"I've got a fire within, a burnin fire within" (know that song?)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
No pictures because we were all playing...this is a great game. You can buy it at www.funstreetgames.com. Ours game from a speciality toy/learning store in our mall. This one was perfect for 4 - 43.....though not so great for Stacia (1). I think it's our new favorite.
Quilt SquaresWe didn't get our squares made last Friday. We did them today. Arielle and Nolan worked together on this one. Nolan made the Titanic and Arielle made an ice berg....
Adrienne saw our quilt today and said, "It's a time line". I TOLD her I don't do time lines - but evidently I do.... ::snort::
Speech
We finally got in to see the speech therapist today. She apologized profusely for the mix-up though no one knows YET if it were the school district or them. LOL I rather suspect the school district. I was told 3 weeks ago by a counselor at school that I'd be getting a call - and still haven't. It seems that the therapist from this school QUIT, rather suddenly, and they've been scrambling to cover their bases.
Nolan had an eval today. He's gotten a "bit better" over the summer and no worse. LOL We're focusing on "R", muscle tone, and a few other things....tough things that we've been working on for years now. She's going to WORK more with him this year - and I'm going to prepare him fro that. I finally INSISTED long enough that she HEARD what I meant....and will be showing ME the exercises and such that we can do at home. She said it really does seem to be a muscle tone issue....good GRIEF I told them that over a year ago, when we first began. Oh well.....it seems that now we're on the same page.
I think things will go well. I opted for Friday at 8:30 a.m. for therapy this year....my hope being that it won't interfere with school. LOL
We finally got in to see the speech therapist today. She apologized profusely for the mix-up though no one knows YET if it were the school district or them. LOL I rather suspect the school district. I was told 3 weeks ago by a counselor at school that I'd be getting a call - and still haven't. It seems that the therapist from this school QUIT, rather suddenly, and they've been scrambling to cover their bases.
Nolan had an eval today. He's gotten a "bit better" over the summer and no worse. LOL We're focusing on "R", muscle tone, and a few other things....tough things that we've been working on for years now. She's going to WORK more with him this year - and I'm going to prepare him fro that. I finally INSISTED long enough that she HEARD what I meant....and will be showing ME the exercises and such that we can do at home. She said it really does seem to be a muscle tone issue....good GRIEF I told them that over a year ago, when we first began. Oh well.....it seems that now we're on the same page.
I think things will go well. I opted for Friday at 8:30 a.m. for therapy this year....my hope being that it won't interfere with school. LOL
Prayers Please
Stacia is teething, but has been doing well. She woke up from her nap screaming and hasn't stopped. Of course, the clinic is closed. She doesn't have a fever...but I'm wondering about ears. I've put drops in her ears, and gel on her gums. She's in the sling and screaming in my ear....prayers for sanity.....
Stacia is teething, but has been doing well. She woke up from her nap screaming and hasn't stopped. Of course, the clinic is closed. She doesn't have a fever...but I'm wondering about ears. I've put drops in her ears, and gel on her gums. She's in the sling and screaming in my ear....prayers for sanity.....
Being a Christian is like being a Pumpkin
Those of you who have ever journeyed through a book of the Bible with me, will find it easy to imagine how excited I got about this. It wont' surprise you to know, either, that I did a considerable amount of improvising as we went along and I got excited about the topic. LOL
I reminded the kids of when we went to the pumpkin patch (such as it was) and picked out our pumpkin.
God goes into the patch and CHOOSES us!!! He lovingly seperates us from the world (vine) and cleans the dirt off of us.
Then Cy cut the top while we talked about how God cleans us up inside and outside....Our children had never seen the inside of a pumpkin and were quite surprised at what they found.
This naturally led us to talk about how we are full of sin before we know Jesus. He cleans and scoops and scrapes the gunk out of our lives. We talked about what the scraping may feel like and how some of the gunk was HARD to get loose. Some mentioned that it STUNK and we talked about how sin can cause our lives to stink! OR we can give off the fragrance of our Savior. I was so glad that the older three boys were around to help us with this. Josiah got called in early to work, but he told them that he was busy this morning and couldn't come.
We carved the name of Jesus on our pumpkin...just as Jesus puts HIS NAME on our hearts....and put the light inside. Jesus puts His light deep inside of us and it grows and becomes brighter until others can see His light through His name/impression in our lives.
We lit them inside so the kids could see - and they were impressed.
The object lesson isn't done - imagine how much brighter it will be tonight....and we'll discuss how the light of Jesus will shine brightest in darkness....and how our "differences" become more apparent the brighter His light shines in our lives. God desires for us to be LIGHT to our world...and a peculiar priesthood.
BTW, given my history with knives I know there was a bit of concern...all fingers are in tact.
This pumpkin was a joint project
Arielle chose to carve a cross
Nolan and Zander with the pumpkin Nolan carved...Zander gave up after about the 3rd near miss with his finger....He got tired of my screeching. {G}
We even did a bit of phonics with the letters! {G}
Stacia insisted on participating. She DOES wear clothes...but not when food is around!!! We were NOT surprised that she insisted on eating the pumpkin...though the diaper this afternoon was a bit of a surprise. ::snort::
Now how do I put this lid back on??
Now how do I put this lid back on??
We did it!!!!
I did not grow up in the typical "fall season" type areas....and so really don't remember doing many of the harvest/fall type activities that many of you grew up with.
I was determined that we would carve a pumpkin and bob for apples this year. We bobbed for apples last spring. The pumpkin thing was daunting. I didn't even know HOW to carve a pumpkin....
Then there's the whole Halloween thing. We've chosen not to do Halloween as a family. We've never gone trick or treating, we don't dress up etc.....but we wanted to carve a pumpkin.
Over the years I've gotten the "Being a Christian is like a pumpkin" thing on the internet several times. This year Emily mentioned how she and her family have a tradition of carving the pumpkin as an object lesson. My mind began to spin.
My sister in law sent a little decorated card with the poem on it....and I knew we would do it...but never seemed to find the time.
Mike told me yesterday to "just carve the pumpkin".
We did...photos to follow.
I did not grow up in the typical "fall season" type areas....and so really don't remember doing many of the harvest/fall type activities that many of you grew up with.
I was determined that we would carve a pumpkin and bob for apples this year. We bobbed for apples last spring. The pumpkin thing was daunting. I didn't even know HOW to carve a pumpkin....
Then there's the whole Halloween thing. We've chosen not to do Halloween as a family. We've never gone trick or treating, we don't dress up etc.....but we wanted to carve a pumpkin.
Over the years I've gotten the "Being a Christian is like a pumpkin" thing on the internet several times. This year Emily mentioned how she and her family have a tradition of carving the pumpkin as an object lesson. My mind began to spin.
My sister in law sent a little decorated card with the poem on it....and I knew we would do it...but never seemed to find the time.
Mike told me yesterday to "just carve the pumpkin".
We did...photos to follow.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Warning!!! I'm melancholy....
I'm lonely today. I'm not sure why, but I am. I've had a busy day, but nothing has seemed quite right. I suppose one has to expect to have days like this when your sweetheart and babies are far away.....choose joy...young woman...ok...older type woman...choose joy. ::snort::
Mondays should be skipped. I may look into this further. Josiah had to work today. He's working 36 hours this week. He did run to the library this a.m. We got some school done....all I'd planned, actually.
I made some banana muffins. I got a kick out of the fact that Adrienne had the same muffins cooling in her kitchen when I went over there this afternoon.
Stacia went down for an early nap. I took advantage to load up the next 3 and head for Sam's (milk), cute girly kids boutique (Robeez shoes for Stacia) and a kitchen store. We surprised Jamin with this:
I'm lonely today. I'm not sure why, but I am. I've had a busy day, but nothing has seemed quite right. I suppose one has to expect to have days like this when your sweetheart and babies are far away.....choose joy...young woman...ok...older type woman...choose joy. ::snort::
Mondays should be skipped. I may look into this further. Josiah had to work today. He's working 36 hours this week. He did run to the library this a.m. We got some school done....all I'd planned, actually.
I made some banana muffins. I got a kick out of the fact that Adrienne had the same muffins cooling in her kitchen when I went over there this afternoon.
Stacia went down for an early nap. I took advantage to load up the next 3 and head for Sam's (milk), cute girly kids boutique (Robeez shoes for Stacia) and a kitchen store. We surprised Jamin with this:
It's a pizza paddle..though I was sorely tempted to tease the little ones about other purposes it could serve.... We're both hoping this will avert any further burned knuckles....550* ovens with bricks you know....
When we stopped at home to leave milk, we discovered Stacia was awake. I loaded her and the next 3 back into the van and we headed to the produce department at HEB. I had called Adrienne earlier to see if she was going to be home. I took the left over blondies from the pot luck to her...just enough for a taste for them. They WERE healthy. They were good too. {bg} I followed Lisa's suggestion to add an egg. When I called she wondered about getting some produce. I'm still swimming in veggies. We agreed to get some fruit. She called the order in and I was to pick it up. This worked out great as I planned to go over to her house to deliver the blondies anyway. Heather ordered some things with us this time. All went well at the store and sorting....it took me just over an hour to go pick the stuff up, pay for it, and sort it.
We spent about an hour visiting with Adrienne and family. The kids hadn't seen each other much in the last few weeks and were happy to be together. Zander has been having melt downs all day...not sure why. I really watched him at the potluck so I don't think it is food related. Maybe the time change...seems he did this in the spring too and Jodi warned me that this sometimes happens with Trevor. I wish I'd remembered THAT earlier today. :::knocking head on wall:::
Last week we'd been studying the family way, "we forgive one another covering an offense with love". This has been a good topic to consider. Forgiveness can be so tough to walk out. Today when it was time to leave Ja'nae, Zander did not do well. About a mile from their home he said, "Mom, I forgive you". ::snort:: I guess it was good he forgave even though I was quite sure *I* wasn't the one who needed forgiving.
Stir fry for dinner. Yumm and quick and easy too since I had veggies pre-cut from last week. OH - the lettuce lasted a solid week...no longer. All the other veggies were fine except the grated carrots. It has been a real time saver to have them ready to go, but I'll be sure to do only one pre-made gal of salad this week.
Heather and children stopped over to pick up some produce....
We read three more chapters in Pichnocchio.
Stacia pooped in the tub tonight...I thought that was incredibly GROSS and should be shared. She finally fell asleep....I think I'll go to bed too.
But Abby Does.....
Arielle explained to Stacia that Abby wears hair things ALL the time. Abby is two days older than Stacia but has ADORABLE brown hair and lots and lots of CURLS!!!! Stacia finally has enough to grab with a clip...barely.
Stacia graced us with a look of disdain said "Do I LOOK like Alfalfa?" and progressed quickly to this. I think this is a sister moment....
Arielle explained to Stacia that Abby wears hair things ALL the time. Abby is two days older than Stacia but has ADORABLE brown hair and lots and lots of CURLS!!!! Stacia finally has enough to grab with a clip...barely.
Stacia graced us with a look of disdain said "Do I LOOK like Alfalfa?" and progressed quickly to this. I think this is a sister moment....
Sunday, October 29, 2006
PTL - My Dad is no longer a druggie!
::snort:: For the first time seven months dad spent a day where he was NOT taking the max of pain killers. The pain level with this 3rd surgery seems to be much more manageable than the others. Dad is now back at the rehab house - out of the hospital. He's sure to be bored - Dad has always been very active. Pray for him to find meaningful ways to fill his days while he recuperates...and any other way the Lord leads you. Provision and workman's comp mess is still a good thing to pray for as well. LOL
::snort:: For the first time seven months dad spent a day where he was NOT taking the max of pain killers. The pain level with this 3rd surgery seems to be much more manageable than the others. Dad is now back at the rehab house - out of the hospital. He's sure to be bored - Dad has always been very active. Pray for him to find meaningful ways to fill his days while he recuperates...and any other way the Lord leads you. Provision and workman's comp mess is still a good thing to pray for as well. LOL
# 1 - "Your washing machine never stops running." This is not a myth. I used to have a cute, color coded schedule. It worked well when I had 4 children under 8 (the first time). However, as the family grew, and their clothes got bigger (which makes more loads), and Mike entered the military (duty, off duty, and work out clothes every day), and there were more towels (work out towels, bath towels, beach towels) and sheets to wash....it became impossible to do the laundry in one day. I moved to TWO days. That worked for a bit of time. Currently (9 of us at home; baby in cloth nappies) I do 3 - 5 loads of laundry 6 days a week. The laundry load is decreasing (2 girls left home) and is sure to ease up even more as the boys leave home.....I guess the machine does stop running in the hours from say 2 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. ::snort:: I almost bought the fancy new washer/dryer set when we moved here. Sears, however, thwarted my plans. They put their biggest model of "normal machines" on sale...and it was cheaper to buy the set than just the washer of the other set....so I still have the old fashioned top-loading washer; but they work like a dream. {What I need is a new freezer - the $75 one I purchased when we got here is not living up to expecations.}
#2 - "There is always someone who needs a bath." This is also not a myth.
Preparing for a trip years ago I had everyone fed, clothes washed and packed, everyone bathed and I commented, "There, if no one will eat, wear clothes or make a mess for the next 8 hours we can get out of here on schedule". So there you have it - my children will tell you that I sometimes advocate that they be starved and constipated while running around clean and naked.
I need a good picture for this category....Jared is saying "ah, no, no...." The above picture is us over 2 years ago at Hatcher's Pass, AK. I'm using photos Bre had on her computer until I can access my photos on the crashed computer. They're all still there - or so I'm told.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Proverbs ~ Parenting/Rod Verses ~ DISCIPLINE
Below are the "parenting/rod" verses in Proverbs. I've previously shared notes from word studies I did on "rod" and "child". Another word that runs through these verses is "chasteneth" or "discipline".
Proverb 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines (4148) him diligently." NASV
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth (4148) him quickly." KJV
Proverb 22:15 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline (4148) will remove it far from him." NASV
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of the child; but the rod of correction (4148) shall drive it far from him." KJV
Proverb 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline (4148) from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die." NASV
"Withhold not correction (4148) from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die." KJV
Proverb 29:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."
Chasteneth/Discipline (4148) - Muwcar or Muscar
Strongs: Chastisement, warning, instruction, restraint, corrects, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke
Dr. Zodhiates: Almost exclusive to poetic and prophetic literature
~instruction, discipline - usually through the father and conveyed ORALLY
~apart from Proverbs always associated with God
BDBG - word not in here
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: 877b - muscar - discipline
Proverbs - the emphasis of muscar is instruction
~LXX (Septuagint) translated as Paideuo - emphasis is on education
~denotes ORAL correction which results in EDUCATION
~the theological basis of discipline/correction is grounded in the covenant relationship with YAHWEH.
~Deut 11:2 - discipline of God is His mighty activity in covenant history by which He revels Himself, not negative hardship in the wilderness was balanced with miraculous provision
~Discipline must be theocentric (God centered) and theofugal (God natured)
{Cool!!!!! See Discipline Thoughts - July 26th and Where's the Grace - July 20th}
Proverbs 3:11-12 - Discipline/chastisment gives the assurance of son ship, points primarily to a God centered way of life only secondarily to ethical behavior.INSTRUCTION.
Proverbs 22:15 - "rod of correction" most often denotes oral instruction
Conclusions: We must lay aside our preconceptions of what "words" mean when we study the Bible and see how those words were used and understood by the people who wrote them and the people who originally heard them.
I'm not sure where "discipline" was changed to "rod or spanking" in Christian circles but the word in these verses means ORAL INSTRUCTION - based on a COVENANT relationship with God. Instruction that is centered on GOD and his NATURE/CHARACTER! In other words Proverbs places the emphasis of discipline on DISCIPLINING and MENTORING of our children. BTW, beware of taking THIS word study and applying it to each time you see the word "discipline" in the Bible...there may be many definitions - this definition applies to these verses and others with the same Strongs number, only.
Take these word studies back to the verses and see what you think.
He that spares the rod {authority, tribe, correction} hates his son but he who loves him disciplines {orally instructs} him quickly!!!
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child {young man} but the rod of correction {oral instruction (see above) that is God centered and based on God's nature} shall drive it far from him.
Do not hold back discipline { God centered instruction - above} from the child {young man} though you strike him with the rod he will not die. - OK this verse I need to study more. Because clearly...you COULD kill someone by beating and striking them with a big branch - they crushed skulls with this rod - so the meaning can't mean you couldn't kill him because you could....regardless....context of Proverbs leads me to believe that discipline would come way before the rod.....and way before you would reach a spot of literally beating a young man with a rod (think Thailand caning of years back).
It is much easier to swat a child for doing something wrong than it is to walk beside him and instruct, teach, point him to God BEFORE he gets to the behavior that tempts you to swat.
Our choice is not "spanking" or "leave the child to grow out of it". Any of us, left to our own devices would continue to be self-centered, mean and hurtful - because we have this thing called a sin nature. Instead, we are called to be vitally involved with our children, to discipline our children. We are called to instruct our children....this is what the very word "discipline" means. We are to constantly be looking beyond their behavior to their heart and pointing them to God and His very nature. I've seen parents who don't spank but also don't "discipline/instruct/mentor" and that is as sad as a parent who thinks that spanking is the only tool for teaching a young child. We are to be striving, contending, praying, fasting for our child to come to saving knowledge of Jesus...for them to love Him wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30/31 - my life verses)...we are not to leave our child to "grow out" of childhood but neither are we to see childhood as a condition that we must "beat out of him".
We mess it up so often. We need to throw ourselves on His GRACE!
When I began to see that the Word doesn't really teach a formula that will make perfect little Christians, I began to realize that I must be fasting and praying for my children. I need God's wisdom and strength and creativity to reach their hearts. I need to know God and His character so that I can faithfully lead my children to Him. It is all so much more than catching a bad behavior and administering a spank.
I hope you have caught my heart. These are MY CONVICTIONS. I understand that many godly people disagree. It grieves my heart, however, to hear verses taught out of context...to see people put modern churchy definitions on words that simply don't mean what we think they mean, and then walk away with faulty applications and understanding. Worse yet, so many simply believe "the Bible teaches x, y, or z" and never take the time to check for themselves to see. I promise you that studying the Word of God will transform your mind, your will and your heart.
I have attempted here to share notes of word studies, to share a bit of how this has worked out in my life and to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you to the applications that He would work out in your family.
Remember, it is never to late to begin anew. God's mercies are NEW each and every morning. I love His Grace and I love His Mercy - I'd be nowhere without them.
Below are the "parenting/rod" verses in Proverbs. I've previously shared notes from word studies I did on "rod" and "child". Another word that runs through these verses is "chasteneth" or "discipline".
Proverb 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines (4148) him diligently." NASV
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth (4148) him quickly." KJV
Proverb 22:15 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline (4148) will remove it far from him." NASV
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of the child; but the rod of correction (4148) shall drive it far from him." KJV
Proverb 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline (4148) from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die." NASV
"Withhold not correction (4148) from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die." KJV
Proverb 29:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."
Chasteneth/Discipline (4148) - Muwcar or Muscar
Strongs: Chastisement, warning, instruction, restraint, corrects, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke
Dr. Zodhiates: Almost exclusive to poetic and prophetic literature
~instruction, discipline - usually through the father and conveyed ORALLY
~apart from Proverbs always associated with God
BDBG - word not in here
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: 877b - muscar - discipline
Proverbs - the emphasis of muscar is instruction
~LXX (Septuagint) translated as Paideuo - emphasis is on education
~denotes ORAL correction which results in EDUCATION
~the theological basis of discipline/correction is grounded in the covenant relationship with YAHWEH.
~Deut 11:2 - discipline of God is His mighty activity in covenant history by which He revels Himself, not negative hardship in the wilderness was balanced with miraculous provision
~Discipline must be theocentric (God centered) and theofugal (God natured)
{Cool!!!!! See Discipline Thoughts - July 26th and Where's the Grace - July 20th}
Proverbs 3:11-12 - Discipline/chastisment gives the assurance of son ship, points primarily to a God centered way of life only secondarily to ethical behavior.INSTRUCTION.
Proverbs 22:15 - "rod of correction" most often denotes oral instruction
Conclusions: We must lay aside our preconceptions of what "words" mean when we study the Bible and see how those words were used and understood by the people who wrote them and the people who originally heard them.
I'm not sure where "discipline" was changed to "rod or spanking" in Christian circles but the word in these verses means ORAL INSTRUCTION - based on a COVENANT relationship with God. Instruction that is centered on GOD and his NATURE/CHARACTER! In other words Proverbs places the emphasis of discipline on DISCIPLINING and MENTORING of our children. BTW, beware of taking THIS word study and applying it to each time you see the word "discipline" in the Bible...there may be many definitions - this definition applies to these verses and others with the same Strongs number, only.
Take these word studies back to the verses and see what you think.
He that spares the rod {authority, tribe, correction} hates his son but he who loves him disciplines {orally instructs} him quickly!!!
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child {young man} but the rod of correction {oral instruction (see above) that is God centered and based on God's nature} shall drive it far from him.
Do not hold back discipline { God centered instruction - above} from the child {young man} though you strike him with the rod he will not die. - OK this verse I need to study more. Because clearly...you COULD kill someone by beating and striking them with a big branch - they crushed skulls with this rod - so the meaning can't mean you couldn't kill him because you could....regardless....context of Proverbs leads me to believe that discipline would come way before the rod.....and way before you would reach a spot of literally beating a young man with a rod (think Thailand caning of years back).
It is much easier to swat a child for doing something wrong than it is to walk beside him and instruct, teach, point him to God BEFORE he gets to the behavior that tempts you to swat.
Our choice is not "spanking" or "leave the child to grow out of it". Any of us, left to our own devices would continue to be self-centered, mean and hurtful - because we have this thing called a sin nature. Instead, we are called to be vitally involved with our children, to discipline our children. We are called to instruct our children....this is what the very word "discipline" means. We are to constantly be looking beyond their behavior to their heart and pointing them to God and His very nature. I've seen parents who don't spank but also don't "discipline/instruct/mentor" and that is as sad as a parent who thinks that spanking is the only tool for teaching a young child. We are to be striving, contending, praying, fasting for our child to come to saving knowledge of Jesus...for them to love Him wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30/31 - my life verses)...we are not to leave our child to "grow out" of childhood but neither are we to see childhood as a condition that we must "beat out of him".
We mess it up so often. We need to throw ourselves on His GRACE!
When I began to see that the Word doesn't really teach a formula that will make perfect little Christians, I began to realize that I must be fasting and praying for my children. I need God's wisdom and strength and creativity to reach their hearts. I need to know God and His character so that I can faithfully lead my children to Him. It is all so much more than catching a bad behavior and administering a spank.
I hope you have caught my heart. These are MY CONVICTIONS. I understand that many godly people disagree. It grieves my heart, however, to hear verses taught out of context...to see people put modern churchy definitions on words that simply don't mean what we think they mean, and then walk away with faulty applications and understanding. Worse yet, so many simply believe "the Bible teaches x, y, or z" and never take the time to check for themselves to see. I promise you that studying the Word of God will transform your mind, your will and your heart.
I have attempted here to share notes of word studies, to share a bit of how this has worked out in my life and to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you to the applications that He would work out in your family.
Remember, it is never to late to begin anew. God's mercies are NEW each and every morning. I love His Grace and I love His Mercy - I'd be nowhere without them.
Proverbs - Parenting/Rod Verses - Condensed Version - "Child"
I'm going to see what I can get done as far as posting notes this weekend. I don't have Bible study this Tuesday so it is the perfect time for me to spend extra time on this and be done with it. At this point I now KNOW what I think the Bible has to say about this and I'm ready to move on to new topics. So much to study and so little time. {G}
There are four verses in Proverbs that are oft quoted as "proof" that God means for us to spank our young children.
Proverb 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Proverb 22:15 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child (5288); the rod of discipline will remove it far from him."
Proverb 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline from the child(5288), although you strike him with the rod, he will not die."
Proverb 29:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child(5288) who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."
I've already shared the definition of the word "rod" . You will need to determine which definition you feel fits the context of each of these verses.
Three of these verses have a word in common - "Child" (5288). As I stated earlier, there are many Hebrew words translated as "child". I also stated it is good to get at least 3 sources when doing a study. If I'd stopped with Strong's I'd have missed some amazing discoveries.
All three of these verses use the word "naar" for child. Strongs # 5288
Strongs: infancy - adolescence, damsel, young man - from 5287 - rustling of the mane, Lion's roar
Dr. Zodhiates: From 5287 - same as above, literally to shake out, over throw, cast-off
5288 - naar - Most often used of a young person old enough to serve in battle; helper in the army or to be a personal private force
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: #1389a The word is used once as "babe"
Could be used of weaned child (5) - marriage; puberty is primarily implied
Brown, Driver, Briggs, Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon: marriageable age, warrior, servant, retainer
Expositors Bible Commentary, V 5, Gaebelin - 1061 "Jewish rabbinical tradition considered "naar" to be the ages between 16 - 24.
Interesting side note: Naar comes from "naar" - (no it isn't the same word but I can't make the squiggly lines on the computer that make it a different word ::snort::) which is the picture of the lion roaring, shaking his mane and came to mean to "overthrow" and "cast off"....to me this clearly fits the ages of 16 - 24 better than early childhood.
Other uses of "Naar" 5288 - in the Scripture:
~Joseph (17) sold into slavery - Gen 37
~Joshua (naar) spied out the promise land - Ex 33
~David - could slay a giant but not wear a grown man's armour - (I Sam 17:42)
~Solomon - took the throne at 21 - naar - I chron 22:5
~Absolom killed Amnon (II Sam :21)
~Josiah (16) began to speak for God (II Chron 34:3)
~Naar must concern self with sexual purity (Ps 119:9)
~Elisha is tormented by group of "naars" (II Kings 2:23-24)
Conclusions:
There is simply no sound basis for thinking that "naar" should be translated and understood to mean "young man" everywhere in Scripture except these four verses in Proverbs. These verses are NOT talking about young children. They are talking about young men....most likely between the ages of 16 - 24 as rabbinical tradition would understand, imo. Yet, these verses are used by "experts" to prove that we should spank children when they are young, so that by the time they are 4 or 5 they won't need spankings. This is NOT what the Word teaches.
Nowhere have I found the Bible to say that a young child (under 5, as 5 is the youngest age I found for naar)should be spanked or hit or beat with anything. The Bible instead shows young children under the care and protection of adults.
Choose the definition for rod that you think fits the verse the best...but you cannot get away from the fact that "child" (5288) is NOT a young child...it's a young adult.
What do we make from this? God takes very seriously the rebellion of young adults. These verses were written when the other option for rebellious young men was stoning to death. No one would advocate that now. Why do we still advocate beating with a rod? I purpose that we are under a new covenant now and as we no longer stone young adults, we would also no longer beat them with rods.
Regardless, these verses say NOTHING about early childhood training.
Proverb 22:15 - speaks of the foolishness of a young man and not a child. Foolishness in Proverbs is NOT the same as the natural immaturity of a young child. Therefore, the verses about beating a fool with a rod don't apply to natural immaturity either.
Go back and study the verses with the definitions of "rod" and "child" in mind and see if they still seem to be saying that we are commanded to spank young children if we hope for them to grow up to be responsible adults.
I submit that no where does the Bible expressly prohibit spanking but neither does it expressly command spanking.
I had planned to go verse by verse, but really if you have the word studies, you can study it out yourself. I may still post one or two more word studies....good stuff. {G}
I'm going to see what I can get done as far as posting notes this weekend. I don't have Bible study this Tuesday so it is the perfect time for me to spend extra time on this and be done with it. At this point I now KNOW what I think the Bible has to say about this and I'm ready to move on to new topics. So much to study and so little time. {G}
There are four verses in Proverbs that are oft quoted as "proof" that God means for us to spank our young children.
Proverb 13:24 "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Proverb 22:15 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child (5288); the rod of discipline will remove it far from him."
Proverb 23:13 "Do not hold back discipline from the child(5288), although you strike him with the rod, he will not die."
Proverb 29:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child(5288) who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."
I've already shared the definition of the word "rod" . You will need to determine which definition you feel fits the context of each of these verses.
Three of these verses have a word in common - "Child" (5288). As I stated earlier, there are many Hebrew words translated as "child". I also stated it is good to get at least 3 sources when doing a study. If I'd stopped with Strong's I'd have missed some amazing discoveries.
All three of these verses use the word "naar" for child. Strongs # 5288
Strongs: infancy - adolescence, damsel, young man - from 5287 - rustling of the mane, Lion's roar
Dr. Zodhiates: From 5287 - same as above, literally to shake out, over throw, cast-off
5288 - naar - Most often used of a young person old enough to serve in battle; helper in the army or to be a personal private force
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament: #1389a The word is used once as "babe"
Could be used of weaned child (5) - marriage; puberty is primarily implied
Brown, Driver, Briggs, Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon: marriageable age, warrior, servant, retainer
Expositors Bible Commentary, V 5, Gaebelin - 1061 "Jewish rabbinical tradition considered "naar" to be the ages between 16 - 24.
Interesting side note: Naar comes from "naar" - (no it isn't the same word but I can't make the squiggly lines on the computer that make it a different word ::snort::) which is the picture of the lion roaring, shaking his mane and came to mean to "overthrow" and "cast off"....to me this clearly fits the ages of 16 - 24 better than early childhood.
Other uses of "Naar" 5288 - in the Scripture:
~Joseph (17) sold into slavery - Gen 37
~Joshua (naar) spied out the promise land - Ex 33
~David - could slay a giant but not wear a grown man's armour - (I Sam 17:42)
~Solomon - took the throne at 21 - naar - I chron 22:5
~Absolom killed Amnon (II Sam :21)
~Josiah (16) began to speak for God (II Chron 34:3)
~Naar must concern self with sexual purity (Ps 119:9)
~Elisha is tormented by group of "naars" (II Kings 2:23-24)
Conclusions:
There is simply no sound basis for thinking that "naar" should be translated and understood to mean "young man" everywhere in Scripture except these four verses in Proverbs. These verses are NOT talking about young children. They are talking about young men....most likely between the ages of 16 - 24 as rabbinical tradition would understand, imo. Yet, these verses are used by "experts" to prove that we should spank children when they are young, so that by the time they are 4 or 5 they won't need spankings. This is NOT what the Word teaches.
Nowhere have I found the Bible to say that a young child (under 5, as 5 is the youngest age I found for naar)should be spanked or hit or beat with anything. The Bible instead shows young children under the care and protection of adults.
Choose the definition for rod that you think fits the verse the best...but you cannot get away from the fact that "child" (5288) is NOT a young child...it's a young adult.
What do we make from this? God takes very seriously the rebellion of young adults. These verses were written when the other option for rebellious young men was stoning to death. No one would advocate that now. Why do we still advocate beating with a rod? I purpose that we are under a new covenant now and as we no longer stone young adults, we would also no longer beat them with rods.
Regardless, these verses say NOTHING about early childhood training.
Proverb 22:15 - speaks of the foolishness of a young man and not a child. Foolishness in Proverbs is NOT the same as the natural immaturity of a young child. Therefore, the verses about beating a fool with a rod don't apply to natural immaturity either.
Go back and study the verses with the definitions of "rod" and "child" in mind and see if they still seem to be saying that we are commanded to spank young children if we hope for them to grow up to be responsible adults.
I submit that no where does the Bible expressly prohibit spanking but neither does it expressly command spanking.
I had planned to go verse by verse, but really if you have the word studies, you can study it out yourself. I may still post one or two more word studies....good stuff. {G}
This & That ~ Saturday
Hmmm...it was a full day.
This is the day that I'd planned to be at Fall Focus in VA....so I thought about that and prayed for the ladies there...and prayed for those who aren't there but are faithful where God has called them to serve...and wished I was there to see old friends and make new friends...but rejoiced that I was HERE to enjoy the day with my crew.
I got the co-op order compiled. This means the software that *I* installed on the boys' computer worked. Yippee! It also involved a couple of phone calls with women that I don't get to talk with often - so that was fun as well. I always get a KICK out of seeing what everyone orders. At the start of co-op everyone ordered grains and pasta. That was IT. I ordered other things and was the junk food diva of the co-op. Then last month EVERYONE ordered things I never thought to see them order..lots of junk food and sausage and such. THIS month EVERYONE is ordering cleaning supplies. Jennifer and I speculated as to what everyone will order NEXT month. ::snort::
Mike called this a.m. Our call was cut short by sirens. I received an email tonight saying it was a smoke detector going off.
We did all the things mentioned below.
I put in a personal spice order with Monterrey Bay Spice Company.
Hmmm....can't write up there or it is underlined. LOL The prices through this company are way cheaper than the prices of spices in the store. I really had to debate on this one. Shop Natural sells a much bigger variety of organic spices from Frontier Spices. These were way cheaper...organic...cheap...organic...cheap....I finally went cheap except for a few that we use quite often - Cinnamon and such.
Early this a.m. our glass decanter of maple syrup broke...well it got broken. What a mess!!! That floor was mopped four times and we still stuck to it. Finally, this evening I attacked it with VINEGAR and a bit of water. I mopped, Jamin followed behind with an old towel...drying. No more squeaky, sticky mess. I love vinegar. ::snort::
Arielle, Nolan and I enjoyed a game of *Hands Down*, Stacia climbed around the table and generally added to the bedlam. ::snort::
Heard from Mom and Dad tonight. Dad has moved from the hospital to the rehab...back again for the 3rd time. He's still doing much better pain wise with this surgery than he did with either of the other two. He's not allowed to put any weight on the leg for six weeks.
Why do you think God made it so babies have to teeth? Couldn't He have come up with a different way of getting teeth???? Just a thought....
Hmmm...it was a full day.
This is the day that I'd planned to be at Fall Focus in VA....so I thought about that and prayed for the ladies there...and prayed for those who aren't there but are faithful where God has called them to serve...and wished I was there to see old friends and make new friends...but rejoiced that I was HERE to enjoy the day with my crew.
I got the co-op order compiled. This means the software that *I* installed on the boys' computer worked. Yippee! It also involved a couple of phone calls with women that I don't get to talk with often - so that was fun as well. I always get a KICK out of seeing what everyone orders. At the start of co-op everyone ordered grains and pasta. That was IT. I ordered other things and was the junk food diva of the co-op. Then last month EVERYONE ordered things I never thought to see them order..lots of junk food and sausage and such. THIS month EVERYONE is ordering cleaning supplies. Jennifer and I speculated as to what everyone will order NEXT month. ::snort::
Mike called this a.m. Our call was cut short by sirens. I received an email tonight saying it was a smoke detector going off.
We did all the things mentioned below.
I put in a personal spice order with Monterrey Bay Spice Company.
Hmmm....can't write up there or it is underlined. LOL The prices through this company are way cheaper than the prices of spices in the store. I really had to debate on this one. Shop Natural sells a much bigger variety of organic spices from Frontier Spices. These were way cheaper...organic...cheap...organic...cheap....I finally went cheap except for a few that we use quite often - Cinnamon and such.
Early this a.m. our glass decanter of maple syrup broke...well it got broken. What a mess!!! That floor was mopped four times and we still stuck to it. Finally, this evening I attacked it with VINEGAR and a bit of water. I mopped, Jamin followed behind with an old towel...drying. No more squeaky, sticky mess. I love vinegar. ::snort::
Arielle, Nolan and I enjoyed a game of *Hands Down*, Stacia climbed around the table and generally added to the bedlam. ::snort::
Heard from Mom and Dad tonight. Dad has moved from the hospital to the rehab...back again for the 3rd time. He's still doing much better pain wise with this surgery than he did with either of the other two. He's not allowed to put any weight on the leg for six weeks.
Why do you think God made it so babies have to teeth? Couldn't He have come up with a different way of getting teeth???? Just a thought....
*Polar the Titanic Bear* by Daisy Corning Spedden
I've mentioned this book a few times this week but it deserves it's own entry. This book is delightful! The story was originally written as a Christmas gift for Daisy's 8 year old son, Douglas. Polar is a Steiff bear that was given to Douglas.
Through this book we are offered a glimpse into a lifestyle that is long gone. The Spedden family traveled aboard the Titanic. This little book tells the story of that and more through the eyes of Polar, Douglas' faithful companion. Polar even has it's own website.
This is the best type of children's fiction. Factual (both info and REAL photos), interesting, creative and engaging. Thanks, Steph, for the recommendation. I wholeheartedly pass this recommendation on to the rest of you.
PLAYING
Arielle began the day by pushing Stacia in the swing...
Wheee.....
Stacia shocks us all by yelling, "Air, Air"....she honestly was calling Arielle back to play with her ~ her first word other than "Mom, Dad and Hi" ~ Arielle is thrilled!
Jamin has the job of assembling both our kites now that he's the MAN of house on our outings!
Releasing the Dragon
A classic landing!
We worked this morning and played this afternoon. Jamin suggested he take the children to the park, and *I* refuse to be left out. LOL I think the idea was for me to "relax" at home...but it's most relaxing to have all the chickadees together...minus the two girl babies and the biggest young man.....and Mike....ANYWAY.....We all went to the park. ::snort::
This park is within walking distance of our house. An added bonus to playing at the park, is that I was able to walk around the park and get 2 miles in today. My goal SHOULD be 30 minutes of moving my body a day...but it IS 30 minutes at least 3 times a week...for now. I'll work up to the every day thing. I plan to add the *8 Minutes in the Morning* routine back in this week.
Arielle began the day by pushing Stacia in the swing...
Wheee.....
Stacia shocks us all by yelling, "Air, Air"....she honestly was calling Arielle back to play with her ~ her first word other than "Mom, Dad and Hi" ~ Arielle is thrilled!
Jamin has the job of assembling both our kites now that he's the MAN of house on our outings!
Releasing the Dragon
A classic landing!
Netflix Mix up
I suppose it was bound to happen. We opened the sleeve that said "Mulan 2 - Disney", inserted the disc, and up on the screen popped....the insect's version of China and Mulan. Somehow it seemed to have lost something - but then again we ARE studying insects this week. It was a bit disconcerting to see human characters (Mulan etc) with three sets of legs and antennai.
The children want to try again next week. We finished the evening up with an episode of Gilligans Island and Hogan's Heroes. . . always dependable.
I suppose it was bound to happen. We opened the sleeve that said "Mulan 2 - Disney", inserted the disc, and up on the screen popped....the insect's version of China and Mulan. Somehow it seemed to have lost something - but then again we ARE studying insects this week. It was a bit disconcerting to see human characters (Mulan etc) with three sets of legs and antennai.
The children want to try again next week. We finished the evening up with an episode of Gilligans Island and Hogan's Heroes. . . always dependable.
Cooking up a STORM
Tomorrow is our quarterly "unity" service and potluck. This means that instead of 3 services we are having one big protestant service and we are all eating together afterwards. Each service has sign up sheets for different dishes. The service I attend, the Student/contemporary, was supposed to bring chips. I was excited to go to a potluck and take nothing but chips. Personal family joke from Hardin, MT. ANYWAY - the sign up sheets got mixed up and the "dessert" one was passed around our service. Debbie and I were the only ones to sign up. I noticed the mix up and left a note for the Parish coordinator to let us know if she wanted us to bring chips instead. She let us know that we were the only two brining desserts.
SO....Jamin and I played in the kitchen this a.m. We made Chocolate Ooey Goey cake, blondies, chocolate chip cookies and white/coconut/almond cookies. At least I know that Zander will have lots of dessert options. ::snort::
Tomorrow is our quarterly "unity" service and potluck. This means that instead of 3 services we are having one big protestant service and we are all eating together afterwards. Each service has sign up sheets for different dishes. The service I attend, the Student/contemporary, was supposed to bring chips. I was excited to go to a potluck and take nothing but chips. Personal family joke from Hardin, MT. ANYWAY - the sign up sheets got mixed up and the "dessert" one was passed around our service. Debbie and I were the only ones to sign up. I noticed the mix up and left a note for the Parish coordinator to let us know if she wanted us to bring chips instead. She let us know that we were the only two brining desserts.
SO....Jamin and I played in the kitchen this a.m. We made Chocolate Ooey Goey cake, blondies, chocolate chip cookies and white/coconut/almond cookies. At least I know that Zander will have lots of dessert options. ::snort::
I took the plunge!!!!
I did it and nothing terrible happened. LOL Hopefully, the category links in the side bar will make it easier to navigate.
I'm still not happy with the archive...I'll have to see how some of you worked it and ask questions. LOL I didn't want list after list of titles...there were 181+ in October alone. BUT I'm not sure that drop down thing is "right" either....of course, with the categories someone can find what they want that way rather than scrolling through the archives.....I guess.
I couldn't get a few minor things to work the way I wanted but overall it was as easy as you all said it would be. {G}
I did it and nothing terrible happened. LOL Hopefully, the category links in the side bar will make it easier to navigate.
I'm still not happy with the archive...I'll have to see how some of you worked it and ask questions. LOL I didn't want list after list of titles...there were 181+ in October alone. BUT I'm not sure that drop down thing is "right" either....of course, with the categories someone can find what they want that way rather than scrolling through the archives.....I guess.
I couldn't get a few minor things to work the way I wanted but overall it was as easy as you all said it would be. {G}
Friday, October 27, 2006
FRIDAY ~ Yippee ~ It's REALLY FRIDAY!
This has been a hard week around here. I've had appointments that I had to be at most days. That always disrupts the sweet tenor of our home. Mostly because I am one of those folks who likes to be ON TIME and so I run around like a mad woman trying to do everything we would normally do without an appointment and still make it on time or early to the appointment. LOL
I'm amazed at all we've accomplished given the outside engagements. I think we got everything done.
Jamin finished school by lunch time today. WOW! It was a treat to have him available to play. Josiah had been trying to find a time for two weeks that we could all go see *Open Season*. Juggling the school schedule, work schedules and has such has been impossible. Today he was off at 2 and had to be back at 5 p.m. We all loaded into the van and met him at the mall. We whisked him away with us to see the movie. There were only 2 other people in the theater...that's the RIGHT time for us to go to the movies. I think it was a good break for Josiah between two shifts.
We headed home and pulled the pan pizza dough out of the fridge so it could rise. Then, we headed for the park. The little boys were awed with some new "double" light sabers that two boys at the park had. I wonder if this light saber fighting thing is universal or a TX thing. Jamin, Arielle and Jared played baseball. I pushed Stacia and dinked around with her for 30 minutes and then put her in the stroller and got my 30 minutes of walking in. Turned out great.
At home we made pizza and now the younger ones are cleaning up. I've been fielding phone calls for co-op. Orders were due today. I can't delay any longer. I'm going to have to try to install the software. LOL Unfortunately, I think I will have to input ALL the new members to make it work....sigh...but I guess there may be a reason I would want that info on two computers????
This has been a hard week around here. I've had appointments that I had to be at most days. That always disrupts the sweet tenor of our home. Mostly because I am one of those folks who likes to be ON TIME and so I run around like a mad woman trying to do everything we would normally do without an appointment and still make it on time or early to the appointment. LOL
I'm amazed at all we've accomplished given the outside engagements. I think we got everything done.
Jamin finished school by lunch time today. WOW! It was a treat to have him available to play. Josiah had been trying to find a time for two weeks that we could all go see *Open Season*. Juggling the school schedule, work schedules and has such has been impossible. Today he was off at 2 and had to be back at 5 p.m. We all loaded into the van and met him at the mall. We whisked him away with us to see the movie. There were only 2 other people in the theater...that's the RIGHT time for us to go to the movies. I think it was a good break for Josiah between two shifts.
We headed home and pulled the pan pizza dough out of the fridge so it could rise. Then, we headed for the park. The little boys were awed with some new "double" light sabers that two boys at the park had. I wonder if this light saber fighting thing is universal or a TX thing. Jamin, Arielle and Jared played baseball. I pushed Stacia and dinked around with her for 30 minutes and then put her in the stroller and got my 30 minutes of walking in. Turned out great.
At home we made pizza and now the younger ones are cleaning up. I've been fielding phone calls for co-op. Orders were due today. I can't delay any longer. I'm going to have to try to install the software. LOL Unfortunately, I think I will have to input ALL the new members to make it work....sigh...but I guess there may be a reason I would want that info on two computers????
TEACHING TIP OF THE WEEK
Install an answering machine and USE IT! I'm surprised how much time a "quick call" can take out of our school. However, I also hate to be rude to folks who call and need to talk. I've recently discovered anew the benefits of an answering machine. Today it fielded six calls for me while we did history, science, phonics, math and literature. I answered five of the calls before remembering the machine could answer just as well as I. LOL
Install an answering machine and USE IT! I'm surprised how much time a "quick call" can take out of our school. However, I also hate to be rude to folks who call and need to talk. I've recently discovered anew the benefits of an answering machine. Today it fielded six calls for me while we did history, science, phonics, math and literature. I answered five of the calls before remembering the machine could answer just as well as I. LOL
Table Talk
Mysteriously, we found ourselves discussing 4 year olds at dinner. I looked up, caught Zander's eye, and said, "Zander, you are my favorite 4 year old in the whole world". This is a line I've used countless times with countless children (or at least 8 to date).
He looked up and said indignantly, "I'm NOT FOUR! I'm SIXTY - NIIIINE!!!"
We burst into laughter. I explained that if he was 69 - he's older than Dad and Grandpa. He replied, "Wow - I really got up there fast!" :::snort:::
Mysteriously, we found ourselves discussing 4 year olds at dinner. I looked up, caught Zander's eye, and said, "Zander, you are my favorite 4 year old in the whole world". This is a line I've used countless times with countless children (or at least 8 to date).
He looked up and said indignantly, "I'm NOT FOUR! I'm SIXTY - NIIIINE!!!"
We burst into laughter. I explained that if he was 69 - he's older than Dad and Grandpa. He replied, "Wow - I really got up there fast!" :::snort:::
Science MomentWe think this section from yesterday's science is worth sharing. From *Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day* by Jeannie Fulbright, P. 150.
"Romans 1:20 - "For since creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made..." Metamorphosis is nature's illustration of what happens to you in your spirit once you become a Christian. You begin your life as a humble little caterpillar with simple eyes that cannot see anything but shades of light and dark. Remember, if insect larvae have eyes, they are simple ocelli that cannot see images but can only sense light and dark. Once you receive Christ, the Bible says you are a "new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Cor 5:17) Wow! When we accept Christ, we become a totally new creature. Suddenly, we are like the amazingly beautiful butterfly that emerges from the chrysalis. We have new eyes, too, just like the butterfly,. We can see clearly, not just shades of light and dark. We have suddenly developed compound eyes that see things in an eternal perspective! God's amazing process of the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is a picture of the transformation a person experiences in Christ."
Personally, I also think there is some spiritual truth in the chrysalis stage...but I've not completely studied or thought it out yet. I'm thinking that there is a need for us to be "shut up" with the Holy Spirit and God as they work a transformation in our lives...first in private on the inside and then in a more public sense where all see.
Thoughts from a fellow larvae turned butterfly...or maybe it would be more accurate to say that we continue in this state the rest of our life...growing and changing constantly to be ever more like Him.
Taco Seasoned Sweet Potato Fries
Combine:
1 T chili powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder (I use more)
1/2 tsp cumin
Cut 2 lbs sweet potato into French fry size wedges and spread out in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Toss with 2 T of oil of your choice (I use coconut or olive). Sprinkle with seasoning mix and toss to coat again. Place in 400* for approx 25 minutes, turning wedges half way through cooking.
Recipe came from Heather of our old produce co-op.
*Kelly, I think they would be fine - they aren't white carbs - is that what you said you were avoiding? I do make them with potaotos as well.
I liked this so well that I adapted it for tacos too....
Tacos:
To the above I add 1 T Chili, 3/4 C water, 1/2 C onion and cooked ground beef or turkey. Simmer.
1 T chili powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder (I use more)
1/2 tsp cumin
Cut 2 lbs sweet potato into French fry size wedges and spread out in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Toss with 2 T of oil of your choice (I use coconut or olive). Sprinkle with seasoning mix and toss to coat again. Place in 400* for approx 25 minutes, turning wedges half way through cooking.
Recipe came from Heather of our old produce co-op.
*Kelly, I think they would be fine - they aren't white carbs - is that what you said you were avoiding? I do make them with potaotos as well.
I liked this so well that I adapted it for tacos too....
Tacos:
To the above I add 1 T Chili, 3/4 C water, 1/2 C onion and cooked ground beef or turkey. Simmer.
Book Dilemma
We have a store in town - the Book Heaven; "where good books go after they've been read." She will give you IN STORE credit of 50% the original purchase price of your book. Then when you go to buy a book (priced at 50% off original) you have to pay 25% the cost and the other 25% in credits.
I also have Paperback Swap. With this one I have a wish list, I post books I have to send out and I can print the wrapper right at the site. I only have to put 1.59 postage on a book to send it out.
How would you all decide where to send your books????? Though I really want to keep them all....it doesn't work well with moving every 3 years so I tend to pass on the fiction mysteries..... I AM keeping Penn Dutch Inn, and Rex Stout books. LOL
We have a store in town - the Book Heaven; "where good books go after they've been read." She will give you IN STORE credit of 50% the original purchase price of your book. Then when you go to buy a book (priced at 50% off original) you have to pay 25% the cost and the other 25% in credits.
I also have Paperback Swap. With this one I have a wish list, I post books I have to send out and I can print the wrapper right at the site. I only have to put 1.59 postage on a book to send it out.
How would you all decide where to send your books????? Though I really want to keep them all....it doesn't work well with moving every 3 years so I tend to pass on the fiction mysteries..... I AM keeping Penn Dutch Inn, and Rex Stout books. LOL
Foraging
Stacia has taken her foraging to a new level. She got into the freezer this a.m. and was making noises that let us know she was looking for something. She pulled out the tray that holds popsicles (the old Tupperware kind). I make smoothie pops and had given her one for teething......
She squealed, grabbed one and ran off with her loot to enjoy breakfast.
I need to go out and buy one of those locks for fridge/freezers. I havne't charged the camera or I would have grabbed a shot. LOL
Stacia has taken her foraging to a new level. She got into the freezer this a.m. and was making noises that let us know she was looking for something. She pulled out the tray that holds popsicles (the old Tupperware kind). I make smoothie pops and had given her one for teething......
She squealed, grabbed one and ran off with her loot to enjoy breakfast.
I need to go out and buy one of those locks for fridge/freezers. I havne't charged the camera or I would have grabbed a shot. LOL
Thursday, October 26, 2006
It Feels Like FRIDAY
I'm not sure why...but it does.
We are blessed to have become friends with Steve, Debbie and their boys at this assignment. They teach the youth at chapel. Debbie and I tried to get together once a week during the summer....our older boys like spending time together. Yes, this is the same Steve who is trouble shooting my crashed computer, and the Debbie who brought dinner over yesterday. This Debbie asked me before Mike left what I thought I would need most while he was gone. I said "adult conversation". Don't take that the wrong way. I LOVE my children. I revel in our discussions. I miss adult conversation when Mike is not home at night. We don't watch t.v.; we talk. It's hard to recreate that sort of an activity - with one. I could; but the children may call mental health. :::snort::: Debbie has made it a goal to go out for lunch at least once a month while Mike is deployed. Today we went to Peasant Village. We invited Mandy, a new chaplain's wife, to come with us. It was a fun time of getting to know each other a bit better.
A nice side treat for me is that the Water Lily Gardens are right across the street. The blooms are gorgeous this time of year. I got a couple of pictures and then the camera died. I'm trying to remember where the cord is to charge it. I need to get back down there...it's pretty and quiet and something that I love to do.
Oh yes, we did get some couch school done before I headed out for lunch. I continue to be as convicted as the children, or more, as we work through our family ways. {G} We read 3 chapters in our Orphan Train book. It's getting really hard to stop. We are loving the book Stephanie recommended....I even tried to find it at bookcloseouts.com. We read another mathstart book and played a math game. We continued our study on insects by reading about butterflies.
When I got home from lunch, it was time for the big boys to head for House of Faith. Stacia hadn't had a nap so we opted to let her sleep rather than attend homeschool park day. I needed the time to work on our dreaded co-op
::::SPICE ORDER:::: After 2 1/2 hours of messing with inputting data to excel, I realized that I couldn't find one good reason for a group order. None of us were getting any discounts for volume - because everyone was choosing different options....our group order didn't reach the amount to qualify for free shipping. I had already spent hours on it and saw more hours in the future....online order, sorting, collecting $ and realized, since no one was gaining a thing and it was costing me time, it would be best for each of us to order individually from the website. I sent out an email saying uncle.
Our Shop Natural orders are due tomorrow. That gives me the weekend to get the group order compiled. The glitch is that the software is on the crashed computer. I am going to have to face the fact that I need to install software on this computer and pray that it all works. The order is due on Monday. I'm giving myself Saturday to figure it out.
I visited www.bookcloseouts.com as Jodi recommended and found several books that are on our TOG list for this unit. I also found 4 more mathstart books.
I received notice from Paperback Swap that several books on my wish list are coming my way.
I made dinner. Darshia told us that there is snow on the ground in Anchorage. {sigh} We grilled out in memory of AK. LOL We had steak and hamburger, oven baked fries and taco seasoned sweet potato fries, salad, carrots and fruit.
Zander threw up everywhere. What is up with THAT? I said, "run to the toilet". He did. He stood there and covered the entire bathroom. Mine. I told him, "next time - use the toilet or the tub." He told me, "Mooom, that will make it dirty". OK now. I reached for the odoban - the stronger the better. LOL Seriously, now that I KNOW that it is a concentrate, I'm considering diluting it one of these days.
I read a couple of chapters of Pinochhio. I'm not sure what you could call the 3rd chapter....I sort of...well...fell asleep and continued reading. Jamin took the book and finished the chapter. He's a good young man. Josiah's still at work and I'm not sure I'm going to make it waiting up for him.
I'm trying to figure out the customizing the layout thing...I have another blog that I "play" with and I got it looking o.k. but I can't remember how. :::snort:::
I'm not sure why...but it does.
We are blessed to have become friends with Steve, Debbie and their boys at this assignment. They teach the youth at chapel. Debbie and I tried to get together once a week during the summer....our older boys like spending time together. Yes, this is the same Steve who is trouble shooting my crashed computer, and the Debbie who brought dinner over yesterday. This Debbie asked me before Mike left what I thought I would need most while he was gone. I said "adult conversation". Don't take that the wrong way. I LOVE my children. I revel in our discussions. I miss adult conversation when Mike is not home at night. We don't watch t.v.; we talk. It's hard to recreate that sort of an activity - with one. I could; but the children may call mental health. :::snort::: Debbie has made it a goal to go out for lunch at least once a month while Mike is deployed. Today we went to Peasant Village. We invited Mandy, a new chaplain's wife, to come with us. It was a fun time of getting to know each other a bit better.
A nice side treat for me is that the Water Lily Gardens are right across the street. The blooms are gorgeous this time of year. I got a couple of pictures and then the camera died. I'm trying to remember where the cord is to charge it. I need to get back down there...it's pretty and quiet and something that I love to do.
Oh yes, we did get some couch school done before I headed out for lunch. I continue to be as convicted as the children, or more, as we work through our family ways. {G} We read 3 chapters in our Orphan Train book. It's getting really hard to stop. We are loving the book Stephanie recommended....I even tried to find it at bookcloseouts.com. We read another mathstart book and played a math game. We continued our study on insects by reading about butterflies.
When I got home from lunch, it was time for the big boys to head for House of Faith. Stacia hadn't had a nap so we opted to let her sleep rather than attend homeschool park day. I needed the time to work on our dreaded co-op
::::SPICE ORDER:::: After 2 1/2 hours of messing with inputting data to excel, I realized that I couldn't find one good reason for a group order. None of us were getting any discounts for volume - because everyone was choosing different options....our group order didn't reach the amount to qualify for free shipping. I had already spent hours on it and saw more hours in the future....online order, sorting, collecting $ and realized, since no one was gaining a thing and it was costing me time, it would be best for each of us to order individually from the website. I sent out an email saying uncle.
Our Shop Natural orders are due tomorrow. That gives me the weekend to get the group order compiled. The glitch is that the software is on the crashed computer. I am going to have to face the fact that I need to install software on this computer and pray that it all works. The order is due on Monday. I'm giving myself Saturday to figure it out.
I visited www.bookcloseouts.com as Jodi recommended and found several books that are on our TOG list for this unit. I also found 4 more mathstart books.
I received notice from Paperback Swap that several books on my wish list are coming my way.
I made dinner. Darshia told us that there is snow on the ground in Anchorage. {sigh} We grilled out in memory of AK. LOL We had steak and hamburger, oven baked fries and taco seasoned sweet potato fries, salad, carrots and fruit.
Zander threw up everywhere. What is up with THAT? I said, "run to the toilet". He did. He stood there and covered the entire bathroom. Mine. I told him, "next time - use the toilet or the tub." He told me, "Mooom, that will make it dirty". OK now. I reached for the odoban - the stronger the better. LOL Seriously, now that I KNOW that it is a concentrate, I'm considering diluting it one of these days.
I read a couple of chapters of Pinochhio. I'm not sure what you could call the 3rd chapter....I sort of...well...fell asleep and continued reading. Jamin took the book and finished the chapter. He's a good young man. Josiah's still at work and I'm not sure I'm going to make it waiting up for him.
I'm trying to figure out the customizing the layout thing...I have another blog that I "play" with and I got it looking o.k. but I can't remember how. :::snort:::
Customizing Layout
Does anyone know: If I hit customize layout....will I loose things like the profile picture, proud AF wife graphic, site meters, icons and tickers? The graphic and profile pictures etc are on the currently crashed computer....
Willing myself to take the plunge but trying to get a realistic view of how long it will take to add all the elements back....
Does anyone know: If I hit customize layout....will I loose things like the profile picture, proud AF wife graphic, site meters, icons and tickers? The graphic and profile pictures etc are on the currently crashed computer....
Willing myself to take the plunge but trying to get a realistic view of how long it will take to add all the elements back....
Read it Again books is the home business of my friend Chris. I just realized that I've never shared about her business before. Chris is a former homeschool Mom who lives in AL. She currently teaches chemistry and such to students in a huge homeschool co-op in AL.
Chris finds all sorts of book treasures EVERYWHERE. She then posts lists of books that she has for sale. You let her know what you'd like. She mails it to you. These are USED books but I've found Chris' descriptions on the conditions of all books to be accurate. She runs this through a yahoo group site....click the link above to find out more information. Do be aware that sometimes life interferes as Chris provides care for her parents and mother in law and so sometimes there may be a bit of a wait for new book lists etc.
Chris was one of the first members of SHS - oh so many years ago. :::snort::: I watched her children grow up and they are now in the Special Forces, married with 4 children and in a Master's program. Time flies.
Chris finds all sorts of book treasures EVERYWHERE. She then posts lists of books that she has for sale. You let her know what you'd like. She mails it to you. These are USED books but I've found Chris' descriptions on the conditions of all books to be accurate. She runs this through a yahoo group site....click the link above to find out more information. Do be aware that sometimes life interferes as Chris provides care for her parents and mother in law and so sometimes there may be a bit of a wait for new book lists etc.
Chris was one of the first members of SHS - oh so many years ago. :::snort::: I watched her children grow up and they are now in the Special Forces, married with 4 children and in a Master's program. Time flies.
*The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency* by Alexander McCall SmithI guess I've begun a new series with the greatest of ease. {G} My online friend, Chris, sent me this book as a bonus with a box of books I'd ordered. I really enj0yed this book.
Precious Ramotswe decides to become the first and only lady detective in Botswana because she wants to "help people with the problems in their lives."
Each chapter reads like a short story....though there is a general theme running through the book. I enjoy the information about Botswana and the little tidbits about the culture that are woven through the plot line.
For me, personally, this has brought back thoughts and memories of growing up in Africa. I put a few of these on PBS last night and heard today that two of them are on their way to me. I guess I will work on this series for a while...though Mr. Smith seems to be an incredibly prolific writer!!! {G}
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Wednesday P.S.
A few accomplishments I said I'd post and "forgot".
Jamin finished rewriting his novel again! He also finished his first assignment for the Christian Writer's Guild.
Josiah's pay check came with another note, "Congrats, Josiah! You sold 26.67 milkshakes per 100 customers! Thank you for all your hard work, personal excellence, GREAT attitude and loyalty!" They are having a contest each pay period and the one who sells the most milk shakes receives a $20 gift certificate to the gates of....I mean Walmart. He is rarely up front these days as he is one of the few who can do the back room things....but he managed to win. We did NOT order a single shake...in fact we haven't gotten one since the girls left...but maybe it's time...if I can go over there without Zander...they are NOT FG at all. LOL
Watching *Reds* now....immersion that's what this is. . .
A few accomplishments I said I'd post and "forgot".
Jamin finished rewriting his novel again! He also finished his first assignment for the Christian Writer's Guild.
Josiah's pay check came with another note, "Congrats, Josiah! You sold 26.67 milkshakes per 100 customers! Thank you for all your hard work, personal excellence, GREAT attitude and loyalty!" They are having a contest each pay period and the one who sells the most milk shakes receives a $20 gift certificate to the gates of....I mean Walmart. He is rarely up front these days as he is one of the few who can do the back room things....but he managed to win. We did NOT order a single shake...in fact we haven't gotten one since the girls left...but maybe it's time...if I can go over there without Zander...they are NOT FG at all. LOL
Watching *Reds* now....immersion that's what this is. . .
DAD UPDATE (from my Mom)
He is feeling so much better and with the unknown infection of the last 2 operations gone he is have good results from pain meds. {Dad had an abscessed tooth and had a root canal between 2nd and 3rd surgery. Speculation is that the infection from that interfered with the healing of his bones?}
They took him off morphine and he is not on percodan. His pain is there but much easier to manage.. They had him up today teaching him how to use a walker without putting any weight on the left side but still putting the left toes on the floor for balance. His arms will sure get strong.
He had to have another 2 units (4 by now) of blood today. Seems there is still a lot of bleeding from within the bone, and surgery area etc. Kinda sickening to see them empty this round thing.....it is like a diskette and 2 inches tall.......gets full so they pour it out in a pee cup and measure how much blood there is etc.......... even a bit gross for me and things don't usually make me feel shocked.............
He is feeling so much better and with the unknown infection of the last 2 operations gone he is have good results from pain meds. {Dad had an abscessed tooth and had a root canal between 2nd and 3rd surgery. Speculation is that the infection from that interfered with the healing of his bones?}
They took him off morphine and he is not on percodan. His pain is there but much easier to manage.. They had him up today teaching him how to use a walker without putting any weight on the left side but still putting the left toes on the floor for balance. His arms will sure get strong.
He had to have another 2 units (4 by now) of blood today. Seems there is still a lot of bleeding from within the bone, and surgery area etc. Kinda sickening to see them empty this round thing.....it is like a diskette and 2 inches tall.......gets full so they pour it out in a pee cup and measure how much blood there is etc.......... even a bit gross for me and things don't usually make me feel shocked.............
Wednesday
Yikes - I'm on a row. Bear with me in the parenting study if you aren't interested. Skip over it. {g} Studies are like this for me....I marinate in them and then they sort of explode. . . naturally and almost effortlessly.
Last night I didn't get to sleep until 6 this morning. :::snort::: TEEEEETHING again!
I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:45 a.m. I didn't exercise at all. I felt it was an accomplishment to be standing.
I got several phone calls that ate up my morning - but they were good. I was able to talk to Mike for the first time in 6 days. Yippee. Krista called! Yeahaw! Now - I asked ya'all to be praying for my babies when they did the backdraft assemblies in Seattle. Krista reports that the wind was knocked out of her in both assemblies. I told her she needs to tell Trevor to quit throwing her around quite so enthusiastically. Bre was the ONLY ONE not hurt at all...which makes me wonder what to make of the whole thing. :::snort - tongue firmly planted in cheek:::
We did a bit of school. The older 3 are zooming on without me. The younger two NEED me and the phone and Stacia conspired against our school efforts today. Arielle did get all her table work done. Nolan doesn't get table work done unless I "remind" him to get started. We did begin reading *Polar the Titanic Bear*. Stephanie - THANKS for this recommendation. It's wonderful. I want to find the book for our own. That and our family way is about all we got done of couch school. :::Snort:::
Debbie, a dear local friend who is a working mom, came over on her DAY OFF to surprise me with a meal. Wow. It was timely. She brought so much that I have two more meals of spaghetti sauce in the freezer. {g}
The littles and I ran out for milk.
The older 3 are watching *October*. This is another movie about the Russian Revolution. The funny thing about this one to the boys is that it was made in the 1930's. It's basically a silent movie with music and words popping up on the screen from time to time.
I'm still without my computer and need it. I need to compile our co-op splits tonight and I can't minimize email when I'm online so I can't go back and forth to quickly compile the order. Whine, whine, whine....
That's the day.
Yikes - I'm on a row. Bear with me in the parenting study if you aren't interested. Skip over it. {g} Studies are like this for me....I marinate in them and then they sort of explode. . . naturally and almost effortlessly.
Last night I didn't get to sleep until 6 this morning. :::snort::: TEEEEETHING again!
I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:45 a.m. I didn't exercise at all. I felt it was an accomplishment to be standing.
I got several phone calls that ate up my morning - but they were good. I was able to talk to Mike for the first time in 6 days. Yippee. Krista called! Yeahaw! Now - I asked ya'all to be praying for my babies when they did the backdraft assemblies in Seattle. Krista reports that the wind was knocked out of her in both assemblies. I told her she needs to tell Trevor to quit throwing her around quite so enthusiastically. Bre was the ONLY ONE not hurt at all...which makes me wonder what to make of the whole thing. :::snort - tongue firmly planted in cheek:::
We did a bit of school. The older 3 are zooming on without me. The younger two NEED me and the phone and Stacia conspired against our school efforts today. Arielle did get all her table work done. Nolan doesn't get table work done unless I "remind" him to get started. We did begin reading *Polar the Titanic Bear*. Stephanie - THANKS for this recommendation. It's wonderful. I want to find the book for our own. That and our family way is about all we got done of couch school. :::Snort:::
Debbie, a dear local friend who is a working mom, came over on her DAY OFF to surprise me with a meal. Wow. It was timely. She brought so much that I have two more meals of spaghetti sauce in the freezer. {g}
The littles and I ran out for milk.
The older 3 are watching *October*. This is another movie about the Russian Revolution. The funny thing about this one to the boys is that it was made in the 1930's. It's basically a silent movie with music and words popping up on the screen from time to time.
I'm still without my computer and need it. I need to compile our co-op splits tonight and I can't minimize email when I'm online so I can't go back and forth to quickly compile the order. Whine, whine, whine....
That's the day.
Jewish View of Childhood - sort of a side trip.
Brief notes:
In Jewish society life was divided into three stages: childhood, young adult, adult.
In childhood one was not considered to be responsible for moral choices such as choosing God. There are several words used for this phase. There is one specifically for children under the age of 5 (typically this is translated as nursing babe). This phase obviously began at birth {snort - still with me?} and ended around 12.
Young Adult - A child is meant to transition from being a child to being an adult. The whole teenager thing (with the phases that we are told are aboslute were invented after WW2). A Young Adult knows that he is in training to be an adult. He is transitioning from childhood to adult. I've written about this often....a great article that changed our views of the whole "teen years" is The Myth of the Teenager by Michael Platt. This article gave us GREAT hope as our oldest approached the teen years and others were constantly telling us that she WOULD rebel and that a child MUST rebel in order to make their faith their own. What???? This article is worth a read, it's worth printing out and saving...it's been around a long time. We read it when Bre was a 5th grader and she is 21 now. This phase seems to have lasted from 12 - 17 or 21 depending on the sources I read.
Adult - the phase when a person has been fully trained and is responsible for moral choices and is marrying and having a family. (Not that all must but Jewish culture seems to have assumed this was the mark of adulthood).
There are LOTS of Hebrew and Greek words translated as CHILD in the Bible...we'll look at one more in-depth as we study the rod verses in Proverbs. English simply says "child" but the Hebrew word choices are very specific.
Brief notes:
In Jewish society life was divided into three stages: childhood, young adult, adult.
In childhood one was not considered to be responsible for moral choices such as choosing God. There are several words used for this phase. There is one specifically for children under the age of 5 (typically this is translated as nursing babe). This phase obviously began at birth {snort - still with me?} and ended around 12.
Young Adult - A child is meant to transition from being a child to being an adult. The whole teenager thing (with the phases that we are told are aboslute were invented after WW2). A Young Adult knows that he is in training to be an adult. He is transitioning from childhood to adult. I've written about this often....a great article that changed our views of the whole "teen years" is The Myth of the Teenager by Michael Platt. This article gave us GREAT hope as our oldest approached the teen years and others were constantly telling us that she WOULD rebel and that a child MUST rebel in order to make their faith their own. What???? This article is worth a read, it's worth printing out and saving...it's been around a long time. We read it when Bre was a 5th grader and she is 21 now. This phase seems to have lasted from 12 - 17 or 21 depending on the sources I read.
Adult - the phase when a person has been fully trained and is responsible for moral choices and is marrying and having a family. (Not that all must but Jewish culture seems to have assumed this was the mark of adulthood).
There are LOTS of Hebrew and Greek words translated as CHILD in the Bible...we'll look at one more in-depth as we study the rod verses in Proverbs. English simply says "child" but the Hebrew word choices are very specific.
PROVERBS
With a basic understanding of what the Bible means by "rod" I headed to the book of Proverbs.
A few thoughts to keep in mind when reading Proverbs. This information was gleaned from *The Hayford Bible Handbook*, *The New Inductive Study Bible*, and the *Spirit-Filled Life Bible*. All I learned matched up with what I knew from previous studies and from Bible School, so I did not take this part of the study further. If you remain unconvinced, I suggest you do some more study. Find a commentary or Bible handbook that you trust and see what they have to say about the book of Proverbs as a whole. This type of information is most often found in the introductary notes of commentaries, handbooks or study Bibles. Check more than one source - my rule of thumb is three sources. BUT at least check two. {G}
Written - 971-686 BC mostly by Solomon and Hezekiah but multiple authorship
The book is not prophetic or doctrinal. It is not a book that tells a story or recounts history. It is poetic. It is wisdom literature. In other words it is a compilation of short maxims and teachings on wisdom. It is compiled of wise and clever sayings of general truth.
These are maxims NOT commands. You cannot take the observations and turn them into absolute commands. You also cannot directly claim all promises implied in the writings. They weren't written, in other words, to be absolute doctrinal truth. They are meant for us to meditate on, to learn from, to apply but many are figurative and many do not translate to absoulutes - principles rather than absolutes!
For instance: "A man's enemies will be at peace with him when his ways please the Lord" - Jesus' enemies were not at peace with Him though He pleased God in all that He did.
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing" cannot be changed to be a command that one MUST find a wife.
Figurative example: "Put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite".
*Side note - the last chapter Pr 31 is UNIQUE in ancient literature as it reveals a high and noble view of women that was not common in ancient civilizations.
With a basic understanding of what the Bible means by "rod" I headed to the book of Proverbs.
A few thoughts to keep in mind when reading Proverbs. This information was gleaned from *The Hayford Bible Handbook*, *The New Inductive Study Bible*, and the *Spirit-Filled Life Bible*. All I learned matched up with what I knew from previous studies and from Bible School, so I did not take this part of the study further. If you remain unconvinced, I suggest you do some more study. Find a commentary or Bible handbook that you trust and see what they have to say about the book of Proverbs as a whole. This type of information is most often found in the introductary notes of commentaries, handbooks or study Bibles. Check more than one source - my rule of thumb is three sources. BUT at least check two. {G}
Written - 971-686 BC mostly by Solomon and Hezekiah but multiple authorship
The book is not prophetic or doctrinal. It is not a book that tells a story or recounts history. It is poetic. It is wisdom literature. In other words it is a compilation of short maxims and teachings on wisdom. It is compiled of wise and clever sayings of general truth.
These are maxims NOT commands. You cannot take the observations and turn them into absolute commands. You also cannot directly claim all promises implied in the writings. They weren't written, in other words, to be absolute doctrinal truth. They are meant for us to meditate on, to learn from, to apply but many are figurative and many do not translate to absoulutes - principles rather than absolutes!
For instance: "A man's enemies will be at peace with him when his ways please the Lord" - Jesus' enemies were not at peace with Him though He pleased God in all that He did.
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing" cannot be changed to be a command that one MUST find a wife.
Figurative example: "Put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite".
*Side note - the last chapter Pr 31 is UNIQUE in ancient literature as it reveals a high and noble view of women that was not common in ancient civilizations.
Summarize rod: big, thick, stick capable of smashing a skull (Numbers 24:17) and killing a man (Ex 21:10) a weapon used for protecting sheep (Ps 23:4).
At the time of the writing of the book of Proverbs a Shevet was understood to be an instrument to inflict pain, to kill and to maim.
Fools and servants were beat with a shevet across the back (not backside) to inflict pain, to cause them humiliation and to teach them submission.
Symoblized authority, tribe (family) and discipline.
Fools, servants and rebellious sons seemed to have been literally beat (but then again the other option was stoning to death).
At the time of the writing of the book of Proverbs a Shevet was understood to be an instrument to inflict pain, to kill and to maim.
Fools and servants were beat with a shevet across the back (not backside) to inflict pain, to cause them humiliation and to teach them submission.
Symoblized authority, tribe (family) and discipline.
Fools, servants and rebellious sons seemed to have been literally beat (but then again the other option was stoning to death).
"Rod"
I began my "serious" study by looking at the word rod. I did this because the rod verses are most often quoted to me right after someone asks me what I would do in a specific situation. :::snort:::
For example:
Gertrude: What would you do if your child reached for a hot oven?
Me: I would say "hot" in an alarmed voice, and move her.
Gertrude: How can you teach a child to leave an oven alone without spanking her?
Me: I would understand that developmentally she will explore, a 2 year old needs me to be WITH her, I would react strongly each time she neared the oven (BTW maybe a gate is in order).
Gertrude: spare the rod spoil the child
Or
Gertrude: What would you do if your child began to fuss about leaving the library?
Me: (because this happened LOL) I would get down on his level and say "I know you don't want to leave the library and that you love it here. It is time to leave now. If you fuss you will not be able to come next time." Then I would tell him "it's time to leave". If he fussed, he'd not be able to come back next time. (In our case Zander came and said later in the van "I'm so, so, so, so GOOD!"
Gertrude: I'd spank. He who spares the rod hates his son.
I wanted to check out ALL the rod verses carefully. I expected there to be many. Below are my findings. I have deliberately NOT read any of the books that folks have suggested when they heard that I was doing a study. I look forward to reading them when I'm done here....which is why I'm going to bite the bullet, come out of the closet and share my thoughts. So I can read again. LOL
NOTE: I do NOT claim to have perfectly behaved children. I do NOT claim to be an expert. I do NOT claim to be a "model family" for parenting. I only am sharing what I've studied.
For those who want to know my background. I grew up in a wonderful pastor/missionary home. Spanking was practiced. I love my parents and am not damaged. We did spank our first couple of children, because that is what we thought the Bible said. The more we studied and the more we saw what WORKED and produced wholehearted, honest children we began to focus more on HEART issues and less on OUTWARD behavioral issues. Those who know our children will tell you that they are well-behaved. We don't spank a lot and haven't for years and years. At this point I would say that I don't spank and Mike says "there are times when it is needed" but I've not seen one of those times in a long time. We do have a couple of STRONG WILLED children. The first time around we religiously applied Dobson's principles and spanked nearly non-stop for several years. We almost broke his spirit. It is only lately that I see that old spark emerging. We currently have another strong willed child. He's 4. We don't spank. We allow for him to be a child. We also use a lot of positive reinforcement and creative techinques. I "shadow" him - he is with me most the time - always when we are out so that I can see when he needs me to teach and train him how to react in a situation. It is harder than the spanking route but we are seeing quicker results with a child who still has quite a bit of spark left. LOL He's not what some would consider "well-behaved" but those who take the time to know him would tell you that he is a lovely child who happens to be very high energy. Someday he'll be as well behaved as his OLDER siblings (but see at 4 you can't expect young adult behavior).
Please understand this study was a process. It will be a process to share it. I start only with definitions in this post. In a topical study I define key words, take those definitions to key passages and then check the rest of the Word to see if what I have found is consistent.
~There are four words used in the Old Testament for rod and one in the New Testament. I will spare you the definitions of all five.
The Hebrew word used in connection with children is "Shevet or Sebet or Shebet".
Strongs # 7626
Strongs: a branch, a stick (for punishing, fighting, ruling and walking), a staff (striking - killing predators), chastening a fool (and 4 references with children), rod of a shephered, rulers scepter, family, division. Symbol of authority (Amos 1:5,8), weapon of war (Ps 2:9)
"Shevet represents in a symbolic way rules of authrotiy from the messiah" (Ps 2:9, Is 11:4)
Most common translation is TRIBE
Dr. Zodhiates (OT Bible Dictionary): Rod, scepter, tribe; common shepherd's tool (Ezekial20:37, Ps 23); weapon (2 Sam 23:21), beating cumin (Is 28:27), shaft of a spear (2 Sam 8:14), discipline for slave, fool and son
Most common use: symbol of authority, rulership - tribe
Theological Wordbook of the OT: All of the above
Shephred uses Shevet to count and inspect sheep. YES!!! What a beautiful word picture. The shepherd would stretch out his rod and the sheep would pass over or under it...he would count and inspect each sheep INDIVIDUALLY! (Lev 27:32; Ezek 20:37)
Used to protect sheep(ps23:4, Michah 7:14)
Instrument of "remedial and penal" punishment for slaves, fools and sons
remedial - special course to overcome defeciencies (assumes prior training; being 2 is not a defeciency :::snort:::)
penal - legal punishment
In Proverbs shevet is a symbol of discipline (preventative (verbal rebuke) and corrective (physcial))
Mark of authority, tribe
Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius- Hebrew-English Lexicon #986b
used figuratively - for chasetisement
Shephereds implement (muster and count sheep)
truncheon - scepter, mark of authority, symbol of conquest
tribe
Conclusions: definitions need to be taken back to the context of various verses to determine which definition fits the context.
A shevet was a thick, tall branch like staff, it was used as a weapon, to protect and as a walking stick.
Shevet is most often meant to "symbolize" authority and tribe (family).
Shevet is seen as a "symbol" of discipline.
It appears that spanking may be used for remedial and penal uses. Since most of us are not administering legal punishments to our children that wouldn't fit in the parent/child role. As far as remedial - this would be the camp Mike is in. There are times, AFTER training has occured and taking into account that children ARE children and not mini-adults, that remedial training may be needed. When we've taken the time to be with our children, training them, praying with them and mentoring them we've not hit a spot where we needed to spank. However, at this point of my study I am not convinced that this means that spanking should be the main tool of discipline in a young child's life. They've not been trained at that point. I'm also not sure that it is the best tool. But it may be one tool where remedial conditions exist....if you choose to adapt the view that the rod is to symbolize physical spanking of some sort. At this point in the study I wasn't making conclusions so I won't share them here. I believe we need to look at each verse in context to determine which definition will fit best.
Shevet is most often used in speaking of discipline of slaves and fools. It is mentioned in connection with "children" four times in the book of Proverbs.
Even those who say they literally (as opposed to figuratively or symbolically) apply the definition of rod; don't. No one I know is beating their child with a thick branch. All of us have chosen the rod to symbolize "something"...be that a "glue stick", "mr. whacker", ruler, belt, hand, OR authority, family, discipline.
With this preliminary understanding of the word translated "rod", I read Proverbs. I noted each verse that specifically spoke to parenting. Hundreds of verses would apply to parenting, but I looked for the ones that seemed to speak to child discipline. I noted that the word "discipline" is used far more often than "rod" in the book when speaking of children. I began to suspect my study would never end and I would study discipline after rod. :::snort:::
I NEED to say this. Even when we spanked religiously and instantly....the children's HEART was the issue. I believe whatever child training method you are using this MUST be the focus....and I believe this is modeled by God in His treatment of His children. Where I've seen spanking work well - long term - in other words I've seen the children leave home and continue to hold to the beliefs and values of the family....it has been in families where it was combined with TRAINING, praying, shepherding, mentoring....focusing on HEART and not BEHAVIOR....we must go beyond the behavior of our children to their hearts. When we do this - spanking can be a tool that is used and I've seen it turn out o.k. I've also seen families that begin spanking at a very young age and see spanking as their only tool or main tool of discipline. I see perfectly behaved youngsters...sometimes a bit more rebellious young adults and often 18 - 25 year olds who splatter. Not always - but often.
Please know it is NOT my purpose here to say that if you spank you do not love your children. It is not my purpose to say if you don't spank you hate your child. It is my purpose to share what I've found as I've studied. And yes, to encourage all to go beyond behavior to heart when disciplining our children. By the way - not sure when discipline came to mean physical spanking.....but that's another word for another day. {bg}
I began my "serious" study by looking at the word rod. I did this because the rod verses are most often quoted to me right after someone asks me what I would do in a specific situation. :::snort:::
For example:
Gertrude: What would you do if your child reached for a hot oven?
Me: I would say "hot" in an alarmed voice, and move her.
Gertrude: How can you teach a child to leave an oven alone without spanking her?
Me: I would understand that developmentally she will explore, a 2 year old needs me to be WITH her, I would react strongly each time she neared the oven (BTW maybe a gate is in order).
Gertrude: spare the rod spoil the child
Or
Gertrude: What would you do if your child began to fuss about leaving the library?
Me: (because this happened LOL) I would get down on his level and say "I know you don't want to leave the library and that you love it here. It is time to leave now. If you fuss you will not be able to come next time." Then I would tell him "it's time to leave". If he fussed, he'd not be able to come back next time. (In our case Zander came and said later in the van "I'm so, so, so, so GOOD!"
Gertrude: I'd spank. He who spares the rod hates his son.
I wanted to check out ALL the rod verses carefully. I expected there to be many. Below are my findings. I have deliberately NOT read any of the books that folks have suggested when they heard that I was doing a study. I look forward to reading them when I'm done here....which is why I'm going to bite the bullet, come out of the closet and share my thoughts. So I can read again. LOL
NOTE: I do NOT claim to have perfectly behaved children. I do NOT claim to be an expert. I do NOT claim to be a "model family" for parenting. I only am sharing what I've studied.
For those who want to know my background. I grew up in a wonderful pastor/missionary home. Spanking was practiced. I love my parents and am not damaged. We did spank our first couple of children, because that is what we thought the Bible said. The more we studied and the more we saw what WORKED and produced wholehearted, honest children we began to focus more on HEART issues and less on OUTWARD behavioral issues. Those who know our children will tell you that they are well-behaved. We don't spank a lot and haven't for years and years. At this point I would say that I don't spank and Mike says "there are times when it is needed" but I've not seen one of those times in a long time. We do have a couple of STRONG WILLED children. The first time around we religiously applied Dobson's principles and spanked nearly non-stop for several years. We almost broke his spirit. It is only lately that I see that old spark emerging. We currently have another strong willed child. He's 4. We don't spank. We allow for him to be a child. We also use a lot of positive reinforcement and creative techinques. I "shadow" him - he is with me most the time - always when we are out so that I can see when he needs me to teach and train him how to react in a situation. It is harder than the spanking route but we are seeing quicker results with a child who still has quite a bit of spark left. LOL He's not what some would consider "well-behaved" but those who take the time to know him would tell you that he is a lovely child who happens to be very high energy. Someday he'll be as well behaved as his OLDER siblings (but see at 4 you can't expect young adult behavior).
Please understand this study was a process. It will be a process to share it. I start only with definitions in this post. In a topical study I define key words, take those definitions to key passages and then check the rest of the Word to see if what I have found is consistent.
~There are four words used in the Old Testament for rod and one in the New Testament. I will spare you the definitions of all five.
The Hebrew word used in connection with children is "Shevet or Sebet or Shebet".
Strongs # 7626
Strongs: a branch, a stick (for punishing, fighting, ruling and walking), a staff (striking - killing predators), chastening a fool (and 4 references with children), rod of a shephered, rulers scepter, family, division. Symbol of authority (Amos 1:5,8), weapon of war (Ps 2:9)
"Shevet represents in a symbolic way rules of authrotiy from the messiah" (Ps 2:9, Is 11:4)
Most common translation is TRIBE
Dr. Zodhiates (OT Bible Dictionary): Rod, scepter, tribe; common shepherd's tool (Ezekial20:37, Ps 23); weapon (2 Sam 23:21), beating cumin (Is 28:27), shaft of a spear (2 Sam 8:14), discipline for slave, fool and son
Most common use: symbol of authority, rulership - tribe
Theological Wordbook of the OT: All of the above
Shephred uses Shevet to count and inspect sheep. YES!!! What a beautiful word picture. The shepherd would stretch out his rod and the sheep would pass over or under it...he would count and inspect each sheep INDIVIDUALLY! (Lev 27:32; Ezek 20:37)
Used to protect sheep(ps23:4, Michah 7:14)
Instrument of "remedial and penal" punishment for slaves, fools and sons
remedial - special course to overcome defeciencies (assumes prior training; being 2 is not a defeciency :::snort:::)
penal - legal punishment
In Proverbs shevet is a symbol of discipline (preventative (verbal rebuke) and corrective (physcial))
Mark of authority, tribe
Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius- Hebrew-English Lexicon #986b
used figuratively - for chasetisement
Shephereds implement (muster and count sheep)
truncheon - scepter, mark of authority, symbol of conquest
tribe
Conclusions: definitions need to be taken back to the context of various verses to determine which definition fits the context.
A shevet was a thick, tall branch like staff, it was used as a weapon, to protect and as a walking stick.
Shevet is most often meant to "symbolize" authority and tribe (family).
Shevet is seen as a "symbol" of discipline.
It appears that spanking may be used for remedial and penal uses. Since most of us are not administering legal punishments to our children that wouldn't fit in the parent/child role. As far as remedial - this would be the camp Mike is in. There are times, AFTER training has occured and taking into account that children ARE children and not mini-adults, that remedial training may be needed. When we've taken the time to be with our children, training them, praying with them and mentoring them we've not hit a spot where we needed to spank. However, at this point of my study I am not convinced that this means that spanking should be the main tool of discipline in a young child's life. They've not been trained at that point. I'm also not sure that it is the best tool. But it may be one tool where remedial conditions exist....if you choose to adapt the view that the rod is to symbolize physical spanking of some sort. At this point in the study I wasn't making conclusions so I won't share them here. I believe we need to look at each verse in context to determine which definition will fit best.
Shevet is most often used in speaking of discipline of slaves and fools. It is mentioned in connection with "children" four times in the book of Proverbs.
Even those who say they literally (as opposed to figuratively or symbolically) apply the definition of rod; don't. No one I know is beating their child with a thick branch. All of us have chosen the rod to symbolize "something"...be that a "glue stick", "mr. whacker", ruler, belt, hand, OR authority, family, discipline.
With this preliminary understanding of the word translated "rod", I read Proverbs. I noted each verse that specifically spoke to parenting. Hundreds of verses would apply to parenting, but I looked for the ones that seemed to speak to child discipline. I noted that the word "discipline" is used far more often than "rod" in the book when speaking of children. I began to suspect my study would never end and I would study discipline after rod. :::snort:::
I NEED to say this. Even when we spanked religiously and instantly....the children's HEART was the issue. I believe whatever child training method you are using this MUST be the focus....and I believe this is modeled by God in His treatment of His children. Where I've seen spanking work well - long term - in other words I've seen the children leave home and continue to hold to the beliefs and values of the family....it has been in families where it was combined with TRAINING, praying, shepherding, mentoring....focusing on HEART and not BEHAVIOR....we must go beyond the behavior of our children to their hearts. When we do this - spanking can be a tool that is used and I've seen it turn out o.k. I've also seen families that begin spanking at a very young age and see spanking as their only tool or main tool of discipline. I see perfectly behaved youngsters...sometimes a bit more rebellious young adults and often 18 - 25 year olds who splatter. Not always - but often.
Please know it is NOT my purpose here to say that if you spank you do not love your children. It is not my purpose to say if you don't spank you hate your child. It is my purpose to share what I've found as I've studied. And yes, to encourage all to go beyond behavior to heart when disciplining our children. By the way - not sure when discipline came to mean physical spanking.....but that's another word for another day. {bg}
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