Lenten Book Club - Introduction/The First Evangelicals

It was years ago when this book first found it's way into my personal library and it quickly became a favourite. It came at a time when I was becoming aware of other Christian faith traditions (one of the other "rooms" off the hallway that C.S. Lewis likens it to, page 16**) and felt compelled for several reasons to explore the rooms to compare to my own.  I am, after all, in the same "room" I was born into, one where I was baptized into Christ as an infant, confirmed and made an adult member after 3 years of being catechized, attended part of grade school, all of high school and part of college still in the "room" and went on to marry a Seminary student who was also in this same "room".  To be specific, my "room" is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. I like it here! It's familiar, comfortable and the potlucks are awesome. More importantly, I believe everything I've been taught here. So what good can come from exploring other "rooms"?

On a fairly superficial level, it satisfies my curiosity. In my day to day life, I'm more often rubbing shoulders with people outside my room. I hear them talk sometimes using terminology that's familiar to me but I start to suspect has different meaning when used in their context. I feel a kinship with these fellow Christians who believe as I do in the God of the Bible and Jesus as their Saviour, but I also feel like I'm in a different "room" -  because I am. And so I ask myself the question every good Lutheran asks: "What does this mean?". 

In my journey so far to answer that question and with the help of "The Spirituality of the Cross", it has drawn me closer to Christ.  It has done that because it has made me go back to the Word to answer the question. This book was just a catalyst, a jumping off point. But it's the Word of God that brings us to faith, that strengthens that faith and that points us to Jesus on every page.  As I've compared what I've been taught with what others may believe using Scripture as my guide, I am appreciating and cherishing my Room. Not because of the name above the door but because of how carefully and methodically everything in that room is designed to point towards the cross of Christ.  As I consider differing theology and dare to imagine what life would be like without real presence in the Lord's Supper, that Baptism saves, closed communion, roles of men and women, and proper distinction of Law and Gospel to name just a few, I quickly realize that the grass is certainly not greener on the other side nor following the Biblical path that God desires for his children.

The term "evangelical" is confusing in today's Christian culture. Page 18 talks briefly about this misunderstanding. He goes on to define what "Gospel" means which is also a common word that's not always easy to define. I desired more of an explanation than what he gave and I came upon the following from the Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord V 3-6:

It is used in two ways in the Holy Scriptures and also by ancient and modern Church teachers. Sometimes it is used to mean the entire doctrine of Christ, our Lord, which He proclaimed in His ministry on earth and commanded to be proclaimed in the New Testament. Therefore, this includes the explanation of the Law and the proclamation of the favour and grace of God His heavenly Father. For it is written, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). And shortly afterward the chief points are stated: Repentance and forgiveness of sins. So when Christ after His resurrection commanded the apostles to "proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15), He compressed the sum of this doctrine into a few words. He also said, "Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that rependence and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations" (Luke 24:46-47). Paul, too, calls his entire doctrine the Gospel (Acts 20:21). He summarizes this doctrine under two points: Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. In this sense the general definition of the word Gospel, when used in a wide sense and without proper distinction between the Law and the Gospel, is correctly said to be a preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. For John, Christ, and the apostles began their preaching with repentance and explained and taught not only the gracious promise of the forgiveness of sins, but also God's Law. Furthermore, the term Gospel is used in another way. In its proper sense, Gospel does not mean the preaching of repentance, but only the preaching of God's grace. This follows directly after the preaching of repentance, as Christ says, "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). 

Now that we have that cleared up, we move onto the term "spirituality" that the author defines as having to do "precisely with the content, what fills abstract theology, mundane institutions, and the everyday life of the Christian with their substance". (page 20,21)

May it be said (just in case it needs to be said) that Lutherans do not worship Martin Luther. Sure, some of us may have Marty and Katie bobbleheads but that's beside the point! I agree with the author on page 23 where he writes, "One of the great strengths of the Lutheran tradition is that theology is taken seriously and has been thoroughly worked out. Sophisticated theology, biblical scholarship, and vigorous polemics are to be found in abundance among Lutherans."

We Pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, in this world of unrest and strife You founded Your holy Christian Church through faith as a kingdom of peace and joy. You have established this worldwide communion of saints in which all believers are joined by the invisible bond of faith and in which we are gathered around Your Word and Sacraments. I thank You for making me a citizen in Your holy kingdom through the cleansing waters of Baptism. I praise You for Your goodness because You bestowed upon me and all Your children Your Holy Spirit. Keep the flame of faith alive in all believers through the forgiveness and peace given us through Your precious body and blood in the bread and wine of the Sacrament. Continue to fill us with the spirit of love and peace toward one another. Make us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Fulfill among us Your promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Your church. Extend Your kingdom so that Your salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Hear us for the sake of Your truth. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Prayer)

*I plan on suggesting some supplemental listening podcasts as we go along for those that are interested. I'm a huge fan of Issues, etc. which is not from my Lutheran denomination but The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Most of the content has not been an issue. As always, be discerning but I will try my best and only suggest those I've listened too. You can listen directly from your computer but I prefer to listen through the app on my phone. This way I can drive around doing my business and listen as I go!
** I am reading from the Revised Edition, 2010

Responding to Evangelical Proof Texts: "Christianity is a Relationship, Not a Religion"

What words popped out at you in this chapter?
What has your experience been in "other rooms"?

Nine is Fine!

The birthday countdown usually starts in March. 11 months and counting. I can usually manage to distract her by focusing on how everyone else in the family needs to have a birthday first. Then after the last family member has his birthday in July, the excitement starts to flare up again. But Christmas comes first! Come Boxing Day, fuggataboutit. The birthday list has started, the menu of the day discussed and plans are made. Bring on the birthday!!

Food is always an important - no - integral part of any occasion in this house. Hosanna requested the following for her special day:

Breakfast - scrambled eggs with feta, tomatoes and basil, to be made by Mom
Lunch - Tomato and basil pizza, to be made by Oma
Supper - Bangers and Mash, to be made by Opa
Cake - Ice Cream Cake, to be made by Dairy Queen

She attempted to throw in a snack of cheese and crackers to be eaten while she opened her presents but I had to draw the line somewhere! 

Oma and Opa drove in from Wisconsin and spent the week before with us. Consequently she enjoyed a week off of school and accompanied me and our houseguests on various shopping outings along with her usual extra-curricular activities. She also enjoyed playing approximately 1000 rounds of Carcassonne with Opa who happily obliged especially when combined with their daily tea party (hot chocolate and cookies). 

I made the mistake of mentioning the day before her birthday that in China it was her birthday already. She took to that like marshmallows in hot chocolate and I fear that I've created a monster - or at least one that comes out for two days instead of one. 

Her birthday was spent seeing aunts and uncles on Skype, going to Lutheran Girl Pioneers and hosting her godparents for dinner. 

All in all, the girl had a pretty successful birthday which she rated as a "10". So far she hasn't brought up next years plans, but then it isn't March yet ... 

Love is All You Need

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth -

for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Songs 1:2

Lenten Reflections and Book Club Announcement

I am trying to soak up these last days of Epiphany and savour the Light of Jesus and sing my Alleluias loud and worshipful knowing what is ahead.  I don't look forward in my mind to Lent like I do Advent. It's easier to let my mind and heart look ahead from the End Times focus of the end of the church year to anticipation of the start of a new one: One that begins with Advent. In contrast, I don't like to anticipate Lent until it is Lent. Then I embrace it for the many spiritual blessings it brings. I look forward to that!  

Maybe that's the excuse I'm going with anyway to say that I've procrastinated on this and am now just choosing which book to read and contemplate over here. Join me anyway - despite my last minute mind? 

Love, love, love this book! I've been looking for an excuse to read this again. You can get it here on Amazon and also on Kindle as an ebook. I'll also be putting in an order so if you live near me I'd be happy to sell you one. Also good news - you can buy some time by taking advantage of the first chapter that Amazon has for free! 

I'll be reading a chapter a week.  There are 7 chapters so that will take us through Lent and into the beginning of Easter. I'll be posting on Thursdays my own thoughts and comments and I'd love to hear yours! Get your highlighters out because this is a good one, ya'll!  Oops. That's right. I'm from Canada now. Make that "eh"! 

We'll discuss the first chapter on Thursday, February 26 so plan on meeting me back here to share your thoughts and insights on a book that is sure to be a thought provoking read! 

2015 Homeschool Day in the Life

How many years have I been posting a "day in the life"? I'll have to look back but I think this may be the fourth year. I really do it for posterities sake as much as I do it to join in the group of others sharing their days too.  It's fun to look back on the past years to see what "normal" was and it's fun to look at the many ways homeschooling can look in various homes. Thanks to Simple Homeschool for giving me the opportunity:)

I'm Rachel and I've been doing this homeschool gig for 10 years. Yep. What started as not sending my 4 year old to junior kindergarten because what was that anyway? turned into hey, I think I can manage to teach my own child and probably do a better job to if we can do this through grade 3 and really lay a foundation of spiritual, intellectual and emotional health, I'll be happy.  That 4 year old is now in his first year in high school and he graduated our homeschool last spring.

My second child, who is now in grade 3, has never known not sitting by my side and joining in our days of learning. She could sing the continents and oceans song when she was three.  She memorized the Sermon on the Mount along with us when she was 7. She learned what the countries of Africa were when she was 6.  She's benefited in ways I'll probably never know by growing up in this environment. But now that her older brother is at boarding school and not living at home full time, it's all her. This year she's an only!

What makes my family unique is what guides our studies, priorities and curriculum choices. This is my favourite part of homeschooling! We don't need to fit into a nice, neat box with everyone else. We can be who we are and tailor our education choices to fit.

My family is Christian (Lutheran, to be exact!), we have both a biological child and an adopted child, we are a pastor's family, we're musically inclined, we're American and Canadian, we live no where near family, we're homebodies and social butterflies.  All these qualities and more translate into our top priorities being to teach and learn Scripture, maintain contact and grow in understanding of the Chinese culture our daughter was born in, be active in various church programs, sing in the choir and play violin, make our own traditions and travel as a family, grow a much greater awareness of the whole world and enjoy being home after being out and about! That's us - in a nutshell.

While each day definitely has it's own personality or program we're off to, there is a basic rhythm to our homeschool and this is what I'd like to share. And so .... (drum roll, please) .... I give you ....
Thursday.

Hosanna (my daughter) has a number of things that need to be accomplished before we sit down together at 9am. This includes basic chores like getting herself ready, making her bed and eating breakfast. It also includes some work done on her own. She fills in the next page of her "Luther's Small Catechism for kids" workbook, writes out her memory verse for the week, writes a page in her journal, does a page in her cursive workbook, measures the growth of "The Plant" and records, completes half a lesson in "Explode the Code",  and does the days instalment of "Xtra Math" and Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor on my computer. It's up to her to plan her morning accordingly to get all this done. These are all things I know she can do on her own and we go over her work once I sit down with her.

After this, we start on our work together and the lessons I teach. I wrote a post in September on the curriculum we are using this year.

We begin our daily lessons with our Bible story lesson for the week.  It usually takes us about 3 days to complete one lesson, so I break it up into segments and we take about 15- 20 minutes each day. I do this first because I know (from experience) that if the rest of the day goes terribly wrong and nothing else gets done, at least we did what was important. Amen.

Next up is math. Because she's already done timed math facts on the computer earlier, I usually leave that part out of our lesson.  We do a lesson a day and depending on how she does on the front side of the Saxon worksheet, she may or may not be required to do the other side. Sometimes I just pick part of side B if I think she needs to review certain areas.

Language Arts is next. She's already practiced her cursive and phonics. This is our time to do "Learning Language Arts Through Literature - Yellow book".  I will also occasionally (not today) throw in a writing lesson from Institute for Excellence in Writing but this year is more of an introduction and getting her feet wet in the art of writing.

It's time for Science! I finally found a curriculum I am loving. We don't do it every day (once or twice a week) but today I am ready for the experiment. We are learning about how air takes up space and how temperature can affect it.

The whole Science thing took me longer to pull off than I anticipated. I had dinner to put in the crockpot and I had to get lunch started. Hosanna was disappointed we didn't have time to get to History so she took matters into her own hands while I made the panini sandwiches.  She read out loud about Catherine the Great of Russia and what a jerk her husband, Peter, was.  Then she asked me the questions from the activity book to see how well I was listening. She thought she was pretty funny!

We didn't have a lot of time to lolly-gag at lunch. We had her swimming lesson to get to. Out the door we went and she enjoyed her weekly 45 minute lesson at a pool nearby.  Lesson time is just as much for homeschool moms as the lessons are for kids. This is the time where we give each other moral support and a shoulder to cry on. On this day, my friend and I shared stories of our older kids in their first year of "brick and mortar school" and how they're driving us nuts by not listening to our wise, sage advice in all aspects of their lives. What? Teenagers don't appreciate being told how they should do things? 

Now may be a good time to mention I've got a bit of a side job. I'm a hairdresser by trade. The ironic thing is that after I finished my first year of university ohsomanyyearsago, my mother suggested I stay in school to complete the teaching degree I had started because "you never know, you may have to teach your own kids someday". To which I did not respond as if she had given me wise, sage advice and laughed. out. loud. and decided I wanted to "do hair".  Hilarious (insert sarcasm).  But it's all worked out quite nicely because I still am somehow able to manage to teach my kids the alphabet and make some extra money on the side by cutting hair. This last summer we invested in finishing off our basement and included a small salon for me to work from.  So now that you're caught up on that ..

We hustled home from swimming class because I had hair appointments to get back to for the afternoon. While I highlighted and cut a few heads of hair, Zanna played with the neighbour friend and had a grand ole' time socializing. As did I in the basement salon catching up with friends while making them beautiful.

I always appreciate the pre-planning and time I put into our menu for the week when I come up from the basement after working, or into the house after being out all afternoon and smell dinner ready in the crockpot! Today I made a recipe I grew up with and is now one of my family's favourites!

Snow Plow Stew 

2 lbs stew beef cut into 1" pieces
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 101/2 oz. can of cream of mushroom soup
1 4 oz. can whole mushrooms
1/2 cup red wine

Combine all ingredients in the Crock-Pot. Stir together well. Cover and cook on Low for 8-12 hours. Serve over Wild Rice.

Normally when I've been constantly moving through the whole day, I'm pretty shot energy wise by the time the supper dishes are cleaned up. I usually read to Hosanna to wind the both of us down for the day. But today I kept going a little longer and went out to the Dollar Store with Hosanna to get a few things and to swing by church as a favour to my husband (there's a story but it's not that exciting).  I can assure you that after that, I was exhausted and done for the day. After putting Hosanna to bed and putting my pj's and robe on, I parked my behind on the couch and enjoyed watching the "American Idol" try-outs and hanging out with my husband for the evening.



That's a day-in-the-life of our homeschool. Yes, homeschooling an "only" is definitely a lot quieter than with multiple kids! But it comes with many blessings too and lots of one on one time. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for stopping by!

Forever Family Day - 2015

 Otherwise known as "Gotcha Day" - the anniversary of the day we "got" Hosanna. 8 years ago:)

Our first picture together

Some of the official paperwork we filled out that morning

Pulling up to the building where we will meet our babies!

The official ceremony where the babies are brought in one at  a time.

Our name is called! We are finally together!

Back at the hotel - now what?!!!

We had to go back the next day to "seal the deal" after our Harmonious Period

Beautiful girl!!

Will waits at airport for us to come home. He's only seen her on Skype.

She crawled right into his lap. Best friends forever! (I'm weeping in the corner)

Wrapping Up 2014

Christmas Eve

Will is home and all is right in the world.

Divine Word on Christmas Eve

We've had our usual busy but lovely Advent and December in general.  Our new season in life has affected this season of the year too and we continue to adjust.  Traveling to Wisconsin for American Thanksgiving is definitely something new - and wonderful! But it's an adjustment to be gone from home and our church for the first Sunday in Advent. And by the time we returned home, we were looking at the start of the second week in Advent. Although my present shopping was done (thankfully!) I still felt behind in the baking that I had hoped to do. I was also decorating for Christmas like a mad women who's panicking at a whole week lost, pulling out the home Advent wreath and Advent countdown calendars already fallen behind.

My Christmas Eve table

But guess what? In the end, it didn't really matter. And that's the thing about traditions, I think. Sometimes life changes and we adjust and new traditions are made. Sometimes the traditions I thought no one could live without aren't even missed if I don't get around to it. Of course, it could do something with the Nanaimo bars I bought at Costco that distracted everyone in my house. Why bother going through the trouble of making them myself when they do such a good job for $10?

Zanna and I attended two Advent by Candlelights this year. The first was at St. Paul's downtown. Zanna and I played our first duet together on our violins! I felt so blessed ... She's way more hesitant to play in front of a crowd than Will ever was so I have to encourage her a bit more. And since her new violin teacher is Jewish, needless to say we didn't have a Christmas recital this year.

The next Advent by Candlelight was our own at church. It was a small, intimate group of ladies but just as lovely and special. I hosted a table and had a blast decorating it up with the theme "the names of Jesus". Zanna and I participated in the program playing the parts of the mother/daughter.  If they only handed out Emmy's ...

The Nutcracker collection and Nativity corner

In my home decorating, I really thought I was going simple this year. But by the time I put out the village, Will's nutcracker collection, Zanna's growing nativity set and the tree goes up, what the heck? I might as well put out a few more items at that point.

Mom's pump organ

Will managed to wrap up his first semester of high school and I think we all breathed a collective sigh of relief! I was able to watch his Christmas concert on LiveStream the Sunday before they left which was pretty cool. He played in the strings ensemble at the beginning and then sang with the choir throughout the concert. There was another concert Thursday morning after their last exam and before the start of Christmas break. I turned on LiveStream to see him play again and there was no Will playing with the ensemble. I called him to yell at him find out what was going on and the poor guy had the stomach flu! He had been throwing up since 2am and was forced to fit in his Old Testament exam around his hurling. Welcome to the real world, honey!
Uncle Jeff brought his sickly nephew to his home and Will was able to sleep the rest of the day. His flight was for Friday thankfully, and by then he was feeling much better.

Our Christmas Mantle 

What Will packed for 2 weeks vacation

(can be sung to the 12 Days of Christmas)

• all his electronic devices (iPad, Bose speakers, cell phone) their cords and rechargeable cords, etc.
• His hard cover Peanuts comic book, Marvel comic book, some novel he borrowed from his neighbour at school
• all his shoes - his black and brown church shoes, tennis shoes. No boots. Even though he lives in Canada.
• His toiletries. 10 points.
• 2 church pants - neither of which fit anymore
• 4 shirts which include one sweatshirt and his Packers jersey
• 1 white dress shirt. 10 points.
• His winter jacket. 10 points.
• The socks he was wearing.
• 3 pairs of underwear, one of which he was wearing.
• No PJ's.

Costco wreath attacked with items from Hobby Lobby

There is a certain satisfaction for this mama to be able to wash all his clothes (the ones he brought, anyway) in hot water with a little added Borax to combat that strange and nasty boys' dorm smell. Clean his ears. Cut his hair. What more could I ask for this Christmas?

Our family

There definitely was the initial adjustment in having him home. Since we now know who the culprit is that doesn't clean up the bathroom, the honeymoon was soon over. He constantly leaves lights on - a side effect I remember bringing to my home after living dorm life - and I hear my father speak from my own voice, "Shut your lights off!!!" But he makes a neat bed every morning without me having to ask (a requirement in the dorms), and he's super thankful for all the meals I make (it ain't cafeteria food!). I'll be super sad to have him leave again in a few days.

Parliament lit up! 

We've been having a blast together! We surprised the kids by taking them to the National Art Centre to see Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Cafe Christmas Tour. We had them thinking that we were going to drive downtown and look at lights which they thought was so lame. Who's the lame parents now, thank you very much?!!

We spent a Saturday at the Museum of Nature and Zanna found all 12 reindeer hidden throughout the museum.  We also drove out to Upper Canada Village for their "Alight at Night" and enjoyed a turkey dinner at their cafeteria. We all took a chilly ride on the horse drawn carriage. Wayne and Zanna braved the cold for a ferris wheel ride.

Our Christmas Eve service was a memory maker. This is traditionally the Children's pageant and all the kids did such a great job with their parts and recitation and instrument playing and singing. There's something about seeing your kid in an angel costume that is just precious every single time. Zanna was adorable! But the tears came for me when the lights dimmed and the individual candles were lit (there's a fire station across the street) and Zanna stood up in front with her violin and played "Silent Night" the very best she's ever done.  That moment will be burned in my memory for ever!

Our first "selfie"

Wayne and I have snuck out for date night since our babysitter has briefly returned. We went to see "Unbroken" which was good but according to Wayne, "The book was better." But we knew that already, didn't we? We drove downtown (for real) to look at lights and walk around Parliament to see their lovely light show.

Advent by Candlelight

We've been enjoying eating lots of food, watching cheesy made for TV Christmas movies we've TVO'd, entertaining friends and sharing meals, organizing playdates and just relishing being together. 

Our New Years Day dinner table

We are so very grateful for the earthly blessings we've been given and know that we are spiritually rich through Jesus.  The year ended with some events that reminded us that this earth truly is temporary and we yearn for heaven to be our eternal home.

Wayne's Uncle Murray passed away on Boxing Day at the age of 62 after his battle with cancer.

 The Halldorson family was pretty shook up when patriarch, Jake, suffered a stroke on the 30th. Dad's home now but has limited vision and is being closely monitored. Wayne and brother, Brent, will fly out to be with them next week and also attend their uncle's funeral.

 The day before brother-in-law(Jeff) and sister-in-law(Steph) and family were to leave for Disney World on New Year's Day,  a 16 year old member of Jeff's small, rural church was in a fatal car crash. He's stayed behind to minister to the grieving family while his own family continues with their plans. Another girl in the crash still lies in hospital.

Will flies home in a few days and prayers, please, as he travels with a friend and manages on their own the Chicago airport.  Until then, I'm busy making his favourite curry dish, washing clothes so at least they're clean in the suitcase and trying to ignore how the bathrooms really need to be cleaned.  They'll get done soon enough when it's just me and Zanna around the house and we're eating leftover curry!

Happy New Year!