As I read, I often think of questions. Sometimes I take the time to look things up in a commentary or another translation. Sometimes I just live with the question.
Tonight, as I was reading in 2 Chronicles, I read about a census Solomon took. Earlier, in 1 Chronicles and Kings, David took a census and was punished with a plague on the people. There is no record of Solomon being punished or even of God's displeasure. So, I wondered why. I googled it. (I love to google.) And I found this neat site that had some possible answers to this and other questions from the book of 2 Chronicles. I'm thinking there may be pages for other books and I plan to look!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 30 Check In
Thirty days have passed since I began this endeavor. I am still caught up and reading now in Chronicles. I was behind a day because of our trip this week, but I was able to get caught up today while we were housebound in the snow.
Reading through the Old Testament this quickly has been very interesting. I have been able to draw some connections between people and events that I never noticed before. It is also neat how several different Bible studies are meshing together for me right now, allowing me to see the big picture better than I ever have. I am reading in the Old Testament. We have been studying the Old Testament in Bible for school this year and completed a Jesse Tree over Christmas. (The Jesse Tree traces the lineage of Christ and the prophecies of His coming from creation on.) Ashlyne is studying the Old Testament in her AWANA Sparks book this semester, and I have to read it to her, so I'm hearing it there. And I am reading the book of John with some other ladies in a Bible study online group. I am noticing all kinds of things about the Old Testament and the history of Israel which are ultimately going to lead up to the coming of the Messiah. And I am seeing in the book of John how some of these things are fulfilled and culminate in the life of Christ. Very exciting!
Reading through Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, I sometimes have trouble keeping all the kings and their lives straight. Because these books repeat the same period of history from different perspectives, I often am finding it difficult to keep all the information straight in my mind. I found this informative site today with several charts from the study of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. It helped me to sort some things out and get a better grasp of what was going on historically at the time.
I am looking forward to completing my journey through the kingly histories and getting into the reading of the prophets as I continue to read through John.
Reading through the Old Testament this quickly has been very interesting. I have been able to draw some connections between people and events that I never noticed before. It is also neat how several different Bible studies are meshing together for me right now, allowing me to see the big picture better than I ever have. I am reading in the Old Testament. We have been studying the Old Testament in Bible for school this year and completed a Jesse Tree over Christmas. (The Jesse Tree traces the lineage of Christ and the prophecies of His coming from creation on.) Ashlyne is studying the Old Testament in her AWANA Sparks book this semester, and I have to read it to her, so I'm hearing it there. And I am reading the book of John with some other ladies in a Bible study online group. I am noticing all kinds of things about the Old Testament and the history of Israel which are ultimately going to lead up to the coming of the Messiah. And I am seeing in the book of John how some of these things are fulfilled and culminate in the life of Christ. Very exciting!
Reading through Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, I sometimes have trouble keeping all the kings and their lives straight. Because these books repeat the same period of history from different perspectives, I often am finding it difficult to keep all the information straight in my mind. I found this informative site today with several charts from the study of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. It helped me to sort some things out and get a better grasp of what was going on historically at the time.
I am looking forward to completing my journey through the kingly histories and getting into the reading of the prophets as I continue to read through John.
I can't believe I forgot the camera and other odds and ends
The kids and I went on a mini vacation with my mom this week. We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord NC, about an hour away. Great Wolf is a family resort with a huge water park as the main attraction. They also have a large arcade, Gr8 space, a game room for tweens and teens, and Cub Club, a playroom for the younger set. Another main attraction is their MagiQuest game sprawled out on three floors of the hotel.
We went Thursday morning, checked in about noon and visited the water park, played MagiQuest, and went to the arcade. We spent the night in a Kids Kamp room, complete with a special cabin like area for the kids to sleep in. Friday morning, we did some Cub Club activities, played more MagiQuest, and spent the day in the water park before heading home.
The whole thing was a great experience! Of course, I forgot my camera. So, I have no pictures of Kathryne and Charles becoming Master Magis in MagiQuest, Rachel sliding down the water slides at Fort McKenzie, Ashlyne enjoying the wave pool, Charles completing the lily pad obstacle course over and over, or myself taking the plunge down the Howling Tornado. But, we have the memories of a great vacation (and some MagiQuest wands if we ever want to play again).
In other news, we had snow today! It was really more of a sleety, icy mess, but around here anything white that falls from the sky counts as snow. I do have pictures of my crew playing in the snow/sleet/ice mess. I took them from inside where I sat safe and warm supervising the dressing and undressing of layers of wet clothing every time someone went in and out and making hot chocolate for the cold and weary players.
We went Thursday morning, checked in about noon and visited the water park, played MagiQuest, and went to the arcade. We spent the night in a Kids Kamp room, complete with a special cabin like area for the kids to sleep in. Friday morning, we did some Cub Club activities, played more MagiQuest, and spent the day in the water park before heading home.
The whole thing was a great experience! Of course, I forgot my camera. So, I have no pictures of Kathryne and Charles becoming Master Magis in MagiQuest, Rachel sliding down the water slides at Fort McKenzie, Ashlyne enjoying the wave pool, Charles completing the lily pad obstacle course over and over, or myself taking the plunge down the Howling Tornado. But, we have the memories of a great vacation (and some MagiQuest wands if we ever want to play again).
In other news, we had snow today! It was really more of a sleety, icy mess, but around here anything white that falls from the sky counts as snow. I do have pictures of my crew playing in the snow/sleet/ice mess. I took them from inside where I sat safe and warm supervising the dressing and undressing of layers of wet clothing every time someone went in and out and making hot chocolate for the cold and weary players.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 25 Check in
I am reading in Kings now. I find the books of Judges-Chronicles sad and difficult to read. When I think of Israel and the promises God had made to them as a nation and then see how the country's leaders struggle with idolatry, war, treason, murder, immorality, it is sad.
At the same time, there are moments of hope: David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, Solomon building the temple for God to dwell among the people, the kings scattered throughout the history who did turn back to God.
This is our world, corrupted by sin, attacked by evil, sometimes overcome with wickedness. But God is good to give us the promise of hope throughout and a look forward to the time when all will be made new.
At the same time, there are moments of hope: David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, Solomon building the temple for God to dwell among the people, the kings scattered throughout the history who did turn back to God.
This is our world, corrupted by sin, attacked by evil, sometimes overcome with wickedness. But God is good to give us the promise of hope throughout and a look forward to the time when all will be made new.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A School Update
I realized that it has been quite a while since I posted about what is going on in our homeschool this quarter. So here goes:
Bible: What began as an Old Testament study this year has turned into a Genesis study. We are still in Genesis studying Jacob. Over Christmas break, I found an Old Testament workbook from Scripture Adventures. We are really enjoying the activities in this study.
Kathryne and Charles are completing a Night at the Museum lapbook. We have enjoyed these two movies, and right before Christmas, I found a free lapbook. (I believe it was from CurrClick.) We are taking time to read about and study several of the characters from the movie. So far we have talked about Atilla the Hun, Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon, Custer, Theodore Roosavelt, and Amelia Earhart.
Ashlyne and Rachel are completing a lapbook that goes with the book Officer Buckle and Gloria. It is from Homeschool Share.
We are all listening through Lambs Tales of Shakespeare. And last week I found an animation of Midsummer's Night's Dream on YouTube to watch.
We are also studying Van Gogh as our artist this quarter. We have studied some general information about him and will begin looking at some of his paintings.
For our music appreciation, we are using Classics for Kids to study the different musical periods. We listen to information about and music from a different period each week.
We read a different poem together each week and use a phrase from the poem as copywork. Lately we've been reading some poetry from Logfellow. This week, we'll be reading The Song of Hiawatha.
For history, we are continuing to listen to Story of the World volume 2. I enjoy the Middle Ages and think the kids are enjoying it also.
In science, we are using the God's Design series from Answers in Genesis. We are using the plant study this quarter, and I hope to tie in some nature studies as the weather improves in the spring.
Kathryne has finished Delta in Math-U-See and is beginning Epsilon (fractions). Charles is continuing through the fourth grade Spectrum math workbook. Rachel is working through the ABEKA ABC123 book. And I have recently signed Ashlyne up for Time4Learning. She was having some difficulty with workbooks and focusing. I thought it was worth a try to let her use the computer for some of that skills work. She's only been doing it for one week, but she seems to be enjoying it and does focus better on the computer.
For extracurricular activities:
We are participating in a Friday co-op. Right now the little girls' class is studying transportation, and Kathryne and Charles are doing carpentry. Next in co-op with be an Olympics study.
We are continuing with AWANA on Wednesdays and choir on Sundays.
Kathryne and Ashlyne will be starting Praise Dance class again in February.
Also in February, Kathryne will be in a drama class with our local community theater.
Bible: What began as an Old Testament study this year has turned into a Genesis study. We are still in Genesis studying Jacob. Over Christmas break, I found an Old Testament workbook from Scripture Adventures. We are really enjoying the activities in this study.
Kathryne and Charles are completing a Night at the Museum lapbook. We have enjoyed these two movies, and right before Christmas, I found a free lapbook. (I believe it was from CurrClick.) We are taking time to read about and study several of the characters from the movie. So far we have talked about Atilla the Hun, Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon, Custer, Theodore Roosavelt, and Amelia Earhart.
Ashlyne and Rachel are completing a lapbook that goes with the book Officer Buckle and Gloria. It is from Homeschool Share.
We are all listening through Lambs Tales of Shakespeare. And last week I found an animation of Midsummer's Night's Dream on YouTube to watch.
We are also studying Van Gogh as our artist this quarter. We have studied some general information about him and will begin looking at some of his paintings.
For our music appreciation, we are using Classics for Kids to study the different musical periods. We listen to information about and music from a different period each week.
We read a different poem together each week and use a phrase from the poem as copywork. Lately we've been reading some poetry from Logfellow. This week, we'll be reading The Song of Hiawatha.
For history, we are continuing to listen to Story of the World volume 2. I enjoy the Middle Ages and think the kids are enjoying it also.
In science, we are using the God's Design series from Answers in Genesis. We are using the plant study this quarter, and I hope to tie in some nature studies as the weather improves in the spring.
Kathryne has finished Delta in Math-U-See and is beginning Epsilon (fractions). Charles is continuing through the fourth grade Spectrum math workbook. Rachel is working through the ABEKA ABC123 book. And I have recently signed Ashlyne up for Time4Learning. She was having some difficulty with workbooks and focusing. I thought it was worth a try to let her use the computer for some of that skills work. She's only been doing it for one week, but she seems to be enjoying it and does focus better on the computer.
For extracurricular activities:
We are participating in a Friday co-op. Right now the little girls' class is studying transportation, and Kathryne and Charles are doing carpentry. Next in co-op with be an Olympics study.
We are continuing with AWANA on Wednesdays and choir on Sundays.
Kathryne and Ashlyne will be starting Praise Dance class again in February.
Also in February, Kathryne will be in a drama class with our local community theater.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 17 Check In
I missed a day in my reading this week. I took extra time yesterday- on Saturday to catch up. I could have used a grace day, but I really want to save those for later in the time.
I am reading through Judges now. I always think the book of Judges is sad. Here are the Israelites who so recently were led by God into the Promised Land where He drove out the nations before them. They witnessed His mighty works again and again. But, here they are forgetting God, in a vicious cycle of turning away, being oppressed by their enemies, being delivered by a judge and then falling into sin again.
A key to why this happens is found in Judges 2:10 :10And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel. Somehow, the Israelites had let their children forget what God had done. They had failed to pass on the information. We're not really told why. We know that Moses (in the book of Deuteronomy) and later Joshua (in the book of Joshua) had made a point of retelling these things to the people.
So why did they stop after Joshua's death? I'm not sure, but it is motivation to me to be diligent in passing on the things of God to my own children. I want to always be faithful to share with my children what God has done- in the big picture of history and for us personally!
I am reading through Judges now. I always think the book of Judges is sad. Here are the Israelites who so recently were led by God into the Promised Land where He drove out the nations before them. They witnessed His mighty works again and again. But, here they are forgetting God, in a vicious cycle of turning away, being oppressed by their enemies, being delivered by a judge and then falling into sin again.
A key to why this happens is found in Judges 2:10 :10And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel. Somehow, the Israelites had let their children forget what God had done. They had failed to pass on the information. We're not really told why. We know that Moses (in the book of Deuteronomy) and later Joshua (in the book of Joshua) had made a point of retelling these things to the people.
So why did they stop after Joshua's death? I'm not sure, but it is motivation to me to be diligent in passing on the things of God to my own children. I want to always be faithful to share with my children what God has done- in the big picture of history and for us personally!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 11 Check In
So far so good reading through in 90 days! I have had to be extremely disciplined about this. I read online, so that I can read in different translations, and it is so tempting to get caught up in other things online and find it "too late" to read. But, so far, so good. I haven't missed any days yet.
Today's reading ended up in Numbers 21. Reading through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy is probably the hardest reading in the Bible for me. No matter how many times I read it, I find it hard to understand how all the laws and commands and customs and rituals tie in to a life lived in God's grace today.
Here is a verse in today's reading that struck me, one that hasn't stood out to me before but did today: 17And I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take of the Spirit which is upon you and will put It upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not have to bear it yourself alone. Moses was so frustrated and overburdened by the people and their complaints, and God understood. He didn't bash Moses for feeling overwhelmed. Instead He promised to send his spirit on 70 other men to help Moses. I feel overwhelmed sometimes, and it is encouraging to think that God doesn't bash me either. Instead he sends His Spirit and gives me His strength to make it through the day. Thank you, Lord!
Today's reading ended up in Numbers 21. Reading through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy is probably the hardest reading in the Bible for me. No matter how many times I read it, I find it hard to understand how all the laws and commands and customs and rituals tie in to a life lived in God's grace today.
Here is a verse in today's reading that struck me, one that hasn't stood out to me before but did today: 17And I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take of the Spirit which is upon you and will put It upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not have to bear it yourself alone. Moses was so frustrated and overburdened by the people and their complaints, and God understood. He didn't bash Moses for feeling overwhelmed. Instead He promised to send his spirit on 70 other men to help Moses. I feel overwhelmed sometimes, and it is encouraging to think that God doesn't bash me either. Instead he sends His Spirit and gives me His strength to make it through the day. Thank you, Lord!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A New Book Review Blog
To celebrate a new year (and to make things much easier for myself) I have moved my reading reviews blog, Good Reads to Blogger. Please come and visit.
Good Reads
Good Reads
Worshipping This Morning
We are worshiping at home this morning. It is sometimes difficult when we (read Jason) are at the church all week to be there and focus on worship on Sunday morning. So, this morning we are home. I am listening to John Piper- one of my favorite pastors and writers. I also listened to all my favorite praise and worship songs on YouTube this morning.
This song by the David Crowder Band is one of my new favorites: How He Loves
I am enjoying this slow day with my family!
This song by the David Crowder Band is one of my new favorites: How He Loves
I am enjoying this slow day with my family!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Changes Are A Comin'
We're having a baby! Not really. But we are going to be keeping a baby starting Monday.
This is actually an answer to prayer. Jason and I had talked after Christmas and decided something had to give financially. I had considered getting a part time job. He had considered an additional part time job. Whatever we did, we didn't want it to negatively affect the kids or change our homeschooling.
Not long after our talk, what should come along but an opportunity to keep a baby full time! I don't have to leave my children. I don't have to change anything about homeschooling. And, we get a baby during the day. That we get to send home at night. The best of all worlds!
So, we're looking forward to some changes, some adjustments in our schedule, and getting used to a baby in the mix again.
Changes are a comin'.
This is actually an answer to prayer. Jason and I had talked after Christmas and decided something had to give financially. I had considered getting a part time job. He had considered an additional part time job. Whatever we did, we didn't want it to negatively affect the kids or change our homeschooling.
Not long after our talk, what should come along but an opportunity to keep a baby full time! I don't have to leave my children. I don't have to change anything about homeschooling. And, we get a baby during the day. That we get to send home at night. The best of all worlds!
So, we're looking forward to some changes, some adjustments in our schedule, and getting used to a baby in the mix again.
Changes are a comin'.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 7 Check In
So far, the reading is still rolling along in reading through the Bible in 90 days. I am still enjoying getting the big picture by reading through so much so quickly. I am definitely not reading in depth here. This is much more of an overview.
It always amazes me how many times I can read the Bible and still be struck by new things when I read. God's Word is definitely "quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword." I am thankful that I grew up in a home and church where reading and memorizing God's Word were important. Because of that, I have read the Bible through many times, but every time, I can be struck by new things!
I was reading tonight in Exodus when Moses is on the mountain, and the Israelites, led by Aaron, make the golden calf. I am always amazed that these people, who have just been miraculously delivered from slavery, led across a sea on dry land, provided food from nothing, could turn against God and build an idol even while Moses is up on the mountain getting the command, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." But, if I'm honest, I will confess that even though I have experienced God's miraculous provision many times, I still doubt Him sometimes when He seems far away. So, maybe I shouldn't be too hard on the Israelites, hmmm?
Anyway, hard to believe I'm a week into this reading program! In March I will have read through the whole Bible once already for the year! Wow!
It always amazes me how many times I can read the Bible and still be struck by new things when I read. God's Word is definitely "quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword." I am thankful that I grew up in a home and church where reading and memorizing God's Word were important. Because of that, I have read the Bible through many times, but every time, I can be struck by new things!
I was reading tonight in Exodus when Moses is on the mountain, and the Israelites, led by Aaron, make the golden calf. I am always amazed that these people, who have just been miraculously delivered from slavery, led across a sea on dry land, provided food from nothing, could turn against God and build an idol even while Moses is up on the mountain getting the command, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." But, if I'm honest, I will confess that even though I have experienced God's miraculous provision many times, I still doubt Him sometimes when He seems far away. So, maybe I shouldn't be too hard on the Israelites, hmmm?
Anyway, hard to believe I'm a week into this reading program! In March I will have read through the whole Bible once already for the year! Wow!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Bible in 90 Days- Day 4 Check In
So far I am keeping up with the schedule for the Read Through the Bible in 90 Days. I have read through Genesis by now.
Some things that struck me through Genesis:
God's covenant promises and establishment of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob- Reading these chapters so quickly really helped me to see the flow of the covenant.
Joseph's statement to his brothers that even though they meant it for evil, God meant it for good- I am always struck by that when I read Genesis. Oh, that I would be able to see past my trials to know that God always means it for good!
I am really enjoying reading through the Bible this way. It is lots of reading, but it does provide a flow to Scripture that I sometimes miss when I spread it out over the year.
Some things that struck me through Genesis:
God's covenant promises and establishment of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob- Reading these chapters so quickly really helped me to see the flow of the covenant.
Joseph's statement to his brothers that even though they meant it for evil, God meant it for good- I am always struck by that when I read Genesis. Oh, that I would be able to see past my trials to know that God always means it for good!
I am really enjoying reading through the Bible this way. It is lots of reading, but it does provide a flow to Scripture that I sometimes miss when I spread it out over the year.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
More Goals for the New Year
I already began blogging about my goals for the new year in this post where I wrote about reading through the Bible in a 90 days.
So here are my goals for the year:
Spiritual Growth:
1. Read through the Bible in 90 Days.
2. Complete at least one (of the three) Bible studies I have on my books to be read shelf.
3. Read John Calvin- Institutes of the Christian Religion
Health/Exercise:
1. Read The Spark book from Spark People.
2. Continue to use the Wii each day at least 5 days a week.
3. Develop and use monthly menu plans incorporating new, healthy recipes.
Educational (for the kids):
1. Test Kathryne and Charles's grade level.
2. Have Kathryne and Charles each complete three classics from the Thomas Jefferson Education book.
3. Finish reading the Kindergarten Core Knowledge series with Ashlyne and Rachel.
4. Complete Lamb's Tales of Shakespeare and three more classics as family read-alouds.
Personal:
1. Read three classics from the Thomas Jefferson Education list.
2. Take a cooking class.
3. Work on developing/advertising my blog.
Two passages of Scripture that I want to make my theme through the upcoming year:
Eph. 5: 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Micah 6: 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
You can link up and post your goals here at The Happy Housewife.
So here are my goals for the year:
Spiritual Growth:
1. Read through the Bible in 90 Days.
2. Complete at least one (of the three) Bible studies I have on my books to be read shelf.
3. Read John Calvin- Institutes of the Christian Religion
Health/Exercise:
1. Read The Spark book from Spark People.
2. Continue to use the Wii each day at least 5 days a week.
3. Develop and use monthly menu plans incorporating new, healthy recipes.
Educational (for the kids):
1. Test Kathryne and Charles's grade level.
2. Have Kathryne and Charles each complete three classics from the Thomas Jefferson Education book.
3. Finish reading the Kindergarten Core Knowledge series with Ashlyne and Rachel.
4. Complete Lamb's Tales of Shakespeare and three more classics as family read-alouds.
Personal:
1. Read three classics from the Thomas Jefferson Education list.
2. Take a cooking class.
3. Work on developing/advertising my blog.
Two passages of Scripture that I want to make my theme through the upcoming year:
Eph. 5: 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Micah 6: 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
You can link up and post your goals here at The Happy Housewife.
Goal Number One for the New Year- Read Through the Bible in 90 Days
I plan to write a goals for the new year post later today, but here is my first goal. I have often read through the Bible each year, but lately I've been reading/hearing about the Read Through the Bible in 90 Days plan. So, I'm going to be trying this.
It is quite a bit of reading each day, but I am a reader and often read much anyway. I think reading through in a year causes me to lose the beginning focus by the end of the year, so I'm going to try this, and see if my focus is any different reading through so quickly.
I plan to read online using the Amplified Bible at Biblegateway.com. I am linking up with other bloggers to do this and blog and about it at Mom's Toolbox.
It is quite a bit of reading each day, but I am a reader and often read much anyway. I think reading through in a year causes me to lose the beginning focus by the end of the year, so I'm going to try this, and see if my focus is any different reading through so quickly.
I plan to read online using the Amplified Bible at Biblegateway.com. I am linking up with other bloggers to do this and blog and about it at Mom's Toolbox.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)