Posted by TulipGirl | Under Family Journal
Saturday Mar 13, 2010
She never minds the weather She likes the flashes of light
I say “Love, beware black skies”
She’s not afraid of winter
Or thunderous nights
She follows rainbows in my eyes
I’ve known Hubby for over half my life now. . . What a wild ride it has been. Still, I know the Lord has been the one navigating our journey and so that has helped me (most times) feel peaceful in the midst of uncertainty, willing to wait while facing change.
And now. . . so exciting! Another adventure, a new destination in our journey. Hubby has been offered a job that has been in the works for quite awhile, a job which will most likely take us overseas again. We’re thrilled. . . Hubby and me, all of the boys. . . I know that the excitement and the adventure won’t shield us from the struggles of transition. We aren’t immune to homesickness, struggles in leaving relationships behind and beginning new ones. Yet we are willing and ready, trusting God to direct our steps.
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
It has been one month since Lydia Schatz died while being “disciplined” by her parents who were influenced by Michael and Debi Pearl.
I’m made a modest attempt at tracking who is speaking up in their local communities. While in this medium it is easier to list those who are vocal online, I continue to hear good reports about local churches, homeschool groups, and parent-to-parent warnings about the teachings of Michael and Debi Pearl.
Please continue to share in this thread those you have heard in your churches, homeschool groups, online groups and in person, warning about the harmful teachings of Michael and Debi Pearl.
I would especially like to know of in-person conversations, local homeschool groups, pastors and other church leaders who are speaking out.
If you don’t see something listed, please let me know. . . and sometimes I do get a little behind in posting updates.
Thank you for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, calling for justice for the fatherless, defending the weak.
Rob Shearer: Tragedy in a Homeschooling Family
Homeschool father of 11 children, church elder, Director of the Francis Schaeffer Study Center, co-founder of Greenleaf Press homeschool materials publisher
Rob Shearer: Tragedy in a Homeschooling Family
Homeschool father of 11 children, church elder, Director of the Francis Schaeffer Study Center, co-founder of Greenleaf Press homeschool materials publisher
This post is in progress. It will continue to be updated, although I know it isn’t possible to have a completely comprehensive list. If I’ve left you off, let me know!
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
It’s one thing for those of us outside the fundamentalist Christian/Christian home-schooling world to point fingers at the Pearls and voice outrage at their methods. What really matters, and what stands to have actual impact, is the outrage inside the Pearls’ world. And right now, more than ever, an anti-Pearl movement within the conservative Christian community is rising up in heated, if sometimes whispered, fury. Some say — even pray — that Lydia Schatz’s death will bring Michael and Debi Pearl exactly the kind of attention they deserve.
Already many homeschool parents and leaders are speaking out, especially raising red flags about the teachings of Michael and Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries.
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In a modest effort to track those who are speaking out, would you please share in this thread those you have heard in your churches, homeschool groups, in person, and online homeschool groups?
Rob Shearer: Tragedy in a Homeschooling Family
Homeschool father of 11 children, church elder, Director of the Francis Schaeffer Study Center, co-founder of Greenleaf Press homeschool materials publisher
5. Sarah, Christian, supervisor for a local mental health agency in Arizaon, discussing with staff, recognizing similar language in parents and foster parents, devising best ways to address it.
6. A Virginia homeschool group removing all links to the Pearls / NGJ from their website.
7. Lots of emails and irl discussions. . .
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Please list in the comments or email me with examples you are experiencing of homeschool parents, leaders, and pastors speaking out in your local communities or online.
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This post is in progress. It will continue to be updated, although I know it isn’t possible to have a completely comprehensive list. If I’ve left you off, let me know!
A 4-year-old child, Sean Paddock, was killed by his adoptive mother. The child was suffocated from being wrapped tightly in blankets to keep him in bed, so tightly that he couldn’t fill his lungs to breathe. His body was covered with “layers of thin, long bruises — old and new — stretch[ing] from Sean’s bottom to his shoulder blade.”
Sean’s adopted mother relied upon two-foot lengths of plumbing supply line and parenting books by Michael and Debi Pearl to keep her children in line.
God have mercy.
At the time of Sean’s abuse and death, there was an outcry about these harmful teaching — though primarily limited to the homeschool movement both Christian and secular. Perhaps some parents were educated and dissuaded from applying the Pearls’ teaching. But the warnings were not loud enough for everyone to hear.
Now. . . now another little child has suffered and died at the hand of her parents. Lydia Schatz, just seven years old, died a few weeks ago. Again, Michael and Debi Pearl and their book “To Train Up a Child” were an obvious influence.
February will always be a month for me to remember. I believe we all need to mourn these little ones and warn other parents.
““Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”"
Lynn Harris wrote about the tragedy of Sean Paddock for Salon.Com four years ago. She’s followed that up with a recent article, spurred by the death of Lydia Schatz.
Her focus for the article is interesting, and I especially encourage those within Evangelical circles and homeschool families to take the time to read her insightful article.
It’s one thing for those of us outside the fundamentalist Christian/Christian home-schooling world to point fingers at the Pearls and voice outrage at their methods. What really matters, and what stands to have actual impact, is the outrage inside the Pearls’ world. And right now, more than ever, an anti-Pearl movement within the conservative Christian community is rising up in heated, if sometimes whispered, fury. Some say — even pray — that Lydia Schatz’s death will bring Michael and Debi Pearl exactly the kind of attention they deserve.
Lydia Schatz’s funeral is over. Zariah Schatz is out of the hospital, after nearly two weeks. The other siblings are in foster care. Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz have a court date on Thursday, February 25th.
And while an immediate reaction of horror, heartsickness is justified — I believe it is important to look deeper at how something like this has happened. In light of it being another death connected with Michael and Debi Pearl, in light of the families who are not in the news but are struggling — don’t we need to ask why?
Interestingly, I’ve run across several people who have known the Schatz family quite well. While those who defend the Pearls wish they could point to “extremists” who may have had anger, abuse or mental issues, the picture so far is of a loving, Christian family; a family who loved their kids and even sought out adopting more kids. This makes people uncomfortable. No longer can we categorize the Schatz family as “other” — they are here, among us, in our Christian family and homeschool circles.
I would strongly urge you to take the time to read what Laurie has written, her insights into the Schatz family and the influences in their lives: in which I discuss the unthinkable.
Please read it carefully, prayerfully. Please see how we in our Christian, homeschool circles can be vulnerable to false teachings. Please see how warped theology can warp our actions. This is not to excuse or justify what Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz have done. This is to point out just how much loving parents can be vulnerable, and how imperative it is that the Christian church warn parents about false beliefs and abusive practices such as those taught by Michael and Debi Pearl.
I know many people want to see this as an isolated example; that there isn’t a pattern in the death of Sean Paddock and Lydia Schatz. It would be a comfort if that were so. Sadly, I believe that what comes to the attention of the media are these (sensationalized) deaths, but that abuse is going on behind closed doors in our Christian homes. Abuse that is not necessarily in anger. Rather in loving families there occurs what I see as “well-intentioned child abuse,” in which motives may be loving but actions cross a line that has been blurred by teachers such as the Pearls.
These are not isolated examples. These stories echo the ones I’ve heard from other parents, both in my local community and in online communities; from parents who have rejected the Pearl type of parenting, and those who are still utilizing these ideas. Christian parents are vulnerable, we are vulnerable. These teachings do not reflect the grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but ensnare parents and eliminate mercy. This is why the Church must speak out in warning — individuals, pastors, lay leaders, denominations. This is hurting our families and children. We cannot pretend it isn’t happening in our midst anymore.
Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey is not turning a blind eye to the influences in the death of Lydia Schatz, presumably at the hand of her parents Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz. He has been DA for over 20 years and helped to institute the Child Abuse Response Team. DA Ramsey has not been timid in linking the quarter-inch plumbing supply line with Michael and Debi Pearl’s control-at-all-costs advice.
“…the seven-year-old was held down for several hours by Elizabeth and beaten dozens of times by Kevin on the back of her body, causing massive tissue damage. “It was torture.”"
Compare what was done by the Schatz parents to what is taught by Michael and Debi Pearl:
“…then use whatever force is necessary to bring him to bay. If you have to sit on him to spank him then do not hesitate. And hold him there until he is surrendered. Prove that you are bigger, tougher, more patiently enduring and are unmoved by his wailing. Defeat him totally. Accept no conditions for surrender. No compromise. You are to rule over him as a benevolent sovereign. Your word is final.”
From To Train Up a Child, by Michael and Debi Pearl
Chapter 6: Applying the Rod
The Pearls refused to be interviewed by the Paradise Post, unless allowed editorial control over what was reported. However, Michael Pearl did submit an e-mailed statement:
“We do not teach ‘corporal punishment’ nor ‘hitting’ children,” Michael Pearl, CEO of No Greater Joy Minstries, wrote in an emailed statement to The Post. “We teach parents how to train their children, which sometimes requires the limited and controlled application of a spanking instrument to hold the child’s attention on admonition.”
Really? Judge for yourself.
“Otherwise, tell him to bend over on the bed or couch; and while he is in this position give some choice admonition. You have his undivided attention. Slowly begin to spank. . . . I found five to ten licks usually sufficient. Sometimes, with older children, usually when the licks are not forceful enough, the child may still be rebellious. . . . A general rule is to continue the disciplinary action until the child is surrendered.
“Any spanking, to effectively reinforce instruction, must cause pain. . . For the under one year old, a little, ten- to twelve-inch long, willowy branch (striped of any knots that might break the skin) about one-eighth inch diameter is sufficient. . . . A one-foot ruler, or its equivalent in a paddle, is a sufficient alternative. For the larger child, a belt or larger tree branch is effective.”
From To Train Up a Child, by Michael and Debi Pearl
Chapter 6: Applying the Rod
No amount of “tying heartstrings” or “have fun with your children” advice can mask the harsh, controlling discipline the Pearls teach.
The Pearls are quick to shift blame,
“If indeed these parents were abusive, and that has not yet been proven by the courts, it is regretful that our teachings were not able to turn them from their predisposition to abusive habits,” he stated.
If, indeed?! A child is dead, another one hospitalized for nearly two weeks, and the other seven children conveyed this so-called discipline was normal in their home. The Pearls’ teachings could no more turn someone away from “abusive habits,” as their very instructions set parents up for normalizing patterns that lead to abuse — “defeat totally. Accept no conditions for surrender. . . five to ten licks. . . continue the spanking. . . continue the disciplinary action until the child is surrendered.”
I’ve heard several apologists for Michael and Debi Pearl and their parenting teachings. Usually the defense is along the lines of, “but you and any abusive parent is taking the teachings out of context!”
Really? Seriously? In what context is ingraining in parents an attitude of “defeat them totally” okay? In what context is is okay to use an implement to strike a 4 month old? Pull a nursing baby’s hair? Hit a toddler with a toy? Whipping (the term often used by the Pearls) on bare skin; for “every transgression”? Whipping a baby who cannot sleep? Whipping a year old for crying? Whipping a 3 y/o until “totally broken?” Using a “tree branch” to spank? No matter what the “context” this advice is harmful to both parents and children.
Other times, people defend the Pearls stating that the problems must be that a parent “disciplined in anger.” While yes, anger and rage can lead to a lack of self control, what is taught by the Pearls is harmful whether a parent is hot with anger or cold and calculating. This is an excellent reflection on that idea, Spanking in Anger Isn’t the Problem.
We, in the Church, must shine the light on this false teaching. We cannot keep silent and allow the children Jesus welcomed into His arms to be harmed in His name. We cannot allow vulnerable parents to be led down the path of abuse, as they struggle to love and discipline their children.
The tragedy of Lydia Schatz’s death, her sister’s hospitalization and her other siblings’ abuse has me heartsick. While we don’t see this publicized all the time, abuse is happening behind closed doors even in Christian homes. We are not immune.
In light of that, I’d highly recommend the following two insightful and well-written articles articles:
Four years ago this month, Sean Paddock died at the hands of his adoptive family. Well intentioned or not, their abusive parenting influenced by Michael and Debi Pearl led to his death.
And now. Again.
Lydia Schatz, seven years old, died February 6, 2010. Her sister, Zariah Schatz is eleven and in critical condition with kidney failure and other injuries. Again, adopted. Again, parents abused them influenced by Michael and Debi Pearl.
I will not make excuses for Micheal and Debi Pearl or Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz. I am even more angry that these were Christian parents who homeschooled. Well intentioned or not, the abusive parenting influenced by Michael and Debi Pearl led to another child’s death. How many more children are being abused behind closed doors and condoned by the Church in the name of “no greater joy” and “first time obedience”? When will the Pearls take full responsibility for the harm of their teachings? When will Christian parents see through the lies cloaked in Scripture?
I hate that I even have to write about this. I hate it. I hate that people profess to follow a Christ who welcomed children are abusing children in His name.
Three days before Christmas, T12 announced he really, really wanted a guitar for Christmas. This seemed to come out of nowhere, but had been an idea he’d been muddling around with for awhile. “I have some money saved, I can help buy it! My friend JB will teach me to play, he’ll give me lessons.”
With such enthusiasm, of course we wanted to say yes. And thanks to Amazon, were able to have a large, mysterious package delivered on such short notice.
Sure enough, T12’s friend has been teaching him. While his friend is learning classical guitar and note reading, he’s starting T12 off with learning chords and playing familiar songs. Well, songs familiar to JB but new to T12, and definitely new to me! (Long ago were the days when I listened to lots of music and knew the newest and most alternative sounds out there.)
In spite of my limited musical repertoire of late, we have introduced the boys to some of the classics through the years. . . and with a son learning the guitar I’ve “accidentally” left some of the music I want him to enjoy on our portable hard drive, the one we use for the kids to transfer their debate briefs and schoolwork from their computer to ours.
In the truck the other day I casually brought up The Choir. “Hmm, you might want to check out The Choir. Pioneering SoCal alt rock. . . still around making music. Doing a lot more producing now than recording and touring. Always have been trailblazers. . .” (And one day I’ll tell him my claim-to-fame, fan-girl stories. . . but not yet.)
He took the bait, has been listening. And even started to learn the chords for one of the songs. The other night when I came home he pulled out his guitar, and a concert just for me played and sang.
G C G
Go on up to the mountain of mercy
G C G
To the crimson perpetual tide
D
Kneel down on the shore
C
Be thirsty no more
G C G
Go under and be purified
Follow Christ to the Holy mountain
Sinner sorry and wrecked by the fall
Cleanse your heart and your soul
In the fountain that flows
For you and for me and for all
D C G
At the wonderful tragic mysterious tree
D C G
On that beautiful scandalous night you and me
D D#o7 Em C
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white,…
G C G
On that beautiful scandalous night
On the hillside you will be delieverd
At the foot of the cross justified
And your spirit restored
By the rivers that pours
From our blessed Savior’s side
Esaie Etienne is a missionary our church supports. The interview is very moving. If you want to support the relief work in Haiti, I encourage you to visit http://tinyurl.com/HaitiMinuteman.
Our family feels especially drawn to pray for this family as they minister in Haiti because they have boys right about the same ages as our boys.
Please continue to pray and give to support relief work and mercy ministry in Haiti and among the people being evacuated from there.
This was on my mind this week, after a conversation I had. . . I keep praying that the Lord will show me how to “restore gently” as the boys are getting older, as we are instroduced to new struggles. Originally posted May 2005.
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At this stage in my life, so much of my reading and studying is filtered through the perspective of mothering. This includes my studying of the Bible and theology. I find the deeper I dig into God’s Word, the more light it shines on my life–and how I ought to mother.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
“Brothers. . .” This passage is written to Believers. As parents, God has given us special responsibility towards our children. But they are also our “brothers” and in the Covenant.
We went to Ash Wednesday services at the beginning of Lent with Kate at the episcopal church around the corner (we missed liturgy) and when the priest put ashes on her little forehead, it really made an impact on me. As much as I am her mother, I am also her sister in Christ. This has been really helpful to me in thinking through parenting issues. Most Christians wouldn’t serve wine to a fellow Christian who was a recovering alcoholic. Why do they discipline their children and then set them up to do the same things again?
In his commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther clarifies that “caught in sin” is not speaking about doctrinal errors, “but about far lesser sins into which people fall not deliberately, but through weakness.” As our children are learning right from wrong, they will sin. As they are growing through various stages of development, they will have greater or lesser control over their impulses.
Luther goes on to say, “is caught in imply being tricked by the devil or sinful nature.” Sinful nature, temptation, weakness, developmental stages–remembering these sins of our children are part of their weakness helps me respond to them with compassion.
Luther states, “Paul therefore teaches how those who have fallen should be dealt with–namely those who are strong should raise them up and restore them gently.” I don’t always feel “strong” or “spiritual.” Often I feel weak and struggling myself. But it is my responsibility to raise my children and be strong for them. We have no trouble with the idea of parents being a “mama bear” protecting her young child. I also want to be strong spiritually to correct them gently, to be the “mama bear” to help my children when they are struggling with sin.
It’s interesting to note that this passage is immediately proceeded by the admonitions to walk in the Spirit and the list of the fruit of the Spirit– love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These should be on my mind as I restore my children gently.
Luther reinforces the idea of this passage reminding us of “the fatherly and motherly affection that Paul requires of those who have charge over souls.”
What does “restoring gently” look like? Luther explains, “when they see that those persons are sorrowful for their offenses, they should begin to raise them up again, to comfort them, and to mitigate their faults as much as they can—yet through mercy only, which they must set against sin, lest those who have fallen are swallowed up with depression.” And “. . .gently, and not in the zeal of severe justice.”
To be honest, at times I’ve had Christian mothers advocate some child-training approaches that seemed to have more of the “zeal of severe justice” than how Luther describes the Holy Spirit’s correction, “mild and pitiful in forbearing.”
After restoring gently, we are told to “carry each other’s burdens.” I see this, in light of mothering, as an especial entreaty to know our particular children and their particular weaknesses.
One of my sons is insecure around lots of guests–and he has responded in the past by getting very loud, climbing on furniture, and even hitting a guest. I’ve found that to carry his burden means I prepare him beforehand for our guests, and I hold his hand when they arrive, until he is comfortable and calm. Another son is prone to lash out at his brothers when he is angry. Bearing his burden has meant praying with him and for him, helping him recognize when he feels anger rising, and giving him strategies to deal with that anger without hitting. And it has meant letting him know it’s good to come to me and say, “Mommy, I’m angry” so I can help him not sin in his anger.
Also in this encouragement to carry one another’s burdens, it strikes me how wrong it is to follow the child-training technique of placing a child in a situation of temptation–to test him and see whether he can withstand it (or be punished.) This method is encouraged by some for training toddlers and preschoolers, and seems to be very contrary to bearing the burdens of temptation.
Luther also comments on this passage that sometimes in bearing with one another, things need to just be let go–“These people are the ones who are overtaken by sin and have the burdens that Paul commands us to carry. In this case, let us not be rigorous and merciless, but follow the example of Christ, who bears and forbears these burdens. If he does not punish them, though He might do so with justice, much less ought we to do so.”
“And watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. . .” For parents, I see this as a two-fold warning. First, to be gentle, not be angry—the caution here illustrates how very easy it is to slip into being harsh.
And also I see the warning not to be tempted to pride. When we become concerned about appearing to be “good parents” it is easy to slip into correcting harshly, minutely. This is one of the areas in which I struggled a lot, especially when my children were smaller. And especially when we were guests in churches and people’s homes. I felt pressure (from myself even more than others) for my kids to be perfect and “prove” we were worthy to be missionaries. That pressure tempted me both into pride in my children’s good behaviour, as well being overly picky and correcting unnecessarily.
The end of these verses is “in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” As Martin Luther said,
“After Christ had redeemed us, renewed us, and made us his church, he gave us no other law but that of mutual love. To love is not to wish one another well, but to carry one another’s burdens–that is, things that are grievous to us, and that we would not willingly bear. Therefore, Christians (parents!) must have strong shoulders and mighty bones, so they can carry their brother’s weaknesses. . . Love, therefore, is mild, courteous, and patient, not in receiving, but in giving, for it is constrained to wink at many things and to bear them.
Posted by TulipGirl | Under Family Journal
Monday Jan 25, 2010
I miss writing, journaling about our lives.
Just went through the “family journal” category of the blog, looking for a specific picture. Feel very sentimental now. A bit weepy. So many memories. Wish I’d posted more photos, wrote more funny things the kids have said through the years.
I was shocked to see the pics of J on his first day of school when we got back to the states. He was so little! Yet, I thought of him as so big. Now C is the age J was then. . . Where does the time go?
I’m a bit in shock that we’ve been in the states for over four years. Even more shocking to me is that I’ve lived in the same house the past four years. That has never, ever happened before. In my whole life. Yet, I’ve had itchy feet, ready to move. Gypsy feet. . . Ready for a move, a new adventure. We’re in the enviable position of the status quo being good. . . Hubby’s teaching college, I’m in grad school. We have a great, grace-filled church. Good friends and family nearby. And, it’s time to move.
We’ve been renting the same house for the past four years. Very kid-friendly neighborhood, near a park and woods, great neighbors. Now that the boys are older and I’m not tense about it, the pool is great. When the house went on the market in the fall, it sold in less than a week. That sure is a blessing, but it means eventually we really DO have to move. As soon as the paperwork goes through. . . Until then, we’re still here.
But over the past couple of years we’ve been exploring ways to return overseas. Being part of the church-planting team in Kyiv was amazing, and I know that God had us there for that season. But it did confirm to us that Hubby was not to go to seminary, and we were not called to directly being on a church-planting team. Instead, we want to be actively involved in outreach and the life of church plants as members and supporters — whether in the US or overseas. And, we do want to return overseas.
We’ve been looking into our options for the future. . . knocking on doors, leaning on fences, looking through cracks in the walls. While nothing is certain, we do have an opportunity which is becoming more solidified. While Hubby has been in the process of fulfilling prerequisites, until we’re moving I don’t want to go into too much detail. (You know how that is. . . some daydreams seem to fade away when named.) But, should it all come together we would be moving overseas again in the next year or so. We’re excited, the kids are excited.
And I’m ambivalent. I’m okay with having contrary thoughts, contrary feelings. Excitement and reluctance. Wanting the dream and wanting stability. Enjoying the moments here and ready to leave.
We moved a lot when I was growing up. The constant was our family unit. We had so much fun. . . Dad and Mom, my younger brother and sister and me. Every time we moved, we had a new adventure. We had fun together. Looking through the archives here reminds me that I still have that. The constancy of Hubby and the boys, and the fun and memories we’ve made along the way.
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Btw, I know my comments have been wonky. You can always reach me by email at tulipgrrl AT gmail DOT com .
At the beginning of the year, I set up some projects that I wanted to pursue in 2009. Some of them morphed through the year, some of them were discarded, and others added.
To summarize: Projects for 2009
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Connecting in Community Project
I feel like this project was a success. . . Even though we’ve had the spectre of moving looming, we’ve become more integrated in our church, our neighborhood, and community. We’ve been in the same house for almost 5 years — the longest I’ve ever lived in one town, not to mention one house, ever in my life. I have especially loved being part of a women’s Bible study, not just for the community aspects but also for how much focus the women put into really delving into the Bible.
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Calvin Quincentenary Project
The boys read through two Calvin biographies, and I read through half of one. *blush* I listened to a significant portion of the Institutes of the Christian Religion on MP3 and was so nourished by that. As Hubby received Calvin’s complete commentaries for Christmas, I think we’ll need to continue this project in another form next year.
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Homeschool Habits Project
Homeschooling has gone great this year! We’re using Ambleside Online as the spine of our studies, with the boys all in the same time period but different requirements for reading and writing. We wanted to devote significant time to US related studies when we returned to the States and I feel we’ve done that well. The older boys have also become involved in debate, and that has been a great addition to our schooling (and a great motivation for them, as well.)
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Regular Reading Project
I still haven’t kept up with George W., Half-Pint Megan, Civil Staci or Classical Kristen. . . but I have read more this year. Getting back to regular reading, but didn’t do many reviews.
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Family Fitness Project
Fail. . . no family 5k.
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More Music Project
While we did have “more” music, we didn’t quite have as much as I had envisioned. No piano, but T12 does have a guitar and C9 a harmonica. No live concerts, but did see The Nutcracker.
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And while I have been formulating and contemplating my 2010 projects, they are still a bit amorphous. Will post them as I flesh them out a bit more.
from the Mennonite Community Cookbook by Mary Emma Showalter
1 C shortening (we’ve always used butter instead)
2 C granulated sugar
3 eggs
3 1/2-4 C flour (I always end up having to add more)
1 tsp salt
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
Cream shortening and sugar together.
Add eggs and flavoring and beat until fluffy.
Sift flour (we’ve always skipped both sifting steps without problems)
Measure and add salt and baking powder.
Sift again.
Add dry ingredients.
Stir until a medium-soft dough is formed (you may have to add a lot of extra flour to get to this point depending on the humidity)
Chill several hours in the refrigerator.
Roll very thin and cut into fancy shapes. (I’m lazy so I just cut them into squares with a pastry wheel)
Brush tops with rich milk and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
Decorate with pecan halves (when we use nuts, we’ve always used chopped walnuts)
Place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet (parchment paper also works well instead of greasing the cookie sheet)
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 8-10 minutes.
One thing I like about the recipe is that since it dates back before modern ovens, it’s a lot harder to mess up than a lot of more modern baking recipes.
She brought this to our little cookies-and-eggnog Christmas get together last night. They were so delish, simple, splendid. Posting the recipe so I can find it when I want to make them myself.
Love pottery? Live in the Sarasota / Bradenton area? Check out the holiday open house hosted by Nigel and Cheyenne Rudolph.
Friday, 12/4, 5 – 9 pm
Saturday, 12/5, 10 – 8 pm
2321 14th Ave W, Bradenton 34205
On November 1st I started my annual thankful posts, a daily record of gratitude. And if anyone still reads my rarely updated blog, maybe they wondered if I didn’t really have a grateful heart or I dropped off the face of the earth. I toyed with the idea of continuing my list and back-dating it so that I had continuity (I like continuity, ritual, patterns.) But that felt too poseurish, too much like I’m faking it. So, I’m not. Just going to blush a bit and admit that this tradition has gone by the wayside this year.
In spite of that, we’ve had some HUGE things that God has done recently that just have me overjoyed and thankful and just oh-so-glad. Hubby has an “official” diagnosis after two years of weird symptoms, stress, and medical tests. It’s something chronic, not something terminal (which was the doc’s first suspicion two years ago.) And as he’s already been living with and dealing with the symptoms for awhile, it seems very manageable.
Also, the house we’ve been renting in Florida went on the market and sold in less than a week! This is wonderful (and the quickness — thank God! — showing a house while living in it with four boys? Stressful.) At this point we aren’t looking for a new place, we’ll find out soon whether we have another 2-3 months here and then we’ll find a place to rent closer to the college and high school where Hubby is teaching.
We’re in the process, though, of pursuing some options that would have us return overseas. We’re nearing the point with one of the options where we’ll know whether that door is open or closed. My daydream is that not only would that door be open, but that the wheels would move quickly and instead of renting again here, we can move from our current house to temporary quarters for training. But, considering the usual timeline of this sort of thing, that’s highly unlikely. (Still, I can always hope and pray. . .)
Another thing I’m really thankful for is our church has had the opportunity to host Steve Brown for a community-wide service this Sunday night — and he’ll be preaching at our church in the morning.
Some of my girlfriends and I trade MP3 links to various encouraging podcasts and a few months ago, my friend Camille insisted I listen to Steve Brown’s RTS seminary course on Grace in the Church. Wow. . . It was just what I needed. Not that he said anything “new” — it’s all the Gospel — but I just need to keep hearing it again and again. And what the Lord is doing in my heart? Well, I needed to hear it. . .
The theme for this Sunday will be Scandalous Freedom. If you aren’t local and can’t come, please take time to listen to these MP3s or read this book.
If you are in the Sarasota / Bradenton area, here are the details for Sunday, November 22, Scandalous Freedom with Steve Brown. On Facebook On Gohope.Net On TulipGirl
Posted by TulipGirl | Under Blog Stuff
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
