The new peanut butter Rolo ice cream is really good, by the way. Just saying'.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Note to Self: buying mistakes
Don't buy the "premium" ice cream from Walmart. It's not. There's a reason it's half the price of the Rolo ice cream.
The new peanut butter Rolo ice cream is really good, by the way. Just saying'.
The new peanut butter Rolo ice cream is really good, by the way. Just saying'.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Thoughts for a new homeschooler
A friend who is considering homeschooling recently asked me about how to start. We first talked about the "why" of homeschooling - it's really important to know why you are interested in homeschooling. What particular issues are you wanting to address? What are your goals? In her case, her child has some sensory and attachment issues; at this point, they are looking at homeschooling for one year. This child will be in grade 2. Obviously, the age of the child and how long the child has been in school will make a difference to how the parents would approach homeschooling.
I wrote a list of other things to consider and thought I would share them here.
1. Ditch the "school" mentality completely. Don't try to run your day like a normal school day would go. You only have one student - they have 30.
2. BUT think through a routine for your own day. I'm sure you probably had a routine when your child was little - this will be similar.
3. Consider short lessons interspersed with other activities. For example, don't expect to spend an hour on math activities. For written work, plan on 10-15 minutes at the most, then do something together in the kitchen or send her off to play outside for a while.
4. You can expect at this age to get through any written work you need to do in a relatively short amount of time. But that doesn't mean the rest of the day isn't "school". It is - it will just look a little different. Spending time making lunch together will be school as much as reading or doing math.
5. I will try to send you some links on Morning Time (try searching this blog). Some friends of mine have done this for years and we do as well (somewhat modified). It's time to do our Bible time, memory work (Bible & poetry), read-alouds, history, etc. Basically anything you can do together. Will your little guy be around? I've let my little ones play as I read as long as they were quiet and paying attention. It's amazing how much they can pick up while playing lego (or standing on their heads).
6. You asked about classical education. I think at your stage, the better educator to look into would be Charlotte Mason who was a British 19th C educator. One blog I read talks about her writings quite extensively - here is a link to all the posts she's written about Charlotte Mason and education. Her kids are 9 & under so right in your range too. Also, you can read more about it at Ambleside Online. Or google Charlotte Mason.
7. In the rhythm of your day, which hopefully will come together fairly quickly, don't forget to include some quiet down time - for both of you!
8. Routines are good but also don't be afraid to venture away from the routine sometimes.
9. Have you read Shepherding a Child's Heart or Instructing a Child's Heart, by Ted Tripp? This would be my number one recommendation for reading material first.
10. Branching off from that, expect obedience but expect to have to train her in obedience. See the book above. :-)
11. Write out your goals and post them somewhere where you will see them often. As I'm sure you know, you'll have many exhausting days and many times when you will wonder if this is the best thing you could be doing. It is. Keep reminding yourself of why you are doing it.
12. Pray specifically for these goals. Pray for example, that your child's heart will be tied to yours (and your husband's, of course). When we pray specifically, it helps us to see better what's happening during the day and what needs to change - both in our hearts and theirs!
13. Try to avoid running around too much. If you have to go out (library, therapist, shopping, etc), try to put it together into one or two afternoons. Guard your mornings for sure but avoid the trap of thinking that now that you are home, you can do all kinds of activities away from home. It's called "home"-schooling for a reason! There are a gazillion activities and choices out there but you won't serve your children well if you try to do them all. Obviously, you know your own child best, but I would suggest one activity (swimming lessons, homeschool group, whatever) at a time. Every time you go out, especially at the beginning, you will lose ground at home so be careful with getting sucked into too many activities.
14. Don't think that you need to entertain/be involved with your child every moment of the day. Build time into your routine where she is reading, playing (inside or out), etc. on her own (or with her siblings) without you having to do anything.
15. Also schedule some outside time every day if possible (even in the rain). But again, try to let her go free and play on her own (see the link above for some thoughts on free play and imagination).
16. Sometimes when we are dealing with behavioural issues as parents, we find that it's easy to only see the behaviour that bothers us and to let that get in the way of our genuine enjoyment of our children. Look for ways that, even on the hardest days, your child delights you. Some days are harder than others, but I've found that helpful. Otherwise, I feel like I spend all my interactions with the "problem child" barking at them for their actions.
I'm sure there's more but that's what I can think of right now. I hope it's helpful.
I wrote a list of other things to consider and thought I would share them here.
1. Ditch the "school" mentality completely. Don't try to run your day like a normal school day would go. You only have one student - they have 30.
2. BUT think through a routine for your own day. I'm sure you probably had a routine when your child was little - this will be similar.
3. Consider short lessons interspersed with other activities. For example, don't expect to spend an hour on math activities. For written work, plan on 10-15 minutes at the most, then do something together in the kitchen or send her off to play outside for a while.
4. You can expect at this age to get through any written work you need to do in a relatively short amount of time. But that doesn't mean the rest of the day isn't "school". It is - it will just look a little different. Spending time making lunch together will be school as much as reading or doing math.
5. I will try to send you some links on Morning Time (try searching this blog). Some friends of mine have done this for years and we do as well (somewhat modified). It's time to do our Bible time, memory work (Bible & poetry), read-alouds, history, etc. Basically anything you can do together. Will your little guy be around? I've let my little ones play as I read as long as they were quiet and paying attention. It's amazing how much they can pick up while playing lego (or standing on their heads).
6. You asked about classical education. I think at your stage, the better educator to look into would be Charlotte Mason who was a British 19th C educator. One blog I read talks about her writings quite extensively - here is a link to all the posts she's written about Charlotte Mason and education. Her kids are 9 & under so right in your range too. Also, you can read more about it at Ambleside Online. Or google Charlotte Mason.
7. In the rhythm of your day, which hopefully will come together fairly quickly, don't forget to include some quiet down time - for both of you!
8. Routines are good but also don't be afraid to venture away from the routine sometimes.
9. Have you read Shepherding a Child's Heart or Instructing a Child's Heart, by Ted Tripp? This would be my number one recommendation for reading material first.
10. Branching off from that, expect obedience but expect to have to train her in obedience. See the book above. :-)
11. Write out your goals and post them somewhere where you will see them often. As I'm sure you know, you'll have many exhausting days and many times when you will wonder if this is the best thing you could be doing. It is. Keep reminding yourself of why you are doing it.
12. Pray specifically for these goals. Pray for example, that your child's heart will be tied to yours (and your husband's, of course). When we pray specifically, it helps us to see better what's happening during the day and what needs to change - both in our hearts and theirs!
13. Try to avoid running around too much. If you have to go out (library, therapist, shopping, etc), try to put it together into one or two afternoons. Guard your mornings for sure but avoid the trap of thinking that now that you are home, you can do all kinds of activities away from home. It's called "home"-schooling for a reason! There are a gazillion activities and choices out there but you won't serve your children well if you try to do them all. Obviously, you know your own child best, but I would suggest one activity (swimming lessons, homeschool group, whatever) at a time. Every time you go out, especially at the beginning, you will lose ground at home so be careful with getting sucked into too many activities.
14. Don't think that you need to entertain/be involved with your child every moment of the day. Build time into your routine where she is reading, playing (inside or out), etc. on her own (or with her siblings) without you having to do anything.
15. Also schedule some outside time every day if possible (even in the rain). But again, try to let her go free and play on her own (see the link above for some thoughts on free play and imagination).
16. Sometimes when we are dealing with behavioural issues as parents, we find that it's easy to only see the behaviour that bothers us and to let that get in the way of our genuine enjoyment of our children. Look for ways that, even on the hardest days, your child delights you. Some days are harder than others, but I've found that helpful. Otherwise, I feel like I spend all my interactions with the "problem child" barking at them for their actions.
I'm sure there's more but that's what I can think of right now. I hope it's helpful.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday Hymn - He Leadeth Me
He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
Refrain
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Refrain
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
Refrain
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Refrain
Friday, May 27, 2011
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - May 26
Spurgeon's Morning and Evening passages for yesterday were particularly rich. Here they are:
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”
Psalm 55:22
Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin. The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly inculcated by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving transgression: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into his place to do for him that which he has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy he will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if he were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to his plain precept, this unbelief in his Word, this presumption in intruding upon his province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God’s hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. This is going to the “broken cistern” instead of to the “fountain;” a sin which was laid against Israel of old. Anxiety makes us doubt God’s lovingkindness, and thus our love to him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from him; but if through simple faith in his promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon him, and are “careful for nothing” because he undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to him, and strengthen us against much temptation. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.”
I remember it being such an eye-opener to consider that my worrying actually shows that I think I know better than God how to solve life's problems. God is good to teach us that He is the one who is sovereign and who holds all things in his hand, not us.
“Continue in the faith.”
Acts 14:22
Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: he said, “Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me.” So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, “Excelsior.” He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continueth till war’s trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. “It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare.” Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavour to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, “Curse God, and die.” Or he will attack your steadfastness: “What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do.” Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: “Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times.” Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armour, and cry mightily unto God, that by his Spirit you may endure to the end."
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”
Psalm 55:22
Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin. The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly inculcated by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving transgression: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into his place to do for him that which he has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy he will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if he were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to his plain precept, this unbelief in his Word, this presumption in intruding upon his province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God’s hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. This is going to the “broken cistern” instead of to the “fountain;” a sin which was laid against Israel of old. Anxiety makes us doubt God’s lovingkindness, and thus our love to him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from him; but if through simple faith in his promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon him, and are “careful for nothing” because he undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to him, and strengthen us against much temptation. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.”
I remember it being such an eye-opener to consider that my worrying actually shows that I think I know better than God how to solve life's problems. God is good to teach us that He is the one who is sovereign and who holds all things in his hand, not us.
“Continue in the faith.”
Acts 14:22
Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: he said, “Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me.” So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, “Excelsior.” He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continueth till war’s trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. “It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare.” Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavour to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, “Curse God, and die.” Or he will attack your steadfastness: “What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do.” Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: “Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times.” Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armour, and cry mightily unto God, that by his Spirit you may endure to the end."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday Hymn - Blessed Be the Name
All praise to Him Who reigns above
In majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die,
That He might man redeem!
Refrain
Blessèd be the Name! Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!
Blessèd be the Name! Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!
His Name above all names shall stand,
Exalted more and more,
At God the Father’s own right hand,
Where angel hosts adore.
Refrain
Redeemer, Savior, Friend of man
Once ruined by the fall,
Thou hast devised salvation’s plan,
For Thou hast died for all.
Refrain
His Name shall be the Counselor,
The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror,
Whose reign shall never cease.
Refrain
In majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die,
That He might man redeem!
Refrain
Blessèd be the Name! Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!
Blessèd be the Name! Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!
His Name above all names shall stand,
Exalted more and more,
At God the Father’s own right hand,
Where angel hosts adore.
Refrain
Redeemer, Savior, Friend of man
Once ruined by the fall,
Thou hast devised salvation’s plan,
For Thou hast died for all.
Refrain
His Name shall be the Counselor,
The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror,
Whose reign shall never cease.
Refrain
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Quote to Consider
Perhaps the must valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man’s training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly.
~Thomas H. Huxley, 1825-1895
~Thomas H. Huxley, 1825-1895
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Hymn for Easter Sunday
Christ the Lord is Risen Today and Christ Arose are among my favourite Easter hymns. But I've been singing this one all week so thought I would post it.
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.
Refrain
I know, I know, that Jesus liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know, I know, that life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.
I know His promise never faileth,
The Word He speaks, it cannot die;
Though cruel death my flesh assaileth,
Yet I shall see Him by and by.
Refrain
I know my mansion He prepareth,
That where He is there I may be;
O wondrous thought, for me He careth,
And He at last will come for me.
Refrain
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know eternal life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.
Refrain
I know, I know, that Jesus liveth,
And on the earth again shall stand;
I know, I know, that life He giveth,
That grace and power are in His hand.
I know His promise never faileth,
The Word He speaks, it cannot die;
Though cruel death my flesh assaileth,
Yet I shall see Him by and by.
Refrain
I know my mansion He prepareth,
That where He is there I may be;
O wondrous thought, for me He careth,
And He at last will come for me.
Refrain
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Hymn for Good Friday
’Tis midnight, and on Olive’s brow
The star is dimmed that lately shone;
’Tis midnight, in the garden now
The suffering Savior prays alone.
’Tis midnight, and from all removed
Emmanuel wrestles lone with fears
E’en the disciple whom He loved
Heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.
’Tis midnight, and for others’ guilt
The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
Yet He Who hath in anguish knelt
Is not forsaken by His God.
’Tis midnight, and from ether plains
Is borne the song that angels know;
Unheard by mortals are the strains
That sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.
The star is dimmed that lately shone;
’Tis midnight, in the garden now
The suffering Savior prays alone.
’Tis midnight, and from all removed
Emmanuel wrestles lone with fears
E’en the disciple whom He loved
Heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.
’Tis midnight, and for others’ guilt
The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
Yet He Who hath in anguish knelt
Is not forsaken by His God.
’Tis midnight, and from ether plains
Is borne the song that angels know;
Unheard by mortals are the strains
That sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Contentment
I spoke this past weekend at a women's rally here in Alberta, on the subject of contentment. At the risk of blowing my own horn, here's the website where the messages are archived.
Elk Point Baptist Church
I welcome comments or questions. On the way home, my friend and I came up several other discussion topics related to contentment. It's a very big topic and relates to so many parts of our lives.
Elk Point Baptist Church
I welcome comments or questions. On the way home, my friend and I came up several other discussion topics related to contentment. It's a very big topic and relates to so many parts of our lives.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Sunday Hymn - How Firm a Foundation
Well, it's been a long time since I posted one but here's a hymn that my husband quoted in his message this morning.
How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Here's a great version:
I also recommended a message this week to a friend which is based on this sermon by David Powlison. It's one of the best sermons I have heard about suffering. You can listen to it at Desiring God. You can also read the book that came out of the conference, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. Start at p. 154 for Powlison's chapter.
How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Here's a great version:
I also recommended a message this week to a friend which is based on this sermon by David Powlison. It's one of the best sermons I have heard about suffering. You can listen to it at Desiring God. You can also read the book that came out of the conference, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. Start at p. 154 for Powlison's chapter.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Book Review - Rid of My Disgrace
Rid of My Disgrace, written by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb is a new book that was recommended from Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I ordered it and read it through.
Rid of My Disgrace is addressed to sexual assault victims. It recognizes the tremendous hurt victims of sexual assault experience but unlike other books, points the victims directly to Christ, instead of asking them to heal themselves. The authors say, "What grace offers to the victim experiencing disgrace is the gift of refuting distortions and faulty thinking and replacing their condemning, counterfactual beliefs with more accurate ones that reflect the truths about God, yourself, and God's grace-filled response to your disgrace." (p. 45)
The first section, entitled "Disgrace" defines sexual assault and talks about its effects. The second section, "Grace Applied", deals with the many possible emotions and responses of a victim. It includes a personal story for each response. The third, "Grace Accomplished", looks at sexual assault from the perspective of sin, grace in the Old Testament and grace in the New Testament.
I think this is a tremendously helpful book both for victims and Christians wishing to help sexual assault victims. The theology is sound and points back to Christ and the grace He has extended to all. It honestly discusses the many feelings a victim can have and shows how God's grace extends to each in order to have healing. They don't try to whitewash any of these emotions but deal with them honestly and in a straight-forward way.
The notes are extensive at the back of the book. One interesting feature is that Scripture is footnoted and notes are endnotes. I liked having the scripture references, which are many, immediately available.
My only disappointment with this book is that I got to the end and it was done. In that, I mean that I was looking for a conclusion and a "what now" response at the end. Certainly each chapter exhorts the reader to consider how change is possible for Christ but I felt like there could have been a broader summary, both for victims and counselors.
I am happy to see this type of book being written. I think that churches and Christians can be perceived as "having it all together" and that those experiencing brokenness will not find acceptance in the church. It's possible for a church to never address real problems of assault and brokenness. Books like this one help to dispell that image and encourage those within the church to reach out to those who need the help, both inside and outside the church.
Rid of My Disgrace is addressed to sexual assault victims. It recognizes the tremendous hurt victims of sexual assault experience but unlike other books, points the victims directly to Christ, instead of asking them to heal themselves. The authors say, "What grace offers to the victim experiencing disgrace is the gift of refuting distortions and faulty thinking and replacing their condemning, counterfactual beliefs with more accurate ones that reflect the truths about God, yourself, and God's grace-filled response to your disgrace." (p. 45)
The first section, entitled "Disgrace" defines sexual assault and talks about its effects. The second section, "Grace Applied", deals with the many possible emotions and responses of a victim. It includes a personal story for each response. The third, "Grace Accomplished", looks at sexual assault from the perspective of sin, grace in the Old Testament and grace in the New Testament.
I think this is a tremendously helpful book both for victims and Christians wishing to help sexual assault victims. The theology is sound and points back to Christ and the grace He has extended to all. It honestly discusses the many feelings a victim can have and shows how God's grace extends to each in order to have healing. They don't try to whitewash any of these emotions but deal with them honestly and in a straight-forward way.
The notes are extensive at the back of the book. One interesting feature is that Scripture is footnoted and notes are endnotes. I liked having the scripture references, which are many, immediately available.
My only disappointment with this book is that I got to the end and it was done. In that, I mean that I was looking for a conclusion and a "what now" response at the end. Certainly each chapter exhorts the reader to consider how change is possible for Christ but I felt like there could have been a broader summary, both for victims and counselors.
I am happy to see this type of book being written. I think that churches and Christians can be perceived as "having it all together" and that those experiencing brokenness will not find acceptance in the church. It's possible for a church to never address real problems of assault and brokenness. Books like this one help to dispell that image and encourage those within the church to reach out to those who need the help, both inside and outside the church.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Just for Parents
I just came across this great post about dealing with fussing, whining children. No, it's not just about telling them to stop complaining. Take a look - I know even with my older children, I'll be talking about this!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Listening Material
I was searching for some messages to listen to and came across this page at Monergism. There are lots to choose from.
I started listening to the ones by Elyse Fitzpatrick (Walking in the Light). Session 1 was good but Session 2 was particularly convicting this morning. She talks about how being "nice" to our fellow Christians by not really talking about things that matter is actually not showing love to our neighbour. Taking the time to pray when needed, taking time to listen & talk and sometimes to admonish - all are really showing love to our fellow believers. Well worth listening to and I'm looking forward to finishing that message and hearing the others.
Not all the links seem to work to download but there are enough there to keep me going for a while.
I started listening to the ones by Elyse Fitzpatrick (Walking in the Light). Session 1 was good but Session 2 was particularly convicting this morning. She talks about how being "nice" to our fellow Christians by not really talking about things that matter is actually not showing love to our neighbour. Taking the time to pray when needed, taking time to listen & talk and sometimes to admonish - all are really showing love to our fellow believers. Well worth listening to and I'm looking forward to finishing that message and hearing the others.
Not all the links seem to work to download but there are enough there to keep me going for a while.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Sunday Hymn - May the Mind of Christ, My Saviour
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.
May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.
May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Fantastic explanation of the gospel
This blog post is a fantastic explanation of how the gospel changes our lives. My story is very similar to hers but she says it better!
(and then read her post from today about the cartoon characters on facebook. I couldn't agree more!)
(and then read her post from today about the cartoon characters on facebook. I couldn't agree more!)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I listened to an interesting message this morning from Karen Lorits at the True Woman Conference. You can listen to it here (scroll down to find her message).
She ended with a quote from Max Lucado that I really appreciated:
Even in the midst of trials, God is great and His plan is perfect.
She ended with a quote from Max Lucado that I really appreciated:
Praise to God! You are a great God. Your character is holy. Your truth is absolute. Your strength is unending. Your discipline is fair. You are a great God. The mountain of Your knowledge has no peak, the ocean of Your love has no shore, the fabric of Your fidelity has no tear, the rock of Your Word has no crack. You are a great God. Your patience surprises us. Your beauty stuns us. Your love stirs us. You are a great God. Your provisions are abundant for our needs. Your light is adequate for our path. Your grace is efficient for our sins. You are a great God. We even declare with reluctant words, “Your plan is perfect.” You are never early, never late, never tardy, never quick. You sent Your Son in the fullness of time and will return at the consummation of time. Your plan is perfect. . .bewildering, puzzling, troubling, but it's perfect.
Even in the midst of trials, God is great and His plan is perfect.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
True Woman Conferences
I've been interested to hear about the True Woman conferences with Nancy Leigh DeMoss and others. I just found their site with conference messages to download so I'm looking forward to listening to them. It looks like the 2008 ones are complete and they'll keep adding to the 2010 lineup.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Cool Tool
Within the past few weeks, I discovered a neat tool for tracking food and exercise. It's available both as an application for ipod touches/phones and online. You can find the online version at My Fitness Pal or search for it in the applications on your ipod. Best of all - it was free!
I really like the comprehensive database for both food and exercise. Other sites I have tried don't have a lot of exercises listed for strength training. This one has a fair selection and you can add more in. The cardio training is also quite comprehensive.
It also syncs automatically with the online version so it's easy to go back and forth. I like having it all on my touch. The ipod version also doesn't require wi-fi, which is also a bonus. At the gym, I keep track of the exercises I'm doing so I don't have to remember what I did later.
It's always a bonus to find something that works!
I really like the comprehensive database for both food and exercise. Other sites I have tried don't have a lot of exercises listed for strength training. This one has a fair selection and you can add more in. The cardio training is also quite comprehensive.
It also syncs automatically with the online version so it's easy to go back and forth. I like having it all on my touch. The ipod version also doesn't require wi-fi, which is also a bonus. At the gym, I keep track of the exercises I'm doing so I don't have to remember what I did later.
It's always a bonus to find something that works!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Habits of the Mind & Body
At the Common Room blog, the Deputy Headmistress has been writing about habits. Today's post is particularly good, in a convicting sort of way. The questions at the end are some that I know I need to sit down and work through, instead of just grumbling that my children don't do as they are supposed to. It reminds me of a message I heard once by Kenneth Maresco. His main point was that we cannot expect our children to be obedient unless we have trained them to know what that means.
The DHM has been working through a series of Charlotte Mason posts. I really need to read one or more of the six volume series. Anyone up for a reading group?
The DHM has been working through a series of Charlotte Mason posts. I really need to read one or more of the six volume series. Anyone up for a reading group?
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