Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Blah, Blah, Blah
I need a space not to talk about jewelry!!!!
Art "yes,"
creativity "yes,"
God "yes."
The business of it all, nooooooooo.
The goal for my life
..... not allow my PASSION to become my PRISON.
I need a nudge to finish my series pieces....
Sleep (finished), Awakening, Purified (both still waiting)
It is so easy to have creative ideas....
but to carry those ideas through to completion.....
that is the difficult part.
But what a sad commentary...
to be given the gift of creative thoughts
and
dreams
...and to never realize those.
It's so easy to become lulled
by the everyday.
The heart, the passion become dulled and sleepy.
Lord, wake my heart!!!!
Liz
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Ready to go on the HOMESCHOOL journey?
I know it's been a while since I've posted on my blog. It's been a crazy year to say the least!!!!
.....getting settled in Peoria,
working through the school issues (we're not in Algonquin anymore),
having two hip surgeries (call an oil and lube by the Dr. at Rush until I eventually need to have 2 hip replacements),
teaching literature/Bible/history at Aletheia,
keeping up with my two very strong willed kids,
saying "hi" to Tim every now and then,
adopting a homeless cat,
burying one mouse, one gerbil, and one hamster,
seeing Tim off on trips to Quito, Sidney, and the Manila,
a few Jonas Brothers concerts,
dealing with a few rounds of pink eye,
helping with the Jr. High youth group here and there,
starting a small group,
saying good bye to my parents as they head back to Chicago to do ministry again,
......whew.....I know there's more, but I'm getting too tired thinking about it all..........
After a year at Aletheia, I can't believe that I'm considering homeschooling Zach and Heather. It was a good year, but also a hard year of school for the kids. I love the people at the school, and I love their passion for the Lord. But prep and teaching and keeping my kids focused and finishing their loads of homework became ALLLLL toooooo consuming!!!! I know education is all consuming!!!!!
Oh, I do miss the days of a great school district with so many caring teachers, and families who supported the teachers and were so involved with their kids and the school. But Heather was sinking with the overwhelming requirements of middle school. And her attitude and choice of friends were awful!!!!
So, the next step in the journey begins. I've been researching curriculum and methods. I'm very impressed with the Core Knowledge Curriculum. It's a wise plan of teaching the same information in the same grades across the nation. It leans a little more toward the classical method of memorizing information, but only for the reason of some information being very foundational to a solid education. I've found great resources from Colorado public schools who have lesson plans online and the Baltimore Project doing the same thing.
Because Zach is ahead in math and Heather struggles a little, I'll be able to have them at the same level. I've done research on math curriculum and am pretty sold on Saxon but with some extra practice added.
www.math.com
and
www.softschools.com
are great resources for additional math practice!!!!
I taught Saxon 87 last year and was not impressed with that text, but.... it sounds like Algebra 1/2 is rated much higher and Saxon is highly regarded by both Classical Education and Core Knowledge. The key is to move only when the concept is understood.
Well, I'll be posting more later. We've been invited to go boating with a family from our church. Wouldn't want to pass up a fun opportunity like that!!!!!
On His amazing journey,
Liz
.....getting settled in Peoria,
working through the school issues (we're not in Algonquin anymore),
having two hip surgeries (call an oil and lube by the Dr. at Rush until I eventually need to have 2 hip replacements),
teaching literature/Bible/history at Aletheia,
keeping up with my two very strong willed kids,
saying "hi" to Tim every now and then,
adopting a homeless cat,
burying one mouse, one gerbil, and one hamster,
seeing Tim off on trips to Quito, Sidney, and the Manila,
a few Jonas Brothers concerts,
dealing with a few rounds of pink eye,
helping with the Jr. High youth group here and there,
starting a small group,
saying good bye to my parents as they head back to Chicago to do ministry again,
......whew.....I know there's more, but I'm getting too tired thinking about it all..........
After a year at Aletheia, I can't believe that I'm considering homeschooling Zach and Heather. It was a good year, but also a hard year of school for the kids. I love the people at the school, and I love their passion for the Lord. But prep and teaching and keeping my kids focused and finishing their loads of homework became ALLLLL toooooo consuming!!!! I know education is all consuming!!!!!
Oh, I do miss the days of a great school district with so many caring teachers, and families who supported the teachers and were so involved with their kids and the school. But Heather was sinking with the overwhelming requirements of middle school. And her attitude and choice of friends were awful!!!!
So, the next step in the journey begins. I've been researching curriculum and methods. I'm very impressed with the Core Knowledge Curriculum. It's a wise plan of teaching the same information in the same grades across the nation. It leans a little more toward the classical method of memorizing information, but only for the reason of some information being very foundational to a solid education. I've found great resources from Colorado public schools who have lesson plans online and the Baltimore Project doing the same thing.
Because Zach is ahead in math and Heather struggles a little, I'll be able to have them at the same level. I've done research on math curriculum and am pretty sold on Saxon but with some extra practice added.
www.math.com
and
www.softschools.com
are great resources for additional math practice!!!!
I taught Saxon 87 last year and was not impressed with that text, but.... it sounds like Algebra 1/2 is rated much higher and Saxon is highly regarded by both Classical Education and Core Knowledge. The key is to move only when the concept is understood.
Well, I'll be posting more later. We've been invited to go boating with a family from our church. Wouldn't want to pass up a fun opportunity like that!!!!!
On His amazing journey,
Liz
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Take time to understand
Whew!!!
It's been a while since I've blogged. Moving to Peoria a few months ago, getting settled, and homeschooling my daughter, Heather, have consumed a lot of my time and my brain. It's weird when you have those times in life where you just don't know what to say. Maybe there's nothing left inside my brain. I think when kids come to live with you - your brain starts to leak out until finally it's all gone. But... I think this has been one of those times in my life when I've just needed to listen. What a concept. Just stop.... listen ..... and then think ..... reflect ... and try to understand. Sometimes I'm too quick to jump in with a comment and I don't take the time to completely understand before I speak. I can't begin to count the times I've spoken up without knowing or understanding the facts or understanding the history, or understanding the culture.
I have an incredible sense of justice.
But ... I'm learning (still in process by the way) to stop and try to understand first.
There are some verses in Proverbs that speak to this issue.
I really don't want to make assumptions about people.
I truly want to love and understand others for who they are.
Do I label people in wide sweeping statments because it helps organize the filing system in my small little mind? Or could it just be that three letter word - SIN!
Yuck!!! I've got the disease!
I don't want to make assumptions that I know as much as there is to know about every subject. There is that old saying, "the more you know, the less you realize you know." There's only one who knows all. Do I try to take God's place and pass myself off as the "ALL Knowing." There I go again - SIN!
What God has given us in His Word is set in stone!!!!
There's no question about that.
So, my challenge to myself and to whoever is reading this today is:
It's been a while since I've blogged. Moving to Peoria a few months ago, getting settled, and homeschooling my daughter, Heather, have consumed a lot of my time and my brain. It's weird when you have those times in life where you just don't know what to say. Maybe there's nothing left inside my brain. I think when kids come to live with you - your brain starts to leak out until finally it's all gone. But... I think this has been one of those times in my life when I've just needed to listen. What a concept. Just stop.... listen ..... and then think ..... reflect ... and try to understand. Sometimes I'm too quick to jump in with a comment and I don't take the time to completely understand before I speak. I can't begin to count the times I've spoken up without knowing or understanding the facts or understanding the history, or understanding the culture.
I assume too often that everyone thinks like me, ....
or should think like me.
Or I assume that their thinking process is the same as mine.
If we're given the same information, we should come up with the same conclusion, right?????
or should think like me.
Or I assume that their thinking process is the same as mine.
If we're given the same information, we should come up with the same conclusion, right?????
Well, when you've put your foot in your mouth as many times as I have, you realize that
to respond without first listening and thinking is a very dangerous thing.
It's so much easier to make a quick judgment about a person or situation.
But ...
to respond without first listening and thinking is a very dangerous thing.
It's so much easier to make a quick judgment about a person or situation.
But ...
Wars have been fought ...
Marriages have fallen apart ...
People have become slaves ...
Churches have been ripped apart ...
because of people who have made assumptions or judgments without all of the facts.
Some assumptions I hear often are:
"ALL" Conservatives are negative control freaks ......
"ALL" Emergent churches are shallow focusing only on feelings .....
"ALL" Democrats are baby killers ....
"ALL" Blacks are in gangs and drive cadillacs....
"ALL" Women are fulfilled only when they become mothers ....
"ALL" people who attend Willow Creek are avoiding a deep commitment to Christ ....
"ALL" gun owners are secretly planning to overthrow the US Government ....
"ALL"
... a good word to be saved for verses in the Bible where God speaks truth.
"ALL"
... a word for me to be used after careful consideration.
Marriages have fallen apart ...
People have become slaves ...
Churches have been ripped apart ...
because of people who have made assumptions or judgments without all of the facts.
Some assumptions I hear often are:
"ALL" Conservatives are negative control freaks ......
"ALL" Emergent churches are shallow focusing only on feelings .....
"ALL" Democrats are baby killers ....
"ALL" Blacks are in gangs and drive cadillacs....
"ALL" Women are fulfilled only when they become mothers ....
"ALL" people who attend Willow Creek are avoiding a deep commitment to Christ ....
"ALL" gun owners are secretly planning to overthrow the US Government ....
"ALL"
... a good word to be saved for verses in the Bible where God speaks truth.
"ALL"
... a word for me to be used after careful consideration.
***** Right now I'm asking God to help me to mature in the area of how I respond to others.
If the "Fruit of the Spirit" is evident in my life I have:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Self Control
Anyone of these qualities would prevent me from reacting in a negative way toward others.
I can't jump to a quick conclusion ...
If the "Fruit of the Spirit" is evident in my life I have:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Self Control
Anyone of these qualities would prevent me from reacting in a negative way toward others.
I can't jump to a quick conclusion ...
if I love
and want the best for them
and I am patient
and self-controlled enough
to want only good for them.
and want the best for them
and I am patient
and self-controlled enough
to want only good for them.
I have an incredible sense of justice.
I don't want anyone to get ripped off,
or to be misunderstood,
or to be gossiped about,
or to disrespected, ...
or to be misunderstood,
or to be gossiped about,
or to disrespected, ...
I react quickly when I think there is a lack of justice!!!!!
Just ask Tim about the time when I told a guy in the audience at a ballet to show a little respect. It was not a pretty response.
Or the time I chased a guy in a car because he cut me off on the ramp and then I spilled my fries. (I came to my senses before anything stupid happened. But I made the quick assumption that he was a jerk and needed me to come and tell him that he was.)
Or the time I chased a guy in a car because he cut me off on the ramp and then I spilled my fries. (I came to my senses before anything stupid happened. But I made the quick assumption that he was a jerk and needed me to come and tell him that he was.)
But ... I'm learning (still in process by the way) to stop and try to understand first.
I guess, my quickest response is to people who
"I THINK"
make WRONG ASSUMPTIONS!!!
"I THINK"
make WRONG ASSUMPTIONS!!!
There are some verses in Proverbs that speak to this issue.
Proverbs 17:27-28 (New International Version)
27 A man (woman) of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he (she) keeps silent,
and discerning if he (she) holds his (her) tongue.
"I'm the authority!"
"This is how it is!!!"
I'm sure we all have our areas of expertise. I know a thing or two about art and home repair. But the minute I forget to listen, or watch, or learn, or reflect, or understand people - I paint myself into a box of arrogant stupidity."This is how it is!!!"
I really don't want to make assumptions about people.
I truly want to love and understand others for who they are.
Do I label people in wide sweeping statments because it helps organize the filing system in my small little mind? Or could it just be that three letter word - SIN!
Yuck!!! I've got the disease!
I don't want to make assumptions that I know as much as there is to know about every subject. There is that old saying, "the more you know, the less you realize you know." There's only one who knows all. Do I try to take God's place and pass myself off as the "ALL Knowing." There I go again - SIN!
Sometimes I even make assumptions about God.
Whew!!!!
That could be dangerous.What God has given us in His Word is set in stone!!!!
There's no question about that.
.......... But how often do I expect things from Him - that He has never promised. "I know He'll make me happy .... I know He'll give me a husband .... I know I'll have enough money." Assumed expectations can lead to HUGE disappointment!
So, my challenge to myself and to whoever is reading this today is:
Stop.... Listen .....
and then just Think .....
Reflect ... and
TRY to Understand
with a heart of:
Love, Joy
Peace, Patience
Kindness, Goodness, Self Control
and then just Think .....
Reflect ... and
TRY to Understand
with a heart of:
Love, Joy
Peace, Patience
Kindness, Goodness, Self Control
Liz :)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Change
As I sit here in Algonquin in the middle of boxes and listen to meloncholy music, I have a few seconds to think about "The BIG Change." Tommorrow at 8:30am the Allied semi will pull up to our driveway and "The BIG Change" will be pushed into high gear.
Last night a neighbor hosted a going away party for the kids and me. It was so beautiful to see all the faces I've taken for granted for my years in Algonqnquin.
Shelby-When we first met I thought we had nothing in common. 8 years later you're the one I've come to for a fresh brewed cup of coffee and talks about kids, husbands, faith, dreams, and disappointments. Your door has always been open and the cup is quickly in my hand. Thanks for sharing your life!
Tom-I guess, last night should have been my graduation from the "Mr. Tom School of Home Improvement." There have been roofs, vines, torch set-ups, sewers, water sepage, gutter rerouting, rotting siding, jack hammer lessons, great grass seed, door installations, giant pieces of cement pulled out with your trusty rusty truck, termite inspections, dead cat discoveries, always the right tool for the right job, and hospitality beyond imagination. I'm so thankful that you took us on as your "disabled homeowners" - project!!!!
Lisa-It started with coffee, a business that lasted through one show, sharing a heart for creative ventures, a passion for good deals, talks of kids, stress, music, and dreams. I first met Taylor, just after you moved to the neighborhood - she said, I hope you and my mom can be coffee buddies. And we became so much more! You've challenged me in more ways than you'll ever know.
Deidre-You challenged me to go beyond what I thought I could with my jewelry. You bought me the best book on Precious Metal Clay ever written. This led me on the road to certification. You were definitely the inspiration for me to push and try more. And Josh and Jessica have been such a blessing to my kids with day camps, church camps, trading babysitting and being good friends that they can count on, and that I can trust. Thanks!
CJ-The steady rock. Thanks for sharing your family.
Graham-I've loved our talks about tools, glass kiln plans, creative solutions and thanks for pitching in when you saw a need. You are one of the "GOOD GUYS."
Rebecca-You've opened your home to Heather and let her be the big sister to Katie. You've tolerated her swinging pre-teen moods and you've made her feel important. And you've been there in a pinch to pick up the kids or help out. Thanks!
Paul-Thanks for tolerating a crazy neighor who takes your wife shopping too much.
Pam-Our Yia-Yia!!! You would say I've done so much for you, but you've done so much for me. You welcomed me and the kids into your life, like we were family. We've shared our hearts and found out that we are "Twins from Different Mothers." You will always be our Yia-Yia!!!
Gloria-You traveled with us through the dark days of selling our house. You've been tolerant of all my phone calls and suggestions. Thanks for doing an amazing job for us.
Wow! What an amazing group of people. And how much I've been changed in the 8 1/2 years that we've been in Algonquin. Every person who comes into our lives changes us in one way or another. I've been challenged and changed in so many ways. And as I return to Peoria I'm not the person I was when I left. It's a new chapter in life but as I leave I take small bits from each of you. You've all reshaped and enriched my life.
I love you guys!!!! And I'll miss seeing you as often. But I know that we've had a time to walk along side of one another and share our lives. And I'm so thankful for that.
Keep in touch, but don't feel quilty if you don't. Our lives may move apart in distance but we will always have those small bits of change that we've caused in one another!!!!
On His Amazing journey,
Liz
Last night a neighbor hosted a going away party for the kids and me. It was so beautiful to see all the faces I've taken for granted for my years in Algonqnquin.
Shelby-When we first met I thought we had nothing in common. 8 years later you're the one I've come to for a fresh brewed cup of coffee and talks about kids, husbands, faith, dreams, and disappointments. Your door has always been open and the cup is quickly in my hand. Thanks for sharing your life!
Tom-I guess, last night should have been my graduation from the "Mr. Tom School of Home Improvement." There have been roofs, vines, torch set-ups, sewers, water sepage, gutter rerouting, rotting siding, jack hammer lessons, great grass seed, door installations, giant pieces of cement pulled out with your trusty rusty truck, termite inspections, dead cat discoveries, always the right tool for the right job, and hospitality beyond imagination. I'm so thankful that you took us on as your "disabled homeowners" - project!!!!
Lisa-It started with coffee, a business that lasted through one show, sharing a heart for creative ventures, a passion for good deals, talks of kids, stress, music, and dreams. I first met Taylor, just after you moved to the neighborhood - she said, I hope you and my mom can be coffee buddies. And we became so much more! You've challenged me in more ways than you'll ever know.
Deidre-You challenged me to go beyond what I thought I could with my jewelry. You bought me the best book on Precious Metal Clay ever written. This led me on the road to certification. You were definitely the inspiration for me to push and try more. And Josh and Jessica have been such a blessing to my kids with day camps, church camps, trading babysitting and being good friends that they can count on, and that I can trust. Thanks!
CJ-The steady rock. Thanks for sharing your family.
Graham-I've loved our talks about tools, glass kiln plans, creative solutions and thanks for pitching in when you saw a need. You are one of the "GOOD GUYS."
Rebecca-You've opened your home to Heather and let her be the big sister to Katie. You've tolerated her swinging pre-teen moods and you've made her feel important. And you've been there in a pinch to pick up the kids or help out. Thanks!
Paul-Thanks for tolerating a crazy neighor who takes your wife shopping too much.
Pam-Our Yia-Yia!!! You would say I've done so much for you, but you've done so much for me. You welcomed me and the kids into your life, like we were family. We've shared our hearts and found out that we are "Twins from Different Mothers." You will always be our Yia-Yia!!!
Gloria-You traveled with us through the dark days of selling our house. You've been tolerant of all my phone calls and suggestions. Thanks for doing an amazing job for us.
Wow! What an amazing group of people. And how much I've been changed in the 8 1/2 years that we've been in Algonquin. Every person who comes into our lives changes us in one way or another. I've been challenged and changed in so many ways. And as I return to Peoria I'm not the person I was when I left. It's a new chapter in life but as I leave I take small bits from each of you. You've all reshaped and enriched my life.
I love you guys!!!! And I'll miss seeing you as often. But I know that we've had a time to walk along side of one another and share our lives. And I'm so thankful for that.
Keep in touch, but don't feel quilty if you don't. Our lives may move apart in distance but we will always have those small bits of change that we've caused in one another!!!!
On His Amazing journey,
Liz
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
M wrote:
Crack me up, Liz! How did I not open this email until today??? I'm not usually THIS delinquent.
I LOVED your email - - and I had to laugh my head off. I was a Campus Crusade baby - decided to follow Christ one minute, and join staff and change the world the second - worked on staff for 12 years after graduation. I LOVED sharing the 4 laws with anyone I could. And you know what - the formulas ARE a load of crap, Liz. I SO resonate with your sermon!
M
Liz wrote:
Hey M,
Your words are so encouraging to people who may feel consumed with guilt and the feeling of failure for not living up to our human expectations of shining the light.
Thanks so much for your honesty. And how exciting that you're seeing God live through you. This may just be a beautiful time in your life where you make some of the best friendships you've ever had.
Love you,
Liz
M
Liz wrote:
Hey M,
Your words are so encouraging to people who may feel consumed with guilt and the feeling of failure for not living up to our human expectations of shining the light.
Thanks so much for your honesty. And how exciting that you're seeing God live through you. This may just be a beautiful time in your life where you make some of the best friendships you've ever had.
Love you,
Liz
M wrote:
Liz,
You know what's so weird about living up to human expectations - - i.e. the law??? If you can manage it, and live up to it, it sure can give you a "sense of peace and righteousness." And that's the lie of it - - the Jews expounded on the law (as if it needed expanding) - so they would know exactly whether or not they measured up. It's all about measuring up, you know? If you do - WHEW! If not, well if you didn't know you sucked already - this would confirm it. And we (humans generally) INSIST on hanging onto the law. It's the time-clock we punch to feel good about our day.
Liz,
You know what's so weird about living up to human expectations - - i.e. the law??? If you can manage it, and live up to it, it sure can give you a "sense of peace and righteousness." And that's the lie of it - - the Jews expounded on the law (as if it needed expanding) - so they would know exactly whether or not they measured up. It's all about measuring up, you know? If you do - WHEW! If not, well if you didn't know you sucked already - this would confirm it. And we (humans generally) INSIST on hanging onto the law. It's the time-clock we punch to feel good about our day.
Ah, true freedom is so illusive, yet so easy.
Gosh, I'm glad I met you, Liz. I LOVE the way you think and live life. Thanks for including me in that.
So in process,
M
Gosh, I'm glad I met you, Liz. I LOVE the way you think and live life. Thanks for including me in that.
So in process,
M
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