Loss

On December 4, my Daddy passed away. He was 57 years old.

Dealing with this kind of loss is new to me, but I know many friends who've already been through it. Some days I think I must be doing better, and then other days I think I'll never live through this.

The pain is so real, it's almost physical.

As many of my readers know, he battled colon cancer last year. At the initial diagnosis, he was given 2 years to live. He went through chemo, and by summertime, he was cancer free and living his normal life. Such excitement!

Then, this fall, he began having some stomach pains, which he didn't even share with my mom at first, not wanting to worry her. Finally, he decided to go in for a checkup, where they discovered the cancer was trying to return. They decided to attack it agressively.

From that point, everything was a confusing blur. He had complications from the treatment, which resulted in two surgeries in one week. The chemo caused his body not to heal properly from the operations. His kidneys and liver began to fail, and he developed pneumonia.

Six weeks from the time he went to start treatments, he was gone.

I still can't believe how quickly it all happened. It's hard to believe he's really gone. He was one of those people who really lived. He was so FULL of life. Our world is much different without him.

He left behind two daughters and 11 grandkids. I think what makes me the saddest is to think about my younger children who won't grow up knowing their Grandad.

But I know without a doubt that my Daddy is in heaven, worshipping at the throne of Jesus. He loved God with all his heart. He led many, many people to Christ.

He left a legacy that has been an inspiration to our family and the many people that knew him.

His loss is bittersweet. The pain of losing a parent is very bitter. But the knowledge of where he is now is amazingly sweet. I know he is so happy, and celebrating an eternity free of pain.

If you've been through this kind of loss, you already know what we're going through. Time seems to drag by, and the sadness is at the front of my thoughts all day. I appreciate your prayers for my Mom, my sister, and our family members during this time.

I've blogged about my Dad before. If you'd like to know how great he was, and why we miss him so much, read :

http://400things.blogspot.com/2009/10/open-letter-to-my-dad.html

http://400things.blogspot.com/2009/03/children-are-blessing.html



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BIG Vision Forum Giveaway!

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know how much I LOVE Vision Forum products! So you can imagine how excited I am to share a huge giveaway hosted by Raising Olives! Up to $600 free!

Vision Forum carries some of my favorite Christian books, CDs, videos, and toys.

If you're new to my blog, here are some of my previous posts about Vision Forum products:

School Week: Bible
Save the Planet: Don't Have Children
Books I Love: Elsie Dinsmore
Boy Girl Relationships

I could go on all day, or you could visit their website and see for yourself! Happy Christmas shopping.


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Does Cain Deserve a Pass?

If you don't have your head in the sand, you're probably aware that Republican Presidential nominee Herman Cain has been accused of sexual harassment. Several accusers have come forward in the past couple of weeks.

Personally, I am not sure whether the accusations are true or false. I haven't spent enough time researching the issue. But I'm a little frustrated with Republicans.

Apparently, to many conservative Republicans in the media, it's a "non-issue."

"If it happened, it was years ago, and shouldn't affect his ability to be President."

"What Bill Clinton did was completely different."

Truthfully, I'm ashamed of my fellow Republicans. There may be many things that "don't affect a man's ability to be President." That's not the issue. The issue is the whole man.

I like Herman Cain for the most part. But I still prefer to know whether or not he's guilty as charged. A man's moral makeup definitely affects his ability to be President. It should not be a partisan political issue.

Mr. Cain calls himself a Christian. If he is a Christian, he owes it to his fellow Christians (and the world in general) to prove to us that the allegations are false. As Christians, we are the "light of the world." (Matthew 5:14) Mr. Cain is definitely in a position of influence, whether or not he wins the nomination. His light has the potential to shine quite far.

As a Presidential candidate, his Christianity is extremely important.

"We need religion as a guide. We need it because we are imperfect, and our government needs the church, because only those humble enough to admit they’re sinners can bring to democracy the tolerance it requires in order to survive." – President Ronald Reagan

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." — President George Washington

Come on, Republicans. Call it like it is. Mr. Cain is innocent until proven guilty. But if he is proven guilty, let's admit it, not dismiss it. He is asking us for the most powerful job in the land, and I think he ought to be able to be as clean as they come.

What the Pilgrims Did

As a parent in the twenty-first century, it can seem that every decision you make forces you to explain your actions, and you may feel as though you are swimming upstream in a raging river. I live in that world, so I know the feeling.

Among Christian families, there is an ever growing movement to separate our children from worldly influence. For more than two decades, homeschooling has continued to grow in popularity. In recent years, a growing number of families have chosen to forsake youth groups and children's church, knowing that even in a church setting the influences are undesirable.

Some families make decisions for their children that raise the eyebrows of even the most well-meaning friends and relatives. For instance, we tend to shy away from slumber parties or extended stays anywhere without parents. We closely monitor all of our children's friendships, and will quickly put an end to those that might have a negative effect on our kids. We limit TV and movie choices, and require the kids to check in with us if even a grandparent wants to take them to see a movie.

God gave us these children, entrusting them to our care. It's such a huge responsibility. But, since they came from God, we only answer to God.

In the years 1609-1620, the Pilgrims were residing in Leyden, Holland. It had been their refuge when they first fled England and the tyranny of the King. So, if it was so great, what made them choose the wilderness of America?

In his book, Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford, Governor of the Plymouth colony, describes several reasons. One of those reasons:

"But still more lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to be borne, was that many of the children, influenced by these [difficult physical] conditions, and the great licentiousness of the young people of the country, and the many temptations of the city, were led by evil example into dangerous courses, getting the reins off their necks and leaving their parents. Some became soldiers, others embarked upon voyages by sea and others upon worse courses tending to dissoluteness and the danger of their souls, to the great grief of the parents and the dishonour of God. So they saw their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and become corrupt."

So, in their desire to raise their children away from such dangers, they picked up everything and braved a 6 week ocean voyage, wilderness, Indians, and the great unknown. They had very little knowledge of this new world, its weather, terrain, people, vegetation, or possibilities. But it was worth it to them to protect their children and save their souls.

I, for one, am humbled by their sacrifice and thankful that they were willing. They suffered many hardships and losses, but they also produced some of the greatest men and women in history.

So next time you question the sanity of your decisions or are accused of "sheltering" your children from society, holdyour head up, smile, and remember the Pilgrims.

Now go enjoy some pumpkin pie with those unsocialized kids of yours.

Preserve, Protect, and Defend

This is the reason I started blogging almost three years ago: to expose to as many people as possible the threats to our freedom.

It's real, and here's the proof:



"...act without additional Congressional authorization..."

When a President takes the Oath of Office, he swears to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The Constitution clearly states that the Congress has the power to make laws, not the President. Obama does not have the right to "act without additinal Congressional authorization," and just saying those words should have him in hot water with both the media and the Congress.

We have a balance of power for a reason. The Founding Fathers knew, based on experience, that a single person holding the power simply didn't work.

Want more? Jesse Jackson, Jr., Congressman from Illinois, is calling for "extra-constitutional" measures and "administrative" power. Read the article and watch the interview here. He advocates calling for a state of emergency to pass a jobs bill that would allow the Federal Government to directly hire thousands of people. Hire them to do what?

Here's where I might lose a few of you because you'll think I'm a kook.

"Crisis is routinely identified as a core mechanism of fascism because it short-cirtuits debate and democratic deliberation." -Jonah Goldberg, Liberal Fascism

(Fascism is defined as a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.)

Beware of the term "state of emergency" in this economic crisis. It's the first step to losing our freedom.

Stay with me . . .

Declaring a state of emergency would give the President what looks like "authority" to circumvent Congressional approval for anything, instituting just about anything he (or his cohorts) desire. It would be the beginning of the end of freedom as we know it. When Congress is deemed irrelevant, our system of checks and balances disappears altogether and we live under a regime, not in freedom.

So, what can you do about it?

1. Contact your Congress men/women immediately. Call their offices and talk to their staff about the things Obama and Jackson have said. Ask if they've heard it and if they agree or disagree. Ask them how they plan to uphold the Consitutional authority of Congress. Don't just send an email; talk to them verbally.

2. Spread the word. Use every medium you have: email, blogging (feel free to share this post), facebook, twitter, phone calls; whatever.

3. Be an informed voter. As you seek to preserve the office of the President, make sure you are prepared to vote for the next President. Be knowledgeable. Watch the debates. Read their websites. Ask questions.

4. Pray for the United States. We have a great system set up by our founders. It works well. Pray for our citizens, elected officials, and our form of government.

5. Educate your children. The next generation needs to be more educated and informed than the current generation. Make sure your children know the Bible, the Constitution, and the opposing forms of government.

Please, I beg you, don't sit by and ignore this threat to our great nation.

There is great Danger in Complacency.

The Importance of Reading Scripture

There is absolutely no substitute for reading God's Word. On a stresssful day, chocolate, caffeine, a bubble bath, and a long walk are all to be desired, but the greatest calming agent is truly God's Word. And sometimes that's all you've got.

In a recent 4 Moms 35 Kids blogging marathon, Kim Brenneman, author of Large Family Logistics (an awesome book!) joined the discussion on basically managing the large Family. You'd expect a list of great tips, lists, and time-management advice. But since she already covered that in the book, she went straight to the real issue. We cannot do this alone.

"Wear out your Bible. Plan to buy a new Bible next year because your current one gets worn out. Put it beside your favorite chair and read daily. Read it to your children, not only yourself. If a child interrupts your quiet time then start reading outloud to that child. Don't get frustrated, just make that child part of your study time. Take the Bible to the breakfast table and read to the children while they eat. Do the same thing at your lunch hour. Take it to bed with you and read it before you go to sleep. When you wake up, read a chapter right away. "

You can read the full post here.

I think my favorite part is to wear out your Bible. Plan to buy a new one every year because your current one gets worn out. That has really stuck with me; it's convicted me. I want to wear out my Bible!

Movies for History

In our homeschool, we enjoy a good movie to round out certain periods of history. It really helps the times, the culture, the era to come alive. And if you've done your study before you watch the movie, you'll hear your children exclaim that they recognize this person or that place. Plus, it's lots of fun!

I was recently sent a list of historical movies in chronological order. For a Type A homeschooling, list-obsessed mom, it was like winning the jackpot! Click here for the full list.

Obviously, parents need to filter this information for their families. Some are not appropriate for children, but there are a couple of ways to verify their content.

Internet Movie Database or IMDB is an exhaustive list of movies that you can search, by title, producer, actors, and almost anything else. It is pretty good about giving you the breakdown of what's included, like launguage, themes, violence, etc. It's a secular site, but I still find that it gives lots of helpful information.

Plugged In Online by Focus on the Family is a great resource for Christian parents for all things media. The only drawback is that it's mostly current movies (meaning this generation) that they review. Okay, two drawbacks: I find that Focus on the Family is not nearly conservative as I used to think they were, or that I am more conservative than I used to be. So, again, you'll need to filter it yourself.

One of my standards for judging movies is the older the better. You almost can't go wrong if it was made in the 60's or before (I say almost, because there are always exceptions.)

Some examples of movies we've enjoyed this year: Shennandoah (Civil War) and The Alamo (Texas History). We are getting ready to watch Sargent York as we study WWI, and then there are numerous titles to choose from for WWII.

So pop some corn and rent or stream a historical flick after school!

Primary Kids Room Theme

Until we move into a MUCH bigger house, our little Catie Pie shares a bedroom with her two brothesr, 5 and 3. So how to decorate a kids' room for two boys and a girl?

Primary colors!

And since I found Pinterest, I've found the cutest, easiest ideas that can be copies in our home. Like this one:

It's crayons hot glued to a canvas, and then heated with a blow-dryer to create this effect. The whole family enjoyed this one!

Then I saw this and decided to adapt it with what we had on hand:

There's also an alphabet wall that I'm working on. I'm trying to collect 26 different letters and paint them different colors. It's a work in progress. And framed board games! I'll be scouring garage sales for these.

And lastly, I already made these clipboard/memo frames for my girls, and it was super quick and easy. So, I took some frames that were just sitting around and spray painted them red, added a couple of binder clips, and now we have a place to hang the latest artwork from the boys! Ours are very similar to this photo.

I've found a whole new world of great ideas, and I'll share some more of them later this week. Like a bajillion pictures you can make with your children's handprints!


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Roots

I am a history buff, so loving and teaching history come naturally to me. It's not school; it's fun. I hope I am making it second nature to my children, as well. Not because I need them to be like me, but because knowing our roots is so important as Christians, as Americans, and as families. It gives us a big-picture perspective, which I think is sorely lacking in so many today. Our world is too small; our focus is very narrow.

I want to broaden it for my children, and I want them to be able to look back and see how history relates to them.

As Christians, it is important to know where the world came from, Who governs it, and Who created us. Reading the Bible reminds us of God's power and sovereignty, and how He keeps His promises. It's the first history book. And it's full of some amazing stories!

In our home, the big kids read the Bible through in a year (chronologically), and memorize the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The little kids listen to Mom read from The Children's Story Bible by Catherine Vos and memorize an easy children's version of the Catechism. At Christmas and Easter, we take special time to read and discuss God's gift of a Savior.




As Americans, it's important to know how and why we came to be Americans. Knowing why the Puritans and the Pilgrims braved everything to sail here, why the colonists chose to resist the king, and what was behind the Constitution give us the inspiration to preserve what we have today.

In our home, we read about the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving in November. We read about Columbus in October. The Declaration of Independence and the Revolution are hot topics in July. Our form of government is always brought up in the light of current events. And we always tie this in with God's design for America and how "God governs in the affairs of man."

As Texans (and I apologize and sympathize with those of you who aren't) we relish the story of Texas' War for Independence from Mexico. If you don't know it, by golly, you're missin' out!


The story of Colonel Travis and the defenders of the Alamo, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, the mothers and wives, oh! I could go on! It makes one proud to be a Texan!

And if you visit the Alamo in person, you'll get chills. I promise.

We recently enjoyed the book A Time to Stand, which details the Texas Revolution. Reading that book just before our visit to the Alamo made it so real.

In our home, we remember Texas Independence Day in March. We visit museums every chance we get. And if I ever see a Texas Historical Marker on the side of the road, we stop and read it.

As families, it's important to know about our ancestors and their relation to our faith and local history. Knowing the grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond, knowing where and how they lived, and knowing what part they played in our history gives us roots and tall shoulders to stand on.

We need that, and our children need it.

Here are just SOME of the books we enjoy:

I don't have any roses...