Puritan Quote

"Heaven must be in you before you can be in heaven."
-George Swinnock

Engrossing Earth Elements

Take the term, El Nino for instance. Were you aware it is short for, "El Nino de Navidad " which in English would be "The Christ Child"?
El Nino seems to occur unusually strongly about once a decade, usually in December, before Christmas, which is how it got its name.

Think of the ways by which weather could become a witnessing tool!

Sunday is Coming!

"How can anyone lose who chooses to become a Christian? If, when he dies, there turns out to be no God and his faith was in vain, he has lost nothing -- in fact, he has been happier in life than his unbelieving friends. If; however, there is a God and a heaven and hell, then he has gained heaven and his skeptical friends will have lost everything in hell!"

The preceding quote was made by Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). Mr. Pascal was one of the greatest early philosophers and mathematicians and is consider the father of science of hydrostatics and one of the founders of hydrodynamics. In mathematics, he laid the foundation for the modern treatment of conic sections, as well as differential calculus and the mathematical theory of probability. He was also a major contributor to the creation of the barometer! He was a deeply spiritual man, a leader of the sect known as the Jansenists, a Calvinistic quasi-Protestant group with the Roman Catholic Church.

Take the Time

Make time to teach your children at least the basic Roman numerals: I - X (1-10), L (50), C (100), and M (1,000). While there are premade charts displaying these numbers that one can purchase, it would not take much time to create one yourself. Then, allow your child(ren) to illustrate the new homemade poster. Just these few numbers will allow your child(ren) the ability to quickly know chapter numbers pluse be able to read some wall clocks. Doesn't seem important to you? Remember that many of the classical authors used Roman numerals to indicate chapter numbers. And, of course, we desire that our child(ren) be well read. Consider it, won't you?

Texas

Port Arthur is listed as the third most humid city in the country, with an average relative humidity of 77.5 percent. Corpus Christi is in seventh place with a average of 76%, and Houston holds tenth place with 75 percent.

Meeting the Authors - Elizabeth Scott Stam

(1906-1934) Take a second look at the length of years lived by this woman. Elizabeth and her husband, John, were missionaries to China who were martyred at the hands of the Chinese Communists. Their fascinating, God-honoring story is told in The Triumph of John and Betty Stam by Mrs. Howard Taylor.

A Jingle of Words

Don't you love the common words
in usage all the time; Words that paint a masterpiece,
Words that beat a rhyme,
Words that sing a melody,
Words that leap and run,
Words that sway a multitude,
Or stir the heart of one?

Don't you live the lively words-
Flicker, leap and flash,
Tumble,stumble,pitch and toss,
Dive, and dart and dash,
Scramble, pirouette and prance,
Hurtle, hurdle, fling,
Waddle, toddle, trot and dance,
Soar and snatch and swing?

Don't you love the lengthy words-
Subterranean,
Artificial, propagate,
Neapolitan,
Revelation, elevate,
Ambidextrous
Nondenominational,
Simultaneous?

Don't you love the noisy words-
Clatter, pop and bang,
Scrape and creak and snarl and snort,
Crash and clash and clang,
Crackle, cackle, yowl and yap,
Snicker, snare and sneeze,
Screech and bellow, slash and howl,
whistle, whine and wheeze?

Don't you love the colorful-
Amber, rose and gold,
Orchid, orange and cerise,
Crimson, emerald,
Purple, plum and lavender,
Peach and Prussian blue,
Turquoise matrix, jade and jet,
Hazel, honeydew?

Yes, with just the common words
In usage everywhere,
You can capture incidents
Beautiful and rare.
In words you have a weapon
More mighty than a gun;
You can sway the multitude
Or stir the heart of one.

Meeting Authors - Robert Burns (2)

"Auld Lang Syne"
Robert Burns is said to have written the song around 1788, putting the lyrics to a traditional Scottish tune. The lyrics came from an old Scottish farmer. Exactly what do those words mean? These are the top three contenders: "times gone by; long,long ago; days gone by." The tradition of singing this song on New Year's Eve does not originate with Mr. Burns, but is creditied to the Big Band Leader, Guy Lombardo. Mr. Lombardo first sang the tune on January 1, 1929, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
Since most people know even fewer of the words to this song than they do to our national anthem, I print them for your reading pleasure...

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup
and surely I'll buy mine
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot.
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there's a hand my trusty friend
and give us a hand o' thine
And we'll take a right good-will draught
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Desiring God

Parents and/or Grandparents: I would strongly encourage you to click onto Desiring God(button on the right), that you might listen to John Piper's teaching of January 17,2010, entitled,"Help the Children Love the Different People."

Texas

Within its 261,797 square miles, Texas could hold all of the following states: Connecticut, Ohio, Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York,and Rhode Island...at one time!

Puritan Quote

"God loves adverbs better than nouns; not praying only but praying well; not doing good but doing it well." -Thomas Brooks

Meeting Authors - Robert Burns

Today is the Scottish poet, Robert Burns' birth date (1759-1796). Mr. Burns was born in a two-room farmhouse in Alloway, Scotland, the son of a hard-working farmer. The son followed in his father's footsteps, working the land for many years into his adult life. As is so often the case, Robert's formal education was minimal, only three years. How did he learn??? He read...he was a ferocious reader, developing a special love for the works of Shakespeare and Pope. And after he had read, he endeavored to teach himself the art of writing. As Robert made time around his daily work, he continued in his writing until he developed the style that felt most comfortable to him. It was only in 1786, when Burns felt he needed money in order to emigrate to Jamaica, that he publish Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. Receiving immediate acclaim, Burns remained in his native Scotland the rest of his days. Robert Burns died at the age of thirty-seven. The following is my personal favorite...

A Red, Red Rose
O my luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June;
O my luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will louve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
O I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve,
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my luve,
Though it were ten thousand mile.

Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the piece of Mr. Burns' poetry most known by Americans...though few are aware it was written by him!

Sunday is Coming!

The following quote was made by Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, in or around the year of our Lord 200...

"Only above, only above are true peace, sure repose, and constant, firm, eternal security. There is our dwelling. There is our home. Who would not fain hasten to reach it? There a great multitude of beloved awaits us; the numerous host of fathers, brethren, and children. There is a glorious choir of Apostles; there the number of exulting prophets; there the countless multitude of martyrs, crowned with victory after warfare and suffering; there triumphing virgins; there the merciful enjoying their reward. Thither let us hasten with longing desire. Let us wish to be soon with them, soon with Christ. After the earthly comes the heavenly; after the small comes the great; after perishableness...eternity."

Goody Twoshoes

While the term "goody twoshoes" has a negative meaning in our day, during the time the American Colonies were being settled it was actually a compliment! "Goody" was simply the title for a married woman... Goody Twoshoes, Goody Smith, Goody Marks = Mrs. Twoshoes, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Marks. One of the popular fictional books during the early colonial period was entitled, The History of Little Goody Twoshoes. The heroine of the story, Goody Twoshoes, was a industrious, godly woman who went through numerous challenges in her life but eventually reaped the rewards for her virtuous life.
I have seen a photograph of this book; unfortunately, I have yet to acquire a copy of it.
Who says history is boring? Not me!

Pocahontas

Pocahontas's real name was Matoaka. Pocahontas was, in fact, a nickname meaning, "Little Mischief." After she converted to Christianity she married John Rolfe at which time she took a new name to indicate her new faith and her new family...Rebecca Rolfe.

Take Time

This is to strongly encourage you to teach your children to tell time. Are you surprised???
I couldn't recount to you the number of times Junior High and High Schoolers could not read the clock on the classroom wall and tell me what time it was. Can they read a digital watch...you bet. But be able to tell time from a clock...no way.
Please, do not let this piece of education "slip through the crack."

Meeting Authors -- Francis Scott Key

Did you automatically recognize the name? How much do you know about the man?

*He wrote the words (not the music, because it was, indeed, a popular bar song that had made it ways to Colonies from jolly, old England) to our national anthem.
*He was a devout Christian.
*He was educated in a classical school.
*He was a lawyer.
*He wrote at least one hymn in 1817.

"Lord, with glowing heart I'd praise Thee for the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pard'ning grace that saves me, and the peace that from it flows;
Help, O God, my weak endeavor; this dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never can by love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee, wretched wand'rer far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee from the paths of death away;
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling, Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing, bade the blood-stain'd cross appear.

Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee to that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee, bade thee look to Him and live;
Praise the grace who threats alarmed thee, roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promised warm'd thee, praise the grace that whispered peace.

Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling vainly would my lips express;
Low before thy footstool kneeling deign thy supplicant's pray'r to bless;
Let Thy love, my soul's chief treasure, love's pure flame within me raise;
And since words can never measure, let my life show forth Thy praise."

Alphabet of Praise

This past weekend I had the pleasure of joining with 190 other women at the Calvary Chapel of the Coastlands annual women's retreat out on Padre Island, Texas.
One item we were given to consider creating is an "Alphabet of Praise" be it mentally, orally or written down. This could be an individual project... used for family devotionals... meal time discussion.
Here's my A's thus far: Abba, Ancient of Days,Author of Our Faith, Alpha, Almighty, Amen

Your Version

"The Twelve Months" is a poem by George Ellis (1753-1815). After enjoying the author's creativity, why not give it a try? You only have 12 new words to generate. I hope you'll share your version with us. Select a theme and a word ending for your poem (sports, activities, foods you associate with each month, etc.) then give free rein to your thoughts.

Snowy, Flowy,Blowy,
Showery, Flowery, Bowery,
Hoppy, Croppy, Droppy,
Breezy, Sneezy, Freezy

Sunday is Coming!

"I seek to exhibit to the world the Church in her beauty. Let the services of the Church be properly performed and right-minded people will soon learn to love her."

-W.F. Hook
Vicar of Leeds
(1798-1875)

Quote

"Litter your home with enticing materials that beg to be picked up and read."
-Unknown

Writing Tools Do matter

When asking your child(ren) to undertake a creative writing project, part of your job is to get their creative juices flowing. An excellent way to build anticipation and pleasure is to give your child(ren) interesting paper and writing utensils for the task. Who wouldn't be uninspired holding a plain, old pencil while staring at a blank sheet of notebook paper? BORING! Purchase a collection of: colored paper, stationery, as well as notepads in various shapes and sizes. For the most part, one only needs to write in blue or black ink if they are turning in an assignment; therefore, allow your child(ren): fun pencils, colored pencils, or colored ink pens. You might wish to consider a composition book. The student could create an illustration on one side of the book while writing on the facing page. The point: you be creative first.

AS AN OLDER WOMAN...

I humbly, yet proudly, disclose to you that I am a believer in and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such, the Bible is the basis for my worldview. I unashamedly state that the Word of God (the Bible, Holy Writ) is inerrant.
At times I will be sharing items dealing with the most honored, most challenging, most rewarding area a woman can be blessed to take part in --motherhood. I do so owning to the words recorded in Titus 2:3-5 (The New English Bible).


"The older women, similarly, should be reverent in their bearing, not scandal-mongers or slaves to strong drink; they must set a high standard, and school the young women to be loving wives and mothers, temperate, chaste, and kind, busy at home, respecting the authority of their own husband. Thus the Gospel will not be brought into disrepute."


Did the word"scandal-monger" give you pause? Many versions simple say "gossips." Well, we women can skip over that word like it's not even there because...everybody gossips! May God strengthen us to not be tempted in this area.

However, I'm even going to dig a little deeper. How many of your spend your husband's hard earned money to indulge in scandal-monger magazines? Please, please, please, do not tell me that is how you relax!! May God forbid that His daughters "relax" by sinning against Holy Writ!

And then,what would happen at the beginning of a "gossip session" if you said, "We should not be scandal-mongers." and then took the conversation in a totally new direction?

Thoughts? (Use Scripture as your basis.)

A Prayer for Mothers

O Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may firmly believe in Jesus Christ and love Him will all my heart. Wash my soul in His precious blood. Make me to hate sin and to be holy in thought, word, and deed. Help me to be a faithful wife and loving mother. Bless me and teach me to train my children for heaven. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on my husband and child(ren). Make my home a home of peace and love. May I so live on earth that I may live with You forever in heaven. Amen ("so be it")

FOG

The fog comes
on little cat feet.


It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

~Carl Sandburg


What effect does fog have on you?

Personally, I can't see fog without thinking of Sherlock Holmes.
And while I enjoy walking in the fog (thoughts of walking in a cloud) I despise driving in fog!
Have you ever given thought of fog = sin? How it obstructs and distorts our path?
But then, praise be to God, the Son shines and it is eliminated!

There is a quote,credited to Augustine of Hippo,which I greatly identify with...

"I count myself one of the number of those who write as they learn and learn as they write."

The art of writing seems to be melting away, even as the fog does on a sunny morning here in Corpus Christi. We seem of the mindset that we must leave the ability to express oneself in print to some nebulous group known as the "Shakers-and-Movers." I declare that this is not so!YOU have thoughts you wish to express. Make the effort to learn the steps to written communication. Take the initiative and found someone who will teach you writing skills. In Corpus Christi, just such a place is the Stone Writing Center on the Del Mar Campus, located between the Music and English buildings. This excellent facility is available, not only to Del Mar students, but people within the community. Be responsible! Take the time! Learn to write....Love to write.

THE LONE STAR BUTTON...

Henry Smith, the first governor of the Mexican province of Texas, gets the credit for creating the "Lone Star" in the "Lone Star State." In 1821, Smith was just a few days into the job when he received important papers to sign. He realized, after signing them, that he didn't have an offical seal. He took one of the brass buttons from his overcoat (which had a five-pointed star on it) and some sealing wax and stamped the impression of a single star on the documents. The Lone Star State was born.
**This is infomation is from the book, Bathroom Book of Texas Trivia Weird,Wacky and Wild
by W. Prosapio and L. Wojna.

HOW 'BOUT THOSE COWBOYS!!!