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Memorial Day 2004

Little Soldier

Little soldier, little child
You're still too young to know,
The impact of the battlefield
Or how its memory lingers so.

Playing war is now a game,
Its truth you can't conceive
Should you defend, until its end
Our freedom to believe.

In God, in man, in liberty
With rights for one and all,
Little soldier, little child,
That day you'll stand as tall.

Written by Maureen Kuehne
Copyright 2003

May 31, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Happy Mommy Moment

"If you could ask God for anything in the world, what would it be?" asked the Sunday School teacher as an introduction to a lesson about Solomon and wisdom.

T7 piped up, "A million brothers!"

May 30, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Contented Cows Give Sweet Milk

"Oxytocin. . . which is released by the pituitary gland, is the hormone that stimulates the mother's letdown. . . This is a wonderful hormone that has a calming affect upon the mother. Every time the milk 'lets down' she experiences a feeling of relaxation and calm and sometimes sleepiness comes over her. God is good. When we do things His way, we get His benefits. He knows that mothers need this calming hormone and He has graciously provided it for us." --Nancy Campbell

May 29, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Reading Love in Chicken Entrails

This morning J7 was my grocery helper and went shopping with me in preparation for the fellowship dinner we have before Bible study each Thursday.

Our first stop was the Chicken Truck. We buy our chicken from the back of a truck that is parked across the street from the grocery store.

"Ewww! She's using her hands!" J7 exclaimed as the Chicken Truck Lady plopped three kilos of chicken breasts into a plastic bag.

"It's okay, hon. I wash the chicken and then we cook it to kill the germs."

"But, she's touching raw meat with her bare hands!"

"Yep. Pretty gross, huh?"

"I don't think I want her job when I grow up." This from the child has his life planned out--starting with being an army general. I was thinking that I'm not sure I want him to grow up to sell chicken from the back of a truck, either.

"You know, I'm glad I'm not a girl. Then I won't become a Mommy and have to touch raw meat."

I quickly disabused him of that idea.

"Well, when we lived next to the market, Daddy would go and buy a whole chicken for me, and then take off the skin and clean out all the insides. With his bare hands. Just so that I wouldn't have to do that yucky job."

May 27, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Online Journalists a Target?

"We do question the real reasons for their arrests," said Reporters Without Borders. "It is all the more important to look into these cases because both of them were investigating issues that are sensitive for the authorities,"

Two UA reporters have been arrested this week. With stories like these, I'm always curious about what's really going on.

And I was wondering what The Liberal Media's take is on the situation--how much is really corrupt journalists and how much is supressing free speech?

May 26, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Got Research?

"No research supports either of these approaches as reasonable for newborns."

--Jennifer Cox, M. D. writing about Babywise and Secrets of the Baby Whisperer in Got Time? published by the Utah Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

(Via Ezzo.Info)

May 26, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

From Child's Garden of Verses

May 26, 2004  |  Comments (8)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

How the Other Half Thinks

Hubby has been writing a lot lately about our family and parenting.

Parenting is a (Mixed) Blessing

Mixed Blessing, but a Pretty Cool One

Homebirthing and Other Evangelical Tribal Customs

Kids and the Big City

May 25, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

To wonder, “Do I dare?”

Which poem are you? The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot God, you're indecisive. You're not that great, but you don't know if you want to accept that. You appreciate beauty and observe things others may not, but you're also hopelessly impaled on your own foolish romanticism. Go you.

Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

(Via Jared)

May 25, 2004  |  Comments (8)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Baptism and Babies

This morning at our church, a precious baby girl was baptised.

R5 sat on my lap during that part of the service. "I remember the day you were baptised," I whispered. "Do you remember?"

We listened to the pastor talk about the covenant God made with Abraham, the covenant God has made with us.

Pastor Gregg Strawbridge's booklet "Infant Baptism: Does the Bible Teach it?" was key in helping me understand paedobaptism. It clarified many concepts connected with Covenant Theology and the idea of covenant family.

I've been mulling over the implications of children in the Covenant ever since, and even more over the past year. Some of those implications have had a profound impact in how I relate to my family.

It was truly beautiful to witness little Yulichka's baptism today.

May 23, 2004  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

O bless our God with one accord

O bless our God with one accord,
Ye faithful servants of the Lord,
Who in his house do stand by night;
And praise him there with all your might.

Lift up your hands, in prayer draw nigh
Unto his sanctuary high;
Bless ye the Lord, kneel at his feet,
And worship him with reverence meet.

Jehovah bless thee from above,
From Zion in his boundless love,
Our God, who heav'n and earth did frame;
Blest be his great and holy Name.

Listen

May 23, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

A-List Quotes

"Now there are always people who resist and resent any inquiry into how they're using your money. We call those people Democrats." Accurate.

". . .as Ecclesiastes says, there's a time to be cynical and a time to be Pollyanna." Astute.

"Watch this space for new and improved OKCalvin-istic ruminations and commentary." Alright!

"My all-time favorite is The Four Brave Calvinist Ninjas. Admittedly, it wasn't easy telling that one with a straight face."Amusing.

"Did the training wheels fall off?" Appalled.

Baby Feet. Adorable.

May 22, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Love, Remember, Live

"Ukraine has the highest HIV infection rate in Eastern Europe. An estimated 500,000 people - 1 percent of the population - are infected. The infection rates in this ex-Soviet republic have grown 20 times in the last five years."

(via KyivPost)

May 21, 2004  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Elephant Tusk Sandwiches

The boys were excited tonight when I announced they could make themselves Elephant Tusk Sandwiches for dinner.

Elephant Tusk Sandwiches

Two Pieces of Bread
An Elephant Tusk
Elephant Food

The bread holds the sandwich together. Spread elephant food on each slice of bread. (What do elephants like to eat? Peanuts and peanut butter!) Slice an elephant tusk (banana) lengthwise so it will lie flat on the bread. Enjoy with a glass of milk to wash down the crumbs.

This is a recipe I remember from childhood--it was either in Highlights magazine or the Betty Crocker cookbook for kids.

May 21, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Modern African Mothers

Emily Wax's article about marketing strollers in Kenya is worth the full read.

"There are customs from a hundred years ago that are not relevant today for Africans. Our challenge is to pick the good from the bad," said Carol Mandi, managing editor of EVE, an East African women's magazine. "But carrying on your back, well, that is just a wonderful custom that keeps the baby emotionally stable and lets the mother feel bonded. We can't stop being African women just because we are suddenly thrust into the modern world. What next? They will tell us to stop breast feeding in public? No way."

Honestly, you need to read the whole story.

Thanks to The Liberal Media for e-mailing me about it. *grin* He knew it'd be one that sparked my interest.

May 19, 2004  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Homeschoolers: Witches and Zealots

I think Quinn Cotton was trying to be funny. Trying very hard. It didn't work.

The following ugly statements are from the editorial that recently appeared in Creative Loafing, an "alternative press" weekly in Charlotte, North Carolina.

a lot of the homeschooling faithful are as fueled by a fanatical, religion-based belief in their mission as Islamist terrorists, and seem to be just about as brainwashed.

. . .

Some of the homeschooling moms (HMs) are kind of witch-y, with the uncut hair and the long skirts because pants on females are unholy, but the description that really applies to this coven is "All of Them Zealots."

. . .

They're not only terrorist-like in their conviction that their calling is divinely ordained, homeschoolers also often have a broad martyr streak. Rather than suicide bombings, though, they commit "suicide book-learning," sacrificing their own lives to teach their kids.

. . .

What's really scary about homeschooling is what it can do to the sanity of a mother deluded into thinking it's her Christian duty. No woman was ever meant to be trapped in a house all day with children old enough to spell "homicide."

. . .

All young animals must be immersed in a mass of their peers so they can figure out what it means to function as a member of the larger group.

Ironically, I remember 15+ years ago, when homeschooling was more underground the neighbors thinking we were a little weird, but their usual concern was What about socialization? We've all heard that before.

Homeschooling has become so mainstream, that most neighbors are pretty accepting of it, and see value in it--even if they still think "I could never homeschool my kids."

Maybe that's Quinn Cotton's problem with homeschooling now. It isn't alternative enough.

(Via Ariana)

May 19, 2004  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Memories

I got rippling waters to wake me
to the morning, my woman and love
our tall pine trees are pointing us easily to heaven above
Blue spruce flaming on the grate in the evening
Takes the chill away fine
Cut the telephone line and the story's the same

There's an old red chair by our window
That we found at a sale down the lane
Some old women said they needed more room for the winter
People like to pull out the stuffing when they sit down
So it passes the time
Cut the telephone line and the story's the same

Blow like a bubble on a windy day
Start to flutter when I hear you say
That you feel to good to go away
And you make me feel fine
You've made my world a warmer place
By the sparkle of your diamond face
on a frayed spot, put a little lace

And you make me feel fine
Warm as the mountain sunshine
On the edge of the snowline
In a meadow of columbine

Oh, little Jennifer, I'd give a penny for
What you've got on your mind
It seems like most of the time you're lying here dreaming.
Maybe in your vision you've seen how our mission is slightly less than divine
Cut the telephone line and the story's the same

Yep, now rippling waters flow through pipes
In the walls and they're keeping me warm
And the closest I've been to my family for days is our music
You can silently stare in the morning sky
It's like hearing her calling my name
Cut the telephone line and the story might change

Ripplin' Waters
by Jimmy Ibbotson
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

May 19, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

A Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck

"How much is a gallon?" J7 asked me as I cleaned the kitchen this afternoon.

"Remember those big milk containers we used to buy in the States?"

Blank stare.

"Well, that was a gallon."

Blank stare.

I held up my hands. "Oh, a gallon is about this much."

May 18, 2004  |  Comments (10)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Note to Swamphopper:

But caffeine is supposed to help migraines, isn't it?

May 18, 2004  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Free Groceries for Life

A mother-friend of mine wrote this analogy which illustrates how scheduled feedings work against the way breastfeeding works. A good read for breastfeeding and expectant mothers. And for the scientific side of things, read this article.

May 17, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Tulipedia!

Tulipedia, the free encyclopedia on Calvinism.

Why am I not surprised that Aaron was in on this?

May 17, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Pakistani Christian Martyr

Anjum said he was finally forced under torture to repeat the words of the Muslim creed, an act which according to Islamic law constitutes conversion to Islam. But he told his family he had not renounced his Christian faith.

News like this jolts me out of my complacency.

I know people die for their faith. But it still shocks me when I hear about it. Growing up in the US with freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press so ingrained, it's hard to really realize that it isn't the same everywhere.

Please pray for Javed Anjum's mourning family. Please pray that his death will be used by God to soften the hearts of the other students at Government College in Quetta.

Reported by Asia News, Christianity Today and WorldNetDaily.

Update: Imago Veritatis has much more written on this, and I recommend his post.

(Via Kolbi)

May 16, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Philippians 2:1-18

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." --Philippians 2:1-18

May 16, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

I'm Dom-es-tic!

Maybe it's a side effect of the Spring Cleaning that Hubby and I are finishing up, or maybe it's because I've been happy to be in my own home again. This week I've made cinnamon-raisin-honey granola, tried a new herbed marinade for pork, and bought window boxes for the kitchen.

And I'm looking forward to strawberries and other fruits coming in season--I can't wait to begin preserving again.

May 15, 2004  |  Comments (13)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Where in the world?

Anne's amazed at this geography tidbit. When I was a child, we lived closer to the USSR than the Lower 48, thanks to the Navy. *grin* I have lots of fond memories of Adak, but that base is closed now.

May 15, 2004  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

(From Breastfeeding News via Jordana)

May 15, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Grace, More Grace

"If they repent, they should be met with forgiveness like any other sinner, and programs like Rachel's Vineyard to bring about emotional healing are great, but I don't think that they have a right to demand that they should be treated as if nothing had ever happened. I fear that I may sound like the elder brother of the Prodigal Son or the laborers who worked all day and got the same pay as those who worked one hour, but I think that it is an insult to women who did the right thing to act as if the differnce between them and women who did not should be completely wiped away."

To which I (Emily) responded:

Could you clarify how exactly you would want to treat me differently?

Would I be allowed to receive and extend the sign of peace? Would I be allowed to sing in the choir?

Do you want those of us who have had an abortion to wear a special garment so that newcomers and visitors don't accidentally treat us the same?

Should we be required to participate in an annual stone-throwing ceremony in the parking lot? Would real stones be used or would they be symbolic stones made out of paper mache? Would our remaining children be allowed to watch the ceremony?

Or is it your recommendation that I be allowed to participate in the life of the church, but would be shunned from your social circle?

Is the only time that we'd sit down to a meal together be the annual Pro-Life banquet when I get invited to speak about the horror of abortion from a personal perspective?

Or would you recommend that we be treated just the same on the surface, but every so often--perhaps in line at the grocery store, perhaps on the sidelines as we watch our kids compete in the swim meet, perhaps as I prepare myself to receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist--you or one of your friends would lean over and whisper into my ear, "I haven't forgotten what you did."

(via AfterAbortion May 8, 2004)

May 14, 2004  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

From Hubby

Reflections on 5 Years in the PCA

May 13, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Antibodies and Germs

At all times and in all situations we are doing one of two things: we are either 1) healing a situation or, 2) infecting a situation.

Nann shared this on a messageboard where I post, in the context of family relationships. It's given me much to mull over, and led to a St. Francis-like prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of Your healing."

May 13, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

In Iraq

• Over 400,000 Iraqi children now have up-to-date immunizations.
  
• School attendance is up 80% from levels prior to the war.
  
• Over 1,500 schools have been renovated and cleared of weapons previously stored there.
  
• The port of Uhm Qasar has been refurbished so grain can be off-loaded from ships faster.
  
• The country has begun exporting oil again--some 2 billion barrels a month.
  
• Over 4.5 million people now have clean drinking water for the first time ever.
  
• The country now produces 2 times the electrical power it did before the war.
  
• 100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed, compared to only 35% before the war.
  
• Sewer and water lines have been installed in every major city.
  
• Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets.
  
• Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the country.
  
• Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by side with US soldiers.
  
• Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever
  
• An interim constitution has been signed by every major faction of Iraqi society and culture.
  
• Girls are allowed to attend school throughout the country.
  
• Textbooks that don't lionize Saddam are in the schools for the first time in 30 years.
  
• Ideas of freedom, opportunity, and hope are the new currency of the land despite the best efforts of al-Qaeda to instill tyranny, oppression, and fear.
  

Obviously, there's still a long way to go in helping Iraq, helping leaders start leading, and preparing for US disengagement. But frankly, I'm impressed at how much progress has been made in such a short time.

(Via Dr. Grant 5/12/04)

Update: After I posted this, I realized it would be good if I did a bit of fact checking, rather than just relying on Dr. Grant being a good source. What I found out is that this letter *was* verified by several media sources (and Snopes!) as being written by National Guardsman Ray Reynolds, SFC, Iowa Army National Guard, 234th Signal Battalion. His sources for the information included personal observation, USAID Fact Sheet, Influential Iraqis and the Police Chief of Baghdad.

May 12, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Green Roofscapes Chicago

Recently, my Dad was telling me about a new push in Chicago for rooftop gardening. The benefits are many--moderating temperatures, less rain run-off, cutting down smog, and lots of relaxation potential.

In general, people in Ukraine love to garden. Fresh vegetables and flowers are valued. People who have dachas go every weekend. The parks and gardens in the city are well-maintained and enjoyed. And as the country transitions from the old Soviet system, I think the environmental impact would be very beneficial.

It's an idea that I'd love to see the contractors in Kyiv latch onto. I don't know the technical/architectural details of whether roof-top gardens could be integrated into the older high-rise neighborhoods. But if the newer buildings were designed to include rooftop gardens, they would be a hit with the residents and a benefit to the city.

Across the street from our building: We could use some green, huh?

May 12, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Practical Mission Resources

One of the most valuable resources online for missionaries is Brigada.Org.

For example, in today's e-letter:

PRACTICAL TRAINING TO HELP THE POOR TO HELP THEMSELVES -- Time is running out! The Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College, in partnership with Food for the Hungry International and World Relief, is offering training in Bangkok, Thailand on May 24 - June 2, 2004 and at Lookout Mountain, GA USA from August 2 - 11, 2004. This training focuses on innovative, best practice microenterprise development and microfinance strategies and methodologies that can be used in holistic, Christ-centered programs. For information on these events or our email based distance learning visit http://www.chalmers.org or email CEDI@covenant.edu

EQUIPPING WOMEN IN ISLAMIC COUNTRIES -- A special meeting will take place in the US on August 4-8 to encourage and equip women who have a minimum of two years experience working with Muslims. The $300 conference fee includes housing and meals and must be received by July 1. Twelve worldview workshops and 24 general workshops will provide tools for ministry including survey strategies, effective approaches in eliciting a faith response, communicating the gospel in understandable ways, strategic intercession, etc. Please contact consultwomen@cs.com for additional information, and furnish a secure e-mail address to which we can respond.

MISSIONPREP "PLANTS" SEMINAR - TORONTO 2004 June 13-25, 2004 Principles of Language Acquisition: Natural Techniques and Skills Location: Tyndale University College & Seminary, 25 Ballyconnor Court, Willowdale, Ontario *Insider skills for Language & cultural Learning *Phonetics Foundations *Language readiness For more information contact missionprep@globaltalk.ca or read http://www.missionprep.ca

TEACHERS WANTED! -- Whitman Academy is seeking qualified teachers for the 2005-2006 school year. This school is located in Amman, Jordan, servicing international students. Please write to Andrew for more information at info@whitmanacademy.org.

FREE TENTMAKING SEMINAR IN MOBILE ALABAMA -- Global Opportunities is offering a FREE half-day seminar (9 am to 1 pm) Saturday, May 22, at North Bay Christian Church in Mobile, Alabama. The church is located at 1275 E I65 Service Rd S, Mobile, AL 36606-3103 or see their website for directions at http://www.northbaycc.org. This Seminar will help you understand how you can reach the world as a non-traditional missionary, using your vocation to reach the nations! For further information on this FREE seminar and to register go to: http://www.globalopps.org/seminar For additional information, please contact Charles at: charles@globalopps.org

Brigada also covers tech help for challenging countries, pre- and post- field briefing, tips for shipping goods overseas, support raising, idea sharing, and much more.

I recommend all missions committees and missions minded people subscribe to their e-letter. It's a great example of the body of Christ working together with different gifts to further the Gospel!

May 11, 2004  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

J7 the Brave

My oldest came up to me a minute ago, humming.

"Do you know the words to Scotland the Brave?"

"One day I want to take bagpipe lessons with Daddy in Scotland, and eventually be able to play Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes."

Hark, when the night is falling
Hear, hear the pipes are calling
Loudly and proudly calling
Down through the Glen.
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a-leaping
High as the spirits
Of the old highland men.

Chorus:
Towering in gallant fame
Scotland my mountain hame
High may your proud standards
Gloriously wave!
Land of my high endeavor
Land of the shining river
Land of my heart forever
Scotland the brave!

High in the misty highlands
Out by the purple islands
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath Scottish skies
Wild are the winds to meet you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Kind as the light that shines
From fair maiden's eyes.

(Chorus)

Far off in sunlit places
Sad are the Scottish faces
Yearning to feel the kiss
Of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming,
Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming
for the homeland again.

(Chorus)

Hot as a burning ember,
Flaming in bleak December
Burning within the hearts
Of clansmen afar!
Calling to home and fire,
Calling the sweet desire,
Shining a light that beckons from every star!

(Chorus)

Listen.

Update: Since posting this, the boys have gathered around the computer to listen to the tune linked above, and practiced humming it together. J7's been reading the words--but wants someone else to sing it because he wants to hum.

May 11, 2004  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

And another reason to vote

Reviewing our tax numbers from the past few years, it's very clear that Bush's "tax cuts for the rich" greatly benefit not-so-rich missionary families, too.

Just another reason to Vote for W in 2004!

May 10, 2004  |  Comments (8)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Mommy-Encouragement

Happy Mother's Day!

I've found the articles at Gentle Christian Mothers to be a wonderful resource through the joys and struggles of mothering.

May 10, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Chosen in Love

Father, Thou all things ordained
Ev'n the sin which leaves us stained
Proves Thy righteous judgment fair
Though it moves us to despair

Yet Thou hast a better end
For those whom Thou dost befriend
That within the Trinity
Holy Love may cherished be

Thou hast chosen us in love
Giv'n us hearts born from above
Thine we are, to Thee we sing
Joyous tribute to our King

Chos'n in Christ for holiness
For the Father's love to bless
That the Son may worshipped be
Now and through eternity

Ours the sin from which we die
Christ the Live to which we fly
Life in Him O blessedness!
Christ in us, our Righteousness

Holy Spirit, heavenly seal
Give our hearts Thy Word's appeal
Op'n our eyes that we may see
Gospel truths which set us free

Free from sin's corrupting power
Free to worship Thee this hour
Free from fear, from death's dark sting
Free to trust and rest and sing!

Peter Byron La Pointe, 2002
To the tune -- St. Bees: John B. Dykes, 1862

May 09, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Happily Ever After. . .

From WorldMagBlog:

Here's a Saturday afternoon contest. . . "What's your favorite ending to a book?" Best conclusions will receive blog laud and honor.

I like this idea. I'll have to think about it, though.

May 08, 2004  |  Comments (14)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Kool-Aid® is a valued American commodity in our household for the aromatic and colorful properties it adds to home made play dough. The packaged dough gives me headaches, and so when I want to be a good-n-messy mama, I use this recipe:

Kool-Aid® Play Dough

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 packaged unsweetened Kool-Aid®
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup water

Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and Kool-Aid® in a pot. Add oil and water. Stir over medium heat until texture changes and forms a ball in the pot, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool to touch. Kneed until smooth. Store in a platic bag in the fridge.

Notes: I usually double the recipe or make a bunch of batches at once. This can be made without the cream of tartar (which is a preserving agent.) You can also use glycerin or vinegar as a preserving agent. This has been a fun party favor with our Ukrainian kid-friends.

May 08, 2004  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

New PCA Resource!

PCANews.com has morphed into a new web journal, ByFaith Online. Visually, it's appealing and readable. Content-wise, I have great hopes for it.

(Via Barlow Farms)

May 08, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Catching up with blog pals

I've been AFK for about two weeks, and it's been nice this evening to catch up with friends and blog pals.

Carol has passed the halfway mark in her pregnancy, and she and her family have been very involved in both anticipating the birth of this baby, and also speaking up for other preborn childern.

Marla and her crew went to see the American Boys Choir and Swedish Boys Choir. Cool.

Kelly is welcoming new bloggers and pondering the Augsberg Confession.

Andrea is opening windows and OK Calvin is praying for open doors in Spain.

Sciolist is meditating at Nordaggio's Coffee.

And Dana is reflecting on Beautiful Things on this very special anniversary.

May 08, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink