Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Scenes of Christmas

No Christmas is complete without Charlie Brown.
This book is the traditional movie version story with
sound effects, including Linus reciting the
Luke passage of the true meaning of Christmas.


Here's our Christmas tree with lots
of homemade ornaments.
We bought it from the Boy Scouts this year,
at a reasonable price, I must add.


When the children were young I liked to have
them make some kind of ornament or decoration
to hang on the tree every year. We still have quite
a collection. This ornament was painted by one
of the boys 17 years ago when he was 7 years old.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thanksgiving for 2011

About a year ago I thought to myself, and probably to the Lord, that everything was so calm in the family - we needed more action. I was thinking we hadn't had a wedding in 3 years or a new grandchild in 2 1/2 years. Weddings and babies were on my mind.

Providentially, not too long after, we found out that a new grandson was on the way. Then low and behold a few months later, on Christmas day, a son became engaged. I was thrilled! I thought this is more like it!!

Ezekiel was born in early summer becoming a book end to his older brother, with the two princesses in between. What joy spending time with the grandchildren - a promise fulfilled to gray-haired ones.

A twist in the mix came with my surgery in late summer - that wasn't exactly my idea of putting some action in the family - but then I'm not the story teller so I can't complain. I'm truly thankful for the Lord's amazing care for me!

Over the summer and into the fall another son jumped the fast moving train to start a whirlwind courtship. It culminated into an engagement in September. Wow! Now that's what I call some excitement!

For the beginning of 2012 we have 2 weddings coming up within a month of each other. Winter family reunions will be enjoyed by all - hopefully the weather will cooperate! We're gaining two new lovely daughters and what a blessing they will be! If this is the start of the new year I'm expectantly looking forward to what else the Lord has in store. As the Author of all authors continues to write our family story, it will to be a page-turner, I'm sure. God has blessed us greatly this past year and I am very thankful.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Caedmon College Class: John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion


Cor meum tibi offero domine prompte et sincere
"MY HEART I OFFER TO YOU LORD
PROMPTLY AND SINCERELY!”

The background of the man behind the books helped to set the stage for this class. Being a young man, the 26 yr. old Calvin first published his Institutes in 1536. The completed books, five times larger, were published in 1559. The Prefatory Address of the first book was written for King Francis 1 of France - as he addresses him "most glorious King" Calvin writes, " My purpose was solely to transmit certain rudiments by which those who are touched with any zeal for religion might be shaped to true godliness, and I undertook this labor especially for our French countrymen, very many of whom I know to be hungering and thirsting for Christ; but I saw very few who had been duly imbued with even a slight knowledge of him. The book itself witnesses that this was my intention, adapted as it is to a simple and, you may say, elementary form of teaching."

This basic instruction for Christianity is not simply raw theology, as some would think. It is written almost as a devotional guide. The biblical teaching is applicable to life and cuts to the heart. Readers are drawn into the persuasive
character of Calvin's writing. He brings out the Bible's clear teaching and allows the mysteries of God to stand. Behind the explanations we see a humble man who was truly sincere about his faith and desired others to know the God who is Creator and has revealed Himself in His son.

When I first thought of studying John Calvin's Institutes I expected his writing to be way over my head. Surprisingly most of it is not. The fact that we are discussing what we read is an added bonus. We have talked about the knowledge of God and answered questions like: What feelings prompt us to see that true wisdom rests in God alone? What is innate in all of us? What is the straightedge to which we must be shaped? May God be known without piety? What does Calvin mean by piety? Can you describe the knowledge of God to which we are called?

Another sample of our class centered on how Calvin sees the close bond between the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, as seen in this quote - "Therefore the Spirit, promised to us, has not the task of inventing new and unheard of revelations or of forging a new kind of doctrine, to lead us away from the received doctrine of the gospel, but of sealing our minds with that very doctrine which is commanded by the gospel" Other topics so far have included: the Trinity, creation, and man's sin.

Calvin's Institutes are widely revered by many because of their straight forward teaching with nearly 7,000 Bible references.
John Calvin set out to help his fellow countrymen and in the process has touched countless others across the globe. We are privileged to have a group of students interested in taking up these discussions at Caedmon College.


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

College Classes Extraordinaire!

We've been taking classes at Caedmon College this fall. There have been 4 classes offered:

1) John Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion,
2) Defending the Lion: Christian Apologetics and Worldview, 3) Latin I, 4)Introduction to Rhetoric

It's amazing how the classes have gone together well. What we're learning in Calvin's Institutes is helpful for Apologetics. What we're learning in Rhetoric is beneficial for Apologetics. The Latin phrases and roots are useful for all the classes. Keeping up with the homework is a challenge, but well worth the time.

The instructors have been excellent! There are more classes planned for the winter & spring terms too. Maybe in years down the road Caedmon will be a thriving college with many eager students. Right now there are about 11 eager students who are enthused to be able to take these classes and participate in the lively discussion.

We'll be writing on here some of the things we've been learning. Deo volente!

Friday, September 9, 2011

More Austen...

Excerpt of letter from Persuasion:


I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you...I have loved none but you.



Doesn't that make you want to sigh? This is the highlight of the story. Of course much has happened up to this point--now the guy takes a step of faith to communicate with the girl he loves. She could snub him; she could laugh at him; or she just might be swept off her feet by his soul-bearing words. He's not sure, but he goes ahead and initiates hoping she will respond positively.

This takes a lot of guts for a guy to take that risk, but if he doesn't he will never know what she's thinking. God has made the man to initiate and the woman is to respond.
It shouldn't be the other way around. Gals have to be patient for a guy to pursue her, and guys need to take up the call to take the lead and not be afraid of rejection. Miss Right, be in prayer for Mr. Right, wherever he may be, that when the time comes he will be strong and courageous to pursue you with his God-given responsibility.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

My Mommy had surgery

And she did awesome! :)


Mom had surgery this past week to remove a tumor, and by God's grace everything went well. We are very thankful to now have her home and she is resting comfortably. Thanks to all who were praying for her!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Blessing of Grandchildren

Ezekiel William Sumpter

Born: June 25
The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem
all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children.

Psalm 128:5-6

Monday, June 6, 2011

My Response to: The Lost Tools of Learning


Dorothy Sayers has some thought-provoking statements in her article, “The Lost Tools of Learning.” On the one hand, she readily admits her inexperience in teaching, and on the other, she uses herself as a springboard for her thesis. Even though Sayers is untrained, she has experiences from her own learning in which to draw. She uses the tools that she has been taught in order to reason and formulate her thoughts into words that have something valuable to say. Today students are taught subjects, but the tools of how to think falls short; they lack the ability to put those thoughts on paper or to speak them adequately. Sayers states the fact that even many adults today have an inability to intelligently answer questions using appropriate arguments. Thankfully, she explains the tools that have been lost, so they may be found and used to help adults learn again, in order to guide future generations.

It has been said that the study of history gives us guidance for the present. Wisely, Sayers takes us back to a time when she feels they knew how to teach students more efficiently. She argues that the Middle Ages got it right as they applied a certain process of learning. Their method of education was named the Trivium and it was divided into three parts: Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric. Sayers says that we need not do everything exactly as they did in the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, by using their ideas, as a foundation and with certain modifications, it can be just as beneficial, or an even better education for the present.

The Trivium begins with the Grammar stage. If Grammar is begun when the child is young, his mind is quick and can hold an abundant amount of information. The thought is—why not use this innate talent and apply it to his education? They can memorize Latin vocabulary at a rapid rate; Literature can be listened to and recited; History facts, such as important names and dates, are remembered; Geography maps are studied, memorizing capitals, and natural features; in Science the students learn and memorize important aspects of God’s creation like animals and stars; in Mathematics the facts tables are learned and easily recalled; in Theology the children soak up the Scriptures by memorizing verses, reciting the stories, the Lord’s Prayer or repeating the order of the Bible books. These are just some of the important things taught in the Grammar stage. The child at this point is called the “Poll-Parrot” which is appropriate due to their natural ability to imitate. The facts they are learning at this stage are laying the groundwork for the next stage.

There is not a precise time when the Dialetic, also called Logic, Stage begins for a student. Sayers says it is when he “shows himself disposed to pertness and interminable argument.” His thought development begins to show itself as he begins to use his words to express himself. In Language studies, vocabulary is increased, the history of language is studied and learning of proper speech applied; Reading and Writing is increased; as for Mathematics, Algebra and Geometry are introduced and applied; in History, the student is guided into more groundwork for Theological discussion and preparation for debate. Geography and Science also continue in like manner, picking up where the Grammar stage left off; using previously learned information or new, the student speaks or writes to show comprehension about the subject. At this stage a student is encouraged to go find out information; by gathering from suitable books and other resources, he decides what is useful for a particular subject. Like the “Poll Parrot” there is a suitable name for the student of this stage — it is “the Pert.” He likes to contradict, talk back, and trip up his parents or instructors, which keeps everyone on their toes.

The third stage, Rhetoric, begins when the student is looking for more knowledge to challenge himself. The many facts he has learned as a younger student now make sense to him and he can put this information in the right contexts. He is embarking on some exciting discoveries! The name given at this stage is “Poetic.” Since the student has been trained well enough, he can focus on particular areas of interest. At this time subjects noticeably begin to overlap and are not so easily distinguished. This raises uneasiness. Students are not sure how the diverse topics cohere and inter-relate. However, with a teacher’s guidance, along with creativity and independent thinking on the student’s part, the synthesis of knowledge begins to take shape.

Sayers promotes restoring a public presentation and defense of the Thesis at the culmination of this stage. This undoubtedly tests the spadework that has been accomplished with this student, hopefully making him confident by using the tools that he has been taught. At this point having gone through the Trivium, Sayers proposes, the student is so sufficiently prepared that he could go right into university classes with no problem, even if he is considered too young.

The Trivium, as Sayers so strongly believes, provides an excellent education, if carried out correctly. I agree with her, that this approach to learning gives the proper tools for studying, reasoning, writing, and influencing the society for righteousness. As a Christian parent, laboring to raise my children for the Lord, I need to make wise decisions for my children’s education, so that they, in whatever vocation they choose, can clearly communicate the Gospel message to the world. Christian day-schools and homeschools have plenty to gain by structuring their curriculum around the Trivium. With this in mind, Dorothy Sayers’ article gives convincing arguments for any parent or teacher to achieve that purpose. It makes great sense—may such tools be recovered and used!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

An Encouragement to Spring



May the flowers bloom








May the rain drops cease









and May the sandals come out! :)

Friday, February 4, 2011

Newest grandson/nephew

Profile resembles his big brother--
praise the Lord he looks healthy!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Gluten Free Brownies

At first I thought yuk! Beans in a dessert? No way! Then I read the responses of those who had tried this recipe and all was positive and that got my curiosity up. So the best way to find out for myself was to try it out. Since I can't have dairy I used the coconut oil instead of butter & instead of sugar I used the honey and I added nuts. I'm sure the choc. chips would be yummy too but most have milk in them. These are fudge-like and delicious! You should do an experiment on your family and see what they think. I bet they won't be able to guess the secret ingredient! (Got the recipe from here )
  • 2 cups black beans (or 1 can of no salt added, rinsed and drained)
  • 3 lightly beaten eggs
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (I like the dark powder)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup honey (or other equivalent sweetener) (next time I want to try palm sugar!)
  • 1/2 cup chopped up bittersweet chocolate (or semi-sweet chips if you don’t mind the added refined sugar in them)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts -optional

Making these could NOT be simpler. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8×8 pan. Toss all but the final 2 ingredients (the chopped up chocolate and walnuts) into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts. Pour into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

What Are Your 2011 Goals?


Maybe you have a goal in 2011 to get more exercise, but what is your number 1 goal for this year? Is it the same as Paul's in Philippians 1:21?
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

How is this accomplished? I was inspired to write a few thoughts after hearing my husband's message this past week.

As Christians, we should have the goal to live for Christ, and we are not alone as individuals in this endeavor. God has placed us in a family of believers called the Church. He expects us to gather with one another on a regular basis. (Hebrews 10: 24-25) By faith, Christ is at the center of our gatherings.

What does Jesus' church look like? She worships and glorifies God and enjoys Him forever. She builds the Kingdom of God. Thankfully Christ's gates are strong enough to withstand the darts of the enemy. Jesus said, ... I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Worship is the offense against the gates of Hades. The enemy can only be silent as we give our worship to God.

As we enter into worship we are brought into a heavenly company of angels and to the assembly of the firstborn in heaven and the just men made perfect. (Hebrews 12:22) We have been transformed, as those who have gone before us, from the worship of idols to the worship of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a time of rejoicing in all the Lord has done for us. We have to put aside all the sins that entangle us and look to the One who has redeemed us. By faith we are lifted up into the the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22-23

When we gather together each week and are brought into the worship of God with the heavenly hosts, it's as if we get to go to heaven. Who would want to miss out on heaven? We are a part of the Kingdom of God now and Christ is the King. It is not something we have to wait for later - it is happening now! We must look with anticipation to entering into the joy of going to heaven each Sunday! It should be the highlight of our week - the beginning of a new week to serve the Lord.

Our Sunday worship connects us to the rest of our week where we live out the goal of living for Christ. We continue in that Sunday dialog with God as we work, sing, pray, read the Bible, and serve others. It continues in a cycle as we again look forward to gathering with God's people and dialog once more - God speaks His Word (He initiates - He calls us) and we respond in faith with recitations, singing, giving, listening, and prayer- it's our work. Someday our worship will be made perfect when Christ returns- we must be ready and practised up for that glorious day!

May God be glorified as we enter into heaven each Lord's Day in 2011, and may that worship carry us through living for Him each week and into eternity!