Have you seen the inspiring movie, "A Man Called Peter"? It's an old black-and-white feature film, and was nominated for an Oscar in 1955 or 1956.
It's the magnificent story of a Scottish-American who desired to the be chaplain of the United States Senate. I highly recommend the movie -- or the book, by the same name!
I learned about Peter Marshall through that book (A Man Called Peter) which was written by his wife, Catherine, after his death in 1949. I also read other books by Catherine while a teenager, that had been my mom's. With two young daughters in the early 50's and then two more children in the early 60's, she didn't have much time to read, but she found time somehow to read Catherine Marshall's books. One was called _Beyond Our Selves_ first published in 1961.
Of course, you probably know Catherine Marshall as the author of _Christy_ which is a story of her mother's foray into the Appalachian Mountain area as a missionary teacher.
May 26, 2008
Church Yesterday
It being the fifth Sunday, we had Matins at church yesterday, from LSB at page 219. Still getting used to that from the Matins in TLH at page 32.
Pastor's sermon was based on the Old Testament reading from Isaiah 49:8-16a.
Pastor talked about how appearances can be deceiving, yet when you can look at someone's hands and you can tell a lot about them. He shared about hands raised in anger, fingers that type out angry messages to editors or newsletters or other people, or giving someone a finger.
He talked about the soft and gentle hands of the Palmolive commercial. Anyone remember this?
Even with the disobedience that we can create from our hands, which leads to doubt, and then open rebellion, God does not forget us. Look at HIS hands, which created our world and us and all that is this world. Look at HIS hands which daily preserve us. Look at HIS hands, which were pierced for all of us!
Pastor's sermon was based on the Old Testament reading from Isaiah 49:8-16a.
Pastor talked about how appearances can be deceiving, yet when you can look at someone's hands and you can tell a lot about them. He shared about hands raised in anger, fingers that type out angry messages to editors or newsletters or other people, or giving someone a finger.
He talked about the soft and gentle hands of the Palmolive commercial. Anyone remember this?
Even with the disobedience that we can create from our hands, which leads to doubt, and then open rebellion, God does not forget us. Look at HIS hands, which created our world and us and all that is this world. Look at HIS hands which daily preserve us. Look at HIS hands, which were pierced for all of us!
May 25, 2008
The Shot Heard Round the World -- who's the author?
I'm inspired by American History! Courageous people fighting for what was right -- not for their own agendas, or property -- but for a moral cause, created this great nation of ours.Now, I ain't saying this is a perfect place, as no place will be this side of heaven. But I am saying that this republican democracy (notice lower case) is an idea seeded in the Judeo-Christian ethics/morals and is the most free place on this earth.
On this Memorial Day, I salute and HONOR those persons who have given their life to preserve this nation and its inhabitants. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Which brings us back to the poem from yesterday. The shot heard round the world... if you dig back into your history lessons I'm sure that someone shared with you the significance of the poem. This commerative coin site states:
--begin quote -- "The shot heard around the world" was fired on April 19, 1775 at Lexington, Massachusetts. Although this engagement and the one that followed at neighboring Concord weighed against the Americans, their willingness to fight for their rights was at last put to the crucial test, and there was no going back.
These initial skirmishes of the American War of Independence came about after years of wrangling between the colonists and the British motherland over irritating taxes and other perceived abuses. The passage of the "Coercive Acts" in 1774 led to the assembly of the First Continental Congress, which met to determine what action should be taken. Sensing that resistance to these new laws would be met with force, Massachusetts formed a Committee of Safety headed by the bold John Hancock. A special militia of "Minute Men" was recruited that would be prepared to take arms on short notice.
The British, aware of munitions being stockpiled by the colonists at several locations, drew plans to destroy these arsenals. Their first target was Concord, 21 miles from Boston by road. Early on the morning of April 19, 1775, a force of 700 British troops left Boston headed for Concord. The Committee of Safety, alerted to their mission by its informers, dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes to summon the Minute Men. Reaching Lexington around midnight, Revere notified John Hancock and Sam Adams of the danger they faced as the targets of royal wrath. Joined by Dr. Samuel Prescott, Revere and Dawes then continued on toward Concord. Luck was not with them that night. Confronted by a British patrol, Revere was captured and Dawes was forced to flee. It was Prescott alone who made his way through to warn the residents of Concord.
Reaching Lexington, an advance force of British troops was confronted by armed Minute Men. The Americans were ordered to lay down their weapons and disperse, whereupon a shot rang out, and the British responded with several devastating volleys. Stunned, the unseasoned volunteers scarcely responded, and soon eight Americans lay dead. Only one British soldier was wounded. Unfazed by this engagement, the British continued their march toward Concord to join up with additional units. There, the troops carried out the destruction of whatever military stores they could find before making their return to Boston. By this time, it was high noon. Largely unopposed up to this point, the British now came under the harassing sniper fire of an angered civilian populace. Only by acquiring reinforcements at Lexington were the British able to avoid a total rout and massacre. Such was the determination of Americans to defend their soil and their rights. -- end quote --
Ralph Waldo Emerson, born May 25, 1803, penned many poems and essays. He was one of the originators of the Transcendentalist movement. His father was a Unitarian minister. Ralph graduated from Harvard. I can't say I would agree with many of his beliefs, or his lifestyle, but I can say that some of his poems were inspiring.
I pray you all have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day as you commemorate those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.
Fired the Shot Heard Round the World
No cheating-- no googling -- this is a test, and it's not open book.
On this day, in 1803 a famous American poet was born. He penned these words:
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood; And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept; Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept, Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream, We place with joy a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
O Thou who made those heroes dare, To die, and leave their children free,
-Bid Time and Nature gently spare, The shaft we raised to them and Thee.
Who is he?
I'll post the answer tomorrow...
On this day, in 1803 a famous American poet was born. He penned these words:
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood; And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept; Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept, Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream, We place with joy a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
O Thou who made those heroes dare, To die, and leave their children free,
-Bid Time and Nature gently spare, The shaft we raised to them and Thee.
Who is he?
I'll post the answer tomorrow...
May 22, 2008
American Idol
Some of you may remember that our middle daughter tried out for American Idol, Season 7 last August in Omaha -- same place that David Cook tried out at. We've followed the season with piqued interest because it's possible K will try out again.
I agree with GE Veith who said he thought that although both finalists were good performers and can sing, the better man won.
Yippee!
I called it back on March 25!
Congratulations to David Cook!
I agree with GE Veith who said he thought that although both finalists were good performers and can sing, the better man won.
Yippee!
I called it back on March 25!
Congratulations to David Cook!
Trinity Sunday, May 18
Although we don't often confess the Athanasian Creed, it's useful because, like the other creeds we confess, it was born of correcting heresy, and declares the Trinity in a vivid way.
Pastor's sermon this day can be summed up with: How we begin our lives makes a big difference where we go/end up in life. And those who know tell those who don't!
Our service ended with the choir singing the lovely, Go My Children With My Blessing, which many members of the congregation were helping them to sing. It's one of my favorites!
Pastor's sermon this day can be summed up with: How we begin our lives makes a big difference where we go/end up in life. And those who know tell those who don't!
Our service ended with the choir singing the lovely, Go My Children With My Blessing, which many members of the congregation were helping them to sing. It's one of my favorites!
Pentecost Sunday, May 11
I thought that this Spring would show us a slow down of activities -- but instead it has picked up pace. I was so looking forward to twiddling my thumbs...
Since our Pentecost Sunday was also Confirmation Sunday, our Pastor chose 1 Samuel chapter 17 as the text of his sermon. Addressing his sermon to our two confirmands, Pastor talked about facing giants, as David did with Goliath. The giants that our confirmands will face will be different, but no less powerful or mean. Pastor's use of language that day was very vivid, he talked about...
"feeding your carcas to the birds"
and "giants cruching your life and hope like a grape."
Although we may try to be "fastier" we can't beat these giants back, we must rely upon the Lord.
The giants will be relentless... such as evolution which is taught in public schools and cause us to doubt the Word of God, or the pressure to have sex before marriage "just like everyone else."
So Pastor reminded us to turn to the Lord always, every day and in every way, so that we can have success over the giants like David did.
Since our Pentecost Sunday was also Confirmation Sunday, our Pastor chose 1 Samuel chapter 17 as the text of his sermon. Addressing his sermon to our two confirmands, Pastor talked about facing giants, as David did with Goliath. The giants that our confirmands will face will be different, but no less powerful or mean. Pastor's use of language that day was very vivid, he talked about...
"feeding your carcas to the birds"
and "giants cruching your life and hope like a grape."
Although we may try to be "fastier" we can't beat these giants back, we must rely upon the Lord.
The giants will be relentless... such as evolution which is taught in public schools and cause us to doubt the Word of God, or the pressure to have sex before marriage "just like everyone else."
So Pastor reminded us to turn to the Lord always, every day and in every way, so that we can have success over the giants like David did.
May 15, 2008
Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?
My friend, Coffee Bean, had this on her blog and I just had to tease a bit, thus the title of this entry...
Love ya, KJ!
May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
My mom's been gone now for 7 and a half years. This time of year makes me miss her acutely, however, because she and my father's anniversary would have been May 4th, and her birthday would have been May 9th.So, on our way home from the luscious Emerald Valley, we visited her and placed some yellow flowers in the vase of her gravestone.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You're in a better place now, at the table of our Lord and Savior.
May 10, 2008
May 9, 2008
May 7, 2008
American Idol
Last night's American Idol provided for me an opportunity to change my mind about David Archuleta, who I've been trying to dismiss since the season opened. It's not that he isn't a good singer, he is... but as Simon so often says, "It's forgetable." I don't see how David has done much to distinguish himself... until last night.
Both performances were dynamic and really impressed me.
I've been an Elvis fan for as long as I can remember. His catalog of songs is deep and has such variety. I've often thought through the years how various songs might be done by different artists. But if an artist does an Elvis song, he/she needs to do it well.
David Archuleta did an outstanding job on "Love Me Tender" last night! (We had a friend sing "Love Me Tender" at our wedding and it wasn't the brightest idea we've had.)
After watching this, we wondered what David Cook might have choosen if he were given the assignment to sing an Elvis song. We came up with "Burning Love," "Such a Night" and "In the Ghetto." What song do you think David Cook should sing that was part of Elvis' catalog of songs?
Both performances were dynamic and really impressed me.
I've been an Elvis fan for as long as I can remember. His catalog of songs is deep and has such variety. I've often thought through the years how various songs might be done by different artists. But if an artist does an Elvis song, he/she needs to do it well.
David Archuleta did an outstanding job on "Love Me Tender" last night! (We had a friend sing "Love Me Tender" at our wedding and it wasn't the brightest idea we've had.)
After watching this, we wondered what David Cook might have choosen if he were given the assignment to sing an Elvis song. We came up with "Burning Love," "Such a Night" and "In the Ghetto." What song do you think David Cook should sing that was part of Elvis' catalog of songs?
Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars had its 100th episode last night. At the same time, it eliminated the last person before the semi-finals for this season.
I just have to say that I didn't begin with a very good impression of Mario. He seemed arrogant and silly to me all at the same time.
However, last night's gracious "good-bye" was the most impressive thing I've heard out of a competitor in quite some time there!
Beginning at 6:12 in this video is Mario's reaction to being eliminated. I especially appreciated how he put into perspective who a hero is.
I just have to say that I didn't begin with a very good impression of Mario. He seemed arrogant and silly to me all at the same time.
However, last night's gracious "good-bye" was the most impressive thing I've heard out of a competitor in quite some time there!
Beginning at 6:12 in this video is Mario's reaction to being eliminated. I especially appreciated how he put into perspective who a hero is.
May 4, 2008
Mexican Train
It's been another busy time... and so last night we played Mexican Train.
Hubby was sleeping as he'd been up since 4 am to help clean up Camp Alexander for those Boy Scouts who will begin camping there soon.
We four girls played cut-throat dominoes and these comments were heard:
"Don't be surprised if you find dirty shoes above your head."
"I'm about ready to stick my butt in your nose." (Such gentility from the "fairer sex.")
"I threatened something much nicer than that."
"I do too have a butt crack!"
Hubby was sleeping as he'd been up since 4 am to help clean up Camp Alexander for those Boy Scouts who will begin camping there soon.
We four girls played cut-throat dominoes and these comments were heard:
"Don't be surprised if you find dirty shoes above your head."
"I'm about ready to stick my butt in your nose." (Such gentility from the "fairer sex.")
"I threatened something much nicer than that."
"I do too have a butt crack!"
Questions answered
The answers are...
Coffee Bean asks:
1. When is the last time you cleaned the top of your fridge?
Well, I don't clean the top of my fridge. My older daughters do it weekly as part of their chores, and that's on Tuesdays.
2. What is your favorite shampoo/conditioner?
This is definitely Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo and its conditioner. Smells great! I use this line because I got my hair permed recently.
3. What was your favorite moment today?
You asked this on Wednesday, April 30, and that's a far piece back for me to remember, but something happened that day that I remember because it has made my life a lot less stressful! Last Wednesday, April 30, I learned that it was a particular co-worker's last day to work which has been moved up from May 15 to April 30.
Heidi asks:
4. What jobs have you held in your lifetime (I know you answered this on my blog awhile back, but it's fun for others to read)?
I just copied and pasted from Heidi's blog my answer...
"Well in jr. hi and hi sch. I babysat A LOT!
In hi sch. and college I helped process cadets into the AFA by giving shots from a “gun” (gave them 4 or 5 shots at one time) and helped to make certain that all their paperwork was in order. I also filled in for those fellows who didn’t have a girlfriend to take the manners class in their senior year.
In college I was a census taker. This was hard because the college town I lived in had a huge migrant population that spoke Spanish, and I did not. It was frustrating and there wasn’t any way to make it better because the supervisor just plain old didn’t care.
I worked (and lived) on top of Pikes Peak one summer and was the manager in the hand-made jewelry department.
I was a “party” waitress at the AFA Officers Club, which meant I was part of the wait staff that served special functions like swearing-ins, retirement parties, promotion parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversary parties, etc. This was a very fun job! I like it a lot! Got paid well too!
I was a phlebotomist for a while in a blood bank after I dropped out of college. I did not like this job.
Then I became a legal secretary and was working towards being a paralegal. I enjoyed this job, but sometimes the cases were hard to let go of and the outcomes were upsetting.
Then I became a medical secretary and worked in the front office of a chief of staff at a local hospital.
Now, I work as an editor of a homeschool publication, and as a leader liaison where we (my husband and I do this together) mentor and teach leaders about leadership issues, and I teach seminars on homeschooling your children through high school.
And yea, I’m still teaching two kids at home. "
Since I answered that question, however, I've added Medical Receptionist to my jobs as I work part-time in the same physicians office I worked in before.
5. How did your husband propose?
Hubby bought his first house in the morning on the day he proposed. Then we went out to lunch and went for a drive. We ended up at a park that was rather well known for it's seclusion and night time parking for couples of a romantic inclination. We had not been there together before. It's at the top of some bluffs in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs. From this vantage point, we could see 360 degrees. Towards the south that afternoon it was cloudy. Towards the north the sky was blue. He looked at the sky and said he wanted me in his life when the going was clear blue and when the storm clouds were gathering and would I be his wife?
6. What was your greatest fear in raising children that never came true?
My greatest fear was to fall with my children in my arms while walking down a set of stairs. I used to have bad nightmares about this! As they've aged, that fear has dissipated.
Coffee Bean asks:
1. When is the last time you cleaned the top of your fridge?
Well, I don't clean the top of my fridge. My older daughters do it weekly as part of their chores, and that's on Tuesdays.
2. What is your favorite shampoo/conditioner?
This is definitely Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo and its conditioner. Smells great! I use this line because I got my hair permed recently.
3. What was your favorite moment today?
You asked this on Wednesday, April 30, and that's a far piece back for me to remember, but something happened that day that I remember because it has made my life a lot less stressful! Last Wednesday, April 30, I learned that it was a particular co-worker's last day to work which has been moved up from May 15 to April 30.
Heidi asks:
4. What jobs have you held in your lifetime (I know you answered this on my blog awhile back, but it's fun for others to read)?
I just copied and pasted from Heidi's blog my answer...
"Well in jr. hi and hi sch. I babysat A LOT!
In hi sch. and college I helped process cadets into the AFA by giving shots from a “gun” (gave them 4 or 5 shots at one time) and helped to make certain that all their paperwork was in order. I also filled in for those fellows who didn’t have a girlfriend to take the manners class in their senior year.
In college I was a census taker. This was hard because the college town I lived in had a huge migrant population that spoke Spanish, and I did not. It was frustrating and there wasn’t any way to make it better because the supervisor just plain old didn’t care.
I worked (and lived) on top of Pikes Peak one summer and was the manager in the hand-made jewelry department.
I was a “party” waitress at the AFA Officers Club, which meant I was part of the wait staff that served special functions like swearing-ins, retirement parties, promotion parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversary parties, etc. This was a very fun job! I like it a lot! Got paid well too!
I was a phlebotomist for a while in a blood bank after I dropped out of college. I did not like this job.
Then I became a legal secretary and was working towards being a paralegal. I enjoyed this job, but sometimes the cases were hard to let go of and the outcomes were upsetting.
Then I became a medical secretary and worked in the front office of a chief of staff at a local hospital.
Now, I work as an editor of a homeschool publication, and as a leader liaison where we (my husband and I do this together) mentor and teach leaders about leadership issues, and I teach seminars on homeschooling your children through high school.
And yea, I’m still teaching two kids at home. "
Since I answered that question, however, I've added Medical Receptionist to my jobs as I work part-time in the same physicians office I worked in before.
5. How did your husband propose?
Hubby bought his first house in the morning on the day he proposed. Then we went out to lunch and went for a drive. We ended up at a park that was rather well known for it's seclusion and night time parking for couples of a romantic inclination. We had not been there together before. It's at the top of some bluffs in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs. From this vantage point, we could see 360 degrees. Towards the south that afternoon it was cloudy. Towards the north the sky was blue. He looked at the sky and said he wanted me in his life when the going was clear blue and when the storm clouds were gathering and would I be his wife?
6. What was your greatest fear in raising children that never came true?
My greatest fear was to fall with my children in my arms while walking down a set of stairs. I used to have bad nightmares about this! As they've aged, that fear has dissipated.
May 1, 2008
Slaughter of the Dissidents
Americans are a freedom loving people. We've gotten lazy about it though, as evidenced by our propensity to listen to "experts" over our own reasoning. We don't do the research ourselves. We listen to talking heads, and those whose worldviews do not reflect our own so their "expertise" is suspect.
Perhaps this is why we are a homeschooling family for we do not like to be told what to think.
Now as Lutherans, we also know that we cannot know everything and that there are sometimes mysteries that we are not meant to comprehend.
Still, the beating rhythm of our hearts cries out like Mel Gibson in Braveheart as he is about to be cut from stem to stern, "FREEDOM!"
In light of that, it appears that a perfect segue is here to those who have absorbed the message of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed which is academic freedom.
Perhaps this is why we are a homeschooling family for we do not like to be told what to think.
Now as Lutherans, we also know that we cannot know everything and that there are sometimes mysteries that we are not meant to comprehend.
Still, the beating rhythm of our hearts cries out like Mel Gibson in Braveheart as he is about to be cut from stem to stern, "FREEDOM!"
In light of that, it appears that a perfect segue is here to those who have absorbed the message of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed which is academic freedom.
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