Saying Good Bye and Hello

We are all thankful to God for giving us another year here on Earth with our family and friends. 2013, like many years, had its own highs and lows. Do you have any Resolutions or goals for the New Year?
My prayer is that we all grow closer to the Lord Jesus, listening to and following the Holy Spirit and to have a year in which we strive to please the Father with our love for Him and one another! I have so many things to work on in my heart and thoughts, but I am grateful for those painful moments when I realize my words and deeds are not pleasing to Him! He isn't giving up on me! Thanks for your friendship and many, many kindnesses this year, dear friends. May we honor Him in 2014!

Wheelock's, Mr. Spock and Me

This has been a nice Christmas break so far. We are headed up to visit my husband's family shortly, and then back home for a couple of weeks of vacation. This vacation will be spent at our home, catching up on laundry, dusting, cleaning floors and bathrooms--all the things which have been neglected for months.  I am really excited about this opportunity. I also plan to spread out the Latin books and work on the material for the Spring semester. Some of you know that this course is a longed -for labor of love (the Latin, not the laundry). Years ago, when I was petitioning the College Administration for permission to teach this, my dear friend and Head Librarian of the College asked me what she should get for the library if the courses were approved.  My response was, "party hats"!  Well, a few years and hats later, the course is moving along, and I feel more confident than I did those first couple of semesters. This year's group (which will continue with me in the Spring) was perhaps the nicest I have had. They do their work, come to class and never complain within earshot of the Instructor!  This dream all began  years ago in the top floor of the UF Science Library where I went to do my Latin homework every day. I took as many classes in Latin as I could as a History graduate student. The top floor of the Marston Science Library was always the quietest--it was where the international students in the Sciences at UF studied. I liked being up there because it was so peaceful. I listened to my cassettes of Star Trek TOS soundtrack music with my little Sony Walkman. I had a trusty pencil bag full of number 1 pencils, Eraser Mate pens and a SILENT silver pencil sharpener.  Today, I have a CD player, an electric pencil sharpener and a cold Mountain Dew to accompany my work. The Lord is so good to give us these things! I can't wait to pull out my Wheelock's Latin and get ready for the new term!

The Most Beautiful Moment In History

Gertie and the Teen Titans

Well, here they are at the Creation Museum, on our way home after two glorious days at their College Fair. Every College and University invited to participate teaches Creationism, Science from its true, Biblical perspective. Our kids have such a great time at this event. Last year, we purchased Gertie from the gift store, and she was happy to make the trip back.

As I always say when I talk about the Creation Museum, it is one of the most wonderful places I have ever been in my life. Ken Ham and his team of scientists honor God and His Holy Word, and you can feel that as you walk through the various exhibits.

We are so grateful to be at a College (which has just been granted university status by SACS) where the Word of God is honored and taught.

Vanna's Choice

One day a couple of months ago, my DD bought this lovely Vanna White book pictured  in the blog.She loved the Vanna's Choice yarn as well as the patterns in the book. She made a lovely ripple pattern afghan for her Dad using BEAUTIFUL Autumn colors. I will have to show you a picture of it soon. I had never had any luck even understanding how to start a ripple pattern afghan, but DD got me started, and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking a break from granny squares! Haha! The pink you see is just so very lovely. The picture doesn't do it justice at all. I am working on this throw for a bench we have in the living room.  All of the patterns in the book are easy (just what I need) and some are on the beginner level (again, just what I need). But no matter how easy they are, I couldn't have made these had I not a live-in tutor who is very patient with her mother. Oh and look at the groovy bamboo-handle size N hook in the picture. I have never gone larger than a "j"! I like the wood handle. I wish I could find one of these hooks with a light since I do most of this handwork on the way to and from Church. We are all hoping for a little slow-down time here at the end of the semester. The Fall Term has been a good one, but so very hectic. Some of the sweetest moments have been when we all take a break and watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!  here and there.

Visiting the National Parks with Lion Brand

I am working on an afghan for DS1, and I thought carefully for a long time about the colors I would use. He loves greens, golds and oranges. He loves flags, all things patriotic and anything to do with National Parks. He has a beloved World Book Encyclopedia set from the early 60's that is olive and blue--he loves that set so much, I had originally intended to make the afghan in those WB colors.  However, one day I was looking at yarn and noticed the Lion Brand Heartland line. Oh my goodness! Not only is it super soft and beautiful, it is a line of colors commemorating the National Parks. Well, there was no looking back. I bought most of my yarn at Jo Ann's because they had it at $3.99 a ball. I went back last night to look for some more, and it was almost all sold out! I think there were just a couple of balls left.  So I went on the JoAnn's website and found it at the same price (it is normally $5.99 a ball).  I have ordered from them before, and found that they deliver very quickly. Normally, I prefer doing business with Hobby Lobby, but we haven't been able to get up there since I began this project.  I think I can get this finished--I will have some time once final grades are submitted. I'll try to post again with more pictures as I progress.

Time Changer

This semester has been one of the busiest in my memory. I think part of the difference is having both boys at the College, each with their own schedules. Last night we had a very short window of time before everyone had to head back to the College for a function. We took the time to watch a movie we have had for about a month or so. I can't recommend Time Changer enough. It is available on Amazon, but we bought our copy at the Creation Museum. The point of the movie is that we live in a society where morals are neither ascribed to nor defined by Jesus Christ, and as such, are subject to questioning and change, and ultimately collapse and failure.

When we were at the Museum representing the College, I heard a lecture presented by Dr. Georgia Purdom. She argued that when discussing or arguing issues of morality, the Christian must stand on God's Word--That and That alone.  Science, logic and reason seem infallible, but they change with the times. God's Word never changes--

I wish I could present what she said more eloquently. But if you can't hear her speak or read her books. you CAN find this wonderful movie in which the same principle is presented in a thought-provoking drama.