We reformed-types pride ourselves on a biblical understanding of calling. A pastor doesn't have a higher or more godly calling than a lawyer if both are doing their work to the glory of God.
In homeschooling circles lately, I've seen an interesting emphasis on the calling of single Christian women to reject college, stay at home or with church families and practice homemaking skills until marriage. Of course, if a young woman earnestly desires to help her mother at home, or a young mother in the church, she should be encouraged to do so. However, that is not the only way a young woman can benefit the church and her future family. Going to college and training as a teacher, a nurse and even a lawyer can also be a great benefit to the church and her future family, as long as the young woman doesn't hold that career up as an idol.
Of course, there are a number of factors that come into play when considering college for either men or women, such as money and ability. But if a woman is desirous of futher education, capable and financially able, we would be remiss to discourage her. I have known former nurses, teachers, bankers, writers, artists and lawyers who used their skills to the benefit of their families and churches while also being devoted stay-at-home mothers. Let us be slow to glorify any secondary, vocational calling above all others, for men or for women.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Thankful Thursday
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
Psalm 98:1
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
What iTunes should I buy?
I have some gift card $ in my iTunes account, what classic songs and new music are just must haves?
Monday, May 23, 2005
Recent Reads
Families Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen (8.5) I really enjoyed this book. VanVonderen is a Christian counselor who explains in this book how to (and conversely, how not to) have healthy relationships within families. It doesn't focus merely on parent-child dynamics, it spends more time addressing spousal relationships and in the end, is a good guide to all of our close and intimate relationships. I don't agree with all of his conclusions, though I do affirm the majority of them, but I felt the book was worthwhile in the way it made me think differently about the relationships I am in and how I want them to be characterized. It's definitely a book I'll read again in the future! (Borrowed from the library.)
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott (8) I love memoirs and I love Anne Lamott. Her candor is refreshing and her perspective is helpful, albeit liberal and mainstream at times. We need to make efforts to understand the non-evangelicals in the bride of Christ, our brothers and sisters in the church. Lamott helps me to do this, even in small ways. I'm looking forward to reading her new book, with further thoughts on faith. (Borrowed from the library.)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (9) I admit it, I love Harry Potter. You read that title right, we own the first four books in the purist UK editions. I've begun embarking on my re-read leading up to the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this summer. I always enjoy escaping into the world of wizards and British public schools, every novel in this series simply charms me and keeps me turning pages until I finish way too soon. (From the bookshelf.)
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott (8) I love memoirs and I love Anne Lamott. Her candor is refreshing and her perspective is helpful, albeit liberal and mainstream at times. We need to make efforts to understand the non-evangelicals in the bride of Christ, our brothers and sisters in the church. Lamott helps me to do this, even in small ways. I'm looking forward to reading her new book, with further thoughts on faith. (Borrowed from the library.)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (9) I admit it, I love Harry Potter. You read that title right, we own the first four books in the purist UK editions. I've begun embarking on my re-read leading up to the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this summer. I always enjoy escaping into the world of wizards and British public schools, every novel in this series simply charms me and keeps me turning pages until I finish way too soon. (From the bookshelf.)
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Update
First, a PSA: Dorel, the parent company of Eddie Bauer, Safety 1st, and
Cosco brands has recalled about 200,000 rear-facing infant child safety seats. I got an email about it from a mom in my playgroup who is a certified safety seat technician, but haven't seen it on the web yet. Leave a comment if you want me to forward you all the info.
It's been a long week. School is winding down for Mike and ends the first week of June, so he is dealing with summer-crazed students. I have been really sick and Kate finally cut her top two teeth. We did enjoy getting to go to the midwife for the first time yesterday. We are planning on delivering in a new birthcenter within a hospital, opening in September.
Cosco brands has recalled about 200,000 rear-facing infant child safety seats. I got an email about it from a mom in my playgroup who is a certified safety seat technician, but haven't seen it on the web yet. Leave a comment if you want me to forward you all the info.
It's been a long week. School is winding down for Mike and ends the first week of June, so he is dealing with summer-crazed students. I have been really sick and Kate finally cut her top two teeth. We did enjoy getting to go to the midwife for the first time yesterday. We are planning on delivering in a new birthcenter within a hospital, opening in September.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Thankful Thursday
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Monday, May 16, 2005
IM's and iambs
This story was told by an AP Latin teacher on a listserv. This is her AP Latin student conversing with her 7th grade sister:
7GS: You should look at my new book. It's written all in IM's.
APS: Iambs?
7GS: Yes, IM's.
APS: (Incredulous) As in, iambic pentameter?
7GS: No, as in 'brb' and 'ttyl'
APS: Oh ...
7GS: You should look at my new book. It's written all in IM's.
APS: Iambs?
7GS: Yes, IM's.
APS: (Incredulous) As in, iambic pentameter?
7GS: No, as in 'brb' and 'ttyl'
APS: Oh ...
Update
I was a bridesmaid in Meadow and Dave's wedding on Saturday, so the weekend was filled with travel and events. The wedding itself was wonderful, the bride looked stunning in her gorgeous dress and I managed to not lose it in front of the church, which had been my biggest fear since finding out I was expecting. Mike had the lion's share of Kate duties and he did fantastically, especially considering he was dealing with a breastfed baby girl. All the wedding events had really good food, which is always a bonus. I got to see several old friends and meet some of Dave's blogging friends who I read regularly.
We stayed with the Sherrills in Charlotte, which is always wonderful. We are so thankful for their hospitality! We also got to spend some time with my family in Wake Forest before and after the wedding, and visited Christ Church NC and saw friends there and had Sunday lunch with Reba. It was a good trip for seeing folks!
Thanks for all of your congratulations regarding our new baby. We're pretty pumped. The kids'll be 18 months apart, and in all likelihood, that will mean 2 grades. I've been experiencing the extreme fatigue and all-day nausea of early pregnancy, which has been pretty rough and I'd appreciate your prayers that I feel better soon (for Kate's sake!)
We stayed with the Sherrills in Charlotte, which is always wonderful. We are so thankful for their hospitality! We also got to spend some time with my family in Wake Forest before and after the wedding, and visited Christ Church NC and saw friends there and had Sunday lunch with Reba. It was a good trip for seeing folks!
Thanks for all of your congratulations regarding our new baby. We're pretty pumped. The kids'll be 18 months apart, and in all likelihood, that will mean 2 grades. I've been experiencing the extreme fatigue and all-day nausea of early pregnancy, which has been pretty rough and I'd appreciate your prayers that I feel better soon (for Kate's sake!)
Professions Meme
I got tagged by Amanda.
the assignment: choose five or more of the following questions to answer on your blog. link back to my post or further so we can follow the chain.
If I could be a scientist...If I could be a farmer...If I could be a musician...If I could be a doctor...If I could be a painter...If I could be a gardener...If I could be a missionary...If I could be a chef...If I could be an architect...If I could be a linguist...If I could be a psychologist...If I could be a librarian...If I could be an athlete...If I could be a lawyer...If I could be an inn-keeper...If I could be a professor...If I could be a writer...If I could be a llama-rider...If I could be a bonnie pirate... If I could be a photographer... If I could be an astronaut...If I could be a world famous blogger...If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...If I could be married to any current famous political figure...
* * * * * *
If I could be a farmer I would grow organic veggies and fruit and sell them to co-ops so other families could eat the yummy stuff I grew for cheap and we could still make a profit. (And I would really enjoy feeding my own family more organic produce.)
If I could be a doctor I would be the sort of doctor who treated her patients with respect, as health care consumers, and not see them as ignorant. I would not act holier-than-thou about my recommendations.
If I could be a librarian I would make sure the collection was full of the most wonderful books and show children and adults the joys of reading. I would also work hard to have great reference materials for students to use. (I dream of getting my MLS someday, so this might happen!)
If I could be an inn-keeper I would always have a few rooms reserved for friends and family (and friends of friends) to stay for free. Paying for gas and food and hotels gets really expensive and we have been so blessed to often stay with friends as we travel.
If I could be a photographer I would capture the simple joys of family life and everyday America. I would also have lots of great pictures of my own kids as a bonus!
I'm tagging: Bekah, Camille, Ellen, Jen W. and Josh
the assignment: choose five or more of the following questions to answer on your blog. link back to my post or further so we can follow the chain.
If I could be a scientist...If I could be a farmer...If I could be a musician...If I could be a doctor...If I could be a painter...If I could be a gardener...If I could be a missionary...If I could be a chef...If I could be an architect...If I could be a linguist...If I could be a psychologist...If I could be a librarian...If I could be an athlete...If I could be a lawyer...If I could be an inn-keeper...If I could be a professor...If I could be a writer...If I could be a llama-rider...If I could be a bonnie pirate... If I could be a photographer... If I could be an astronaut...If I could be a world famous blogger...If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...If I could be married to any current famous political figure...
* * * * * *
If I could be a farmer I would grow organic veggies and fruit and sell them to co-ops so other families could eat the yummy stuff I grew for cheap and we could still make a profit. (And I would really enjoy feeding my own family more organic produce.)
If I could be a doctor I would be the sort of doctor who treated her patients with respect, as health care consumers, and not see them as ignorant. I would not act holier-than-thou about my recommendations.
If I could be a librarian I would make sure the collection was full of the most wonderful books and show children and adults the joys of reading. I would also work hard to have great reference materials for students to use. (I dream of getting my MLS someday, so this might happen!)
If I could be an inn-keeper I would always have a few rooms reserved for friends and family (and friends of friends) to stay for free. Paying for gas and food and hotels gets really expensive and we have been so blessed to often stay with friends as we travel.
If I could be a photographer I would capture the simple joys of family life and everyday America. I would also have lots of great pictures of my own kids as a bonus!
I'm tagging: Bekah, Camille, Ellen, Jen W. and Josh
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Thankful Thursday
Just in case you missed this, Thankful Thursday was started by Kelly a while back and I'm hosting it for the time being while she and her family go through some big transitions. Everyone lists three things they are thankful for in the comments.
I'm thankful for:
1. The covenant of marriage, and for Meadow and Dave and that I get to be involved in their wedding this weekend!
2. Mike, who so graciously sacrifices and serves our family.
3. The joyous surprise of a new baby Stewart, due to arrive in late December.
I'm thankful for:
1. The covenant of marriage, and for Meadow and Dave and that I get to be involved in their wedding this weekend!
2. Mike, who so graciously sacrifices and serves our family.
3. The joyous surprise of a new baby Stewart, due to arrive in late December.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Book Choices
The most important thing I learned: change teacher info sheet to read "amazon.com" instead of "b&n". Amazon is so much cheaper than b&n. True, you have to do everything online, but that's not a problem.
The second thing I learned is that you can only use one gift card per order.
Anyhow, my final choices:
With the $30 gift card:
Introducing Radical Orthodoxy
Pauline Eschatology
With the $20 gift card:
Biblical Theology
The Idiot (needed something cheap for the discount; chose a b&n 'classic')
Now, if b&n's system will final come back on, I can finalize the last order.
The second thing I learned is that you can only use one gift card per order.
Anyhow, my final choices:
With the $30 gift card:
Introducing Radical Orthodoxy
Pauline Eschatology
With the $20 gift card:
Biblical Theology
The Idiot (needed something cheap for the discount; chose a b&n 'classic')
Now, if b&n's system will final come back on, I can finalize the last order.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Recent Reads
Ultimate Prizes by Susan Howatch (8) The third book in the Starbridge Series. I really enjoyed the first two, and this was no exception. The cameos that Neville Aysgarth made in the second book didn't impress me, but I was impressed by how Howatch engaged me in his story, even though I wasn't initially interested. She's a very talented writer! (Borrowed from the library.)
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman (3) I read this with a Mom's book study all winter. I wasn't highly impressed. She spends a lot of time (like, a third of the book!) talking about spanking and never really discusses other methods of discipline, other than talking with your children. And she's really into quoting scripture at children for every offense, which is fine if you are quoting scripture all day long in all sorts of contexts, but the idea of memorizing scripture to whip it out and beat my children over the head with it really didn't appeal to me. (From the bookshelf.)
The Meal Jesus Gave Us by Tom Wright (8) This short little book about communion is a real gem. It's very easily to understand and would be appropriate for teaching middle school aged children and above about the sacrament. My only desire is that it were a bit longer. (From the bookshelf.)
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman (3) I read this with a Mom's book study all winter. I wasn't highly impressed. She spends a lot of time (like, a third of the book!) talking about spanking and never really discusses other methods of discipline, other than talking with your children. And she's really into quoting scripture at children for every offense, which is fine if you are quoting scripture all day long in all sorts of contexts, but the idea of memorizing scripture to whip it out and beat my children over the head with it really didn't appeal to me. (From the bookshelf.)
The Meal Jesus Gave Us by Tom Wright (8) This short little book about communion is a real gem. It's very easily to understand and would be appropriate for teaching middle school aged children and above about the sacrament. My only desire is that it were a bit longer. (From the bookshelf.)
Close Encounters of the Blogging Kind
The Okimotos came over on Saturday afternoon after they finished some shopping in town. It is always our pleasure to hang out with Richard, Megan and the girls. All three of their girls are sweet and fun, but I must admit that I was really tickled when Ashley was being super polite and kept thanking me for dinner.
Last week, Rob was in town so we went up to the far West End and hung out with him, accidentally at the mall. It was fun and we conversed about a variety of cool topics, but we were all really cold. The new outdoor, Euro-flavor malls can be difficult that way! Less than a week before, when I was in North Carolina, Kate and I hung out with the rest of his family. Jeni and I (and all the kids) met up purposefully at the mall :o) We had a really good time and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.
Last week, Rob was in town so we went up to the far West End and hung out with him, accidentally at the mall. It was fun and we conversed about a variety of cool topics, but we were all really cold. The new outdoor, Euro-flavor malls can be difficult that way! Less than a week before, when I was in North Carolina, Kate and I hung out with the rest of his family. Jeni and I (and all the kids) met up purposefully at the mall :o) We had a really good time and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Paul, by NT Wright
Has anyone heard anything about this book? I was looking up some of his Jesus/Christian Orgins books on Amazon, and I saw this one is to be released in October. This is definitely at the top of my Reformation Day gift wishlist. Oh, the irony.Friday, May 06, 2005
Book Recommendations
Dear reader -- I've received $50 in B&N gift certificates and don't know what to get.
I have a couple Leitharts, some Wilsons, Jordan, and even some Smiths, already. I'm thinking of going along the lines of "meat and potatoes" Reformed: like Vos or Murray, but wanted to get some recommendations.
Any ideas?
I have a couple Leitharts, some Wilsons, Jordan, and even some Smiths, already. I'm thinking of going along the lines of "meat and potatoes" Reformed: like Vos or Murray, but wanted to get some recommendations.
Any ideas?
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Thankful Thursday
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
Psalm 34:8-9
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Downtime
Sorry for the downtime. Our hosting company switched servers (a definite upgrade!), but it took some time for me to get our backup restored to the new server. Then, once we got everything back up, blogger said that we were too close to our 300mb quota to publish.
Well, after asking very nicely, our hosting company let me take advantage of the 2-for-1 deal (regularly for new or renewing customers). I added 400mb for $20. :o)
If you're looking for a great hosting company, check out HostPC.com.
Well, after asking very nicely, our hosting company let me take advantage of the 2-for-1 deal (regularly for new or renewing customers). I added 400mb for $20. :o)
If you're looking for a great hosting company, check out HostPC.com.
We're back!
Sorry for the empty page yesterday, Host PC was switching our server and it took a lot longer than expected.