Julie's Jibber-Jabber - Homeschool Blogger

IL Pastor fatally shot today during church

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 18:58:00 -0500

Have you seen the news today about the pastor who was fatally shot in IL? He did deflect the first shot with his bible. It's so scary to think that this could happen in America, but honestly I'm surprised it hasn't happened more. Anyone can walk into a church unquestioned - which is how we want it - but this openness also brings it's own risks to our safety.

In light of the recent killings at YWAM and other churches, has your church put safety measures together should something like this happen in your congregation?

Lighting an apple-scented candle...the cure for cabin fever?

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 22:48:00 -0600

So I'm reading the new issue of First Magazine and one of the tips is about curing cabin fever. We all know that "a day spent cooped up indoors can induce stress and feelings of claustrophobia", right? I'm certainly feeling that, but mostly because this winter seems never-ending and the sun rarely makes an appearance lately!

Lighting an apple scented candle eased cabin fever for 86 percent of the subjects in a study at Chicago's Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. "An apple scent makes rooms seem larger than they actually are," says Alan Hirsch, M.D. neurological director of the foundation. "One reason is that it evokes the outdoors, alleviating that 'boxed in' sensation."

Okay....so I'm heading to Target tomorrow and buying an apple scented candle or two and lighting up! I'll let you know how it goes.

Back to blogging??? The Bachelor....A Parents Prayer Calendar...

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 21:57:00 -0600

I doubt anyone has missed me, but I'm thinking about getting back to blogging..... not sure where I'll find the time, but who does, huh? It's more like we make the time just like we do for anything else. I think instead of trying to make my posts be so "profound", I'm gonna focus on just sharing with you all what's on my mind from day to day.....whether anyone cares or not! ha!

I guess the thing that's on my mind right now is still being quite upset at The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick. I know...shallow, huh? I love reality shows! Now some of them are quite gross and show way more than anyone would want to see...and I guess The Bachelor could be guilty of that too. I don't see how those girls can do this show knowing that he's kissing all the other girls too!!!

Honestly I've not watched any other season! Not even quite sure how I got into this one. We don't have cable, so I end up watching some shows online after the fact. I think I just stumbled across it and before I knew it I was hooked! Has anyone else been watching it?

I think the thing that ticked me off the most was the fact that instead of just breaking up with Melissa privately, he felt the need to bring her back on national TV and break her heart in front of everyone? I mean, yes, the whole show was in front of everyone, but in the end she won the prize....she knew what she was getting into. She knew that she would either be one of the girls he didn't pick or be the one he did pick. No surprises there. But to think you're coming on a taping to talk about what's happened since the show ended and end up getting dumped by him? Soooooo mean!!! And I really thought Jason was a nice guy!

And to top it off, he can't get Molly off his mind and that's one of the reasons he broke it off! I mean at least he was "honest" in the end...but then within 10 minutes of breaking it off, he's on there with Molly asking her out! I'm very surprised that she jumped at the chance so quickly knowing he just broke it off with Melissa! And to get that physical with him right away?? If she's smart, she'll hear his side then see the way he humiliated her on national TV and wonder what the heck she's doing....and when he'll do it to her!

Anyway..... that's the shallow thinking I have about that..... The thing is, it made me soooo thankful that I'm not single anymore ....... so thankful that I found the man of my dreams..... so thankful that I have my four kids...... so thankful that I have Christ in my life! The thing that does make me sad is that this guy does not .... and he's raising a little boy who will not know Christ either unless someone crosses their path and shares him with them. It also made me my heart so heavy for my kids...... and made me feel more of a burden to start praying for their future spouse and the path they take to get to that point. I pray that they allow the Lord to guide every step they make and that they turn to Him in everything! I also pray that they make being with someone who knows Christ the number ONE priority when they start even thinking about a future spouse!

So.... I guess The Bachelor show made me think about a lot of things..... what a jerk Jason was and how I need to pray for my kids future spouses ....

With that thought, I searched for an organized way to pray for my kids...

Check this out! A Parents Prayer Calendar

Ouch...

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:13:00 -0500

Ouch is the only thing that comes to mind here...

Because I'm the Mom...hilarious!

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:28:00 -0500

Okay...I know this has gone around the email inboxes for a few weeks now (I've gotten it about 5 times!), but just in case it hasn't made it to yours...

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/247.1/popup/index.php?cl=4274384

Scrapbooking...my lost hobby?

Sun, 9 Sep 2007 23:10:00 -0500

I really, really want to get back to scrapbooking. If you remember (or maybe I never told you) I lost ALL of my scrapbooking paper in the flood we had in our basement over Christmas. sigh. Therefore, I've been kinda out of sorts in the scrapbooking area.

I got together with my friend Christina a couple of weeks ago and "re-did" a scrapbook that was made for another friend in a magnetic *GASP* album. It was really refreshing to handle pictures and arrange them and decide on colors and get the creative juices flowing and then sit back, take a look at the page and at the moment of satisfaction, slide that page protector on. Ahhhhh.....yes, you know the feeling if you're a scrapbooker. :)

So, having said all that - hmmm....not sure why I said all that ;)... If you feel sorry for me, you could always send me some scrapbooking paper ;)

How to stay young...

Mon, 6 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0500

1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)

3. Keep learning : Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. I love you, my special friend.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

~Author Unknown

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT...

Mon, 6 Aug 2007 12:57:00 -0500

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START"...........

--Author Unknown

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Sun, 5 Aug 2007 10:25:00 -0500

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 6:14

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707.

Charles Wesley reportedly said he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one.

From http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm

Isaac Watts

Born: July 17, 1674, Southampton, England.

Died: November 25, 1748, Stoke Newington, England.

Buried: Bunhill Fields Cemetery, London, England.

Watts’ father was Nonconformist imprisoned twice for his religious views. Isaac learned Greek, Latin, and Hebrew under Mr. Pinhorn, Rector of All Saints, and headmaster of the Grammar School in Southampton. Isaac’s taste for verse showed itself in early childhood, and his promise caused a local doctor and other friends to offer him a university education, assuming he would be ordained in the Church of England. However, Isaac declined and instead entered a Nonconformist Academy at Stoke Newington in 1690, under the care of Thomas Rowe, pastor of the Independent congregation at Girdlers’ Hall; Isaac joined this congregation in 1693.

Watts left the Academy at age 20 and spent two years at home; it was during this period that he wrote the bulk of his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. They were sung from manuscripts in the Southampton Chapel, and published 1707-1709.

The next six years of his life were again spent at Stoke Newington, working as tutor to the son of eminent Puritan John Hartopp. The intense study of these years is reflected in the theological and philosophical material he subsequently published.

Watts preached his first sermon at age 24. In the next three years, he preached frequently, and in 1702 was ordained as pastor of the Independent congregation in Mark Lane. At that time he moved into the house of a Mr. Hollis in the Minories. His health began to fail the next year, and Samuel Price was appointed as his assistant in the ministry. In 1712, a fever shattered his constitution, and Price became co-pastor of the congregation, which had moved to a new chapel in Bury Street. It was at this time that Isaac became the guest of Sir Thomas Abney. He lived with Abney (and later Abney’s widow) the rest of his life, mainly at Theobalds in Hertfordshire, then for 13 years at Stoke Newington.

In 1728, the University of Edinburgh awarded Watts a Doctor of Divinity degree. Watts’ works include:

Speculations on the Human Nature of the Logos
Horæ Lyricae, 1706-1709
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707-9
The Divine and Moral Songs for the Use of Children, 1715
The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament (London: J. Clark, 1719)
Sermons, 1721-1727
Reliquiae Juveniles: Miscellaneous Thoughts in Prose and Verse, on Natural, Moral, and Divine Subjects (London: 1734)
Remnants of Time (London: 1736)
The Improvement of the Mind, 1741
Logic
The World to Come, 1745
Catechisms, Scripture History, 1732

Serious boundaries...

Sat, 4 Aug 2007 16:35:00 -0500

I dialed a number the other day and got the following recording:

"I am not available right now, but
Thank you for caring enough to call.
I am making some changes in my life.
Please leave a message after the
Beep. If I do not return your call,
You are one of the changes."

- Strong Boundaries Author Unknown

Dick and Ricky Hoyt...the amazing love of a father...

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:14:00 -0500

What an inspiring story.... The youth pastor at our church spoke a couple of weeks ago and showed a video of a father and son. You've got to read their story on the website to really understand...my words will not do it justice. And if you have the money, I would say get the DVD Together...that is what was shown at our church....

Here's the website:

http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html

An amazing love this father has for his son....hard to believe our Heavenly Father loves us even more...

--julie

Kid Nation...40 kids, 40 days, no parents....hmmmmm...

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:07:00 -0500

A new show premiering in September from CBS....

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/kid_nation/

40 children, 40 days, no adults—eager to prove they can build a better world for tomorrow in the new reality series KID NATION. Settling in Bonanza City, New Mexico, once a thriving mining town but now deserted, these kids, ages 8 to 15 and from all walks of life, will build their own new world, pioneer-style. They will confront grown-up issues while coping with the classic childhood emotions of homesickness, peer pressure and the urge to break every rule. Episodes end with a town meeting in which the kids award one child a gold star worth $20,000, all leading to the grand finale, with an unimaginable test, the biggest awards and a special surprise for every child.

----------

This will certainly be interesting to say the least....wonder if they'll actually make a school? Ha ha!

Meanings of phrases that we say...

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 11:39:00 -0500

You might want to verify some of these sayings here: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/index.html
but some of these I had no idea about.....I feel educated today :)

In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either sculpted or painted.  Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are "limbs," therefore painting them would cost the buyer more.  Hence the expression, "Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg."

As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year May and October)! Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs.  Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term "big wig." Today we often use the term "here comes the Big Wig" because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.

In the late 1700's, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The "head of the household" always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the "chair man." Today in business, we use the expression title "Chairman" or "Chairman of the Board."

Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt therefore, the expression "losing face."

Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman, as in "straight laced" . . . wore a tightly tied lace.

Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the "Ace of Spades." To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren't "playing with a full deck."

Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, TV's or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to "go sip some ale" and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. "You go sip here" and "You go sip there." The two words "go sip" were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus we have the term "gossip."

At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers. A bar maid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in "pints" and who was drinking in "quarts," hence the term "minding your "P's and Q's."

One more: Bet you didn't know this!

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon.  There was only one problem . . . how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a "Monkey" with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make "Brass Monkeys.

Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey.  Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." (All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn't you.)

Senior Exercises....from my mother!

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:43:00 -0500

Well...now that I'm 36 I guess I'll be doing these...
Senior Exercises

The Doc told me to start an exercise program.

Not wanting to harm this old body, I've devised the following:

Beat around the bush
Jump to conclusions
Climb the walls
Wade through the morning paper

Drag my heels
Push my luck
Make mountains out of mole hills
Hit the nail on the head

Bend over backwards
Jump on the Band Wagon
Run around in circles

Advise President Bush on how to run the country..
Toot my own horn..
Pull out all the stops..
Add fuel to the fire..

Open a can of worms..
Put my foot in my mouth..
Start the ball rolling.
Go over the edge..

Pick up the pieces..

Kneel in prayer..
Bow my head in thanksgiving..
Uplift my hands in praise..
Hug someone and encourage them.

What a Workout!

Birthday graphic from my artsy fartsy friend Christi!

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:00:00 -0500

Thanks Christi! I'll cherish it forever!

happy birthday to ME! I'm 36....ack!

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:47:00 -0500

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Birthday Poetry from my friends!

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:54:00 -0500

Birthday Poetry from my fellow TOS Staff Members...

Julie, Julie, she’s so very cool

Though on occasion she may act the fool

I know for a fact she’s creative and smart

I can tell by the way she gets subs flooding the cart

And that she’s a beauty I just don’t understand

Cuz she’s emailing me – not in “beauty-sleep land”

I’m glad that I know her that much is for sure

Cuz’ I’ll never get bored – Julie’s the cure!

Happy Birthday, Julie!

Dena Wood, Director of Finance & Customer Relations, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

--------------------------

Our dearest friend Julie, her humor is funny

With such a sweet spirit, she makes our day sunny

Not one to complain but in case you forgot

Her name’s not just Julie, it’s Julie NOTT!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE NOTT!!!!

Your unpoetic friend,

Deborah Wuehler, Senior Editor

----------------------------------

May your cheeks still keep their youthful bloom
As you hasten to the age-old doom.
May silver hairs grow upon your head,
And not grow in your ears instead.

For age can be the thief of youth
(Tis time you faced this harshest truth).
And birthdays mark the passing years
That leads to wrinkles, pain, and tears.

I know these truths seem to annoy,
But do not let that spoil your joy.
We offer thanks for this day so natal
And hope that this birthday will not be fatal.

Amelia Harper
HomeScholar Books
Author, Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings
Contributing Editor, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
-----------------------------------

"Julie, Julie Julie do ya love me?
Julie Julie Julie do ya care?
Julie Julie are you thinkin of me?
Julie Julie will you still be there??"

From Kim Thomas, Marketing Assistant
TOS Magazine

----------------

Julie Nott is getting older

Not that Julie’s getting bolder

No, we all sometimes have to ask

For others in our birth to bask

We hope this day brings forth good tidings

For our Nott in all her strivings

For she is a lady oh most fair

Working so hard in her homeward lair

Julie this day belongs to you

With hearty joyful wishes too

On now and every natal day

May God’s blessings with you always stay!
Happy Birthday!

Warmly,

Kate Kessler, Product Reviews Manager

TOS Magazine

-------------------------

You say your name is Julie

Well mine is Julie too

And I just found out today

That I am older than you

I guess that makes me Julie #1

And you are Julie TWO!

Julie Forsythe
The Schoolhouse Store Coordinator

I love my Mommy!

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:44:00 -0500

I love my Mommy...I really do.
It's just that I'm a horrible phone caller and communicator.
Mommy...I love you!
I miss you bunches!

Some people just like the sound of their own voice...

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 09:38:00 -0500

So I'm sitting here in Panera Bread (they have the most delicious whole grain bagels!) having a nice cup of coffee hoping for some peace and quiet...and there's this man sitting reading the paper with his wife. They are probably in their 60's. He has now talked about everything from recycling, politics and how no one is going to tell him what to believe, to how men don't like cats, sex education in schools (even using the word f***) and now he's on to another topic....and he's so loud that the whole restaurant can hear every word he's saying. I don't think I've heard his wife say one word. She's just reading the paper. His voice is probably like a soft murmuring in the background after all these years.

Oh, now he's talking about his take on history.

I'm gonna put my earphones on and listen to some Jim Brickman.

Observations on public women's restrooms...

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:31:00 -0500

1. You know, I'm all for not having to actually sit on the toilet seat in a public restroom. But if you're gonna squat and splash on the seat, at least have the decency to wipe it off when you're done. I obviously came to the Barnes and Noble restroom today after someone who didn't have "time" to do that.

2. I really hate having to dry my hands with those air dryers. I'd much rather use paper towels made from trees, throw them away and fill up the landfill. [grin] One day as I was having to dry my hands in one of those stupid air dryers, I decided to actually time how long it took for my hands to dry. It took all of 15 seconds. And I balk at having to wait that long....I'm so impatient.

3. I've heard that the first stall in a bathroom is the one that is least used. Something to do with brain psychology and not picking the first stall....who knows.

4. I've always thought that the person who came up with putting marketing materials on the back of bathroom stall doors is a genius. What else are we going to look at when we're sitting there?

5. I really feel sorry for guys having to just line up and go without any privacy. At least we have the luxury of closing a door and no one knowing whether we're doing #1 or #2.

Well, that's all for today....just some feeble observations on women's public restrooms.