The Daily Reflection written by Mark D.Roberts a few days ago, focused on Psalm 80. His thoughts centered on the phrase, Turn us again to yourself, O God..., which are found in verses 3, 7 and 19. He had encouraging, enlightening and hopeful things to share about this passage but my heart lingered on that one phrase - Turn us again to yourself, O God...
There are several things I find in these words which bring me delight and hope. This prayer by Asaph asks God to "Turn us" to himself. The scriptural basis for the fact that we can ask God to originate the turning not just for ourselves but for others is something I hadn't located or mindfully registered previously. I have frequently prayed for myself and others to turn to Him in repentance but I perceived the turning to be a personal response to God as a result of confessional prayer. I had not grasped the reality that God is at work "Turning us" as we pray and petition with intercession on behalf of ourselves and others.
This verse in Psalm 80 provides not just a glimmer of hope but a burst of evidence that there's life changing influence coming from our loving, merciful and powerful God when we pray with these words of conviction - Turn us again to yourself, O God... I pray today with renewed zeal for those including myself whose hearts need "turning" again to God.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Celebrating Halloween at Laity Lodge #3...
I have posted two blogs about the concert with David Tolley on Halloween evening at Laity Lodge. With my little Canon camera, I was able to capture several of his remarkable renditions that evening. Today I am including a clip of his presentation from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. 
He asked for all lights to be turned off leaving just the glow from the candles inside the "Choir" of carved pumpkins. David Tolley's hands on the Steinway marvelously created the spooky mood so appropriate for that evening.
He asked for all lights to be turned off leaving just the glow from the candles inside the "Choir" of carved pumpkins. David Tolley's hands on the Steinway marvelously created the spooky mood so appropriate for that evening.Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Celebrating Halloween at Laity Lodge #2...
Yesterday I posted an entry about the weekend retreat I attended at Laity Lodge. A highlight of the weekend was the concert Saturday evening with David Tolley. I used my little Canon camera to film several of the pieces he played. He gave me permission to share them here and on my Facebook page. I think you will enjoy hearing his remarkable compositions.
It was Halloween evening when this concert took place. Pumpkins had been carved as an art project for those who wished to "play" during their free time in the afternoons with guest artist Meg Lowry Sack. Someone created 3 jack-o-lanterns with a musical theme to honor David.
They were placed beside him for the concert at the Cody Center.
The piece I'm including in this post, is a number which David shared for the first time at Laity Lodge. It is entitled, REAL FRIO LOVE. The name was selected as a way for David to honor Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Butt. REAL is the name of the county in which Laity Lodge is found. It is pronounced as a 2 syllable word - Re al. But of course the word also can mean what we usually think of when we see the word real - i.e. genuine, authentic, actual, true. FRIO is the name of the river along which the H.E.Butt Foundation property sits. LOVE is a personal expression which David feels for Mr. and Mrs. Butt because of the many ways in which they have shown him and his family the warmth of their very real, genuine and authentic welcome, grace, affirmation and generosity. LOVE is also an expression which can be used to describe the relationship Mr. and Mrs. Butt have shared with each other for nearly 60 years. David has composed a lovely melody and dedicated it to Mr. and Mrs. Butt as he prepared to play it during the concert.
It was Halloween evening when this concert took place. Pumpkins had been carved as an art project for those who wished to "play" during their free time in the afternoons with guest artist Meg Lowry Sack. Someone created 3 jack-o-lanterns with a musical theme to honor David.
They were placed beside him for the concert at the Cody Center.The piece I'm including in this post, is a number which David shared for the first time at Laity Lodge. It is entitled, REAL FRIO LOVE. The name was selected as a way for David to honor Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Butt. REAL is the name of the county in which Laity Lodge is found. It is pronounced as a 2 syllable word - Re al. But of course the word also can mean what we usually think of when we see the word real - i.e. genuine, authentic, actual, true. FRIO is the name of the river along which the H.E.Butt Foundation property sits. LOVE is a personal expression which David feels for Mr. and Mrs. Butt because of the many ways in which they have shown him and his family the warmth of their very real, genuine and authentic welcome, grace, affirmation and generosity. LOVE is also an expression which can be used to describe the relationship Mr. and Mrs. Butt have shared with each other for nearly 60 years. David has composed a lovely melody and dedicated it to Mr. and Mrs. Butt as he prepared to play it during the concert.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Celebrating Halloween at Laity Lodge...
I attended a wonderful retreat last weekend at Laity Lodge. The artist for the weekend was Meg Lowry Sack who led a pumpkin carving session for folks during their afternoon free time. 
The clever and creative jack-o-lanterns surrounded the Steinway at the Cody Center. This provided a festive Halloween atmosphere for the concert on Saturday evening with David Tolley. David has been a guest artist at Laity Lodge on at least an annual basis since 1986. My husband and I moved to TX in 1985 for him to begin work with this wonderful ministry. In our nearly 25 years with the H.E.Butt Foundation ministries, we have had the privilege of hearing David many times. We are very grateful for that blessing in our lives. David has become a friend and I want to share some moments from his concert Saturday evening. He opened his concert with a number he composed for EuroDisney. His 18 hour complete work continues to play there. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy HEAVENLY FLIGHT as it was performed to open his concert at Laity Lodge.
The clever and creative jack-o-lanterns surrounded the Steinway at the Cody Center. This provided a festive Halloween atmosphere for the concert on Saturday evening with David Tolley. David has been a guest artist at Laity Lodge on at least an annual basis since 1986. My husband and I moved to TX in 1985 for him to begin work with this wonderful ministry. In our nearly 25 years with the H.E.Butt Foundation ministries, we have had the privilege of hearing David many times. We are very grateful for that blessing in our lives. David has become a friend and I want to share some moments from his concert Saturday evening. He opened his concert with a number he composed for EuroDisney. His 18 hour complete work continues to play there. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy HEAVENLY FLIGHT as it was performed to open his concert at Laity Lodge.Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Tribute to Joe Maxwell...
The earliest memories I have of Joe and Kathleen Maxwell were made while my daughter participated in a gymnastics class at their studio in Kerrville, TX. They were welcoming, loving and professional as they guided a cautious young girl into their world. They made their world safe and fun.
A few years later, I would connect with the Maxwell family again when their oldest son was assigned to my 6th grade Language Arts class at the public school where I was a teacher. Austin was a model student - bright, respectful, conscientious, friendly and a capable participant in class. Finding out that he received an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis after graduation from high school came as no surprise to me.
I was not too frequently in settings with the Maxwell family but because of their prominence in our community, I followed the work into which God led them. Everything I heard and read underscored the fact that they lived their lives seeking to worship, serve and spread the Kingdom of God.
For many people, Joe's diagnosis of Merkel Cell cancer early in 2009 was a shock and a tragedy! People around the world joined a band of prayer warriors reading their CaringBridge posts to follow his progression through surgery and treatment. Each entry was encouragement to the reader even when the news was disappointing and dire. Joe, Kathleen and their children steadfastly maintained their strong faith and trust in a loving God. That faith remains even though Joe's fight with cancer ended early on October 8th.
As Joe was about to be discharged for the last time from MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX, a reporter from the NY Times interviewed him and Kathleen. The article was published today and has a mention of Joe. May it be one more way in which his life serves to share God's truth with a world in great need of being in a forgiven, redeemed relationship with Joe's Savior.
Kathleen will continue to share her journey through a blog she has just begun.
A few years later, I would connect with the Maxwell family again when their oldest son was assigned to my 6th grade Language Arts class at the public school where I was a teacher. Austin was a model student - bright, respectful, conscientious, friendly and a capable participant in class. Finding out that he received an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis after graduation from high school came as no surprise to me.
I was not too frequently in settings with the Maxwell family but because of their prominence in our community, I followed the work into which God led them. Everything I heard and read underscored the fact that they lived their lives seeking to worship, serve and spread the Kingdom of God.
For many people, Joe's diagnosis of Merkel Cell cancer early in 2009 was a shock and a tragedy! People around the world joined a band of prayer warriors reading their CaringBridge posts to follow his progression through surgery and treatment. Each entry was encouragement to the reader even when the news was disappointing and dire. Joe, Kathleen and their children steadfastly maintained their strong faith and trust in a loving God. That faith remains even though Joe's fight with cancer ended early on October 8th.
As Joe was about to be discharged for the last time from MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX, a reporter from the NY Times interviewed him and Kathleen. The article was published today and has a mention of Joe. May it be one more way in which his life serves to share God's truth with a world in great need of being in a forgiven, redeemed relationship with Joe's Savior.
Kathleen will continue to share her journey through a blog she has just begun.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Moldova Boxes - the end?
With hope, trust, gratitude and joy, our team packed 31 boxes - over 800 kg, nearly a ton - of goods donated for the people in Moldova with whom we'd be spending a week in early August. Those boxes were taken to the shipper and on July 24th began their journey which only God foreknew. If you followed this blog during our time in Moldova, you know that the boxes had not arrived by the time our team did and were not released by the time we left.
Yesterday, September 24th is the day those same 31 unopened boxes returned to the room in which they were packed! Following is a note written by our team member whose steadfast commitment to the boxes was given with grace and determination - an effort our team only minimally comprehends. She shared these words to communicate her final chapter of this drama.
How sweet to have experienced first hand the truth of
Yesterday, September 24th is the day those same 31 unopened boxes returned to the room in which they were packed! Following is a note written by our team member whose steadfast commitment to the boxes was given with grace and determination - an effort our team only minimally comprehends. She shared these words to communicate her final chapter of this drama.
Hello Everyone,It is a relief to have this gnarled episode finally resolved but many unanswered questions linger. In the days and weeks ahead each member of our team will prayerfully ponder what we are to learn from this experience. It will not be wasted work if we allow God's creative redemption plan to guide us into an even closer commitment to Him and a deeper dependence on His sufficiency.
The boxes are back, safe and sound in Kerrville! This morning I headed to Houston to get them. It is hard to think that 2 months ago today I made the same trek to drop off the boxes. This has been a long and trying experience. I wanted to let the team know, from me, that I appreciate all the support, encouragement, patience, and prayers that I have been shown as I have worked to resolve this situation.
The original intent for these boxes was to bring gifts to the Moldovan people and although that mission has yet to be accomplished I believe that God used these boxes to accomplish a different goal among us. While in Moldova we were able to see how it was His presence not the presents we brought that the children desired. Once we arrived back in the states He continued to use these boxes to teach/remind me of how sovereign and unfailing He is and how His plans are better than our own.
In closing, when we were in Moldova someone told me, "One day we will be able to look back at this and laugh.", well I am not quite there yet but hopefully one day soon.
Thanks again for everything,
How sweet to have experienced first hand the truth of
Proverbs 19: 21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
So we give thanks for the safe return of these boxes and pray for wisdom as we decide what to do with the contents which await the revelation of their Divine Purpose.
And may I not soon forget the freedom that comes without the encumbrance of "stuff" - even stuff with noble, worthwhile intent.
And may I not soon forget the freedom that comes without the encumbrance of "stuff" - even stuff with noble, worthwhile intent.
August 6 - 16, 2010
Pray about your participation!!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering 9/11...
My family and I lived in NYC from January 1976 - November 1979. We were taken to the World Trade Center by a friend who worked for the NYC Port Authority. Because of his employment, our tour of the tower included some background scenes and information to which I now wish I had paid better attention. But I remember well the moment I walked to the windows of the restaurant on the 107th floor and looked down! My whole body trembled as my mind was moved to ponder a series of "What ifs".
I doubt that during my first visit to the World Trade Center I ever imagined a day when that building would fall in tragedy and horror as the world watched. And on that day eight years ago when those buildings fell, my sense of loss was great!!! I no longer lived there but a son and his wife did so my first call was to him to find out where he was and to make sure he was safe. He answered his phone and assured me that he was safe. He and his wife were on tour with My Brightest Diamond and were not in the city. Next calls were made to friends who lived there. We learned that all our friends were safely accounted for but they were linked to others who were still missing. The church which had been our Brooklyn employer was being used by folks stopped in evacuating traffic beside it on the BQE - Brooklyn Queens Expressway.
So today I remember, with the same emotion that day brought, the impact of the attack of terrorists on American soil. And as I recall the sadness and horror of that day, I lean with strengthening trust on Jesus' words to his disciples:
With gratitude and hope, I continue to serve and trust the God in whom my confidence rests. He has not eliminated evil from our world but He does continue to empower his children with strength to walk through shadowy valleys of death without fear of evil because he is with the sheep of his fold. This truth allows me and all who follow the Good Shepherd to have hearts at peace despite a world in panic.
- What if there were no window and wall here?
- What if this window broke and I fell from here?
- What if the elevator breaks and we have to walk all the way down?
- What if I worked here and came here everyday?
- What if something happens while we're up here and we can't get back down?
I doubt that during my first visit to the World Trade Center I ever imagined a day when that building would fall in tragedy and horror as the world watched. And on that day eight years ago when those buildings fell, my sense of loss was great!!! I no longer lived there but a son and his wife did so my first call was to him to find out where he was and to make sure he was safe. He answered his phone and assured me that he was safe. He and his wife were on tour with My Brightest Diamond and were not in the city. Next calls were made to friends who lived there. We learned that all our friends were safely accounted for but they were linked to others who were still missing. The church which had been our Brooklyn employer was being used by folks stopped in evacuating traffic beside it on the BQE - Brooklyn Queens Expressway.
So today I remember, with the same emotion that day brought, the impact of the attack of terrorists on American soil. And as I recall the sadness and horror of that day, I lean with strengthening trust on Jesus' words to his disciples:
John 14: 1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God; trust also in me..."
Friday, September 4, 2009
Celebrating Second Son...
Thirty-six years ago, this was the day after Labor Day. We had been invited to a friend's home for a picnic supper that Labor Day. As I enjoyed the bounty of that feast, I thought I might later be sorry for my indulgence. I was 9 days from the due date of baby #2. So as I awakened in the night with an upset tummy, I was sure it was the meal of the night before. But I was mistaken. It was an 8# 12oz perfectly created baby boy deciding to arrive early!!! He was in a hurry to come but we just made it to the hospital for a nurse assisted entrance. I was mentally prepared to love him but when he was placed beside me and I felt him snuggle close, I was irresistibly taken under his spell. That spell remains strong today despite some teen battles he sought to win.
He, too, chose a godly (though non-Norwegian) wife. Together they operate and think "outside the box." They have a heart for reclamation - people, places - e.g. a Detroit neighborhood - and families. And they challenge complacency, materialism and music done poorly. It's refreshing to be in conversation with them because you are sure to be queried if you seem to be thinking from a stale point of view. They have views not often expressed in American church pews these days. But hearing how they and their friends are grappling with life leads me to think they are people who are making a difference in this world. I'm thankful to have a son who chooses to swim upstream.
So as I rejoice on this son's birthday in God's gift to me through him, I pray that God will continue to be his hope.
He, too, chose a godly (though non-Norwegian) wife. Together they operate and think "outside the box." They have a heart for reclamation - people, places - e.g. a Detroit neighborhood - and families. And they challenge complacency, materialism and music done poorly. It's refreshing to be in conversation with them because you are sure to be queried if you seem to be thinking from a stale point of view. They have views not often expressed in American church pews these days. But hearing how they and their friends are grappling with life leads me to think they are people who are making a difference in this world. I'm thankful to have a son who chooses to swim upstream.
So as I rejoice on this son's birthday in God's gift to me through him, I pray that God will continue to be his hope.
Psalm 71: 5-8
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Happy Birthday, Son James
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Happy Birthday, Son James
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My Grandchildren start back to school...
Wearing the uniform of Veritas Classical Christian School , my 4 precious, precocious grandchildren headed off early Sept. 1st for their first day of school this year.
Lots of Norwegian blood is flowing through those mostly blond, blue-eyed children which is a source of delight in our family. But a greater source of joy is the spiritually maturing heart of each child. How grateful I am for a son who chose a godly (Norwegian) wife. That choice provides my grandchildren with both father and mother who lead their family through word and deed with the commitment Joshua stated to the Israelites:
Lots of Norwegian blood is flowing through those mostly blond, blue-eyed children which is a source of delight in our family. But a greater source of joy is the spiritually maturing heart of each child. How grateful I am for a son who chose a godly (Norwegian) wife. That choice provides my grandchildren with both father and mother who lead their family through word and deed with the commitment Joshua stated to the Israelites:Joshua 24:15
"...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
"...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
As my grandchildren and their parents begin this new school year, I offer this prayer for them.
Dear Father,
It is with a heart full of praise to you that I begin this prayer - praise for redemption and grace that provided the way for me to become your child.
How grateful I am that you have given me the desire of my heart and have blessed me with children and grandchildren.
My prayer today is for my oldest son and his family. Lord, you have given me biblical words to express my requests for them. May I be faithful to "...wrestle in prayer for you that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." May I also "...constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours, and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
For these parents I pray that they will not allow anyone or anything to take them captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. There are so many unbridled and deceptive philosophies in this society - those that come from media, print and thinkers who have been led astray - build a hedge of protection around this family that they may not become captive to enticing lies.
Your word is full of instruction for children but today I ask you to help my grandchildren not to "...let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." I pray that they will train themselves to be godly, learn obedience as Jesus did and believe with a lifetime of trust that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
With confidence I claim that
Being in your presence through prayer, is a privilege for which I am deeply grateful. Though physical miles separate me from my family members, there is no distance in order to be in your presence through prayer. Your compassion and mercies are redemptive for me and for all who follow your truth. Thank you, Lord, for caring for my children and grandchildren as they go forth to learn this school year. May their thirst for knowledge be satisfied with truth that honors and glorifies your word.
With trust in the Lord who is faithful to all his promises, Amen
How grateful I am that you have given me the desire of my heart and have blessed me with children and grandchildren.
My prayer today is for my oldest son and his family. Lord, you have given me biblical words to express my requests for them. May I be faithful to "...wrestle in prayer for you that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." May I also "...constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours, and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
For these parents I pray that they will not allow anyone or anything to take them captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. There are so many unbridled and deceptive philosophies in this society - those that come from media, print and thinkers who have been led astray - build a hedge of protection around this family that they may not become captive to enticing lies.
Your word is full of instruction for children but today I ask you to help my grandchildren not to "...let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." I pray that they will train themselves to be godly, learn obedience as Jesus did and believe with a lifetime of trust that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
With confidence I claim that
- great is your faithfulness, and
- through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for and
- the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Being in your presence through prayer, is a privilege for which I am deeply grateful. Though physical miles separate me from my family members, there is no distance in order to be in your presence through prayer. Your compassion and mercies are redemptive for me and for all who follow your truth. Thank you, Lord, for caring for my children and grandchildren as they go forth to learn this school year. May their thirst for knowledge be satisfied with truth that honors and glorifies your word.
With trust in the Lord who is faithful to all his promises, Amen
Monday, August 24, 2009
1st Day of School a few years back...
Through my connections on Facebook, I have been enjoying the photos and comments of those who are sending off children to their first day of school today. It has been many years since my own children headed off to their first day of school but I have not forgotten those experiences.
I decided to attempt to locate a few photos of those days. I found several of our oldest son - the first one shows him heading off to 1st grade at PS 185 in Brooklyn, NY. The year in 1st grade was a challenge. It was the height of budget cuts in NYC and 70% of the cuts had come from the school system. There were 37 children in his 1st grade class - 13 spoke English as a 2nd language, 6 spoke no English at all, 3 were identified as emotionally disturbed - one of those dropped his crayons into the heater which filled the room with smoke; and started a fire in the closet on another occasion. His teacher learned after the 1st day of school she would be teaching 1st grade. She thought she would have a kindergarten class but because the 1st day enrollment required another 1st grade room, she was moved there. And with a 4 yr old plus a baby at home, I had no time to volunteer to help the situation. There were no music, PE, art or library teachers. But our sweet son survived and has overcome the deficiencies of that year.
Another photo shows him starting 2nd grade at PS 170. During the spring of 1st grade, we started our son with a reading tutor. She worked wonders with our son who for some reason wasn't getting too much attention at PS 185. We learned that the reading program used in 1st grade was a sight reading method and he was more created to learn with a phonetic approach. The tutor used a curriculum which was used at PS 170 and our request to switch him to that school was granted for 2nd grade. He thrived in that new school.
Another photo shows two brothers on the front steps of our home in Brooklyn, NY. They were both headed to PS 170 for 1st and 3rd grade but by November our family would move to Hartland, WI where my husband would pastor his 3rd church.
During our short 18 months in Hartland, our boys would ride a bus to school from our home on Dona Rd. In 3rd grade our oldest son was in his 4th school. He had gone to a small Lutheran church school for kindergarten.
Our daughter began school while we lived on the grounds of Camp Timber-lee near East Troy, WI. I haven't found a picture of her as she started school but I did find a picture of her as she cradled a baby chick at the camp farm. We had a wonderful time as a family living there for four years.
My hearts desire as a young woman was to be a wife and mother. God brought that desire to fruition for my life and I am extremely grateful. The time of sending our 3 off to their first day of school is in the past but I treasure the blessing of those days and the privilege I have of being a mother.
From my perspective, the profession of motherhood is a very high calling. I'm thankful that motherhood and homemaking are gaining in credibility as a chosen line of "work" - a profession - for many women. I am a cheerleader for Stay-at-Home moms. It is not the profession all women need to choose but it is a profession which ranks equal to any other profession a woman can choose. It is an honor to have been a Stay-at-Home mom for 15 years while my children were pre-schoolers and through most of elementary school before I added income which was used primarily for college educations.
I decided to attempt to locate a few photos of those days. I found several of our oldest son - the first one shows him heading off to 1st grade at PS 185 in Brooklyn, NY. The year in 1st grade was a challenge. It was the height of budget cuts in NYC and 70% of the cuts had come from the school system. There were 37 children in his 1st grade class - 13 spoke English as a 2nd language, 6 spoke no English at all, 3 were identified as emotionally disturbed - one of those dropped his crayons into the heater which filled the room with smoke; and started a fire in the closet on another occasion. His teacher learned after the 1st day of school she would be teaching 1st grade. She thought she would have a kindergarten class but because the 1st day enrollment required another 1st grade room, she was moved there. And with a 4 yr old plus a baby at home, I had no time to volunteer to help the situation. There were no music, PE, art or library teachers. But our sweet son survived and has overcome the deficiencies of that year.
Another photo shows him starting 2nd grade at PS 170. During the spring of 1st grade, we started our son with a reading tutor. She worked wonders with our son who for some reason wasn't getting too much attention at PS 185. We learned that the reading program used in 1st grade was a sight reading method and he was more created to learn with a phonetic approach. The tutor used a curriculum which was used at PS 170 and our request to switch him to that school was granted for 2nd grade. He thrived in that new school.
Another photo shows two brothers on the front steps of our home in Brooklyn, NY. They were both headed to PS 170 for 1st and 3rd grade but by November our family would move to Hartland, WI where my husband would pastor his 3rd church.
During our short 18 months in Hartland, our boys would ride a bus to school from our home on Dona Rd. In 3rd grade our oldest son was in his 4th school. He had gone to a small Lutheran church school for kindergarten.
Our daughter began school while we lived on the grounds of Camp Timber-lee near East Troy, WI. I haven't found a picture of her as she started school but I did find a picture of her as she cradled a baby chick at the camp farm. We had a wonderful time as a family living there for four years.My hearts desire as a young woman was to be a wife and mother. God brought that desire to fruition for my life and I am extremely grateful. The time of sending our 3 off to their first day of school is in the past but I treasure the blessing of those days and the privilege I have of being a mother.
From my perspective, the profession of motherhood is a very high calling. I'm thankful that motherhood and homemaking are gaining in credibility as a chosen line of "work" - a profession - for many women. I am a cheerleader for Stay-at-Home moms. It is not the profession all women need to choose but it is a profession which ranks equal to any other profession a woman can choose. It is an honor to have been a Stay-at-Home mom for 15 years while my children were pre-schoolers and through most of elementary school before I added income which was used primarily for college educations.
Proverbs 1:8,9So as the school year begins, my thoughts blend the activities of life today with deep gratitude and sweet memories.
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
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