I Can't Decide

Saying Goodbye

2012-01-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our last day with our son was Sunday. He was stuck on base all day so we did more shopping, coffee/tea drinking, and hanging out at the BX.

This little boy can walk he just thought his big bro was so cool in uniform.

He bought a ring. He is very frugal and was happy to find a deal on last year's ring which works because that is when he was an official member of the Air Force.

His training group, the mustangs, is on one side.

We went back to the park for another picnic and he called friends.

He bought this necklace for his friend. He kept half.

I had to get some pics of him with his flashlight in case he misses it later. They had to turn it on when the sun went down and they were out walking. This is how the road guard stands.

David(3) thought the flashlight was very cool and wanted to carry it for Caleb all weekend.

And then it was time for final hugs from everyone.

He left the next morning for Tech School and now we can talk to him on the phone every day and even text if we want to. He will get to come home for a visit in a few months.

We made some awesome memories and will be talking about this trip for a long time.

What Would I Do If I Lived in Paul's Time?

2012-01-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

I Peter Lesson 4- Shadow the Servant goes through 1 Peter 2: 11-25 and how believers can live Christian lives in an un-Christian world. You will focus on living well in our current society.

I think our society is less hostile than the people Paul was writing to. I am grateful for that because I don't know how I would handle a lot of opposition. I fear I would give in to the temptation to deny Christ but that He would give me the strength to repent and change direction until I was following the correct path. I am thankful for my Father's mercy and patience and that He will see Jesus instead of me when I stand before Him one day.

From the publisher:

How to Use This Study Guide
Women today need Bible study to keep balanced, focused, and Christ-centered in their busy
worlds. The study questions in this guide allow you to choose the study level that fits your
lifestyle. To provide even more flexibility, you may pick a different level each week, depending on
your schedule.
• The “core” questions (designated by 1, 2, 3, etc.) require a total of about an hour and a
half of weekly study time, yet provide a basic understanding of the text. For busy women,
this level offers in-depth Bible study with a minimum time commitment.
• The “digging deeper” questions require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary,
and concordance. This level will challenge you to learn more about the history, culture,
and geography related to the Bible. You will also be looking up parallel passages for
additional insight.
• The “summit” questions are for those who want to probe the text even more deeply.
These questions grapple with complex theological issues and differing views. You’re
encouraged to investigate deeper by using an interlinear Greek-English text and Vine’s
Expository Dictionary on your own. Also, you may create outlines, charts, and essays in
seminary-style open-ended assignments. Some with teaching gifts and an interest in
advanced academics will enjoy exploring the “summit.”
Choose a realistic level of Bible study—one you can stick with. You may want to finish the “core”
level first, and then tackle the other levels as time permits. Take time to savor the questions, and
don’t rush through the application. The key is consistency. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated
by women who have more time or who are gifted differently from you.
Make your Bible study—whatever level you choose—top priority. Consider spacing your study
throughout the week so that you can take time to ponder and meditate on what the Holy Spirit is
teaching you. Do not make other appointments during the group Bible study. Ask God to enable
you to attend faithfully. Come with an excitement to learn from others and a desire to share
yourself and your journey. Give it your best, and God promises to join you on this adventure that
can change your life.

I received a free copy of this Bible study from Kregel Publishers in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Do They Ever Grow Up?

2012-01-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

He should be driving the lady bug.

Huh? I thought you were all grown up now.

Poor lady bug!

Cool ride.

Yeah.

First Wild Card Tour: Beauty Will Save the World

2012-01-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Brian Zahnd

and the book:

Beauty Will Save the World: Rediscovering the allure and mystery of Christianity

Casa Creacion (January 3, 2012)

***Special thanks to Jon Wooten of Charisma House for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a full-time pastor, an erstwhile author, and a would-be mountaineer. I am the lead pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri. I am the author of several books, most recently *Unconditional* and *What To Do On The Worst Day Of Your Life*

I became a Christian as a teenager through a dramatic encounter with Jesus during the height of the Jesus movement. Almost immediately I was holding Bible studies in High School, leading a coffeehouse ministry and preaching in whatever church was crazy enough to let a long-haired Jesus freak into the pulpit. Seven years after my life-changing encounter with Jesus I started Word of Life Church in a broken down Methodist church building. For the first seven years we struggled and remained small, but since that time God has allowed me to be a pastor to thousands. It never ceases to amaze me.

My great passion is for the King and His Kingdom. I’ve been led on my never-ending adventure of exploring the Kingdom of the Heavens by these five signpost words: Cross, Mystery, Eclectic, Community, Revolution. I could talk for hours on these five words that revolve around Jesus, but this is supposed to be a short bio.

My wife Peri and I have done some pretty improbable things by daring to believe God. It has made our life an adventure—not always easy, but always an adventure…and in the end, always good.

We have three sons: Caleb, Aaron and Philip, and two daughter-in-laws, Ashlie and Sarah. They’re awesome.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In today’s world we have technology, convenience, security, and a measure of prosperity, but where is the beauty?

For thousands of years, artists, sages, philosophers, and theologians have connected the beautiful and the sacred and identified art with our longing for God. Now we live in a day when convenience and practicality have largely displaced beauty as a value. The church is no exception—even salvation is commonly viewed in a scientific and mechanistic manner and presented as a plan, system, or formula.

In Beauty Will Save the World, Brian Zahnd presents the argument that this loss of beauty as a principal value has been disastrous for Western culture—and especially for the church. The full message of the beauty of the gospel has been replaced by our desires to satisfy our material needs, to empirically prove our faith, and to establish political power in our world—the exact same things that Christ was tempted with—and rejected—in the wilderness.

Zahnd shows that by following the teachings of the Beatitudes, the church can become a viable alternative to current-day political, commercial, and religious power and can actually achieve what these powers promise to provide but fail to deliver. Using stories from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and from his own life, he teaches us to stay on the journey to discover the kingdom of God in a fuller, richer—more beautiful—way.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Casa Creacion (January 3, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1616385855

ISBN-13: 978-1616385859

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Form and Beauty

This is a book about beauty and Christianity—or perhaps about the beauty of Christianity. We are all attracted to beauty. We desire it, we admire it, we recognize it when we see it. We have an innate instinct for beauty, even if the definition of what beauty actually is can be a bit unwieldy. In an academic sense, beauty is generally
understood as a combination of color, shape, and form that we find aesthetically pleasing. That is a rather bland description of beauty, but even if the definition is inadequate, we do understand that beauty has a form. This is important. Whether it’s a painting or a poem or a sculpture or a song, beauty has a form. Form is central to beauty. Distortion of a beautiful form takes away from its beauty. Obviously it’s even possible for a beautiful thing to become so distorted and deformed that it loses most or all of its beauty. When this happens, it’s a kind of vandalism.
Think of a beautiful stained-glass window, an artistic combination of color, shape, and form. Imagine a stained-glass masterpiece in a great cathedral, perhaps depicting a scene
from the life of Jesus. Now try to imagine a vandal lobbing bricks through that window. The beautiful combination of color and form has been broken, and beauty has been lost. It is a tragedy, and we are saddened. What we hope for now is some kind of restoration—we hope that beauty can be recovered. We hope for this because one way of viewing life is as an ongoing struggle to create, preserve, and recover what is beautiful. This is why art is not merely a leisure pursuit but serious business, because, quite simply, life should be made as beautiful as possible.
But this is not a book about art appreciation. This is a book about Christianity and about making it beautiful. Christianity in its proper form is a transcendent beauty. The story of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection is not only the greatest story ever told, but it’s also the most beautiful story ever told. Christianity as the ongoing expression of the Jesus story lived out in the lives of individuals and in the heart of society is a beauty that can
redeem the world. That is an almost outlandish statement, but I believe it!
Yet I also recognize that Christianity can be distorted. It can be twisted out of shape. It can lose its beautiful form. When this happens, Christianity is not only less than beautiful; it can at times be blatantly ugly. It has happened before. What I fear is that we are in danger of losing our perspective of what is most beautiful about Christianity and accidentally vandalizing our faith with the best of intentions. I fear the vandalism has already begun. This book is about what can be done and how Christianity can recover its form and beauty through a new kind of reformation.

Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda—The church reformed and always reforming.

This Latin phrase was one of the mottoes of the Protestant Reformation—a reminder and an acknowledgment that for the church to remain true to its mission and witness and to retain its beauty, the church must constantly be reforming itself. Of course, semper reformanda doesn’t mean the church should mindlessly engage in change for the sake of faddish novelty or trendy innovation. That’s not what I’m talking about. Rather semper reformanda comes from the realization that there are forces—political, social, theological, spiritual, and so forth—that over time tend to twist the church and the gospel out of shape. As a result the church must continually seek to recover the true form and original beauty found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This kind of reformation is an ongoing process.
There is indeed a sense in which the need for some measure of reformation is always present, but there are also times when the need for reformation (think re-formation) is more critical than others. There are times when the distortion of the church is severe enough that the integrity of our message is compromised. I’m convinced the evangelical church in the Western world is facing just such a crisis. Putting it as plainly as I can, evangelical Christianity needs to recover the form and beauty that are intrinsic to Christianity. We need a reformation because we are being twisted out of shape. Let me try to explain how this has happened.
The stories of evangelicalism and America are deeply intertwined in much the same way that the stories of Catholicism and the Roman Empire are intertwined. Evangelical Christianity came of age during America’s rise to superpower status on the world stage. America, untethered from European Christendom and their vassal state churches, provided an environment conducive for evangelical Christianity, and evangelical Christianity has flourished in the American environment. (By evangelical I mean the expression of Protestant Christianity characterized by a dual emphasis on the authority of Scripture and a personal conversion experience—this is evangelicalism at its best.) So far
so good. But there is always a particular temptation faced by the church when it is hosted by a superpower. The temptation is to accommodate itself to its host and to adopt (or even christen) the cultural assumptions of the superpower.
This is nothing new. The long history of the church bears witness to the reality and seductive power of this temptation. The historic problem the Greek Orthodox Church struggled with in the East sixteen hundred years ago was the temptation to be too conformed to the Byzantine Empire. At the same time, the historic problem the Roman Catholic Church struggled with in the West was the temptation to be too conformed
to the Roman Empire. And I dare to suggest (or even insist!) that the problem that is distorting American evangelicalism is that it has become far too accommodating to Americanism and the culture of a superpower. This is fairly obvious. You don’t have to be a sociologist to recognize that the American obsession with pragmatism, individualism, consumerism, materialism, and militarism that so characterizes contemporary America has come to shape (and thereby distort) the dominant form of evangelical Christianity found in North America. It becomes American culture with a Jesus fish bumper sticker. If we are unwilling to engage in critical thought, we will simply assume that this is Christianity, when in reality it is a kind of Christianity blended with many other things.
To be born in America is to be handed a certain script. We are largely unconscious of the script, but we are “scripted” by it nevertheless. The American script is part of our nurture
and education, and most of it happens without our knowing it. The dominant American script is that which idolizes success, achievement, acquisition, technology, and militarism. It is the script of a superpower. But this dominant script does not fit neatly with the alternative script we find in the gospel of Jesus Christ. So here is our challenge: when those who confess Christ find themselves living in the midst of an economic and military superpower, they are faced with the choice to either be an accommodating chaplain or a prophetic challenge. Over the last generation or so, evangelicalism has been
more adept at endorsing the dominant script than challenging it. And in conforming too closely to the dominant script of Americanism, the Christianity of the American church has become disfigured and distorted and is in desperate need of recovering its true form and original beauty through a process of re-formation. We need to bear the form and beauty of the Jesus way and not merely provide a Christianized version of our cultural assumptions.
In order to recover the true form and original beauty that is integral to Christianity, we need an ideal form, a true standard, an accurate template, a faithful model to which we can look, to which we must conform. For historic Christianity this has always been Jesus Christ upon the cross, which is a holy irony, since crucifixion was designed to be ghastly and hideous. But this is the mystery of the cross. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which attains in retrospect an eternal glory and beauty through the resurrection, is the axis of Christianity around which everything else revolves. Thus the cruciform (the shape of a cross) is the eternal form that endows Christianity with its mysterious beauty. Simply put, the cross is the form that makes Christianity beautiful! The cross is the beauty of Christianity because it is at the cross that we encounter co-suffering love and costly forgiveness in its most beautiful form.
But the question is, can we see the beauty of the cruciform? In a culture that idolizes success, can we see beauty in the cross? In a culture that equates beauty with a “pretty
face,” can we see past the horror of a grisly execution and discern the sacred beauty beneath the surface? This is what artistic representations of the cruciform are capable of capturing and why their work is invaluable. The artist doesn’t give us a journalistic photograph of an event, but an artistic interpretation of an event. The great masters of sacred art were both artists and theologians; through their work they have given us an artistic interpretation that reveals the inherent, but hidden, beauty of the cross. Consider the cruciform and try to apprehend its beauty. The Christ upon the cross, arms outstretched in the gesture of proffered embrace, refusing to call upon avenging angels but instead loving his enemies and praying for their forgiveness—this is the form and beauty of Christianity. The cruciform is the posture of love and forgiveness where retaliation is abandoned and outcomes are entrusted to the hands of God. The cross is laden with mystery. At first glance it looks like anything but success. It looks like failure. It looks like defeat. It looks like death. It is death. But it is also the power and wisdom of
God. This is mysterious. It is also beautiful. This is the mysterious beauty that saves the world.
The cruciform is the aesthetic of our gospel. It is the form that gives Christianity its unique beauty. It is what distinguishes Christianity from the dominant script of a superpower. But the beauty of the cruciform is a beauty communicated in a mystery. To those who value only conventional power and crass pragmatism—which is always the tendency of a superpower—the cruciform looks like folly, weakness, defeat, and death. It is not conventional beauty. But to those who have eyes to see, the cruciform shows forth a transcendent beauty—the beauty of love and forgiveness. It is the beauty of Christ’s
love and forgiveness as most clearly seen in the cruciform that is able to save us from our vicious pride and avaricious greed.
This is relevant to our situation because pride and greed are often pawned off as virtues in the culture of a superpower. Pride and greed are the engines of expansion, and as such they tend to be reworked as attributes. It was true in first-century Rome, and it’s true in twenty-first-century America. We’re told to “take pride in ourselves” and reminded that “we’re number one.” We sing about how proud we are to be Americans (even in church!). Plus there’s always someone new buying into Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy of self-interest and explaining to us with great passion how “greed is good.” But our Scriptures give a minority report; they tell us that pride and greed are the pliers that have distorted our humanity into a sinful ugliness. We must see the beauty of Christ in the cruciform and understand that it is only the beauty of self-sacrificing love that can
save us from pride and greed. This is the beauty Dostoevsky correctly and prophetically spoke of when he said, “Beauty will save the world.”
The church always faces the temptation to turn its gaze from the beauty of the cruciform and look instead to “the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.” The beauty of the cruciform is a subtle and hidden beauty, like the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa. The splendor of Babylon is brash, like the garish lights of Las Vegas. When we lose sight of the subtle beauty of the cruciform we become seduced by the power, prestige, and pragmatism of politics. To borrow Tolkien’s theme, we become seduced by the ring of power. The ring of power is the enemy of beauty. It was the ring of power—“my precious”—that transformed the humanlike Sméagol into the reptilian Gollum. In like manner, the church begins to devolve from beauty into a distorted form less beautiful the moment it reaches for the ring of power.
But we reach for the ring of power nevertheless. We find it almost irresistible. Of course we supply ourselves with copious reasons as to why our fascination with conventional power is a good thing: “We want to have power to do good.” “We want to make a difference in the world.” “We have to take a stand against evil.” But without realizing it, we are being subtly seduced into thinking there is a better way to go about achieving righteousness and justice (think beauty) than by taking up the cross and following Jesus. We begin to think that if we can just get Caesar on our side, if we can just get the emperor to hold a National Prayer Breakfast, we can then baptize the ways and means of the empire and at last accomplish “great things for God.” And here’s the thing: Caesar is
more than willing to employ the church as a chaplain, as long as the church will endorse (with a bit of religious flourish) the ways and means of the empire. Of course the ways and means of the empire are the ways and means of political and military domination. There’s no beauty in that. Politics is never pretty. Everyone knows that. Thus the church sacrifices the beauty of Christianity when it chooses the political form over the cruciform.
Reaching for the ring of power distorts our beauty.
But why would we do it? Why would we sacrifice the enchanting beauty of Christianity for the ugly machine of politics? Because political power is so—and there’s no other word for it—pragmatic. We’re convinced “it works.” What could be more simple? Here’s the formula. Just put good people in positions of power and good things will happen. (Such thinking is very close to the wilderness temptation Jesus faced; more on that later.) We are easily seduced by the clear logic of political pragmatism. But we need to remember that God does not save the world through the clear logic of political pragmatism (though Jesus was tempted by the devil, and even by his own disciples, to attempt it). Instead, God saves the world through the ironic and mysterious beauty of the cruciform. To achieve good through attaining political and military dominance has
always—always!—been the way of the fallen world. We seem to lack the imagination to envisage any other way. But it’s not the Jesus way. It’s not the beautiful way. It’s not the way of the cruciform.
Jesus does not save the world by adopting the ways and means of political pragmatism and becoming the best Caesar the world has ever seen. Instead Jesus saves the world by suffering the worst crime humanity is capable of—the crime of deicide (the murder of God). On the cross Jesus absorbed our hate and hostility, our vengeance and violence into His own body and recycled it into love and forgiveness. By his wounds we are healed. By this beauty we are saved.
The third-century theologian Origen observed that “the marvel of Christ is that, in a world where power, riches, and violence seduce hearts and compel assent, he persuades and prevails not as a tyrant, an armed assailant, or a man of wealth, but simply as a teacher of God and his love.”1 Commenting on this, David Bentley Hart says, “Christ is a persuasion, a form evoking desire. . . . Such an account [of Christ] must inevitably make an appeal to beauty.”2 I absolutely agree! Christ persuades, not by the force of Caesar, but by the beauty of love.
I assume that every Christian would agree with the idea that what Jesus did in his death was beautiful and that somehow this beautiful act is central to our salvation. But the challenge is to translate the beauty of the cruciform into contemporary Christianity—especially a contemporary Christianity obsessed with power and politics. The beauty of the cruciform by which Jesus saves the world through an act of co-suffering love and
costly forgiveness is the same beauty that must characterize the church if we are to show forth the glory of the Lord in our world. But it’s the beauty of cruciform love that is most
marred when we allow the Christian faith to be politicized.
A politicized faith loses its beauty very quickly. I know, because I was once an enthusiastic participant in the process of faith-based politicization. I was willing to subtly, and at times not so subtly, align my church with partisan political agendas. Senators and congressman would visit my church to give their testimonies (always around election time). We handed out “voter guides” so those not paying close enough attention would know how to vote. We found ways to make the elephants and donkeys of the American political process somehow analogous to the sheep and goats in Jesus’s parables. But for me that came to an abrupt end in a fairly dramatic fashion.
In September of 2004 in the heat of a volatile presidential campaign I was asked to give the invocation at a political rally where one of the vice presidential candidates was
appearing. I agreed to do so. I remember well the acrimony outside the convention center where protestors and supporters were busy hurling ugly epithets at one another. Inside the convention center the crowd was being whipped into a political frenzy that amounted to “hurray for our side!” As I sat on the platform with the political acolytes, and me as their rent-a-chaplain, I began to squirm. I knew I was being used. I was a pawn in a political game. I felt like a tool. (And a fool!) When it came time for me to pray (for which the unstated purpose was to let it be known that God was squarely on our side), I stepped to the podium and first prayed silently, “God, what am I doing here? I’ve made a mistake. I’m sorry.” I then offered a largely innocuous prayer and left as soon as I could, promising myself and God that I would never do anything like that again. But in leaving the convention center I again had to run the gauntlet of supporters and protesters yelling at one another with the police in between the two groups to prevent them from being at one another’s throats. It wasn’t pretty. And no prayer could make it pretty. It was petty, partisan, and petulant. I could not imagine Jesus or the apostles sullying their gospel to participate in it.
That moment was a turning point for me. I was no longer willing to see the church as a sidekick to Caesar, fully baptized (immersed, not sprinkled) into the acrimonious world
of partisan politics. It’s not that I’m afraid of controversy or persecution—I am perfectly willing to suffer persecution and ridicule for the sake of Christ (this is part of the cruciform). But I am unwilling to throw myself into the political fray for the sake of partisanship. I’m unwilling to do so because I simply no longer believe that political parties have much to do with God’s redemptive work in the world. Jesus is building his
church, not a political party. And I’m absolutely certain that political partisanship costs us our prophetic voice. We end up a tool to one side, an enemy to the other, and prophetic to neither. The bottom line is there is simply no way to make politics beautiful. But the way of the cruciform is beautiful. And I have made my choice. I choose the beautiful over the pragmatic. I realize that many people will not understand this, but I fully believe this is precisely the choice Jesus made. In choosing the cruciform over the political, Jesus was choosing the beautiful over the pragmatic.
If we are going to recover the form and beauty of Christianity, we are going to have to face squarely the issue of the politicization of the faith, because things are getting ugly. In the current climate of polarized partisanship where everything is now politicized, there is an appalling amount of anger, vitriol, and a general lack of civility. Sadly, millions of confessed followers of Jesus are being swept up in the madness as they give vent to their anger, fully convinced that God is on their side. Their justification is “we’ve got to take America back for God.” Presumably this is to be done by the dubious means of acrimonious partisan politics. But we need to think less politically and more biblically.
Does the church have a mandate to change the world through political means? We have assumed so, but it is a questionable assumption at best. Baptist theologian Russell Moore
has observed that, “Too often, and for too long, American ‘Christianity’ has been a political agenda in search of a gospel useful enough to accommodate it.”3 But is our mission a kind of political agenda or is it something else? Isn’t our first task to actually be God’s alternative society? Pause and think about that. I’m afraid we’ve made a grave mistake concerning our mission. We’re not so much tasked with running the world as with being a faithful expression of the kingdom of God through following Jesus and living the beautiful life that Jesus sets forth in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus described his disciples as sheep among wolves. The mistake of confusing our mission of being faithful as God’s alternative society with trying to rule the world through the crude means of political power is nothing new—it’s the mistake the church has been making for seventeen centuries. Prior to the Roman emperor Constantine, the early church was content to simply be the church—to be a city set upon a hill living the alternative
lifestyle that is the Jesus way. But after the emperor Constantine and the adoption of Christianity as the imperial religion, the church embarked upon a project of running the
world in cahoots with Caesar. This project has not turned out well. And it has been particularly damaging to the church. In fact, it has led to the ugliest episodes in church history. The church’s collusion with political agendas led us into the shameful venture of the Crusades and the arrogant doctrine of Manifest Destiny. These things are truly ugly.
The problem with our “change the world” rhetoric is that it is too often a thinly veiled grasp for power and a quest for dominance—things that are antithetical to the way Jesus calls his disciples to live. A politicized faith feeds on a narrative of perceived injury and lost entitlement leading us to blame, vilify, and seek to in some way retaliate against those we imagine responsible for the loss in late modernity of a mythical past. It’s what Friedrich Nietzsche as a critic of Christianity identified as ressentiment, and it drives much of the Christian quest for political power. In the Jesus way the end—no matter how
noble—never justifies the means. It’s inevitable that a movement fueled by resentment will soon depart from the Jesus way, and it is bound to become ugly. Jesus specifically told us that we are not to emulate the ugly ways of Caesar in grasping for power and dominance. Instead we are to choose the counterintuitive way of humility, service, and sacrificial love. These things are inherently beautiful. But we have a hard time learning this lesson.
When the disciples James and John (whom for obvious reasons Jesus called “the sons of thunder”) expressed a desire to reign with Christ in their imagined version of Jesus as Caesar, Jesus made it clear that they didn’t know what they were talking about and that the way of political dominance would not be the way of his kingdom. Jesus curtly told his disciples: “It shall not be so among you.”† Jesus was doing something new and truly beautiful; he was not imitating the way and means of Caesar. The brutal Roman Empire had plenty of splendor as veneer, but it lacked any true depth of beauty. Jesus deliberately
chose the beauty of co-suffering love over the brutal pragmatism of political power. When Pilate encountered Christ, he could not understand this—but we must. We must
never forget that Jesus ushered in his kingdom by refusing to oppose Caesar on Caesar’s terms. Jesus didn’t fight political power with political power. Thus Jesus submitted to the
injustice of a state-sponsored execution by telling Pilate, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting.” Think about that. It is part of the mystery and beauty of Christianity that the kingdom of God comes, not by the sword of political power, but by the cross of self-sacrificing love. Jesus didn’t smash his foes with the sword of “righteous” political power; instead he absorbed the blow of injustice and committed his fate to the hands of God. In this we find an undeniable truth: we cannot fight for the kingdom of Christ in the same manner that
the nations of the world fight, for the moment we do, we are no longer the kingdom of Christ but the kingdom of the world! A politicized mind can only imagine power as political domination, but a Spirit-renewed mind imagines the more excellent way of love—which is the more beautiful way of the cruciform.
Admittedly we live in a world where much is wrong. But what is most wrong with the world is not our politics or Congress or who lives in the White House. This is either the
naïve gullibility or the manipulative rhetoric of partisanship. What is most wrong with the world is the ugly distortion of humanity brought about through the dehumanizing forces of lust, greed, and pride. As followers of Jesus we are not called to campaign for a political solution—for ultimately there is none—but to demonstrate an authentic Christian alternative. We are advocates of another way. Certainly we can participate in the political process, but we must do so primarily as ambassadors of another kingdom exhibiting and teaching the beautiful virtues of that kingdom. This is how we are salt and light. This is what makes us a shining city set upon a hill. We are to model what it means to be Christlike in a Caesar-like world. But to be Christlike in a Caesar-like world requires us to embrace the cruciform.
Of course the cruciform is offensive to the unimaginative mind of pragmatism. Pragmatism sees the cruciform as a passive surrender (though it is anything but that!). Pragmatism believes the only way to change the world is to beat down the bad guys—either with ballots or bullets. But without even raising the thorny issue of who are the bad guys in the ever-escalating world of revenge, the philosophy of “beat down the bad guys” displays an appalling lack of imagination. Pragmatism requires little imagination; it only needs the will to power. Or pragmatism will trot out the oft-quoted axiom from Edmund Burke: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” That is true enough, provided we don’t misapply what it means to “do nothing.” I was once given Burke’s maxim as a counterargument after preaching on the Sermon on the Mount. As if living the Sermon on the Mount is “doing nothing.” Or worse yet, as if a Christian can call upon Edmund Burke to refute Jesus Christ!
But here is the real problem I have with the trajectory of the American evangelical church in the early twenty-first century. If, instead of imitating Christ with his cross, we want to
imitate Caesar with his sword, we inevitably choose the ugly over the beautiful. This approach always leads the church away from living as a witness to the gospel. Being a faithful witness to the gospel should be a hallmark of evangelical Christianity.
But something has gone very wrong. Think about it—that the primary public witness of the American evangelical church for the past thirty years has been political is an absolute tragedy! Evangelicals are no longer known within the wider culture for their devotion to Scripture and their belief in a personal conversion experience. Now evangelicals are known primarily for their politics. This has been anything but helpful. The amount
of hope many evangelical Christians place in politics is nothing short of astonishing! If nothing else, it is naïve—but worse, it is a betrayal. It is a betrayal of the beautiful way of Christ. For in a politicized faith we embrace the ugly pragmatism of political domination over the beauty of the cruciform.
Theologian Stanley Hauerwas has correctly observed: “The church doesn’t have a social strategy; the church is a social strategy.”4 Instead of trying to force change upon the wider society through means of legislation, we are to exemplify the beautiful alternative of the kingdom of God by actually living it! We make a terrible mistake when we tell the wider society something like this: “We have the truth, so let us run society by setting the rules.” That is a kind of tyranny, no matter how well intended. Instead we should simply be the alternative we seek to produce. We should be a righteous and just society. We should bethe beautiful expression of the kingdom of God attracting people by the unique aesthetic of our gospel. Our form is the cruciform, and our beauty is the mysterious aesthetic of the crucified Savior.
Admittedly, this is a complicated issue that doesn’t yield itself to simplistic solutions. I understand this. Christians have a complicated relationship with the state because we are
a people who carry dual citizenship. We are citizens of both the kingdom of Christ and the particular geopolitical nation we happen to live in. But this much is certain: our first allegiance must be to the kingdom of Christ. Furthermore, we must never make the mistake of thinking God has some kind of commitment to the well-being of our particular nation over the well-being of other nations. This type of ugly and arrogant nationalism is completely incompatible with the Christian faith, which confesses Jesus as Savior of the world and not merely some version of a national deity. Is it possible that American Christians actually believe that Jesus has an interest in the well-being of America over the wellbeing of, say, Mexico or China or Ethiopia? Surely not! This is “American Exceptionalism” as a ridiculous and idolatrous doctrine. Our politicians may traffic in such nonsense, but Christians must not! What Jesus is committed to is the salvation
of the world and the building up of his global church. So whereas Christians are free to participate in the civic and political process of their respective nations, Christians must
do so as those who exhibit a primary allegiance to the Jesus way—the beautiful way of the cruciform. This means treating everyone (including political enemies) with kindness, love, and respect. As followers of Christ, our mission is not to seek to rule the world through Caesar’s means of dominance—a means Jesus explicitly rejected—but to be a faithful church and thus a living example of God’s alternative society.
So, reformation is needed, and the cruciform is what can give shape to our much-needed reformation. In the cruciform we find both our proper form and, subsequently, our unique
beauty. The cruciform as a pattern gives us a means of evaluating our own form and how we present ourselves to the wider culture. With an eye on the cruciform, we can ask ourselves, “Does this attitude, this approach, this action look like Jesus on the cross?” If our attitude, approach, and action cannot be reasonably compared to the image of the cruciform, we need to abandon it. Caesar may adopt it, it may be practical, it may
even be “successful,” but if it’s not Christlike, then it’s not our pattern. Without a radical commitment to the shape of the cruciform, the process of deformation will continue year after year, and our beauty will be lost.
One of the “pliers” that distorts our Christian witness out of shape is the paradigm of protest. For far too long we have been enamored (and distorted) by protest. We love to protest. We really do. We’re good at it. We have lots of practice at it. In protest we find an outlet for our anger, we connect with like-minded people, and we at least feel like we are “making a difference” and “standing up for righteousness.” It’s exciting and cathartic. So we picket, we protest, we boycott, we form petition drives, and we write angry letters to editors and CEOs and encourage other Christians to do the same. We hold rallies where we in no uncertain terms, and with presumed divine sanction, unleash our righteous anger on a wide range of enemies. Liberals, Hollywood, gays, and Muslims are
regular targets. But does it look like the cruciform? Is it beautiful? Would a common observer look at it and say, “That’s beautiful; it reminds me of Jesus”? Do our clenched fists and furrowed brows of protest align nicely with the outstretched arms and compassionate face of Christ on the cross? If not, we have drifted from the pattern of the cruciform in our paradigm of protest, and the inevitable result will be a distortion of
Christianity. As our Christianity takes on more of a political agenda, it sloughs off resemblance to the cruciform. The result is a distinctive loss of beauty. We tend to justify our foray into the unseemly as necessary if we are to preserve morality, but I agree with Orthodox Archbishop Lazar Puhalo when he says, “True morality consists in how well we care for one another, not what sort of behaviour we wish to impose on one another.”5
Again I raise the question: Why would we do this? Why would we sacrifice the beauty of the cruciform for something everyone knows is a far cry from beautiful? Why this obsession with political power? I think the answer is that we have a carnal obsession with outcomes. It’s the ugly specter of pragmatism. We want to see a clear and obvious way that our actions are going to result in the desired outcome. We want to do good, achieve good, bring about good, vote in good, legislate good, formulate good, enforce good. So we choose the means that appear most logical in achieving this outcome. But remember, Satan never tempted Jesus with evil; Satan tempted Jesus with good. Satan enticed Jesus to go ahead and do good and to bring it about by the most direct way possible. The
temptation was to imitate the means and methods of the pharaohs and Caesars. Satan tempted Jesus to usher in a righteous world by a bloody sword. “War is impatience.”6 Obsession with outcomes and demanding to see a quick and logical way in which present action will bring about desired good are the ways of Caesar, but they are not the way of the cruciform. Obsession with outcomes is, among other things, an abandonment of faith.
Christians all believe that Jesus achieved salvation through what he did on the cross. (Though the exact way this works remains a matter of theological debate.) But on Good Friday, how could anyone have seen a “logic” in Jesus’s crucifixion? If Jesus’s intent was to save the world from the dominion of evil, how could submitting to an unjust execution at the hands of an oppressive regime accomplish anything like that? It’s absurd! Salvation is ironic because there is nothing logical or practical or obvious about the cross. Fighting is practical. Fighting is logical. Fighting has a long history of (at least temporarily) achieving desired ends. Peter was ready to fight, and presumably so were many others who followed Jesus from Galilee. But Jesus told Peter to put up his sword. There would
be no bloody revolution. No violent resistance. Not even an angry protest. Instead Jesus went to the cross, forgave his enemies, and simply died. In rejecting the way of Caesar, “Christ showed that the world was a text that could be read differently: according to the grammar not of power, but agape.”7
Did evil triumph because this good man did nothing? It certainly seemed so. But don’t forget the dying prayer of Jesus: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” I think we can understand Jesus’s prayer as something like this: “Father, I have obeyed you, I have shown the world your ways, but the world has rejected me and your ways. I forgive them, but I am dying. So now I entrust everything to you.” This is the way of the cruciform. It is the way of faith.
In going to the cross, Jesus was not being practical; he was being faithful. Jesus didn’t take a pragmatic approach to the problem of evil; Jesus took an aesthetic approach to the problem of evil. Jesus chose to absorb the ugliness of evil and turn it into something beautiful—the beauty of forgiveness. Jesus bore the sin of the world by it being sinned into him with wounds. Jesus bore the sin of the world without a word of recrimination,
but only a prayer of forgiveness. He bore the sin of the world all the way down to death. So that the apostle Peter says, “By his wounds you have been healed.” This is the beauty of the cruciform. This is beauty being derived from pain, or as Bob Dylan says, “Behind every beautiful thing there’s been some kind of pain.”8
In order to do a beautiful thing, Jesus had to abandon outcomes. He had to entrust the outcome to his Father. On Good Friday Jesus abandoned outcomes, embraced the cross,
and died. Jesus abandoned outcomes in order to be faithful and trust his Father. As we confess in the Apostles’ Creed, “He was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.” A lost cause. But then came Easter! The cornerstone of Christian faith is that on Easter Sunday God vindicated his Son by raising him from the dead. But until Easter Sunday no one thought of death, burial, and resurrection as a logical means of achieving good. Even today most people cannot accept the “formula” of the cruciform as a viable means of bringing about good. We want something that makes more sense. Something quicker. Something practical. And what we get are the same old ugly ways of Pharaoh and Caesar. Our embrace of the practical and ugly over the faithful and beautiful
exposes our unbelief. We are orthodox enough to confess that Jesus saves the world through his cross, but we don’t want to imitate it. So we choose the ugly forms of coercion over the beauty of the cruciform—the false morality of the Pharisee over the true morality of Christ. But our critics see this ugliness in us, even if we are unaware of it.
Part of the problem is that in the Western world we are deeply conditioned to choose the heroic over the saintly. We love our heroes best of all. Heroes are goal-oriented people of
great capabilities who know how to make things happen. We admire their ability to get things done and shape the world according to their will. Saints on the other hand—especially to the American mind—seem quaint and marginal, occupying religious spheres on the periphery of the action. We want to be heroes; we don’t really want to be saints. The difference between the heroic vision and the saintly vision is a fundamentally
different way of viewing the purpose of life.
For the hero, the meaning of life is honor . . . for the saint,
the meaning of life is love. . . . For the hero, the goal of
living is self-fulfillment, the achievement of personal
excellence, and the recognition and admiration that
making a signal contribution to one’s society through
one’s achievements carries with it. For the saint, life
does not so much have a goal as a purpose for which
each human being is responsible; and that purpose is
love: the bonds of concern and care that responsibility
for one’s fellow human beings carry with it. . . . These
two paradigms—the hero and the saint—and the way
of life that descends from each, are really two fundamentally
distinct and genuinely different visions of
human society as a whole, and even of what it means to
be a human being. They are two distinct and different
ways of asking the question of the meaning of life.9
Accepting Francis Ambrosio’s paradigms for the hero and saint, we should recognize that the way of Jesus is the way of the saint, but the way of the hero is what we tend to glorify. To speak of the goal of life in terms of self-fulfillment, achievement, and excellence is very American (originally Greek and Roman) and very popular. There are plenty of versions of American Christianity that easily accommodate this basic paradigm. Christianity understood as a program for self-improvement and success in life is how Americanized Christianity most often accommodates itself to contemporary culture. It also makes Christianity popular and “successful.” But an honest reading of the Sermon on the Mount makes it clear that Jesus is teaching something radically different. In the Gospels we see Jesus through his teaching, which sets forth the alternative paradigm of the saint where the purpose of life is love, and the expression of that love is in the form
of care and compassion for our neighbor. The life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels begins as a life of teaching and ends in a life of suffering. But these are not to be separated. At the cross Jesus lived all that he taught. The life of love that Jesus proclaimed in his teaching he lived in his suffering. The life of co-suffering love is the paradigm of the saint, and it is how Jesus lived and died. It is the beauty of the cruciform.
Of course I can hear someone protesting, “But Jesus is my hero!” I understand what is meant by that, but if we are intent upon forcing Jesus into the archetype of typical hero, we distort him. In trying to make Jesus a hero, we miss the simple fact that Jesus did nothing that was conventionally heroic—at least not according to the Western ideal of heroism. Elijah was a conventional hero when he humiliated the prophets of Baal on
Mount Carmel and then executed them at the brook Kishon. But how did Jesus contend with his enemies at Calvary? Not in the heroic manner of Elijah on Carmel, but in a new and saintly way—the way of love and forgiveness. The Jesus of the Gospels is not a heroic general who slaughters his enemies, but a suffering saint who forgives his enemies. And even if one appeals to the Book of Revelation, it should be remembered
that the holy irony perceived in the prophetic metaphors is that the monstrous beasts are conquered by a little slaughtered lamb. It should be clear that the way of Christ is not the way of the conventional hero, because Jesus saves the world not by shedding the blood of his enemies, but by allowing his own blood to be shed in an act of redemptive love. This is the way of the saint, not the hero.
But we struggle with choosing the way of the saint over the way of the hero. Our Christian rhetoric is replete with calls to the heroic as we are urged to “be mighty men and women of God” and “fight the battles of the Lord” and “do great things for God.” We love the idea of being a hero and winning a great battle for God. There’s a lot of what we call “glory” in it. But we’re not so keen on laying down our lives in the manner of Christ at Calvary. We fail to comprehend the glory of the cross. So we struggle with which model to adopt. The hero or the saint? Achilles or Emmanuel? Caesar or Christ? Charlemagne or St. Francis? More often than not we end up choosing the hero, and this feeds one of the ugliest aspects of a misshapen Christianity—triumphalism.
Triumphalism is an ugly form of arrogance engendering a sense of group superiority. Triumphalism is a smugness and boastful pride that one’s nationality or religion is superior to all others. If Christians aren’t careful, they can be easily seduced into the ugliness of triumphalism. As Christians we believe that Jesus has triumphed over sin, Satan, death, hell, and the grave. We confess that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. We call Jesus King of kings and Lord of lords. But this does not entitle us to an attitude of arrogant triumphalism. Confessing the triumph of Christ
should not lead to the ugliness of triumphalism. In fact, the Christian attitude should be the very opposite.
The Christian attitude must be the deep humility exhibited by the apostle Paul when he described himself as “the foremost” of sinners. Paul was able to boldly confess the lordship of Christ while at the same time exhibiting an attitude that was completely devoid of arrogance and triumphalism. In the pluralistic cultures of the modern Western world, the ugliness of triumphalism will prevent multitudes of people from seeing the true beauty of Christianity. If we engage with people of other faiths with the attitude equivalent to “my religious founder can beat up your religious founder,” we should not be surprised if they do not see the Christian faith as inherently beautiful.
A continual turning to the cruciform leaves no room for triumphalism. Yes, Jesus triumphed over evil, but he did so by the counterintuitive way of humbling himself to the point of death, “even death on a cross.”† As we seek to assimilate the cruciform into our lives, it should always produce the beauty of a graceful humility and never the ugliness of arrogant triumphalism. If we are to show forth the beauty of Christ in our world, we must banish triumphalist attitudes from among us. It was the attitude of triumphalism in the Middle Ages that led to the ugly actions of the Crusades. Since Jesus had triumphed through the cross, it was reasoned, why not help spread his triumph through the conquest of the sword? The Crusades were the ugly offspring of a union of power-obsessed
pragmatism and arrogant religious triumphalism, and I fear that this kind of distorted thinking may have certain modern equivalents.
One more thought on heroes and saints. Heroes tend to be heroes to only one side—their side. Heroes attain their glory in an “us versus them” context. For example, the French and the Russians have decidedly different views of Napoleon, just as Americans and Mexicans will view Santa Anna differently. But saints, over time, tend to be universally recognized for their saintliness. It has to do with the universality of love. It’s why nearly everyone admires St. Francis of Assisi or Mother Teresa of Calcutta whether or not they are Christian. St. Francis and Mother Teresa are preeminent examples of lives shaped by the cruciform to a degree that their lives of co-suffering love have come to be universally recognized as lives of beauty.
So in the present situation in which the American evangelical church finds itself, there is a desperate need to recover a theology of beauty. The way out of the mess and confusion of a politicized faith is to follow the path of beauty. It is the way of beauty that will lead us home to a more authentic Christianity. A theology of beauty is the antidote to the poison of pragmatism and the toxin of triumphalism. Perhaps no other theologian has done as much to develop a theology of beauty as the great Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar. In his work on love as form and beauty he writes:
Love alone is credible; nothing else can be believed,
and nothing else ought to be believed. This is the
achievement, the “work” of faith . . . to believe that
there is such a thing as love . . . and that there is
nothing higher or greater than it. . . . The first thing
that must strike a non-Christian about the Christian’s
faith is that . . . it is obviously too good to be true: the
mystery of being, revealed as absolute love, condescending
to wash his creatures’ feet, and even their
souls, taking upon himself all the confusion of guilt,
all the God-directed hatred, all the accusations showered
upon him with cudgels . . . all the mocking hostility
. . . in order to pardon his creature. . . . This is truly
too much.10
Indeed, it is too much! The apostle Paul would describe this extravagance as “the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” The picture of God as seen in the redemptive co-suffering love of Christ is too much in the sense that it overwhelms us in much the same way that we find a stunning sculpture, a masterpiece painting, or a majestic sunset overwhelming—it is the experience of being overawed by a transcendent beauty. This is
how the gospel is made most compelling—by making it beautiful. Instead of trying to overwhelm a cynical world weary of argument and suspicious of truth claims with the force of logic and debate, what if they were overwhelmed with the perception and persuasion of beauty?
Beauty is graceful and has a way of sneaking past our defenses. It’s hard to argue with beauty. Beauty is compelling in its own way. What I am suggesting is that we look to
beauty as a primary standard for our theology, witness, and action. As radical as it may sound to those who have grown up in the sterile world of late modernity, asking the question Is it beautiful? is a valid and viable way to evaluate what we believe and do. We should ask ourselves: “Is this a beautiful doctrine?” “Is this a beautiful witness?” “Is this a beautiful practice?” Along with asking if it is true and if it is good, we should also ask if is it beautiful. Truth and goodness need beauty. Truth claims divorced from beauty can become condescending. Goodness minus beauty can become moralistic. To embrace truth and goodness in the Christian sense, we must also embrace beauty.
At least as far back as the Greek philosopher Plato, beauty was understood not merely as an adornment, but as a value as important as truth and goodness. It was only in the twentieth century that beauty began to be diminished as a value. Now we live in a day when pragmatism and utilitarian “values” have largely displaced beauty as a value. But the loss of beauty as a principal value has been disastrous for Western culture. One obvious example of what has befallen us is the loss of aesthetic sensibilities in architecture. Where once the role of architecture was to help beautify the shared space of our cities and neighborhoods, now the role of architecture is to build utilitarian structures as cheaply as possible. The result has been a profound loss of beauty. It’s a kind of vandalism. What modern building would people a thousand years from now flock to visit as we do the Notre Dame Cathedral today? If the Gothic cathedral was the architectural statement of the Middle Ages, the “big box” store may well be the architectural statement of our age. This is tragic. But what if what has happened to architecture is also happening to Christianity? What if modern architecture mirrors what is happening in modern
Christianity? What if utility is triumphing over beauty in the way we think about the church? This is alarming.
As our world turns its back on beauty, the result is that we are increasingly surrounded by ugliness and images of alienation. Think of government housing projects and the soulless
strip malls of suburbia. Art itself is under assault. Art is now largely driven, not by time-tested standards of beauty, but by the marketplace. So the question is no longer, “Is it beautiful?,” but “Will it sell?” (Is this too reflected in the church?) In a world where kitsch, profit, and vulgarity are vandalizing art, philosopher Roger Scruton worries that we are in danger of losing beauty, and with it the meaning of life.11 Yes, the loss of beauty is related to the loss of meaning. Attaining to the beautiful is a valid way of understanding the meaning of life—especially when we recognize a link between the sacred and the beautiful. For thousands of years, artists, sages, philosophers, and theologians have connected the beautiful and the sacred and identified art with our longing for God. It has only been during the modern phenomenon of secularism—what
Nietzsche described as the “death of God”—that we have severed the beautiful from the divine. But when the beautiful is severed from the absolute (God), what passes for beautiful can be anything and everything—which is to say nothing. There really is a profound connection between the loss of beauty and the loss of meaning.
Yet despite the modern assault upon art and beauty, the hunger for beauty abides deep in the human heart. That the allure of beauty is part of the human makeup is clearly seen
every time a child picks up crayons and tries to capture the beauty of the world around him. And it is to this firmly entrenched desire for beauty that we should appeal in our
efforts to communicate the gospel. If we can show a world lost in the ugliness of consumer-driven pragmatism and power-hungry politics the true beauty of Christ, it will be irresistibly appealing. For too long we have relied upon the cold logic of apologetics to persuade or the crass techniques of the marketplace to entice, when what we should do is creatively hold forth the transcendent beauty of Jesus Christ. But to do this, we must examine what we preach and what we practice in the light of the beauty of the cruciform.
We need to constantly ask ourselves, “Is this beautiful? Is this thought beautiful? Is the attitude beautiful? Is this action beautiful? Does it reflect the beauty of Christ and the cruciform?” If finger-pointing isn’t beautiful, then we should abandon it. If politically based protest isn’t beautiful, then maybe we can do without it. If the common man doesn’t recognize what we do in the name of Christ as beautiful, we should at least reexamine it. If a particular doctrine doesn’t come across as truly beautiful, then we should hold it suspect. Someone may raise the question, “Can beauty be trusted?” I believe it can, as long as we make the critical distinction between the shallow and
faddish thing that our modern culture calls “image” and the absolute value that our ancestors have always understood as beauty. We can rightly evaluate our faith and practice in terms of beauty for this very reason: The Lord and his ways are beautiful.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
It’s time to recover the form and beauty of Christianity. Our enduring icon of beauty and the standard by which we gauge the beauty of our actions is the cruciform. The cross is a beautiful mystery—a mystery where an unexpected beauty is in the process of rescuing the world from its ugliness. Beauty will save the world. This is the surprising beauty of the cross when seen through the prism of the resurrection. The cross made beautiful is the ultimate triumph of God and his grace. If the crucifixion of Christ can be made beautiful, then there is hope that all the ugliness of the human condition can be redeemed by its beauty.

Book Review: Surprised by Laughter

2012-01-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Terry Lindvall has categorized the joy and laughter that C.S. Lewis enjoyed in his Christan life. the book is divided into 6 parts; The Idea and the Legacy, Joy, Fun, The Joke Proper, Satire and Flippancy, and a Conclusion. He shares many quotes by Chesterton, who was a great influence on Lewis, and by Lewis, from private writings and his books. You will learn more about Lewis's sense of humor as you read through the book and may be inspired to view your own Christan walk differently.

I really wanted to love this book but I only made it halfway through before I had to set it aside. I loved all of the quotes by Lewis but wanted more of Lewis and less of Chesterton. This book reads more like a philosophy text to me. I was looking for something a little more humorous and less heavy. It did inspire thought about my own Christian walk and the realization that I need to lighten up and find the joy in everyday life. I am grateful for my new viewpoint and I do plan to make my was slowly through the rest of the book. I give this book 3 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze and have shared my honest opinion.

Garden Design Inspiration From a Natural Garden

2012-01-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

We picnicked a few times at a park we found while we were on Lackland AFB to visit my oldest son. It was beautiful. I wanted to share some features which made it such a calm and beautiful place to visit. Maybe we can use some of the same design features in our own gardens.

There was a water feature. I'm thinking of this place as less of a park and more of a natural garden. It was clean and I didn't see one piece of trash anywhere. Also any signs of man were as unobtrusive as possible and blended into the landscape.

We saw two fishermen here on Sunday morning.

There's a turtle hiding in the water.

There were many old trees especially, pecans and oaks. They add visual interest even in the winter.

Black willows grow along the water.

This looks like a berry plant and grew along the edge of the stream.

Can you imagine what this spot must look like in spring? It is still beautiful in winter with the different textures and colors.

Clover was growing in patches here and there throughout the grass. It was a visual relief from all of the grass.

A tiny flower growing amongst the clover invites you to take a closer look.

Look at the texture this plant adds.

Some kind of parasitic plant grows in the trees.

There were a few signs scattered throughout for those who want to know a little more about the trees.

And this is the Hackberry.

This is a Texas Persimmon. I love the colors of the bark.

Live Oak

So here are the gardening tips I learned from this park:
1. Diversify- you don't find just one type of tree or plant in nature.
2. Break up monotony- ground cover plants are a good thing but large swaths of different types are even better.
3. Element of surprise- give your visitor something to pause and enjoy that they weren't expecting to find.
4. Water Feature- I think we all know how wonderful a water feature can be in a garden!
5. Wildlife- make your garden friendly to wild creatures even if they are just butterflies. Our gardens are part of a larger world and we connect them to the wild when we invite butterflies, toads, frogs, and other wild creatures to live and play there.

6. Make Humans Comfortable- A large covered picnic area and playground were next to the parking area for picnic and play. There were also many convenient trash cans which help to keep the area clean. We can translate that to sitting areas, play spaces, swings, and other creative spaces in our gardens. I know a lady who ran a daycare in her home and incorporated fun play spaces throughout her back yard which was still a lovely garden to visit. She had a sandbox in one spot, paths the children could ride on, a place to play with little cars, and many trails to explore. It was lovely and inviting for young and old.

I have lots of planning and work to do!

What are your favorite gardening tips that you have learned from nature?

Funnest Goal Yet ~ Met!

2012-01-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Look at me! I met my number one goal which was to be able to play with my children on the playground.

That's me flexing my awesomeness up there.

We spent a lot of time at the park on base during our vacation to see my son's graduation from basic training. I was watching my peeps climb the wall and wondered if I could do it too. My 17 year old encouraged me so I went for it.

So it's not that far up but I didn't think I could heft my own weight up there with my previously weak upper body.

And I made it. It was so fun I climbed up again. And then I conquered my fear of heights(a little tiny bit) and climbed back down. Now that was a confidence booster!

Three of my boys climbed up with me.

My husband also played with the kids quite a bit. That's the first time we've played with them instead of just watching in a long time.

Jacob snuck in a pic of me sliding after I asked him to hold my camera. Naughty boy!

It felt so good to get out in the sun and I even got a mild sunburn. I hope those few days of warmth and sunshine will keep me going until springlike weather reaches our location.

I guess you're never too old for the playground. I was waiting to take a ride in the lady bug but forgot by the time the kids were finished. He misses his car, can you tell

This week I'm recovering from a cold we picked up in San Antonio but next week I'll get back to my regular exercise program. The benefits of eating lightly are that I have lost three pounds and .75 inches since two weeks ago!

I'm linking up with Fit Mommy Friday over at Tea Time with Annie Kate.

TOS Crew Review: Kinderbach

2012-01-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to review KinderBach again this year. My 3 year old and 5 year old were my main testers. I found my 8 year old watching most of the lessons with her younger brothers.

Kinderbach is a child friendly music program for preschool age children. The beginning lessons teach things you need to know later when you begin learning to play the piano, such as high and low notes, loud and quiet sounds, and rhythm. The lessons are taught in simple ways that even my 3 year old can understand. Workbooks are available to download which you can then print out and use with the lessons. One lesson taught high and low sounds. As the child listens to the sound he is instructed to color an apple on a drawing of a tree if it is a high sound or color one of the apples on the ground if it is a low sound.

My children enjoyed acting out the songs with the people on the video. I remember from last year that my then 4 year old learned Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star from hearing it played to him many times and my 3 year old is already picking up the lyrics this year. He likes to sing so this program is very interesting to him.

I thought the activity books were well done and the children enjoyed doing the worksheets during the video lessons. The activities complement and reinforce each lesson well. Each level has a workbook and there are also two coloring books available which you can download and print.

Kinderbach has four songbooks available for an additional purchase price; Everyday Songs, Patriotic, Hymns and Christmas.

KinderBach is made up of 6 levels of 10 weeks each and is available for home or classroom use. Level 7 is in the works now and should be available soon. Here is a link to the Syllabus laid out by level so you can see what is covered in this program. You can also try the first two weeks of level 1 free.

One fun feature of Kinderbach is each key in the scale is assigned it's own special character. The child learns where each character lives on the keyboard and which finger is used to play the note. The first character the children meet is Dodi. He lives on the D key. A house is made for him between the two black keys. My children learned quickly where to find Dodi's house. You can meet the characters here.

Children learn by doing and listening and KinderBach combines both senses to teach your child. Concepts are taught through games to make them easier to understand and fun to learn. The video lessons are interactive. The child will do things like clap along to the rhythm, stand up for high notes, stoop down for low notes, and sing along.

KinderBach comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.

To purchase: visit KinderBach's website.

Online lessons start at $7.99 a month
DVD and CD packages start at $40.45

You can also purchase extras like DVDs, coloring books, games and songbooks to complement the lessons.

As a member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free membership to KinderBach in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. Please visit TOS Homeschool Crew to read more reviews.

Officially An Airman!

2012-01-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning was foggy and a little chilly. We were bussed to the parade grounds where we chose a spot to stand right up front. The flights came marching in.

And then emerged onto the field from the fog in front of us. We couldn't see which flight was Caleb's but we had a map so we knew his general location.

All of the state flags are on display above the bleachers. I had to get a pic of New Mexico for Caleb.

The fog started to burn off and the planes came into view.

This is almost half of the people who graduated that week.

The fog lifting from the field during the parade and ceremony made for an interesting atmosphere.

Here comes Caleb's flight. He's the third one from the front all the way on the left.

Did you find him yet?

Now you can see him! He's the one all the way on the left. Don't you love their business expressions?

Then they lined up again.

The flights marched forward into one solid group and then the guidons(flight flags) were taken away. They all took the Airman's oath together and became official members of the Air Force!

They had to stand at attention until someone came to tap them out. I had to wait until all the photographers were ready before I could hug him. I took that opportunity to tease him a little. You can see the beginning of a smile here as I asked him if he was ready for me to tap him out.

What an amazing moment which I am so grateful to have shared with him.

I'm so proud of my son and thankful to have him as a part of my life.

Then we were bussed back to the reception center and eventually made our way over to his dorm so he could show us where he had lived for he last two months. He gave us a special lapel pin that my husband and I are wearing every day in support of him as he goes through Tech school. I'll show you another day.

He had a top bunk. Well, I should say he ended up on a top bunk by the end of training. He was moved from two other beds to the back of the room. Don't know why, forgot to ask.

Neat and tidy! I forgot to get a picture and didn't even notice the laundry room where he spent many mornings washing clothes for his flight.

This is the day room where they received mail each day. They weren't allowed to sit on the couches until the last week of training. You have to earn everything, even sitting on the couch. We also checked out the cafeteria but were not allowed to take pics. It was nice!

Then we took him back to the hotel where we had lunch, the young peeps went swimming, and then we had dinner. He enjoyed relaxing and getting out of his uniform for awhile.

We all took lots of photos as you can tell. It was so nice to be able to talk to him and just know he was there with us.

He had to be back on base by 8. We got a few shots in before we headed out to drop him off.

He signed for 6 years so after Tech school he will be an E3. Nice!

My parents with their oldest grandchild. We call them Nono and Nona which is Italian for Grandpa and Grandma. My brother is also in the Air Force and called to congratulate Caleb and welcome him the the Air Force.

Buddies.

Caleb and friends.

Caleb and Jolene. She is the same young lady who went to prom with him last year. Aren't they cute together?

Super proud Nono!

My husband's brother is also in the Air Force and both of Caleb's uncles are Master Sergeants. Cool, huh? He's already gotten lots of advice and it's nice to know he has two someones to ask for help if he needs it.

Take Back the Land by Rick Boyer

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Take Back the Land is a book written to teens and young adults to inspire them to step up and act as the Joshua generation which will go out and and make changes in our country and world. It is written especially for homeschool students and graduates but any young Christian will be able to apply the advice given by the author to his life. Rick Boyer includes 12 chapters which explain the problem areas and how to make changes in each. Some of the chapter included are Education, The Media, The Arts, The Family, The Church, and Where Do I Start?

The author recommends that parents also read this book and I'm glad I did! I found lots of inspiration for my own life and will have to make some changes in order to inspire my own children. Every chapter was full of gems. Mr. Boyer's writing style is warm and motivating. I appreciate his advice to the young person to consult parents as he sets out to make changes where he has an influence. He gives the reader action steps to take in each area that he discusses and shares examples for those who have gone out to influence the world around them.

This book will be included in my homeschool curriculum for my teens. I will assign a chapter each week which we can then discuss and apply. I hope to see some exciting changes in our family's future as we seek to go out into the world and influence it for the better. This is a must read for Christian teens and young adults!

Free preview

I received a free copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Airman's Run and Coin Ceremony and Then We Got to Hug Caleb!

2012-01-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

We were up by 5 to make it to the base on time to sit in a briefing on how to behave while on base. Then it was time to head over for the Airman's run. We were instructed to stay behind the white line or on the curb. The MTI threatened to give any children who were not where they were supposed to be an espresso and a puppy and then return them.

Oh, look, I see them!

Here they come! This was the first time we got to see our son since he left in November.

My son's flight is wearing the tan shirts just behind this flight in black.

He was on the far side and I didn't get a pic of him running by the first time but I did see him. He saw us and turned to look as he ran by. He looked proud, happy, and excited.

He knew where to look for us on the way back. Can you see him? He's the second tall guy with dark hair behind the blue flag.

Here he comes. He's right behind the elbow there on the left.

See him? He's staring at the camera.

And then they ran by and we had to wait about 2 hours before the coin ceremony. We went to the bx for coffee to wait. It seemed like the time would never go by. Some day I'll have to tell you about the chair lady.

And then it was time to head back outside. We waited too long and weren't able to get a seat in the bleachers. We stood next to the band which turned out to be just fine as I got some great pics of Caleb as he marched in. These are the Honor graduates receiving recognition for their hard work.

All of the flights lined up and ready to march in.

And here they go.

My son's flight was last.

Here comes his flight.

I see him! He's the third guy behind the flag.

And now you get a closer view.

The flag looks like it will touch his hat.

Lining up for the ceremony.

The band marching in.

Caleb is right in front of the pole.

The MTI's being thanked for all of their hard work. Oh, the ceremony also included a prayer!

The new Airmmen getting their coins.

Honoring the flag and putting it to rest for the day.

Our 17 year old tapped out his big bro. Tapping out means the guys stand at attention until you come up and shake their hand or give them a hug.

Super proud dad greeting his firstborn.

Lots of big hugs.

My oldest and youngest. David(baby) was so proud of his big brother. He wanted him to carry him and get him out of the car every time. Oh, and he thought his flashlight was pretty cool too.

Caleb with his friends who drove all the way from Albuquerque to see him graduate.

Proud parents.

Buddies reunited for a little while.

We headed to the park for lunch since Caleb was not allowed to leave the base until Friday.

It was nice to be able to sit and talk to him and watch him enjoy relaxing.

Photo time!

Tech time.

The we headed to the mini mall to look for a garment bag. We were all exhausted and ended up crashing in the furniture store for about an hour. We weren't the only ones. I caught a few guys taking a nap. Yes, he likes her, a lot!

We took over two living room set ups. So funny.

Then we headed back to the bx for dinner. See how happy this kid is eating? He was happy to be able to relax and enjoy his food.

Then we had to drop him off at the bowling alley so he could march back to his dorm. We headed back to the hotel, did a little swimming, and packed up for the next day which was also an early one...

And The Winner of Uncommon Is

2012-01-25T10:13:00.002-07:00

Kendra! I hope your son enjoys this devotional.

Driving, Driving, and More Driving To Texas For Caleb's Graduation From BMT

2012-01-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

It took us about 12 hours to get to Texas to see Caleb graduate. The second morning we were on the road as the sun came up. It's been a long time since I saw sunrise.

We made a quick stop to give everyone some breakfast from the ice chest.

Hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, and homemade cinnamon raisin bread kept them going 'till lunch.

This little dude started asking when we would be there about 2 minutes after we started driving.

After the youngest ate he announced that he was still hungry for about 30 minutes.

After eating another piece of bread he started announcing that he was full.

I stuck with my paleo diet the whole trip. Breakfast was roast beef, cooked veggies, squash, baby carrots, and green tea.

Then we made a stop at Wally to get some sunglasses for the peeps.

These glasses fit Isaac's personality perfectly!

Some people don't appreciate having a picture taken in the store. Oh, well, they got over it.

I have no idea why the 17 year old needed to bring his boxing gloves but it did keep his little brother amused for awhile.

Keep it clean boys!

After lunch everyone enjoyed a little nap.

And then we were at the hotel where my parents were waiting for us. They flew in from California so they could see their oldest grandchild graduate from Basic Training. Oh, and visit with everyone else.

My husband took the children swimming while my parents and I headed to the base to get passes for the next day. We got lost on the way there and then got lost finding a grocery store. By the time we got back to the hotel we were exhausted and I still had to lay out clothes and pack breakfast and lunch for the next morning. To be continued...

Rejoice That You Rock!

2012-01-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

I learned from week 3, of the 1 Peter Study by Sue Edwards, what part I play in God's spiritual house as a believer. I don't feel worthy of the names God has given me. I doubt my role which keeps me from living for Him. I will sing His praises and believe what He has named me; a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and part of His own special people. That is a lot to live up to! I am thankful for His grace and His mercy as I try to live for Him.

Description from Kregel Publishers:

It’s easy for Christians to be strong in their faith when they are comfortable--in their church, in a small-group, in their family. But what happens if they are faced with prison, poverty, and pain? Life is more demanding than ever before. Finances are tight, relationships are stressed, and disappointments are common. Why is it so hard to stand up for God during these troubling times? The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women--past and present--to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
Women today need Bible study to keep balanced, focused, and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. The study questions in this guide allow readers to choose the study level that fits their lifestyle. To provide even more flexibility, readers may pick a different level each week, depending on their schedule. Whatever level of study they choose, women will find fresh solutions and hope to help them overcome obstacles so they can experience victory when discouragement takes hold.

I received a free copy of this Bible study from Kregel Publishers in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

From Baby to Man

2012-01-19T11:00:00.036-07:00

Here's my baby boy when he was about a month old. He was such a sweet and easy going baby.

Most evenings after my husband got home from work he and Caleb would crash for a nap on the couch together. My husband was a hard working Marine and needed some rest to make it through the evening.

And here is the new Airman Jeffers with his very proud dad.

Our grown up boy! I will try to write about the coin ceremony and the graduation later. I just wanted to pop on the laptop and share my happiness with you. Now I gotta go enjoy the time I get with him this weekend.

A Dry-Bone Babe?

2012-01-17T17:12:00.022-07:00

Through this week's study of 1 Peter Week 2-Respond Like a Dry-Bone Babe, I have come to the realization that I need to read my Bible more. I want to be, as Paul describes in 1 Peter 2:2, like a newborn babe desiring the pure milk of the word so I may grow.

I feel stagnant in my growth as a believer. I am desiring a focused time of immersing myself in His word so I can grow and gain the strength to serve Him.

I think I am doing too much and in the process I have lost my focus. My daily focus needs to be on how I will serve God and on His word. I have my children home with me each day and I should take that opportunity to pour His Word into their lives.

This post is part of a blog tour for 1 Peter by Sue Edwards. I received a free Bible study from Kregel Publishers in order to participate and have shared my honest opinion.

Today Will Be a Busy Day

2012-01-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

because I am packing! We are going to see Caleb graduate from Air Force Basic training this week!

Here is our banner which we will hold for the Airman's run. Do you think he will see us?

He is a Mustang.

We will bring the banner back home so we can use it to welcome him home every time he visits.

This mommy is crazy excited. I hope I don't drive him crazy while we are visiting. We get to see him Thursday- Sunday and then he goes to Tech School to learn his new job. He should find out sometime this week what kind of jet engine and thus airplane he will be working on and make his selections for his first duty station.

I still can't get it through my head that my little boy is all grown up and following in the footsteps many of the men in our family have taken. My husband, brother, brother-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandfather, grandfather-in-law, and many others have all served in the armed forces. We are all very proud that Caleb chose to serve his country also. A bonus for him is that his uncles are also in the Air Force as enlisted men. Isn't that cool?

TOS Crew Review: We Choose Virtues

2012-01-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

We received a few items from We Choose Virtues to review.
Virtue Clues- These cards are business sized sturdy cards. There are 12 cards, one for each virtue, conveniently placed in a clear plastic card holder. Each virtue card is colorfully illustrated and contains a sentence explaining the virtue, the opposite of the virtue and a clue on the back to remind the child of the proper behaviour.

Kids of Virtue Coloring book- This book is made up of one coloring page for each virtue character and a few fun activities.

List of memory verses- a memory verse for each virtue and a Bible hero who illustrates each virtue.

An Assessment quiz- Rate yourself or family on each virtue.

Teacher's Guide- Explains in 4 simple steps how to teach virtues. It also teaches you how to use the tools offered by We Choose Virtues.

To use the virtue cards I printed the coloring books, quiz, and memory verses. I explained the virtues as I filled out the quiz to see where we were starting as a family. Then I chose one virtue to start with and passed out the coloring page for it. I explained the virtue and the children and I practiced how and how not to use the virtue obedient. The children then colored the coloring page. We kept the Obedient card out in a convenient spot so we could review it throughout the day. We followed the suggestions in the Teacher's Guide and focused on one virtue per week. Whenever a child was having a problem being obedient it was easy to grab the card and read off the reminder of what obedience means.

I felt the cards were a simple but effective tool. The cards are easy enough to take with you anywhere and make a great reminder of what the virtue is for the week when you see it. I think incorporating virtue training in daily family life and homeschool is important and We Choose Virtues offers some helpful tools with a positive focus to the Christian family.

I used the cards with my children ages 3-11 but the company lists them as useful for up to age 18. I don't think my teen would want to use the cards but I can include him in any discussions we have about the virtue we are working on.

Like Choosing Virtues on Facebook for tips on parenting, leadership and inspiring lasting virtue.

Purchase:
Virtue Clues $5.99
Teacher's Handbook $4.99
Kids of Virtueville Coloring Book $3.00
Family Character Assessment Free
Youth Memory Verses and Bible Heroes Free

January/February specials: The 100 Days of Virtue poster and stickers are included free with any Homeschool Kit purchase.
Promo Codes(you can only use one per purchase)
VIRTUE15 good for 15% off shopping cart total
FAMILY good for $3.00 off KIDs Virtue Poster
SHIPFREE for free worldwide shipping

As a member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free copy of this product and have shared my honest opinion. To read more reviews please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Garden

2012-01-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sadly, it appears that all of my pansies from last year have died.

I'm starting to feel the need to plan my spring gardens. It all started when I went to the home center with my husband last night and saw the berry plants, flower bulbs and onion sets. Now I need to do a little research on when to plant the berries and then I'll have to head back and buy some. We got our berry planting area ready last summer by clearing out the weeds and digging in compost. I can't wait 'till we can harvest our own berries.

My head is in the clouds of garden dreams.

We have started to move some of the extra leaves from the front of the yard to the back flower and veggie beds to use as mulch. I don't know if I'll have enough leaves to cover the whole garden. I might need to buy some straw. My goal is to have every bare spot of garden bed covered up so that the worms and bugs can work on enriching my soil.

Please, doggie, don't make me choose between you and the garden.

I have a few shasta daisies which I will move to a front shade garden where they will hopefully grow well. We have boxes of iris which were dug up from a family member's home and we need to start planting it. Actually, the children have been claiming their own flower beds and have planted some of the iris. I will spread the rest throughout the sunny flower borders.

Coming soon!

We are giving our chickens away and using the chicken yard for a dog run and I think that will motivate me to get back to my gardening. I was too frustrated with the chickens getting out all of the time and the dog chewing things up and making a mess to do any work. I am looking forward to having my yard back.

Are you getting anxious for spring to arrive? Do you have any big plans for the upcoming gardening season?

Tools For Fitness and Sore Muscles

2012-01-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dumbells to lift with and a milk crate to step up on are a few of the things I use to get stronger.

I'm chugging along like the Little Engine That Could. I've done my planned workouts and gotten my walking in. I feel stronger every week and work a little harder each time I workout. I lost almost all of my hormone weight and 2.25 inches. I lost .25 off my waist and .5 off my abs and my hips. That's what I've been waiting for! I also lost .25 off each thigh which is good considering all of the running and lower body work I'm doing.

Now meet my favorite pain reducing tool. If you have one of these babies you might never have to go to the chiropractor again. It is a foam roller and we picked it up at our local discount store for about $20.00.

My 5 year old will demonstrate how it is used. It is like a rolling pin but instead of letting it roll you as dough you roll on top of it and let your body weight work against the roller. It will adjust your spine as you roll. If you have a sore spot you just roll back and forth on that spot 5-10 times and let the roller help the muscles relax.

You can also roll your hips by lying on it face down or on your side. I like to roll the tops and sides of my thighs if they are sore. I also hope that if I roll the chunky spots on my legs the increased blood flow will help the fat move outta there. Wishful thinking? Don't know but it makes me feel better to imagine it helps.

Everyone who takes this baby for a spin loves it. If you get a chance try one out. I use mine almost every day to help release my back tension after a good workout.

Do you have any good fitness tips for me this week?

Join Fit Mommy Friday over at Tea Time with Annie Kate.

Book Review: No We Can't

2012-01-12T12:51:00.026-07:00

No We Can't, Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence by Robert Stearns

This book covers everything you need to know about the political and religious reasons why we can't just get along as Christians, Muslims and Humanists. The history, culture and beliefs surrounding each house are explained thoroughly as the basis of why coexistence will not work. The author ends the book with suggestions for the resolution to the problem.

I found "No, We Can't" to be an honest and thorough look at the belief systems behind some of the biggest problems of our times. I thought I knew enough about Radical Islam and Militant Secularism to understand what is going on in the world around me but I was wrong. I learned a lot which helped me to understand our world and my place in it. Robert Stearns left me with hope as I read the last two chapters titled God's House and Shalom. I will leave you with a quote from the book.

"If reading this book inspires you to do nothing else but pray for the peace of Jerusalem(according to our biblical mandate in Psalm 122:6), I will consider my mission accomplished. If you have gained nothing else from me, hear this: Jesus is returning to a people; He is returning to a place; He is returning to Jerusalem."

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Headaches Are An Inconvenience

2012-01-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Technically I didn't mention you know who in this post. I know where he is now!

Well, I have a headache which is not going to allow me to do much in the way of a quality post today. Do I ever write quality posts? Don't know. My new lens came in the mail yesterday and I was going to try it out and share pics but I'm afraid I'll drop the camera right now so it will have to wait. Headaches are an inconvenience. I have packing to do, reviews to write, exercise that needs to be done, and a lens to play with and I can't do any of it right now. I shall go rest in my room and hope it is gone soon. Thankfully the weather isn't too bad and the children are content to play outside for a bit. See you tomorrow when hopefully I have something more interesting to blab about.

At least I don't have to pack this much stuff onto a little car.

Child Friendly Science Reference Book

2012-01-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

World of Science is an illustrated science resource from a Christian perspective, for children, which includes a glossary and scientific units charts. This 248 page, fully indexed book contains 7 sections; Matter and Chemicals, Energy, Motion and Machines, Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Sound, Earth and Life, Space and Time, and Science Experiments. Each topic is given two pages full of illustrations and info boxes. Many of the topics include diagrammed illustrations to help the child visualize the topic.

The science project section will be popular with most children. The experiments are clearly explained and include photographs to help the child follow the steps correctly. Each experiment includes a reference to a page in one of the other sections which explains the topic further. My 11 year old daughter chose a few experiments to try the first time she looked through this section.

You could use this book as a science spine in your homeschool, just choose a topic to teach, read the relevant pages in the book and look in the experiment sections for one to go along with the topic. If your children are especially interested in the topic you can do further exploring online or at your library.

This is a child friendly science reference book. My children enjoyed looking through it and we will use it to supplement our weekly science lessons or as an introduction to a topic to study more in-depth. I like the layout of the pages and the many photos and illustrations used to make each subject clear. I think lots of pictures are important to younger children studying science. The science discovery feature used throughout the book is an easy way to add some history and spark interest in scientists and their discoveries.

I received a free copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

A Rare Moment and I Didn't Even Mention You Know Who in This Post!

2012-01-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, boy in blue has a fake smile for the camera.

These two are usually causing chaos somewhere while my back is turned or fighting. I came out of my bedroom and saw them coloring together and had to get a picture. There weren't any crayons flying through the air, being broken, or fed to the dog. It was an amazing 30 minutes!

It is fun but extremely challenging to have two boys close in age. My oldest two are only 17 months apart and I still wonder how I survived those early years. I was a lot younger then and had a lot less to do each day so that must have been part of it. They are still very close as these last two guys are.

Trials and 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times

2012-01-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is a graduated tour which means I will be going through the Bible study, 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards, and sharing about it each week.

Week 1- Revel in Your Resources
In reference to 1 Peter 1:3-5 the blessings I have found through following Christ are:
*New faith
*Living hope
*Eternal inheritance
*Shielded by God's power
*Salvation

During trials I have felt everything but my belief in God and His word fall away. It was easy to be completely immersed in His word when I needed it to live. I felt I was suffocating and His words which I kept at the front of my mind were the air I so desperately needed to breath.

Having survived previous trials I know God will be there for me in an intense and life sustaining way the next time I need Him. The challenge for me is to always live the way I did when I was facing my toughest days.

About the author:
Sue Edwards is associate professor of Christian education (her specialization is women’s studies) at Dallas Theological Seminary where she has the opportunity to equip men and women for future ministry. She brings over thirty years of experience into the classroom as a Bible teacher, curriculum writer, and overseer of several megachurch women’s ministries. As pastor to women at Irving Bible Church and director of women’s ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, she has worked with women from all walks of life, ages, and stages. Her passion is to see modern and postmodern women connect, learn from one another, and bond around God’s Word. Her Bible studies have ushered thousands of women all over the country and overseas into deeper Scripture study and community experiences.
With Kelley Matthews, Sue has coauthored Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for Effective Ministry, New Doors in Ministry to Women: A Fresh Model for Transforming Your Church, Campus, or Mission Field, and Women’s Retreats: A Creative Planning Guide. Sue and Kelley have joined Henry Rogers to coauthor Mixed Ministry: Working Together as Brothers and Sisters in an Oversexed Society.
Sue has a doctor of ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston and a master’s in Bible from Dallas Theological Seminary. With Dr. Joye Baker, she is overseeing a new Dallas Theological Seminary doctor of ministry degree in Christian education with a women-in-ministry emphasis.
Sue has been married to David for thirty-nine years. They have two married daughters, Heather and Rachel, and five grandchildren. David is a CAD applications engineer, a lay prison chaplain, and founder of their church’s prison ministry.

A Post About Nothing, Warning Caleb is Mentioned

2012-01-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Some energy is missing from my home, see why?

I get most of my ideas from photos I have taken. The problem is that I haven't taken many photos lately. I guess I better get back to it tomorrow. I have a new lens coming so I can take pics of Caleb when he graduates from Basic Training. I'll have to practice with it so that should give me some new photos to talk about. It is a 50-200 mm lens so I'll have to take some shots outside. And that is my other problem. Everything is dead and dreary outside. I guess I can take photos of frost in the morning or the snow that's been in the shade on the concrete for weeks. Boring.

I guess I could tell the story of the scar on his cheek.

If I get my act in gear I'll scan some baby photos of Caleb and post those. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. Right now he only cares about surviving boot camp. Oh, his flight took Warrior in Beast week. That means they and the flights working with them were the best. How cool is that? He said it was fun. I can't wait to hear more about it. It's hard to learn more about what he is doing when you only have 15 minutes per week to talk. One more phone call 'till we see him!

Don't cross your fingers but hopefully tomorrow I will have something more interesting to say.

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge Review and Giveaway

2012-01-09T10:08:00.001-07:00

The Uncommon Life is a devotional with one devotion for each day of the year. The entries are dated to make this book useful in a discussion group or if you know someone who is also reading this devotional. The authors intended to write it this way to give a sense of community to those reading the book.

Each devotion is not built upon previous devotions so if you miss a few days you don't have to worry about catching up. Each devotion is one page in length and contains a Bible verse and an uncommon key which is an action step you can take to apply the devotion to your life. The devotions are written on seven different cores that you will read each week. They are-Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence and Faith.

I'm a woman reading a devotional written by a football coach. What was I thinking? Actually, I looked forward to getting my hands on this baby because I knew I could probably talk my football loving hubby and teen sons into reading it with me. This book is not testosterone fueled as you might think. I found the tone friendly and genuine. I enjoyed the messages and felt they were applicable to my life. Each devotion kept my attention and gave me something to think about. I like the rotation of the seven topics. Each one will help me to see God working in a different area of my life. I don't get burnt out working on the same thing each day. Instead I feel refreshed and pulled more into each one as it comes up each week.

I recommend this devotional to older teens and adults. And ladies don't be afraid of reading Coach Dungy's thoughts. I think you'll enjoy his attitude and heart for God!

***And now the giveaway. Please leave a comment on this post by Monday, January 16th and I will choose a winner sometime after that.***

I received a free copy of this book to review in order to write this review from Tyndale Media and have shared my honest opinion.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2012-01-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

My review:
The Keeper is the first book in a new Amish series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. In this story a family, facing the possible loss of their father, and a wandering bee keeper are brought together to help each other with their struggles. It is also part romance. Julia is engaged to the young man she has wanted to marry since she was a girl when he calls the wedding off, again. The wandering bee man is blamed for the cancellation of the wedding and Julia vows to give him her two cents on the situation when she sees him again.

This was a wonderful story with many different aspects to it. You will encounter forgiveness, loss, romance, heart problems, special needs, and many other topics as you read. It sounds like a lot to take in but Suzanne does a great job of weaving all of the story lines together. Oh, there is also a little mystery thrown in which is solved by the end of the story.

If you love Amish tales you will enjoy this one. Suzanne leaves you satisfied with the outcome of the story but also wondering what happens next. The end has an amazing twist which I found to sum up the problems in a bittersweet way.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Feeling Less Than Fit but I Won't Give Up!

2012-01-06T12:17:00.001-07:00

I'm hormonal and hungry. I did take a little of my weight gain from last week off but I'm still up a pound. My body loses weight in a frustratingly slow way. I was looking over the last few months and I lost maybe two pounds each month. I go down two pounds then back up two pounds every month. At least my low weight is getting lower and my high weight is also getting lower each month. It's going to take a long time to lose these last 10 pounds! I'm trying to focus on how much stronger I am since I started and the changes I have seen instead of the slowness of getting to my goal.

Here's what I did this week for exercise:
F-8000 steps
S-7600 steps
S-I don't know how many steps
M-10,000 steps, weights
T-11,000 steps, intervals
W-11,000 steps, weights
T-10,000 steps, intervals

I'm adding some ab work and back strengthening to each weight workout. I finish the workout with walking, hula hooping, and jumping rope. My core was feeling stronger and flatter but now it just feels fat and achy. I know it will be better next week and I didn't gain when I measured so hopefully after all of the water weight is gone I will have lost a bit.

I don't know if I mentioned this before and I'm too lazy to go read my recent posts to find out, but I finally bought clothes that fit. I was wearing jeans that were at least a size too big and huge in the legs which made me feel really frumpy. The new fitted jeans make me feel so much better and I can see how much fitter I am. I also bought a tunic and leggings and love it. It's a little annoying to be wearing the same size I wore in high school and have 25 extra pounds on my body at the same time. Vanity sizing! I will take the smaller size tag though!

How did your week go in the fitness department?

I'm linking up at Tea Time with Annie Kate for Fit Mommy Friday. Come join the fun and encouragement.

I Will Have Something to Say

2012-01-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough afternoon which may help me write a post on another day. Right now, I don't want to talk about it. I did a bunch of laundry so I could see what we need to buy for our upcoming trip. It's not looking too bad so far. The girls need a few things and maybe the five year old. I can't wait to sit in the spa and swim in the hotel pool, oh, and see Caleb too. It looks like my blog will be a bit more boring than usual this month. All Caleb, all the time. And here's his flight photo. I have no idea which guy is my little boy.

Go Mustangs!

Birthday-Christmas-Birthday

2012-01-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sarah is now 8.

We had a nice low-key Christmas celebration.

Elijah entered the world of double digits.

And that sums up the last month around here. We have one more birthday in January and then three in February. After that we have a nice break until July, September, and October.

I'm easing back into blogging slowly. Hopefully the ideas will start flowing again soon and I'll have something a little more interesting to write about.

Right now it feels sorta like the last few weeks of a pregnancy while we wait to go see Caleb. The time seems to take forever but then it will all be over in a flash and we will wonder how the days flew by. I want to slow down time when we get to Texas to see Caleb. I don't want that time to fly by! After graduation he will be in Tech school for, I think, three months learning his new job. Then, who knows where he will go and when we will see him. I wish I was muy richo and he would get Italy as his first stop so I could visit him there!

TOS Crew Review: Z-Guides to the Movies

2012-01-04T12:46:00.064-07:00

Z-Guide, Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Have you ever watched a movie and thought it would be a great way to study a particular period of history but didn't want to do the work to make it into a lesson? Well, Zeezok Publishing has done the work for you with over 25 guides ready to download as an ebook or have shipped to your home in CD format.

What is a Z-Guide?

We received the guide for Boy in the Striped Pajamas to review. The z-guide includes activities for 5 days of learning based on the movie. On day 1 we read the movie synopsis, watched the movie while answering questions, and then discussed the research questions to learn more about Auschwitz. The guide contains two activities for each day of the five days laid out in the suggested use page. The activities include in-depth question, essay questions, a crossword puzzle, developing a playbill, and a worldview activity. The guide also includes family discussion questions, resources for further study, and an answer key.

Free Sample Guide

My 13-year old son and I enjoyed watching the movie and discussing it together. I felt that the assignments included in the z-guide were thought provoking and helped us to think more about the issues brought to light by the movie. The guide was well put together and makes it easy to use movies in the homeschool as a memorable supplement to your children's studies. It also taught me how to think about a movie so I can break it down for my children into different topics which we can then research further.

The only downside to the guide for our homeschool is that we don't use worksheets so most of the guide remained unused. So, if you don't like worksheets check out the free sample guide before you buy to see if you would use the guide.

Z-Guides available as instant e-books or shipped to you on CD
$12.99
Movies to go along with the guides are also available for purchase at Zeezok Publishing.

As a member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free z-guide in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. Visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog to read more reviews.

School Days, School Days

2012-01-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

We miss this?

School is back in session. We have two good weeks ahead of us before we take another break to watch Caleb graduate from Air Force Basic Training. We are counting down the days!

So far, Hannah, Elijah, and Sarah have earned extra school practice this evening with their dad. It's kinda like detention for having a bad attitude or yelling at me or refusing to do their work. Tonight they will practice working without the attitude and hopefully they will be able to get it right the first time tomorrow.

Now don't you feel more like an average mother who has bad days? We are not perfect here and everything is not rosy all of the time or even most of the time. I think mom(me, blush) yelled today also. I guess I should have to spend some extra time practicing being a calm, patient mommy.

It is nice to get back to my regular routine. The children have less time to get in trouble when they are busy with schoolwork in the morning. By the time school is out they are ready to play outside, with toys together, or work on a project quietly. I do hear two rambunctious little boys out in the living room so I better go see what they are up to before it turns into something destructive.

Book Review: 4 Days to a Forever Marriage by Gary and Norma Smalley

2012-01-01T12:00:00.037-07:00

Free Preview

4 Days to a Forever Marriage takes four major topics crucial to a great marriage and teaches one each day. The topics are Loving Words and Actions, Communication and Resolving Anger, Affection and Intimacy, and Trials and Treasures. Each chapter ends with questions to be answered by the husband and wife along with action steps to take to help you apply what you have learned. Each page includes twitter like messages and Bible verses. At the end of the book there are separate sections to help you through each phase of marriage such as empty nest, married with young children, and blended families. This book is relevant for those who are newly married or have been married for years.

I enjoyed reading 4 Days to a Forever Marriage. It was full of personal stories of the authors' own struggles and how they solved their issues. The little "tweets" on each page were great summaries of each topic and the Bible verses would be a helpful tool to memorize. I thought the list of action items at the end of each chapter were helpful and should go back and make a list of the ones I want to try. I read all of the sections at the end of the book even though some of them don't apply to me right now and found some helpful thoughts that are relevant to my situation.

I felt this book was a great refresher course on marriage and it helped me find some areas that need a little work. I would recommend this book as a gift or to use yourself to improve your marriage.

I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

After 4 Weeks of Work Photos

2011-12-31T10:29:00.001-07:00

Before

After-I lost 2" off my belly!

1 month results:
-1.25 off bust
-1 off waist
-2 off belly
-.75 off hips
I feel stronger. I can walk faster, do a full squat, lift heavier weights, push a shopping cart without hurting my back, jog for at least 30 minutes, I feel more confident about how I look and I bought smaller clothes. Not bad for one month of work. I'm going to start lifting heavier weights because I love how strong and confident I feel when I lift. I'm also going to start training to do my first pull up again.

Last week I started doing a little hula hooping and jumping rope to help tighten up my core. I hope it works! I'm also trying to keep my abs tight and held in to help my muscles strengthen.

Exercise:
F-weights, intervals, 10,000 steps
S-break
S-break
M-weights, hula hoop, jump rope, 13,000 steps
T-weights, intervals, hula hoop, jump rope, 11,000 steps
W-weights, hula hoop, jump rope, 12,000 steps
T-intervals, hula hoop, jump rope, 11,000 steps

Shrinking:
I gained weight which is normal for me at this time of the month. I lost a little in my bust and ribs but everything else stayed the same which is good considering that I am holding water.

How did you do this week? Next week I will be joining Fit Mommy Friday again.

Please visit the other members of the Fitness Team to see how they did this month.

Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home, (McDonald's "Be Our Guest" Food- Giveaway)
Shannon - Mom Loves Books,
Gina - A Cherished Keeper,
Heather - Marine Corps Nomads, (With a Pure Integrity Candle Set Giveaway)
Susan - Homeschooling Hearts and Minds,
Dawn - Guiding Light Homeschool,
Renita - Weighing Hearts,
Kathy - Teaching Good Things,
Angie - Petra School

How to Shrink Your Tummy and Fitness Team Check In

2011-12-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Time for my check in. I lost 2.2 pounds this week and 2 inches which included 1/2 inch off my waist and 1/4 inch off my hips.

I'm one tenth of a pound away from my first weight goal. I'm going to try on pants in a smaller size while I'm out shopping today as a reward and maybe buy a pair. My mom sent me her jeans after she shrank out of them so I've been wearing my mom's mom jeans and I'm ready for something more my style.

I've been using the Tuppler Technique to shrink my tummy so I thought I'd share a little more about what it is and how to do it. Most women, after having a baby will have a diastasis, which is a separation of the ab muscles. When the muscles separate you end up with a more rounded and sometimes pregnant looking tummy. You can use Julie's exercises to bring the muscles back together and shrink your tummy. The exercises will also strengthen your back and help with back pain. It is important not to do any crunches and to hold your abs in tight when you use them so you don't make the separation worse.

I've been doing my exercises in front of the bathroom mirror with my hands on my tummy. I think it is making more of a mind body connection when I watch my abs work as I do the exercises. I've found it to be easier to isolate the proper muscles while I'm standing and rarely do the exercises while sitting. My tummy has flattened out much faster than the last time I tried the exercises. I don't wear a splint either. Here is an article(scroll down to getting your belly back to flat) which explains how to do the exercises.

And here is my exercise report:
F-7000 steps, weights
S-10,000 steps
S-5400 steps(rest day)
M-9000 steps, intervals
T-10,000 steps, weights
W-9000 steps(mini rest)
T-8500 steps(mini rest)

I need a new pedometer as it's skipping almost half of my steps. If I run it's accurate but not when I walk. I guess I'm not a bouncy enough walker? I don't know. I've been wearing it on my belt and I've tried several different spots but can't get it to work right.

Here's a mini before and after. The second pic was taken last week after two week's worth of work. It's at a slightly different angle but I think my tummy looks smaller. My posture was better!

December 4, 2011

December 18, 2011

And now go visit my teammates! Oh, and Merry Christmas!

Mrs. White
Angie
Dawn
Shannon
Gina
Heather
Susan
Renita
Kathy

Pictures of Caleb From BMT

2011-12-21T11:46:00.001-07:00

I volunteered to go with him to document his journey.

Caleb is in the third row all the way on the right.

But, no, that didn't happen and I didn't take these photos.

Caleb!

We were so happy to see him even if he was getting ready for dental x-rays. I can't wait to see him in 4 more weeks! It seems so close but so far away. I miss him!

A Letter to Caleb From His Car

2011-12-20T12:59:00.010-07:00

Here is the letter Caleb's car wrote this week.

Caleb,
I miss you! When are you coming back to get me? The people you left me with have only taken me for a spin once. When they took me out I heard them complaining that I was noisy.

That black dog peed on my tires and I haven't had a bath since you left. Spiders have moved into my engine compartment and my transmission is getting stiff.

I hope you take me to live some place warm like Arizona. I loved it there.

You better not buy a truck and give me back to these people! I don't want that tall blonde kid to drive me! Save me soon, your car

p.s. Why don't I have a name?

Book Review: The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack

2011-12-20T12:48:00.024-07:00

The Fourth Fisherman is two stories interwoven. The first story is of 3 fishermen who become stranded at sea for almost a year and how they survived. The second story is about the author, Joe Kissack, and how he goes from a worldly success to finally accepting Jesus as his Lord. By the end of the book the two stories come together when Joe learns about the fishermen, meets them and then begins to promote their story of faith.

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack from Joe Kissack on Vimeo.

The story of the three fishermen and how they survived was intriguing. It amazes me that anyone can survive for so long at sea. I can only imagine how I would handle the situation and how grateful I would be to have my Bible with me as one of the fishermen did.

Joe's story of how successful but lost he was reminded me of how little it means to have everything if you don't have Faith in God. As he gave up his worldly possessions, he gained his life back. His story showed me how careful I need to be about worldly possessions and to make sure I'm putting my faith where it belongs, in God.

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging For Books and have shared my honest opinion.

Sarah's B-day

2011-12-19T12:58:00.011-07:00

Our baby girl had her 8th birthday last week. She was born at home in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

She was a week late and I'm glad she didn't decide to wait 'till Christmas!

Her dad delivered her and she is a daddy's girl! She inherited my bookwormish tendencies which makes me happy.

We baked her cake together. She ordered carrot cake.

She feels lonely being the only blond and left handed child. Her big brother is also blond but she doesn't believe it 'cause his hair is too short.

I still need to buy a proper cake pan.

She got a book light which made her very happy. I'm knitting her a purple scarf. I hope it is finished soon. She has been waiting patiently but I don't know how long that will last.

But our large skillet works well for now.

The animals I used to decorate her cake were a big hit. She loves them and plays with them every day. The elephant was named Bob, the giraffe is Elizabeth(Sarah's middle name) and I forgot what she calls the lion. She has an active imagination and has played out many stories with her new friends.

There Is Life Out There

2011-12-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

I took a walk outside in my gardens to see what I could find to take photos of. I found a rose which never had the chance to flower before the cold weather hit. The red leaves are beautiful in the sun.

Nothing kills Vinca Major. And that is also a warning before you plant it in your yard.

The chickens are hatching new plans of escape.

I know what I'm going to do with this fresh sage next week, stuff it in a turkey and bake it.

There's even some broccoli that someone could and should harvest.

A chubby baby hand pointing to a cabbage. Well, he's not really a baby anymore. He's 3.

And here's that cabbage that never grew large enough to harvest. If the chickens don't find it I'll see how long it survives out there in the cold weather.

Parsley. Hmm, I know where this is going to go next week! *see note above about sage.

A little spinach plant.

Shasta daisies. I can't wait to see these flowers in the spring. I haven't had shastas in my garden since two houses ago. I miss them.

If you go look outside will you see anything struggling to stay alive? Seeing these plants still alive out in my garden gives me hope that I will also make it 'till spring.

How Can I Lose 3" and Gain .2 Pounds?

2011-12-16T09:30:00.006-07:00

I don't know but that's what my body does and did this week. I lost .5 off my bust, .25 off my pecs(my son laughs that I think I have pecs), .25 from my waist, 1" an inch above my belly button(did you know that this measurement should be 35" or less to indicate health in women), .5 off my abs and .25 off each arm.

My legs have more definition and so do my arms. I was able to do two biceps curls with a 20 pound weight this week. I'm feeling so much stronger and my back and side pain seems to be going down as I get stronger. I'm going to try girl push-ups this week. I've been doing them standing against the wall but I think I'm strong enough to get on the floor again. After I get to full push-ups I'll get back to working on my goal of one pull-up.

I've been doing my tummy exercises in front of the mirror. I'm still only doing 5-6 per day but I think seeing my muscles working is helping. I also keep my hands on my bare tummy and concentrate on my lower abs where I need the most work.

Exercise for the week:
Fri- 7100 steps
Sat- 10,200 steps
Sun- 7700 steps
Mon- 8900 steps, weights
Tues-7000 steps, intervals
Wed- 7400 steps,
Thurs- 10,300 steps, intervals

For intervals I was walking for 2 minutes and running(jogging) for 1 minute. Yesterday I wanted to see how long I could jog without stopping so I ended up jogging with running intervals thrown in for 30 minutes. I was surprised I made it. I haven't run that much at one time since high school!

I also did my stretches each day and have been concentrating on sitting and standing up straight. I think as my back and side get stronger I will start straightening out.

How did you do this week?

Visit the other ladies on the Fitness Team for inspiration to stick to your healthy habits over the holidays.

Mrs. White - The Legacy of Home - http://thelegacyofhome.blogspot.com/2011/12/fitness-team-and-60-day-slim-down-dvd.html (60 Day Slim Down system - Giveaway)

Kathy @ Teaching Good Things - http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/fitness-team-week-2-juice-video/

Angie at Petra School - http://pebblekeeper.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/intentional-fitness-wk-2/

Shannon - Mom Loves Books,

Gina - A Cherished Keeper,

Heather - Marine Corps Nomads,

Susan - Homeschooling Hearts and Minds,

Dawn - Guiding Light Homeschool,

Renita - Weighing Hearts,

Reading

2011-12-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

I need to work on my Titles. They're boring. Sorry about that.

Anyway,
We are still reading Ten P's in a Pod. I like it. We laugh at something in the book at least once per reading. It's interesting to read about a family who lives so differently than we do even though we are both Christian families who homeschool. Oh, and they were living in the 40's and 50's. Very interesting.

Now for my book stack. It's shrinking. I am trying really hard not to add any books knowing that I will have to report about it each week.

Here's how it looked last week and my changes for this week:

~~1. The True and Only Heaven by Christopher Lasch~~ I decided to quit reading this book.
2. The Story of a Soul by Saint Therese de Lisieux
3. Training Children in Godliness by Jacob Abbott
4. The Ancient Historians by Michael Grant
5. The Federalist by Hamilton, Jay and Madison
6. Style by Joseph M. Williams
~~7. The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris~~ I finished this one yesterday.
And of course I added another;
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

So that makes for a grand total of 6 books in my stack. I will admit that I received a review book in the mail on Tuesday but didn't add it yet so I won't have to report it. It will be on next week's list. Hopefully, I can finish Outliers and The Story of a Soul by then. The Federalist has been in my stack for over a year but I am determined to finish it. I haven't opened The Ancient Historians in months but I'm not going to put it back on the shelf until I read it. Discipline is difficult to cultivate and the need to never ends.

What are you reading aloud and to yourself this week? That sounds strange, doesn't it? But really, we are reading to ourselves.

Go check out Footprints in the Butter and join in the read aloud challenge.

TOS Crew Review: World's Greatest Stories

2011-12-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

We reviewed The World's Greatest Stories, The Prophets KJV, which is an audio CD by George Sarris.

The stories included on this CD are:
*The Blazing Furnace
*The Handwriting on the Wall
*Daniel in the Lion's Den
*Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
*The Prophecy of Jonah

Each story is told by George Sarris with the actual words from the Bible. As Mr. Sarris tells the story he changes his voice to emphasize each different person who speaks and the emotions they display. Music and sound effects are used to help you imagine what is happening as the story unfolds.

The first time I heard George Sarris tell a story I was amazed at how he made it come alive with sound effects and the actual words from the Bible. He captures your attention and takes you right into the story. Even my youngest children were enthralled and listened attentively.

Listen to audio clips here

The cd's are awesome tools for scripture memorization, Bible introduction and appreciation. I highly recommend these for children of all ages. I enjoy listening along with my children and think other adults would also enjoy these dramatized Bible stories. The Bible comes to life when George Sarris reads it!

23 stories are available on six cd's in either KJV or NIV. Each volume is about 1 hour long.

Volume 1-The Prophets
Volume 2-The Life of Christ
Volume 3-Beginnings
Volume 4-Joshua and Esther
Volume 5-Joseph and His Brothers
Volume 6-Defeating Giants

$7.95 each, free shipping when you purchase the entire set.

As a member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free cd in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. Please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog if you would like to read more reviews.

What Would You Give?

2011-12-13T14:38:00.054-07:00

Here's the Christmas gift catalog from Compassion.

The most surprising item I just found was a playground for $25.00. Our money goes much further in foreign countries.

I would pack my chickens up and ship them to someone in need if I could, since they won't behave and stay out of my garden. For $16.00 I can provide someone with chicks and the help to get them off to a good start. Can you imagine the difference a chicken can make to the family in poverty? My compassion child excitedly wrote to me about the hen he was able to buy with the family gift we sent. I imagine him taking great care of her and being proud to add fresh eggs to the family's food supply.

My favorite gift is a Bible for $5.00. I would like to give eight Bibles, one in honor of each of my children. Our children receive their own Bible when they learn to read and it is one of their most cherished possessions. I have often wondered if my compassion child has his own Bible. I hope so.

As a gardener, another of my favorite gifts are seeds for $10.00. Not only does this cover seeds but fertilizer, training, and any tools they need. I know this can make a huge difference in a family's budget. My compassion child's parents are farmers and I'm sure he often helps out to provide for the rest of his family.

Which gift would you choose to give? I wish I could give one of each!

I think the best gift of all would be to sponsor a child. It does make a difference in how they will grow up and will help them escape poverty to raise their own family in a better environment. They will also learn about God and His word which is even more important.

Would You Like to Send a Christmas Card to A Future Airman?

2011-12-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

I had this crazy idea which is now working itself out. I want to make sure every young man in my son's flight and his brother flight gets a Christmas card since they will be in training until January 20th. I'm still working out a few details but if you would like to send a card, please leave a comment below stating how many and I'll email you the address. I think it would be awesome for these guys to feel the love we, the civilian population, have for our military. Thanks!

Chilly Weather Reading

2011-12-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's chilly and wet today in Albuquerque. I fill like relaxing and reading something to inspire the rest of my week. The Christian Home Magazine is fun to read on a day like this. It is full of encouragement, humor, home business ideas, and even parenting tips. To check out the last 3 editions please click on one of the links below. Happy reading!

Issue 38
Issue39
Issue 40

Garden

2011-12-10T10:59:00.025-07:00

This is as close as I've gotten to the garden this week.

It was cold this week and I didn't do anything out in the garden.

I need to remove the herbs that I brought in for the winter to the compost pile. They are covered in aphids. The plants I bought from the store had some kind of web spinning bug on them and have shriveled up and died. So now I won't have any herbs in the house. If I find some at the store I might buy more. Or maybe I'll replace the herbs with houseplants. All of the herbs were in my schoolroom on the windowsills.

It was cold out there.

This week I would like to get back to work on spreading compost and cleaning up trash. I need to empty one compost bin so we can start cleaning up the leaves. It is supposed to rain/snow two days but the rest of the week looks nice with temps in the 30's. When the sun is out that is bare arm weather here in Abq.

We still have our chickens even though I threaten to get rid of them every time they get out. Our dog thinks it's a fun game to help them escape so she can chase them back in. I guess I'm stuck with them until spring. I don't think anyone would want hens that have stopped laying for the winter even if they are free.

At least these have disappeared for the winter.

I received a new seed catalog in the mail this week but I barely flipped through it before placing it on the shelf. I won't even look at my planting list and seeds until after Jan. 1st. I'm not making any garden plans yet. I should review some of my gardening books. Maybe after the holidays.

Is anything going on in your gardening world?

Fitness Team Check-In and Before Pictures, Oh My!

2011-12-09T10:40:00.004-07:00

Mrs. White started a Fitness Team for the month of December and I get to be a member! Our goal is to keep track of our exercise each week and report it on Friday. We will also share how we eat, workout, and whatever else we think will be helpful to you. We want to inspire you to keep working on your fitness throughout the holidays so you won't have an unhappy surprise January 1st!

My goals from now through the middle of January are to lose some weight and tone up so I can look better in my bathing suit which I will be wearing on vacation. I will be doing my Tupler Technique to shrink my mummy tummy, lifting weights and running intervals to tone up and working on my posture with T-Tapp and stretches. To keep dropping pounds I will continue eating a low carb paleo diet, watching my stress levels and get to sleep at a decent time.

And now my before pics. I'm wearing my suit with a t-shirt over the top 'cause it was scarier than I thought it would be to let you see my trouble spots. Excuse my hair, I had just taken a shower. And remember I've had 8 babies, although, the youngest is 3 so I don't know if that's much of an excuse any more.

Here is a closer shot to show you my funky posture. When I'm not trying to stand up straight I lean over to my right side. I think this is because of the almost constant pain I was in for over 3 years with my gallbladder. Now that it's out I'm working on strengthening my right abs and back so I can even out my posture. If you look at my shoulders and hands you can see how I'm leaning over. I thought I was standing up straight!

Here is what I did this week for exercise and my results:
Fri- 7200 steps
Sat- 7400 steps, weight training
Sun- 7700 steps
Mon- 7800 steps, weights
Tues- 8100 steps, intervals
Wed- 7200 steps, weights
Thurs- 7500 steps

I lost 9 tenths of a pound and .25" from my waist, 1" from my belly, .5" from my hips. I gained .25 in my upper thighs, lower thighs, and calves which I think was from increased walking, squats and lunges.

And now here is the rest of the Fitness Team. Click on each link to see how they did this week. There is a giveaway or two included in this week's fitness check in so look for them as you visit my teammates.

Heather at Marine Corps Nomads
Dawn at Guiding Lights Homeschool
Angie at Petra School
Mrs. White
Kathy at Teaching Good Things
Shannon at Mom Loves Books
Gina at A Cherished Keeper
Renita at Weighing Hearts
Susan at Homeschooling Hearts and Minds

First Wild Card Tours: The Story Template by Amy Deardon

2011-12-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Amy Deardon

and the book:

The Story Template: Conquer Writer's Block Using the Universal Structure of Story

Taegais Publishing, LLC (July 25, 2011)

***Special thanks to Amy Deardon for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Deardon is married with two children, and spends much time taking care of her family. In her life BC (before children) she was a scientist who did bench research. She is also a Christian who came to faith under protest through studying the historic circumstances surrounding the death of Jesus.

Amy has written one novel, A LEVER LONG ENOUGH, about a small military team that travels back in time to film the theft of Jesus' body from the tomb. This book won two awards.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

THE STORY TEMPLATE is a programmed learner that allows the writer to develop her story from chaos. The book uses a series of exercises for the writer to construct her story’s four foundational pillars; learn how to use the “secret weapon” of story structure: the story template; build character depth and believable change; and construct subplots. THE STORY TEMPLATE then reviews writing techniques, and finishes with discussions of editing, writing the synopsis and query letter, submitting one’s work to agents, and types of publishing that the writer may wish to pursue.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.95
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Taegais Publishing, LLC (July 25, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981899730
ISBN-13: 978-0981899732

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Writing a novel or screenplay sounds like a great idea until you sit down to start. Where do you start? Many different methods exist to write the story, ranging from extensive preplanning to venturing onto the first page without an idea. This book describes an approach to developing story--laid out as a sequential series of exercises to facilitate implementation--that you can use whether you prefer a structured or loose approach to writing. You can use it at the start to develop an idea fragment, or later to rescue a partial or completed manuscript that doesn't seem to be working. The method works whether you want to write plot-driven (genre) or character-driven (literary) stories. It enables you to efficiently use your time and creativity by breaking down the process of story building into a logical plan. You will not waste time sitting at your keyboard, wondering what you should write and how you can organize your ideas into a complete manuscript.

The idea for this book originated from my own learning process in producing a novel. Having written scientific articles, newspaper columns, and other nonfiction, when I decided to write a novel I was surprised by how difficult it was to get the words down. I tried outlining, and I tried just going ahead. I had wonderful ideas, but although the scenes I wrote were exciting the story itself often seemed somehow “wrong.” I threw out more pages than I care to remember. Through sheer grit I finished the novel, but when I thought about writing another my heart sank. I decided to first solve the problem of understanding how story worked.

I chose twenty entertaining, modern novels in different genres, and fifteen more-or-less recent films (and I've since confirmed my preliminary observations with tens of more stories). One at a time, I took them apart: I made a list of each scene, then did a word count or timed the scene, calculated percentages and other statistics, and graphed each story onto a five page chart. I studied each story's progression, then compared the progressions of different stories to determine common pathways. I also read all that I could on constructing stories. The writing how-to literature was heavy on techniques (plotting, point of view, characterization, dialogue)--all of which are important--but there wasn't much on blending it all together. Screenwriting how-to books were stronger on structure, but still didn't give me all I needed.

I studied story after story, puzzling out how they were built. First, I identified elements called story posts, and found that these posts fell reliably within the timing of the whole. Then I found consistent trends of progression in the plot, as well as consistent trends of development and interactions in the characters. My biggest surprise, in fact, was finding just how unvarying were the underlying levels of the story. I also identified a unit of story construction I call a “bubble” that bridges the gap between the high concept ideas for the story and individual scenes.

Once I had my background knowledge, I coached students to develop their stories, and thereby constructed an algorithm for the practical application of this theory.

So, what is this “story template” that is the title of this book? Is this a formula or blueprint you can mindlessly follow, like a paint-by-numbers canvas?

In a word, no. I like to call what I found a template since it describes the shape or progression, on a deep level, of virtually all stories. Recognizing this pattern in a story is something I liken to sketching a face. An artist will tell you that a person's eyes are about halfway down the head, and are separated by another eye width. The bottom of the nose is halfway between the eyes and the chin, the mouth is proportionally between the nose and the chin and extends to imaginary vertical lines drawn below the eyes' pupils, the tips of the ears hit about eyelid level, earlobe tips at bottom-nose level, and on and on. Faces are infinitely varied, yet if the artist ignores these rough proportions, no matter how carefully sketched the face will always look “wrong.” Similarly, you will use the template to ensure that your story elements are proportionally correct and all present. The template gives you a guide, but never dictates, what you can write.

Getting the story shape right is the first, and (in my opinion) the hardest step to writing a gripping novel or screenplay. Without good structure, the story tends to meander without a point: although it may have high action, it is characterized by low tension.

You may want to first read this entire book to get an overview of story before starting with the exercises. Keep in mind that shaping a story is intensive work, and it will take you weeks or even months to get your story organized. This is normal. Don't get discouraged, and don't skimp on the exercises. Take your time to thoroughly work through each step. At the end, your story will be much stronger, and the actual writing will go like a dream.

This book is not sufficient for producing a finished story ready for publication or production. You will need to master further writing techniques such as characterization, description, dialogue, transitions, editing, etc. I will touch upon a few of these to give you some direction, but the only way to get really good is to practice. Fortunately, many excellent books are available for help. See Appendix One to start.
Outline of The Plan

I like to use the metaphor of constructing a house to envision building a story. To assemble a house, you move from larger to smaller elements to sequentially put something together. Only after you have worked through many tasks is it finally time to do the fine details of painting the windowsills and installing the wallpaper. Similarly, while you have ideas about character arcs and plot twists, and maybe you've even written some scenes, you will be well served to develop a direction before writing through your manuscript. If you write your first draft as the ideas occur to you, then this will comprise your story planning. You'll find that you probably don't have enough material to form an entire novel or screenplay, and even if you do it may not hang together. Believe me, this is a laborious and frustrating way to go.

The Story Template gives a series of actions for you to do that will allow you to develop your story ideas with a minimum of angst and wasted energy. Some exercises will be quick, others will require a great deal of thought, and perhaps even a marination of thought, before finishing. Don't be in a rush--some of your best ideas will come as you play with character or event possibilities. As you continue to develop your story you will probably revisit different components of these exercises, going back and changing previous work, as you move through this programmed story outliner. That's okay. Just go with the flow, and have fun.

When you've finished with these exercises, you will be ready to start writing your manuscript, with ease and flow and speed, because you will have already done the hard organizational work. Even if you want to change the story as you're writing, you'll be able to do so with an understanding of how to balance the changes. You will have a detailed roadmap that will allow you to bring your vision--your book or screenplay--to completion.
Writing Tools

You are a writer. Before you start, you need to assemble the following items:

1. A tool with which to do your major writing, either a computer, an old-fashioned typewriter, or paper and pencil. If you do handwrite your notes, you may want to treat yourself to a special pen that you love, and is only to be used for your magnus opus.

2. A system to organize your template exercises. I prefer hard copy: printing out computer files, or writing on loose leaf paper, then placing the sheets in a three-ringed binder. This notebook may inspire you and give you a sense of accomplishment as you look through to see how much you've done. Not as recommended is keeping files only on computer because they're harder to flip through, mark up, and juxtapose ideas; or a spiral or bound notebook because you can't replace pages or change their order. But do what works for you.

3. A small notebook to carry with you at all times. Use this to jot down any thoughts that come to you.

4. Index cards. Get two packs, and we'll go over how to use them to story board. Also get a roll of masking tape and a permanent marker (thin tip) for bold marks. Finally, you may want to purchase an index card binder to permanently keep your cards in order.

Getting the Words Down

Here are some tips to help you get the words down:

1. Decide on a daily quota of words that is manageable. A good starting goal might be 300, but remember to keep pushing this number up as you become accustomed to the writing process. Create a log to record your daily output. Post this on your refrigerator or otherwise keep it prominent in your daily life.

2. Set aside at least fifteen minutes at a time in which you can remain undisturbed. Aim for an hour or more if you can.

3. Don't start your writing session by checking your e-mail or doing anything else except for writing.

4. Turn off anything that might distract you--music, radio, or television. Some people can write through these things, but try without for a few days to see if you do better.

5. If you're stuck, do free-writing where you talk to yourself on paper. Something like, “I'm trying to figure out what Jason's problems with Mike might be in this scene. I was thinking about…”

Let's get started.

My thoughts:

The Story Template is a wonderful tool to help you get your ideas down on paper so you can start writing that book you've always dreamed of. I am going to use it step by step to help me organize my thoughts and begin writing a book. I will also encourage my 13 year old son to look it over as he also enjoys writing. This is a thorough resource to help you see how stories are put together and how to plan your own. I received a free copy of The Story Template in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Read Aloud and Dehoard

2011-12-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

We are reading 10 P's in a Pod by Arnold Pent this week. It's about a family of 10 and their travels around the country in the 50's(I think) in a small(by today's standards especially) vehicle. Why do they travel? Is it some sort of crazy experiment? No, they travel around to sing and share the Bible at churches around the U.S. They traveled over 1 million miles together.

I will try to remember them the next time we go on a road trip together and the children get cranky with each other. At least we don't have to drive for a million miles together although sometimes 1000 miles feels like a million even though we have a laptop and movies while we are on the road.

I expect it to take a few weeks to finish. So far, so good, and we laughed while reading the first page of the book. I think we will be grateful for our own experience of 10 J's in an Excursion after this.

Here is how I did on my personal challenge to get my reading list down to 5 books. I finished a few.

~~1. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell~~
2. The True and Only Heaven by Christopher Lasch
3. The Story of a Soul by Saint Therese de Lisieux
~~4. The Story Template by Amy Deardan~~
~~5. The Writing Road to Reading by R.B. Spalding~~
~~6. The Love Dare by Kendrick~~
7. Training Children in Godliness by Jacob Abbott
8. The Ancient Historians by Michael Grant
9. The Federalist by Hamilton, Jay and Madison
10. Style by Joseph M. Williams

But I added a book to the list. Whoops. In my defense this is a library book which I cannot renew so I have to read it within three weeks.

1. The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris

I am proud of myself because I got my list down to only 7 books! Many of these books are going to take a while to read so I don't expect my list to shrink much next week.

Visit Debra at Footprints in the Butter to join the read aloud challenge.

For Sale at My Local Walmart

2011-12-07T10:58:00.004-07:00

My Homeschool Dropouts

2011-12-06T10:58:00.030-07:00

I should really say that they got kicked out. My oldest was kicked out in his Junior year of high school and finished his studies at NMMI(New Mexico Military Institute) and our local charter school. Now he is in Air Force Basic Training.

The guy above was kicked out halfway through his Sophomore year. Now he is in his Senior year of high school at the local charter school. He also spent a semester at NMMI. He still hasn't decided what to do after he graduates. The plan does involve joining a branch of the military but he wants to start out as an officer instead of going enlisted and working up to it. He may go Army officer through NMMI but his dream is to be a Marine.

Do you want to know why they got kicked out? Rebellion and my frustration. We just weren't all making it work so we made the decision to outsource the rest of their schooling. If I had a do over I would try having them attend Jr. college before giving up. They are good guys but they hated taking direction from me for school. I'm working on avoiding that problem with my 13 year old son because I want him to graduate from our homeschool. I also have plans made for his next four years instead of winging it each year which is how we were handling high school before.

My advice for high school is to plan ahead but remain flexible as problems for you and your students come up. If you have young men I would also suggest having dad be a little more involved with their accountability. Make consequences for work that is turned in late or not finished, give them a better taste of deadlines and real life, and don't be afraid to let them earn a bad grade. Let them be accountable for their future.

AB Jeffers Visits Santa While in BMT

2011-12-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

We think this Santa is Mrs. Claus in disguise.

My son called home last night! That made my month. He sounded happy. I expected him to sound pretty good because it takes a lot to deflate his positive attitude but he sounded even better than I had hoped. He is doing really well on his P.T. and trying to break his fastest run each time. He can run the 1.5 miles in 10:30 right now and is shooting for 9 minutes.

He is on laundry crew with three other guys. He said they have to wash clothes every morning and try to wash at night also. He's washing for 57 guys. The good thing about his job is that while the clothes are washing he gets some downtime to read or write letters while he's sitting in the laundry room. I hope he will be able to study now that classes have started.

He's going to church and they gave him a Bible which he is reading. My husband told him to go to church whether he wanted to or not because at least he'd get a break from the TI's and be able to relax.

We are counting down the days until we can go see him graduate in January.

My brother has been in the Air Force for a long time and he was surprised to see that his nephew got to visit Santa in Basic Training. I'm just thankful that they make photos of the guys and girls available and that they get to call home once a week when they've been good.

Gardening in Winter

2011-12-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Can you see the snowflakes?

I was going to post photos of the garden under snow cover but the snow keeps melting. At least everything is getting watered out there.

Earlier this week I spent a little time cleaning up and adding compost to the tomato bed. We also filled a large trash bag with trash the dog got into and spread around. A crazy wind storm started blowing before I got the job finished but we made a little progress. Next week I'll continue trash clean up and compost spreading. We also need to start raking up the leaves and building a compost pile with them. I would like to use them as mulch but it is too windy here in the winter and they would just end up all over the yard again.

The grass is still a little green.

In the winter I am more focused on learning about gardening. I pull out my gardening books and spend more time online doing research on how to work with my soil and location. I listed a few online resources that I like below.

Tending My Garden- I found this blog last summer. Theresa has been gardening organically for years and her advice is simple and easy to follow. Her vegetable and flower gardens are beautiful but she says she doesn't spend hours on them every day. She shares how she takes care of them so you can try the same method in your garden.

Path to Freedom- Have you ever checked out this website and blog? I found it a few years ago and like to visit when I need some inspiration. It does make me realize that if I can figure out the best way to garden in my location I can feed my family from our 1/2 acre. Warning: reading this blog makes me miss southern California in the winter!

My local garden calendar- I like to check this once a month to see what I can do in my location. Do a google search and see if you can find something similar for your city or state.

The wind took out my garden fence.

What are your favorite gardening websites to visit? How are you holding up with the cooler weather and less garden work?

Winner of the Christmas Novels and a Freebie for You!

2011-12-03T09:48:00.006-07:00

The winner of the two Christmas novels is ape2016. Congratulations. Thanks everyone for entering.

And now for your freebie. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has the 2011 Christmas Digital Issue ready for you. Enjoy!

TOS Crew Review: Pitsco Medieval Machines

2011-12-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

We received the Medieval Machines Pack to review from Pitsco Education which contains a trebuchet, catapult, mass plates and Siege Machines book. Each machine is constructed out of balsa wood, glue(not included in kit) and a few other things which come with the kit. This kit is meant for intermediate/middle school and up.

I put my husband in charge of this project and he worked with the children to help them build the machines. He reported the instructions as easy to follow. The younger children were able to help with the simpler steps while my husband and 13 year old handled the more difficult directions. The only problem we had was to try trebuchet out before the glue had dried enough. After reglueing the piece and waiting until it was dry it worked again.

After letting the machines dry for 24 hours the flinging began. Even my youngest(3) could use the catapult. The children had lots of fun finding different things to launch. They built a wall from blocks to see which machine would win a shooting match. The catapult was easier to aim and set at the right distance whereas the trebuchet took a lot of trial and error before it could fling the ammo at the wall.

The Siege Machines book included the history of each machine which was interesting to read. The book also contains experiments specific to the catapult and the trebuchet. The science involved in how each machine works is explained to the reader. The book contains the standards for each subject included in the book along with the grades each is relevant to. It also contains a list of additional resources for further study.

My children of all ages loved using the siege machines. I am keeping the machines in a safe place so we can use them again for further experiments, to reenact history, or just to play war. This would make a fun family gift whether the family homeschools or not.

And now here are a few photos from our trebuchet vs. catapult trial.

See the clay ball headed for the wall?

That was a little short.

Maybe this time.

And we have a hit!

Medieval Machines Pack $21.95 available from Pitsco.
Teacher's guides are also available for each machine.
Homeschool products from Pitsco available on this page.

I received a free Medieval Machines kit from Pitsco in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. If you would like to read more reviews please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Fit Mommy Food

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

I took photos of my meals yesterday so you can see how I'm eating to get fit. I'm eating lazy paleo. I don't worry about using only fresh veggies and I'm probably eating lower fat than most paleo peeps to give my gallbladder/liver system more time to clean up and heal from my gallbladder surgery and the problems I had for 3+ years before it was removed. I eat the raw veggies and nut mix to help with liver cleansing and emphasize fermented foods to restore proper gut flora. Nice, huh? I am getting better and my gut feels like it's healing so I am not even tempted to cheat on my restricted diet!

Breakfast: Turkey burger, cooked mixed veggies, fermented beets and raw sugar snap peas.

I also eat this mixture at each meal for fat and fiber. It is unsweetened coconut plus a mixture made up of flaxseeds, almonds and sunflower seeds. I added a little coconut oil to my breakfast mix.

Lunch: Chicken breast, cooked veggies, raw carrots, fermented red cabbage kraut, homemade turkey stock, coconut mix and a glass of kombucha

Snack: Chicken breast, 1/2 avocado and olives

Dinner: Salmon, green beans, baby salad greens with olive oil and apple cider vinegar(under the salmon), spinach, red kraut, almonds, coconut mix, stock, and kombucha.

During the day I have two green teas and herbal tea. I also take a few supplements-cod liver oil, d3, k2, evening primrose oil, milk thistle, magnesium, and digestive enzymes. My focus is on getting enough protein, eating low carb, healing my digestive system/liver/gallbladderlessness, and remineralizing sensitive teeth. Well, and losing weight and building strength.

And here are my results for the week. I gained 2 tenths of a pound but usually at this time of the month I gain a pound or two so that means I probably lost weight. I will weigh again on Sunday to make sure I'm headed in the right direction. If I am still up I'll look over my diet and see if I need to cut something out. I cut out the coconut milk this week and kept my carbs below 50 so I should have lost! I'm feeling stronger and my arms look more muscular. I lost .25 off my waist which means the tummy exercises I started again this week are taking effect. I worked pretty hard on my weightlifting day and yesterday when I did intervals and now my back is sore and trying to lock up. I'm going to take it very easy today! For some reason when I do the tummy exercises they make my back sore. I guess I'm weaker than I like to admit. I will not give up but I will listen to my body and rest when I need to.

I ordered a bathing suit which should be here tomorrow. When we go to see my son graduate from his Air Force basic training in January we will get to swim at the hotel pool. Swimming is my favorite form of exercise so I can't wait. Anyway, I ordered it in the next size down so I will stay motivated to keep working hard. I'm hoping when I try it on this weekend it will be pretty close to fitting nicely. I also ordered a few tops in the next smallest size which I am just getting into. I have four more pounds to go before I can shop for new jeans. I'm sticking to a certain weight goal even though I could probably get a smaller size now. I just hope it doesn't take too much longer to get there.

Goals from two weeks ago:
*Go outside each day even if only for 5 minutes- yes, except for one day.
*Intervals- yes *Tummy work- yes
*Primary back stretch each day- yes

Goal for next week:
*Try to hit 10,000 steps at least one day and at least 6,000 the other days.
*2 Primary Back Stretches per day plus one Hoe Down(T-Tapp)
*Tummy work
*Outside each day even if it's freezing, snowing, and anything else I can try to use as an excuse.

My hubby lost another 4 pounds. I'll have to get before and during pics of him(and me?) if he'll let me. Maybe I'll post them next week. He is also eating paleo but doesn't have to watch the fat and doesn't eat as many veggies but does include some fruit. I'm proud of him for sticking to the diet. I never thought he would even try it and now he enjoys it and doesn't even want to cheat!

I'm linking up at Tea Time With Annie Kate. Come join in the fun of supporting one another as we work towards our fitness goals.

Book Review: The Grace Effect

2011-12-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

What would a world without Christianity be like? Larry Taunton explores this question in his book, The Grace Effect, as his family travels to the Ukraine to adopt a little girl named Sasha.

As Larry and his family go through the adoption process he realizes the differences between countries founded on grace and those that are not. He shares the realizations he came to as he went through each step of the process. You will also learn the story of Sasha's adoption and how she adapts to her new life of freedom from the orphanage system. A discussion guide is also included with suggested further reading.

This story was touching and made me think more about the differences between our country and former communist countries. I had never related these difference to grace but now I understand how grace effects our lives in so many ways. It was sad to see how much the Taunton family had to go through in order to adopt a child who was not wanted in her own country anyway.

The Grace Effect prompted many discussions between my husband and I as I shared what I was reading. We talked about politics, corruption and the way children are treated in the Ukraine.

It was also disturbing to read about where our country seems to be headed. I hope that as a country we will be able to make the necessary changes to head in a different direction before it's too late. I found this book to be disturbing, enlightening and interesting. The Grace Effect is a book that will make you see many issues in a different light.

I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

Read Aloud and Bookworm Dehoard Challenge

2011-12-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last week we read The Thanksgiving Story. This week we are reading Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims which I found on my bookshelf. I did not know much about Squanto's life before he hooked up with the pilgrims so this book has been interesting to me and not just the children.

Last year I reviewed Read For the Heart by Sarah Clarkson and am applying her reading categories to my read aloud time. We will read books in this order; History, Biography, Literature, Nature, and Pure Enjoyment. I'm going to add an Inspiration/Character book to the list. These are also the book selection guidelines my children use to select their reading books for school time.

Before I started using this list I mostly read from the literature shelf for read aloud time Using this subject rotation will be a good way to work in history and literature books to go along with the holidays as we celebrate them.

Now for my Bookworm Dehoarding Challenge. I need to cut my personal reading pile down to five books not including the Bible. Right now in various piles around my house I have 10 books going and I just finished 2 over the last few days. Here is my confession list:

1. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
2. The True and Only Heaven by Christopher Lasch
3. The Story of a Soul by Saint Therese de Lisieux
4. The Story Template by Amy Deardan
5. The Writing Road to Reading by R.B. Spalding
6. The Love Dare by Kendrick
7. Training Children in Godliness by Jacob Abbott
8. The Ancient Historians by Michael Grant
9. The Federalist by Hamilton, Jay and Madison
10. Style by Joseph M. Williams

I think that's it. That list also includes one book I'm reading on my ipod after lights out. I feel a little panicky at only having 5 books in my reading pile! Yes, I have issues. I've had this problem since I was a little girl with a new library card burning a hole in my pocket!

Are you a bookworm?

I'm linking up at Footprints in the Butter.

The Reading Chair

2011-11-30T16:54:00.030-07:00

They are not posing for the camera!

It was $21 at a garage sale. The color was perfect for our schoolroom and I had been wanting to make this corner cozy for reading so we brought it home. Everyone wants to sit in this seat so much that they will sit together nicely without fighting. I think I'll call it the peace seat. If you can call it a seat. It's fun to sit in but my back protests when I get out of it. It's good for little boy nap time too.

He's posing for the camera.

It did cause us to rearrange the room a bit. That was a good send off for Caleb as my boys just love rearranging furniture for me. No, they don't really. Generally when I announce that I need help moving furniture they run and hide. But they always come back and help me out.

And so am I.

I think I'm about finished with my schoolroom decorating. I do need to make a pillow case, decide on whether or not to put a verse up on the wall and how to do it, and someday find a bookshelf to use instead of milk crates. And, well, when we have the money buy and install a door and flooring. One step at a time. At least I have one room in my house that I love now.

TOS Crew Review: Artistic Pursuits

2011-11-30T11:22:00.001-07:00

Artistic Pursuits is a non-consumable art instruction curriculum series for children in grades preschool through high school. This series combines art instruction with art appreciation. We reviewed Book One for grades 4-6 which features American art.

In the beginning of the book is a Table of Contents which gives you a quick overview of what the student will learn throughout the art course. A list of the art supplies is included, listed by unit so you can buy the supplies at three different times if you need to spread the expense out over time. The book also contains an evaluation sheet which explains how to evaluate your child's work in order to assign a letter grade for the course. The Getting Started section is only three pages long; one page for parents, one for the student, and a final page which explains the Elements of Art.

To use the book for one full year you will schedule 2 classes of one hour each per week. The child can use this program independently with a little oversight from the parent. The book lies flat when opened making it easy to reference as the child works on a project.

Each unit is 5 pages long and includes 4 lessons. 16 units are included in the book. Here is how each lesson is broken down.
*Lesson 1- Building a Visual Vocabulary- A new topic is explained and an assignment is given.
*Lesson 2-American Art Appreciation and History- A master work is shown and discussed which demonstrates the unit topic. Students complete a drawing assignment.
*Lesson 3- Techniques- Students are instructed in proper use of art materials and techniques. Another assignment is given.
*Lesson 4-Application- Final project

Lots of info about how Artistic Pursuits works.

To use Artistic Pursuits I read the instruction page for each lesson aloud to my 4th and 6th grade students and then asked them to complete each assignment. My children understood the instruction and were able to complete each project. The text was easy to understand and adequate instruction without being overwhelming was given in each lesson. I thought the use of Master works to illustrate each topic was brilliant. My children enjoyed the information about the paintings, artists and time period.

I love the way each unit is set up. I also appreciate that my children can use this course independently. This book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and I think it will help my children learn the techniques they need to enjoy drawing and have more confidence as they practice drawing and sharpen their skills. I would love to be able to add the whole series to my homeschool art shelf. These books will remain relevant over the years and would be something to pass down to your children to use with your grandchildren.

Purchase
Grades 4-6 Book 1or 2 $42.95
Art Supply Pack for Book 1 $74.00 plus $11.00 shipping.

Also available for $42.95 each are Preschool, K-3, Junior High and High School books with 64 lessons in each book.

Art Supply Packs are available for each Book Level. Prices vary.

I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. If you would like to read more reviews of Artistic Pursuits please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

We Are Ready!

2011-11-29T16:42:00.001-07:00

for Christmas! The tree has been inspected by the kitty and knocked over once by the dog.

I had a tear in my eyes as I hung Caleb's stocking. He will be missed but is thought of each day.

We have six wise men traveling to see baby Jesus.

Too many ornaments are on the tree but it is bright and sparkly.

And Baby Jesus waits for his birthday. Somehow he got a modern wardrobe.

Merry Christmas!

Writing to Our Airman

2011-11-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

We make a mess when we work on a project!

Sunday we wrote to our Airman. Everyone wrote a letter and now I have enough to send every day this week. I also included a little three month calendar so he can cross out the days as he survives them. I can't believe a week has already gone by!

I'm wearing my Air Force T-shirt every Monday in support of my son. We pray for him everyday. I need to look up some encouraging and inspirational Bible verses to send him.

Don't worry, I found out before I sent any colored envelopes that we should only send white or he might get unwanted attention from his TI. That was a close one. Can you imagine how happy he would have been to get a colored envelope or two every day for a week? It would have been funny later but not so funny when it happened. I can just imagine how many push ups he would have to do!

Christmas Novels Giveaway

2011-11-25T14:47:00.019-07:00

I'm giving away two Christmas themed books to help you get in the Holiday spirit. These were both read once by me and are still in like new condition. I enjoyed both of these books. They would be awesome to read while you are curled up by the fire this winter.

#1- A Lancaster County Christmas

A Lancaster County Christmas is the story of two families from very different life-styles who meet accidentally and end up changing one another. C.J. and Jaime are on their way to meet Jaime's father to spend Christmas on a cruise with him. Sol, Mattie, and Danny are an Amish family suffering from the loss of repeat miscarriages. After Jaime's doctor asks her to return the Amish boy's toy, which he left at the office, she and her husband become snowed in at the Amish family's home over Christmas. A few other events happen to keep them there for a few days but I can't tell you because that would ruin the story for you. Read the rest of the review here.

And #2- Baby, It's Cold Outside

Dottie Morgan lives alone after losing her only son during the war. It is days before Christmas and she is not looking forward to the day as she feels she has no reason to celebrate. Violet, Dottie's coworker, heads out to Dottie's house on the outskirts of town, as a storm closes in, to ask her for a star to hang on a tree in front of the community center. Violet is followed by a mystery man and they are snowed in along with Dottie's neighbor when the storm turns into a blizzard. Read the rest of the review here.

To enter, just leave me a comment by next Friday, December 2nd. I will choose a winner next Saturday, December 3rd.

Happy Reading!

I Have So Much More Than I Need

2011-11-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Please watch this video and see how your sponsorship can bring hope to a child in unimaginable poverty.

If you can't help now you can pray. Sponsor a child through Compassion and/or volunteer to help in other ways.

Help Me Choose My Author Photo

2011-11-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I need an author photo and don't know which one to choose. Please leave me a comment mentioning your favorite. If I just need to start over mention that. I won't like that answer very much though!

#1- overexposed?

#2- The homeschool mom look.

#3- I think I look a little frightened or stressed in this one.

Which one looks the least like I hate having my picture taken? How do women get their curly hair to look good in photos. Mine is not photogenic no matter what I do. Maybe that is part of the reason I hate having my photo taken.

Photo credit goes to my 17 year old son, Jacob. Thanks, buddy!

Proud Air Force Mom

2011-11-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Please tell me how this day came so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was holding my new baby boy in the hospital on March Air Force Base.

Now he is grown up, sworn in and moving on to his life as an adult.

Should I share baby pics of him?

My husband was a Marine when he was born. We lived off base so that is how he ended up being born on the Air Force base instead of Camp Pendleton as his younger brother was.

He was a cute, sweet baby. He slept through the night right away and has always had a sunny disposition.

We are very proud that he has chosen to serve our country. He will be trained as a jet engine mechanic and plans to continue school and hopefully get his engineering degree. He better be an engineer after all of the things he has taken apart in his life. When he was three he took apart his tricycle and his brother's crib to help him escape.

I will miss having him try to boss me around. We are both firstborns and can get into some interesting bossing fights.

I did not break down and cry but I did have a hard time smiling for the camera. My son and I are buds. I was only 18 when he was born and sometimes I feel like we grew up together.

Look how short I am next to these peeps. Hubby is standing on the step behind us. He is actually starting to look short next to our sons. Don't tell anyone I said that!

He is already missed by everyone. I can't wait to see him again when he graduates next January. I'm trying very hard not to think about what he is going through tonight. It's hard for a mom to think about her baby boy going through bootcamp. I know he's been looking forward to this challenge for months.

We love you Caleb!

I still can't believe one of my children is out in the world on his own. I feel old. Good thing I have a three year old to help me feel younger. Maybe I should have another baby?

TOS Crew Review: The Reading Game

2011-11-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Reading Game , written by Kenneth Hodkinson, the author of Wordly Wise, is a stand alone reading program, to teach beginning readers, ages 4+, how to read. After all of the words have been memorized phonics can be used to make new words and sounds. By the time a student has played and memorized each of the six levels included in the game he will know 180 words and be able to read on his own.

Included with the game is an instruction booklet which clearly explains how to play the game. It also includes a word list for each card set along with test sentences to be used to gauge your student's readiness for the next level. You can download free assessment worksheets and class record sheets from the website.

The game is made up of six sets of cards each of which have six different levels to be played.

Six readers illustrated in black and white are also included.

Here is level one.

The game is played like a memory game. As you make each match you say the word three times and then set it in your pile. As soon as the child knows all the words in set one he moves on to set two and then all the way through set six.

As I played with my son I would hold my word matches up so he could see them as I read them three times. I also instructed anyone else who played with him to do the same. After a game I would test his knowledge of the words by using the cards as flashcards.

After he knows all six sets he can read the beginner reader which goes with the card set he just learned and then he starts working on the next level of cards. If he needs review you can use the cards he has already learned or have him read the previous level's reader.

How it works

My son enjoyed playing The Reading Game with me and his siblings. He never mastered the first set of cards, probably because we were not very consistent. When we played every day he remembered more than after we took a few days off.

I think this is a fun way to teach a child reading if you want to use the sight word method with phonics added after he knows the sight words. I like the bright colors of the cards and readers and the illustrations were well done. This is a gentle and child friendly method to teach reading.

To purchase visit The Reading Game website.
$24.95

I received a free game in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. If you would like to read more reviews of The Reading Game please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Now is a Good Time to Order Seed and Plant Catalogs

2011-11-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

If you order catalogs now you should have them sometime in January when you are very desperate to dream about all of the flowers and yummy fresh veggies you can plant in the Spring. I love to plan out my veggie garden in January and spend time looking over my catalogs for the best tomato, new plants to try, and new sunflowers. I try to plant at least one new veggie and flower each year. I have to pare back my plans somewhat as initially I will want to plant everything, even veggies we don't eat.

I keep two catalogs year round because I never know what kind of seeds I will need to order and I prefer to look through a catalog instead of on a website.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds- This one is fun to look through. They have some strange and interesting vegetables listed. You will also find some interesting quotes as you look through the pages.

Johnny's Selected Seeds- I usually order my cold season seeds from Johnny's. They have just about anything you are looking for available.

I am going to try not to order a bunch of catalogs this year. Here are my reasons:
1. I hate clutter and will just throw them away after I look through them which is a waste.
2. I don't have extra gardening money to order special roses, lilies, and bulbs so why tempt myself?
3. I will make even larger dreams after looking through them.

But here are some reasons to order flower catalogs even if you aren't going to order plants or seeds:
1. You will find lots of design ideas.
2. You can cut out pictures to add to a design file just as you would for your home plans.
3. Inspiration to get back out to the garden especially if your last gardening season was a little discouraging.

And here are some I have found inspiring in the past.

White Flower Farm- they have a catalog with designed gardens. I found looking at the plant combos very informational.

Heirloom Roses- I just found this site. I can't find a catalog but I will be visiting again for all the info on roses.

Jackson and Perkins- Flowers and luxuries for the gardener.

And did you know that some companies specialize only in tomatoes? Yeah, here you go.

Totally Tomatoes

Tomato Growers Supply Company

Reimer Seeds

Appalachian Seeds

Tomato Bob's Heirloom Tomatoes

Don't be fooled, this is my toy!

And now I will force myself to stop looking up catalogs for you because the temptation to start filling in order forms is growing too strong! Have a happy week of garden dreaming! Well, those of you who are facing spring and summer please enjoy it for me!

And the Winner of God's Promises for the Teacher

2011-11-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

is

Marci of Cherish Joy. Congrats!

Next Friday I will have another giveaway of two Christian, Christmas fiction novels to help you get into the holiday spirit. Please check back for a chance to win on November 25th.

Fit Mom

2011-11-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

I want to get stronger so I can play at the playground.

Good news again this week. I lost .9 pounds. I have 4 and a half pounds to go before I'm out of the overweight category. I want to lose about 10 more pounds after that. I also measured lower on my waist and hips. I'm getting more definition in my waist area and my clothes continue to get too big. I cleaned out most of the items that are too large for me and now I have lots of room in my closet for new smaller clothes. I think I'm going to wait to buy anything until I've lost my 4.5 pounds. My mom is taller than me and is almost at her goal so she sent me some of her too big jeans. They fit when I first got them about two month ago and now they are getting too big or I'm getting too small.

I have been following the advice of Jack Kruse for resetting my leptin as outlined in this post. I'm eating a low carb paleo diet. Maybe next week I'll take pics of my typical day of meals. I eat a lot of veggies and lean meat. Kruse does not say you have to eat lean meat but I've found that to work the best for me since I can't afford grass fed and I think the fat in conventional meat slows my loss. I use coconut as my main fat. I eat dried coconut, use homemade coconut milk yogurt, and cook with coconut oil. I'm also trying to up the amount of raw veggies I eat. I usually eat carrots with breakfast along with the juice of half a lemon. Lunch is salad, fermented veggies and maybe more carrots. And for dinner I get my raw veggies in the form of salad. I wanted to try raw tomato this week but I forgot I had it in the fridge. I also need to try radish but have not had a spicy craving so ignored what I had in the fridge.

For exercise I walk around the house a lot as a part of my usual day. As I read aloud during school time I pace back and forth or use the stepper. I've been doing a light weight routine twice a week and am slowly building up my strength. I don't want to hurt my back so I take it easy if I feel any pain. I did on high intensity interval training session last week and plan to do one each week. I skipped this week as I've been fighting off a cold.

I really need to make myself get outside for a walk. I grew up in southern California and I don't like the cold so I avoid going outside. This is not good because I need the sunlight or I get a little depressed in the winter. Whenever I do make myself go outside I realize that it's not that cold. Yes, I'm a huge whimp. When I lived in Cal. I needed a sweatshirt when it hit 72. I really want to move somewhere warm again. We lived in southern Alabama for almost and year and Arizona. I would gladly go back to either state or Florida.

Anyway, on to my goals from last week:

*More sauerkraut Not really
*High intensity interval training 1x a week Not this week
*Weights 2x a week Yep
*Tummy work Only while doing weight training
*Take Milk Thistle and cod liver oil every day Yes
*Continue eating more raw at each meal Yes
*Go outside every day No

Goals for next week:
*Go outside each day even if only for 5 minutes
*Intervals
*Tummy work
*Primary back stretch each day

I don't know if I'll check in next week. I'm planning to take a little blogging break.

I'm linking up at Tea Time with Annie Kate