"Once there was a boy who littered and made the whole earth dirty.
And then there was a girl who recycled, and she made the whole earth beautiful."
The End.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
An Earth Day Story (ok, I'm a week late...)
Big Sister has been illustrating and "writing" lots of stories lately. Here's one about environmental stewardship, since I missed Earth Day last week. If you want to read a long post about being green, here's last year's post. But I think you'll agree this one is much shorter though equally effective.
"Once there was a boy who littered and made the whole earth dirty.
And then there was a girl who recycled, and she made the whole earth beautiful."
The End.
"Once there was a boy who littered and made the whole earth dirty.
And then there was a girl who recycled, and she made the whole earth beautiful."
The End.
Beat It, Bullies!
(I have several sponsorship packets for any of my IRL friends who haven't yet discovered the joy of child sponsorship through Compassion International. It's so easy to get started and for $38 you can send those bullies packing.)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Further Confirmation
Little Sister is in bed with Mommy & Daddy after waking up at the butt crack of dawn 6:30. As she wiggles around trying to settle in, a train whistle is heard in the distance.
Little Sis: D'you hear dat tchrain, Mommy?
Mommy: I do!
Little Sis: (not scared, but astonished) It's right in our house, Mommy. It's right in our house!
Little Sis: D'you hear dat tchrain, Mommy?
Mommy: I do!
Little Sis: (not scared, but astonished) It's right in our house, Mommy. It's right in our house!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Little Sister's Surgery
Today Little Sister had tubes put in her ears and her adenoids removed. I know it's a very common, even "routine" procedure, but it was a big deal to us!
Aside from some helpful advice from a few friends who have been through this and the extremely vague information the ENT gave us when we scheduled the surgery, I had no idea what to expect. I was relieved when I found out that she could eat breakfast this morning, although she had to be finished before 7 AM. Then she could have clear liquids until 10. She handled it all pretty well until about 10:30, when she and Big Sis usually have a little 2nd breakfast. Yeah, we're hobbits like that.
Fortunately, we had to pick up Hubby and be at the hospital by 12, so I distracted her with getting dressed, loading up the car and traveling. Right before we got to the hospital, though, she got upset again. Little cries of "I hung-ee. I want candy!" kept coming from the back seat.
At the hospital she forgot about food as she took in everything. I love children's hospitals because they think of everything. There were no rough transitions as we shuffled through registration rooms and waiting rooms- there was always something new to point out. Even the step-on scale had toys hanging on it so she had to step up on it to get a closer look.
When we got into our family waiting room, she started to get a little frantic again. This room, the one in which we spent most of our time, was actually the sparsest room of them all. I brought along a few toys to keep her distracted, but when they stopped working a nurse came to the rescue with some cool Vtech toys.
We talked to everyone under the sun. Our nurse, a nurse from the anesthesia team, our ENT, the anesthesiologist, etc. etc. etc. Little Sis looked like she was taking in everyone and everything, but she was still getting restless. Then they gave her some Tylenol with Codeine and a sedative, and while we let the drugs kick in we finally convinced her to let us change her into the snappy hospital gown. She was relaxing, even wobbling, as she sat on the bed and played with her toys, but she still freaked out when they started to wheel the bed away. I had to carry her into the next room.
But soon, the sedative worked its magic. My sweet baby put her head on my shoulder and said something like, "I think it's bedtime." I cuddled her and prayed for her safety and cherished the moment. Okay, I cried a little.
Then a man on the anesthesia team said it was time to take her. I lifted her up to him and she didn't cry at all. She just looked at him with a somewhat confused but mostly blank stare. And wobbled into his arms. And just like that, we went back to wait.
People say the procedure is really quick, and it is. The doctor came back to report to us (and told us there was infection again in both ears) after probably a half an hour. But since her adenoids were removed, she had to have a breathing tube and recovery took a little longer.
When they finally called me to go back into the recovery room, I was not completely prepared for everything going on. She was very agitated and wanted nothing more than to remove her IV and toe monitor. Her cry had a seal-ish sound to it and her breathing had the croup strider, results of the breathing tube, and I had to wrestle her while they gave her a breathing treatment. Even after we left and went back to our family recovery room- even after they took out that blasted IV- she still was really agitated and almost inconsolable. I tried my best, and when the nurse brought us a popsicle, she finally quieted down and ate it, laying on my chest, her eyes fluttering closed as she slowly chewed each little bite.
When the popsicle was gone, she got fired up again, but by then Daddy had returned from grabbing lunch, so I let him work his magic. He has always been better at getting Little Sis to go to sleep when she is worked up. She slept until we woke her to check vitals, change her clothes, and head for home.
Her second "awakening" was much smoother. Although she was still groggy, there was no crying. And when we asked her if she wanted to go home, she whispered her precious, "yes" and helped us get her dressed. As we walked out of the room, she turned and called, "Bye Bed!" I asked her to tell the nurses "bye" too and she slipped back into her sleepy whisper. As we left the unit I heard them talking about how adorable she was.
She slept all the way home, but when we got home she wanted to eat and play. She had her favorite (applejacks) and insisted on walking (and jumping) all around the house even though her footing wasn't exactly steady. She stayed awake until bedtime came, and then she was restless and clingy.
I don't know how the rest of her recovery will go, but the first day is amazing. I wasn't sure if we were doing the right thing by putting her through this, but now I'm convinced by the fact that she did so well combined with the realization that we would have been back in the pediatrician's office later this week with double ear infections if we hadn't.
Here's hoping the rest of the road goes smoothly. I'm very thankful for our friends & family who have been thinking of and praying for our Little Sister. And SUPER thankful for my mom & dad for coming down to help out.
We'll keep you posted! (whether you want to be or not, really... ;)
Aside from some helpful advice from a few friends who have been through this and the extremely vague information the ENT gave us when we scheduled the surgery, I had no idea what to expect. I was relieved when I found out that she could eat breakfast this morning, although she had to be finished before 7 AM. Then she could have clear liquids until 10. She handled it all pretty well until about 10:30, when she and Big Sis usually have a little 2nd breakfast. Yeah, we're hobbits like that.
Fortunately, we had to pick up Hubby and be at the hospital by 12, so I distracted her with getting dressed, loading up the car and traveling. Right before we got to the hospital, though, she got upset again. Little cries of "I hung-ee. I want candy!" kept coming from the back seat.
At the hospital she forgot about food as she took in everything. I love children's hospitals because they think of everything. There were no rough transitions as we shuffled through registration rooms and waiting rooms- there was always something new to point out. Even the step-on scale had toys hanging on it so she had to step up on it to get a closer look.
When we got into our family waiting room, she started to get a little frantic again. This room, the one in which we spent most of our time, was actually the sparsest room of them all. I brought along a few toys to keep her distracted, but when they stopped working a nurse came to the rescue with some cool Vtech toys.
We talked to everyone under the sun. Our nurse, a nurse from the anesthesia team, our ENT, the anesthesiologist, etc. etc. etc. Little Sis looked like she was taking in everyone and everything, but she was still getting restless. Then they gave her some Tylenol with Codeine and a sedative, and while we let the drugs kick in we finally convinced her to let us change her into the snappy hospital gown. She was relaxing, even wobbling, as she sat on the bed and played with her toys, but she still freaked out when they started to wheel the bed away. I had to carry her into the next room.
But soon, the sedative worked its magic. My sweet baby put her head on my shoulder and said something like, "I think it's bedtime." I cuddled her and prayed for her safety and cherished the moment. Okay, I cried a little.
Then a man on the anesthesia team said it was time to take her. I lifted her up to him and she didn't cry at all. She just looked at him with a somewhat confused but mostly blank stare. And wobbled into his arms. And just like that, we went back to wait.
People say the procedure is really quick, and it is. The doctor came back to report to us (and told us there was infection again in both ears) after probably a half an hour. But since her adenoids were removed, she had to have a breathing tube and recovery took a little longer.
When they finally called me to go back into the recovery room, I was not completely prepared for everything going on. She was very agitated and wanted nothing more than to remove her IV and toe monitor. Her cry had a seal-ish sound to it and her breathing had the croup strider, results of the breathing tube, and I had to wrestle her while they gave her a breathing treatment. Even after we left and went back to our family recovery room- even after they took out that blasted IV- she still was really agitated and almost inconsolable. I tried my best, and when the nurse brought us a popsicle, she finally quieted down and ate it, laying on my chest, her eyes fluttering closed as she slowly chewed each little bite.
When the popsicle was gone, she got fired up again, but by then Daddy had returned from grabbing lunch, so I let him work his magic. He has always been better at getting Little Sis to go to sleep when she is worked up. She slept until we woke her to check vitals, change her clothes, and head for home.
Her second "awakening" was much smoother. Although she was still groggy, there was no crying. And when we asked her if she wanted to go home, she whispered her precious, "yes" and helped us get her dressed. As we walked out of the room, she turned and called, "Bye Bed!" I asked her to tell the nurses "bye" too and she slipped back into her sleepy whisper. As we left the unit I heard them talking about how adorable she was.
She slept all the way home, but when we got home she wanted to eat and play. She had her favorite (applejacks) and insisted on walking (and jumping) all around the house even though her footing wasn't exactly steady. She stayed awake until bedtime came, and then she was restless and clingy.
I don't know how the rest of her recovery will go, but the first day is amazing. I wasn't sure if we were doing the right thing by putting her through this, but now I'm convinced by the fact that she did so well combined with the realization that we would have been back in the pediatrician's office later this week with double ear infections if we hadn't.
Here's hoping the rest of the road goes smoothly. I'm very thankful for our friends & family who have been thinking of and praying for our Little Sister. And SUPER thankful for my mom & dad for coming down to help out.
We'll keep you posted! (whether you want to be or not, really... ;)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Potty Predicament
What do you do with a kid that doesn't seem to really be ready for potty-training, save for her interest and determination?
For months now, Little Sister has stripped every princess doll in the house in order to put them on the "potty" (which is really an upside down hay trough for Dora's ponies). When playing with the dollhouse, if she isn't taking the twin babies in and out of high chairs, she is putting somebody on the toilet and wiping them with a tiny washcloth.
And poor Ariel hasn't been clothed (except for any diaper Little Sis can find) since she came home with us from Disney World.
Yes, Little Sis is obsessed with all things potty. My theory is that this is the one thing that she can't master (or really even practice) on her own. Her determination with all things mechanical and fine motor blows my mind. She holds her pencil/crayons/markers perfectly, and she has for months. If there is a buckle anywhere near her, she works on it until she conquers it. If there is a container to open, a gadget to turn on, or a piece of doll clothing to figure out, she practices.
Over and over.
It is enough to drive you crazy. And make you proud.
But as much as she wants to wear the Elmo and princess "big girl pants" waiting for her in a drawer on her changing table, she just doesn't get it.
She sits on the potty for a split second, asks for "paper towel," wipes and says, "I'm do-ooone!"
But she has not done anything.
Except go through a TON of big girl pants and towels.
Yesterday, though, she did!
She sat on the potty, looked at a book, and pooped! I was so excited we called Daddy at work and updated my facebook status. I know, I know... TMI. But it was a big breakthrough. She finally got that you do more than just sit on it; you put something in it.
So, I don't know. Just when I thought we needed to give up and wait for a while for her little bladder to mature, she has a small victory.
So I'm asking all of you experienced mommies out there. What do you think? March onward with big girl undies (and lots of towels?) until she gets it? Shelve the idea until she can have more success? What's a Momma to do?
For months now, Little Sister has stripped every princess doll in the house in order to put them on the "potty" (which is really an upside down hay trough for Dora's ponies). When playing with the dollhouse, if she isn't taking the twin babies in and out of high chairs, she is putting somebody on the toilet and wiping them with a tiny washcloth.
And poor Ariel hasn't been clothed (except for any diaper Little Sis can find) since she came home with us from Disney World.
Yes, Little Sis is obsessed with all things potty. My theory is that this is the one thing that she can't master (or really even practice) on her own. Her determination with all things mechanical and fine motor blows my mind. She holds her pencil/crayons/markers perfectly, and she has for months. If there is a buckle anywhere near her, she works on it until she conquers it. If there is a container to open, a gadget to turn on, or a piece of doll clothing to figure out, she practices.
Over and over.
It is enough to drive you crazy. And make you proud.
But as much as she wants to wear the Elmo and princess "big girl pants" waiting for her in a drawer on her changing table, she just doesn't get it.
She sits on the potty for a split second, asks for "paper towel," wipes and says, "I'm do-ooone!"
But she has not done anything.
Except go through a TON of big girl pants and towels.
Yesterday, though, she did!
She sat on the potty, looked at a book, and pooped! I was so excited we called Daddy at work and updated my facebook status. I know, I know... TMI. But it was a big breakthrough. She finally got that you do more than just sit on it; you put something in it.
So, I don't know. Just when I thought we needed to give up and wait for a while for her little bladder to mature, she has a small victory.
So I'm asking all of you experienced mommies out there. What do you think? March onward with big girl undies (and lots of towels?) until she gets it? Shelve the idea until she can have more success? What's a Momma to do?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
He said it better
Right now there is a humongous half-finished post of mine waiting to be published.
It's a post about everything swimming around in my brain these days. About anxiety, frustration, exhaustion and... depression. Yeah, I said it.
It's a post about busyness and the feeling that something is still missing despite there being no time to fit it in anyway.
It's a post about how somewhere along the line, the burning passion to serve God and others faithfully at every opportunity led to burn out and feelings of resentment and obligation.
But I don't know if or when I'll post it. Because today, Shaun Groves said it better than I ever could.
Go here to read his post.
This was literally the fifth time in a little over a week that I heard someone talk about some sort of "leave of absence" when leadership for the sake of serving Christ distracts from or distorts our intended relationship with God. And I've lost count of the other ways God has been trying to get me to turn my attention to Him, to get me to slow down, to listen. I think I've kept myself busy intentionally to drown out the still small Voice.
No more.
I'm pulling the rope.
It's a post about everything swimming around in my brain these days. About anxiety, frustration, exhaustion and... depression. Yeah, I said it.
It's a post about busyness and the feeling that something is still missing despite there being no time to fit it in anyway.
It's a post about how somewhere along the line, the burning passion to serve God and others faithfully at every opportunity led to burn out and feelings of resentment and obligation.
But I don't know if or when I'll post it. Because today, Shaun Groves said it better than I ever could.
Go here to read his post.
This was literally the fifth time in a little over a week that I heard someone talk about some sort of "leave of absence" when leadership for the sake of serving Christ distracts from or distorts our intended relationship with God. And I've lost count of the other ways God has been trying to get me to turn my attention to Him, to get me to slow down, to listen. I think I've kept myself busy intentionally to drown out the still small Voice.
No more.
I'm pulling the rope.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Book Review: Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel
If you don't know Lisa Whelchel as the Women of Faith speaker and author of several books about Christian parenting, you might know her as Blair from Facts of Life. It is actually because of her experience as a "child star" that she wrote this book about friendship. She shares a little about growing up too fast, a lot about being alone and independent, and even more about how God helped to heal her heart and help her to understand real friendship.
As in other books I've read by Whelchel, this one is very honest. She doesn't hide the hardships, the awkwardness, even the unhealthiness of her own relationships with God and girlfriends. Instead she bares it all and what she has learned in the hopes that we might do the same, pointing out the importance of friendships in our understanding of grace. As someone who sometimes struggles with the whole concept of friendship, as I shared a little here, I found this to be very inspiring. I sat and read the book basically in one sitting, although I know I will go back and delve deeper into some of the chapters again and again. I would quickly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about opening up to others or maintaining healthy friendships.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Song for Sunday: begin the song of praise
Be Still My Soul
Words by Katharina von Schlegel (english by Jane Borthwick),
Music by Jean Sibelius
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Big Sister's New Game
Big Sister's fairy obsession grew beyond Pixie Hollow to now include... (drumroll please)... the Tooth Fairy. Today she dressed up in purple fairy wings, glass slippers, a wand and a UK cheerleading outfit (huh?) and asked me to play Tooth Fairy with her. There were both good and bad things about this new game.
Pro: I got to sit down the whole time. And I wasable to actually encouraged to lay back and close my eyes while she not-so-subtly reached under my pillow.
Con: Little Sister kept asking me to put a pull-up on her baby doll when I was supposed to be sleeping, making it hard to stay in character.
Pro: There were few props and little mess involved.
Con: I actually dozed off for a few minutes and woke up covered in tiny chart-sized princess stickers.
All in all, not a bad game.
Pro: I got to sit down the whole time. And I was
Con: Little Sister kept asking me to put a pull-up on her baby doll when I was supposed to be sleeping, making it hard to stay in character.
Pro: There were few props and little mess involved.
Con: I actually dozed off for a few minutes and woke up covered in tiny chart-sized princess stickers.
All in all, not a bad game.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I won!
I won this!
Well, actually, I won a pattern and a set of instructions from Bugga Bugs to make my own. Which may or may not look like this when it's all said and done.
Kristin at Couponing to Disney has been having some fantastic Reader Appreciation giveaways on her blog. Last week I was a winner. How cool would it be if you won this week! (or me again... that would be cool too!)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Conversations in the Car
Today Big Sister & I had to go back to the doctor after her fifth(?) fever in as many weeks. Turns out she has a lingering sinus infection and probably needs her tonsils out. Little Sister is already scheduled to get tubes in & adenoids out at the end of the month. It's a good thing I like our ENT.
We dropped Little Sis off to hang out in Daddy's office, went to the doc, came back & picked up Little Sister & Daddy to go to lunch, dropped Daddy back at the church after lunch, came all the way home, realized we had Daddy's car keys and turned around, and then came back home again. Whew.
So there was plenty of time for conversations in the car this morning. Here are a few of my favorites:
Mommy: Hey, [Big Sis] see all of those dandelions in that yard? I bet you would run out of breath trying to blow all of those guys!
Big Sis: Nah. I'd huff & puff. I'm like the Big Bad Wolf, you know.
.....................................................................................................................
Daddy: Bye girls. Be good for Mommy. Take a nap. I'll see you later! (closes door)
Little Sis: Bye Dad!
Mommy: (rolling down window) Did you hear her? Listen. Tell him again, [Little Sis]
Big Sister: Bye Daddy!
Little Sister: Bye Da Da! And Happy Birthday!!
.......................................................................................................................
Big Sister: (after watching me let a car merge in front of us) Who are we waving at?
Mommy: I don't know. I don't know him. I just let him have a turn in front of us, and he waved to say, "Thank you." I waved back to say "You're welcome."
Big Sister: (straining to hear me over the goofy Fred Penner cd) Did you say "You're welcome" or "I love you?"
Mommy: I waved to say "You're welcome." I don't love him. I don't know him... (Then, after a moment of thought) I mean... I love him because I'm supposed to love everybody because Jesus loves everybody. But not like I love you or Daddy.
We dropped Little Sis off to hang out in Daddy's office, went to the doc, came back & picked up Little Sister & Daddy to go to lunch, dropped Daddy back at the church after lunch, came all the way home, realized we had Daddy's car keys and turned around, and then came back home again. Whew.
So there was plenty of time for conversations in the car this morning. Here are a few of my favorites:
Mommy: Hey, [Big Sis] see all of those dandelions in that yard? I bet you would run out of breath trying to blow all of those guys!
Big Sis: Nah. I'd huff & puff. I'm like the Big Bad Wolf, you know.
.....................................................................................................................
Daddy: Bye girls. Be good for Mommy. Take a nap. I'll see you later! (closes door)
Little Sis: Bye Dad!
Mommy: (rolling down window) Did you hear her? Listen. Tell him again, [Little Sis]
Big Sister: Bye Daddy!
Little Sister: Bye Da Da! And Happy Birthday!!
.......................................................................................................................
Big Sister: (after watching me let a car merge in front of us) Who are we waving at?
Mommy: I don't know. I don't know him. I just let him have a turn in front of us, and he waved to say, "Thank you." I waved back to say "You're welcome."
Big Sister: (straining to hear me over the goofy Fred Penner cd) Did you say "You're welcome" or "I love you?"
Mommy: I waved to say "You're welcome." I don't love him. I don't know him... (Then, after a moment of thought) I mean... I love him because I'm supposed to love everybody because Jesus loves everybody. But not like I love you or Daddy.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Song for Sunday: What if I've been blue?
When the Red Red Robin
Comes Bob, Bobbin' Along
by Harry Woods
When the red, red robin comes
Bob-bob-bobbin' along, along,
There'll be no more sobbin' when
He starts throbbin' his old, sweet song.
Wake up, wake up, you sleepy head;
Get up, get up, get out of bed.
Cheer up, cheer up - the sun is red.
Live, love, laugh and be happy.
What if I've been blue,
Now I'm walkin' through fields of flowers.
Rain may glisten, but
Still I listen for hours and hours.
I'm just a kid again,
Doin' what I did again,
Singin' a song
When the red, red robin comes
Bob-bob-bobbin' along.
Comes Bob, Bobbin' Along
by Harry Woods
When the red, red robin comes
Bob-bob-bobbin' along, along,
There'll be no more sobbin' when
He starts throbbin' his old, sweet song.
Wake up, wake up, you sleepy head;
Get up, get up, get out of bed.
Cheer up, cheer up - the sun is red.
Live, love, laugh and be happy.
What if I've been blue,
Now I'm walkin' through fields of flowers.
Rain may glisten, but
Still I listen for hours and hours.
I'm just a kid again,
Doin' what I did again,
Singin' a song
When the red, red robin comes
Bob-bob-bobbin' along.
Big Sis & I have been singing this song while playing outside in the lovely spring weather. I've been trying to spend more time just enjoying the weather, the birdsong, and my girls. We're particular to the version of this song by Carmen McRae found on Jazz for Kids.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Disney magic
Okay, so if you're a cheesy sap like me, and especially if you're one of the few people I've talked to about getting all teary-eyed over all things pertaining to little children and the magic of Disneyworld...
you must read this.
See if you're not a blubbering idiot by the time you finish.
you must read this.
See if you're not a blubbering idiot by the time you finish.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Book Review: The Voice New Testament
I'm supposed to try to keep these reviews at around 200 words. But this one was hard! I cut it as much as I felt I could. Sorry if it is a choppy read.
The Voice is "a scripture project to rediscover the story of the Bible." It's not your grandpa's KJV. In fact, it's unlike any version of scripture I've ever read.
Scholars, writers, poets, pastors and artists worked together to produce a text that engages the reader with the Story of God and humanity. (In addition to this New Testament, there are music projects and an Old Testament collaboration.) At the beginning, there is an introduction to sort through some of the extras.
For example, for the book of John, there is an introduction like others found in various study Bibles. Then there is a text box with more "from John himself." There are text boxes on each page, offering extra insight but also transitions. Many devotional Bibles have similar boxes with verses pulled out to showcase. But with The Voice, these boxes weren't placed to enhance the design. They were placed to enhance the Story. So were lots of italicized phrases to convey context or what gets "lost in translation" and conversations written in screenplay format. This could be very beneficial for congregational reading.
The language used is intentionally different. My guess is that this is due not only to the input of poets and artists, but also to the goal of engaging a new generation. "Christ" is "Liberating King" to help readers re-realize the meaning of the Name. Other commonly used phrases undergo similar makeovers. This can be good or bad- sometimes it seems awkward or forced.
I'm sure this new version will meet resistance, but it should be embraced. The notion of creating a dramatic narrative is nothing new- it's how Scriptures were passed down for centuries. Anything said outside of the original text is obvious through the format. The scholars consulted were chosen to work together because they had different viewpoints, to avoid any bias. This project was undertaken carefully and reverently. And ultimately, God's message of love and redemption is proclaimed anew.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Voice is "a scripture project to rediscover the story of the Bible." It's not your grandpa's KJV. In fact, it's unlike any version of scripture I've ever read.
Scholars, writers, poets, pastors and artists worked together to produce a text that engages the reader with the Story of God and humanity. (In addition to this New Testament, there are music projects and an Old Testament collaboration.) At the beginning, there is an introduction to sort through some of the extras.
For example, for the book of John, there is an introduction like others found in various study Bibles. Then there is a text box with more "from John himself." There are text boxes on each page, offering extra insight but also transitions. Many devotional Bibles have similar boxes with verses pulled out to showcase. But with The Voice, these boxes weren't placed to enhance the design. They were placed to enhance the Story. So were lots of italicized phrases to convey context or what gets "lost in translation" and conversations written in screenplay format. This could be very beneficial for congregational reading.
The language used is intentionally different. My guess is that this is due not only to the input of poets and artists, but also to the goal of engaging a new generation. "Christ" is "Liberating King" to help readers re-realize the meaning of the Name. Other commonly used phrases undergo similar makeovers. This can be good or bad- sometimes it seems awkward or forced.
I'm sure this new version will meet resistance, but it should be embraced. The notion of creating a dramatic narrative is nothing new- it's how Scriptures were passed down for centuries. Anything said outside of the original text is obvious through the format. The scholars consulted were chosen to work together because they had different viewpoints, to avoid any bias. This project was undertaken carefully and reverently. And ultimately, God's message of love and redemption is proclaimed anew.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Swagbucks!
I signed on with Swagbucks a little over a week ago. Yesterday I was able to cash in for my first Amazon gift card!
It wasn't huge (just a $5 one, actually). But considering that all I did to earn it was use my Swagbucks toolbar for my online searches and check the Swagbucks widget a few times to find special bonus codes, I'd say it was a pretty good deal! Even if I only go along at my current rate, I might get three to four $5 cards per month.
I've seen other people online who have earned MUCH more because of their referrals and other Swag-savvy ways. One blogger wrote about using Swagbucks to fund her family's entire Christmas. Another, Kristin at Couponing to Disney, just got herself a new iphone, just from Swagbucks!
If you're like me & trying to make/save a few dollars wherever you can, maybe you'd like to try out Swagbucks too!
It wasn't huge (just a $5 one, actually). But considering that all I did to earn it was use my Swagbucks toolbar for my online searches and check the Swagbucks widget a few times to find special bonus codes, I'd say it was a pretty good deal! Even if I only go along at my current rate, I might get three to four $5 cards per month.
I've seen other people online who have earned MUCH more because of their referrals and other Swag-savvy ways. One blogger wrote about using Swagbucks to fund her family's entire Christmas. Another, Kristin at Couponing to Disney, just got herself a new iphone, just from Swagbucks!
If you're like me & trying to make/save a few dollars wherever you can, maybe you'd like to try out Swagbucks too!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Our Easter
Easter baskets
Cute little Easter dresses for church
Worshiping a risen Savior
Yummy Easter dinner (Hooray for ham and Strawberry Pretzel Salad!)
Naps
Egg hunting (& finding)
Sharing (and swiping)
Snacking in the shade
New movie (Princess & the Frog) on new (super deal) Blu-Ray player
Carrot Cake
Clean Up
Bedtime (and special prayers of thanks for all of the extra blessings)
Hope yours was Happy!
Cute little Easter dresses for church
Worshiping a risen SaviorYummy Easter dinner (Hooray for ham and Strawberry Pretzel Salad!)
Naps
Egg hunting (& finding)
Sharing (and swiping)
Snacking in the shade
New movie (Princess & the Frog) on new (super deal) Blu-Ray player
Carrot Cake
Clean Up
Bedtime (and special prayers of thanks for all of the extra blessings)
Hope yours was Happy!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Song for Sunday: more faithful than the morning...
My first thought for today was one of my favorite songs of all time, U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love). Not only is the song about Christ coming to justify, it is also about Martin Luther King giving his life on this day 42 years ago. Click here to read the lyrics, or scroll down to play it on my playlist. Instead, I offer a song we sang in our Easter Encounter service at church today...
True Love
By Phil Wickham
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Search your heart you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us
The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Now, Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died
Come close listen to the story...
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
(Matthew 28, The Message)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Is anybody listening?
This morning we had an egg hunt at Mom's Morning Out.
We only had nine kids, so it was on a very small scale. I had a little over two dozen eggs. They decorated sandwich baggies, and I stuffed some colorful Easter grass inside.
When we finished our snack, it was time for the hunt. I got everyone's attention (okay, as much as you can with a room filled with nine children ranging in age from 15 months to 3 & 1/2 years old.)
"Okay, everyone, we're going to hunt for Easter Eggs! Are you ready?" I started. "There are enough eggs for everyone to have three. When you find your eggs, put them in your bag. The bags are small, and there aren't very many eggs, so everybody will get three. When you have three, you can help someone else find some. Count your eggs and stop at three. Don't get more than three for yourself."
"Everybody understand?" I asked.
"Yeah!" They answered.
"Okay, how many eggs are you going to get?"
They were loud, excited & confident in their answer. Nearly in unison, the kids called out:
"TWO!!!"
We only had nine kids, so it was on a very small scale. I had a little over two dozen eggs. They decorated sandwich baggies, and I stuffed some colorful Easter grass inside.
When we finished our snack, it was time for the hunt. I got everyone's attention (okay, as much as you can with a room filled with nine children ranging in age from 15 months to 3 & 1/2 years old.)
"Okay, everyone, we're going to hunt for Easter Eggs! Are you ready?" I started. "There are enough eggs for everyone to have three. When you find your eggs, put them in your bag. The bags are small, and there aren't very many eggs, so everybody will get three. When you have three, you can help someone else find some. Count your eggs and stop at three. Don't get more than three for yourself."
"Everybody understand?" I asked.
"Yeah!" They answered.
"Okay, how many eggs are you going to get?"
They were loud, excited & confident in their answer. Nearly in unison, the kids called out:
"TWO!!!"
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