As I write this, Vance and the boys are chopping wood. It's beautiful outside. I'm not sure if I've ever shared this before, but the entire front of our house is a window. It's meant to be a passive solar system that warms the house during the winter and a large solar curtain comes down over it to cool the house in the summer. This window ranks in the top 10 reasons we bought this house.
While the boys were chopping wood I made dinner and looked out at the beautiful sunshine and listened to the news that in just less than 24 hours we might have two feet of snow in our front yard (hence, the reason for the wood chopping). It's hard to believe that the mild, beautiful and sunshiny weather could change so drastically in such a short period of time.
It made me think of the economy and the state of our nation. This whole week I have been thinking how our economy doesn't seem as bad as they (the media) say it is. Vance and I tried to go out to dinner a few weeks ago on a Friday night. We hit five different places before we found somewhere the wait wasn't at least an hour and fifteen minutes long. Some of the places we couldn't even find a parking spot. These were medium to high end restaurants where you pay at least $15 per plate. This is evidence enough to me to think that things aren't that bad. Then, of course, there was the stock market rally this week of over 500 points.
Like today's weather, I think this is just the calm before the storm and I was very impressed to get prepared. Because fuel is low, groceries are reasonable and there are a lot of sales going on right now if you need something to wear or something for your house. However, fuel is back on the rise and I don't have a lot of confidence in what Washington is doing to "fix" the economy. In fact, I think it's going to backfire.
There are two things that are definite: fuel is going to get worse than it was last summer and everything else will rise because of it. Put that together with the way our government is printing money and we have a recipe for the "perfect storm".
My plan is to buy in bulk groceries that are essential, mainly canned goods and large (50lb.) bags of beans and rice. Last year Sam's started putting limits on how much of these items you could buy. There's nothing you can do about gas prices or produce. You have to buy these things when you have to buy them. But, putting as much as possible away in your savings now and buying things that will keep and cost much less now than later seems to be a VERY good idea.
Proverbs has A LOT to say about these things. I don't want to be doom and gloom, but I do want to be wise.
Just thought I would share this with you so you could be thinking about it (if you weren't already).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
They Passed
I had to post again...I told Vance I was updating my blog (which I have been horrible at this year - 6 in Jan, 5 in Feb and only 2 this month - sheesh.) and he said I should say something about the hunter safety course he and the boys went to this past weekend.
It's actually a really neat story (yes, people still talk like that). They left around 4pm on Friday and I took care of the Littles - that's my new name for the 5 under 6. We've been studying for this test for quite some time. Vance and I were worried for Ryan because he's a slow reader.
The class was packed. Vance said that there were people standing or sitting on the floor for almost 5 hours on Friday and close to 12 hours on Saturday. Vance was determined that the boys get a front row seat on Saturday so they left the house around 5:45am. They went directly to the shooting range because each student must be observed handling a rifle. Ryan got four shots right in the bulls eye - Incredible!!
After shooting they had a little time before the class actually started so, they went to Village Inn for some breakfast. Vance took this opportunity to do a little more study. A few minutes later their waitress came to the table and said that their bill had been paid. As it turns out the man in the next booth was impressed at how a father was teaching his children and thought he should be rewarded for it - also incredible!
They sat through 8 more hours of instruction then it was time to take the test. The test is 50 multiple choice questions and there is only one test for both children and adults. Vance wants to interject that if there are any of you reading this who have children Glen and Ryan's age (11 and 10) he suggests taking some time to study before the actual course - we did for 6 months. Vance also wants to give a shout out to David Carol, the instructor of the course, for his patience with the younger ones.
The boys both passed!!!! But, not just passed...Glen received a 98% and Ryan got a 90%. Both A's. Woo hoo!!! I have to say that I'm extremely proud as well. Since we've been homeschooling there have been times when I've had doubts whether or not they were getting the tools they needed to succeed in the world. Once in a while I would think that maybe they could get a better education in a brick and mortar school. This is confirmation that we are indeed learning and more importantly, thinking.
Vance is beaming with pride for these boys who have gone on hunts with him since they were four and five years old. They've marched through the woods with either their BB guns or an unloaded rifle to practice hunting with gun safety.
Glen and Ryan are proud because they have been able to take what their father has taught them over the years and apply it in a real-world setting, a real-world test and come out on top.
Vance rewarded them with a rib dinner at Famous Dave's and a campout on our property. Yay, Glen and Ryan!!!
It's actually a really neat story (yes, people still talk like that). They left around 4pm on Friday and I took care of the Littles - that's my new name for the 5 under 6. We've been studying for this test for quite some time. Vance and I were worried for Ryan because he's a slow reader.
The class was packed. Vance said that there were people standing or sitting on the floor for almost 5 hours on Friday and close to 12 hours on Saturday. Vance was determined that the boys get a front row seat on Saturday so they left the house around 5:45am. They went directly to the shooting range because each student must be observed handling a rifle. Ryan got four shots right in the bulls eye - Incredible!!
After shooting they had a little time before the class actually started so, they went to Village Inn for some breakfast. Vance took this opportunity to do a little more study. A few minutes later their waitress came to the table and said that their bill had been paid. As it turns out the man in the next booth was impressed at how a father was teaching his children and thought he should be rewarded for it - also incredible!
They sat through 8 more hours of instruction then it was time to take the test. The test is 50 multiple choice questions and there is only one test for both children and adults. Vance wants to interject that if there are any of you reading this who have children Glen and Ryan's age (11 and 10) he suggests taking some time to study before the actual course - we did for 6 months. Vance also wants to give a shout out to David Carol, the instructor of the course, for his patience with the younger ones.
The boys both passed!!!! But, not just passed...Glen received a 98% and Ryan got a 90%. Both A's. Woo hoo!!! I have to say that I'm extremely proud as well. Since we've been homeschooling there have been times when I've had doubts whether or not they were getting the tools they needed to succeed in the world. Once in a while I would think that maybe they could get a better education in a brick and mortar school. This is confirmation that we are indeed learning and more importantly, thinking.
Vance is beaming with pride for these boys who have gone on hunts with him since they were four and five years old. They've marched through the woods with either their BB guns or an unloaded rifle to practice hunting with gun safety.
Glen and Ryan are proud because they have been able to take what their father has taught them over the years and apply it in a real-world setting, a real-world test and come out on top.
Vance rewarded them with a rib dinner at Famous Dave's and a campout on our property. Yay, Glen and Ryan!!!
It's 7:06am and I just got back from my spinning class. I teach this class every Monday morning at 5:30am. It was an awesome class full of the "magic" we group fitness instructors are taught to bring every time we teach. I love it when almost 30 members are moving together and really getting into the music - it's amazing energy. But, the best part about teaching this class is what I listen to on the radio while driving to and from the gym.
On the way there I listen to Pastor Todd of Radiant Church. This morning he and his wife were talking about how men are mono thinkers and women are stereo thinkers. In fact, they said that when a boy is growing up the connections between the left brain and right brain are deteriorated because of testosterone. Women can use both sides of the brain at the same time. This explains why my husband gets frustrated with me while I'm telling a story. I start with one idea and that makes me think about another and that one makes me think about another idea, but if he would just be patient it would all make sense in the end. But, inevitably he has a hard time following and therefore interrupts - then I get frustrated.
Pastor Todd's wife also warns him when "that time of the month" is approaching. It's seems odd to me that I'm 35 years old and still don't have an handle on this, yet. She described herself as feeling inadequate, like she couldn't do anything right, like everyone is against her. I can TOTALLY relate. Once in a while I get angry that no one cares about the house as much as I do. No one cares about the car, their toys, bikes, the garage, putting things back in their place and in general just taking care of what we have and keeping it nice. Of course this is untrue, but once a month I feel like I'm the only person on the planet who really cares. It makes you wonder how a woman could ever be president. I'd definitely like the job, but I don't think I'd be good at it until I was at least 50, or so...
Then, on the way back from my fantastic workout *smile* I listen to Alistair Begg. Probably one of my favorite speakers of all time. He's been going through a study of Ecclesiastes and it has been faith building.
He said, "Every skill and every pleasure we have in this life ultimately mocks us unless we know who's the source. And, lasting pleasures cannot be found in passing fads or fancies."
Under the same theme of "there is nothing new under the sun" - he sited text C.S. Lewis' book The Great Divorce. Lewis lays out this scenario of a man, someone he describes as a searcher, having a conversation with an angel at the gates of heaven. He is invited to come in and reminded that there is no need for his talents or his knowledge, just forgiveness for his corruption of them. And the man says, "We must all interpret these beautiful things in our own way. Remember when you were a child and your curiosity prompted questions and you felt a sense of accomplishment when those questions were answered? Become that child again, even now. Always looking, always searching." Yet, the bible says, when I became a man, I put away childish things. Pastor Begg notes that silly ideas are silly ideas whether they were written about in the 1940s or in the 2000s. There really is nothing new under the sun. Hell will be full of people who say, "There is no one answer."
He concluded with this passage from the end of Ecclesiastes:
On the way there I listen to Pastor Todd of Radiant Church. This morning he and his wife were talking about how men are mono thinkers and women are stereo thinkers. In fact, they said that when a boy is growing up the connections between the left brain and right brain are deteriorated because of testosterone. Women can use both sides of the brain at the same time. This explains why my husband gets frustrated with me while I'm telling a story. I start with one idea and that makes me think about another and that one makes me think about another idea, but if he would just be patient it would all make sense in the end. But, inevitably he has a hard time following and therefore interrupts - then I get frustrated.
Pastor Todd's wife also warns him when "that time of the month" is approaching. It's seems odd to me that I'm 35 years old and still don't have an handle on this, yet. She described herself as feeling inadequate, like she couldn't do anything right, like everyone is against her. I can TOTALLY relate. Once in a while I get angry that no one cares about the house as much as I do. No one cares about the car, their toys, bikes, the garage, putting things back in their place and in general just taking care of what we have and keeping it nice. Of course this is untrue, but once a month I feel like I'm the only person on the planet who really cares. It makes you wonder how a woman could ever be president. I'd definitely like the job, but I don't think I'd be good at it until I was at least 50, or so...
Then, on the way back from my fantastic workout *smile* I listen to Alistair Begg. Probably one of my favorite speakers of all time. He's been going through a study of Ecclesiastes and it has been faith building.
He said, "Every skill and every pleasure we have in this life ultimately mocks us unless we know who's the source. And, lasting pleasures cannot be found in passing fads or fancies."
Under the same theme of "there is nothing new under the sun" - he sited text C.S. Lewis' book The Great Divorce. Lewis lays out this scenario of a man, someone he describes as a searcher, having a conversation with an angel at the gates of heaven. He is invited to come in and reminded that there is no need for his talents or his knowledge, just forgiveness for his corruption of them. And the man says, "We must all interpret these beautiful things in our own way. Remember when you were a child and your curiosity prompted questions and you felt a sense of accomplishment when those questions were answered? Become that child again, even now. Always looking, always searching." Yet, the bible says, when I became a man, I put away childish things. Pastor Begg notes that silly ideas are silly ideas whether they were written about in the 1940s or in the 2000s. There really is nothing new under the sun. Hell will be full of people who say, "There is no one answer."
He concluded with this passage from the end of Ecclesiastes:
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Even in the days when Ecclesiastes was written God reminds us there are a lot of books out there and you can read and study all you want, but "much study wearies the body." The words of the "One Shepherd" are our filter and be careful of "anything in addition to them."
What I love about this teaching is that it comes from a man who had all the riches anyone could possibly want and the means to do anything he wanted with them - and he did - and he found it was all meaningless.
I want to write those words again:
HERE IS THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.
FOR GOD WILL BRING EVERYTHING INTO JUDGMENT, INCLUDING EVERY HIDDEN THING, WHETHER IT IS GOOD OR EVIL.
There are a lot of books, devotionals and studies out there - be careful not to weary the body.
Pastor Begg likes to quote sayings and song lyrics. He uses The Rolling Stones and the Beatles often. Today he said, "The main things are the plain things and the plain things are the main things."
Keep things plain today, enjoy the blessings God has given you and obey His commands.
*Note: I'm talking to myself first then all those who care to listen :).
P.S. You can listen to Alistair Begg on www.truthforlife.org.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
It's all meaningless!
Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book in the Bible. Just reading the first few sentences provokes a lot of thought.
"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
Wait a minute! How can God's Word say something like that? I've been contemplating it all. One of my first thoughts was about our time here on this earth. We put so much importance on finishing school, finding a job, finding a spouse, finding a house, having children, raising children, getting them to finish school, find a job, find a spouse...When you look at it that way it does all seem pointless.
Another thought that ran through my head was the statistic that you hear all the time asking people who are approaching 100 what they would have done more of in their lifetime and it's never things like work or clean or organize. They say things like: spend more time with my kids going to the beach or the zoo...spend more time with my wife, taking her out to dinner, buying her flowers, romancing here...spend more time traveling, seeing new places, meeting new people...
Vance and I watched "The Bucket List" this weekend. One of the first things that popped into my mind was "What a waste." Morgan Freeman's character worked all is life, could answer every question on Jeopardy and all that was disappearing with him. All that knowledge he had stored up in his head - what good did it do him?
These kinds of thoughts make you reevaluate how you live, what you're living for and just what purpose does it serve anyway? I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for a non-believer...we spin our wheels then we die?
Well, I just wanted to post something...believe me I have a finished thought. I've just run out of time for tonight. I'll post more soon. Until then take a look at this...
The kids all lined up to watch a movie after dinner tonight. No, I did not stage this. Vance asked me if I had. They must all really like each other *wink*. Once again, looking a bit ragamuffin, but what can ya do?
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