Divided the Movie

The following is information from the website for Divided the Movie.  It is available to view free for a limited time.  I just finished watching it, and I recommend that anyone involved in children's or youth ministry, or anyone with children or youth in their home, watch it.

As you look on the church landscape, youth are leaving the faith in droves. The modern church, overall, is struggling to reach the next generation with the gospel. What has happened? Whether for good or bad, men, for many years, have been inventing solutions or brainstorming ideas without fully relying upon the foundation of God’s Word. God, however, is greater than man, and as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9). We have substituted the greater for the lesser – God’s wisdom for man’s ideas. Jesus said that he who hears His Word and does it, is like a man that built his house upon a rock, and when the storm came, it stood firm. On the other hand, he who rejects His Word, is like a man who built on the sand and when the storm came, the house fell (Matt. 7:24-25). Shouldn’t the church, as a whole, abandon the sandy ideas of man and shamelessly return to the firm rock of the Word of God? God’s Word sufficiently identifies how youth are to be reached. For more information on this issue, please see the filmDivided, which is a documentary on age-segregated youth ministry in America. Watch it for free (for a limited time) atwww.dividedthemovie.com. For an in-depth study, the book A Weed in the Church delves into the topic and more thoroughly handles the Scripture passages that address ministry to young people. For other details or to help spread the message, visit www.dividedthemovie.com.

Remember the Boll Weevil

Honoring the Boll Weevil - photobucket

This is a picture of the Boll Weevil monument in Enterprise, Alabama.  Rory and I are studying the 50 States this year, and we started with Alabama because it is first alphabetically, and first in the book.  The book included a picture of the boll weevil, and an explanation.  In the early 1900's, the cotton crop in Alabama was destroyed by the boll weevil.  This disaster forced the farmers to plant other crops.  Happily, the other crops made more money for the farmers than the cotton did, so the people of Alabama erected this monument to honor the boll weevil!

This got me to thinking.  How many times are we lamenting our circumstances, or fighting against the "pests" in our lives, when God is planning to bestow on us a blessing because of them?  Paul said that we "see through a glass, darkly (1 Corinthians 13:11).  I believe that there is so much going on in the spiritual realm that we cannot see or understand.  This physical world is such a small part of reality, and our vision is limited to the here and now, which is just a tiny blip of eternity.  God sees the whole picture, and is orchestrating each event from His superior vantage point.  His protection is always around us, and nothing can touch us unless He allows it.  

So, when the pests of life show up, remember the boll weevil, and thank God that He is caring for you through the adversity.

Fun Summer Activities!

I'm Guest Posting today at The Homeschool Village!

Guest Post: Music of the Heart

One of the most popular questions homeschoolers ask at this time of year is “What do you do for the summer?” This question probably has as many answers as there are homeschoolers. Some keep their school schedule, methodically working through coursework as they do the rest of the year. Others heave a sigh of a relief, and try not to think about school for a few months. Most fall somewhere in between. There are many ways you can take a break without giving up learning, altogether.  Read more here.

The Gospel of Health and Wealth

Have you noticed how many big-name religious people are preaching a "health and wealth" gospel?  They make it seem that if you are a Christian, you will automatically be freed from the plagues of sickness and poverty.  If you do happen to be sick or poor, you are obviously doing something wrong.  You must not be praying enough, or sending your money to the right place, or maybe you don't have enough faith.

I just wonder what the very first Christians would think of this.  One of the best arguments for the bodily resurrection of Christ is that the disciples preached it, even though they were under horrible persecution.  Think about it.  If they were trying to prove a hoax, and they had really stolen Jesus' body to make it look like he rose from the dead, would they have all stuck to their story after being punished for it?  What would their motive have been?

The early Christians were imprisoned, beheaded, stoned, hanged, shipwrecked, and fed to the lions.  They hid in the sewers.  They sold all of their land so that they could share with others.  This doesn't sound like "health and wealth" to me.  Preachers like Paul gave up every chance at having a comfortable life in order to tell as many people as possible about the good news of Jesus Christ.

Somehow, I think we're missing the boat.  While we're worried about "enlarging our land" or "having our best life now," we're ignoring our true purpose.  When we get to Heaven, we're not going to bring our land or our house or our SUV, or even our well-toned, healthy bodies.  We're going to bring those people who came to Christ because of us.  While we run after the things of this world, we have to realize that we are running away from God.  Yes, He could choose to give us these things.  Or, maybe he won't.

We have been teaching the Sunday School kids about the Ten Commandments.  The first one is that we should not worship any other gods, and the second is that we should not make any idols.  Focusing on money and possessions, and maybe even our health, is actually worshiping idols.  Jesus said we shouldn't worry about what we will eat, or what we will wear, because the Father knows we need these things. So instead of spending time praying for all the things I want, I need to pray for all those people who need to hear, and pray that I will be used to tell them.  Instead of trying to save my life, I need to spend it for the gospel of Christ.  Come, Lord Jesus!

Following Judah's Lion

This is a blog I've recently found: Following Judah's Lion. It continues to challenge my self-righteous thinking, and I look forward to it each day. So, this is short, but I just wanted to share this great blog with all of you!

I'm a Domestic Engineer, Okay?

Robin:  Domestic Engineer

I've held several jobs over the years.  Some, I've gotten paid for.  At this point, aside from the pittance I've made writing in various places (not enough to get a check, yet!), I'm considered unemployed.  As the at-home person in our family, I do a lot of the financial legwork on things, like calling about bills, taking care of banking, etcetera.  The thing is, I don't actually HAVE any money.  According to all of these important people, I  am worthless.  I have no job, no income, no title.  I may just as well not exist.

I know this is not true, but it's hard to remember that when you're mumbling to yet another person "I'm a homemaker" or "I'm a stay-at-home mom" or even worse, "I don't have a job."  These positions are not considered worthwhile in our culture.  I have to quickly say "But my husband has a job."  At which point I need to give information about him, as he is obviously the important one.

So, I've decided to promote myself.  I thought of all the things I do at home.  They are things that someone else would have to do, if I didn't.  If I were not here, my family would have to hire a cook, house cleaner, child care provider, school teacher, piano teacher, chauffeur, financial planner, personal secretary, gardener, animal caretaker, nurse, librarian, and laundress.  This is just to get the basics done, and doesn't include the "extras" like snuggling, playing games, and making chocolate chip cookies with a three year old (next on my agenda!).  Now, I'm not saying that my husband wouldn't be able to do any of these things.  Of course, he would, but that would pretty much give him two full time jobs, wouldn't it?  I know there are plenty of men and women who are in this position.  My mom did it all for us, and I'm so grateful for all that she did.  But can anyone say that their "paying" job is more important than the things they do for their own family?  Probably not.

I've decided that my new title is "Domestic Engineer."  I am basically in charge of everything that goes on in the home.  Now, this is not to say that I am above my husband's authority, here.  I believe that these are things he expects of me, and needs me to take care of.  Now, if I could only figure out how to pull a paycheck, I'd be all set!

Meant for Good

"Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."  But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?  And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."  

Genesis 50:18-20

If you know the story of Joseph, you will remember that these brothers had put Joseph into a pit to leave him for dead, and then thought better of it and sold him to a passing caravan.  Then, they told their father that he was dead.  Joseph ended up in Egypt, and eventually ended up in jail.  He was finally released when he was able to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh.  The dreams indicated an upcoming famine, and Joseph was promoted to the highest office in the land  Through his wise management, he saved Egypt and also his own family from the famine by storing up food during the years of plenty.

Our lives are filled with problems.  When we are in the midst of trials, whether they are physical, emotional, or situational, we are tempted to put ourselves "in God's place," and to doubt his provision and care for us.  We sometimes get angry, and wonder why a loving God would allow these terrible things to happen to us.  Sometimes we turn away from God altogether.  But we have limited vision.  It's kind of like trying to drive with an iced-up windshield.  We can see only a few feet in front of us, so we drive very slowly.  We have no idea what's coming up next, and we have no idea what's happening around us.  Yes, I know you're supposed to clear your windows before you start out, but I admit to trying to drive like this when I was in a hurry.  Now, I realize I would have been able to drive much faster if I'd taken the time to de-ice the windows first!

Hey!  I can't see!

Followers of Jesus are susceptible to spiritual attacks.  It seems like the closer you get to God, the harder the devil works to bring you down.  I can see this happening in some of my friends' lives right now.  Several people in our church are dealing with health issues, money issues, and family issues.  This is coming just as the church is starting to grow and be more involved in the community.  I don't think it's a coincidence!  But satan has no power over the children of God.  He can do nothing to us unless it is allowed by our Heavenly Father.  And only God can see the whole picture.  He promises that "all things work together for good to those who love God"  Romans 8:28.  

Just as God meant for Joseph's trials to save the lives of many, God means for our trials to bring about good.  We just need to keep our eyes on Jesus.  He is our guide through this myopic life.  When all is said and done, and we can finally see this life all laid out, we will be able to see how our troubles were all used to complete God's perfect plan. 

Learning an Instrument

As a piano teacher, I have had people ask if it is possible for them to learn piano on their own.  I've also had parents (especially homeschoolers!) ask if they can teach their children how to play if they don't play, themselves. You may have to be a homeschooler yourself to understand a question like this, but we are a strange breed, and always think of doing it ourselves, first!  This question doesn't have a simple yes or no answer, so I wanted to draw your attention to an article I wrote on my website, "Music at Home".  It is called Can I Teach Myself To Play An Instrument?  I hope it clears up some of the questions you may have!

For the record, I do encourage you to give your children the opportunity to learn an instrument.  If you don't know which instrument to try, read this article.  It gives ideas for choosing the right instrument for your child.

Summer vacation is a great time to try something new, and some parents like to start music lessons while their children don't have as many other things to worry about.  However, there is no best time to start.  It really depends on the kid.  I actually made the mistake of starting my son's piano lessons too early.  He seemed interested, and he seemed to be able to understand it all, but was tortured by having to practice every day!  We ended up quitting for a while, and he is doing much better now.  So, don't be worried if you try an instrument and it doesn't work out.  There's plenty of time.  Waiting a while or trying a different instrument might make all the difference.

Happy music-making!

You Look Marvelous!

I may be dating myself, but how many of you remember the song "You Look Marvelous" by Billy Crystal?  It's a very silly song, complete with a "European Aristocrat" sort of accent.  One of the lines that has stuck in my head all these years goes "It's not how you feel, it's how you look.  And you look marvelous!"

We've had quite a week, here.  For most of it, I had two sick kids.  One was throwing up and the other was sniffling and coughing.  We missed the Tuesday whirlwind at the Library (Lily is scheduled for story time in the morning and Rory in the afternoon), but replaced it with an all-day doctor visit on Thursday. The good news is, I think we have fixed the stomach issue.  Now, we have to try to get the sniffles to go away by tomorrow so my little guy can go to his first ever week of sleep-away camp.

You can pretty much tell with kids when they don't feel good.  They look sick.  They act sick.  They don't go around pretending not to be sick.  Not so with adults.  We adults like to pretend we're fine.  We go on with our lives and "muscle through it."  We wear make-up to cover up the bags under our eyes.  We smile when we feel like crying, and always answer "Fine" to the question "How are you?"  It's expected.  It doesn't matter how we feel, we look marvelous.

Sometimes it's hard to tell what's wrong with kids.  They have a hard time explaining their symptoms.  Some pediatricians are gifted to be able to look at a hurting child and figure out how to heal them.  Sometimes it's hard to tell what's wrong with adults.  They have a hard time admitting to their symptoms.  Some Christians are gifted to be able to look at a hurting soul and figure out how to pray for them.

We had a long day at church.  After the service we had a pot-luck meal, then a meeting for the VBS workers.  That was all kind of routine.  The amazing thing happened after all that.  There were only a few of us left.  In this smaller, more intimate group, the masks started falling away.  Faces which had been frozen into pleasant smiles melted into tears.  Sobs replaced polite conversation.  Hearts were poured out, wounds were exposed, and prayers were offered.  Spirits connected.  The Holy Spirit was called upon, and the Great Physician was enabled to begin his healing work.

I don't know what is going to happen with the situations that were prayed about today.  I will continue to pray, and I'm sure others will, also.  I do know that those saints, with tears washing away their carefully applied make-up, shoulders stooped from the heavy loads they were trying to carry, spirits laid bare for all to see, looked marvelous.

Favorite Easy Lunch - Banana Roll-Ups!

This is one of our go-to meals.  It's also a great picnic item.  It's also so simple my 3-year-old can make them!  

Lily making tortillas - Robin Wheatley

Banana Roll-Ups
For each roll-up, you will need:
1 fajita or soft taco-size flour tortilla
1 banana
1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter (approximate)
1 tablespoon chocolate chips (approximate)
Instructions:
1.  Spread peanut butter on one side of the tortilla, covering the whole thing.
2.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over entire tortilla.
3.  Place banana at one end of tortilla, and roll it up.  The banana will break apart a little as you roll the tortilla, so the roll should end up relatively straight.
4.  Cut the roll-up in half.


See, wasn't that easy?  You can, of course, substitute something else for the peanut butter, and even eliminate the chocolate chips (gasp!) but this is our favorite way of making them.  Enjoy!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

My Button!

If you notice, I have a button for my blog!  I found a great tutorial at Oikology101.  Aha!  It was pretty easy, after I figured out how to manage the photo code.  I used Flickr, rather than photobucket, because I already had an account there.  So, let me know what you think, and if you have a blog, feel free to grab my button to display!

The Price of Independence

I can do it...myself!

This Monday the United States of America will celebrate Independence Day.  It commemorates the day that we declared independence from England, back in 1776.  I'm planning to teach Rory about American history through the Revolutionary War for school this year, so I've been reading up a bit.  It is amazing how much the colonists gave up to be independent.  They gave up the security of having the British armed forces behind them when they had trouble with the Native Americans.  They gave up all sorts of luxuries, like tea and paper, because they didn't want to pay the taxes to England.  Many gave up their lives, fighting with inferior weaponry, supplies, and even clothes.  Then, each state had to give up its own independence to be part of the new United States.

Americans are still fighting.  It seems that once we started, we were never able to stop.  Only now, we are fighting against our government, each other, and God.  The old "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" mentality doesn't go away easily, it seems.  Everyone wants their own way.  And we think our government should give it to us.  Of course, they should also take care of anyone who can't take care of themselves, because we just don't have time to worry about them, and those who need care want to do it without help.  We're independent.  We all want laws which protect our freedoms.  Freedom of speech, and freedom from being spoken against.  Freedom of life, and freedom of choice.  Freedom of religion, and freedom to make laws according to our own religious views.  Because, of course, we're independent.  We're free.

And we're still giving it up.  We're giving up the freedom that comes from being dependent on our creator.  We're giving up freedom from worry.  Freedom from sin.  Freedom from death.  Our quest to be independent has made us dependent on the one who doesn't care about us at all.  We've fallen into that same old trap from the Garden of Eden.  You can be like God, he says.  You can be independent.  But it's a lie.  No one is independent.  We can only choose where we place our allegiance.  I am a United States citizen, but my allegiance is to God.  God bless America.   

Using a Curriculum

I have come to the conclusion that I am very bad at using a programmed curriculum.  I really tried, last year, and we actually managed to get through the year using an all-inclusive curriculum.  It was a great idea at first.  It was actually the kind of curriculum I would have made up, myself.  Language arts, history, geography and science were all tied in together.  The problem came when it came time to actually implement it, every day, for 180 days.  Some of it worked well.  However, the writing portions proved to be too much for my meticulous boy.  He writes very well, but it takes him a while because he is extremely concerned in making it look perfect.  I'm not sure how much of this to dissuade him about.  Obviously, tracing over the letters until they are all exactly the same thickness of line is a little out there, but wanting it to look neat and correct can't be a bad thing.  So, we skipped some of the writing.  Then, there were the extra activities which looked great, but we didn't have time to do.  By the end of the year, we were down to reading the books and doing maybe one other activity a day, if that.  We had more days of curriculum left than we had days in the school year, because some days had been used up for co-op or field trips.  I don't really think it's necessary to add days over the 180 required, so we sort of sped through the last part.

So, we managed to finish the school year, and actually learned something in the process.  My plan for next year is to use curricula for math and grammar, and to read a lot of books about early America up through the Revolutionary War and the beginning of the U.S. Government.  Oh, and to use some of the science kits we have collected, and learn about the 50 states.

My next problem is Vacation Bible School.  A friend and I are organizing this for our church this year.  They haven't had a VBS in the past few years, so we are starting from scratch.  So, of course, we purchased a curriculum.  The problem is, we didn't like most of it once we got it.  So, we are starting over using the basic outline, but adding in and taking away at will.  So, back to having problems with packaged curricula!

I am still working on my own curriculum of New York State.  I have written and revised, and have lately been adding more sections.  I originally wrote the book and activity list for my son to do, and much of the information was centered around our section of New York, because we could see things first hand.  So, I'm trying to add in some other information, which involves reading even more books, as I don't want to include any that I haven't seen, myself.  The good thing is that it should be a well-rounded curriculum when it is finished.  I am hoping it will be useful to people, and will not overwhelm them with too many options.  We didn't even manage to do everything on my list in one year.  In fact, as I'm researching more for the curriculum, I have been going over it with Rory.  I don't think that learning about your state has to be done all at once.  In fact, we should keep learning about everything throughout our lives.

That is one of the best things I've found about Homeschooling.  I can learn alongside my kids.  Yes, I graduated from high school and college, but learning does not stop when you get a degree.  My grandmother used to say "You can learn something new every day," and I believe her.  I want my kids to know the joy of learning throughout their lives, and what better way to teach them, than to lead by example?  So, I'll go on planning and tweaking and learning, and using a curriculum when it works for us.  Hopefully, we will all learn in the process!