Ahhhh....the joys of the season. The lights, the music, the beautiful carols and yes, Virginia.....those vomitous children.
CastleMonk is once again under siege. This year's epic tale has begun with the little Liver Pie. Poor dear, she seems to have contracted the lion's share of illness this past month. She began her vomitous episode yesterday afternoon around 1 pm. I, of course, was not home at the time.
However, The Mad Monk handled the situation beautifully. She urped in the hall floor and he simply cleaned it up. This is not the same man that I married, mind you. The man that I married wouldn't share a drink, especially if a child had partook of it. He couldn't change Sis's diapers when she was a newborn without dry heaving through the entire process. Most of the time it ended with him running from the room with his hand clutched firmly over his mouth and MadMomma finishing the job. But my, oh my, how my Beloved has changed! He is THE man and I am so proud of him!
Thankfully, little Liver Pie is better today. The gamut of the virus has run it's course and is...uh...headed south, so to speak. I realized this when the Liver Pie told me that she puked out poopy (i.e. her way to describe "the runs"). The Mad Girl has a new nickname for little Liver entitled "Pukerella". We have told her this is NOT provoking one another to love and good works and perhaps a new, kinder name might be appropriate. Definitely not one involving the new phase of the virus!
However, despite Liver Pie's speedy recovery, now is the hardest time of any illness for us. It is the Russian roulette of any semi-large family. We wait. Who will be next? We once again stop to consider before eating any food item, "would I be willing to throw this up?" Yes, I know, you are aghast at my cavalier approach to this unseemly subject. This is, however, a fact of life around here. We are all for one and one for all so to speak. It's not if, but when. No amount of Lysol will protect you from the stomach virus that has no mercy. Nope. Golden Boy chooses to live in a dream world and think that if he spends enough time at his grandparent's house that he can out run it. He's a sad, foolish little boy. It will find him...eventually. It will find all of us.
So, while you all enjoy the many wonderful holiday foods such as pumpkin bread, eggnog, cookies and so on, please remember our poor little family. Look at your plate piled high with goodies and then stop. Reflect. Then ask yourself this question: "Am I willing to throw this up?"
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
A Time For Thanks
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Unfortunately, it seems to be the lost holiday as well. Sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas, it just doesn't carry enough gaudy costumes or yard decorations to draw much attention anymore. Society as a whole seems to think of it as simply a breather, a day of food and football if you may, before going onto something a little more exciting.
How sad that people have nothing for which they can stop and give thanks- for even one day. However, my post is not to begrudge those individuals, but to take the time that everyone should take and write about that for which I am most thankful.
As I sit here blogging, I look around me. I am in a relatively nice (in my opinion) house, in a nice neighborhood. We own two paid for vehicles ( well, one has a payment and a half left so it's close enough). There is food overflowing in the refrigerator and pantry. We have more than enough clothing. My sweet husband has a great job. I am privileged to stay home and be his helpmeet and my children's teacher. I have been blessed by God with four beautiful children. We are warm and safe.
That is just the tip of the iceberg. I could write pages about how thankful I am. When I truly take the time to stop and think about it, I am amazed. God has led and directed my path in ways that are incredible. The fact that The Mad Monk and I are together is amazing in and of itself. I give God all the glory for ALL of this. Afterall, man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, right? Do I do this all the time? No, not always. Should I? Absolutely.
Whether or not I have any of the things I mentioned above, I should still be thankful. Why? Because as God's elect we have a responsibility to be thankful.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
So, as I sit here on my comfortable couch, I reflect and think. I reflect on God's good blessings on my life. I look forward to what blessings lie ahead of me. I think of the trials as well. And while it seems difficult to be thankful for those trials I realize that they will strengthen me and further me in my walk. So yes, I will be thankful for those trials as well.
I hope everyone will take the time to reflect and be thankful. Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. We need to remember - God is good ALL the time.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
How sad that people have nothing for which they can stop and give thanks- for even one day. However, my post is not to begrudge those individuals, but to take the time that everyone should take and write about that for which I am most thankful.
As I sit here blogging, I look around me. I am in a relatively nice (in my opinion) house, in a nice neighborhood. We own two paid for vehicles ( well, one has a payment and a half left so it's close enough). There is food overflowing in the refrigerator and pantry. We have more than enough clothing. My sweet husband has a great job. I am privileged to stay home and be his helpmeet and my children's teacher. I have been blessed by God with four beautiful children. We are warm and safe.
That is just the tip of the iceberg. I could write pages about how thankful I am. When I truly take the time to stop and think about it, I am amazed. God has led and directed my path in ways that are incredible. The fact that The Mad Monk and I are together is amazing in and of itself. I give God all the glory for ALL of this. Afterall, man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, right? Do I do this all the time? No, not always. Should I? Absolutely.
Whether or not I have any of the things I mentioned above, I should still be thankful. Why? Because as God's elect we have a responsibility to be thankful.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
So, as I sit here on my comfortable couch, I reflect and think. I reflect on God's good blessings on my life. I look forward to what blessings lie ahead of me. I think of the trials as well. And while it seems difficult to be thankful for those trials I realize that they will strengthen me and further me in my walk. So yes, I will be thankful for those trials as well.
I hope everyone will take the time to reflect and be thankful. Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. We need to remember - God is good ALL the time.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Me...the Fatalist
I admit it. If one could earn a degree in pessimism I would have a Doctorate.
On a regular basis I try to convince The Mad Monk that I'm a realist not a fatalist. He ain't buyin' it. I have this obscure way of seeing the absolute worst case scenario in every situation. It doesn't really matter how insignificant the situation is --I can make it worse. The humorous part about this sinful attitu....er...quirky behavior is that I'm really happy at the same time. It's like Eeyore and Tigger all rolled into one. I'm Eeyogger...or...er...Tiggore.
You have to admit that it is a pretty amazing ability to be able to snowball the tiniest thing into a giant catastrophe and still be happy about it. Don't ya think? The Mad Monk finds it so amusing that he has written a song about me in honor of my fatalism. You may find it here.
I have to go now...I have a headache. It's probably a tumor the size of a matzo ball.
On a regular basis I try to convince The Mad Monk that I'm a realist not a fatalist. He ain't buyin' it. I have this obscure way of seeing the absolute worst case scenario in every situation. It doesn't really matter how insignificant the situation is --I can make it worse. The humorous part about this sinful attitu....er...quirky behavior is that I'm really happy at the same time. It's like Eeyore and Tigger all rolled into one. I'm Eeyogger...or...er...Tiggore.
You have to admit that it is a pretty amazing ability to be able to snowball the tiniest thing into a giant catastrophe and still be happy about it. Don't ya think? The Mad Monk finds it so amusing that he has written a song about me in honor of my fatalism. You may find it here.
I have to go now...I have a headache. It's probably a tumor the size of a matzo ball.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
'Tis the Season
I'm not talking Fa La La La La either.
It seems we have come upon our annual season of illness. However, if I'm not mistaken we've started a little earlier than usual this year. We normally don't start this kind of stuff until a few more weeks into November. I will say though that I am more than happy to oblige any germ a little earlier so we may forgo the holiday season we had last year! Do those faithful few who read my puny blog remember this episode from last year?
While I do have the "Crud", fortunately it is not nearly as bad as it was in January. You may read that jolly little story here.
This Morning Little Liver Pie apparently came down with "something". High fever and mild sore throat seem to be her biggest complaints, but enough to keep our maniacal ball of energy still for most of the day.
This past Tuesday my sister took my 3 darling daughters over to my niece's house to see her cutie pie of a son (my great-nephew! --my niece is 24 and I'm 37 -neat,huh?) Anyhoo, after a grand afternoon of fun, my exhausted crew came home. About 2 hours after they were home my sister calls to let me know my great-nephew started throwing up, along with other bodily functions of which we shall not speak.
We have been exposed. Dun..Dun...Dun (that was my daunting music)
The "crud" and fevers and stuffy noses do not bother me. Throwing up bothers me. Not only do I have to clean up after everyone else, but eventually I will have to clean up after myself.
This, me thinks, is not Biblical. Did Proverbs 31 mention vomit? Oh alright, alright. It is all apart of serving my family and I need to do so with a good attitude and joyful heart. But I still might have to gag occasionally. Today I warned the older children to make sure they didn't eat anything they didn't mind throwing up. They were not amused. The Mad Monk, on the other hand, thought it quite funny.
At any rate, here we are. I pray that God will once again grant me the grace and patience to make it through this season. Who knows, maybe His Providential hand will lovingly choose to protect us from that nasty stomach virus.
Just to be safe though, our trash cans are all a little closer to our beds tonite. :)
It seems we have come upon our annual season of illness. However, if I'm not mistaken we've started a little earlier than usual this year. We normally don't start this kind of stuff until a few more weeks into November. I will say though that I am more than happy to oblige any germ a little earlier so we may forgo the holiday season we had last year! Do those faithful few who read my puny blog remember this episode from last year?
While I do have the "Crud", fortunately it is not nearly as bad as it was in January. You may read that jolly little story here.
This Morning Little Liver Pie apparently came down with "something". High fever and mild sore throat seem to be her biggest complaints, but enough to keep our maniacal ball of energy still for most of the day.
This past Tuesday my sister took my 3 darling daughters over to my niece's house to see her cutie pie of a son (my great-nephew! --my niece is 24 and I'm 37 -neat,huh?) Anyhoo, after a grand afternoon of fun, my exhausted crew came home. About 2 hours after they were home my sister calls to let me know my great-nephew started throwing up, along with other bodily functions of which we shall not speak.
We have been exposed. Dun..Dun...Dun (that was my daunting music)
The "crud" and fevers and stuffy noses do not bother me. Throwing up bothers me. Not only do I have to clean up after everyone else, but eventually I will have to clean up after myself.
This, me thinks, is not Biblical. Did Proverbs 31 mention vomit? Oh alright, alright. It is all apart of serving my family and I need to do so with a good attitude and joyful heart. But I still might have to gag occasionally. Today I warned the older children to make sure they didn't eat anything they didn't mind throwing up. They were not amused. The Mad Monk, on the other hand, thought it quite funny.
At any rate, here we are. I pray that God will once again grant me the grace and patience to make it through this season. Who knows, maybe His Providential hand will lovingly choose to protect us from that nasty stomach virus.
Just to be safe though, our trash cans are all a little closer to our beds tonite. :)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Political Ponderings
Well, the Republicans are down, but not out, right? I think not. What can I say? Where there is no vision the people perish. (Prov 29:18) I comfort myself in the fact that these elections were no surprise to God. He is Sovereign.
However, my mother is doing a happy dance in her living room this morning and I really don't want to call her. She is a Democrat. She is a "yellow dog Democrat". Do y'all know what that is? It is a Democrat that would rather vote for a yellow dog than to see a Republican in office. This term goes all the way back to animosity concerning the Civil War. My mom wasn't even alive during the Civil War, but she certainly carries the animosity towards Republicans! The funny thing is this; all 5 of her children are Republicans! ha!
As I was pondering all of this this morning, I had to reflect back on my childhood. I was raised in Democratic, union-loving, Republican-hating household. My parents worked for General Motors and they were both in the union. Who do the unions love? Yup, you got it...them Dems!
Anyway, my earliest political memory concerns Jimmy Carter. My mother just adored Jimmy Carter. Still does. It didn't matter what he did or how he did it, he was the cat's meow in her
eyes. I was right along there with her. I can remember being enthralled with seeing pictures of Amy Carter as well. I still can't figure that one out! I can remember chirping away in 4th grade about us "bein' Democrats". This was 1978. I was oblivious to the Iranian hostage crisis.
Ironically enough, I was disappointed in 1980 when Ronald Reagan became president. Why? Because he was a Republican and mom and daddy were disappointed -so I was disappointed.
When Ronald Reagan pushed for Social Security reforms, my dad was caught in the crossfire. From what I remember Reagan was trying to eliminate Social Security fraud thereby taking away Social Security from some. My dad's was taken away. He was a disabled Vet who was forced to retire early because of his disability. He was not committing any kind of fraud, but had to go to court in order to get his SS back. He succeeded, but the bitter pill left in my mother's mouth from that experience exists to this day.
I remember my 6th grade teacher telling the class that Reagan had been shot. I remember the space shuttle Challenger blowing up when I was in high school. I remember the Berlin Wall coming down. Unbeknownst to me, these things were shaping me. Unfortunately, I don't remember much else about Reagan, much to the dismay of The Mad Monk.
My first election I voted in was the 1988 Presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. I was not living at home then. I was here in Texas at college. Ironically enough, I voted Republican. Why? All I can say is,by God's grace.
I've voted in every election since. Always conservative. At times, it has caused major discord between my mother and I. Why, I'm not sure. I love my mother and would go to the ends of the earth for her as I've proved many a time. I chalk it up to the fact that she can't believe she raised a bunch of Republicans! The funniest part of the whole thing is that my mom is conservative. She's not in line with what the Dems are for, she just hates Republicans so bad that she votes Democrat. Now that's a yellow dog Democrat! :)
I won't say I'm a Republican anymore because I'm not. I am a Conservative. There is a big difference. It truly states where I stand and it diffuses my mother at the same time.
So, while I'm not happy with the outcome of yesterday's elections, it was anticipated. And eventually, I'll have to call my mother. Only after the happy dancing is over though.
God is Sovereign.
However, my mother is doing a happy dance in her living room this morning and I really don't want to call her. She is a Democrat. She is a "yellow dog Democrat". Do y'all know what that is? It is a Democrat that would rather vote for a yellow dog than to see a Republican in office. This term goes all the way back to animosity concerning the Civil War. My mom wasn't even alive during the Civil War, but she certainly carries the animosity towards Republicans! The funny thing is this; all 5 of her children are Republicans! ha!
As I was pondering all of this this morning, I had to reflect back on my childhood. I was raised in Democratic, union-loving, Republican-hating household. My parents worked for General Motors and they were both in the union. Who do the unions love? Yup, you got it...them Dems!
Anyway, my earliest political memory concerns Jimmy Carter. My mother just adored Jimmy Carter. Still does. It didn't matter what he did or how he did it, he was the cat's meow in her
eyes. I was right along there with her. I can remember being enthralled with seeing pictures of Amy Carter as well. I still can't figure that one out! I can remember chirping away in 4th grade about us "bein' Democrats". This was 1978. I was oblivious to the Iranian hostage crisis.
Ironically enough, I was disappointed in 1980 when Ronald Reagan became president. Why? Because he was a Republican and mom and daddy were disappointed -so I was disappointed.
When Ronald Reagan pushed for Social Security reforms, my dad was caught in the crossfire. From what I remember Reagan was trying to eliminate Social Security fraud thereby taking away Social Security from some. My dad's was taken away. He was a disabled Vet who was forced to retire early because of his disability. He was not committing any kind of fraud, but had to go to court in order to get his SS back. He succeeded, but the bitter pill left in my mother's mouth from that experience exists to this day.
I remember my 6th grade teacher telling the class that Reagan had been shot. I remember the space shuttle Challenger blowing up when I was in high school. I remember the Berlin Wall coming down. Unbeknownst to me, these things were shaping me. Unfortunately, I don't remember much else about Reagan, much to the dismay of The Mad Monk.
My first election I voted in was the 1988 Presidential election between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. I was not living at home then. I was here in Texas at college. Ironically enough, I voted Republican. Why? All I can say is,by God's grace.
I've voted in every election since. Always conservative. At times, it has caused major discord between my mother and I. Why, I'm not sure. I love my mother and would go to the ends of the earth for her as I've proved many a time. I chalk it up to the fact that she can't believe she raised a bunch of Republicans! The funniest part of the whole thing is that my mom is conservative. She's not in line with what the Dems are for, she just hates Republicans so bad that she votes Democrat. Now that's a yellow dog Democrat! :)
I won't say I'm a Republican anymore because I'm not. I am a Conservative. There is a big difference. It truly states where I stand and it diffuses my mother at the same time.
So, while I'm not happy with the outcome of yesterday's elections, it was anticipated. And eventually, I'll have to call my mother. Only after the happy dancing is over though.
God is Sovereign.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Your Civic Duty
Ahem. (stepping onto my soapbox)
Did you all perform your civic duty today? Hmm? Do you all know what I'm talking about?
Voting, of course.
If you voted then good for you! If you didn't...well...tsk, tsk, tsk. Shame on you! Do you not realize that voting is a privilege? Something for which many countries are at war! We should run at the chance to cast our ballot, to make our choice! WE get to decide.
Since it is 10:30 pm I realize it is too late for all of you who didn't vote to vote this time. You know who you are. However, heed my words...we will lose this country to immorality and complacency if we (Christians) do not perform our civic duties! I'm not trying to be fatalistic just realistic.
If nothing else, let me inspire all of you non-voting Americans (sounds quite oxymoronic, doesn't it?) to make it a priority to get out at the next opportunity to vote and make a difference.
It's not hard! (cheers and applauding) Let's get out there and vote! (more cheers) Let's make a difference! (huge standing ovation accompanied by balloons falling from the sky!)
Thank-you. (stepping down from my soapbox to go take my codeine laced cough medicine.)
Did you all perform your civic duty today? Hmm? Do you all know what I'm talking about?
Voting, of course.
If you voted then good for you! If you didn't...well...tsk, tsk, tsk. Shame on you! Do you not realize that voting is a privilege? Something for which many countries are at war! We should run at the chance to cast our ballot, to make our choice! WE get to decide.
Since it is 10:30 pm I realize it is too late for all of you who didn't vote to vote this time. You know who you are. However, heed my words...we will lose this country to immorality and complacency if we (Christians) do not perform our civic duties! I'm not trying to be fatalistic just realistic.
If nothing else, let me inspire all of you non-voting Americans (sounds quite oxymoronic, doesn't it?) to make it a priority to get out at the next opportunity to vote and make a difference.
It's not hard! (cheers and applauding) Let's get out there and vote! (more cheers) Let's make a difference! (huge standing ovation accompanied by balloons falling from the sky!)
Thank-you. (stepping down from my soapbox to go take my codeine laced cough medicine.)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Oh Crud!
I have the crud. Or at least something that resembles the crud. I went to the dr. today and he told me I had the beginnings of bronchitis and was having asthmatic responses. Huh? I don't have asthma. According to him I do. Apparently, I now have adult onset seasonal asthma. Well, gee golly. My new best friends are Singulair, Omniceif and cough syrup with codeine. Woo-hoo.
I've been getting a case of bronchitis sometime between Nov-Jan for the last four years. Apparently this sends off bells and whistles of some sort to the docs. A sign, if you may, that something is amuck in my lung-olas!
At any rate, I don't like it one bit. I'm achy, croopy, sleepy and grouchy and I basically feel poopy. See...I've resorted to using bathroom humor words. While The Mad Monk would find these totally amusing, I'm really not sure good Christian women should use the poo word. But if the poo fits...
Whoa. Gotta stop there and end this post. The codeine laced cough syrup is doing a number on my sanctification process.
I bid you all adieu and good-nite.
p.s. If you might say a little prayer for me it would be much appreciated. Last year I couldn't shake the bronchial crud for a month. Steroids were called in. Eww. Let's just say I'm not good with steroids and they always interfere when I compete in the Tour de France. Er...or not.
God Bless.
I've been getting a case of bronchitis sometime between Nov-Jan for the last four years. Apparently this sends off bells and whistles of some sort to the docs. A sign, if you may, that something is amuck in my lung-olas!
At any rate, I don't like it one bit. I'm achy, croopy, sleepy and grouchy and I basically feel poopy. See...I've resorted to using bathroom humor words. While The Mad Monk would find these totally amusing, I'm really not sure good Christian women should use the poo word. But if the poo fits...
Whoa. Gotta stop there and end this post. The codeine laced cough syrup is doing a number on my sanctification process.
I bid you all adieu and good-nite.
p.s. If you might say a little prayer for me it would be much appreciated. Last year I couldn't shake the bronchial crud for a month. Steroids were called in. Eww. Let's just say I'm not good with steroids and they always interfere when I compete in the Tour de France. Er...or not.
God Bless.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Happy Belated Reformation Day!
In all of the hullabaloo of running around yesterday I forgot to post my Happy Reformation Day post. sigh. How anticlimactic.
This is truly our first year in trying to do something like this as opposed to the dreaded "H" word. We didn't mention the "H" word to 6yo Sis or 3yo LiverPie and so there was no opposition. My 13yo MadGirl (a term of affection, not her attitude, kinda like The Mad Monk and MadMommaMonk) asked several questions, but seemed to be satisfied by our reasoning and soon she was saying "Happy Reformation Day" on her own! :) IkeMan just went along for the ride.
Our decision to not be apart of Halloween (the "H" word) was one that took years to finally take place. It is, invariably, syncretism at it's worst. Why churches continue to observe a Romanist holiday is beyond me. Once I started learning about Reformation Day and Martin Luther it truly puzzled me as to why churches did not embrace this.
Harvest Festivals, Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat (which is the hot, new thing for churches around here) are all examples of Christians trying to make the world's holiday more appealing to the church. Syncretism.
Please don't think that I'm trying to elevate myself among others. I am most definitely NOT trying to do that. All I'm trying to convey is why would the church embrace this holiday, which later had pagan implications, rather than supporting the wonderful day in history when Martin Luther helped bring about the Reformation. In doing so, he recovered the doctrines of God's grace and our salvation. Praise God! What's not to celebrate in that?
At any rate, we, like so many others, had a hard time giving up the "H" day. It can be a very appealing holiday despite it's dark side. However, in doing so we have taught our children a valuable lesson on many levels.
First, we admitted we were wrong. We didn't necessarily say it, though looking back perhaps we should have. Our older children had to see that. Whether or not they agree with it now, they see that mom and dad changed something because of their conviction. This, we believe, will leave a lasting impression.
Secondly, they learned they can survive without participating in a worldly function. It is so hard sometimes, for older children especially, to think if they don't participate then they will be shunned. We are called to be set apart, a peculiar people if you may, our children witnessed this yesterday. I was especially proud of theMadgirl. She takes two homeschool enrichment classes one day a week and yesterday was her class day. The "H" word came up in class and although she has never really celebrated Reformation Day or can completely explain it (yet) she defended it. While a minority protested and said it was stupid, she stood her ground.
Third, while the day didn't go completely as planned, we spent the day as a family. I made up candy bags for each child and by the evening most of us were just short of a diabetic coma. We ate junk, watched movies and enjoyed one another's company. We can never stress enough to our children how important family is. In a day where holy matrimony is being replaced with unholy baloney and children are barely tolerated, we conveyed to our children that family is important.
Lastly, as in all things, we pray we glorified God yesterday.
So, for those of you that are perhaps scratching your head in a perplexed sorta way, let me encourage you to do these things:
1. Read about Martin Luther. The 1953 movie entitled Martin Luther is amazing. Understand the implications of what he did.
2.Study up on the Reformation.
3. Quit wondering what syncretism means and pull out your dictionary. Understand how it affects the church.
4. Most importantly, search the Scriptures.
After doing all of these things come back to my blog in 364 days and tell me Happy Reformation Day! Er...wait a minute...you can come back before then. Certainly I will have something else interesting to say in the mean time. Maybe.
God Bless.
This is truly our first year in trying to do something like this as opposed to the dreaded "H" word. We didn't mention the "H" word to 6yo Sis or 3yo LiverPie and so there was no opposition. My 13yo MadGirl (a term of affection, not her attitude, kinda like The Mad Monk and MadMommaMonk) asked several questions, but seemed to be satisfied by our reasoning and soon she was saying "Happy Reformation Day" on her own! :) IkeMan just went along for the ride.
Our decision to not be apart of Halloween (the "H" word) was one that took years to finally take place. It is, invariably, syncretism at it's worst. Why churches continue to observe a Romanist holiday is beyond me. Once I started learning about Reformation Day and Martin Luther it truly puzzled me as to why churches did not embrace this.
Harvest Festivals, Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat (which is the hot, new thing for churches around here) are all examples of Christians trying to make the world's holiday more appealing to the church. Syncretism.
Please don't think that I'm trying to elevate myself among others. I am most definitely NOT trying to do that. All I'm trying to convey is why would the church embrace this holiday, which later had pagan implications, rather than supporting the wonderful day in history when Martin Luther helped bring about the Reformation. In doing so, he recovered the doctrines of God's grace and our salvation. Praise God! What's not to celebrate in that?
At any rate, we, like so many others, had a hard time giving up the "H" day. It can be a very appealing holiday despite it's dark side. However, in doing so we have taught our children a valuable lesson on many levels.
First, we admitted we were wrong. We didn't necessarily say it, though looking back perhaps we should have. Our older children had to see that. Whether or not they agree with it now, they see that mom and dad changed something because of their conviction. This, we believe, will leave a lasting impression.
Secondly, they learned they can survive without participating in a worldly function. It is so hard sometimes, for older children especially, to think if they don't participate then they will be shunned. We are called to be set apart, a peculiar people if you may, our children witnessed this yesterday. I was especially proud of theMadgirl. She takes two homeschool enrichment classes one day a week and yesterday was her class day. The "H" word came up in class and although she has never really celebrated Reformation Day or can completely explain it (yet) she defended it. While a minority protested and said it was stupid, she stood her ground.
Third, while the day didn't go completely as planned, we spent the day as a family. I made up candy bags for each child and by the evening most of us were just short of a diabetic coma. We ate junk, watched movies and enjoyed one another's company. We can never stress enough to our children how important family is. In a day where holy matrimony is being replaced with unholy baloney and children are barely tolerated, we conveyed to our children that family is important.
Lastly, as in all things, we pray we glorified God yesterday.
So, for those of you that are perhaps scratching your head in a perplexed sorta way, let me encourage you to do these things:
1. Read about Martin Luther. The 1953 movie entitled Martin Luther is amazing. Understand the implications of what he did.
2.Study up on the Reformation.
3. Quit wondering what syncretism means and pull out your dictionary. Understand how it affects the church.
4. Most importantly, search the Scriptures.
After doing all of these things come back to my blog in 364 days and tell me Happy Reformation Day! Er...wait a minute...you can come back before then. Certainly I will have something else interesting to say in the mean time. Maybe.
God Bless.
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