History & Family - Homeschool Blogger

My library. . .

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 20:42:00 -0500

Books, specifically history books, are integral to what I do. They are also a source of great delight and pleasure, even though sometimes they are the stern taskmasters calling me back to a disciplined life of research and writing.

When I am in the midst of writing something on history, books tumble off the shelves in great piles, to be quickly skimmed, thoroughly read, or regretfully discarded, as the quest for understanding drives me on.
This means that when I am immersed in a book project for a long period of time (as was the case in the 1 1/2 year writing of Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries), my library and my desk become a messy labyrinth of hundreds of titles.

When Romans was finally completed (in April), I suddenly realized just what a mess had been created. And, of course, I wondered who I could get to clean it up!!

I have a friend who is a professional organizer by trade, and she was duly invited to do this job. But, sorrow upon sorrow, she was too busy.

My daughter is gifted by God in organization and structure, and she was also duly invited. But, increasing sorrow, she was otherwise engaged during this time.

I knew that if the library didn't straighten up, it wouldn't fly right as I took off on the next book, World Empires, World Missions, World Wars. However, I was running out of options.

Several weeks ago, I woke up with a sudden idea of how I might put the library back in to shape. (I must add that this is solely the history books -- everything else in book form lives in other places with a less ominous sound than "the library".)

The idea was to begin at the beginning -- Creation -- and work my way up chronologically, book by book, until I reached the 1960's.

As I shared it was my husband, I got more and more excited about what it might look like to have ALL of the books pertaining to a particular era in the same grouping, instead of having Christian biographies here, certain types of historic literature there, etc., etc.

So. . .with a huge amount of optimism and a certain measure of skepticism (in my own ability to do anything this organized) AND a lot of prayer (!), the library project commenced.

Four full days, long days, of taking books off shelves, sorting, reading brief amounts (if necessary), and putting them back on shelves. . . And, suddenly, the deed was done!!

Weeks later, I continue to revel in the joy of walking into the library and being able to know where ALL of the books on the Napoleonic era are. . .

Moral of the story: It was worth all the time and effort!

And, slight detail: World Empires, World Missions, World Wars revision is under a head of steam, and I've begun to write! It's going to be amazing. . . (at least, what I'm learning in research is amazing!!!).

Blessings,

Diana

The value of perspective. . .

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:29:00 -0500

About three and a half years ago, the Lord impressed me with the thought that keeping a journal would allow me to see His answers to prayer -- since I usually forget that I've prayed something, it makes it real hard to give thanks for His answers!!!

And, though I certainly don't write in it every day, there's been enough incentive inside to track some of the things He's been showing me, some of the prayers that I've prayed, and some of the "big" events of my life.

At first, I just had a plain little book -- very boring, but very cheap. After keeping track of many of the ongoing prayers (and when God answered them), I started to get excited about this journaling thing.

The next year, I found a beautiful journal, with a picture of a lighthouse on the cover and room to draw as well as write. . . It was so inspirational to just look at, that it helped me treasure more and more the times of sitting down to write. And, I began to occasionally read what I had written over the past few years. It was SUCH an encouragement to see how God had led, how He had answered prayers, how He had provided for us -- over and over and over and over.

Last year, in December, yet another journal, this time it had whales on it. . .

Over the past few days, I've been reviewing each of these 3 journals.

One of the most important things that has become obvious in this reading is that:

#1) God answers my prayers. If I hadn't written them down, I really would not have recognized (and remembered) His answer!

#2) God is faithful. If I hadn't written down our troubles, I would not have recognized (and remembered) His deliverance for us!!

#3) Worry is worthless, valueless, an absolute waste of time. Jesus told us that in the Gospels, but I often think that my worry really is an exception to the rule.

"Oh, God, I know that You don't want me to worry -- but this time it's REALLY important!!!"

Nah.

Totally worthless. The Bible tells us the Truth.

"Do not worry about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God. And the peace of God will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. . ."

Much better to trust Him, to bring our cares to Him and lay them before His feet ("casting our cares upon Him, for He cares for us"), and walk in thankfulness and peace.

It's not "normal". . . In fact, often times, trusting Him seems to be an outrageous response to our circumstances. Worry would seem normal, natural, the thing to do.

That's why we need to track our walk, write down the things God has done in our lives, so that when the circumstances "hit", we are prepared to pray, give thanks, and trust Him. Because we've seen that He never fails. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is ALWAYS trustworthy.

I read this the other day in a book about George Muller, the man who, in the 1800's, supported 2,000 orphans through prayer and faith in God. (And he journalled ALL of his prayers!)

He wrote: "As long as we are able to trust in God, holding fast in our heart that He is able and willing to help those who rest on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and in all matters that are for His glory and their good, the heart remains calm and peaceful. It is only when we practically let go of faith in His power of His love that we lose our peace and become troubled. Remember that it is the very time for faith to work when sight ceases. . .

"Faith is above circumstances. No war, no fire, no water, no business panic, no loss of friends, no death can touch it. It goes on its own steady course. It triumphs over all difficulties. It works most easily in the greatest difficulties. Those who really confide in God, because they know the power of His arm and the love of His heart as demonstrated in the death and resurrection of His only begotten Son, are helped, whatever their trials and difficulties might be."

Blessings,

Diana

The purpose of fruit. . .

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:05:00 -0500

After nine months of silence, I saw something today that may be worth sharing.

(BTW, if you've been wondering whether I dropped off the planet, the answer is "no". . . But I did have a situation arise which made me hesitant to write. It's pretty disconcerting when you discover that there are folks out there who would use your blog with hostile intent!)

Anyway, on to the story. Some neighborhood children, who had previously requested and received permission, were gleefully picking rosy red apples off our apple tree today. We have plenty to go around, so it was merely an interesting experience to watch them, seeing how carefully they looked for the best apples. The purpose? Eating! Right then. Warm from the tree. Perfect food for a gorgeous autumn day.

As I pondered this little vista, I suddenly thought about the purpose of fruit.

Do you suppose that an apple tree bears fruit just so we can gaze at the perfectly red orbs and say, "Wow, what gorgeous fruit!"?

Or, does an apple tree find its highest purpose in producing fruit which can be picked and eaten?

Jesus cursed the fig tree that wasn't bearing fruit. . . Which gives us insight into its purpose.

I know, I know. This is SO simple. Ridiculously simple. The fruit is there, hanging on the tree, so we can pick and eat it.

Right.

Now, think about the fruit of the Spirit. He grows these increasingly mature and ripe fruits in us of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Are they there so that others can stand from afar and admire how wonderful we look?

Or are they there so that others -- including our children and spouses -- can pick and eat them as they have need?

So, for instance, when my son is being a growly bear, would there be gentleness and patience available in me for him -- to the point where it was tangible and satisfying to him?

If my daughter was pushing all of my buttons, would there be a large enough portion of self-control that she could really taste its reality?

If my life's circumstances are debilitating and hard, is there enough of the Spirit's joy in me that the rest of the family (myself included) can be encouraged and refreshed to continue to trust God's plan for our lives?

It's just a thought.

And it coincides with what Jesus said in John 15:

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

Blessings,

Diana
Who will be happy to share again from time to time. . .

A Christmas gift that gives to many people. . .

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:37:00 -0600

Yesterday, I had the most delightful shopping experience of my life. Admittedly, I'm not much of a shopper, and if pressed, I would say that I actually dislike shopping -- especially when it involves malls. But yesterday was different.

My adventure began some weeks ago when my daughter told us that she would like to have us consider giving alternative gifts this year - ones that make a difference in people's lives. She suggested several different websites (and I'll put those on the end of this blog), including one called, "Ten Thousand Villages." This organization was started by Christian missionaries who sought a way to help the people they were serving emerge from utter poverty and begin to find work that brought not only income but dignity. When you look through this website, you can read the stories of how the hand-maded products are changing the lives of families and villages. Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes. . .

Then I noticed that Ten Thousand Villages actually had a store in the Seattle area. So, yesterday, with Google map in hand, we made our way through traffic to find one of the most amazing places I've ever been. When we walked in, we were struck by the attitude of friendliness on the part of the staff, and by the beauty of the displays. I was drawn by lovely wooden tree ornaments which were delicate and simple nativity scenes. $6. Made in the West Bank. We went on from there to beautiful onyx candle holders. $12. Made in Pakistan. I spied utterly cute reindeer hats for children. $20. Made in the highlands of Central America. Sculptured candle holders out of white rock. $34. Made in Kenya. Beautiful jewelry, gorgeous pottery, textiles, children's toys, on and on and on.

All of it is made by real people, living in countries where decent paying jobs are difficult to come by. As we bought several Christmas presents, I had the unutterable joy of knowing that not only will my family and friends be blessed, but the people who worked hard to create these wonders will be blessed as well.

You can make a difference. Even at home. Isn't that the wildest thing? As homeschool moms, you can make a difference in the world, just through the things you buy. You know which ones they are when you see that they are marked "Fair Trade." And, because of my daughter's research into this area, I've learned that many of the people who originally began Fair Trade organizations and practices were Bible-believing Christians who were compelled by the compassion and wisdom of God.

Actually, I could sense it in that shop. There was a quiet joy permeating the entire place, a sense of God's heart for the poor. I walked out of the door, shopping bag in hand (including a bar of Divine Chocolate -- a Fair Trade chocolate that is absolutely the best!!!), in awe of what God showed His people to do to be a blessing in this world.

And I wanted to share it with you!

Here are some websites, and some other options for gifts that will bless in ways beyond our understanding:
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/shop.php
http://www.agreatergift.org/Gifts.aspx
http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/buy
http://oneseed.agros.org (this is a Christian organization that works in Central and South America)

Blessings,

Diana

Giving Thanks. . .

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:34:00 -0600

I've been thinking a lot about giving thanks. I know that many of us have the tradition on Thanksgiving to go around the table and share things we are thankful for -- and that is a wonderful and appropriate tradition to have.

Yet, that tradition, as good as it is, can become something much more vital and much more normal in our everyday lives. . . If we make it a habit.

Bill and I have stumbled onto a regular habit of gratitude, especially on our walks, of saying, "What are five things you are thankful for?" Usually I remember to ask first, so Bill begins. Sometimes he is grateful for the obvious blessings of our surroundings, sometimes for lifelong blessings, sometimes for something that might seem insignificant to others. But as he shares his thankfulness, I am reminded of things in my life to give thanks for. The longer we "play" this, the more our hearts swell up in praise and worship to our Father God, who is the Giver behind every gift.

Recently we've added another dynamic. "Name three of your favorite memories." Wow! That one has brought us both to tears at times.

When we were first married, we used to play mental games, like, "Name as many countries in Africa as possible," or "Name countries alphabetically." The advent of children changed a lot of what we talked about and how we played.

But now, as empty-nesters, I can tell you that this is the best game of all.

Give thanks, dear ones. He is waiting to hear you.

Blessings,

Diana

Reformation Day

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:54:00 -0500

October 31, 1517. . . A momentous day in history from this vantage point, but to Martin Luther, it was probably just another day of doing his job.

I'm sure you remember the story. In order to fund the construction of St. Peter's in Rome, Pope Leo X had allowed indulgences to be issued. There's a lot of discussion about the exact nature of the medieval indulgence, but suffice it to say that it was sort of a spiritual insurance policy. If you did something wrong, it provided a "get out of jail FREE" card.

Martin Luther was a German monk, scholar, theologian and professor in the cathedral town of Wittenberg, Germany. With the recent publication of a Greek/Latin New Testament (the work of Erasmus), Luther had been able to study the New Testament in its original language. This had been an eye-opening experience, especially when he read "the just shall live by faith." In his medieval experience, Luther had believed that one was justified before God by the accumulation of good works. Scripture proved him wrong, however.

He had been teaching along these lines to the students at the university in Wittenberg when a traveling seller of indulgences came to a nearby town to preach and distribute his wares. Johann Tetzel was, by all accounts, a VERY good salesman with a very convincing presentation. Luther was upset by what he perceived to be hurtful to the local, uneducated people, since it was contradicted so clearly by the Bible. He then did his job. He pursued the action which scholars of those days would do in a theological argument -- he posted his argument against Tetzel's position on the door of the Wittenberg cathdral. . . on October, 31, 1517. One small step for man, one giant leap for the Church.

It was written in Latin (which was unreadable by everyone except scholars). . . But the translation into German was soon accomplished. And when the translation was printed and hit the streets, it unleashed a revolution in the Church, in the way people thought and, eventually, it changed the face of Europe and the world politically.

So. . . though what you are doing today might not seem momentous to you, it may, in fact, be the seed God is planting through you that will eventually change the world!

Blessings,

Diana

The difference between a summer crop and a beloved herb garden. . .

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 22:43:00 -0500

I was pondering yesterday, as I clipped a bit of rosemary and thyme (yes, I have sage and parsley as well, for all of those who remember the song - la la la la la), about the difference in perspective between those who are in a hurry to see results and those who have time to wait.

I'm new to the business of watching perennials grow. A friend planted a tiny rosemary plant for me last year (along with my beloved roses), and it's been slowly -- very slowly -- inching its way up into the air. As I went out to snip some for herb bread, I was suddenly struck by how much it's grown over this past season. Little by little, almost without notice, it's been increasing in size, output and beauty. . . I have plenty of time to let it grow because it's a perennial. It will be here next year and the year after and the year after that.

My tomatoes, on the other hand, are a different story. Those plants have to produce red fruits in the next few weeks or all the time, money and effort expended on them will have been a total waste. They will be gone once the first frost comes.

Many people look at homeschooling their children the way I look at growing my tomatoes. Hurry up!!!! Do something!!!! Make me proud!!!! Learn something!!!!! Improve yourself!!!!! NOW!!!!!

But children are much more like my little rosemary plant. They take time. We might not even see any noticeable improvement this week, this month, even this year. But when we compare them to where they were last year -- oh, my! Such growth!!

You know what? Parents are also like my rosemary plant. It takes us time to learn how to parent. . . and to learn the really important things. Like patience.

So, give your kids a break. Ask them for forgiveness for being so impatient, so demanding. Then, forgive yourself and ask the Lord to help you learn this lesson.

While you're at it, go pick or buy some rosemary to add a bit of fragrant spice to your next meal -- toss it on some roasted potatoes or into some bread. May the aroma remind you of the time it takes children to grow!

Blessings,

Diana

Resting in Him. . .

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:04:00 -0500

Yesterday, my daughter called from Belize to tell us the preparations that were taking place for the onslaught of Hurricane Dean (which at the time was classified at level 5). The non-governmental agency she is working with had a leader with a concrete house at a higher elevation than the town in which she has been living. So, 11 people were taking to the hills with extra food, water, boards, and all the stuff one needs during a hurricane. She also told us that she would probably not be able to talk to us for some days, as the telephone lines were all run through Belize City, which was scheduled to be hard hit, and the lines would probably go down for quite awhile.

And we, back home, began to pray. We watched satellite imagery last night, showing how this hurricane was going to hit not only the Yucatan Peninsula but Belize as well. . . We prayed that the hurricane would be lessened in its impact, that it would do little damage, and that the people in Belize would be spared.

At 4:30 a.m., I woke up and began to pray again for my daughter. After awhile, I had to know what the hurricane was doing, so got up to look at the computer. It was hard to know exactly what she was experiencing as I stared at the satellite images, but it seemed obvious that they were suffering quite a bit of storm damage.

However, as I lay back down, I felt the Lord remind me that I needed to commit her way to Him, to rest in Him, and that He would take care of us.

A few minutes ago, the phone rang. And to my astonishment, it was my daughter!!!! She told me that they had experienced a bit of rain and wind last night, but nothing today. . . The phones are operational, she's back at work, and all but a tiny section of Belize was spared from the effects of the hurricane.

All I can say, friends, is Praise The Lord!!!!!

Diana

Results of photo shoot. . .

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:58:00 -0500

Actually, much to my surprise and delight, the photo shoot was fun! The place we picked out of the yellow pages (!) was the most creative studio I've ever seen. They had a whole warehouse full of sets, plus an outdoor garden with lots of different styles of settings (real flowers, trees, etc. . .)

Somehow, the photographer was able to capture photos of me smiling that look real rather than posed. . . And he was rather a magician in making me look good!!!

So, here it is! Honestly, I felt like this was a huge answer to prayer, since having one's photo on the FRONT cover of a book feels quite intimidating!!!!

:)

Ok. As Tigger says, TTFN.

Diana

Our 28th wedding anniversary

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 23:20:00 -0500

Wanted to share that Bill & I just celebrated twenty-eight years of marriage. . .

It's amazing to look back on that much time, and see how faithfully God has brought us through times of great difficulty, taught us great lessons of His goodness, and brought to life many things of which we could only dream -- they were not within our own power to accomplish.

So, as we look forward to the next 28, we decided to set down some new goals and dreams. . . It was wonderful to consider in light of God's faithfulness to us in the past.

Praying that YOUR marriages are growing in His goodness and grace.

Diana