Josiah has gotten over his first cold without needing antibiotics (for an ear or sinus infection). I do mean this is the first time he's gotten over a cold on his own!! His surgery appears to be working!
Micah turns 10 today. I'm not sure how that could be possible. Happy Birthday to my eldest son!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
why an 1828 dictionary?
Think of it...a fairly new nation with a people who, although they spoke English, were enough removed from England geographically, governmentally, and philosophically they had acquired a vocabulary necessitating a dictionary all their own. Noah Webster noted such a need and began to work on assembling such a resource. His study included tracing the roots of words in 26 original languages as well as their Biblical references. He lived in a time when the Bible was studied seriously by the learned and Christian character was prized above all else. The summation of his life's work is captured in the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.
What about a modern dictionary? Doesn't it do a similar job defining words, and perhaps better since over time it could be updated? If only this were true! Take the following example (from the informational leaflet included with the dictionary):
Definition of marriage
Modern dictionary (2000): The legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The state of being married, wedlock. A common-law marriage. A union between two persons having the customary but usually not the legal force of marriage.
Webster dictionary (1828): The act of uniting a man and a woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and a woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God Himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children. "Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13
Definition of sin
Modern dictionary (1984): The act of breaking a religious or moral law. An offense, error, or fault.
Webster dictionary (1928): The voluntary departure of a moral agent from a know rule or rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either a positive act in which a known divine law is violated, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a positive divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such a command. Sin comprehends not actions only, but whatever is contrary to God's commands or law. 1 John 3; Matt. 15, James 4 (The definition goes on for another column.)
Our lives are more a product of the understanding of our times and the way our words are defined than we know. I first developed a strong desire for a good dictionary when reading through some of Frances Schaeffer's books. If you have read him much at all, you will know he invented his own vocabulary partly because words had stopped meaning what they were meant to mean. It was his attempt to help men and women understand just exactly what it was they were saying (and not saying) with their words.
What does it really matter? Very much, as God communicated with man through words, through His word, and through the Word that "became flesh and dwelt among us." I'm not suggesting you need an almost 200 year old dictionary to be a success beginning to understand the world and the words we use, or in understanding the very Word of God...but it does give great food for thought. And for someone who loves words, it is a perfect gift.
What about a modern dictionary? Doesn't it do a similar job defining words, and perhaps better since over time it could be updated? If only this were true! Take the following example (from the informational leaflet included with the dictionary):
Definition of marriage
Modern dictionary (2000): The legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The state of being married, wedlock. A common-law marriage. A union between two persons having the customary but usually not the legal force of marriage.
Webster dictionary (1828): The act of uniting a man and a woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and a woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God Himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children. "Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled." Hebrews 13
Definition of sin
Modern dictionary (1984): The act of breaking a religious or moral law. An offense, error, or fault.
Webster dictionary (1928): The voluntary departure of a moral agent from a know rule or rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either a positive act in which a known divine law is violated, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a positive divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such a command. Sin comprehends not actions only, but whatever is contrary to God's commands or law. 1 John 3; Matt. 15, James 4 (The definition goes on for another column.)
Our lives are more a product of the understanding of our times and the way our words are defined than we know. I first developed a strong desire for a good dictionary when reading through some of Frances Schaeffer's books. If you have read him much at all, you will know he invented his own vocabulary partly because words had stopped meaning what they were meant to mean. It was his attempt to help men and women understand just exactly what it was they were saying (and not saying) with their words.
What does it really matter? Very much, as God communicated with man through words, through His word, and through the Word that "became flesh and dwelt among us." I'm not suggesting you need an almost 200 year old dictionary to be a success beginning to understand the world and the words we use, or in understanding the very Word of God...but it does give great food for thought. And for someone who loves words, it is a perfect gift.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas traditions
Up out of bed at 6:30! Each family member receives 3 gifts since that is how many Jesus received from the wisemen.
One of those 3 gifts involves books...something we started early in our marriage before having children. Yes, that is Noah Webster's dictionary from 1828 (Leah's gift!)
Santa pancakes. First served 3 years ago, the kids ask for them again each year.
Josiah's first Santa pancake. I didn't hear much out of him because he was busy eating! The best gifts are the ones you can't wrap and put under a tree. Micah, sighing contentedly that everything he had received was just perfect and telling others Jesus was his favorite part of Christmas. Rachel, who ran around with her stuffed dog Bolt firmly planted under her arm for most of the day. Josiah, who simply beamed as he uttered the words which captured what he had understood of Christmas, "open presents?" Families together, memories made, love expressed in giving, excitement of children spread to the adults who see Christmas again through their eyes. A Babe in the manger the best gift of all, as man's greatest need is met not in more stuff but in a transformed heart. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
so it's officially winter...
And we have the ice, snow, wind, bitterly cold temperatures, and downed power lines to prove it.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
rock with you?
When Josiah was placed in my arms moments after he was born, I immediately noticed my first clue into the personality God had already wired into this tiny child: he had opinions! His opinion about birth was quite evident: he was mad!!! A few days later this small, helpless (oh yeah?) child raised his head off my shoulder as though he was quite eager to let it be known he was strong and no longer an extension of my flesh. In a few weeks we were well into his struggle with reflux, and it was of his opinion that he should not be rocked. Not at all. Not ever. Not even when Mommy broke her foot and couldn't put weight on it without it hurting. Not when we were exhausted and it was the middle of the night and he was almost asleep. Do not rock this boy.
He's just past his second birthday now, and after his surgery last week I've heard a curious request: "Rock with you?" What, my child? You want to rock? Let me put aside any and everything on my to do list, and we shall rock. I am going to soak these moments up like a sponge!!!
One of the wonders of the challenges I have faced with Josiah (reflux the first nine months, followed by a year and a half of health issues) is how blessed my relationship with him has been. When Josiah was 5 weeks old and screaming with reflux, there was a desperate moment when I lifted him up to me and whispered in his ear, "little one, whatever you face, we are going to get through it together as God helps me." When the going gets tough for him and I am at the end of my rope, I have remembered that promise. Now I see a little boy who has learned to trust his mama, loves to please her, and is calmed whenever he knows she is near.
Isn't that so like our relationship with the Lord? We know the promises He has made to us, and through difficulties we learn to trust, grow in our love to please Him, and are comforted by His presence. His love for us in manifested in the grace He extends each day, and in the wondrous ways He works. Our relationship is blessed through difficulties as we learn to rest our heads on His strong shoulder. Psalm 131:2-3 "But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore."
It's just wonderful to rock with someone who wants to!
He's just past his second birthday now, and after his surgery last week I've heard a curious request: "Rock with you?" What, my child? You want to rock? Let me put aside any and everything on my to do list, and we shall rock. I am going to soak these moments up like a sponge!!!
One of the wonders of the challenges I have faced with Josiah (reflux the first nine months, followed by a year and a half of health issues) is how blessed my relationship with him has been. When Josiah was 5 weeks old and screaming with reflux, there was a desperate moment when I lifted him up to me and whispered in his ear, "little one, whatever you face, we are going to get through it together as God helps me." When the going gets tough for him and I am at the end of my rope, I have remembered that promise. Now I see a little boy who has learned to trust his mama, loves to please her, and is calmed whenever he knows she is near.
Isn't that so like our relationship with the Lord? We know the promises He has made to us, and through difficulties we learn to trust, grow in our love to please Him, and are comforted by His presence. His love for us in manifested in the grace He extends each day, and in the wondrous ways He works. Our relationship is blessed through difficulties as we learn to rest our heads on His strong shoulder. Psalm 131:2-3 "But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore."
It's just wonderful to rock with someone who wants to!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
math can be fun!
And here are some websites for practicing facts without realizing what you're doing. Move over, flashcards!
The middle one has math's form of space invaders!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
recovering!
Josiah was able to have surgery this morning in answer to many prayers! The Dr. drained quite a bit of fluid from his right ear, put in new tubes, and said his adenoids pretty much covered the back of his nose. We're hoping for smoother sailing ahead.
It's been a quiet morning so far. Josiah's been a snuggler but he really perked up after some Tylenol with codeine. (We have learned that if one of the side effects to a medication is mood changes, Josiah will react. He's gotten pretty goofy but that's better than miserable.) He insisted he could help put together the 500 piece puzzle Eric and I have been working on. He's pretty good at puzzles but this one does seem to be just a bit above him (but I won't tell him if you won't!)
It's been a quiet morning so far. Josiah's been a snuggler but he really perked up after some Tylenol with codeine. (We have learned that if one of the side effects to a medication is mood changes, Josiah will react. He's gotten pretty goofy but that's better than miserable.) He insisted he could help put together the 500 piece puzzle Eric and I have been working on. He's pretty good at puzzles but this one does seem to be just a bit above him (but I won't tell him if you won't!)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
still on for tomorrow
In spite of the fact that Josiah woke up last night with a 103+ degree fever, he is still scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. We are suspecting an ear infection and he's on an antibiotic. His fever is nominal this evening. We'll keep praying and see what happens in the morning!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
raising saints for the Lord
I stumbled recently onto a treasure on the internet: Elisabeth Elliot's daily blog. While I think that most of what is posted there must have been written years ago, it is full of sage advice from this woman whom so many admire. I share the address with any who are interested: www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html. I think one of the things that draws me to her writings is her firm grasp on living the crucified life: one of self denial, gladly taking up the cross and bearing all things for Christ. This would be a hard pill to swallow if it weren't that she has lived it out repeatedly and successfully in her own life.
I enjoyed reading her blog today on teaching children self-denial. I can't help but believe this is a lost art in our day and culture. I know my youngest has tested me in this. Who ever thought I would have to discipline a child to stop requesting something repeatedly? To stay with Mom and not wander off? (Well, anyway, I never faced these behaviors with my first two.) I appreciated a few days ago when Elisabeth urged mothers to help their children know that our words mean something. "Come here," means something. "No" does as well. As children learn that words mean something, it will be easier to accept that when God says something in His Word, it means something as well.
It is easy to get wrapped up in my children and make them my life. However, it is a higher goal to help my children get wrapped up in the Lord and give their lives to Him. At times that will mean learning to yield their desires and not always be the center of attention regarding everything that takes place in the home. It takes self discipline and self denial. Lord, help me to have wisdom in this!
I enjoyed reading her blog today on teaching children self-denial. I can't help but believe this is a lost art in our day and culture. I know my youngest has tested me in this. Who ever thought I would have to discipline a child to stop requesting something repeatedly? To stay with Mom and not wander off? (Well, anyway, I never faced these behaviors with my first two.) I appreciated a few days ago when Elisabeth urged mothers to help their children know that our words mean something. "Come here," means something. "No" does as well. As children learn that words mean something, it will be easier to accept that when God says something in His Word, it means something as well.
It is easy to get wrapped up in my children and make them my life. However, it is a higher goal to help my children get wrapped up in the Lord and give their lives to Him. At times that will mean learning to yield their desires and not always be the center of attention regarding everything that takes place in the home. It takes self discipline and self denial. Lord, help me to have wisdom in this!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
snapshots
In between cooking, cleaning, Christmas shopping, grocery runs, homework, piano lessons, sibling squabbles, Dr. visits, laundry, BSF, and Awana... are moments like these!
Good king Josiah was 8, not 2, when he became king. Good thing!
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