the stuff of dreams

School's almost out! The kids are counting down the hours now, as tomorrow is their last day. They have awards day which only lasts until about 10 a.m. Then it is officially summer at the Rhodes' house! However, we felt like summer really started for us this past weekend as we enjoyed a couple of family excursions. The first was to the Monticello Railway Museum, to ride the train.We rode the coach into town...

and on the way back, we rode the caboose. Micah and Rachel found this to be the best part of the trip. Do you see the windows on the top? That's where we sat, in the cupola!

After a picnic lunch and a quick tour of some restored passenger cars, we headed for home so Josiah could have a nap. When I woke him up later in the day, his eyes popped open and he whispered, "Ride a train?"

Dallas Zoo, revisited and more...

Thanks, Jared, for sending these pictures! Wish we were still there...although it is finally this warm in Illinois, too. We're looking forward to seeing Jared and Michelle again in June for a brief visit!

Here's the other Nelson family...we loved spending time with Aaron and Amy's kids a couple of nights ago. The cousins played, "How many kids can you fit in the kiddie pool?"

"C'mon, there's room for one more!"

OK, let's try again.

This is more like it...two's company, six is a crowd!

Asher enjoying the sand and water toy.

photography 101

My husband and my closest friend both grew up immersed in 4-H, so when both of them suggested we should get our kids involved, I was quickly talked into it. Monthly meetings have not taken up too much time but have been such a great way to get our family out and involved in efforts that have helped our community. The kids (even Rachel, who is not yet officially old enough to be a member) have helped with the WJBC Brotherhood Tree, Project Linus, hosted a visit pairing up the residents at Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Unit with service dogs, and often get to attend workshops of interest. Recently Micah took a photography workshop where a professional photographer talked with the kids about lighting, colors, spacing, use of lines, and much more. This is a sampling of what he took.



Now that school is winding down, Micah will be working on projects for the fair including Legos, ceramics, cooking, cats, outdoor adventures, and scrapbooking. Members earn prize money at the fair based on how their projects place (A, B, or C depends on how well they meet and follow prescribed qualifications.) That provides some interesting incentive to get things done well and enter as many projects as feasible. Rachel can't wait to become a real member next year!! She's excited about some of the projects she could do. Meanwhile, Micah now is saving his money for his own digital camera so he can become a "dog photographer."

D.L. Moody

The mustache felt a little too real.

May God continue to raise up godly men who will tell others the good news of the gospel!

milestone

Two things to see: the first successful tricycle ride, and the curls. I was afraid when Josiah got his hair cut today, the curls would disappear...but instead, they are just umm... shorter.

layman's Bible study

As I led my group in their last discussion at BSF this week, one of the comments of a woman in my group gripped my heart. "I want to get into the Bible in a way that will get the Bible into me." I couldn't agree more! Knowing God is the passion of my life, and living out the truths of the Bible through the power of the Holy Spirit is to experience firsthand the knowledge of God.

Do you have that desire? If we are to be students of God's word, I pray that it is to be transformed in our thinking so that our lives more fully reflect the holiness of God in Christ. Otherwise we gain only head knowledge, which at best only puffs us up. What I'd like to offer is the three question method of Bible study learned through my years in BSF, which has opened my eyes to knowing God in His word.

Question 1: What is this passage about?
This is analyzing the content of the passage. It's the who? what? where? when? of Bible study. Who are the people involved? Where are they? When did it take place? It is where observations of the passage begin.

Question 2: What do I learn from this passage?
This is where we learn the lessons of scripture.
Is there a warning, command, or promise?
An example to follow or not follow?
What is the main truth of this passage?
Is there a lesson, principle, or universal truth?
What does this passage reveal about the character of God?
Are there specific things for which to pray?
Is there a new or encouraging thought?
Concentrate on one or two things that are especially meaningful.

Question 3: How can I apply what I learned to my life?
I have found that so many Bible studies and preaching end with lessons. But how do I get the Bible into my life?? This is application.
Am I facing a current similar situation? Ask myself a question that demands action regarding that situation based on the lessons learned.
Write down your answer.
Begin to do what you wrote down.

As I prepare a study on Colossians for church, I'll try to provide an example of the three question method at work!

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth." Ps. 86:11

what they've been up to

Spring has been a busy time at our household as we wrap up school with field trips, parties, awards ceremonies, and programs, and as we finally get to spend time outside. Hurray for spring!!

If Josiah's excited and bouncing off the walls, kicking the dog, or hitting his siblings...well, we've found that playdoh works wonders for calming him down! (He looks pretty angelic in the photo, don't you think?)

Rachel's teacher scheduled three field trips for the end of the year. Eric joined her on the first one: a train trip to Lincoln where the class ate at Bonanza. My friend who grew up in Lincoln couldn't quit laughing when I told her about this field trip. The kids loved it!!!!

Running to catch the train.


We are afraid that perhaps our days of avoiding baseball at all costs are coming to a quick close. One of Josiah's first words was "ball" and he still seems to have a magnetic attraction to them...and enjoys his tee ball even more than his basketball hoop. (Insert sad sigh followed by giddy pleasure at anything my child gets excited about.)

Last night the kids had their spring program at CBA. We heard a song played by the 5th and 6th grade band, saw each class sing an ethnic song (and even perform a simple dance) representing a different country, and listened to Micah's class play a song on their recorders. It may be the last time Rachel and Micah are in a school program together for some time, as he will head off to Prairieland for 5th grade next year.


Next week Micah's class is hosting Illinois Historical Costume day. After his choices of John Deere and Ronald Reagan were taken by others, Micah settled on D.L. Moody as the person he will research. Meanwhile his mom hit the consignment shops and yes, I did find a three piece suit for him to wear!! Now, to my dad, if you could just help me create a beard out of felt... and if anyone has a round hat he could wear, please let me know! (Google D.L. Moody, find the pictures of the realistic statue and you'll see what I mean.)