn't want you on the fence. He wants you all for him. Jesus came and is kind of like the great divide - either you believe in Him or you don't. There isn't a grey area like we love to have on issues. It is pretty clear cut with God. Either you believe and have everlasting life, or you don't. We all get a chance to believe. More on that in a few more chapters.
Hold on to your hats though, things get worse before they get better. The Israelites are not always the smartest people (hmm.. like us!) and we're going to see how God deals with them and their rebellion and their breaking of the everlasting covenant.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Too Much, Too Little
I haven't abandoned this little project of mine. I have been super busy. Craft fairs, trunk shows in the works, etc. I have a cooking class tomorrow with just one kid :( sigh. I was hoping to make a bit more this weekend than what I will be making.
I need to find time to sit down and write about Isaiah. That book is awesome. Though I dont' recommend just plowing through it. You need to study it. One chapter at a time. Precpt upon precept as they say. lol.
I have to figure out where to begin in all that I want to write about as well. Baby boy has been sick so a lot of my free time has been spent napping with him which makes him sleep for a long time, but limits my freedom. He's so cute. Even when he covers you in boogers.
I need to find time to sit down and write about Isaiah. That book is awesome. Though I dont' recommend just plowing through it. You need to study it. One chapter at a time. Precpt upon precept as they say. lol.
I have to figure out where to begin in all that I want to write about as well. Baby boy has been sick so a lot of my free time has been spent napping with him which makes him sleep for a long time, but limits my freedom. He's so cute. Even when he covers you in boogers.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Silly People
I really don't have time to be doing this with the craft fair less than 48hrs away, but I had to comment on the silly scene I saw tonight. I was just about home when I spotted two middle aged individuals walking their dogs. Not too silly you may say. But hang on. There was one large dog and one tiny dog like a chihuahua. The lady had what at first looked like a baby Bjorn type carrier on but upon closer inspection it was a doggie carrier! I just thought it was silly.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Who Do You Trust?
The economy is quite cruddy lately apparently. I really don't pay much attention to the news. What I do pay attention to is what the Israelites failed to do and I'm trying not to do the same thing. The Israelites looked to man and the works of their own hands. They worshiped idols that they had made. How silly is that? Think about it. They may have taken a stick, carved a neat looking design and face on it and decided it was worship worthy. And then they worshiped it! A stick! Silly, no? But we do the same thing. We "make" things like our houses, our cars, our possessions and then we worship them. Who made those things? Another human being. Even though we may have earned the money to pay for those items, why do we hold them in such esteem? We shouldn't praise man. Isaiah writes that who is man that we should esteem him? His life is in his breath.
In saying this, who should we look to in these times of trouble? The govenment? No way. They are man, and we shouldn't esteem them. Plus the Israelites were constantly looking towards the government to save them and they got captured and lots of not so happy things happened to them. We need to look towards God to sustain us through these hard times. God is the only one who will carry us through without fail. If he cares for the lilies and the birds, shouldn't he care even more for us? We are made in his image. He cares deeply for us and wants to provide for us in only the way that he can. For some, that providing may be just having enough to get by on for others it may be a more prosporous existence. If you look to God to provide the means to take care of your family, he will do so. You may not get enough to buy that new expensive item that you want, but he will provide you with enough to pay the bills, feed your family and keep a roof over your head.
In saying this, who should we look to in these times of trouble? The govenment? No way. They are man, and we shouldn't esteem them. Plus the Israelites were constantly looking towards the government to save them and they got captured and lots of not so happy things happened to them. We need to look towards God to sustain us through these hard times. God is the only one who will carry us through without fail. If he cares for the lilies and the birds, shouldn't he care even more for us? We are made in his image. He cares deeply for us and wants to provide for us in only the way that he can. For some, that providing may be just having enough to get by on for others it may be a more prosporous existence. If you look to God to provide the means to take care of your family, he will do so. You may not get enough to buy that new expensive item that you want, but he will provide you with enough to pay the bills, feed your family and keep a roof over your head.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Longing
I spent some time at Providence today taking photos for the yearbook. I love being attached to that place still. Love seeing my former students grow up, love chatting with *most* of the parents, love seeing old co-workers who were more friends than co-workers. The bad part is that it stirs up a longing. What made it harder today than usual is I was by myself, not chasing after Knox, and I had orchestra afterwards. It was reminiscent of past Thursdays. I would teach all day, go to La Madeline's or Corner Bakery, get dinner, grade papers or read and then walk back over to PCBC where my car was parked to go to orchestra. Tonight I went to Providence, saw people, took pics, parked my car by PCBC, walked to Corner Bakery, got some soup, sat on a bench outside because it was so nice out, ate my dinner, read Dallas Child, and then went to orchestra.
I love staying at home, don't get me wrong, but part of me will long for teaching again. Sometimes I wish I could do both. That I could teach and stay home at the same time. Don't ask me how that would work! I was supposed to coach volleyball this fall for Covenant. I was so looking foward to it because it was going to pacify that longing for teaching that I've had to put on the shelf. It fell through at the last moment. I'm hoping maybe basketball will be an option instead now. Keeping my fingers crossed about that one. I know that I can teach Knox, and I do, but when you're used to teaching deep concepts about chemisty and physics, building a block tower doesn't always have the same appeal.
I know that in my current state teaching would wear me out completely anyhow, so it is good that I'm at home since my thyroid hates me and makes me feel some days like it's never going to be good again. I know it'll get better, but there are periods in my day where I feel pretty cruddy.
Oh well. Such is life. Maybe that is why I stay so busy so that I don't have to pay attention to the part of me that misses teaching science to all those children. Some day. But the thing is, some day won't be the same. Even if I got my old position back, the co-workers would be different. My old students would be gone. It would be different. Then maybe I'd not like it and be unhappy and long for the days of staying at home.
It seems in life we're always longing for something or missing something. It's hard sometimes to be content with what you have and be satisfied with your current lot in life.
I am happy with life, just sometimes I miss things that aren't possible anymore.
I love staying at home, don't get me wrong, but part of me will long for teaching again. Sometimes I wish I could do both. That I could teach and stay home at the same time. Don't ask me how that would work! I was supposed to coach volleyball this fall for Covenant. I was so looking foward to it because it was going to pacify that longing for teaching that I've had to put on the shelf. It fell through at the last moment. I'm hoping maybe basketball will be an option instead now. Keeping my fingers crossed about that one. I know that I can teach Knox, and I do, but when you're used to teaching deep concepts about chemisty and physics, building a block tower doesn't always have the same appeal.
I know that in my current state teaching would wear me out completely anyhow, so it is good that I'm at home since my thyroid hates me and makes me feel some days like it's never going to be good again. I know it'll get better, but there are periods in my day where I feel pretty cruddy.
Oh well. Such is life. Maybe that is why I stay so busy so that I don't have to pay attention to the part of me that misses teaching science to all those children. Some day. But the thing is, some day won't be the same. Even if I got my old position back, the co-workers would be different. My old students would be gone. It would be different. Then maybe I'd not like it and be unhappy and long for the days of staying at home.
It seems in life we're always longing for something or missing something. It's hard sometimes to be content with what you have and be satisfied with your current lot in life.
I am happy with life, just sometimes I miss things that aren't possible anymore.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Do You Fear God or Man?
I have been a participant in a Precept Bible Study on Isaiah. If you ever get a chance to do one, DO IT. Studying the Bible intensly has made me learn so much about God. I thought I knew a decent amount, but I didn't! I still don't, but I'm learning.
The main idea that I'm getting out of my study is that we must fear God, not man. Why? Well here's one favorite verse to tell you why to not fear man- "Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?" Isa. 2:22
Before I launch into a blog series about Isaiah, I'm going to give some background. I was a bit confused when I started, so I imagine other people may be as well.
Israel consisted of 12 tribes. They spilt into two kingdoms. The S. Kingdom contained the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. The N. Kingdom the other ten. Some members of the N. tribes decided to stay behind because the S. Kingdome contained Jerusalem (where the temple was).
The N. Kingdom is called Israel and Ephraim
The S. Kingdom is typically called Judah in Isaiah
Isaiah is speaking from 739BC until 681BC. In 722BC Judah gets captured by Assyria, but it isn't complete for 180yrs.
There were four kings during Isaiah's time: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah
Got that?
Quick summary - Judah has turned its back on God and he isn't too happy with them. However, because God is who he is, he is always willing to forgive if they would just turn towards him. Sound familiar?
Isaiah is a scary book because you can see so many parallels to today! I think that is enough for today. Don't want to overload anyone.
The main idea that I'm getting out of my study is that we must fear God, not man. Why? Well here's one favorite verse to tell you why to not fear man- "Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?" Isa. 2:22
Before I launch into a blog series about Isaiah, I'm going to give some background. I was a bit confused when I started, so I imagine other people may be as well.
Israel consisted of 12 tribes. They spilt into two kingdoms. The S. Kingdom contained the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. The N. Kingdom the other ten. Some members of the N. tribes decided to stay behind because the S. Kingdome contained Jerusalem (where the temple was).
The N. Kingdom is called Israel and Ephraim
The S. Kingdom is typically called Judah in Isaiah
Isaiah is speaking from 739BC until 681BC. In 722BC Judah gets captured by Assyria, but it isn't complete for 180yrs.
There were four kings during Isaiah's time: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah
Got that?
Quick summary - Judah has turned its back on God and he isn't too happy with them. However, because God is who he is, he is always willing to forgive if they would just turn towards him. Sound familiar?
Isaiah is a scary book because you can see so many parallels to today! I think that is enough for today. Don't want to overload anyone.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I hate cleaning my hairbrush
I really do have more intelligent things to say than I'm tired, but that is about all I can come up with at the moment. Lately I've been stopping and thinking, was I better off not knowing why I was so tired all of the time and why my hair was falling out? No, in the long run it's better that I know, but in the short run, it's so annoying. I really hate it all. I was on 100mcg and now 88mcg and honestly, I don't notice any difference! I probably could have napped 3xs today. I settled for only 2. I just need to go to bed. But the problem is, when it's bed time, I can't fall asleep. That would lead one to believe that I was still on too much.
I need a new doctor.
I have two I want to call, I just forget to call. One supposedly is holistic. Doctors are too one sided. They just want to "fix" the problem, but their fixing sometimes is a bandaid. I want a cure. Not a bandaid.
I have many posts floating in my head, but when I sit down, I'm too tired to think about it.
I will soon blog about Isaiah and Israel and how freaky it is that the pages of Isaiah is almost like holding up a mirror to the world's present state. But here is a preview -
The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chron. 15:2
I need a new doctor.
I have two I want to call, I just forget to call. One supposedly is holistic. Doctors are too one sided. They just want to "fix" the problem, but their fixing sometimes is a bandaid. I want a cure. Not a bandaid.
I have many posts floating in my head, but when I sit down, I'm too tired to think about it.
I will soon blog about Isaiah and Israel and how freaky it is that the pages of Isaiah is almost like holding up a mirror to the world's present state. But here is a preview -
The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chron. 15:2
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sick People AKA Why we need God
I hardly pay attention to the news. I should continue not to. People are sick and demented. A lady, from where I don't remember, was recently convicted for MICROWAVING her child. Yes, you read that right. I had to re-read the article myself. SICK SICK SICK. It said she was fighting with her boyfriend over the child or something to that extent.
This and a conversation I had at some point in life with a friend over their many significant others whether relationships or random dating has made me think about how much we really do need God to be the center of our lives. How unhappy and sick was that mother that killed her child because of her need to be with her boyfriend and was willing to get rid of her own flesh and blood to do so. You could subsitute boyfriend with money, power, anything almost. If we're not placing God at the center, than bad things happen.
We really do not need other human beings to make us happy. We need God to make us "happy" and the rest will fall into place. I'm not saying that if you're a Christian you will be loved by everyone, but I believe that if we follow God and place him in the center of our lives, he will lead us to a place where we will have support from other Christians. No one, no thing can ever fill that void. I look at celebrities and see all the crud they do and I do think, boy do they have a Jesus shaped hole in their hearts. It's true! Yes, that sounds Sunday school-ish, but it is true. Why do you think that God wrote that we were to have no other gods before Him? It is because he is the only one that can fill that Jesus shaped hole. I look at Britney Spears when she is on the tv and the media is tearing her apart and I feel sooooo sorry for her. She is such a mess. She needs someone to come into her life and help her turn her life to God. I have friends in my own life who need to stop filling the emptiness with things other than God. It is hard to tell people that they have a Jesus shaped hole in their hearts sometimes, but it is TRUE.
Why do we place other things before God? Well, for one, we're big sinners. And living in a sinful world just helps us keep going with that sinfulness in our own lives. It is so much easier to place things in front of God (so we think) than to stop, pray and read about God. Sinning can be fun. It is hard to be good. I watch my son do naughty things like touching the trash can or other things he isn't supposed to do and he enjoys doing those things. (Gross, yes).
I'm kinda loosing my train of thought, but it all comes down to the fact that we need to be Christ centered in our lives. Only Christ can fill us. Only Christ can make us happy. Only Christ can make us feel like a real person. Only Christ can make us clean in a dirty world. Only Christ can save us. I could go on. You get the point.
This and a conversation I had at some point in life with a friend over their many significant others whether relationships or random dating has made me think about how much we really do need God to be the center of our lives. How unhappy and sick was that mother that killed her child because of her need to be with her boyfriend and was willing to get rid of her own flesh and blood to do so. You could subsitute boyfriend with money, power, anything almost. If we're not placing God at the center, than bad things happen.
We really do not need other human beings to make us happy. We need God to make us "happy" and the rest will fall into place. I'm not saying that if you're a Christian you will be loved by everyone, but I believe that if we follow God and place him in the center of our lives, he will lead us to a place where we will have support from other Christians. No one, no thing can ever fill that void. I look at celebrities and see all the crud they do and I do think, boy do they have a Jesus shaped hole in their hearts. It's true! Yes, that sounds Sunday school-ish, but it is true. Why do you think that God wrote that we were to have no other gods before Him? It is because he is the only one that can fill that Jesus shaped hole. I look at Britney Spears when she is on the tv and the media is tearing her apart and I feel sooooo sorry for her. She is such a mess. She needs someone to come into her life and help her turn her life to God. I have friends in my own life who need to stop filling the emptiness with things other than God. It is hard to tell people that they have a Jesus shaped hole in their hearts sometimes, but it is TRUE.
Why do we place other things before God? Well, for one, we're big sinners. And living in a sinful world just helps us keep going with that sinfulness in our own lives. It is so much easier to place things in front of God (so we think) than to stop, pray and read about God. Sinning can be fun. It is hard to be good. I watch my son do naughty things like touching the trash can or other things he isn't supposed to do and he enjoys doing those things. (Gross, yes).
I'm kinda loosing my train of thought, but it all comes down to the fact that we need to be Christ centered in our lives. Only Christ can fill us. Only Christ can make us happy. Only Christ can make us feel like a real person. Only Christ can make us clean in a dirty world. Only Christ can save us. I could go on. You get the point.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Word is NO!
(Knox and his cousin, Mathis, playing together yesterday)
We are getting deeper into the jungle known as TODDLERHOOD! All the parenting articles and books say that you shouldn't say "no" all the time, but instead say "we don't do that" or "that's not a good idea." But when you're child is going after the electical sockets for the millionth time, creativity ends and the NOs! begin. Knox is definately getting a little personality of his own that thinks for himself. His little tantrums right now are quite hilarious. He yells and stomps his feet while standing in place. It's quite amusing. He has wound up on the floor occasionally in a real fit of passion, but thankfully, they are short lived.
On the other hand, having a toddler is tons of fun. He mimicks talking on a cell phone with our cell phones, the tv remote, his baby moniter, and most recently a calculator. He presses buttons and then jabbers and laughs with the object up to his ear. It's quite amusing. Thankfully he's only managed to call Darren the few times I accidently forgot to lock the buttons on my phone. That is the handiest invention ever. I put it on ring, lock the buttons and let him play.
He's one of the most amusing people I know.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Good, Bad and the Ugly
I have decided to compile some lists with the new "issue" in my life instead of letting it disrupt my life, I'm making fun of it!!!
Top 10 Reasons Having a Sluggish Thyroid is Good
10. You don't feel guilty about a messy house
9. CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT THIS ONE - People say bless you alot since your thyroid annoys your allergies and you sneeze all day long (If one more person says, wow that was a lot of sneezes, I may be tempted to slug them. I sneeze a lot, get over it)
8. When you loose your train of thought, you can blame it on being lost in your "mental fog"
7. Hmmmmm...forgot this one....
6. You really did forget to do the laundry!
5. You get to know the ins and outs of changing your password online and can do it in 5 sec.
4. You have an excuse to sleep a lot
3. I forget this one too....sigh....
2. It's a scorching 98 degrees outside and you think it's a nice, cool day
1. You can be irritated at someone as long as you finish with "It's my thyroid's fault. It makes me irritated."
Top 10 Reasons Why Having a Sluggish Thyroid is BAD
10. I have so many passwords that I can't remember any of the changes I've had to made because I forgot the old ones
9. My thoughts get lost in my mental fog
8. My hair keeps clogging the shower drain
7. I have to clean my hairbrush out a lot which I absolutely hate doing
6. I have to wake up 30-60min before I eat breakfast to take my happy thyroid pill
5. Winter will be chilly
4. Blood tests!!!!!!!! AGHHHHHHHHHHH
3. Your legs look like you've been attacked by something because they're all bruised
2. Nothing gets done
1. Your thoughts are lost in your head a lot...oh I already did this one...oops! See what I mean?
The Ugly
Okay by now you've probably gotten the idea. lol. So, if I've said "I forgot" or something to that likeness a lot lately, now you know why. If I can't seem to get my mental and physical clutter under control, now you know why. If you've called me and I've been sleeping, now you know why. Hopefully my little happy pill will make me better soon. If not, well, I guess we'll just deal with it. I like taking naps anyhow!
Top 10 Reasons Having a Sluggish Thyroid is Good
10. You don't feel guilty about a messy house
9. CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT THIS ONE - People say bless you alot since your thyroid annoys your allergies and you sneeze all day long (If one more person says, wow that was a lot of sneezes, I may be tempted to slug them. I sneeze a lot, get over it)
8. When you loose your train of thought, you can blame it on being lost in your "mental fog"
7. Hmmmmm...forgot this one....
6. You really did forget to do the laundry!
5. You get to know the ins and outs of changing your password online and can do it in 5 sec.
4. You have an excuse to sleep a lot
3. I forget this one too....sigh....
2. It's a scorching 98 degrees outside and you think it's a nice, cool day
1. You can be irritated at someone as long as you finish with "It's my thyroid's fault. It makes me irritated."
Top 10 Reasons Why Having a Sluggish Thyroid is BAD
10. I have so many passwords that I can't remember any of the changes I've had to made because I forgot the old ones
9. My thoughts get lost in my mental fog
8. My hair keeps clogging the shower drain
7. I have to clean my hairbrush out a lot which I absolutely hate doing
6. I have to wake up 30-60min before I eat breakfast to take my happy thyroid pill
5. Winter will be chilly
4. Blood tests!!!!!!!! AGHHHHHHHHHHH
3. Your legs look like you've been attacked by something because they're all bruised
2. Nothing gets done
1. Your thoughts are lost in your head a lot...oh I already did this one...oops! See what I mean?
The Ugly
Okay by now you've probably gotten the idea. lol. So, if I've said "I forgot" or something to that likeness a lot lately, now you know why. If I can't seem to get my mental and physical clutter under control, now you know why. If you've called me and I've been sleeping, now you know why. Hopefully my little happy pill will make me better soon. If not, well, I guess we'll just deal with it. I like taking naps anyhow!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Thomas
Well, if any of you have kept up with my ramblings you know about Thomas and his cancer. Thomas passed away on Thursday. I was really, really, upset and sad when I read on his mother's blog on Friday that his fight was over. It makes me so sad just to think about it. I know his struggle is over and he's at peace, etc. but it's still a hard thing to swallow and think about.
This year has been full of children dying it seems. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to it because I now have a child, but honestly, these past 12 months have worn me out. Sydney, Allie, and now Thomas. Sigh.
I hate the fact that there is sin in the world and that is what causes these awful things to happen to these babies. I don't know what else to say. What do you say when faced with all this? Yes I realize God is in control, but sometimes it seems that evil is, even though it's not, because of all the awful things that happen in the world, and not even in the world, things that impact those that we care about.
I think the hard thing for me is that the Bible says all things work for the good of those who love God. I do have a hard time seeing that there is a good to these babies dying. Yes, I know people have come to Christ through Sydney's illness, but as a selfish mommy, I don't think I'd want my child to die to let others live. Yes, that is awful of me as a Christian to say, but it's the honest mommy heart truth. Mary went through that, but at least Jesus wasn't a baby when he died. And then she did get to see him 3 days later. These families that have lost their babies won't see their children for years and years. Yes, when they're reunited someday in heaven it won't seem like it's been ages since they last saw eachother, but those of us who live in real time (everyone) it's still a long ways away. We age. They don't. We go through turmoil, happy times, sad times, inbetween times without that loved one.
I think being a parent is the hardest job ever just because you love someone so much that even thinking about anything remotely bad happening to them gives you a big old stomach ache. I guess you just have to take one day at a time and live in the moment and enjoy it all.
This year has been full of children dying it seems. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to it because I now have a child, but honestly, these past 12 months have worn me out. Sydney, Allie, and now Thomas. Sigh.
I hate the fact that there is sin in the world and that is what causes these awful things to happen to these babies. I don't know what else to say. What do you say when faced with all this? Yes I realize God is in control, but sometimes it seems that evil is, even though it's not, because of all the awful things that happen in the world, and not even in the world, things that impact those that we care about.
I think the hard thing for me is that the Bible says all things work for the good of those who love God. I do have a hard time seeing that there is a good to these babies dying. Yes, I know people have come to Christ through Sydney's illness, but as a selfish mommy, I don't think I'd want my child to die to let others live. Yes, that is awful of me as a Christian to say, but it's the honest mommy heart truth. Mary went through that, but at least Jesus wasn't a baby when he died. And then she did get to see him 3 days later. These families that have lost their babies won't see their children for years and years. Yes, when they're reunited someday in heaven it won't seem like it's been ages since they last saw eachother, but those of us who live in real time (everyone) it's still a long ways away. We age. They don't. We go through turmoil, happy times, sad times, inbetween times without that loved one.
I think being a parent is the hardest job ever just because you love someone so much that even thinking about anything remotely bad happening to them gives you a big old stomach ache. I guess you just have to take one day at a time and live in the moment and enjoy it all.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Don't Forget Your Child?!?!?!
This is from the Dallas Morning News. It is a news article about parents forgetting their children in the car -
A number that's been growing, advocates say, since the early 90s, when safety groups started urging parents to put their car seats in the back because kids were being killed by the airbags during crashes.
Since then, advocates say airbag deaths have plummeted but kids dying of heat exposure in cars jumped ten-fold, to about three-dozen a year.
"Everybody goes on autopilot and forgets there may be a sleeping child in the backseat," said Melissa Bordes.
Her group, Kids and Cars, is pushing for automakers to install sensors to warn parents about children left in backseats.
"You have a sensor for your lights on, you have a sensor for so many different things, that are not life-saving. I think a life comes first," she said.
All I have to say is WHAT THE !*$*? How in the WORLD DO YOU FORGET YOUR CHILD IN THE CAR? If you're too busy to remember you have a child in the car, then maybe you shouldn't have a child! Uh duh. I had a child when I went into the car, listened to some Veggie Tales. Now I'm at the market...hmmm where'd my child go? Hmmm Oh no! They're in the car! Honestly! DUH! If you're too busy, get unbusy! There was a report of a father leaving his child in the car when he went to work because he forgot to drop the child off at day care. Hmmm another DUH. What didn't you do this morning that you do every morning?!?
It's so tragic that people are soooooo freaking busy with their own lives that they can't remember that their child is in the car! We are too busy and self absorbed in this country. Try putting someone else before your needs for once. Okay, so you hate everyone. How about your child's needs? Hopefully you don't hate them. If you do, I'd think about having another one first.
Another child died recently whose parents thought all their children had gotten out of the car, but their 14 MONTH OLD hadn't. They unpacked the car and then realized he/she was still in there. Ummm last time I checked a 14month old can't get out of the car by themselves, so it was your job, the PARENT, to remember that they were in there and to remove them! If you think your 8 year old is going to do the parenting and getting their sibling out of the car, think again! You're the parent, you make sure your child doesn't swelter to death.
While I'm on child neglect, another thing that drives me crazy is parents who don't buckle their children in car seats! I saw a van full of children today, most who should have been in carseats tumble out of the van and I didn't see any car seats. It is SO UNSAFE. Or children who are too big for carseats but don't buckle up. I saw a little boy, about 7, standing up in the car the other day. His father and passenger in the front were buckeled in. Umm good for them, but umm your child will still fly out the window! Newton's Law always applies "An object in motion will remain in motion unless and equal and opposite force acts against it." In this case, boy will still be in motion until something stops him, windshield, concrete. People don't realize how unsafe they are! If you don't want to buckle your child in, your child who you will mourn over for the rest of your life if they're killed because you didn't do something so simple as putting them in a carseat, then maybe you shouldn't have children either!
I just know too many people lately who have lost or are loosing their children to disease and tragic, freak accidents that couldn't be avoided and it makes me sad that other parents are literally playing russian roulette with their children.
Okay. I think I'm done ranting for one afternoon! I have to go wash dishes now.
A number that's been growing, advocates say, since the early 90s, when safety groups started urging parents to put their car seats in the back because kids were being killed by the airbags during crashes.
Since then, advocates say airbag deaths have plummeted but kids dying of heat exposure in cars jumped ten-fold, to about three-dozen a year.
"Everybody goes on autopilot and forgets there may be a sleeping child in the backseat," said Melissa Bordes.
Her group, Kids and Cars, is pushing for automakers to install sensors to warn parents about children left in backseats.
"You have a sensor for your lights on, you have a sensor for so many different things, that are not life-saving. I think a life comes first," she said.
All I have to say is WHAT THE !*$*? How in the WORLD DO YOU FORGET YOUR CHILD IN THE CAR? If you're too busy to remember you have a child in the car, then maybe you shouldn't have a child! Uh duh. I had a child when I went into the car, listened to some Veggie Tales. Now I'm at the market...hmmm where'd my child go? Hmmm Oh no! They're in the car! Honestly! DUH! If you're too busy, get unbusy! There was a report of a father leaving his child in the car when he went to work because he forgot to drop the child off at day care. Hmmm another DUH. What didn't you do this morning that you do every morning?!?
It's so tragic that people are soooooo freaking busy with their own lives that they can't remember that their child is in the car! We are too busy and self absorbed in this country. Try putting someone else before your needs for once. Okay, so you hate everyone. How about your child's needs? Hopefully you don't hate them. If you do, I'd think about having another one first.
Another child died recently whose parents thought all their children had gotten out of the car, but their 14 MONTH OLD hadn't. They unpacked the car and then realized he/she was still in there. Ummm last time I checked a 14month old can't get out of the car by themselves, so it was your job, the PARENT, to remember that they were in there and to remove them! If you think your 8 year old is going to do the parenting and getting their sibling out of the car, think again! You're the parent, you make sure your child doesn't swelter to death.
While I'm on child neglect, another thing that drives me crazy is parents who don't buckle their children in car seats! I saw a van full of children today, most who should have been in carseats tumble out of the van and I didn't see any car seats. It is SO UNSAFE. Or children who are too big for carseats but don't buckle up. I saw a little boy, about 7, standing up in the car the other day. His father and passenger in the front were buckeled in. Umm good for them, but umm your child will still fly out the window! Newton's Law always applies "An object in motion will remain in motion unless and equal and opposite force acts against it." In this case, boy will still be in motion until something stops him, windshield, concrete. People don't realize how unsafe they are! If you don't want to buckle your child in, your child who you will mourn over for the rest of your life if they're killed because you didn't do something so simple as putting them in a carseat, then maybe you shouldn't have children either!
I just know too many people lately who have lost or are loosing their children to disease and tragic, freak accidents that couldn't be avoided and it makes me sad that other parents are literally playing russian roulette with their children.
Okay. I think I'm done ranting for one afternoon! I have to go wash dishes now.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Allergies and Green Smoothies
The trees or grass or pollen or something is attacking again. I have been sneezing all day. I really find it annoying when I'm in the middle of a sneezing fit and people feel obligated to say "bless you" after each one. Wait till I'm done! Then say it. I don't want to say "thank you" a million times, it's awkward and annoying and I sneeze like at least 4 times in a row.
My nose is itchy today and runny and my head hurts. Knox was cranky today too. His nose has been running for the past week or so. I don't know why! I wish it would stop.
I read an article on Green Smoothies. I think we'll be taking a trip to Natural Grocers or Whole Foods soon and buying some greens to make some. Maybe eating some will make our noses stop running! I love Natural Grocer's dollar bins. Yummy produce for $1! AND it's organic! My favorite kind of produce, organic and cheap!
I read a book on the evils of processed beef (aka non grain fed cattle). I'll be sure to enlighten and disgust you soon. Stay tuned!!!
My nose is itchy today and runny and my head hurts. Knox was cranky today too. His nose has been running for the past week or so. I don't know why! I wish it would stop.
I read an article on Green Smoothies. I think we'll be taking a trip to Natural Grocers or Whole Foods soon and buying some greens to make some. Maybe eating some will make our noses stop running! I love Natural Grocer's dollar bins. Yummy produce for $1! AND it's organic! My favorite kind of produce, organic and cheap!
I read a book on the evils of processed beef (aka non grain fed cattle). I'll be sure to enlighten and disgust you soon. Stay tuned!!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Zoo Day
This is what we had the most fun doing at the zoo. He pushed the stroller from the penguins to the gift shop. That is quite a long way incase you haven't been to the zoo lately. This kept him from screaming and wore him out. As I said, I'm glad I only paid $1 to watch my son push his stroller around.
Sad
I worked one summer for Mad Science of Dallas. The guy who was incharge of the workers had a son towards the end of that summer. The boy's name is Thomas.
Thomas was diagnosed at 5mos with a brain tumor. He is now about 2 1/2 and they can't do anything about it. He went through chemo and surgeries, but in November they discovered that it came back again and that's all.
I keep updated on his plight via his mother's posts. If you want to read it yourself look at the list of blogs I read. It's called Thomas Bickle.
Thomas isn't doing very well. He spends most of his days on the couch because his med dose is so high to combat the pain, it knocks him out. I cannot imagine what his mother Sarah and father Scott are going through. How can you watch your child, your baby child, die? How do you watch and know that they aren't going to get better. Just at the start of their lives, that's all they get. His site doesn't make me weepy like another one I read called Noah Steven. I think Thomas's blog will make me weepy soon enough. I just try not to think about it too much. When I check on Thomas's blog at night I am so thankful that my little angel is sleeping in his crib, happy, healthy, alive. I guess reading their blogs gives me perspective in a way. I read it to update myself and to pray for them. I pray for strength for the family, for peace, for understanding between Sarah and Scott because loosing a child has got to be the hardest thing ever. I can't imagine what I would do if anything ever happened to Knox. Children aren't supposed to die.
When Sydney Thweatt died, I was mad. I think everyone was. (She went to the school where I taught and fought a couragous battle against leukemia for over a year. She passed away Sept. 2007 at the age of 8). Sydney had such peace about the whole ordeal, but I don't think that stopped anyone from being angry when they heard the news that she was dying and then died a few days later. We dedicated the yearbook to her. The school planted a tree in her honor to remember this faithful little girl. At the tree dedication, and on the yearbook dedication we used this verse:
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
I think the only way we can get through these heartaches is to follow the Psalm. Plant our roots in the Lord. We reap what we sow. Sow God's word in our lives and heart, and we will reap in knowledge, peace, and understanding of God's plan for us and for those around us. Ironically the sermon today was on that.
Anyhow, if you get a moment, pray for the Bickles and Thomas that they are able to see God through this awful time; pray for Noah Steven and his family, that his mother continues to come to peace about his death; pray for the Thweatts that they continue strong in their faith after loosing their daughter. And if you want to cry, read their blogs. If you want to find a reason to be thankful in your current situation, read their blogs. And remember, God does give us things bigger than we can handle, but that is when we need to turn to him to let Jesus help us bear our cross.
Thomas was diagnosed at 5mos with a brain tumor. He is now about 2 1/2 and they can't do anything about it. He went through chemo and surgeries, but in November they discovered that it came back again and that's all.
I keep updated on his plight via his mother's posts. If you want to read it yourself look at the list of blogs I read. It's called Thomas Bickle.
Thomas isn't doing very well. He spends most of his days on the couch because his med dose is so high to combat the pain, it knocks him out. I cannot imagine what his mother Sarah and father Scott are going through. How can you watch your child, your baby child, die? How do you watch and know that they aren't going to get better. Just at the start of their lives, that's all they get. His site doesn't make me weepy like another one I read called Noah Steven. I think Thomas's blog will make me weepy soon enough. I just try not to think about it too much. When I check on Thomas's blog at night I am so thankful that my little angel is sleeping in his crib, happy, healthy, alive. I guess reading their blogs gives me perspective in a way. I read it to update myself and to pray for them. I pray for strength for the family, for peace, for understanding between Sarah and Scott because loosing a child has got to be the hardest thing ever. I can't imagine what I would do if anything ever happened to Knox. Children aren't supposed to die.
When Sydney Thweatt died, I was mad. I think everyone was. (She went to the school where I taught and fought a couragous battle against leukemia for over a year. She passed away Sept. 2007 at the age of 8). Sydney had such peace about the whole ordeal, but I don't think that stopped anyone from being angry when they heard the news that she was dying and then died a few days later. We dedicated the yearbook to her. The school planted a tree in her honor to remember this faithful little girl. At the tree dedication, and on the yearbook dedication we used this verse:
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
I think the only way we can get through these heartaches is to follow the Psalm. Plant our roots in the Lord. We reap what we sow. Sow God's word in our lives and heart, and we will reap in knowledge, peace, and understanding of God's plan for us and for those around us. Ironically the sermon today was on that.
Anyhow, if you get a moment, pray for the Bickles and Thomas that they are able to see God through this awful time; pray for Noah Steven and his family, that his mother continues to come to peace about his death; pray for the Thweatts that they continue strong in their faith after loosing their daughter. And if you want to cry, read their blogs. If you want to find a reason to be thankful in your current situation, read their blogs. And remember, God does give us things bigger than we can handle, but that is when we need to turn to him to let Jesus help us bear our cross.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Stupid Celebrities
YES I'M AWARE OF KNOX JOLIE-PITT.
Would anyone else like to tell me???? How irritating. We find the most perfect, unusual, but strong and wonderful name for our son and then some dumb celebrities have to name their child Knox and then the media and everyone has to make fun of it. Oh and then tell me about it.
We escaped being like what's her name who named her son Wyatt whom was adopted by what's her name the same day Knox was born. We were going to name him Wyatt, well it was a top contendor, and I remember thinking, whew! at least we didn't do that. Now stupid Brand and Angelina have to use Knox.
All I have to say is HA WE FOUND IT FIRST. lol.
I just don't want there to be many Knox running around. I want my baby to be unqiue. Well, at least now when I tell people his name they won't look at me like I have an extra head, but that response will be better than, OH like Angelina and Brad? And I will say, NO! Like John Knox and Ft. Knox, and Knox the street in Dallas.
Oh and another thing, I've had two people, (people don't think, do they??) who have asked me with trepidation, if our last name was Henderson (highway exit in Dallas called Knox/Henderson). Do I look like a complete idiot??? Why would anyone do that to their child? I wanted unusual, not "kick me."
For kicks read: http://notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/
We went to the dollar zoo day at the Dallas Zoo. We decided we'd rather pay 8.75 than ever do that again in July. Maybe the November one... I'll upload some pictures of what Knox did most of the time. Boy am I glad it was just $1!!!!!!
Would anyone else like to tell me???? How irritating. We find the most perfect, unusual, but strong and wonderful name for our son and then some dumb celebrities have to name their child Knox and then the media and everyone has to make fun of it. Oh and then tell me about it.
We escaped being like what's her name who named her son Wyatt whom was adopted by what's her name the same day Knox was born. We were going to name him Wyatt, well it was a top contendor, and I remember thinking, whew! at least we didn't do that. Now stupid Brand and Angelina have to use Knox.
All I have to say is HA WE FOUND IT FIRST. lol.
I just don't want there to be many Knox running around. I want my baby to be unqiue. Well, at least now when I tell people his name they won't look at me like I have an extra head, but that response will be better than, OH like Angelina and Brad? And I will say, NO! Like John Knox and Ft. Knox, and Knox the street in Dallas.
Oh and another thing, I've had two people, (people don't think, do they??) who have asked me with trepidation, if our last name was Henderson (highway exit in Dallas called Knox/Henderson). Do I look like a complete idiot??? Why would anyone do that to their child? I wanted unusual, not "kick me."
For kicks read: http://notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/
We went to the dollar zoo day at the Dallas Zoo. We decided we'd rather pay 8.75 than ever do that again in July. Maybe the November one... I'll upload some pictures of what Knox did most of the time. Boy am I glad it was just $1!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
*!* Birds *@* Squirrels And Other Such Things
Stupid bird or squirrel ate my most recent ripe tomatoes. One looked like it exploded and the other had half missing. Now my tomato plant looks silly because I hung red, shiny Christmas balls all over the place because some garden book I read by an author from Dallas said it'd keep the birds away. Maybe he was just trying to see how many people would have silly looking tomato plants, but I'm going to try it and find out!!!
*** Disclaimer***** If you're a guy you may not want to read the next part!
In a mommy group of mine, I'm the only one going long term for the b*feeding. I'm all about Knox deciding when it's time to finish as long as I'm still happy with it. And I am. A friend of mine who has already finished the b*feeding at about 10mos. remarked to me that when I'm done, she'll help me get out for a well deserved break. I'm happy with her offer, but honestly, I don't see this chapter in life as a challenge or something that I need to relax over when it's over. This chapter in my life is so short, that I'm okay with having to miss things that I could do if I didn't have to basically be with my child most of the time. It's one good reason I'm not planning on a trip this fall even though I really want to go. I don't know if we'll be done with this chapter and I don't want to rush it. Am I trying to hold onto babyhood or something? I don't think so. I don't see anything wrong with continuing what we're doing. It makes him happy, it's good for him, I'm happy with it. I know I'm in the minority USA wise, but I really don't care. I'm an anti shots, granola eating, cloth grocery bagging, child lead weaning mommy and proud of it.
*** Disclaimer***** If you're a guy you may not want to read the next part!
In a mommy group of mine, I'm the only one going long term for the b*feeding. I'm all about Knox deciding when it's time to finish as long as I'm still happy with it. And I am. A friend of mine who has already finished the b*feeding at about 10mos. remarked to me that when I'm done, she'll help me get out for a well deserved break. I'm happy with her offer, but honestly, I don't see this chapter in life as a challenge or something that I need to relax over when it's over. This chapter in my life is so short, that I'm okay with having to miss things that I could do if I didn't have to basically be with my child most of the time. It's one good reason I'm not planning on a trip this fall even though I really want to go. I don't know if we'll be done with this chapter and I don't want to rush it. Am I trying to hold onto babyhood or something? I don't think so. I don't see anything wrong with continuing what we're doing. It makes him happy, it's good for him, I'm happy with it. I know I'm in the minority USA wise, but I really don't care. I'm an anti shots, granola eating, cloth grocery bagging, child lead weaning mommy and proud of it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tomato
I am very proud of the fact that I got to eat my first tomato of the season fresh out of my garden! I have more coming, but this was the very first one to ripen. It was a little tart, but it tasted like a tomato. Fancy that. And organic too :)
I forgot to take a photo before I cut it open and started enjoying it!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Most Happy
I was playing in Knox's ball pit with him this evening (yes he has his own ball pit! so fun!) and I was thinking how much fun I was having. Granted we weren't really doing much, I was just burying him and tossing balls around with him, but I was happy. I couldn't see wanting to do anything else at that moment but enjoy playing with my little boy.
I also realized that I'm most happy when I'm either with Darren and/or Knox. Nothing makes my day more lately than when Knox and I have fun together. Sure I sometimes do miss teaching and the excitement that it brought, but I wouldn't trade being with Knox during the days for any job in the world. It perplexes me the people who do chose work over being at home all day. Yes I know there are those who have to work, I have a friend from college whose circumstances have caused her family to have to make changes in order to continue to eat, and I don't mean people like her. What can you do if not working means your family doesn't have basic necessities? I'm more talking about chosing not to be at home. I know people will give lots of excuses, but to me, I couldn't pick work over my child. I love being at home with him. Yes, there are days where he's cranky and I'd rather be doing my own thing, but those days don't overshadow the fun we have together. On cranky days, we take extra walks, go to Target, call a friend, anything for a diversion. On other days, we just play and take our time going places and doing things. We don't have to rush through breakfast or anything else. We just take our time and enjoy life together. I'm definately one who likes to do many things all the time, but sitting in Knox's ball pit today was one of the most enjoyable times ever.
I also realized that I'm most happy when I'm either with Darren and/or Knox. Nothing makes my day more lately than when Knox and I have fun together. Sure I sometimes do miss teaching and the excitement that it brought, but I wouldn't trade being with Knox during the days for any job in the world. It perplexes me the people who do chose work over being at home all day. Yes I know there are those who have to work, I have a friend from college whose circumstances have caused her family to have to make changes in order to continue to eat, and I don't mean people like her. What can you do if not working means your family doesn't have basic necessities? I'm more talking about chosing not to be at home. I know people will give lots of excuses, but to me, I couldn't pick work over my child. I love being at home with him. Yes, there are days where he's cranky and I'd rather be doing my own thing, but those days don't overshadow the fun we have together. On cranky days, we take extra walks, go to Target, call a friend, anything for a diversion. On other days, we just play and take our time going places and doing things. We don't have to rush through breakfast or anything else. We just take our time and enjoy life together. I'm definately one who likes to do many things all the time, but sitting in Knox's ball pit today was one of the most enjoyable times ever.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Caulking
I recaulked the bathtub this week. Boy was it a lot harder than I thought it was going to be! I have a lot to clean up since it kind of went everywhere! I have to do the other bathroom too, but thankfully the caulk in there will be white instead of black! Yuck.
Those plumbers on the how to video make it look sooooo easy, but it's hard! When you wipe off the excess with a damp sponge, ALL OF IT comes off. Sigh. What a mess. And now neither bathtub drains quickly. You take a bath and a shower at the same time. But I have to add, I didn't break the tubs. They just stopped working.
Those plumbers on the how to video make it look sooooo easy, but it's hard! When you wipe off the excess with a damp sponge, ALL OF IT comes off. Sigh. What a mess. And now neither bathtub drains quickly. You take a bath and a shower at the same time. But I have to add, I didn't break the tubs. They just stopped working.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
First Post
I have no idea if anyone will ever read any of this, but maybe I can turn this into some freelance writing project some day. Considering how late it is, that is all I have to say for now.
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