The Beauty of Mathematics

The Beauty of Mathematics and the Love of God!  


This is TOO cool!

Just the math part is good enough, the end is even better.

1 x 8 + 1 = 9 12 x 8 + 2 = 98 123 x 8 + 3 = 987 1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876 12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765 123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654 1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543 12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432 123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321 1 x 9 + 2 = 11 12 x 9 + 3 = 111 123 x 9 + 4 = 1111 1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111 12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111 123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111 1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111 123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111 9 x 9 + 7 = 88 98 x 9 + 6 = 888 987 x 9 + 5 = 8888 9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888 98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888 987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888 9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888 98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888 Brilliant, isn't it? And look at this symmetry: 1 x 1 = 1 11 x 11 = 121 111 x 111 = 12321 1111 x 1111 = 1234321 11111 x 11111 = 123454321 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321 1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321 11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321 111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321 Mind Boggling... Now, take a look at this... 101% From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%... How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life? Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions: If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. Then: H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% And: K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96% But: A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E 1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100% THEN, look how far the love of God will take you: L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D 12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101% Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

FLYWHEEL the movie

I just finished watching the movie FLYWHEEL, the first movie produced by the Sherwood Baptist Church (they have also produced FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF).   It was a pretty good story line, and a pretty decent production for first time movie makers.  :o)   My only thought after watching it is (I am seriously considering writing the company about this), is that I would like to see a Christian story/movie that doesn't have a wonderfully rosy ending.  You know, where the main character faces a huge trial and it doesn't end well and yet the character still decides to walk with God.  Because truly that is real life.  We face trials and we don't always win against them.  We still lose our jobs, get cancer, lose a loved one, and so on.  I think we should present Christianity in its true light, we struggle here just as much as the next person who doesn't follow God (sometimes maybe even more so).

Finding and Cultivating your Passion

One of my hopes for home educating my teens is that they will be able to find their passion in life and have the time to pursue it.  But I have no idea on HOW to make that happen.  When does one find their passion?  My nephew has his already and he is only 8.  Do I know what my passion is?

Anyway, over at ZEN HABITS there is a guest post about cultivating your passion.  It is very good, great practical advice.  http://zenhabits.net/cultivating-passion/

From the article: 

“You need to be exposed to many things,” she told me. “You should expose yourself even though you might not know if you’ll be interested.”
When you find something that catches your attention: follow-up; see if it sticks.
In other words, discovering passion requires a dedication to unstructured exploration.

BOUNDARIES THAT PROMOTE FREEDOM

Wow, this explains this concept of freedom within boundaries very well. 

http://fromthepew.blogspot.com/2010/08/boundaries-that-promote-freedom.html

"But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." James 1:25

 "God's law allows us freedom to live within his creation, but prevents us from killing ourselves."

HOMESCHOOL FLUNKIE???

 If you home school. I invite you to read this.

http://brightideaspress.com/?p=3170

Just to tease you ...  it starts like this....

It’s the first day of school. 11:06. I’m still in my pajamas. I finally sent my children off for recess......

When will GREEN just be a color again? :o)

Over at LIVING ON A DIME, there is an article about being green.  I am all for doing our part to take care of our world but sometimes we people can go over the top.  It seems this author feels the same way -
http://www.livingonadime.com/its-not-easy-being-green/



I liked this little portion of the article at the end that says:

In closing, here is something to think about. Over the centuries here are a few things that "they" (government, scientists, knowledgeable scholars and famous people) said and firmly believed. In most cases it took a common average Joe to blow their firm beliefs wide apart.

• The world is flat and not round.
  
• Every time you bathe more of your skin is dissolved off, so don't bathe too often or you will eventually have no skin left.
  
• If you drive over 35 miles an hour, the force will cause the skin to peel off of your body.
  
• If you drain your body of enough blood, it will heal you.
  

I could list many more, but I think you get the point. All I want you to do is to be wise and think things through before you follow the crowd.
      -Jill

BABIES dvd

Does anyone know where I can buy this locally?   I really want to see it.  Maybe Walmart or Chapters has it?

http://www.amazon.ca/Babies-Thomas-Balm%C3%A8s/dp/B003V0HKBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1283265495&sr=1-1

THIS WEEK'S INSTALLMENT OF WEEKLY WISDOM

• It's not our circumstances that steal our joy; it's our attitude during our circumstances.
• Life transformation is rooted in mind transformation.

To read an explanation of this wisdom from the Christ Notes Website, click on this link:
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2010-08-30

Any thoughts on this?

Freedom with a college degree?

The myth of a college degree being the key to success is slowly being exposed for what it is these days.
http://thrivinginthe21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/08/college-let-student-beware.html

DIGITAL VACATION

Hmmmm???  What is a digital vacation?

http://mnmlist.com/digital-vacation/

A great idea.  :o)

Perhaps tomorrow.  

a portion of the MOVEMENT OF GOD

At the NT/HISTORY blog, I found this moving entry...
http://www.billheroman.com/2010/08/movement-of-god-12.html

a quote from this piece:

All this while, God had not lost the desire for His own Movement to thrive on the Earth.  He still wanted to be an (or the) impetus for human action.  He definitely wanted to bring change.  He dearly wanted to find some ones who would follow Him.  He desperately wanted to find people on Earth whom He could walk with, in any part of the day.

what's ordinary?

You have to check this out!  I love how she turns the ordinary into the extra-ordinary!  What a great perspective!

http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2010/08/whats-ordinary.html

plans for the week (weekly question from my online home school group)

Who is back to HSing this week?

No academics in our home this week.  We are still hard at work getting the haying and grain harvested.

Who has one more week of vacation?

No vacation here either... just work, work, work.  Well actually we are hoping to sneak in a camping get away this weekend.  (Fingers crossed! )

 

HSing and Educational Extras

1.  I ordered a math book set for Deanna last week, it should be in this week.  Then I can see how best to approach math with her this year.

2.  I still have no plan for the school year.  Not sure what to do about that.

3.  Deanna wants to volunteer at the local thrift store this year, so I need to go and get more info about that.
4.  I am attending the FLT moms lunch this week. 

 

Home and Extras

1.  Need to pull some stuff from the garden.  Deanna has been keeping up with the peas but I think we should dig up the carrots this week.

2,  Prepare the camper in hopes we go camping.

3.  Drive to Strathmore to pick up Ray on Thursday.

 

Baking plans for this week:

I don't bake (well very rarely), I prefer to cook. 

EDUCATIONAL GOALS FOR THE WHOLE CHILD

A friend shared the link to the SIMPLE HOME SCHOOL website with an article called EDUCATIONAL GOALS FOR THE WHOLE CHILD.  You can read it here - http://simplehomeschool.net/educational-goals-for-the-whole-child/

It is a great reminder that the education that we give our children will need to help them in THEIR life, that they are not an extension of us (parents), but they will go on into their own adult lives, make their own choices (good and bad), mistakes and such.

The author encourages us to write down a list of lesson and skills that will serve to enlarge their life. I like the list she has put together, I am pretty sure mine will be very similar.  :o)

__________________________________________

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: “I am with you kid. Let’s go.”
~Maya Angelou

The Teachings of Michael Rood

For the past week or so I have been reading the book "The Mystery of Iniquity" by Michael Rood (I am on the final chapter) and today our church watched a portion of the video called "The Sinai Connection" by Michael Rood.  I find Rood a very interesting fellow.  He enjoys teaching and figuring out the hidden or deeper knowledge of widely accepted teachings of modern Christianity (for example Easter and Christmas) and has a interest in the proper understanding of the end times.  The first few chapters of his book talk about how there is a belief in the christian world of a secret rapture and how this is an inaccurate teaching.  I had never heard of the secret rapture teaching so I wasn't sure why he was hammering this lesson so hard but I am told that it is teaching that is huge in the Catholic church and was made famous in the Left Behind book series.  I have never taken time to study the end times so I have no real knowledge at all about the subject.  I have always figured it is something that is out of my control, God knows all about it, understands it... so it is not something I have ever concerned myself with.  So it has been interesting to read about Rood's understanding of the end times but it is not something I am going to lose sleepover, or argue with someone about.  (Once upon a time I was asked what my beliefs were about the rapture as a way to measure me as a believer with what my answer would have been.  The questioner was quite baffled when I told him I had no belief about it, that God would lead me when it was time.  He didn't know what to do with that answer.)

In Rood's book he doesn't just talk about the end times but chimes in on other topics as well.  I have found these topics pretty on par with other things I have read (how the Gentiles are grafted into Israel, how Christians blindly celebrate holidays with pagan worship practices never questioning why we do, how the Feasts that God gave to us are pictures for us to learn from and have fulfillment in Christ's first coming and His second coming).  

Rood reminds me of a high school teacher I had, she always had trouble staying on topic and would rattle on about unrelated topics in the midst of the lesson she was giving us.  Rood is quite similar.  He is long winded and loves to tell stories.  It seems to take him a long time to get to the point or make a point... he gets "squirrelled" a lot.  :o)

From the video today I do have some questions and it has sparked what will be a research week for me.  Some of the questions I have are - in the map he showed he has placed Mount Sinai in a different place than what is currently accepted, plus a couple of the towns he references are in different places that maps I have seen.  The route he speaks of seems plausible because of the reference of the Hebrews avoid the Philistines(?), thus needing to cross the Red Sea.  But why do the maps differ?  I have other questions, but I don't have my notes in front of me to remember what they are.

While all of this is fun to debate and research, in the long run it does not affect what my relationship with God is... it isn't a salvation issue... so it is not something to stress about.  What happened in the past is in the past, the future is in God's hands, so all I need to do is love my neighbor and love God.  :o)

(PS:  I wouldn't mind watching the whole video to see how he brings it all together in the end, or what his point is on this topic.  If he was writing an essay he would get a low grade for hopping all over the place and out of topic.  LOL!)

PRINT your blog

COOL!

Blog2Print

http://blogspot.sharedbook.com/blog2print/googleblogger/index.html

Sons Of Korah Psalm 51

This is one of my favorite Psalms, and put to music it is even better. :o)

Sons of Korah Psalms 148

TRUST

My favorite blogger Alan Knox has a gem again today entitled TRUST - http://www.alanknox.net/2010/08/trust/

Alan writes at the end of this post -

" As I told Mark in a comment, I’ve started to think more and more of “faith” as trust. How much do I trust God? Do I trust God in spite of anything that may or may not happen with my life?"

In the comments section, AussieJohn wrote -

I like A.W.Tozers comment: “True faith is not passive but active. It requires that we meet certain conditions, that we allow the teachings of Christ to dominate our total lives from the moment we believe.”

Words are so important, actually the meaning and understanding of words are so important.  Over the past few years I try to always look up the definition of word to help me understand it better, because we all come with our own understanding of what a word might mean but when we dig deeper we see a we may have had it wrong.  Faith is definitely one of those words.  Another word I have "issue" with is believe.  So many of us say we believe in something yet there is no action/evidence to back up that statement.  I think the word trust could sometimes be used in the place of believe and we would get a clearer understanding of what it means to believe.

Teens becoming "fake Christians"???

This article at CNN Living, shares how teens are not really getting what it means to be a Christian, to follow Christ.  You can read the article here:  http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/27/almost.christian/index.html

Khan Academy

This looks like a promising resource - http://www.khanacademy.org/

CNN wrote an article about the Khan Academy. -  http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/23/technology/sal_khan_academy.fortune/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin

Less is More

Over at the 5 MINUTE MOM BLOG, she reminds us that less is more.  We home school moms fall over ourselves always trying to do it all... all the best craft ideas, projects, curriculum, etc.  So today we can take a moment and be reminded that LESS is MORE. :o) -- http://5minutemom.blogspot.com/2010/08/less-is-more.html

YOU ARE A LEGALIST

Sarah Mae over at LIKE A WARM CUP OF COFFEE, has written a piece to show her view of what a legalist is or isn't.  You can find it here - http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/2010/01/you-are-a-legalist/


I just popped over to Stacy McDonald's blog (a link from Sarah Mae's) and I really like what she has to say here:  http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2010/01/legalist-hunters-and-hypocrisy-that.html

~~~ "Another related issue is idolatry. We focus on someone we "think" has it all together and we follow them, seeking to live like they do. Rather than study for ourselves and stand firm in what we believe, we often blindly embrace someone else’s convictions. Then, since the convictions weren't our own to begin with, we’ll waver and eventually give up in despair; because really, we weren't truly obeying God; we were just going through the motions. The result is that we blame the one we've been blindly "following." We blame our idol for our idolatry.

We must know what we believe and why. We must not follow anyone but Jesus. God is a jealous God and He wants our unrivaled worship, devotion, and love." ~~~

Stacy McDonald

TEACHING OUR DAUGHTERS ABOUT MONEY

Barbara Frank explains why it is important to teach our daughters about money -- http://barbarafrankonline.com/blog.php/2010/08/19/teaching-our-daughters-about-money/

commanding obedience

Things that make you go hmmm???

this one found here - http://fromthepew.blogspot.com/2010/08/threatenings.html

Threatenings

Political tyrants command obedience by threatening to use the sword.  

Religious legalists use the Lake of Fire.

HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR HOME SCHOOL YEAR?

In one of my online home school support group we were recently asked, how do you plan your home school year?

(Answer one or all)

 

So, how do you plan your HS?

DO you plan for one child at a time or all?

 

Do you take an afternoon, day or week to do it?

Do you do it all at the beginning or as you go?

 

Oh, and how old are your children and how many

are you HSing?

This was my answer:

How do I plan?  Well the only thing that has been planned out these past 5 years has been math.  I pick a program, and it is the subject that is done daily (it is the only curriculum I use).  The rest of the time it is making a plan on the go, flying by the seat of our pants.  :o)  BUT I have to say that one of the reasons I do it this way is because of our lifestyle.  I do not a live a life of predictability (example:  Dad working 9-5, signed up for classes/groups, etc).  We live on ranch and the kids have to help out here and there.  The weather affects things, animals get out or need extra attention, etc.  My husband works a great variety of hours.  My spiritual gift is serving/helping others, so I am always helping out someone.  So the key ingredient in our home school is flexibility and going with the flow.  I long to have a plan to follow, a predictable day routine.  And every year I try to make a plan, a schedule, a routine but then life happens and it has to be pushed aside and then I get frustrated and resentful.  So this year, at this very moment I have no plan, no math curriculum chosen, no date on when we will start academics.  I have a vision... I want to mostly focus on writing skills this year, I want to read lots with my kids and have discussions, I want to find a way to prepare them for THEIR life in the last few years I have with them.  

And a friend responded:

Pam, I like your answer very much.   I think this is an excellent way to home school.   This method is alive and well, vibrant, relevant, and teaches much more than just subject matter, but it teaches life skills, time management, awareness of needs around us.  I like how it teaches that all of life's activities are a learning ground.   I really do believe your method is superior and builds a much better well balanced child,, than where the education plan is rigimented and arbitrary and somewhat artificial (sitting in a seat studying books/view pictures of how things are done.)   How much better to be learning while doing.   

And we don't do grades either nor do we have a predictable daily plan.   We also do the vision method!   I love it.    We  keep in mind the end goal and aim for that.

  Thank you G!  I needed these words, this encouragement today. 


This same friend shared this method that she does with her own family:  (I love it, and plan to sit down with my kids and do the same)

But one of the most important things I do is "interview" the child - separately.    This is so revealing.  
I ask:
What things interest you and what would you like to learn more about?   (the answer need not be the name of an academic subject.   I encourage them to talk about anything that interests them.   It might be chain mail,   it might be get a learner's license, it might be cooking, it might be make a quilt, it might be wanting a penpal.    They might say I want to learn about castles, or I want to make a display box for my butterflies.    My kids were seldom answer:  I would like to learn algebra!   )


What areas do you think you are doing well in.    What areas of learning do you feel you know fairly well.        (to this they may answer I'm doing really well in reading, or I'm doing really well in my music lessons.)


What areas do you think you need to study harder at.     (to this they may answer, I need to be a faster reader, I need to do something about my spelling.    I don't want to play violin any more but I want to play piano.    I don't think I am doing enough in science.)


What is your favorite "kitchen table" activity.    (background - we do our home school lesson book work at the kitchen table.   We do math, vocabulary, spelling workbook, creative writing.)    I ask them what their favorite thing to do - and then incorporate this in the new year or incorporate that method with a subject that is harder material.   For example,, one answer is that they like doing cross word puzzles and fill in the blanks that is used in teaching vocabulary.   so I take that into mind - and think maybe we could do cross word puzzles to study geography.       If they say they like an activity that uses scrapbooking techniques, then I incorporate scrapbooking techniques to teach other subject material.   


What would you like to see/places to visit this year?     My kids love this question.  



By time they  have answered those questions, I basically have an education plan for the year.    I plug in math on a daily basis, and we put in some english grammar/spelling/vocabulary.   But the rest of the stuff is learning the areas that interest them.   


Then it's up to me to flesh out how to do that.     Books, videos, museums, and more help us.   Sometimes a topic is covered in a textbook, so I use the relevant chapter.   


I also find that the interview process builds excitement in them.   They get to dream about the things they want to do.  They can express their interests and that makes them very happy.    More than once I've had a child clap with glee (after the interview) and say, this year is going to be so much fun!      I'm happy about that.   
 

Use a Dresser to Organize Your Garage! | How to save money and get out of debt - Living on a Dime

Use a Dresser to Organize Your Garage! | How to save money and get out of debt - Living on a Dime

Canning and Freezing Garden Produce | How to save money and get out of debt - Living on a Dime

Canning and Freezing Garden Produce | How to save money and get out of debt - Living on a Dime

FEELING OUTTA SORTS WITH HOME SCHOOLING

There are days when I feel like we are just not doing what we are supposed to be doing – that I’ve got things all wrong – that life is out of balance. What to do!! I had a day like that yesterday. Sometimes these feelings are purely emotional, and other times they are the beginnings of symptoms which prompt us to look carefully at our direction. This is what helped me yesterday:
Do the basics that you know are right –

http://homeschoolblogger.com/belindaletchford/783496/

click on the link to see what Belinda had to say.  (I love her methodology for education.  Check out her website too at http://www.lifestyle-homeschool.com/index.html )

how do you hug God?

find out here:  http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-do-you-hug-god.html

the prayers i need to pray as a parent

still on the subject of parenting, Kath wrote this on her blog ( http://alisteningspace.blogspot.com/2010/08/prayers-i-need-to-pray-to-parent.html  ):

The prayers I need to pray to parent

They are so simple, yet I just keep losing track. This is my reminder for today...

Pray for wisdom
Pray for patience
Pray for love
Give thanks for each and all of them
Pray for them to grow, in all ways
Pray for forgiveness for all the times I am not enough
Pray that they will learn grace from my not being enough
Pray that they will find God enough

What else do you pray? (Yes, I really do want to know...)

I am unfit to be a mother

I think a lot of moms have felt this at one time or another in their parenting journey.  I know I have.  I am fighting it right now because I find these teen years so daunting.  How will prepare them for their life?  I can I train them when I myself feel untrained and still learning. 


This morning during my coffee time I read this (found here:  http://mybigthree.highcallingblogs.com/2010/08/24/parent-credentials/   click on link to read all of her thoughts, this is just a portion, just the portion that spoke to me).

Whenever I feel this inadequacy, I turn to these Scriptures . . .

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am . . .

. . . and my feeling is confirmed: I am unfit to be a mother.

Yet here I am, a mother; three undeniable evidences sit around our dinner table, drink four gallons of milk per week, and throw their dirty socks in the laundry basket. I am, in fact, a mother. This means that God has made me what I am not fit to be. Every time I try to understand that, I can’t, really. God gave me this job, even though I am under qualified. Counter intuitively, this knowledge—this realization that I am unfit to be a parent—strengthens me as a parent. My best parenting credential is God’s grace. By the grace of God, I am what I am . . .

. . . and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
(above quotes are from 1 Corinthians 15:9-10)

The parenting role is overwhelming, but I strive and try harder to be a good parent, even while recognizing that I am a parent only by God’s grace.

how to parent teenagers

Ann has some great thoughts over at Holy Experience:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/08/figuring-out-how-to-parent-teenagers.html

PEROGY RECIPES

still searching for new ideas for cooking and we are perogy fans, so I found this site.... lots of ideas.

http://www.cheemo.com/recipes.htm#Main%20Courses

POEM -- YOU ASK WHY I FOLLOW THIS JESUS

You ask why I follow this Jesus?

Why I love Him the way I do?

When the world's turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.

It's not the rewards I'm after
Or gifts that I hope to receive

It's the Presence that calls for commitment
It's the Spirit I trust and believe.

The LORD doesn't shelter His faithful
Or spare them all suffering and pain,

Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.

Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,

I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I'm never alone.

It's the love always there when you need it;
It's the words that redeem and inspire,

It's the longing to ever be with Him
That burns in my heart like a fire.

So you ask why I love my LORD Jesus?

Well, friend, that's so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is

Why Jesus loves someone like me.

(author unknown to me)

day and hour that no man knows????

http://beit-simcha.blogspot.com/2010/08/feast-of-trumpets-yom-teruah-part-1.html

In ancient Israel, two witnesses in agreement sighted the first sliver of the new moon to determine each new month. Since no one knew the exact hour of the new moon’s appearance before hand, it kept people in a continual state of alertness, watching in the heavens to declare the glory of YHVH.

Now, because the first sighting of the new moon couldn't be *predicted*, the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) always begins on a day and hour that no man knows. Does that phrase sound familiar?

Think about that. All preparations for this Feast had to be made in advance. What a wonderful way to set the record straight as to just Who is in control, huh? I don't know about you, but I sure do need these reminders. Guarding and 'tending' this Feast is a favorite of mine because of that!

click on the link to read the while post, these are just three points that I wanted to reference

I have been reading a book about the end times and I have an interest in the Feasts, so this has me intrigued. 

Give Me Jesus-Fernando Ortega

i love this song...

GOOGLE EARTH and WORDLE

http://childlightusa.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/the-21st-century-mason-school-by-jennifer-spencer/

Google Earth–If you have not seen Google Earth, you are missing something spectacular. It is a program that has to be downloaded to your computer. Once you have installed it, you can type in an address or attraction and see satellite images. A friend told me yesterday that she was reading to her child about dikes in Amsterdam. After the passage was read and narrated, she asked her daughter to describe what she thought a dike looked like. Then they went to Google Earth and were able to see one up close. You can find Google Earth at www.earth.google.com.


Wordle–This one is fun, though there may be fewer uses for it in a Mason school than some of the other sites. Wordle is a place where you can copy and paste large amounts of text and create a “Word Cloud”. Here is an example of a word cloud I made out of the first four chapters of Mason’s A Philosophy of Education. The more times a word appears in the text, the larger its image in the word cloud. This is useful for pulling out the main themes in difficult documents like the Declaration of Independence, or for helping older children with composition by allowing them to see whether or not the most prominent ideas are the ones they intended. Make your own word cloud at www.wordle.net.

ONWARD CHRISTIANS LOVERS

this is just a portion of what she wrote... please click on the link to read the whole thing

FOUND HERE:  http://winsomewoman.blogspot.com/2010/08/onward-christian-lovers.html

"She marches. The body. His bride. Built on a rock. She comes with light. The truth of the despised. And He has spoken. Our gates will not hold. We shall not prevail."

The church does not hide for fear of the culture, the world, the enemy. She has no walls, no gates to bar. She marches into hell. Her orders come from He who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth." So she fears no other. She is not on the defense. She is not neutral. She is on the offense.

Her message is love.

His name is Jesus.

And demons tremble.

Mt 16:18, Jn 1:42, Mt 28:18, Ja 2:19

SAVIOR vs LORD?

I was reading an article today in a magazine and one line popped out me, and made me stop and ponder.

"Much of our modern day Christianity 

places strong emphasis on

Jesus Christ being Savior, 

but little, if any emphasis, 

on Jesus Christ being Lord."

6 WEEK JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD WITH NO LUGGAGE

I came across this guy's blog today.  I am intrigued by the minimalist way of life.  I am not sure I could go quite this far though.  Take a peek at what he packed for his journey - http://www.rtwblog.com/2010/08/how-to-pack-for-a-journey-with-no-luggage/

I can see guy's getting away with this, but do you suppose a woman could?

Prodigal Son's Prayer

I like this song, my son Jordan shared it with me. This is the only video I could find for it.

PRODIGAL SON'S PRAYER
DIERKS BENTLEY

Father meet me with your arms wide open
The world's done broken your prodigal son
Down that road I traveled
Everything raveled only came undone

Father lead me down to the river
Wash me in the water 'til I'm whiter than snow
I know I'm not worthy
But tell me there's mercy for the wanderin' soul

I lost my way but now I'm on my knees
If it's not too late won't you tell me please
You gotta place for me
A little grace for me

Father meet me in the cool green valley
In all of your glory when my days are done
Name me as one of your chosen
Heaven's unbroken prodigal son

Father meet me with your arms wide open
Lead me down to the river
Meet me in the cool green valley

Name me one of your chosen
Heaven's unbroken prodigal son

Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue WITH LYRICS (HQ sound)

DIY: DRYER STATIC BALLS

interesting idea

http://www.casasugar.com/DIY-Dryer-Balls-1807230

LAYERED CHICKEN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

http://recipes.alwaysbcmom.com/2010/04/layered-chicken-enchilada-casserole.html

LAZY MAN CABBAGE ROLE CASSEROLE

still searching for new things to cook

http://www.ehow.com/how_4614212_lazy-mans-cabbage-rolls.html

LAZY SUNDAY CASSEROLE

this looks yummy!

http://www.kayotic.nl/blog/lazy-sunday-casserole

Teacher quits school... sends this letter to the superintendent as to why she quit

"Real learning cannot be forced upon a person. Real learning is the result of an urgent need to know. It is the result of passion. Passions cannot be dictated by curriculum. Passions arise through a natural exploration and engagement with the world, through freedom, choice, and responsibility."

click on link to read the whole letter - http://unschoolgirls.blogspot.com/2006/11/decision-to-unschool.html

"The main concern expressed by most is the question of “socialization”. Doesn’t she need the socialization? This question strikes me as odd for several reasons. First of all, where do these people get the idea that socialization is something to be received only at school? Have we surrendered ourselves so fully to the authority of schools that we are unable to socialize our own children? Are we so busy being good consumers that we are too exhausted for social interaction outside of work and school?"

plans for the week....

School and Other Learning Opportunities:
1.   it is harvesting school around here.  Lots of tractor driving, cutting hay, raking hay, fixing broken stuff, servicing your machine, etc, etc.
2.   reading in the evenings (after electronic entertainment time of course.... sigh)
3.   discussions on various life topics (money management, time management, etc)

House and Extras:
1.   I wish I could be like Samantha on Bewitched and wiggle my nose and all the house would be neat, tidy and organized. 
2.   Deliver meals to my grandparents in Red Deer on Friday.
3.   Find something new to cook, I am pretty bored in the cooking department lately.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE END

Hmmm, this fits in well with the topic I have been reading the last couple of days.... (the end times)...

http://fromthepew.blogspot.com/2010/08/phychology-of-end.html

-  "the psychology of thinking you know when the world will end.  God doesn't tell us because it will radically affect our behavior...for the worst."

-  "In the bible, Paul warns Timothy that men named Hymenaeus and Philetus were teaching that the resurrection already took place and that it was upsetting the faith of some believers. The end has a powerful affect on people, so it should come as no surprise that one's view of eschatology can greatly affect how people live in the here and now."

DEAD SEA SCROLLS???

from the book "Lost Treasures - True Stories of Discovery" by Larry Verstraete

 

p 172, 173  "Before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the earliest written records of the Bible had been Greek and Latin translations dating from the fourth century.  Now for the first time, it was possible to study the Bible in a much more authentic form."

 

_____________________________________________________________

 

25 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS

 

http://www.centuryone.com/25dssfacts.html 

 

_____________________________________________________________

INFO FROM WIKIPEDIA

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_Scrolls 

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN

GREAT ADVICE!

 

http://www.fiarhq.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79377

Remember when your children spoke their first words ?

Now ask yourself how much you remember of what your children said today.

As much as is possible:
        Look your children in the eye when they speak.
        Don’t cut them off or finish their sentences.    
        Rely more on asking questions than giving lectures, to teach as well as to discipline.

Listen with your eyes and heart, not just your ears.

Remember, your children learn to listen through your example.

Where is Satan now? (still researching)

In a previous entry ( http://onanygivendayinpamelasmind.blogspot.com/2010/08/mystery-of-iniquity-chapter-2.html ) about my reading the book "The Mystery of Iniquity", I had some questions about Satan or rather what the author was saying about Satan.  Just now I found this webpage that seems to have some answers for me.  I need to read it more thoroughly but wanted to post here so I didn't lose the link. 
http://www.lastdaysmystery.info/satan_where_is_he_now.htm

THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY -- CHAPTER 4

COMING IN GREAT POWER AND GLORY

notes:

-  Greek = harpadzo --> Latin = rapturo  -->  in English = rapture  -->  caught up, gathering together (used in KJV)

-  the last trumpet is the literal fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets (1 Corinthians 15:51)

-  new birth (born again) at the last trump (flesh and blood cannot go, we are born into our new bodies)

-  what must we know or do to be prepared for Christ's return????  He expects us to be living our commitment to him, to continue to be faithful.

-  1 Thessalonians 5:1 - "times and seasons" -->  God's time vs the pagan sun god calendar --> "seasons" derived from the Hebrew word moedim which refer to the Feasts of the Lord (which a prophetic shadow of pictures of good things to come - according to Paul) -->  inherited so called holi - days (Easter, Christmas), these are not God's idea

-  1 Thessalonians 1:10 - delivered us from the wrath to come

BUY EXPERIENCES INSTEAD OF THINGS

http://www.thewisdomjournal.com/Blog/things-vs-experiences/

a quote from the above article (click on the link):

"Experiences create memories and memories are long treasured after things have worn out. Memories are passed down to subsequent generations of family and friends."

education is life itself

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.  ~John Dewey

THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY - CHAPTER 3

THE CHRONOLOGY:  FROM HERE... TO ETERNITY

notes:

-  signpost of end times is the abomination of desolation, takes place 3.5 years before Jesus establishes his earthly kingdom (mentioned by Jesus and Daniel, but no references as of yet)

-  prophecies concerning end times in chronological order... not written in scriptures

-  correction .... Rood says the only sure way to assemble the chronology of the end time events is to go to the book of Revelation

-  section called 'born again?' --- Rev 1:18, Rev 1:5, Nicodemus - born again, physical world = physical body, spiritual world = spiritual body to line in kingdom of heaven, 1 Cor 15:50 - flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven, Phil 3:21,

-  some people must be teaching that Jesus will secretly gather his people, Rood says this is a false concept

-  Jesus's followers will not need to go to him in the end, his angels will come gather his people

-  abomination of desolation detailed in verses 15 - 22 (Matt. 24???)

______________

DANIEL 9:27, 11:31, 12:11

The Sneeze of Musquodoboit Nova Scotia

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.
This class would NOT pray during the commencements, not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.

The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. 
The speeches were nice, but they were routine until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. 
All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED !!!!  The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said,
'GOD BLESS YOU'
And he walked off the stage...

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
Isn't this a wonderful story? Pass it on to all your friends.........and
GOD BLESS YOU!!!! 
This is a true story; it happened at Eastern Shore District High School in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia. 

Do you believe there is a God?

“God is not a belief to which you give your assent. God becomes a reality whom you know intimately, meet everyday, one whose strength becomes your strength, whose love, your love. Live this life of the presence of God long enough and when someone asks you, “Do you believe there is a God?” you may find yourself answering, “No, I do not believe there is a God. I know there is a God.”

~Ernest Boyer, Jr.

quote about education

"Education would be so much more effective if its purpose were to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they don't know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it."

-- Sir William Haley

“Unseen. Things Unseen. Invest in Things Unseen.”

I really LOVE this lady's writing.  This entry is truly wonderful.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/08/when-your-trying-to-get-your-priorities.html

THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY - CHAPTER 2

I should mention the full title of this book is The Mystery of Iniquity:  the legal prerequisite to the return of the Messiah by Michael Rood.
http://www.amazon.ca/Mystery-Iniquity-Michael-John-Rood/dp/0882708783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282417622&sr=8-1


NOTES FOR CHAPTER 2 called Prerequisite to the Rapture

-  God is bound by his nature to be just, righteous, and loving.  God cannot act in an unlawful manner to defeat Satan, even though Satan stands in absolute rebellion against God.

????  The mystery of iniquity, Satan's lawlessness, has been shrouded.   (is this true???)

-  ???? in the throne room of God, both Jesus and Satan have authority.  Satan as the accuser and Jesus as the advocate.   (where does it say this???)

-    hmmmm, I need to read/study 2 Thessalonians chapter 2

-   where is Satan now?   this author says "he is in heaven and must be expelled and his dominion terminated there before the victory in heaven is complete.  No one goes up until Satan is cast down."   I need to look up verses on Satan.

_______

I do not know a lot of the end times, I have no preconceived ideas about how things will happen.  I have never really gave them much thought because I trust in the One who knows what will happen, how it will happen and when it will happen.  Is there anything I MUST know about the end times?  This author is convinced there is.  I guess I will keep reading.    

FOUR THINGS YOU CAN'T RECOVER

Four things you can't recover:

The stone.........after the throw.
         
The word...........after it's said..

The occasion........after it's missed. 

The time.........after it's gone.

HOW FRIENDS SLIP AWAY

Wow.... this pulled at my heart strings and made me think.


http://www.loneprairie.net/2010/06/slip-away/

These are some of the thoughts from the article:

"When you need your friends the most, you’re the least likely to ask for their help. This is a vicious truth."

"What is a friend, anyway?

Proverbs 18:24 says a friend sticks closer than a brother.

The worst thing a person can say to someone who is experiencing hardship in life is to say “if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”"

"Do you hand the drowning person a length of rope and tell them to throw it back to the boat when they decide it’s time to be rescued?"

"Realizing someone cares about you is another chance at life, even if only a day at a time."

SET APART.... BY GOD, FOR GOD

Devotional for today is about being set apart (set apart = holy = set apart by God, for God).

http://www.thehighcalling.org/Library/ViewLibrary.asp?LibraryID=5682&DID=2898&T=H&SID=15305

You can be sure of this:
      The LORD set apart the godly for himself.
      The LORD will answer when I call to him.

Psalm 4:3

Gracious Lord, first of all, I thank you today that you have set me apart on the basis of your sovereign grace, not because of anything I have done.

And thank you as well for setting me apart for you, not just for your work, but first of all for relationship with you. 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you think of God as having set you apart for himself? Why or why not? How might this idea make a difference in your life if you really believed it? 

I do think of myself as set apart for God, especially after having looked deeper into the word holy, and knowing that we do not choose God... God chooses us.  I used to think our job on earth here is to convince others to follow God, to become "Christians".  But a few years ago I learned that we could talk till we are blue in the face, use our best sales pitch or witnessing package BUT unless the Holy Spirit was working in this person's life and speaking to them, what we say won't matter.  First God's work has to happen in them and THEN we may be used by God to help them on their journey in following Him.  What a weight lifted off my shoulders... no more guilt for not witnessing, or being too scared to witness.  So really all we need to be doing is listening for the Father's prompting in every moment and He will let us know when we need to be there for someone.  

Even as a child I believed in God.  I cannot pinpoint a time when in one moment I all of the sudden believed.  God was always with me.  Even the story of my birth shows signs of God's hand in my life.  

I remember as a teenager really wanting to have that "fireworks" conversion testimony that was very popular at my church at the time.  Everybody had an AMAZING GRACE experience of Jesus saving them.... and by golly I wanted that too.  I tried to make it happen on many occasions, but I never got it.  For a few years I thought it was maybe because God didn't want me.  I didn't have a spiritual mentor at the time to go and discuss this with but that didn't stop me from believing in God.  I continued to go to church.  It wasn't until I was older I came to realize that my story was never to have the fireworks conversion story because God had always been with me, we were already connected.  :o)

One other experience that sticks out in my mind is a Wednesday night bible study and prayer meeting that I went to as a teen.  I don't quite remember how old I was at the time.  Anyway, after the Bible study the pastor invited the group to the front of the sanctuary for prayers.  We were standing in a circle and he was in the middle praying and then he started to go to people in the circle and pray over them.  This was also one of my first experiences of someone praying in tongues (not the pastor, but a congregation member).  Well as the pastor was going around the circle, and stopping at certain individuals to pray, I was saying to myself - "please don't stop at me, please don't stop at me!".  You see I was very shy and did not like any attention in my direction.  And guess what happened????  Pastor Dave stopped in front of me, put his hand on my shoulder, and started praying.  I was mortified!!!  But his words have always stuck with me.  He said that God was going to do a mighty work through me.  What?  Who me?  Really?

Well those words have always stuck with me.  In the last few years I have seen glimpses of God working through me, and I wonder if this is what He meant all those years ago?  Maybe, but I don't dwell on those words waiting for them to happen, but instead just continue to put one foot in front of the other, listening for any instruction He may have for me, looking for where He wants to use me.     

THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

I am about to start the book called The Mystery of Iniquity by Michael Rood.  It is recommended by a friend.  I, being the Infojunkie, had to do some research on the author first.  He seems to be a controversial character in Christian circles.  But I subscribe to the advice of testing everything and holding onto that which is truth and throw the rest away.  :o)

So first I consider the word - iniquity.  What does it mean?  My dictionary says:
1.  a very great injustice; wickedness
2.  a wicked or unjust act

The Strong's Concordance says (Greek word #458) - anomia  = transgression of the  law, unrighteousness.

So I am going to be reading about the mystery of transgressing the law?  Okay... time to start reading.

NOTES WHILE READING:

-  the phrase "mystery on iniquity" is used in 2 Thessalonians 2:7.... what does this verse say?

The KJV says - For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

The MESSAGE says - ^6-8You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there.

The NIV says (within conext) -  ¹Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, ²not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. ³Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness^[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. ⁴He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
 ⁵Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? ⁶And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. ⁹The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, ¹⁰and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. ¹¹For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie ¹²and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

I just finished chapter one.  I can see I should not read this when I am tired.  He is quite wordy.  But he is introduced the purpose of his book.  He is laying out that we are in the end times.  He speaks of the war in heaven (Revelation 12:7..).  He tells that Satan holds the deed to earth, he is the ruler of the earth.  In Revelation it speaks of Jesus will get the deed back, but during the legal process, there will be death and destruction here on earth.


So the secret (mystery) of lawlessness (iniquity) is already work.  Satan's legal authority is god of this age.

Revelation 12 is quoted quite a bit in the last part of this chapter.

Tomorrow chapter 2.  

WHAT DEFINES YOU AS A CHRISTIAN?

A email devotional today asked - what defines you as a Christian?  You can read it here:  http://www.thehighcalling.org/Library/ViewLibrary.asp?LibraryID=5681&DID=2897&T=H&SID=15305

READ 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” [1 Corinthians 1:12]

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
How do you define yourself as a Christian?
I am not part of any denomination nor do I follow any leader (man), so I cannot use that as part of my definition.  I hope that my life, my actions reflect that I am a follower of Christ.  One of my favorite sayings has always been "go out into the world and preach the gospel, use words if you have to."  
How important to you are denominational labels?
They are not important to me at all.  I see them as a hindrance in the Christian culture.  They allow us to put up fences and stay behind them and not reach out as much and they also keep some people from trying to get in, or not want to be a part of a Christian community.  My wish would be a Christian family with no denominations, no labels, no fences.  My wish would be to be known like in the NT times... the church in Sundre, the church in Calgary or wherever your physical location was.  
Have you ever identified so thoroughly with some Christian leader that it threatened your relationship with other believers?
Never with a leader but for a while I identified so strongly with a movement or a concept that I think I turned people away.  That of course was not my purpose, but I so believed in what I was learning that I was probably pretty obnoxious to those who did not agree with my new found way.  I was childlike, but now I have grown up in my spiritual walk a bit more, so hopefully I no longer like this.  :o)
How can we be unified in Christ when we who have put our faith in him nevertheless differ theologically?
That is the million dollar question, isn't it.  I think part of the problem is that we as humans relate first to our denomination/leader then to Christ.  Christ needs to be first always.  People will often say they are Lutheran, or Catholic or Baptist before they say they are Christian, and probably because it goes without saying that if we are one of these labels we are obviously also a Christian.  But this way of labeling ourselves plays havoc with how we can relate to another brother or sister in Christ.  Like I said above, it immediately puts up a fence, draws a line in the sand.  I don't know how to conquer it on a global level, but as an individual.... I am a sister in Christ, period.  No labels.  Maybe it will catch on.  :o)

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

WHAT TO READ?

I have been pondering books to read, and books I have read.  Of course I approach this question from the position of being a mom to homeschoolers.  What books should they read before "graduation"?  What books made an impact on me, which are memorable?  In many circles it is said one should have a variety of classics under their belt.  But why?  What makes these titles classics?

So I have been looking at a variety of book lists.  And I have been asking friends what books they recommend, which books made an impact in their lives?  Here are some responses and lists I have looked at:

responses

- the Bible

-  any biography of Eric Liddell, then watch Chariots of Fire

- Through Gates of Splendor

-  The Hiding Place

-  Biographies of missionaries

-  Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

-  Maniac Magee (Jerry Spinelli)

- The Anne of Green Gables books

-  Lord of the Flies

-  Oliver Twist

-  Gerald Durrell's books

 -  The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living : Creative Ideas And Practical Ways for Making the Most Out of What You Have by Jackie Wellwood

-  Keith Green's biography

-  Stormie Omartians biography

links to lists

-  reading list for college bound students

http://als.lib.wi.us/Collegebound.html

-  40 non-fiction books everyone should read

http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/08/24/40-modern-nonfiction-books-everyone-should-read/

-  1000 good books list

http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html

- classic books to enhance your learning

http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/10/12/48-classic-books-to-boost-your-learning-experience/

-  100 classic books collection

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Classic_Book_Collection

-  classic books everyone should read

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/classic-books-everyone-should-read.html

-  books that impact thinking

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/264.Books_that_everyone_should_read_at_least_once

I am sure I could find hundreds of different reading lists.  But I guess I don't just want just any list.  I want books that will help prepare the kids for their life, the world, their relationships with others, books that aren't just a good story but will make them better people.

I am not much of a novel reader myself.  I prefer books like what I mention above..... that help with life and all it includes.

What books do I want my kids to read before "graduation"?  Hmmm.  I don't know for sure.