The euphoric giddiness is wearing off somewhat, my backside is stuck to this chair and my eyes are bulging out of my head...but I am happy as a clam! Who knew that 17" of light could be so wonderful?
So many things to catch up on...
First of all, Heather's home from Africa and I simply can not wait to meet her newest son on Monday. What an amazing adventure! Well, she might not be to the point that she can call it amazing and awesome yet...it had some pretty deep caverns from what I have heard...but it's done and she's home and I cry every time I think about it. There is no sweeter picture of all that love is or can be than this. You can read her father's blog and see photos at this locale. Be sure to grab a tissue first.
Speaking of God-authored stories...are you going to see End of the Spear? I am hoping to go this weekend. I desperately want to see it but I am a little worried about the accuracy of the portrayals. This is one story that absolutely must be told right. If it's not...it would be so wrong. I am hoping I'll be able to read some reviews before I see it, so I'll be prepared.
During college, I read Elisabeth Elliot's book, Through the Gates of Splendour. The account of that journey changed me.
Significantly.
It was the first time I ever deeply realized how little my faith has cost me. I live in the United States and in the South where faith is often presumed. I was raised in a family that was deeply impacted by Chritianity--was early and still is. I move in circles of people who are of a similar faith as myself (most of the time). I am severely comfortable. That realization troubled me then (in college) and it still does from time to time. This story means a great deal to me. Hence, the desire to see it told correctly.
In other news, Joal is number 5 in his company's sales force for the year 2005! and that makes it official. We are definately going on the cruise to Mexico in February!! I'm so proud of him. He works smart, hard, efficiently, with integrity and he's always looking for ways to improve. I love that about him. (That's #5 out of about 650.) Mexico...counting the days.
I've been reading so many things lately (during the computer meltdown)...I think the library ladies know my name now, I've been in there so much in the past few weeks. It's been a good change-up to get back to reading. I'm going to keep that up. I accidentally (or providentially perhaps) ran across a book that every parent should read...oh wait. Not every parent. Only those who have at one point or another raised a loud voice to their perfect angel. Or really wanted to. LOL! I, of course, have never yelled at my children...(insert gagging and coughing noise here.)
Seriously, even if you aren't a chronic screamer, this book is insightful and a worthy read.
Oh yeah and it meets my #1 basic criteria for an acceptable parenting book--the author is actually a parent.
Scream-free Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
Last note: I know I need a new banner. Soon, I promise.
5 comments:
Woo-hoo - you're back!!! I've missed you!
Sounds like a great book, is the author a Christian? I recently read a parenting book by Marilu Henner called I Refuse To Raise A Brat. While it was amusing, the viewpoint was so unlike my own that I am leary of non-Christian authored parenting books now.
So, so, so glad you are back and now have a dream station at home to keep in touch with the world!! I too just heard about the movie the middle of last week and would really like to see it. I've not yet read Through Gates of Splendor but know the basic story from many places and have read others of Elizabeth's books. From what I could tell it is the son of one of the other men that was there that is working on this, so I'm expecting it to be very close to the real story. If you see it, let me know what you think!
Glad to have you back online and posting!!! I've missed reading your blogs!
Christy
Tracie,
Mr. Runkel is a christian believer, however, he makes this statement in the preface:
"I consider myself myself firmly entrenched in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and I believe that the ScreamFree message is ultimately God's message. I believe God is the original ScreamFree parent to us all, and his way or relating with himself and with others is the model I teach and try to live. These ScreamFree principles are biblical, both from the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament. With all that stated, this is not meant to be an explicitly Judeo-Christian book. You do not have to convert to any religious tradition in order to live as a ScreamFree parent."
He goes on with the explanation, ending with "All you have to do, you will see, is learn to keep your cool."
The book does deal with what I know to be theological issues (love, selfishness vs selflessness, etc) but it is in no way a theological approach in the words used. If you are a Christian, you will see the parallels, but they can just as easily be ignored.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't think you will find it lacking in wisdom or contrary to your Christian beliefs. I also don't think there's anything included that would step on the toes of someone of another faith. A person who is hostile towards anything of faith, may not like Chapter 11.
It also lists www.screamfree.com as a referance. I haven't had time to browse much there but it might be worthwhile.
Debby...great to hear from you. Enjoy the new gadgetry at home! And stay safe.
Christy...thanks. I enjoy keeping up with yours too.
~~Sarah
Thanks for your words of kindness, Sarah, and an especial thanks for two nights of great dinner!! Hope we can have a little longer to catch up soon.
My brother saw the movie at Christian Bookseller's Convention this summer and said it is amazing. Hoping to see it, but don't know about a babysitter for Josiah yet :) Maybe there's a late showing.
so glad you're back and have a new computer and thrilled that you're officially counting down to a cruise!!
Heather
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