My son's alma mater (the second-largest public university in the state) is in the midst of a controversy over an upcoming lecture. Walid Shoebot (a former PLO terrorist) is scheduled to speak on why he left Jihad. The Muslim students want his speech canceled because ....
(get this) ....
they are in favor of diversity.
Censorship
for the sake of promoting
tolerance
and diversity.
Yeah. Right. Clear as mud.
The administration of the college is charging a $2500 security fee to the group that invited Shoebot. Some people seem to think that this is a "conservative tax," seeing as how it's about 6x larger than the security fee usually charged to groups putting on lectures or other events. That may be true. The administration may be trying to discourage a lecturer who would say something contrary to the politcally correct mantra.
But IF it's not...
If the fee is NOT an attempt to hush Shoebot and his message, then what does the exorbitant fee demonstrate? It means that when liberals put on lectures that highlight their viewpoint, the conservatives quietly let them do their thing, without riots, without protests, without violence. But when conservatives put on lectures that highlight their viewpoint, the university administration wants loads of cops on hand because they expect trouble. And from whom would that trouble arise? The conservatives who agree? Or does this outrageous security fee indicate that liberals might resort to violence and threats to intimidate their opponents?
So what's your choice? Neither one is a pretty option. Either the university administration is using their power to prevent a conservative from speaking. Or this is evidence that liberals respond to conservatives with a whole lot less TOLERANCE than conservatives respond to liberals. Hmmmm.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Weaning
Okay, I admit it. I'm ADD and distractible.
Someone asked me to read "Dark Night of the Soul" by St John of the Cross. So I'm getting my feet wet and going through it. And St John uses an analogy for how God gives us His good gifts in sweetness and joy, but then must eventually help us "grow up," and thus we begin to encounter anfechtungen.
But the analogy distracted me.
It said something about how a mother would put aloe on her breasts to discourage a child from nursing so that he would be weaned and go on to his growing up.
Aloe? YUCK! Nasty! Aloe in a kid's mouth would certainly discourage him from asking to nurse. But aloe in the mouth is just awful. It would be kinder to hit a kid than to put aloe in his mouth.
Just the thought of aloe in the mouth makes me want to run to the bathroom and spit and spit and spit. Thinking of aloe in the mouth makes you want to wash your own mouth out with soap because it would improve the sensation in your mouth.
Oh. Was I supposed to be reading theology?
Ooops. Got distracted by that "Solidarity With The Holsteins" thing again.
And the horrid thought of aloe touching my tastebuds.
Aloe in the mouth. [Shudder!!!!]
Someone asked me to read "Dark Night of the Soul" by St John of the Cross. So I'm getting my feet wet and going through it. And St John uses an analogy for how God gives us His good gifts in sweetness and joy, but then must eventually help us "grow up," and thus we begin to encounter anfechtungen.
But the analogy distracted me.
It said something about how a mother would put aloe on her breasts to discourage a child from nursing so that he would be weaned and go on to his growing up.
Aloe? YUCK! Nasty! Aloe in a kid's mouth would certainly discourage him from asking to nurse. But aloe in the mouth is just awful. It would be kinder to hit a kid than to put aloe in his mouth.
Just the thought of aloe in the mouth makes me want to run to the bathroom and spit and spit and spit. Thinking of aloe in the mouth makes you want to wash your own mouth out with soap because it would improve the sensation in your mouth.
Oh. Was I supposed to be reading theology?
Ooops. Got distracted by that "Solidarity With The Holsteins" thing again.
And the horrid thought of aloe touching my tastebuds.
Aloe in the mouth. [Shudder!!!!]
Movie Time
We have recently enjoyed Monsters Inc and Ratatouille. It amazes me how they can make movies these days that are appropriate and such great fun for the adults and kids both.
Pr Stuckwisch also suggested the sit-com Sports Night. It finally came up on our Blockbuster queue, and we've immensely enjoyed what we've seen so far.
Pr Stuckwisch also suggested the sit-com Sports Night. It finally came up on our Blockbuster queue, and we've immensely enjoyed what we've seen so far.
Country Vets
The vets who take care of cows, sheep, pigs, and horses are the vets who know that cats and dogs are animals and not people. They know that people love their pets. They offer many services to those who want fancy-schmancy care for their kitties and doggies. But they also know that pets are NOT children. Too many city vets and small-animal vets don't quite understand that.
I called today to make the appointment for Rosie's spaying. They told me the cost for the office visit and surgery, as well as the mandatory rabies shot. Then she told me all the other shots and tests they could offer (for distemper and leukemia and stuff). But the receptionist reiterated that the only requirement was the rabies shot. Great! The bill for Rosie is going to be less than half of the bill for my daughter's cat's spaying and declawing.
Furthermore, no country vet is going to scold you for not brushing your dog's teeth (like has happened to some of my friends in the city).
It would be well worth the gas-money to take a drive out to the country for a vet like we've got.
I called today to make the appointment for Rosie's spaying. They told me the cost for the office visit and surgery, as well as the mandatory rabies shot. Then she told me all the other shots and tests they could offer (for distemper and leukemia and stuff). But the receptionist reiterated that the only requirement was the rabies shot. Great! The bill for Rosie is going to be less than half of the bill for my daughter's cat's spaying and declawing.
Furthermore, no country vet is going to scold you for not brushing your dog's teeth (like has happened to some of my friends in the city).
It would be well worth the gas-money to take a drive out to the country for a vet like we've got.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Email Postcards
Snopes confirms another computer virus making the rounds disguised as postcards or online greeting cards. The thing that I never know, though, is how we're supposed to tell the difference between the notices for the real and fake greeting cards.
Snopes had some advice for that. It said never to click on the link in the greeting card. Instead, you can go directly to the card company's website, find the "card pick-up page" on the site, and input the ID number of the card (which would've been included in the email notification about the card).
Maybe this is obvious to y'all, but so far I've been playing Russian Roulette, hoping that the cards Maggie and I have received have been real and not attempts to crash my computer. Now I know how to circumvent that possibility. If only I can remember....
Snopes had some advice for that. It said never to click on the link in the greeting card. Instead, you can go directly to the card company's website, find the "card pick-up page" on the site, and input the ID number of the card (which would've been included in the email notification about the card).
Maybe this is obvious to y'all, but so far I've been playing Russian Roulette, hoping that the cards Maggie and I have received have been real and not attempts to crash my computer. Now I know how to circumvent that possibility. If only I can remember....
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Getting Rid of Books
Ouch!
Oh, the pain!
Ouch ouch ouch!
I neeeeed to get rid of stuff in the house. It doesn't hurt much to send clothes to Goodwill. Weeding out toys is a little uncomfortable, but do-able. But books?
Ouch!
What if we need them later?
They're good old-fashioned books, and you can't find those kind of things in the libraries or even the bookstores any more.
The kids might need these for their kids someday.
[fret
stew
worry]
I sure do like books.
I want my library to grow and grow and never ever shrink.
(Y'know, I don't think my eldest could even DO what I'm doing right now.)
Oh, the pain!
Ouch ouch ouch!
I neeeeed to get rid of stuff in the house. It doesn't hurt much to send clothes to Goodwill. Weeding out toys is a little uncomfortable, but do-able. But books?
Ouch!
What if we need them later?
They're good old-fashioned books, and you can't find those kind of things in the libraries or even the bookstores any more.
The kids might need these for their kids someday.
[fret
stew
worry]
I sure do like books.
I want my library to grow and grow and never ever shrink.
(Y'know, I don't think my eldest could even DO what I'm doing right now.)
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Sometimes a mother might have to gently nudge her child next to her in the pew and point to the spot on the page of the hymnal. El-Kiddo gets the unspoken message that she's supposed to leave LaLa-Land, tune back in, and join in the hymn-singing.
Oh, higher than the cherubim,
more glorious than the seraphim,
lead their praises. Alleluia!
Thou bearer of the eternal Word,
most gracious, magnify the Lord.
Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
ye patriarchs and prophets blessed,
ye holy Twelve,
ye martyrs strong,
all saints triumphant raise the song:
Alleluia! (TLH 475)
Certainly the blessed Virgin Mary does not need to be asked to tune in to what's happening in church. Certainly Abraham and David and Peter and Paul and Ignatius and Constantine do not need to be told to sing with us. But there's just something that thrills the heart and sends shivers down your spine to realize so vividly that we're talking to our brothers and sisters in this song -- that Mary Magdalene and my grandfather and Isaiah and Katie Luther and Robert Preus and my goddaughter Bethany and Ambrose and Eve and Jeremiah and Barnabas are all there with us, gathered around the altar with us, singing with us -- and that we are inviting them to join us. :-) Like they need to be invited? We need the prodding to sing and praise more than they, that's for sure. But still, this hymn ... what a glorious reminder that we are all one body!
Oh, higher than the cherubim,
more glorious than the seraphim,
lead their praises. Alleluia!
Thou bearer of the eternal Word,
most gracious, magnify the Lord.
Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
ye patriarchs and prophets blessed,
ye holy Twelve,
ye martyrs strong,
all saints triumphant raise the song:
Alleluia! (TLH 475)
Certainly the blessed Virgin Mary does not need to be asked to tune in to what's happening in church. Certainly Abraham and David and Peter and Paul and Ignatius and Constantine do not need to be told to sing with us. But there's just something that thrills the heart and sends shivers down your spine to realize so vividly that we're talking to our brothers and sisters in this song -- that Mary Magdalene and my grandfather and Isaiah and Katie Luther and Robert Preus and my goddaughter Bethany and Ambrose and Eve and Jeremiah and Barnabas are all there with us, gathered around the altar with us, singing with us -- and that we are inviting them to join us. :-) Like they need to be invited? We need the prodding to sing and praise more than they, that's for sure. But still, this hymn ... what a glorious reminder that we are all one body!
Hallucinations -- Part 3
Do you suppose that maybe, just maybe, God knows what's good for me ... even when I am confused and uncomfortable and in pain? I might think that my dad should not pull out his IV's or gastric tube, but he sure didn't agree in those days immediately post-surgery. I'm arrogant enough to think I knew better than he did, and to think he shouldn't be made "comfortable" if it meant doing harm to himself. Of course, he might not be able to recognize the harm that would come to him if he should try to get up and walk while he's still attached to the bed and to the wall. But his inability to recognize his situation doesn't at all lessen the harm that would come to him if he tried to do what he thought was a good idea.
Do we ever end up in the position that the post-surgery patient is in? Do we ever end up with God watching over us and our every move, apparently thwarting whatever attempts we make to improve our situation? And why does He do it? Just because He thinks He knows better! Just because He isn't trying to get immediate comfort, but is wanting to do what is ultimately for our best interest! And what do we do in response to His watchful eye and His tender care? We chafe. We try to sneak around Him and make things turn out the way that we think best. We accuse Him of not loving and not caring and not helping us.
My hallucinations about "what is best for me" can be every bit as misguided as the poor fellow who just had surgery and is full of narcotic pain-killers.
When you're one of the care-takers in the ICU dept, this is all so easy to see. But when you're the one who's hurting, it's practically impossible to see.
Do we ever end up in the position that the post-surgery patient is in? Do we ever end up with God watching over us and our every move, apparently thwarting whatever attempts we make to improve our situation? And why does He do it? Just because He thinks He knows better! Just because He isn't trying to get immediate comfort, but is wanting to do what is ultimately for our best interest! And what do we do in response to His watchful eye and His tender care? We chafe. We try to sneak around Him and make things turn out the way that we think best. We accuse Him of not loving and not caring and not helping us.
My hallucinations about "what is best for me" can be every bit as misguided as the poor fellow who just had surgery and is full of narcotic pain-killers.
When you're one of the care-takers in the ICU dept, this is all so easy to see. But when you're the one who's hurting, it's practically impossible to see.
Hallucinations -- Part 2
Over the last weeks, my father was having a hard time figuring out that he was in the hospital. When he knew he was in the hospital, he was often confused about where he was in the building, and was worried that the nurses wouldn't be able to find him.
I remembered what the pastors had said about not fighting over those things. It's hard, though, when you don't realize what's going on in a conversation. Sometimes a daughter or a visitor or even a wife will be trying to help a patient, but get pretty darned lost as to what's going on.
What's especially hard is knowing how unhappy your patient is, all hooked up to tubes and IV's, knowing how much he wants to get out of the hospital and just go home. But he can't. He can't have a drink. He can't get up and go to the bathroom. He can't have a snack. He can't move be moved to a different room just because he feels like it. The patient is convinced that his family members (and even the nurses) don't care about him, won't give him what he wants, and are way off-base as to what he needs. But he is wrong: they are doing what's good for him even though he's uncomfortable and not getting his way.
No matter what he imagines about where he is, no matter what he thinks about the family's "lack of love" in refusing to check him out of the hospital, those thoughts are just confusion borne of the situation and the medications and the lack of sleep and other things that interfere with good sense. Sometimes when a patient is confused and in pain, his feelings and his experience seem much more important than what his caretakers insist is necessary for his recovery.
I remembered what the pastors had said about not fighting over those things. It's hard, though, when you don't realize what's going on in a conversation. Sometimes a daughter or a visitor or even a wife will be trying to help a patient, but get pretty darned lost as to what's going on.
What's especially hard is knowing how unhappy your patient is, all hooked up to tubes and IV's, knowing how much he wants to get out of the hospital and just go home. But he can't. He can't have a drink. He can't get up and go to the bathroom. He can't have a snack. He can't move be moved to a different room just because he feels like it. The patient is convinced that his family members (and even the nurses) don't care about him, won't give him what he wants, and are way off-base as to what he needs. But he is wrong: they are doing what's good for him even though he's uncomfortable and not getting his way.
No matter what he imagines about where he is, no matter what he thinks about the family's "lack of love" in refusing to check him out of the hospital, those thoughts are just confusion borne of the situation and the medications and the lack of sleep and other things that interfere with good sense. Sometimes when a patient is confused and in pain, his feelings and his experience seem much more important than what his caretakers insist is necessary for his recovery.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Hallucinations -- Part 1
Pastor told us the story of when he was visiting a shut-in shortly before he died. The man asked "if he needed a beer." As it was mid-morning, and as he was there for a communion visit, Pastor politely turned down the offer. But it turned out that the shut-in was asking Pastor whether "that other guy" needed a beer. Pastor didn't argue about the non-existence of "the other guy" but just said that he was fine and that that other guy didn't want a beer right now.
Gary was once visiting Lu shortly before he died. Lu was happy to be "going home" soon. Now, what is a pastor normally going to think about a man in hospice who's talking about "going home"? Nope, it wasn't that. Lu thought he was back in the service in Europe, and that the war was over and that he was being shipped back home soon. Rather than arguing about the location and the occasion of the visit, Gary just ministered to the man where he was, telling him about Jesus and about the relief of "going home" and getting there safely because of God's grace.
Pastor also had mentioned in the past that it is possible that those on medications and those nearing death might be seeing things in the spiritual realm that the rest of us cannot see. Both Gary and Pastor had mentioned previously how useless it is to argue with people in this situation, and that the important thing is doing what needs to be done for them.
Gary was once visiting Lu shortly before he died. Lu was happy to be "going home" soon. Now, what is a pastor normally going to think about a man in hospice who's talking about "going home"? Nope, it wasn't that. Lu thought he was back in the service in Europe, and that the war was over and that he was being shipped back home soon. Rather than arguing about the location and the occasion of the visit, Gary just ministered to the man where he was, telling him about Jesus and about the relief of "going home" and getting there safely because of God's grace.
Pastor also had mentioned in the past that it is possible that those on medications and those nearing death might be seeing things in the spiritual realm that the rest of us cannot see. Both Gary and Pastor had mentioned previously how useless it is to argue with people in this situation, and that the important thing is doing what needs to be done for them.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Will of God
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust.
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8
So often I want to what God wants me to do, to "know the way in which I should walk." I want to know whether to take this job or that job or stay at home full-time with the kids. We want to know which college to choose to attend. We want to know which car to buy.
A few weeks ago, as my husband and I talked with a pastor about some big decisions that need to be made, Pastor said something about "walking by faith." And he said something I kinda sorta had heard in fuzzy ways before, but never as bluntly as he put it.
It's not about figuring out what The Right Thing To Do might be. Buying the Buick instead of the Honda isn't right or wrong. Going to the state university instead of the private college isn't right or wrong. We make the best decisions we can. And then the "walk by faith" is knowing that God will do good to us, and work for our salvation, in whatever choice we make.
Last night I noticed the parallelism in that verse of Psalm 143. To know the way in which I should walk IS to hear His lovingkindness. Taking the job or not isn't about "what God wants for me." Rather, taking the job -- or not taking it -- puts me in a position where I will be shown my sin annnd resultingly will have God's grace in Christ showered upon me annnd will serve my neighbor through whichever choice I make.
For in You do I trust.
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8
So often I want to what God wants me to do, to "know the way in which I should walk." I want to know whether to take this job or that job or stay at home full-time with the kids. We want to know which college to choose to attend. We want to know which car to buy.
A few weeks ago, as my husband and I talked with a pastor about some big decisions that need to be made, Pastor said something about "walking by faith." And he said something I kinda sorta had heard in fuzzy ways before, but never as bluntly as he put it.
It's not about figuring out what The Right Thing To Do might be. Buying the Buick instead of the Honda isn't right or wrong. Going to the state university instead of the private college isn't right or wrong. We make the best decisions we can. And then the "walk by faith" is knowing that God will do good to us, and work for our salvation, in whatever choice we make.
Last night I noticed the parallelism in that verse of Psalm 143. To know the way in which I should walk IS to hear His lovingkindness. Taking the job or not isn't about "what God wants for me." Rather, taking the job -- or not taking it -- puts me in a position where I will be shown my sin annnd resultingly will have God's grace in Christ showered upon me annnd will serve my neighbor through whichever choice I make.
My Computer
My computer isn't exactly the speediest thing. It helped a lot when DSL became available in our area, so now we're not confined to a dial-up modem. But still, a 5-year-old computer that wasn't anywhere near state-of-the-art when we bought it,... well, it's not the speediest thing.
Today my son-in-law Nathan and my son Philip sped me up. My Norton anti-virus was about to expire. So Nathan deleted all my memory-hogging Norton programs and downloaded AVG and Zone-Alarm. Philip snagged some extra RAM from his old computer that's destined for the dumpster, and he installed that to quintuple my memory. (Oh, if only they could increase the memory in my brain that easily!) Nathan also said that my start-up menu has got gazillions of programs loading up and running in the background. Gary took care of a lot of those for me a few years ago, but Nathan knows of more that can be terminated! So he's going to email me a list of programs to disable when he gets home from the holidays.
I can't believe the difference it has made! Eighteen months ago, I would change a load of laundry while I was waiting for a new window to open on the computer. A week ago, I would set the plates on the table while waiting for a window to open, or some other activity that would use time but take less than a minute. Now ... oh my goodness! ... I can click on buttons on the computer, and the computer responds almost instantaneously. It's mega-cool!
Today my son-in-law Nathan and my son Philip sped me up. My Norton anti-virus was about to expire. So Nathan deleted all my memory-hogging Norton programs and downloaded AVG and Zone-Alarm. Philip snagged some extra RAM from his old computer that's destined for the dumpster, and he installed that to quintuple my memory. (Oh, if only they could increase the memory in my brain that easily!) Nathan also said that my start-up menu has got gazillions of programs loading up and running in the background. Gary took care of a lot of those for me a few years ago, but Nathan knows of more that can be terminated! So he's going to email me a list of programs to disable when he gets home from the holidays.
I can't believe the difference it has made! Eighteen months ago, I would change a load of laundry while I was waiting for a new window to open on the computer. A week ago, I would set the plates on the table while waiting for a window to open, or some other activity that would use time but take less than a minute. Now ... oh my goodness! ... I can click on buttons on the computer, and the computer responds almost instantaneously. It's mega-cool!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving
Church last night here. Church this morning in Rockford. Besides our family, ten people at each place. "Even so, Lord, quickly come to Thy final harvest-home. Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin."
Before church this morning, as we were putting the turkey in to roast, we managed TWICE to spill turkey blood and juices all over different parts of the kitchen counters, walls, and floor. That left us with some mopping to take care of when we got home.
All the kids were here, so that made 10 of us for dinner. Nothing surprising, just the delicious regular feast. (Is "delicious regular feast" an oxymoron?? I don't think so. We're spoiled.) Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, herb bread, corn, sweet potatoes, gelled cranberries, wine (from a bottle! not a box), and pie. We had a couple of bushels of awesome Hubbard squash given to us this year, so the pie was not technically pumpkin. One poor child was freaked out yesterday by the idea of squash pie. But she got told a thing or two, and by the time it was served up today, I think she forgot, and it was as delicious as any pumpkin pie she ever ate.
Katie and Nathan brought their kitten, unwilling to leave him alone at home for so many days. Our two cats have been shockingly agreeable about this interloper. Our kitten and their kitten even seem to be getting to enjoy each other a bit. The middle-aged cat is probably being pacified by the odors and occasional tastes of turkey. Another dirty plate with turkey bits and gravy? "Here, kitty kitty kitty!"
Lots of talking and joking around. Lots of watching kitty interactions. Lots of computer talk among those who understand such things (not me). Lots of theological talk. Some sorting through books and shelves for what girls might want to take with them for their bookshelves and my future grandkids. Lots of catching up and telling stories. Lots of digesting and not giving our tummies enough time to rest before we began refilling them again. Turned out to be a much better day than the 6:30 a.m. harbingers indicated.
I like my family.
Before church this morning, as we were putting the turkey in to roast, we managed TWICE to spill turkey blood and juices all over different parts of the kitchen counters, walls, and floor. That left us with some mopping to take care of when we got home.
All the kids were here, so that made 10 of us for dinner. Nothing surprising, just the delicious regular feast. (Is "delicious regular feast" an oxymoron?? I don't think so. We're spoiled.) Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, herb bread, corn, sweet potatoes, gelled cranberries, wine (from a bottle! not a box), and pie. We had a couple of bushels of awesome Hubbard squash given to us this year, so the pie was not technically pumpkin. One poor child was freaked out yesterday by the idea of squash pie. But she got told a thing or two, and by the time it was served up today, I think she forgot, and it was as delicious as any pumpkin pie she ever ate.
Katie and Nathan brought their kitten, unwilling to leave him alone at home for so many days. Our two cats have been shockingly agreeable about this interloper. Our kitten and their kitten even seem to be getting to enjoy each other a bit. The middle-aged cat is probably being pacified by the odors and occasional tastes of turkey. Another dirty plate with turkey bits and gravy? "Here, kitty kitty kitty!"
Lots of talking and joking around. Lots of watching kitty interactions. Lots of computer talk among those who understand such things (not me). Lots of theological talk. Some sorting through books and shelves for what girls might want to take with them for their bookshelves and my future grandkids. Lots of catching up and telling stories. Lots of digesting and not giving our tummies enough time to rest before we began refilling them again. Turned out to be a much better day than the 6:30 a.m. harbingers indicated.
I like my family.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Three Trips to Town
I deliver Shoppers, the bi-weekly local ad-papers. Today is the day before Thanksgiving. I expected the papers to be huge today. But, c'mon... when it takes three trips to town because they're that big and they wouldn't fit in the van in one or two loads? Wow.
In delivering those sale-ads, I have hereby done my duty to the economy, and I fully intend to hide in my house on Friday! Y'all have "fun" with the crowds out in the malls and the big-box stores in a couple of days.
In delivering those sale-ads, I have hereby done my duty to the economy, and I fully intend to hide in my house on Friday! Y'all have "fun" with the crowds out in the malls and the big-box stores in a couple of days.
Decorating Scheme
Kristi has a quote on her blog about books. Even if nobody else clicks on that link, my eldest daughter had better check it out!!! And her husband will laugh at the quote, I'm sure. And her father will nod in commiseration.
On Changing the Words
Father Hollywood posted on Weedon's blog about ESV. I thought it was a good point, whether one is talking about improvements to a Bible translation, the catechism, or the hymnal.
He writes:
It has really hurt the cause of biblical literacy when the KJV ceased being a nearly-universal standard in the English-speaking world. As much as I personally like the ESV, I think it's just one more version in the smorgasbord that adds, rather than helps, the problem of a multiplicity of versions.
He writes:
It has really hurt the cause of biblical literacy when the KJV ceased being a nearly-universal standard in the English-speaking world. As much as I personally like the ESV, I think it's just one more version in the smorgasbord that adds, rather than helps, the problem of a multiplicity of versions.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Baseball Games and Handicapped Kids
An article by Dan Shaughnessy appeared a month ago (10-26-07) about Clint Hurdle, the manager of the Rockies, and their huge loss in the first game of the World Series. The Hurdles have a daughter with a genetic disorder. The article contrasted the weightiness of losing the game big-time to the challenges of life with a special-needs child. Following is an excerpt:
He knows this is only baseball. He knows that on a daily basis, his wife is the one with the stressful, high-pressure job. The caretaker of a child with Madison's symptoms doesn't get a lot of free time to read the newspaper or go out for lunch with the other moms. It's nonstop vigilance and exhaustion. But the rewards can be great.
"It's like many things in life," said Hurdle. "You look for good, you're going to find good; you look for bad, you're going to find bad. There's a period where you need to get through the grieving, the challenges, that big picture of the unknown, and then, you know, it's kind of like, 'How do you eat an elephant?' One bite at a time. With Maddie, it's one day at a time."
One day at a time. With no promise or guarantee that it will ever get better. Just great joy in the smallest of triumphs.
He knows this is only baseball. He knows that on a daily basis, his wife is the one with the stressful, high-pressure job. The caretaker of a child with Madison's symptoms doesn't get a lot of free time to read the newspaper or go out for lunch with the other moms. It's nonstop vigilance and exhaustion. But the rewards can be great.
"It's like many things in life," said Hurdle. "You look for good, you're going to find good; you look for bad, you're going to find bad. There's a period where you need to get through the grieving, the challenges, that big picture of the unknown, and then, you know, it's kind of like, 'How do you eat an elephant?' One bite at a time. With Maddie, it's one day at a time."
One day at a time. With no promise or guarantee that it will ever get better. Just great joy in the smallest of triumphs.
Monday, November 19, 2007
John 11:44
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."
Jesus made Lazarus come alive again. But when he was raised, he was still bound in the graveclothes. Jesus said Lazarus needed to be loosed and set free.
Is this not also a picture of baptism and absolution? Jesus raises us up from the death of sin. He makes us alive. But we are still wrapped up in the sinful flesh from which we need to be set free. So Jesus tells His apostles and pastors,
"What ye shall bind, that bound shall be.
What ye shall loose, that shall be free.
Unto My Church the keys are given
to ope and close the gates of heaven.
When ministers lay on their hands
absolved by Christ the sinner stands." (TLH 331)
Jesus made Lazarus come alive again. But when he was raised, he was still bound in the graveclothes. Jesus said Lazarus needed to be loosed and set free.
Is this not also a picture of baptism and absolution? Jesus raises us up from the death of sin. He makes us alive. But we are still wrapped up in the sinful flesh from which we need to be set free. So Jesus tells His apostles and pastors,
"What ye shall bind, that bound shall be.
What ye shall loose, that shall be free.
Unto My Church the keys are given
to ope and close the gates of heaven.
When ministers lay on their hands
absolved by Christ the sinner stands." (TLH 331)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Did You Cover Everything???
My friend Cheryl has an article on natural learning. She gives an example like unto matters which all homeschool moms have experienced (but is so good to reminded of by someone who doesn't live in my house!).
In one paragraph she commented on the oft-heard query by non-homeschoolers: "How do you know you've covered everything they need to be taught?" Assuming that the conventional schools actually are the arbiter of "everything that needs to be covered" (which is certainly a debatable point!), then my question is:
"How do you know the students have retained even half of what you've taught them? And what good does it do to cover the material if the students didn't absorb it?"
In one paragraph she commented on the oft-heard query by non-homeschoolers: "How do you know you've covered everything they need to be taught?" Assuming that the conventional schools actually are the arbiter of "everything that needs to be covered" (which is certainly a debatable point!), then my question is:
"How do you know the students have retained even half of what you've taught them? And what good does it do to cover the material if the students didn't absorb it?"
ADHD Kid Goes to College
Learning Outside the Lines is excellent reading for kids with learning disabilities who are headed off to college. The subtitle is "Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Education Revolution." The authors' experience and advice is full of helpful advice that left-brain students might find anathema. But for those who are bright and learn well -- but not in the "school way" -- this book will help them cope with the institutional environment and make the most of their college experience. It has practical, nitty-gritty advice on how to decide which assignments can receive the short-shrift, different methods of cramming before tests, and how to highlight passages in a text.
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