Driven to Distraction

     Life is so full of distractions.  We have so many entertainment options available, and oftentimes easily accessible, that allow us to run from God.  Why do we give in to them?  Think back over the last week.  Can you mentally list things that have either stolen your quiet time with God, or have otherwise caused you to waste time in fulfilling your own wants and your own desires?  How many times a day do we sacrifice one hour with our Lord for an hour of television?  Or facebook time?  Or for talking on the phone for lengthy periods of time?  There is nothing blatantly wrong with these things in and of themselves, in moderation.

     But what would happen if instead of sitting down to watch TV, or talk on the phone, or to catch up on the latest facebook news, we purposely chose to spend time with our Creator?  How many people could we go and be a witness to?  Whom among the least could we serve?  How many Bible verses could we memorize?  For some of us, a moderate or even small amount of time is spent on these entertainments.  But maybe some of us tend to spend large portions of our day doing these things.

    Consider this a challenge; to see how many other things we can be doing to further God's kingdom, or things that will bring us closer to Christ.  For one week, try logging how much time you spend time watching TV, doing facebook, or whatever other activities you enjoy.  Then monitor how much time you're spending with God or doing things that would further His kingdom.  Sometimes, all we need to do is "be still, and know that [He] is God".

Homeschooling!

    If you are a home - educated person, you have probably at some point in time gotten funny, questioning looks; asked if you do school in your pajamas and have friends; or just had someone ask "how does that work?".  This has been an interesting paper to write, for my Education 220 class.  My paper answers some of these questions. 

    

    In summary, yes we do get the occasional curious glance; no we don't (always!) wear pajamas while we do school; yes we do have friends, and learning at home works great!  If anyone ever says that they don't know any home schooled people, they probably do and aren't aware of the fact.  Almost everyone (at least in the United States of America) knows someone who is or has been homeschooled.  Some famous homeschooled people include Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, the Jonas Brothers, Mozart, Abraham Lincoln, C.S. Lewis, Sean O'Casey, Mark Twain, Booker T. Washington, and Frankie Muniz.  How cool is that?

    The bottom line is this: home-educated people are not under-par.  Though some associations (such as the NEA) would like to see home schooling basically abolished in the US, homeschooling is a constitutional right, defended under the first and fourteenth ammendments.  And no, homeschooled people are quite obviously not lacking a good education.  Just for clarification purposes, I am not drawing a prejudice here betwixt any particular educational preferences!  Home schooling is a really popular choice right now for a variety of reasons, and there are still people out there who don't understand it.  

    So for anyone out there who may be thinking about homeschooling, here is some food for thought!  Also, feel free to laugh along with this hilarious youtube video, explaining the difference between "being homeschooled" and being "a homeschooler".  Enjoy!

Busy and Blessed

  "I'm a college student; I have no life" is a common cliche` for many, including myself.  However, I'm afraid that the value of education may well be overlooked.  How many times have we procrastinated in our school work?  Can we count how many times we have not put forth our absolute, unwaivering best effort into our homework?  As God's Word says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col. 3:17, NIV)

    I wonder how many people out there would give their right arm for what we've been so freely granted?  We are to give thanks in all situations, but this mid-semester season, as the homework load just seems to get heavier and heavier, let us rejoice that God has given us the freedom and the opportunity to expand our minds.  Yes, the load may be heavy; yes, perhaps we miss out on fun activities right now.  But this is only for a season!  Let us make a habbit of always doing our very best, no matter 
how routine, frusterating, or difficult the matter may seem!

   
 

Barbie Jean's Place

    Hey everyone!  My mother is a fabulous handcrafter.  She simply loves to sit and do handwork for gifts, profit, our house, and sheer pleasure.  People love her work.  She has loads of pattern books, which take up a lot of space, but are well worth it!  We have spent long, leisurly walks down the yarn aisles of Joanne's, Micheals, and Hobby-Lobby; even Walmart and Meijer are among our many memories!  Mom is, as of fairly recently, trying to sell her work.  Below is a post from her site, Barbie Jean's Place.  As she is just starting off, this is the only item available, but more are soon to follow.  Keep checking her site for updates!

1940's Sweetheart

    I love to do handwork!  If I could, I would sit and do it all day.  I can do anything from doilies, to afghans, to hats, to socks, and just about anything in between.  The picture posted at left is one of my most recent works, a 1940's hand-knitted pink dress for a baby girl with a burgandy ribbon.  It has a lace-pattern stripe stitch, and is a beautiful addition to any little girl's wardrobe. It buttons in the back, at the neck.  It has a full skirt, it is cold-water washable, and dryable on a low-heat setting. This dress is suitable for baby girls size 2.  I will be charging $50.00 plus shipping and handling.  For questions, comments, or to buy, please send your email messages to bjc.handcrafter@gmail.com.