Some of the kids have had a stomach bug, and Philip had a teaching workshop at the university all weekend, so the kids and I stayed home from church this morning. The kids were disappointed but took it in stride, creating a fun home-church service for us.
Hollis began with leading us in the Gospel ABC's (ABCDEFG, Jesus died for you and me...). Then Simeon had all the kids participate in his mega-tic-tac-toe. I'm not sure of the Biblical application of this, but he wanted to contribute. Next up was sharing from the scriptures. Meriel read about Jesus welcoming the little children, and Hollis read the calling of fishermen to disciples. We sang, "I will Make You Fishers of Men," and "Let the Little Children Come." Then Eris asked Bible trivia questions she had written. There were some at each level so all the kids could participate.
Ever since I told the children about a church I went to when I was really young that played "The Farmer in the Dell," they like to include that in home-church. We did so, and Calla did not want to be picked for anything. She only wanted to continue around in the circle. After playing and couple of times, we ended the service with the Doxology. Those who wanted could do the craft Hollis created.
It was a fun morning with worship and Bible, and I didn't have to wrangle kids to be quiet during the service. I enjoyed seeing how the kids worked together to contribute to the special morning. While I certainly don't enjoy vomiting children, this restful morning was a good part of a tough weekend.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Review: The Way of a Pilgrim
Here is my first review for the Back to the Classics Challenge. I don't enjoy writing book reviews, and I don't yet have a good format. Maybe this challenge will help with that. In fourth grade, we were supposed to write a short summary for every book we read on a little paper train car. Our class goal was to have the train go all around the classroom walls by the end of the year. The end of the year was approaching and we weren't there yet; I had a stack of train cars in my desk with the name and author filled out. I decided to get busy and filled out all the summaries. When I turned them in, the train finished its way around the room and continued winding almost another quarter of the way around. For this challenge, I'm hoping to not wait until the last minute and to "fill out my train cars" as I read.
I read The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way written between 1853 and 1861 by an anonymous Russian pilgrim translated into English by R.M. French for the "Classic in Translation" category. As part of his journey of faith, he challenges himself to "pray without ceasing" as exhorted by Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians. I myself have wondered about this and have read and listened to various interpretations. This particular pilgrim wandered about listening to sermons on the subject from the well known Russian Orthodox teachers of the day, yet he still didn't feel satisfied that he knew how to pray without ceasing. Finally, he finds a teacher who is able to share with him the (or maybe a) secret of praying in this way. This begins his adventures as he learns the technique and continues his travels, praying and teaching others.
I wanted to read this book because I am interested in prayer and have been challenging myself in prayer for the last few years. As far as relevance to me, I did find much of teachings applicable to my life and what I believe. I am not Russian Orthodox, so I did not agree with some of the exposition, but this was minor compared to what I felt I could agree with or at least believe possible.
Since this book is meant to be a record of a journey and to teach fellow pilgrims, plus the fact that I am not reading it in the original language, I don't feel must critic is warranted on the writing style. It was an enjoyable read and the narrative was easy to follow. It contained many stories within the story which broke up what could have otherwise become a tedious list of places and people.
I would recommend this for any Christian who is interested in learning more about prayer and is open to styles and teachings possibly different from what s/he is comfortable with. I plan to write a separate post on my personal reflections from the book (if I get to it ;) ). But for now, I am going to call this review finished and get the kids ready for bed. One down 11 to go!
I read The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way written between 1853 and 1861 by an anonymous Russian pilgrim translated into English by R.M. French for the "Classic in Translation" category. As part of his journey of faith, he challenges himself to "pray without ceasing" as exhorted by Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians. I myself have wondered about this and have read and listened to various interpretations. This particular pilgrim wandered about listening to sermons on the subject from the well known Russian Orthodox teachers of the day, yet he still didn't feel satisfied that he knew how to pray without ceasing. Finally, he finds a teacher who is able to share with him the (or maybe a) secret of praying in this way. This begins his adventures as he learns the technique and continues his travels, praying and teaching others.
I wanted to read this book because I am interested in prayer and have been challenging myself in prayer for the last few years. As far as relevance to me, I did find much of teachings applicable to my life and what I believe. I am not Russian Orthodox, so I did not agree with some of the exposition, but this was minor compared to what I felt I could agree with or at least believe possible.
Since this book is meant to be a record of a journey and to teach fellow pilgrims, plus the fact that I am not reading it in the original language, I don't feel must critic is warranted on the writing style. It was an enjoyable read and the narrative was easy to follow. It contained many stories within the story which broke up what could have otherwise become a tedious list of places and people.
I would recommend this for any Christian who is interested in learning more about prayer and is open to styles and teachings possibly different from what s/he is comfortable with. I plan to write a separate post on my personal reflections from the book (if I get to it ;) ). But for now, I am going to call this review finished and get the kids ready for bed. One down 11 to go!
Friday, January 4, 2019
Lessons Prepared
It was the first day of school in the new year. I had the schedules all printed and lesson plans ready. Calla was still sick and fussy, but I thought I could press through the day. Hollis was awake before Calla and I got up, with her new garden gloves on gathering grass to turn into hay. I don't know why the kids like to "make hay" since we don't have any hay eating creatures, but they've got a few piles of it now. I got a load of laundry started before Simeon awoke, hungry for breakfast. The four of us had breakfast together, and Eris joined us at the end. Meriel was the sleepy-head.
I began the school day with those who were ready. Simeon and I started our new Winnie the Pooh book, The House at Pooh Corner. Then I did lessons with Hollis: Spelling, Math, Reading. By this time, Eris had finished her daily math problems and Meriel was eating her breakfast. I decided to do Eris's math lesson. At the end of her math lesson, the phone rang. "Probably Philip," I thought, "I'll call him back when I finish this lesson."
I finished up, then called for the children to get ready for our "together" subjects which we would do after I got of the phone with Daddy. When Philip answered, he said, "Did you see my Line (text) message?" I had not, so he went on, "There is a tropical storm headed our way, and we need to plan what to do."
So the day changed from the first day of school, to disaster preparation. Now the storm is just a tropical storm, not a typhoon, but the last time one hit our area was sixty years ago and 900 people were killed. I think the government is better prepared this time, but it is still something to be taken seriously. People build shacks right on the beach and do not have enough resources to prepare for a disaster. Our house is solid but is within sight of the sea. Large enough waves with a strong enough storm surge could bring a wave to, and possibly in, our front door.
I called my dad for clarification of terms and advice. Then we began the task of taking all our books, papers, photos, and towels to the second floor. Simeon and Hollis packed books in boxes, Eris carried them upstairs and stacked the books, bringing empty boxes back down. Meriel washed and filled empty milk jugs with drinking water. I scoured the first floor for valuables and important papers to take up. When the first floor was nearly empty, we worked on outside. We gathered spades and nets, buckets and badminton rackets, snorkel vests and floaties to take to the "storage room."
Over a quick lunch of leftover New Year's potato soup (our tradition using the fat and scraps from our Christmas ham), we discussed how this day was not how we thought it was going to be. Meriel had managed to read a chapter of Skylark which she had been waiting to read since the break started. I had planned for an organized day of lessons; instead all our school books were in piles upstairs.
A friend of Philip's from the university planned to be in Bangkok for the weekend, so she offered us her house on campus. We are now settled in the house with rain drumming on the roof wondering what the next twenty-four hours will hold for us. Will our yard be covered with drift wood? Will our large unbarred upstairs windows be shattered? Will our neighbors houses be blown or floated away? We are thankful to be safe and comfortable with plenty of water and food. How will God use this storm to impact our lives and those around us?
Maybe next week, we will begin school. Or perhaps we will be cleaning our house, helping neighbors rebuild, serving food from our church. Whatever it will be, it will be good. And eventually, we will get to the finish our chapter of The House at Pooh Corner and complete the lessons which have already been planned. Right now, we get to walk the path which God has planned, which is better than any lesson I could prepare.
I began the school day with those who were ready. Simeon and I started our new Winnie the Pooh book, The House at Pooh Corner. Then I did lessons with Hollis: Spelling, Math, Reading. By this time, Eris had finished her daily math problems and Meriel was eating her breakfast. I decided to do Eris's math lesson. At the end of her math lesson, the phone rang. "Probably Philip," I thought, "I'll call him back when I finish this lesson."
I finished up, then called for the children to get ready for our "together" subjects which we would do after I got of the phone with Daddy. When Philip answered, he said, "Did you see my Line (text) message?" I had not, so he went on, "There is a tropical storm headed our way, and we need to plan what to do."
So the day changed from the first day of school, to disaster preparation. Now the storm is just a tropical storm, not a typhoon, but the last time one hit our area was sixty years ago and 900 people were killed. I think the government is better prepared this time, but it is still something to be taken seriously. People build shacks right on the beach and do not have enough resources to prepare for a disaster. Our house is solid but is within sight of the sea. Large enough waves with a strong enough storm surge could bring a wave to, and possibly in, our front door.
I called my dad for clarification of terms and advice. Then we began the task of taking all our books, papers, photos, and towels to the second floor. Simeon and Hollis packed books in boxes, Eris carried them upstairs and stacked the books, bringing empty boxes back down. Meriel washed and filled empty milk jugs with drinking water. I scoured the first floor for valuables and important papers to take up. When the first floor was nearly empty, we worked on outside. We gathered spades and nets, buckets and badminton rackets, snorkel vests and floaties to take to the "storage room."
Over a quick lunch of leftover New Year's potato soup (our tradition using the fat and scraps from our Christmas ham), we discussed how this day was not how we thought it was going to be. Meriel had managed to read a chapter of Skylark which she had been waiting to read since the break started. I had planned for an organized day of lessons; instead all our school books were in piles upstairs.
A friend of Philip's from the university planned to be in Bangkok for the weekend, so she offered us her house on campus. We are now settled in the house with rain drumming on the roof wondering what the next twenty-four hours will hold for us. Will our yard be covered with drift wood? Will our large unbarred upstairs windows be shattered? Will our neighbors houses be blown or floated away? We are thankful to be safe and comfortable with plenty of water and food. How will God use this storm to impact our lives and those around us?
Maybe next week, we will begin school. Or perhaps we will be cleaning our house, helping neighbors rebuild, serving food from our church. Whatever it will be, it will be good. And eventually, we will get to the finish our chapter of The House at Pooh Corner and complete the lessons which have already been planned. Right now, we get to walk the path which God has planned, which is better than any lesson I could prepare.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Expecting God's Best
This past year has been a year of change and surprises. We began the year with much uncertainty. The Lord promised me a year of blessings, and I believed but wasn't sure what kind of blessings He meant. We began church services in Tawipon Church, a challenge and also a blessing. We had a wonderful week long vacation in the jungle with my parents - splashing in waterfalls, hiking, relaxing, roasting hot dogs and the marshmallows we splurged on over campfires. We made multiple trips to Laos for visa runs and finally ended up moving 800 km away from everything and everyone we've ever known in Thailand. But that's where the blessings kicked up a notch....
You know how God blessed us with our home. I can't stop feeling so amazed and thankful for this. This school year has also been a blessing with a new outlook, support group, and curriculum (more about this in the future). We've been blessed with a church that has a heart for the lost, the poor, the weak, the neglected. We've been blessed with ministries at home, at church, at the university. We've been blessed with new friends. A few of the kids and I even got a quick trip to Oregon to see so many family members. And my parents were here for their first tropical Christmas! I have to admit, when God promised a year of blessings, I underestimated His generosity. This year has refreshed me and given me new strength for the challenges ahead.
When I think I pray about this year, the word that comes to mind is "expectant." I expect God to do great things: in my heart, in my family, in Tha Sala, in those for whom I'm praying. There are a lot of unknowns in 2019 but also many opportunities. As with every year, there will be many unexpected happening, but I know that God will use it all for His glory.
As I sit here with a feverish little one in my lap, three children running up and down the stairs, and my oldest writing in her notebook, I am excited for what this year will bring. God always gives good gifts, and I expect the best from Him.
Happy New Year!
You know how God blessed us with our home. I can't stop feeling so amazed and thankful for this. This school year has also been a blessing with a new outlook, support group, and curriculum (more about this in the future). We've been blessed with a church that has a heart for the lost, the poor, the weak, the neglected. We've been blessed with ministries at home, at church, at the university. We've been blessed with new friends. A few of the kids and I even got a quick trip to Oregon to see so many family members. And my parents were here for their first tropical Christmas! I have to admit, when God promised a year of blessings, I underestimated His generosity. This year has refreshed me and given me new strength for the challenges ahead.
When I think I pray about this year, the word that comes to mind is "expectant." I expect God to do great things: in my heart, in my family, in Tha Sala, in those for whom I'm praying. There are a lot of unknowns in 2019 but also many opportunities. As with every year, there will be many unexpected happening, but I know that God will use it all for His glory.
As I sit here with a feverish little one in my lap, three children running up and down the stairs, and my oldest writing in her notebook, I am excited for what this year will bring. God always gives good gifts, and I expect the best from Him.
Happy New Year!
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