Jesus is the Vine

We want to adopt perhaps 2 orphans from overseas orphanage.  But I realize how weak I am.  I am not sufficient for this task.  I am trying to prepare myself, save money, get my body stronger through exercise, prepare my home, etc.  And we're encouraged by the progress (that He is in).  But I still can't do any of this in my own strength.  I'm selfish by nature.  The biggest preparation I need to do is on my heart, as I will need to love with the love of Christ (1 Corinithans 13 love), that every child needs.  I hope to present Jesus to them, and how can I do that without Him.

We are not seeking "good works" to earn God's favor.  We don't believe that when we die, God will look at our good deeds and our bad deeds and say, "OK, you adopted some orphans even though you were living pretty selfishly at other times, so we'll let you in."  We are resting in his finished work on the cross that we have accepted.

Our motives are for His joy in being a branch on the vine and simply bearing fruit for Him.

I hope that whatever "fruit" we do is in Him, not just adoption.

This is from one of my favorite chapters in Scripture, John 15.  Where Jesus is giving important last words to his disciples before he leaves this world.  Don't overlook the last verse, these things are for our joy, that is His joy.

1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  

I can't add anything to that, so wanted this to be short.

On a side note, but not entirely unrelated:  Happy Shavout!  It was on this day that Moses received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai.  The Day of Pentecost was already being celebrated by Israel before Jesus came.  But just as Jesus died during Passover, so He sent His Holy Spirit on another holiday, the Day of Pentecost, and so the day means something special to the Church.  We cannot keep the Law, it is impossible.  We may not have murdered, but we have hated.  Christ was able to keep the Law because He was God.  We have the very life of Him for those who believe, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the ability to bear fruit, even as we live in these bodies.  Praise God!

Field Trip - Port of Houston

We have a great Cub Scout pack that consists of homeschoolers. Many of these folks are also part of the same homeschool group, called West Houston Homeschool Educators.  Between these 2 groups, there are lot of field trip opportunities.

Today (or yesterday, since I'm writing this after midnight) we had a choice of 2, either strawberry picking, or the Port of Houston tour.  Anton wanted to go on a boat.  Chris, the Navy man, said it was a "no-brainer," I need to go on the boat tour.    

hover your mouse on bottom edge to play slideshow again

What is funny is Anton thought we were would first be going to the airport before we went on the "cruise."  He was remembering his other boat trip when we went on an Alaskan cruise that Chris won from his work and we were able to take him.   I had to tell him that this wasn't going to be the same.  The boat wouldn't be as big, and there would not be an awesome buffet spread.  (This poor little orphaned child was expecting a cruise, isn't God amazing?)

But the Houston Port tour was free and we got a free soda!

I was confused about taking pictures.  I started taking pictures right away, then another gal on the tour pointed out that the sign says "no video or photos" (posted everywhere!)  Oh, missed that.  So, I stopped.  But then on the boat, people were saying it was OK to take pictures.     

Well, he loved it  This was one of those trips that I wouldn't make for me, but that's OK.  I enjoyed watching the kids having a great time and the fellowship with the moms.

Anton was fascinated by looking at the waves and pretending he was a pirate.  I was reminded that Houston is a stinky place.  The process of making petroleum products isn't pretty.  But we're thankful.  The Houston economy is in the top 5 of the nation.  (When green energy can support itself in the free market, we're all for it!)

How I Named My Blog / Movie Recommendation

I named my blog, as you can see in web browser above:  www.our-resting-place.blogspot.com

"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You." ~Augustine

Augustine of Hippo, who lived in the 4th century (beginning of Dark Ages) came to Christ later in his life.  He saw his life before Christ as burdensome, he carried the weight of sin for so long as an irreligious libertine, and in his search he didn't understand "grace" but saw the requirements of God as a burden.  After a lot of searching, and after his mother's many prayers, the grace of God mercifully came down and he partook of the saving nature of Christ.  He saw 2 worlds, the City of God (eternal) and the City of Man (temporal and subordinate).  His theological writings influenced many great theologians after him.  Catholics and Protestants alike draw from his writings (and from what I understand, his writings show a progression in his understanding, so he wasn't always consistent in everything he wrote).

He influenced a girl name Sophie Scholl who quoted him.
  

I think I heard the quote above, before I saw this movie, but I heard it again in: Sophie Scholl, the Final Days.  She is now one of my heroes.  The movie is based entirely on a true story.

Sophie was a a brave young girl, at only 21 years old, who was willing to die, like Bonhoeffer, or Stauffenberg, in order to do the right thing for the City of God.  

Through her college connections and brother, she was involved in a group called, The White Rose.  This  organization, wasn't necessarily "Christian," (can read their pamphlets here), but more political, but I believe some of the the participants, maybe not all (not sure), derived their motivation from a Christian worldview.  There is  Biblical thought in the pamphlet, but the writings draw from many religious philosophies, thus making it not entirely "Christain" (but maybe they just wanted to have a broad appeal to many audiences.)  I think there was one main writer of the pamphlets in this group (Alex Schmorel), if I remember correctly from when I researched this a while back.  They wanted to tell the truth about Hitler and what he was doing, even exposing that Jews were dying in concentration camps.  The White Rose wanted to motivate people to resist   Hitler's regime.

(spoiler alert)  She didn't want to be caught, of course, no martyr's complex, but she was caught along with others and given a quick trial.  She was executed quickly, only 4 days after she was caught.  It wasn't instant, but she mustered up remarkable bravery before her death.  The movie brings out that process as well as the court proceedings.  There is a distinct Christian worldview throughout the movie.

The movie sought to be completely accurate based on her quotes and people that came into contact with her, albeit some information is second-hand.  It is in German (with English subtitles available), German-made, and that gives it the more accurate feel as well.  It is one of those movies that have you on the edge of your seat.  I can't tell you how incredibly well-done the movie is.  (I made some popcorn before we began the movie and I couldn't eat it, I was so riveted.)  By the way, if you saw Valkyrie, and feel that you've seen this movie already because they're both about brave heroes during WWII, that movie is not on the same level as Sophie Scholl at all.

Her excutioner had killed over 3,000 people and remarked he had never seen anyone die as peacefully as she did.

She is quoted as once saying,

Stand up for what you believe in even if you are standing alone.

Her last words were:

How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause. Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?

For sure she was an activist and motivated to change things because of her faith in Jesus Christ, and I think Christ was not just her example of self-sacrifice, but her Joy and source of strength and courage.

Her parents were Protestant.  Her father particularly loved theology of the Reformers, including Luther, and that love spread to her, as evidenced by some of her quotes.  Her worldview was developed in her younger years but was solidified as she matured, and applied what she learned in the home.  There seems to be a progression of her understanding of her theology and how that would influence her actions, just like with Augustine.

In the movie, she was in prison, and she quoted Augustine as she looked out the window (if I remember correctly).  "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you." (she was having anxiety attacks, knowing what her future was, she longed for the comfort only God can give during that difficult time)  When I heard that, I thought, what a great verse!  Is that in the Bible?  Psalms? I Googled it.  (don't you just love that you can Google anything and find it??)  It was Augustine.  

Here are a few other quotes:

I know that life is a doorway to eternity, and yet my heart so often gets lost in petty anxieties. It forgets the great way home that lies before it. 

I will cling to the rope God has thrown me in Jesus Christ, even when my numb hands can no longer feel it. 

An end in terror is preferable to terror without end. 

But I want to have that kind of love, that denies itself, that takes risks that God might be calling me to, that has peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ, and He is a source of that love.

In the political world, (the City of Man), as we see tyrant leaders, even in America, who find the God of the Bible and religious freedoms distracting from their evil and hypocritical agenda, I believe we are called to to stand up for (with an attitude of thankfulness and respect for governing authorities according to Romans 13):  the lives of the orphans, the unborn, the persecuted, the rights to worship God freely and pursue our service and growth in Him, and to tell others about Christ.  We need to be educated voters. We should blog, Facebook, tell others the truth because the MSM (main stream media) will not.  Remember that Hitler was voted for democratically by people who were duped and only thinking short term of their own personal pocketbooks.  Stalin was worshiped even as he sent them to die in the gulags because the press carried the myths.  These are things worth fighting for especially those who are apart of the City of God, as we rest in Him.

Sir Winston Churchill wrote in particular of the German resistance:

The political history of all nations has hardly ever produced anything greater and nobler than the opposition which existed in Germany. These people fought without any help, whether from within or from without, driven only by the uneasiness of their consciences. As long as they were alive, they were invisible to us, because they had to put on masks. But their deaths brought their resistance to light.

C. S. Lewis wrote:

If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages....all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither.

I'm so thankful I live in a country that gives us the opportunity to adopt. and help orphans thrive and come to a knowledge of Him.  If we lived under a Hitler or Stalin, I don't know that we could have anything to offer these orphans.   This is the kind of freedom the founders of America understood, not freedom for the sake for greed and materialism, but to be free to help others and be instruments of his grace.  To God be the glory.

Physical Activity Really Helps Them Learn and Grow!

This is going to be a quick post, because if you have all the adoption books, you already heard this.  But I wanted to say, "it is true."  Physical activity, including sunshine, really helps these kids learn and grow.  It's not like I didn't believe that before, but I've really seen a big growth spurt in Anton.

In case you haven't read it, there are numerous studies out there, that physical activity, large motor skill development, helps them read!  There is something about the brain development, as the brain develops those connections in learning how to do a skill, the increase in skill also crosses over to ability to read.  Amazing!  

Not to mention the Vitamin D their bodies make from the sunshine, something very much deprived when kids are in orphanages.   (we supplemented also, but they say sunshine is better than supplement, again, no surprise there).

As I've mentioned before, we homeschool.  In my mind at times, even though I knew the benefits of getting outdoors, I was still trying to battle the disciplines of Homeschooling, and getting through to what I had planned for the day (boy, that could be another blog topic).  But I tend to think of sports as competing with Homeschool lessons, when in reality, I should see them as all connected and not separate.  It is easy to see that when Anton has more playtime (not just playtime in the house), but working with a skill, like kicking a ball, throwing a ball, etc., he grows in many ways.  He gets an increased appetite but also I can see his mind grow as evidenced when we sit down and work on a lesson.  I think it also helps him get that energy out.  When the body is resting from activity, maybe that helps him devote his energy to his mind??  just wondering.

So, just want to encourage my friends who have young kids, not even from hard backgrounds, to get out there and get some sunshine and throw a ball, roll a ball, run, skip, ride scooter, a bike, you name it.  Join a sports team?  Include that as part of their education too.  

Since Anton has been riding a bike, a little over a month, his appetite has really grown and he is catching up on some phonics and math lessons I wanted him to master a long time ago.

There are other things, like music, and building toys, but I just wanted to plug physical activity.  On my "to do" list for Anton is piano lessons, after we get this second adoption completed.  

   

Future Grace

Below is a copy/paste from John Piper's Future Grace article (from book), also found here on Desiring God website.  We were watching a video yesterday with our Bible study, by Piper and he quoted his "waterfall" quote.  I tried to find it, but I found this article instead.  I thought it was so good, I'd put it on my blog, here :O).  It is a good reminder for me (and maybe you too) as we wait for a referral, to give thanks that referral will most likely happen, and God knows this child(ren) and has chosen them for us.  Even through the hiccups and flawed process.  Or maybe the waterfall illustration is a good way to direct our prayers for a decision, if a referral has already been presented, "Lord,  where are you directing us to be instruments of your grace, direct us."  For sure, a good reminder in the Christian life in general, to be thankful for what God will do in the future.

My paraphrase on the waterfall quote I couldn't find:  we are to walk under that waterfall of grace that comes down from God, because all the needs around us, our home, our church, the widows, the orphans, the sick and dying, etc., we want to be instruments of His grace, as opposed to doing these things in our own strength, perhaps overwhelmed, we may just give up, retreat from opportunities to show His love because we feel we can't really make a difference, or of burn out, or cold spirit.  And it should be a comfort to us that God is not calling us to do everything, or be in two places at one time.

The waterfall analogy helps me in self-pity...say, if I wasn't invited to a gathering, or perhaps I'm not feeling useful or needed in a particular area, even rejected.  This is not where the waterfall is, but its somewhere!  We are to find that waterfall of His grace, and give thanks.  He has a purpose for us, or we wouldn't be here.

I'll find that waterfall quote and post later.

update:  I found it:  " ...you posture yourself, and you maneuver your life, and you devote energy and effort and time and creativity to positioning yourself under the waterfall of God's continual blessing, so that he remains the source and you remain the empty receiver. You remain the benificiary, he remains the benefactor; you remain hungry, he remains the bread; you remain thirsty, he remains the water. You don't ever do the blasphemous role-reversal on God. We've got to find a way to serve in a way that is in the strength that God supplies. I am on the receiving end when I am serving. Otherwise I put God in the position of a beneficiary; I become his benefactor, and now I am God. And there are many such religions in the world."

FUTURE GRACE

Gratitude is a joyful emotion for worship, but a dangerous motive for obedience. We are commanded in no uncertain terms to be thankful. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts ... and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). How can we not be thankful when we owe everything to God?

But when it comes to obedience, gratitude is a dangerous motive. It tends to get expressed in debtor’s terms. For example, “Look how much God has done for you. Shouldn’t you, out of gratitude, do much for him? Or: “You owe God everything that you are and have. What have you done for him in return?”

I have at least three problems with this kind of motivation. First, it is impossible to pay God back for all the grace he has given us. We can’t even begin to pay him back, because Romans 11:35-36 says, “Who has given a gift to God that he might be repaid? [Answer: nobody] For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” We can’t pay him back because he already owns all we have to give him.  

Secondly, even if we succeeded in paying him back for all his grace to us, we would only succeed in turning grace into a business transaction. If we can pay him back it was not grace. If someone tries to show you a special favor of love by having you over for dinner, and you end the evening by saying that you will pay them back by having them over next week, you nullify their grace and turn it into a trade. God does not like to have his grace nullified. He likes to have it glorified (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).  

Thirdly, focusing on gratitude as a motive for obedience tends to overlook the crucial importance of future grace. Gratitude looks back to grace received in the past and feels thankful. Faith looks forward to grace promised in the future and feels hopeful. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1).  

This faith in future grace is the motive for obedience that preserves the gracious quality of human obedience. Obedience does not consist in paying God back and thus turning grace into a trade. Obedience comes from trusting in God for more grace—future grace—and thus magnifying the infinite resources of God’s love and power. Faith looks to the promise: “I will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), and ventures, in obedience, to take the land.

The biblical role of past grace—especially the cross—is to guarantee the certainty of future grace: “He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all (past grace), how shall he not with him freely give us all things (future grace)?” (Romans 8:32). But trusting in future grace is the motive and strength of our obedience. The more we trust in future grace the more we give God the opportunity in our lives to show the glory of his inexhaustible grace. So take a promise of future grace and do some radical act of obedience on it. God will be mightily honored.

Stepping forward onto future grace,

Pastor John

I Got a Kindle Touch 3G (and how I came to that decision)

I have been wanting to get into the e-book market because 1) it will encourage us all to read, and 2) save money on books I might want to purchase in the future, and 3) shelf space is gone anyways (we're stacking some books 2 rows now).  They've been out for a while and it seems time to get acquainted with this technology, and since I have had a $50 gift card laying around from Christmas, that helps.

I love technology!  (my friends who have seen Napoleon Dynamite are laughing.)

I gave the Nook for Barnes and Noble a good look.  What pushed me to the Kindle is 1) the text-to-audio is on Kindle (even though it is drab, I probably won't use it that much but it is nice to have, perhaps for Anton while he learns to read?) but not available on Nook; 2) Kindle has earphone jack to listen to audio books, Nook doesn't.  3) I am excessively devoted to Amazon already and Kindle keeps me in that family.  They seem to have the books I like at most competitive prices, particularly for homeschooling and Christian studies.  But still, I was open to the possibility that B&N would do better in their electronic reader.  I heard that they have more free children's books and some folks rate the Nook better out there on the blogosphere.  Thinking future purchases in technology, if I don't eventually get a tablet like IPad or Android, I may still  want to get a Kindle Fire after they improve it with free 3G or 4G service.  And so, I would want to access that same cloud material on the Fire as well instead of trying to go back and forth between different providers, formats and such.  I would have to become fluid with both markets if I had the Nook reader.  Major pain and waste of time.  4)  I think Kindle/Amazon has more free stuff for my interests, but I'm not 100% sure of that.  But they would at least be equal in free stuff to the Nook for my interests.

The reason I didn't get a Fire now for only $50 more than I spent is because 1) they do not have 3G capability yet.  You have to have wireless access for the Fire unless a book is downloaded.  2) You can't read a Fire in sunlight, so taking it to the pool is not a good option.  3) The Fire seems a lot like my smartphone.  I could just see myself obsessing that all the books had a color cover on them for the menu view, and how do I do that if it doesn't come with one in the download?  (I'd be like Mr. Monk.)  It seems like a lot of bells and whistles and distractions from the purpose I want it for:  reading.  But I'm still impressed with it.  A lot of my friends LOVE theirs.  I just thought it would be an overlap on technologies since I have a cool smartphone.

After I got the Touch 3G, I realized after exploring all that I can do that I could do fine without the 3G part.  I contemplated taking it back because it was about a $75 dollar difference.  In case you're not aware, the 3G is like cell phone service, but it is free!  What I would do without the 3G is just make sure the books I'll want to read when I'm away from Wi-Fi are installed on the device.  Without 3G, I am not be able to explore what is kept on the cloud, or acquire anything new...I'd have to be in a Wi-Fi connection.  What I learned just the other day playing with it.. the Kindle software I downloaded to my computer allows me to sync with the device when it is plugged into my computer via USB.  I can just right click the mouse on the book and select "download" and BAM, it is on my device (not just "cloud" access).  And, right click again, select "remove" and it is gone from the device but still on the cloud for access (you don't permanently remove it unless you go to your "My Kindle" on the Amazon website and delete it).  I might be able to do this same thing, moving back and forth from download to cloud, from the device and not just from the computer, but I haven't done it that way.   But hindsight is that I now see how easy it is to move back and forth from "cloud" service to the book being installed on my device.   (cloud service means it is streamed over the internet and doesn't take up memory space on computer or device and can access it from different devices)   So, 3G isn't as valuable to me after I learned that, but still nice. Chris says go ahead and keep the 3G.

Then I bought a hard case, and carrying case, and small cheap clip light.  ... spending more money, but I didn't buy the insurance option, so I figure it is necessary to protect it.   Oh, these little hidden costs!

My only complaint about not getting the Fire is I like to read at night before I go to bed and you need a light.  The e-ink technology is really cool but there is no backlight.  And if a book has color pictures...like a children's book, I won't be able to see their glory.  (I love children's books.)

So, that's my pathway to the Kindle Touch 3G.  I've used it everyday so far and have been reading a lot more.  I hope to read more of the Classics, both in English Literature and Christian Classics... and most of the ones I want are free!

Here are some articles that convinced me of my choice:
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=41718  -- pushed me to the Kindle over the Nook

http://www.challies.com/resources/what-kindle-should-i-buy  -- pushed me to the Kindle Touch 3G, over just the Touch model.

Our Homeschool Curriculum Choices

I recently posted a blog about Homeschooling and the benefits to children from orphanage.  Looking back, the title seems a bit pretentious because I don't mean to write as an expert, but I've done a small study :O)  It just made so much sense for us and I want to plant a seed in case it might work for other adoptive families who might read my blog.  I mentioned that I'd post what I use as curriculum choices for our little homeschool.  I've been working on as a draft for a while, and probably add to it later.  (I also have some friends nearby, on Facebook, and at church, and we've had conversations about curricula and thought it would be a good blog topic, to outline what we do.)

click on the little arrow on the bottom border to start slideshow.

I did a lot research on curricula, but not exhaustive.  I need to clarify that I'm a newbie. I've only homeschooled for Pre-K - 1st grade.  I draw extensively from the wisdom of others as I'm still learning how to do this.

About landing on what to buy, at some point you just have to pick a plan/curriculum and go with it.  If you're like me, you get to a point where you don't want to hear about anything else (which is why I don't like to go to Homeschool conferences, not to mention the temptations to spend and I already spend too much.  But it is really beneficial to attend a conference especially when just getting started.  I could still benefit from the seminars.)

So, be it ever so humble, this is a view of what our school looks like, via a litle slideshow presentation, above.

The following are my curriculum choices:

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY: Tapestry of Grace,  I will refer to it as TOG.  We are on Year 1 for 1st grade.  TOG is a classical approach, chronological, arranged in weekly unit studies designed for the whole family at the same time, but each child would do what is expected for their level.  In 4 years, you cover World History from Creation to Present, then you can start over again, conceivably 2 more times during child's school years (4 year study x 3 = 12 years).  Each week's lessons are broken down by:  Grammar, Dialectic or Rhetoric Levels (correspond to Elementary, Jr. High and High School levels, but Grammar is divided up into Upper Grammar and Lower Grammar because there is a enough difference between the 2, so they have 4 levels, but it really is 3 levels with 1 broken down more.  But it doesn't matter too much anyways because you can do whatever you want to, that's the beauty of it, but some people want to be told what to do and want to stay on script...then TOG may not be for them  :O)

And it is OK for a child to start on Year 2, 3 or 4, instead of Year 1.  You do what works best for your family.

I supplement TOG with Mystery of History (which is a great curriculum in in itself, but this is a great read-aloud for Bible and non-Biblical History).

I have many Usborne Young Readers...love these little hardbacks (I think it is worth the extra for hardback), and have beautiful artwork.  I have most of the historical and literature books, had to have some shipped from UK.  Anton grabs these books off the shelf all the time just for pleasure, even though he can't read much, he can learn a lot of the story from the beautiful artwork and they fit in your hand nicely.  The literature is more of the storyline than a junior version.  We do plan on him reading the unabridged versions but it is nice to have an idea of the storyline.

For TOG, I don't buy all their recommended books for Anton's age, it isn't necessary (but more important in later years).  TOG is to be used as a resource and shell for my lesson plans.  It has great Teacher's Notes with reprints from children's World Book Encyclopedia.  One could conceivably just read the Teacher's Notes and could pass on buying a lot of books and give the child a summary, or have them read the Teacher's Notes for older kids.  There is so much available for free on the internet.  The goal at Anton's age is to create a love of History and get familiar with geography, etc., more than choke them too much information.   So "fun" is the most important goal.

I love to learn and appreciate it more now that I'm more mature.  They recommend if you have a young child(ren) that the parents go through the curriculum at the Rhetoric level and give the Grammar Level student the "dessert," or the most interesting portions for their level.  So, I'm reading books that I should have or could have read in High School, but Anton is getting the child's version in 1st grade to whet his appetite and having a broad vision of world history.

Why do kids need to learn about Ancient History in 1st grade?  This is all part of the Classical approach to education.  Well, its the story of the world.  His Story.  I think it makes them appreciate where we are today, over 2000 years after Christ.  We can cultivate the wonder of God's plan, and thankfulness for having the truth that we have now, as we explain things on their level so they appreciate World History.

From Lampstand Press, we use Lap Books made by Homeschool in the Woods for Tapestry, and Map Aids, made by Knowledge Quest for Tapestry.  Understanding the geography really helps in understanding the History.  I almost didn't use it and thought we'd just point to places on a globe for 1st grade, but I'm really glad we're doing this.  I don't remember doing anything with maps until I was in 3rd grade.  The Lap Book and Maps we make are things he can refer back to in years to come.  I print pictures off the internet and we paste them in the Lap Book, in addition to the pre-made stuff they supply that you just fill in according to instructions.  We will do a Time Line when Anton is at Dialectic Level (Jr. High).  He will make his own timeline with some suggestions and graphics.  I don't do as many "hands on" projects and crafts, unfortunately, because of time.  But it is GREAT when I can...I need to work on that!  We also watch other DVDs (or Netflix) on time periods in history and various countries or topics we find fascinating.

Tapestry incorporates so many other subjects that move alongside with the chronological approach:  Bible, Spelling, Writing, Worldview, Literature, Art.

BIBLE:  A Child's Story Bible (but not really a curriculum, per se, but could make lesson plans out of it), by Katherine Vos.  As I mentioned above, Year 1 in TOG is Ancient History up to Early Church, and so the Bible is used as a History text in Year 1 and I'm using this book as part of the read-aloud for History when it is "Bible" History (but Unit studies on Ancient American Indians you would obviously not get that from the Bible...although we investigate how people came to the Americas after the Tower of Babel :O).  This book is so good because it covers many many stories other Bibles leave out; we plan on reading it again as part of our daily devotions after Year 1 in TOG because we still want the Bible to be apart of our daily school even after Year 1.  It is also an easy read for adults to get an overview of the storyline of the Bible, minus the genealogies and all the poetry (but does have some), even though there is benefit from this, the purpose of this book is the storyline.   I had a few false starts with Anton using this book, but this is a great time.  I haven't seen anything else like this children's bible!  This book is not a recommended source by TOG, but it should be, but impossible to catch all the good books.

PHONICS:  The Phonics Road to Reading (Intensive Phonics, I highly recommend "Intensive" Phonics)  Intensive Phonics will teach more rules and more vowel and consonant teams that make learning English less frustrating.  This program is really good and prepares them to be great readers, I think.  My only dislike about this is the lesson plans are all DVD driven.  And I like seeing her model the teaching for me, because she is really a good teacher, but I also like to read the lesson plans and know exactly what I'm to do that way.  And it is not written out.  What I do is watch a week in advance and make notes for myself and even write down what time on the DVD something is given.  And I move at a very slow pace.  One week can take several weeks, it just depends.  But I'm learning that this is OK and to rejoice that he's learning the best way, I think.  But there is no one right way, it is just that this covers all the bases.  I'm just sold on Intensive Phonics.  A friend of mine teaches children with Dyslexia and the curriculum she uses is very similar (wish I could remember the name of it b/c you can use it for Homeschooling too.)

MATH:  Math U See (we're almost done with Primary Book)  They use manipulatives and you can "see" it.

SCIENCE:  Sonlight Science K (now they call it Science A), and we also have many many, Let's Read and Find Out books that you can get at the library and Moody Science DVDs.  This year has been so hard to stick to Science and that is too bad because it is so much fun.

Playing, Pretending, Lessons of Life, Taking Care of Stuff, Laughing, Discipline, Singing Hymns, Nursery Songs, Read-Alouds, Crafts, Sports, Writing Notes, Drawing, Cooking, Loving Others:  no curriculum but all apart of our Home Education :O)

For those unfamiliar with HS but contemplating it:  One of the things homeschool parents eventually has to pin down is what approach to learning and philosophy of education you have and it could differ for each child, since children learn best in different ways.  And you may find yourself modifying it as you go, but it is good to have an idea because curriculum will be based on a philosophy, and even theology.  We have chosen a Classical Approach to learning that applies what they call a Trivium:  Grammar, Dialectic, Rhetoric.  These correspond roughly to Elementary School, Jr. High and High School ages, however, it is quite different.  In a nutshell, Grammar is a lot of fact learning, absorbing things.  Dialectic is where you build on that foundation but they "think" more and logic.  Rhetoric will build on that and learn things deeper but not only can they think logically, but communicate to influence others, teach others, debate.   We are also fans of Charlotte Mason, who lived in the 19th Century who revolutionized education.  We believe that younger years should include lots of play, joy of discovery, read-alouds, nature observations and not too much sit-down workbook type curriculum for long periods of time.  She believed all children were souls to guide, they are worshippers, as we all are... not just heads to fill with facts.

From what I hear and have seen, typically, homeschool kids in their younger years will behind the public school kids their same age, but pass them up in later years.  I believe that is because they learn to love learning and work on the foundation of self control and discipline from spending more time with their families, also develop\ character qualities, happy hearts and they're not burned out from too much emphasis on making the advanced placement among their peers.

I've had to learn to relax when comparing where Anton is at with other children, whether they be homeschooled or other school choice.  And I have to keep reminding myself that he is catching up on development--brain development, as he has lagged behind being in an institution his first 2 1/1 years.  I could force the progression "scholastically," but not where it matters, and I could win with enough tutors and therapists, but at a price that is not worth it, IMO.

Another thing is, they can pursue their interests more, while being homeschooled.   There are drawbacks to not having them in school, but I'm won't make this post too long.  Let me just say that Anton is very well socialized.

Anton is very active, as most boys, and it is difficult for him to sit for long period of time.  He probably could be diagnosed as ADHD, but this is something that will improve on its own, and I'm not a big believer in labels.  A lot of it comes from his background and learning self control.  He's improving in ability to concentrate and focus.  I have found that when I can engage his whole body in the learning process, or make it a game, he learns best.  Sometimes I've taped paper on the floor and we'll walk or hop on the paper (like for Math).  And art projects,  costumes, Playmobil toys are really are perfect for where he's at for learning History.

Anton is in 1st grade (8 years old).  I held him back a year.  But with homeschooling, that doesn't matter that much what grade they're in.

I've also learned that even with my failures it is still worth it to Homeschool.  The schooling that goes outside of the times we sit down for school is very valuable.  I'm so glad I can enjoy him throughout the day.

I may post in another blog, my list of books and poems I (idealistically) hope to read-aloud or have Anton read.

websites:

• www.triviumpursuit.com  - great resource for Classical approach and good ideas and wisdom from experienced family.

• www.tapestryofgrace.com and also check Lampstand Press links for books

• www.veritaspress.com - I buy a lot of their books.  I think their philosophy is more memorization work than TOG and more emphasis on Covenental Theology (that Israel has been replaced by the Church in God's program, and I have a disagreement on that, because I believe one day God will give her a new heart as a large people group in the middle of a literal 7 year Tribulation period).   But it is still very good and there is a possibility I may switch to it for diversity.  Both are good at reading many of the Great Books of Western World.

• http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/ - great resource for making Timelines, lap books.  The specialize in graphics and creative cut and paste paper projects.

• www.homeschoolreviews.org and http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/  - great for ideas and reviews.

• www.sonlight.com  - I use their Science, if you like planned curriculum for everyday and don't want to research other book sources out there, this is a good choice.

• www.apologia.com  - the best for Science although too much for Anton right now.  They have a series for Elementary but starts at around 2nd grade, so we may try it at 3rd.  Others like Answers in Genesis for Science(and I think they have a World History curriculum as well).

• www.amblesideonline.org - great read-aloud book and poetry lists and ideas from Charlotte Mason philosophy.

• http://www.charlottemason.com/  Karen Andreola is great at giving you a summary of Charlotte Mason, which goes against Charlotte Mason's ideas of reading the direct source yourself, not what others say about it.  But we beg for Cliff Notes, don't we.  :O)   You can find the Kindle edition of her series Home Education at Amazon for really cheap. 

• http://simplycharlottemason.com/  learn more about Charlotte Mason and curriculum ideas even though she wasn't for "curricula" because it should all be customized.  I actually haven't really looked this site over but it came up on a search.

• www.amazon.com  as everyone knows, great place for book reviews and other supplies, and Listmania.  Also can buy used books or download Kindle

• http://www.mathusee.com/ - I use for Math, but a lot of folks like Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks, Video Textbooks.    (I may switch to Teaching Textbooks in a few years)

• http://www.shopchristianliberty.com/  - I've used some of their Pre-K stuff and their Phonics workbooks looks good, but never tried.

• www.rainbowresource.com  Just a good catalog of a lot of stuff and good prices, and a review from their staff.

• http://www.bjupress.com/page/Home  - I have not used Bob Jones, and I always heard the school is legalistic but a lot of my friends think their stuff is pretty good and they have a lot of classes kids can take online, maybe good for moms that want children to manage their own education more.  I think it is worth looking at. 

• http://www.mfwbooks.com/ - My Father's World.  Some of my friends have used this and love it.  If Tapestry of Grace and Sonlight had a baby, it would be this curriculum.  It is like TOG in that it can be chronological and plans to include the whole family at the same time, but like Sonlight, it picks the books for you.  Like Sonlight, you may or may not like the book choices, so if you're the type that likes to do a lot of research on the best books out there, you may not like this one.  But that might be a "feature" for you because that type of research takes a lot of time, and sometimes a lot money.  I think they made good choices in general.  I think the lessons plans are all written up for for you, like Sonlight.     

2 Field Trips Enjoying Nature

Here are just a few photos (slideshow) and a few videos from a few trips we made beginning of May. 

The slideshow is from 2 trips:  1) Butterfly Museum, part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  2) trip with Cub Scout den, to the Edith Moore Sanctuary, it is situated in a neighborhood subdivision along Rummel Creek that feeds into Buffalo Bayou, just off Memorial Drive in Houston.   This was Anton's first year in Scouts as a Wolf.  We have made some great friendships and appreciate the Den leaders so much.

slideshow:

The next video clips are just from the Butterfly Museum (obviously :O)

Anton pretending he's a bee

Beautiful flying butterflies all around & waterfall

more butterfiles


Anton playing with butterfiles


inspecting the bees making honey


butterfly nursery

The Supermoon & Shakespeare

This picture is from 5/6/2012, the Supermoon.  I took many photos but with this photo, the background light helped the exposure and the objects nearby gave some perspective.  I was experimenting and surprised that this one came out better than the ones taken with no light or objects nearby.

This was taken after evening church at Katy Bible Church.

It reminds me of one of my favorite scenes from Merchant of Venice

How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night
Become the touches of sweet harmony.

 but in case you haven't seen this movie and thinking about it...it has some nudity in it, we have a cleaned  up version, but apart from that it is very good.   ...since I'm posting a song from soundtrack I felt I had to include this warning, particularly for the guys.   


Can you hear the music of the spheres?

May 15: Anton's "Gotcha Day"

We've had our little Anton for 6 years now.

I remember that day so well.  We were so excited.  We just got back to Cheboksary from our 10 day stay in Samara, where we stayed with some new friends who went to the same seminary as Chris.  We had really enjoyed ourselves during this time.  (Russia requires a 10 day wait after the judge grants the adoption on the 2nd trip.  Many folks opt to go back home and make a 3rd trip.  We stayed.  Oh, on that court day 10 days prior to "gotcha day" when judge granted our petiion, it was Mother's Day in the States because it was still Sunday.  In Russia, that Monday, it was "Family Day.")

We went to pick him up from the Baby House, as they call it ("orphanages" were considered the house where the children go after they turn 3 years old).  They took just me to where Anton was at that time, (while Chris waited towards the front of the House), to the potty room where most of his class of 13 kids were sitting on plastic potties on the floor, waiting...  (no reading material).  They were all a different make and model of potty and you reckon they were donated.  But that doesn't matter.  All the women had on white nurse coats.  The lady motioned to me, ordering me, to put on a white jacket (now).  There was just one and it was probably an extra small size.  I'm a ladies "large" in a jacket.  (I have these football broad shoulders that I'm a little self-conscious about, I've always wanted to be petite, but that is the least of my worries at this point.)  And I'm REALLY nervous.  Is he going to like me?  But most of all, I feel so incompetent as a mom!

Anton was one of the few who was washed up and sitting in the little lunch room.  They had made some soup with meatballs.  The nurses ordered me to feed him.  Yikes.  I've never been good at getting fussy kids to eat, the few times I've tried.  He didn't want to eat his soup.  They ordered me to do encourage him to eat.  Well, he doesn't want to eat, how do I make him eat, I thought.  Do I do the airplane thing?  Do I talk nice?  Do I use a stern voice?  (and I can hardly move in this jacket.)  I had no effect on him.  They were able to get him to take a sip.  Oh, no he doesn't respect me already.  These ladies don't respect me.  I'm such an idiot.

Then after a few sips, they motioned for me to hand over the clothes I brought.  So, we went to another room to dress him, to a small narrow locker room.  Anton had his own locker with a few clothes assigned to him.  They wanted the clothes he was wearing.  I gave them my bag what I had for him.  It contaned a disposbale diaper with cars on it.  They adored it for the technology, and it had cars on it!  And the tee shirt had these old fashioned race cars on it.  Like, how did I know he like cars so much?  Their countenance was changed and not so stern.  I don't know if they were just acting to encourage Anton that this was divine providence.  And of course, it was.  But it encouraged me that I had done something right.

We left the orphanage with him in my arms.  He was not scared.  He did not cry.  We got in the car and I still held him.  Child safety seats were not required and few people had them.  I would have liked that, of course, being the new cautious mother I was, but I was glad to hold him and trust that God would take care of us on the crazy ride back to the apartment we were staying in.

As soon as we got to the apartment.  He looked at the building and started crying.  I think he may have thought he was going to a doctor, or something.  We quickly comforted him and he stopped immediately, and that was it.  He did not mourn in an obvious way to us being away from his friends and caregivers, although I'm sure he missed them.

When we got to the apartment, I wasn't sure what to do.  I had already asked the host family previously what did most families do when they brought their children there for the first time.  Most of them had other children and handled it with confidence (this was my first).  They said I should give him a bath and check him out to see if everything is visibly OK.  I thought that would be awkward to ask him to strip down as soon as we got him.  Looking back, this is so funny.  So, we gave him a quick bath.  I think that went OK.  Everything looked normal, and no skin infections.  He was just really skinny!  But he looked reasonably healthy considering.  Then we tried to get him to eat.

Oh, the night before I had made a fruit salad with yogurt.  I was able to find some fresh fruit at one of the stores.  Most families didn't buy a variety of fruits as we do here in the states.  The hostess family cautioned me against this because in Russia, they don't feed children fresh fruit.  They believe it is bad for the children's digestion.  She felt confident sharing with me her concerns since I had expressed previously a willingness to be coached.  Well, this is where I felt I was right, that he was missing out on a lot of vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit.  But she was also right, in that he got diarrhea.  I still felt it was a good thing, it was just that one time and he has no allergies to fruit (must have just been that it was new food to him).

That night he slept with us and everything went pretty well.  The next day he challenged me on bedtime and ran around having a blast, showing me in an impish way that he wasn't going to bed, and to catch him if I could.  I played the game for a while.  But I wanted to assert our loving authority position.  And it was bedtime.  "Spot" I said, that means "lay down."  No, no, no.  Well, without going into further explanation, I won, and he was hugging me in the end, ready to go to bed.  He felt secure that someone cared for him, and to know what is best for him.  I think this episode helped in our immediate "bonding and attachment."  During the whole trip in Russia, there was a trust in us, that we could take care of him and guide him.

The biggest problem we had after that was putting him down.  He clung to me like a Koala Bear and I didn't want to let him down.  This was an issue for the first year, but a good issue.  :O)

We really don't do much for "gotcha day."  Whenever we discuss with Anton that he is from Russia, he doesn't take an interest in that he came from a different place.  Maybe that will change later.  We talk about our love for Russia, and our interest in his home country with interest, as we truly love Russia.  Before we left, I bought him a matryoshka (stacking doll) that was painted in a distinctly Chuvasian style (the region of Russia where he is from).  But he has never held a fascination for it.  The other day, he was cleaning his room and took out the doll and said that it belongs with a collection of items I have from museums that I keep on a bookshelf.   I reminded him again, "this is from where we got you."  No interest.  He doesn't ask questions about his birth mother.  He doesn't want to know.  And that's fine with us.  I imagine he'll be more inquisitive later and that may be around the time we can take Russian language lessons together.

Happy Victory Day to Russia

We were in Russia 6 years ago today, on our 10 day wait to pick up our precious Anton.  If you know my husband, you know he LOVES military history.  We were so blessed to be there on this day and watch these veterans come out, fully decorated, to be honored in the parades.  Read a copy/paste from an article below, and click on the link to see more pictures.

Victory Day 2012
Russia and former Soviet republics marked the 67 years since the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II today. Russia's newly inaugurated President Vladimir Putin promised a strong Russia during a speech he delivered during a military parade at Red Square in Moscow. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 26 million people in the war, including 8.5 million soldiers. -- Lloyd Young (31 photos total)  Click here for the full article.  ('cept we don't think Stalin was such a great guy!  Don't like that one picture :O) 

Reading Wind in the Willows

I was supposed to read this in High School but I cheated.  The beautiful thing about Homeschooling is you can go back to school.  Of course, anyone can read the book no matter what choices for education is chosen, but homeschooling seems to afford more time.  I have really slacked off on read-alouds with Anton and thought this would be a good book to read at this time.

It is really fun to read.  Kenneth Grahame is such a great writer.

We are going to read a little and then watch a movie portion of what we just read as a review and see if we can tell what was left out.

Reading it is so much more fun because of the narration and descriptions Kenneth Grahame; he is a beautiful writer and captured the beauty of God's Creation and human nature that is given to the characters.  (boy, I missed out on so much before)

Here are some links, in case you're interested in reading it too.

Kenneth Grahame Society

Wind and the Willows (listen and read)

You Tube 1983 movie

The version I have is Collector's Library (pocket size) edition, by Barnes and Noble.  There is another version that is illustrated and abridged, that I'm thinking about getting.  

My version has a copy of the letter that Theodore Roosevelt wrote to the author, expressing his delight he and his family had with the book.  It also has an introduction by A. A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), who wrote a play about Wind in the Willows. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote:

“One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and, if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly. The book is a test of character. We can't criticize it, because it is criticizing us. But I must give you one word of warning. When you sit down to it, don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself. You may be worthy: I don't know, But it is you who are on trial.” ― A.A. Milne

So, you better read it too, and like it ;o)  If you have read it, please add your comments or suggestions.

Agape Love

I saw this video on Facebook and had to post on my blog.   Must see for anyone called to love selflessly (everyone :O)

http://vimeo.com/38033654



Agape love, click here for more explanation.

Bulgaria is catching up on the parent waiting list

"Of the 50 dossiers still registered with MOJ from October 2006 until June 2009 (data published in March 2012), 14 have now received referrals."    http://martiniadoptionroad.blogspot.com/2012/05/iac-216-results.html

(We are registered in Oct. 2010 but willing to accept some Special Needs and older children, which should decrease our waiting time)

Thoughts of our Country on this National Day of Prayer

When we were in Russia at the airport, ready to take Anton to his new country, it was quite an emotional time and perhaps that was a turning point for having now a greater appreciation for our country.  We have a lot to be thankful for.  And a lot to pray about.  In summary, that God would allow us to be a blessing to others in the world, through missions, humanitarian aid, adoption, opportunity through industry (capitalism), and freedom (that costs the ultimate price), to be found pleasing to Him. 

Here's the story that I love to tell (and probably wrote about some of these things in earlier post).  The Russians in the airport wanted to comfort my little 2 1/2 year old, clinging to me tightly (bonding wonderfully), that he is going to another land, but it will be good.  He was going to be an "Americansky."  Perhaps these nationals working in the airport were more appreciative of other countries, being in a travel industry.  But, Russians are very patriotic, as a people.  They respect their own country with all its flaws.  They really respect it when they see us appreciate our country; that's our duty.  Many there love Americans.  We were allies once and in many ways still are.  Respect and love for country is something that they're taught and maybe it is something we have lost, because, as you know, speaking our minds and criticizing our country is one of freedoms and hobbies (that I indulge in) as part of the First Amendment.  They don't speak so freely, and that is part of the problem with Russia, but also convicting to see their respect, according to Romans 13.   

Getting back to the story, as we walked our way to through the lines toward the airplane, as the nationals learned that we were adopting our little Anton, they would speak to Anton in Russian.  (And I can't talk or type about this without getting teary eyed.)  They told him he was going to a wonderful country.  And they were sincere; you could see it in their eyes.  Some of them were almost envious of him (remember, that adopted children in Russia are a little persecuted.  Things are changing, but they are seen as "unwanted children" and because of that will never be "normal.")  And yet you can see in some of their eyes the joy for what awaited our little guy.  Many of them had tears in their eyes for him.  I was very emotional too, because I knew he was leaving his home country, and even though that was "good," I was experiencing a loss of some sort for him.   I never expected that.  I expected that we'd "high tail" it out of there and be happy about that.  I was happy, but it is hard to explain.  Perhaps it was just an important moment.  I hope someday to visit Russia with him.

I was so thankful that we were taking Anton to a land of opportunity, where he could get good medical care, education, eventually find out who he wanted to be when he grows up.  And of course, be loved by his family, who would share the gospel with him and he would not be alone in an institution any more.  What opportunities awaited to him!  God was bestowing His blessing on him.  Everyone could see it.  I thought I was being blessed finally getting a child (about time!).  And, and I was being blessed, but I realize how much God loves Anton, and how much we should be thankful for our country that was founded on Biblical principles.

We have a lot to pray for.  Most of all, prayer of thanks.  And prayer that God would revive us, as in the days of the Great Awakening.  Pray that "theology" would be important, because it is all about our relationship with our Creator.  The churches today are so poor in spirit, but busy, and extravagant...not truly "rich."  Doctrine was something people thought about more 200 years ago and prior.  That is why the Pilgrims came here because they wanted to worship our God freely. 

I hope that our country means something to you.  If you have forgotten, just look at my son.  What would his life be without the opportunities that have come to him by way of our country.  By way of our God. 

He loves America.  I think the workers in the orphanage trained him during the month before we picked him up (almost 6 years ago today, that would be May 15, 2006).   In the car, here in Texas, he would say excitedly (only days after we got him!),  "America flag!  America flag!"  I didn't teach him this.  I was convicted.  Yea, OK.  It's a flag.  You see them everywhere.  We're in America.  ...conviction, because I wasn't ready to teach him these things, but somebody already had (those orphanages aren't all bad).  That flag means a lot to Anton.  And now it means more to me too. 

I pray "thank you Lord for our great country that has afforded us freedom, safety, opportunity...to thrive, to worship, to learn, to grow, to love the Lord our God with all our heart soul, mind and strength." 

I have a heart for the world.  I would love to work in missions in Russia someday or other part of the world if the Lord wills.  But I'll always be thankful for this little experiment called America.  People say that her days are limited.  And we know in Scripture that all nations will oppose God one day, as they all will oppose Israel who will get a new heart from her God at that time.  We know this country won't be forever, and indeed, we see her slipping away before our very eyes.  We need a Savior, more than we need a good President. 

So, I pray for our country and the hearts of the people here. 

How Do You Measure Success as a Parent?

How Do You Measure Success as a Parent? « Empowered To Connect

My only exception to what is said here is that WE DO LIVE SUPREMELY HAPPY EVER AFTER.  I believe that with all my heart.  Isn't that great news?  If the God of the Bible is our God and we have embraced Him through faith. 

This is a great resource for parents wanting to adopt.  If you're adopting or working with children in Foster Care, you must get The Well Connected Child, by Karyn Purvis.   But it is also a great book for parenting in general.  It has helped move from a more "authoritative" style, to being able to be more of a instrument of Christlike love.  Yet, this book, unlike many other adoption books based on Modern Psychology (and not the Bible), it does discuss discipline and our God-given roles to guide our children.   In a sea of a lot books on adoption, this one stands out on top.