Cookbooks & Commentaries

Reflections On Our Seminary Adventure

2009-04-05T14:25:00.004-04:00

Manchester Creek Community Church ~

It's been a long journey getting to Rock Hill, South Carolina. But every step of the way has been completely worth it.

Our journey started nearly three years ago when we realized Ken could not graduate from Southern Seminary without resigning his pastoral position in Minnesota. We then spent a year preparing to leave St. Paul-- planning, packing, apartment searching, selling our house, wrapping things up at church, and saying our good-byes. Somewhere during that year, Ken sensed God preparing him to be a senior pastor.

Then we had 22 amazing months in Louisville, Kentucky. Our time at Southern Seminary was like being in a spiritual greenhouse and a pressure cooker at the same time. It was an intense time of training and preparation for Ken as well as for me. Our entire family needed to make a focused effort of all our energy, time, and money in order for Ken to finish his degree in a year and a half.

During this entire journey, we have been praying for the church where God would send us. And now we're here, at Manchester Creek Community Church. God has answered so many of our prayers already!

Thank you for journeying with us. It has been such fun to share our experience with so many friends and family through the blog.

Here we are, on Ken's first Sunday as pastor of Manchester Creek. We made it!!

And thus we conclude Cookbooks & Commentaries: The Schmidt Family's Seminary Adventure.

~~~

Of course, getting here is just the beginning of a new season of life. Continue to follow along with us at Kim's new blog, Fill This House.

~~~

Our New Rock Hill Home

2009-04-02T21:25:00.004-04:00

We are settling into our new home in Rock Hill, and it is so fun!!!!

We are still learning some of the crazy means through which God has provided a home like this for us. One such way is that the house has mismatched carpet. The word on the street is that many potential buyers turned up their noses at it, so the builder had to lower the price drastically. Guess what? We are praising God for mismatched carpet!

Some areas of the house are unpacked and functioning well ~

Other areas need some work ~

God has given us abundantly more than we have ever asked or imagined!

~~~

The Funny Thing About Seminary

2009-04-02T21:19:00.003-04:00

Our friends and former neighbors, Brian and Kacie, finished seminary a year ahead of us and moved on to Ohio where Brian is a pastor.

Kacie has an excellent blog called Wondrous Love. At the end of their seminary time, she posted a list of funny things about seminary life. This list still makes me laugh and is oh-so-true.

Check it out here.

~~~

My Old Kentucky Home

2009-03-27T07:07:00.005-04:00

Today we moved out of our Kentucky home.

This house has been home to us for sixteen months. To live in such a beautiful house, with a yard and a quiet neighborhood, has been a tremendous blessing. Our thanks to Jason and Marsha for allowing us to rent their lovely home ~

Some farewell pictures (from pre-packing days, of course!) ~

We will remember this home fondly and we pray it will bless the next residents as much as it has us.

~~~

Manchester Creek

2009-03-24T22:34:00.006-04:00

For about two years, Ken and I have been praying for the church God would have us serve. As we began getting to know Manchester Creek Community Church, we witnessed God answering our prayers.

Some things we love about the church:

The people love, understand, talk about, and rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church does not have a lot of programs to maintain. This positions the church well to respond to needs in the community.

The church body has a warm and friendly spirit. Many people told us they were drawn to Manchester Creek because of the friendliness of the people.

Manchester Creek is fun! Ken realized this during a phone interview with the search committee. He found himself laughing with them, telling jokes, and feeling like they were old friends. (In fact, the tag line of the church is "A fun place to get serious with God." Is this Ken in a nutshell, or what?!)

The church has a mix of generations, a vital aspect of a healthy church.

Local outreach is important to them.

World missions are important to them.

They value biblical preaching and teaching.

Their eight core values are solid and motivating: God's word, cultural relevance, community of grace, loving relationships, inspiring worship, changed lives, ministry participation, and compassionate outreach.

They obviously love and care about their pastor and his family. (We are receiving some of this loving care this weekend ~ Some church members are travelling to Louisville to help load up our truck. Then they are personally driving it to Rock Hill!)

They respect and trust their leadership.

They have highly qualified lay-leaders, including a dynamite elder board.

The church has a realistic and honest estimation of itself.

God has now given us the names and faces of the church we have been praying for all this time! We can't wait to get there!

~~~

A Courtship Continued

2009-03-15T16:00:00.002-04:00

Our lives have been a whirlwind over the past couple months.

It's difficult to unpack it all, but the gist is this:

We are moving to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where Ken will be the Lead Pastor of Manchester Creek Community Church!

This is the church I wrote of in January, when I said we were currently in a "courtship" with a church.

Since that January post, we have travelled to Rock Hill twice. The first trip was sort of exploratory; we felt we needed to see it and meet people face-to-face to know if we could really plant ourselves there. That trip was fantastic! We had some sweet times of fellowship with the search committee and with the elders and their wives.

We left that weekend knowing without a doubt that we wanted to be at Manchester Creek.

A couple weeks later, we drove to South Carolina once again. (Both trips were with the kids...I know some of you are wondering...and it's a nine hour trip from Louisville. The drive is through the hills and mountains of Tennessee and is really quite beautiful.) This second trip was a candidating weekend. We met more of the church families, did some house-hunting, and Ken preached for Sunday worship.

A week after that, the church voted unanimously to call Ken as their Pastor!

Coming up: Ken and I will describe the church to you a bit, explaining why we "fell in love" with it.

~~~

Will We Leave You Hanging?

2009-02-09T15:10:00.003-05:00

Some of you have asked us if we're just going to end the blog and leave you all hanging. Well, we sure appreciate that some of you faithfully read Cookbooks & Commentaries and want more of it!

While we are definitely going to bring this seminary blog to a close, I am creating a new blog. It will have a little more focus to the content, but still plenty of family updates, pictures, and, your favorite, "The Things They Say." Once I get it up and running, I'll post a link from Cookbooks & Commentaries. Ken is considering starting his own pastoral blog.

Here's a little family tidbit from today:

Teddy: I want to be a pastor like Daddy.

Me: You need to stop hitting children in the nursery before they'll let you be a pastor!

~~~

Louisville Ice Storm

2009-02-04T14:21:00.002-05:00

Our "Schmidt Family Seminary Adventure" won't be properly chronicled without any mention of what transpired over the past week...

On January 27th, an ice storm froze our city into a crystalline Narnia. Trees were weighed down to the breaking point under thick ice, many of them bowed over to the ground, unable to withstand the weight. Many other trees were uprooted, including one in our backyard.

Hundreds of thousands of people were left in the cold without electricity as these downed trees took out power lines. We were among those thousands. By the morning after the storm, our house was too cold for our little children to tolerate.

Our friends from church, Steve and Tammy, opened their home to us. We imposed on them for a full week as we waited for the Louisville Gas & Electric trucks to roll into our neighborhood.

Our power came back on yesterday, and now we are joyfully back in our home. Ironically, this happened to us before, during "Windstorm 2008." I can't help but laugh at what life hands you sometimes.

A word about our hosts, Steve and Tammy (and their three young children!): They were so good to us! We felt completely welcome and wanted. Through all the hassles of being displaced, being in their well-run, child-friendly home made it much easier on us.

And a word about our great God and Savior: The Lord has provided abundantly for our family. In a city where we have no family, few roots, and have only lived a short time, God has given us a spiritual family-- our church.

As our family sang at bedtime last night, "God Is So Good!"

~~~

Winding Down

2009-01-24T13:22:00.003-05:00

Did you know that the average blog lasts just 18 months?

Cookbooks & Commentaries is likely to hold true to that statistic. Before we wrap things up on our seminary blog, we want to give you all a few updates on our church search process...

As it stands right now, we are well down the road in a "courtship" with a church, as our friend Tim D. calls it. Ken has interviewed with them, we have researched the church and they have researched us. From all we know of the church, we are very like-minded. Examining the church's documents, I exclaimed, "Ken! You could have written this yourself!" The documents were just that clearly aligned with Ken's heart for ministry.

Our thoughts and prayers, our hearts, are definitely being draw to this church. We still have a couple more steps in the process, though, to confirm finally if this is the place God would have us. Please pray for us, if you would, that we would have our eyes wide open, that we would catch any details that we may have missed, that we would be able to discern God's will and that we would be sensitive to His leading. And, finally, pray that we would follow the Lord's leading unhesitantly, in faith that He works all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called by His name.

You can expect some more updates over the coming weeks!

~~~

A New Convert?

2009-01-16T08:58:00.002-05:00

It is -1 today! At breakfast, Calvin asked what temperature it needed to be to be warm. Kim said, at least 50. At that Calvin replied, "We need to go down, down, down south!"

The Things They Say

2009-01-12T15:02:00.002-05:00

I was ready to move on with the day, but Calvin was still nibbling at the last few Cheerios in his bowl. "Are you finished with your breakfast?" I asked.

After ignoring my question three times, he said, "What's that called, Mommy?"

Now, I've been trying to train Calvin to say something just once to me, wait for my reply, remember my response, and then not ask the same thing again. I've explained to him how irritating it is to be asked the same questions repeatedly. I was about to find out that he has in fact been listening...

"What's what called?" I replied.

"What's it called when you say the same thing over and over?" Calvin said.

Sensing a trap coming on, I hesitantly said, "Do you mean...obnoxious?"

"Yes! Mommy, you are being a-noshious, askin' me that again and again!"

~~~

Breaking The Silence

2009-01-08T23:18:00.005-05:00

I'm breaking the blog silence with some Christmas pictures! These are in no particular order, and only show a handful of the many memories we made during our surprise visit to Minnesota.

With four of the five Gregerson siblings married, we are now a group of nine. I loved being all together on Christmas Day. Lots of noise, fun, and laughter ~

Calvin-turned-Mr. Incredible ~

Chloe Jo, one of my adorable nieces ~

A mass of knit stockings, stuffed full with 3M treasures ~

Some time with friends ~

A private Christmas concert (the musicians were exceedingly handsome!) ~

That's just a jumble of a few precious moments. And that shows nothing of all the wonderful time spent with grandparents, and with our friends Bob and Dottie, and sledding, and wrestling with uncles, and all the other Mr. Incredible poses, and my other adorable niece, and my sweet nephew....and a loooooooong trip home to Kentucky.

~~~

Joy Of Every Longing Heart

2008-12-20T15:14:00.002-05:00

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in Thee

Israel's Strength and Consolation

Hope of all the earth Thou art

Dear Desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart

Merry Christmas! We'll be back on the blog in a week or so!

~~~

Teddy is Two!

2008-12-19T21:29:00.006-05:00

Teddy Dean is two years old today!

We spent the morning at ArtSparks, building ~

Painting ~

Drawing ~

and relaxing ~

In the evening, at home, came presents ~

including a much-longed-for Incredible Hulk toy ~

and Bibleman DVD's ~

And a Tow Mater brownie to top it all off ~

Happy Birthday, Teddy Dean! We love you!

~~~

One Last Hurrah

2008-12-18T23:40:00.005-05:00

To end our series of graduation posts on Cookbooks & Commentaries, we have pictures of Ken with some of his professors. It is, after all, because of the excellent faculty at Southern that Ken's degree is so valuable ~

Dr. Betts

Dr. Wellum

Our pastor, Dr. Cook

Dr. Vogel

Dr. Beougher

Dr. Moore

We are thankful for these men (and many more) who are faithfully serving the Lord by investing in the lives of future ministers of the Gospel. Thanks to all of you!

~~~

Daddy's Big Day

2008-12-17T14:28:00.002-05:00

On the big day, the morning of Ken's graduation ceremony, he woke up the boys wearing his cap and gown ~

Calvin said he liked Daddy's "cape" ~

~~~

President's Reception

2008-12-15T15:16:00.004-05:00

Saturday's blog post was only the beginning of reporting our graduation experience. After all, the description of Cookbooks & Commentaries is "The Schmidt Family's Seminary Adventure." So of course we're going to thoroughly include you on our culminating seminary experience!

Our graduation celebration started the day before the ceremony, at the President's Graduation Reception, where Dr. and Mrs. Mohler graciously greeted everyone individually ~

And after seven and a half years as a Southern student, Ken finally had his chance to see the famed personal library of Dr. Mohler ~

He just graduated, and he acts like he owns the place. I tell ya what ~

We're happy. Can you tell?

~~~

Study Bibles

2008-12-15T08:56:00.002-05:00

Do you have a Study Bible? I received my first Study Bible when I was a new believer. I can still remember the helpfulness of my NIV Study Bible. Over the years, however, I became disenchanted with Study Bibles. Why? Because I noticed that when I was leading Bible studies, more people were referring to their notes rather than the text to answer questions.

I have mellowed in the last few years. A couple of weeks ago, I received an ESV Study Bible as a gift from a friend. It is a great tool. However, I keep reminding myself that the notes, articles and maps are just tools.

If you don't have a Study Bible, don't rush out and buy one. They are helpful, but not needed. If you do have a Study Bible, let me encourage you to read this commentary by Al Mohler.

It's Official!

2008-12-13T23:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Ken's graduation ceremony. He now officially holds a Masters of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary...

Way to go, Ken! You did it!!!!!!!!!!!

We had two full days of graduation activities. We have many more pictures and stories to share. But for now, I'll just say...

Hooray! Ken's finished!!!!!!

~~~

Family Night: Homespun Christmas

2008-12-09T22:44:00.006-05:00

Tonight we made popcorn garlands, sang Christmas carols, and had homemade hot cocoa.

Teddy and Calvin's contribution to the garland project? Eating popcorn and making a royal mess.

Teddy also put popcorn in his cocoa and told Ken it was marshmallows. Smart kid; he fooled his dad. Ken spooned it out and was about to eat it. "Hey!" Ken said, "That's not a marshmallow!" Teddy just giggled. How can a not-quite-two-year-old be such a trickster? Answer: He's Ken Schmidt's son.

The garlands are now adorned with Wraffia bows and hanging over the back doorway. They're pretty, in a Cabin Christmas sort of way. (Though I'm wondering how long I'll be able to stand the stale popcorn smell coming from that doorway. I have an overly sensitive sniffer.)

After advent readings tonight, we knelt together to pray. The boys have prayed for a teenage boy named Ben ever since they met him two months ago. Calvin prayed, "Dear God, thank you for Ben. Please anoint him." Okay. Prayer time then dissolved into giggles. Anoint him?? Hmmm....maybe that came from memorizing Psalm 23 as a family. I'm positive, though, that Calvin has no idea what "anoint" means!

The Christmas song that went along with tonight's reading was "We Three Kings." No sooner had Ken and I started singing, "We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar..." than the kids started galloping around the living room, down the hall, through the kitchen and back again.

Our family advent times this year lack a certain...shall we say...reverence. But we'll choose to savor these antic-filled Christmas moments while we still can.

~~~

Baking...With Children

2008-12-05T15:03:00.004-05:00

We baked Christmas Cookie #1 today: Peanut Butter Blossoms.

The boys' little friend, Jonathan, came over (and his mom, my friend Becky!) and we took on this little endeavor as a group. Peanut Butter Blossoms are good cookies to make with little ones. They can roll the dough in sugar ~

And smash the Hershey's kiss into the cookie (keyword: smash) ~

Even with all the Hershey's kisses that disappeared into little hoppers, we ended up with four dozen lovely (and delicious!) cookies ~

~~~

The Things They Say

2008-12-04T21:23:00.002-05:00

Calvin is very into pretend play. Tonight, he announced that we should all play "Grinch."

Me: Okay. What should we do?
Calvin: I'll be the Grinch. You can be Cindy Lou Who. And Daddy will be the roast beast.

(The thought of Ken as the roast beast cracked me up, especially since all it does is get stolen, returned, and carved.)

Me: Do you really think Daddy wants to be the roast beast?
Calvin: Well, I guess he can be the reindeer.

We are teaching Teddy to obey "right away, all the way, with a happy heart." The conversation is something like this:

Me: Teddy, when Mom and Dad ask you to do something, what should you do?
Teddy: (silent grin)
Me: You should obey right away, all the way, with a...?
Teddy: Ha-hee-har!

Teddy came up with a new name for himself the other day:

Me: What's your name?
Teddy: Cute Baby!

~~~

Christmas Craft

2008-12-03T07:58:00.002-05:00

~~~

I said last year that I was going to use last year's Christmas cards to make crafts this season. I'm not much for crafts. But if they aren't too messy, don't take long, and involve little more than a scissors and a glue stick, I can do it!

So here are last year's cards, re-created:

This may not even qualify as a craft in your mind. It did, regardless, bring some Christmas cheer to our kitchen!

~~~

Deck The Halls

2008-11-28T22:19:00.005-05:00

Christmas should not eclipse Thanksgiving.

You know, "Jingle Bells" playing in the supermarket when you're shopping for your turkey dinner?

Thanksgiving is worth celebrating, a time to pause and give thanks to the Lord. And in our household, we enjoy Thanksgiving Day tremendously.

But once the last Thanksgiving dish is washed, I don't waste any time heralding the Christmas season!

Today was Deck The Halls day at our home. The Christmas bins came out of storage. Garlands and lights went up everywhere. The boys got out all their holiday books and toys.

Traditionally, we have Christmas music playing all day, but I can't find any of our holiday CD's. One of the hazards of moving twice in 18 months, I think....

Ken and I snuggled on the couch this evening and looked through all of the Christmas cards and family photos we received last year.

We are looking forward to a meaningful advent season. I'd like to fill it up with old traditions, but also add a few new ones.

So, tell me, friends, what are your families' best Christmas traditions? And, especially, traditions that center your hearts and minds on Jesus Christ?

~~~

Give Thanks!

2008-11-27T10:39:00.003-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who

seek the LORD rejoice.

Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done,

his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.

Psalm 105: 1-5

~~~

In Honor of My Husband

2008-11-25T08:39:00.004-05:00

Ken's birthday was yesterday! He was very popular, with many phone calls and Facebook well-wishes. But then again, Ken is always popular.

He requested homemade buffalo chicken pizza and ice cream cake for dinner, and I joyfully obliged, though I had never made either. Anything for you, Babe!

His ice cream "torte" ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEN!!!!

~~~

A Perfect Gentleman

2008-11-24T15:45:00.004-05:00

I went out on a date yesterday...with Calvin.

Saturday night, he asked, "Mama, would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?"

How could I say no?

And he had thought it through, too. "We could go on our date after church when Teddy and Daddy take a nap," he said.

I like a man with a plan!

Before we headed out together on Sunday, Ken had a private little talk with Calvin. The talk resulted in Calvin opening the doors for me, and, get this...paying.

We had a wonderful time at Dairy Queen, enjoying small vanilla ice cream cones. Calvin made good conversation, too.

A perfect little gentleman. I hope he asks me out again.

~~~

Wrapping Things Up

2008-11-20T08:11:00.005-05:00

Cookbooks & Commentaries has been silent for awhile, we realize. We've been busy wrapping up our time at Southern Seminary. That's right, folks, we've reached the end. Today is Ken's last day of class and he will graduate on December 12!

And speaking of wrapping up, I have also reached the end of my classes with the Seminary Wives Institute. When I saw in my inbox yesterday that spring registration will soon be open, I had a twinge of sadness, because tonight will be my final class.

I have a number of thoughts to share about SWI, so here comes one of my favorite things--a bulleted list!

The SWI Family Life Conference last weekend was excellent. Dr. and Mrs. York led the conference, sharing personally from their own marriage, giving us all a window into their godly, dynamic, fun and passionate marriage.

Tonight I will be finishing the Old Testament/New Testament Survey course.

Dr. Betts, teaching the Old Testament part of the course, really made me think about how God's heart for the nations shows so clearly in the Old Testament.

Dr. Doug Walker taught New Testament survey, and I particularly enjoyed his lecture on canonicity.

Early this fall, I took a class on the Southern Baptist Convention. Mrs. Mohler taught us about the agencies and institutions of the Cooperative Program. I learned that the scope of SBC-funded ministries is vast, and I have a lot more to learn about them!

In our nearly 18 months in Louisville, I have completed 12 units of SWI courses. I also attended one Seminar Saturday. (I didn't do the coursework for the Seminar Saturday, however, so no credit on that one!)

My courses were Discipleship I & II, Essentials for Ministry Wives I & II, Conflict Management, Public Speaking for Ministry Wives, Redeeming the Time, Ministry of Hospitality, Lessons in Prayer, SBC I & II, Old Testament/New Testament Survey, and Family Life Conference.

Southern Seminary wives reading this (I know you're out there!), don't miss this unique opportunity. SWI will equip you to serve better alongside your husband. Make the sacrifice and go for it!

SWI has blessed me immeasurably.

~~~

Autumn Pictures

2008-11-05T22:14:00.003-05:00

The election is over--finally. So can we talk about something else already?

For example, how about these handsome boys playing in a beautiful mess of fall leaves ~

~~~

Is the Gospel about Self-Esteem?

2008-10-29T17:31:00.003-04:00

Robert Schuller has preached that the Gospel is about self-esteem for the last thirty years. He has consistently stated that a preacher should not preach about sin. Rather, preachers should remind people of their great possibility as human beings. He has espoused the "Gospel of Positive Thinking."

Robert Schuller has been and is a false shepherd who preaches a false gospel. There is an interesting story that Al Mohler has addressed in his blog concerning the Schuller family. Take a look at the story here.

The trend in conservative evangelicalism

2008-10-26T07:29:00.002-04:00

I love conferences. Over the past eight years, I have attended numerous beneficial and stimulating conferences on subjects ranging from legal issues in the church to the Pastor's Conference at Bethlehem Baptist. But, I must confess that conservative evangelicalism has become obsessed with conferences.

If I wanted (and Kimberly would let me spend the big bucks associated with conferences) I could go to a really good conference each month. When I begin my next pastorate, I want to still attend conferences, but I need to be discerning. Which conference will best equip me and my staff to love the LORD and shepherd His people? Is this for the building up of the church or for my relaxation? Am I becoming a conference-junky?

Feel free to keep me accountable concerning conferences over the years.

New Campaign Poster?

2008-10-23T08:29:00.002-04:00

A Redneck Mansion

2008-10-23T08:28:00.003-04:00

Kimberly's Shopping List- She's Got Skills

2008-10-23T08:26:00.001-04:00

A Chill In The Air

2008-10-22T09:48:00.005-04:00

Over the past few weeks, we've awoken to a crispness in the air. That chilly air is like a message each year: "It's time for all things Autumn."

Two weeks ago, we raked leaves as a family. Or, more accurately, as I'm sure you can imagine, Ken and I raked leaves, and the boys played in the piles. And what fun is raking, really, without watching a child dive in and disappear beneath the heap?

The boys' closets are reorganized now with all their warm sweaters handy. And little boys in sweaters are irresistibly cute!

And there's been plenty of fall baking already...

In the past few weeks, we've had a family over for pumpkin pie, other friends over for apple crisp, I've made whole wheat pumpkin bread and sent pumpkin pie squares to work with Ken. I look for lots of ways to share these goods, by the way, because I always have more I want to bake than my family should really eat!

Next on the list is apple dumplings, and still to come will be cranberry cake and sweet potato casserole (Ken will be less than thrilled about that last one, but the kids and I will relish it!).

And, just as of yesterday, a nice big, round pumpkin sits on our lawn chair, waiting to be carved. Ken is hoping it has lots of seeds for roasting. We'll see.

We're already anticipating Thanksgiving. Harvest and thanksgiving hymns have been added to our family worship times, and, each week, the boys and I are checking out more Thanksgiving books from the library, building the excitement towards that special holiday.

A beautiful season ~ Thanks be to God.

~~~

These Boys Make Their Daddy Proud

2008-10-21T15:02:00.005-04:00

Calvin is really catching on to the whole question-and-answer catechism conversation. He apparently wants to catechize his brother, though, in matters of football, not faith. On the way to the grocery store today, Calvin and Teddy had this sweet little conversation:

Calvin: Teddy, who does our family like, the Green Bay Packers or the Vikings?

Teddy: Gee Packa!

Calvin: What do the Packers do?

Teddy: Gee Packa take down Vikee.

Calvin: That's right, Teddy! The Green Bay Packers take down the Vikings.

~~~

My Little Bears

2008-10-17T14:59:00.003-04:00

Calvin started Awana Cubbies this fall, and has barely taken off his club vest since. He has earned four patches, and is working on Bear Hug 10 this week.

My little Cubbie Bear ~

Proud Mama Bear can't resist adding a picture of my other little bear, my Teddy Bear, showing off his pockets ~

My son, the theologian...maybe not

2008-10-16T22:08:00.002-04:00

I was asking Calvin the catechism questions this evening and one question was, "Who wrote the Bible?" Calvin properly responded, "Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit."

Then he added, "And mommy said that it was also written by a man in St. Paul, MN."

Just for the record, Kimberly denies it.

Making Bird Feeders

2008-10-15T14:05:00.006-04:00

The boys and I had a project on our minds this morning. We had been inspired by Calvin's Highlights magazine to make bird feeders.

I took the boys for a walk to hunt for pine cones. We found a gold mine under a tree on the next block.

Next came the peanut butter (An awful lot of it went directly into Teddy's mouth!) ~

A bit of bird seed ~

And some garden twine ~

Voila!

~~~

Tough crowd

2008-10-09T15:50:00.003-04:00

I was out on a walk with Calvin today. Out of the blue, he asked me, "Dad, you got a job yet?" I said, no, not yet. "You need to get a job dad!"

No slacking for me in this family.

The Things They Say

2008-10-09T10:37:00.001-04:00

Teddy has two favorite words these days, and both have to do with dirty diapers.

At the kitchen counter yesterday afternoon, the boys were going back and forth with this sort of talk:

Calvin: You're a poopy pants, Teddy.

Teddy: Poopy pants.

Calvin: No, you're a poopy pants, Teddy.

Teddy: Poopy pants.

At that point, Ken and I intervened:

Kim: Boys, that's enough. No calling eachother poopy names.

Ken: That's right boys. We don't need any more talk about poopy.

Brief silence.

Teddy, with a big grin: Pee pee.

~~~

Have you hugged your pastor this month?

2008-10-08T21:17:00.003-04:00

Do you know that October is pastor appreciation month? I want to encourage every reader to send their pastor a note of encouragement this month. You would be amazed at how much a note of appreciation out of the blue encourages a weary pastor's soul.

Any pastors reading this blog, THANK YOU and keep on persevering men!

Milestone

2008-10-08T16:23:00.003-04:00

We've reached a new milestone in the Schmidt family: Calvin can now ride his tricycle for family walks. I took him on such a walk this afternoon.

As we started out, he said, "I would like to have some conversation while we're on this walk." My, oh my. How could I say no to that?

I asked what he wanted to talk about.

Nemo and Marlin and Dory and Brucie.

~~~

Calvin is the winner!

2008-10-07T20:04:00.004-04:00

Ken has the week off from school. With no work today either, and being the most wonderful daddy in the world, he chose to have special one-on-one time with each of the boys.

This morning, Daddy and Calvin headed off to the "Semi-marry" (as Calvin says) to go swimming. They came back grinning. It must have been fun. Meanwhile, Teddy was Mommy's special helper at the grocery store.

This evening, Ken took Teddy out for a Krispie Kreme treat. Teddy came home still licking his lips. Ken made some great memories with the boys today, for sure.

While Teddy was having his special Daddy time, Calvin and I played games! Calvin crushed me, 3-0 in CandyLand, and 3-0 in cards. And it's all fair and square; I don't just let him win.

I'm crying like a little girl.

Calvin wanted to post his winnings on the blog; he chose the title for this entry as well.

One cute Calvinism of the day: He ran into the kitchen this afternoon and said, "Momma, I just learned a new word: cornucopia!"

~~~

Sweet Sacrifices

2008-10-05T15:06:00.005-04:00

I was blessed last week to attend once again a Pendergraph Women's Ministry event. Mrs. Jani Ortlund, author of Fearlessly Feminine and His Loving Law, Our Lasting Legacy, spoke to us about "Sweet Sacrifices: The Challenge of a Woman in Ministry."

Her message was challenging, encouraging, and packed with fresh insights from God's word and from Mrs. Ortlund's life experiences.

She talked about risking your reputation, refining your romance, and relishing your redemption.

After she spoke, we were all invited to Mrs. Mohler's home for dessert. I caught up with many friends while we all oohed and aahed over Dr. Mohler's library. Another special night filled with fun and great fellowship!

~~~

Good Sportsmanship

2008-10-04T22:08:00.004-04:00

I taught Calvin a card game a couple weeks ago. It's "Hit The Deck," minus the action cards. Essentially, it's matching colors and numbers and learning to take turns. Oh, and be a good sport and congratulate the winner.

Tonight, I won the first game and Calvin won the second. As we began the third round, Calvin said, "You have a chance to win now. And if I win," he said, a big grin spreading across his face, "you're gonna cry like a little girl."

Obviously, he's learned from his Daddy how to talk smack.

~~~

Food and Clothing

2008-09-26T15:34:00.003-04:00

When we moved last December into our current home, I blogged some "thoughts on moving," and the disorganization and stress of it all. I commented on Carolyn Mahaney's advice to, in busy seasons, focus on food and clothing.

I have since wondered if that comment made sense to anyone but me. But it's simple, practical advice that I've found so helpful as a wife, mother, and homemaker, so I want to point you to the GirlTalk blog entry for today. The GirlTalkers explain this principle much better than I can, a principle that can really lift the burden you may feel when you face a busy season. Click here to read more.

~~~

Fearlessly Feminine

2008-09-25T16:22:00.002-04:00

Fearlessly Feminine: Boldly Living God's Plan for Womanhood, by Jani Ortlund is encouraging teaching for Christian women of all ages in all stages of life. Clearly and unashamedly complementarian, Jani Ortlund discusses several key scripture passages regarding biblical womanhood.

Here are some of my favorite parts of the book:

She gives this word to single women:

"I belive that marriage is good, something to be sought after and prized. I
believe that it is God-ordained and is for our benefit and pleasure. But
marriage is not the best thing in life ~ God Himself is."

Ortlund quotes some of my favorite writings on biblical womanhood, including Elisabeth Elliot's Let Me Be A Woman and an obscure little book by Brenda Hunter called Where Have All the Mother's Gone?

The appendix titled, "Sweet Sacrifices: A Word to Ministry Wives" was particularly encouraging to me as a ministry wife. She even addresses seminary wives specifically. That's pretty rare!

Before each chapter is a story of a real-life fearlessly feminine woman. These sketches include Fannie Crosby, Ruth Bell Graham, Susanna Wesley, Edith Schaeffer, Amy Carmichael, Sarah Edwards, and more. These are inspiring women!

~~~

Family Reading

2008-09-23T19:40:00.004-04:00

Some delicious peaches this summer inspired us to check out James and the Giant Peach from the library. I wasn't sure if Calvin would be able to follow the storyline in a chapter book with few pictures, but he can. So this has been a fun evening activity.

Any suggestions for more chapter books at a similar level that would make for more good family reading?

We're Back On The Grid

2008-09-21T16:33:00.003-04:00

Our power is back on! Or, as they are saying around here, we are "back on the grid."

Many in Louisville are still without power, though, including our church. We had our worship service outdoors this morning, which was very cool.

From conversations this morning, it is clear that this has been a long week for many, and, particularly for those still without electricity, nerves are frayed.

On a brighter note, I have a request to share some grilling recipes, created during our power outage:

Grilled Peaches

Cut fresh peaches in half and pull out the pit. Place peach halves, face down, directly onto hot grill. Cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Remove peaches from grill and place face up on serving plate. Drizzle with honey. As good as peach pie, but healthier!

Creole Tinfoil Packets

1 link smoked sausage, halved and sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1/2 cup sliced onion
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Cumin
Chili powder

Spray 4 sheets of tinfoil with cooking spray. Portion out sausage, peppers, onions, and beans on the tinfoil sheets. Drizzle each serving with just a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Wrap edges of foil up and around the food and seal like a package. Place tinfoil packets directly on grill and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. About 4 servings.

Enjoy!

~~~

Still No Power

2008-09-19T20:49:00.003-04:00

Our home is still without electricity or telephone. Now it has been 5 1/2 days.

Our friends, Steve and Tammy, have power at their house. They are graciously allowing the Schmidt clan to crash at their house while they are out of town this weekend. A computer, telephone, television, hot showers, hair dryer, refrigerator, washer and dryer, an oven...this is luxury.

We have been doing just fine though. Many blessings come from "unplugging" for a few days, as anyone who goes camping knows. Some lessons learned:

I spend way too much time on the computer.
Reading by flashlight is tricky.
I take hot water for granted.
Without hot water for washing (clothes, dishes, floors, ourselves, little boys), bad smells crop up quickly.
Grilling is awesome! With only one cooking method, we're trying all kinds of delicious grilled foods...apple crisp, roasted green beans and mushrooms, creole tinfoil packets, honey-drizzled grilled peaches, pizza, chocolate biscuit "clouds." Yes, we are eating quite well.
I understand why the average nightly hours of sleep was so much higher in ages past. Without electricity, there's little reason to stay up past dark or get up before sunrise. We are well rested!
Gathering around a couple candles and a single flashlight in the evening is great family bonding time.
Lacking some of our usual entertainment, we've been telling jokes to one another. Fun!

Louisville Gas and Electric was working two blocks from our home today...it shouldn't be too much longer.

~~~

Camping At Home

2008-09-17T16:28:00.003-04:00

We've been without electricity since Sunday afternoon.

Strong winds swept across Louisville Sunday, and half the city is still without power. Trees are down everywhere you look. Nearly everyone has piles of branches and debris set out at the end of their drive.

We had almost no damage to our home (just one small piece of siding blew off), though the yard was a mess. Neighbors down the street were not nearly so lucky. One house sits crushed beneath a huge tree.

The seminary cancelled all classes and activities for the week. Ken is also out of work for the time being because the Macaroni Grill has only partial power. We are hearing mixed reports about when the entire city will be back up and running...anywhere from five days to a month.

So, in the meantime, we are eating out of a cooler, cooking all our meals on the BBQ grill, eating outside (the weather is gorgeous, praise the Lord), using the laundromat, and taking cold showers.

Essentially, we are camping at home.

But we have so much for which to be thankful, and we are remembering often that this is all mere inconvenience compared to those affected by Hurricane Ike.

~~~

Dinner time conversation...

2008-09-12T20:17:00.001-04:00

Teddy: (pointing at Calvin) He's Mr. Incredible
Calvin: No I'm Brett Favre
Teddy: No, Mr. Incredible
Calvin: No, I'm Brett Favre

This went on for 10 minutes...

Baptist Faith and Practice

2008-09-09T23:23:00.003-04:00

I just finished the assigned reading for my class this Thursday night, a Seminary Wives Institute class on the Southern Baptist Convention. I'm looking over my notes from last week (we have quizzes!), and thinking about Baptist faith and practice.

Faith and practice were the central themes of last week's lecture by Dr. Gregory Wills. He stressed to us that, around the time of the founding of the SBC (1845), Baptist culture had settled into uniformity of both faith and practice.

As concerns faith, Baptists were generally united by Calvinistic doctrine. This uniformity in Calvinistic doctrine is interesting because, until the 19th century, this was precisely what divided Baptists. They were divided for centuries into general baptists, who were Arminian, and particular baptists, who were Calvinist.

All right, that's what I learned last week (in a nutshell) about Baptist faith. And what about practice?

This part was fascinating to me. Dr. Wills described in detail how churches proceeded (still talking 1845 here) to receive new members, baptize believers, and carry out church discipline. I could go on about this, but, in general, I found their procedures to be much more stringent, though much more biblical, than most modern churches.

I can hardly wait to learn more this Thursday night!

Well said...

2008-09-04T10:16:00.000-04:00

"The world today is looking for, and desperately needs, true Christians. I am never tired of saying that what the church needs to do is not to organize evangelical campaigns to attract outside people, but to begin herself to live the Christian life."

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Calvin's Catechism

2008-09-02T21:13:00.002-04:00

I took a break from translating 1 John and listened in on Kimberly teaching Calvin from "A Catechism for Boys and Girls." This catechism is based on the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The catechism breaks up into six parts (God, man and sin; the Ten Commandments; Salvation; Prayer; the Word, church and ordinances; and Last Things) in which a question is asked and an answer is given. Kim will ask a question and Calvin will give the answer. It is a great tool to teach children the Bible and how it fits together.

Calvin doing great, this evening he correctly answered the first forty questions. However, one answer was classic Calvin. Kim asked, "What do we inherit from Adam as a result of this original sin?" Calvin's answer, "Animals!" (The correct answer is 'A sinful nature.')

Back to School

2008-08-29T21:56:00.004-04:00

Ken is back to school now; he's oh-so-happy! The evidence is all around me. Greek vocab cards in little piles around the house, chapel programs on the counter, books and highlighters on the mantle. Can you picture it?

And that also means that I am back to Seminary Wives Institute! Yea!

This term, I am in a class on the Southern Baptist Convention. The first three weeks will be about the history of the baptists. The second three weeks, I believe, will be about the institutions and resources of the SBC.

Last night was my first session and I was delighted to learn from Dr. Thomas Nettles, one of the foremost baptist historians in America. He took us, at breakneck speed, from the English Reformation of the 1500's to the first baptist missionaries in 1810.

Ken had a church history class with Dr. Nettles last spring, and he also took a seminary-level SBC class this past summer. It is fun to get a taste of what Ken learned over the past year.

~~~

A Life That Says Welcome

2008-08-28T13:06:00.002-04:00

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9

I just finished reading A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others, by Karen Ehman. You may have heard of Karen Ehman as a speaker for Hearts at Home ministries.

Any woman looking to hone her hospitality and home management skills will find this book extremely helpful and practical. Ehman addresses clutter control, speed cleaning, home decorating, meal planning and grocery shopping, "hospitality on the road," holidays, Sunday dinner, and many other relevant topics. All the topics are held together with biblical principles and the idea that biblical hospitality is making people feel welcome and wanted.

I particularly like her family focus. She makes clear throughout her book that the first recipients of a woman's hospitality should be her own husband and children, or her immediate family and roommates if she is single. This is clearly biblical, as we can see from the "widow's passage" in 1 Timothy 5.

On making our own families the first recipients of our hospitality, Ehman suggests we consider the acts of kindness we would do for friends coming to visit. We might use special dishes, display flowers, clean the house, light a candle, prepare a fancy dish or decadent dessert. Why shouldn't we do these things for our "closest neighbors," our own families? Get out the fine china for family night--why not? Light a candle--sure! Pray for good conversation--certainly! Clean the house even when no one is coming over--definitely! Be ready with a warm greeting when family members come home--absolutely!

The book is sprinkled with yummy sounding recipes, as well as many ideas for making a richer home life. My copy is marked-up and will be a ready resource on my shelf to spark ideas for years to come.

~~~

Pendergraph, Continued

2008-08-27T16:45:00.003-04:00

I forgot to add....the music.

We worshiped together through song and it was a powerful time. Led simply by guitar and a single bongo drum, we sang some great hymns of the faith including "Be Thou My Vision." The great part was being united with all these ladies in worship to our Lord.

And the sound of a roomful of women harmonizing and singing their hearts out....heavenly.

~~~

Pendergraph Women's Ministry

2008-08-27T08:18:00.005-04:00

I was out past eleven last night.

It's quite rare for me to be out past eight (Teddy's bedtime), so this was quite a treat.

I attended the Pendergraph Women's Ministry fall kick-off event called "Welcome Wagon." The entire evening was a sweet time of Christian fellowship with the dynamite ladies of the Southern Seminary community. We began with food, food, and more food (samples from area vendors). I sat and ate at a table with two women with whom I was at least acquainted and four who were new to me. Two are new to the Louisville area and the seminary, so it was fun to welcome them.

We heard from the Pendergraph faculty liaison, Rayann Jones, about growing in grace. Then we shared around our table what has been on our hearts lately and how God is working in our lives. It was a testimony of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to hear everyone's stories.

Pendergraph gives out fabulous door prizes. I'm rarely a "winner" of prizes and drawings for anything. This held true last night. But I will keep entering the drawings at Pendergraph, because one of the giveaways this year will be a one (two?) night stay at the Galt House, one of the fanciest places in Louisville.

After the program ended, many of us hung around to continue our fellowship. I met some other midwestern gals, one a graduate of the University of Iowa and the other an alum of Northwestern College. And none of us really like sweet tea. Cold and bitter, we said, that's how you drink iced tea.

~~~

More Things They Say

2008-08-23T22:45:00.003-04:00

Calvin's best line of the day:

"When Teddy chooses a love-a-ly wife that loves God, I will call him and invite him and his love-a-ly wife and children to come over to my home."

The Things They Say

2008-08-21T21:05:00.003-04:00

Calvin asked us for some "Calvin and Mommy and Daddy talking time" tonight before bed, which was so sweet that we had to oblige. We asked one another about all of our favorites...flavor of ice cream....favorite candy bar....best friends...

When we got around to sports, it went something like this:

Mommy: Calvin, what's your favorite sport?

Calvin: Football with the Green Bay Packers!

Mommy: What's your favorite sport, Daddy?

Daddy: Football!

Calvin: What's your favorite sport, Mommy?

Mommy: Badminton.

Calvin: (squeal of laughter) That's not a sport!

Daddy: That's right, Calvin.

Mommy: But it's the only sport I've ever been good at!

Teddy is surprising us every day with his new words. He has a new favorite...

(While washing his hands and feet in the the sink)
Mommy: Teddy, don't get your blankie wet.

Teddy: Why-ee.

(This morning during morning jobs)
Mommy: Please put your clothes in the hamper.

Teddy: Why-ee.

(At bedtime)
Mommy: Time to pick up your toys.

Teddy: Why-ee.

I really think that my 20-month-old is a little young to be asking "Why?" every time I tell him to do something! It is cute, though, the way he doesn't have proper question inflection yet, and how it is always two syllables! By the way, this two syllable thing, with the "ee" at the end, is how he says just about everything.
Three of my favorites:

brocc-ee (broccoli)

thank-ee (thank you)

nak-ee! (he has no clothes on!)

.

Ready For More Minnesota Pictures?

2008-08-14T13:32:00.005-04:00

I was so blessed during our trip to have one Girls' Day Out. I met two of my friends from my Campus Crusade days, Sarah and Heidi, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for lunch. We started talking as soon as we saw eachother and didn't have so much as a lull until hours later when we parted. Good friends, sweet Christian fellowship ~

Ken and I were hosted by so many friends during out visit, including Jeremy and Marlene ~
And we were able to catch up with the Caldwell family that evening as well ~

The next morning, we drove to Bayfield, Wisconsin, and then took a ferry to Madeline Island. We spend time on Grandpa John's boat. Did you know it's so easy to pilot a 30-some-foot cruiser, even a child can do it? Check it out ~

Our family cottage on Madeline ~
Beach fun in front of the cottage ~

Taking down "Bop" with the swim noodles ~
Lunch on Madeline at Grandpa Tony's, a family favorite ~

An evening cruise on Bop's boat ~

A Superior sunset ~
More beach play with cousins Katherine and Tyler ~

The ferry, headed back to Bayfield ~

Minnesota, Continued

2008-08-13T08:59:00.005-04:00

More from our Minnesota trip...

Along with all the little cousins, we had lunch in Grandma Maggie's garden. The children discovered interesting garden ornaments and played with sidewalk chalk ~

They were so busy it was difficult to catch more than one at a time in a picture. Notice the coordinating Hawaiian clothes on these four busy little bees ~

And one stationary flower ~

A perfect resting spot for a little one ~

We also spent some time with our old neighbors, Mike and Mary Breci. They took us swimming at the YMCA, then back to their home for some rice krispie treats and bubble toys ~

It was fun to be in our old neighborhood again and see some of our dear friends there ~

There's still lots more Minnesota Pics!

Minnesota Trip

2008-08-12T14:01:00.003-04:00

We spent the last two weeks of July in Minnesota, visiting family and friends. It was a whirlwind tour, packed with fun...

We began with an all-day drive. The highlight of the journey for the boys was our breakfast stop, a Krispie Kreme picnic at a rest stop ~

Our first morning in St. Paul, Grandpa John and Grandma Patti treated the boys to rides at the Mall of America ~

Our first week in town, Calvin had a playdate with his "Sophie Girl," his sweet little friend who he has known since birth. When we lived in Minnesota, they were together at least a couple times a week, be it in their Sunday School class or on playdates ~

Stay tuned for more Minnesota Pictures!

Time With My Mom

2008-08-11T14:48:00.005-04:00

My mom came last week and spent some of her vacation time with us. She was here one brief night, and then she took off in this rented convertible ~

No, we didn't scare her off. She had a wedding to attend in Indiana.

When she returned to Louisville, she and I did some exploring. We took a self-guided tour through Historic Old Louisville, complete with Central Park and St. James Court, which were both beautiful.

The next day Mom and I toured Whitehall House and Gardens. The house was impressive and the gardens breathtaking. Here are just a few highlights ~

This is the side view of Whitehall, with a patio off the butler's pantry ~

The rest of the pictures are from the Whitehall's Italian Garden, which was my favorite ~

Lyndsay's Visit

2008-08-10T13:28:00.004-04:00

My sister Lyndsay came for two days last week. The time was so fun, yet so short.

Here are a few highlights.

Splash Park ~

Tennis "lesson" ~

Family walk ~
Snuggle time ~
Lorikeet Landing ~

(That's a Rainbow Lorikeet eating out of Calvin's hand.)

We love Auntie Lyndsay!

A Week of Visitors

2008-08-09T21:21:00.005-04:00

We've had a wonderful week of visitors...my mom, then my sister, then my mom again, and then our friends the Frucheys. Hotel Schmidt has been booked solid!

A few photos with the Fruchey family ~

We loved having Ashley and Kalista in our home. They are sweet and polite and fun to talk to. The boys had a ball playing with them and were sad to see them go.

I have to show off these beautiful roses they brought us ~

Our house was fresh and lively for the three days of their visit...from the flowers, but much more so from their friendship. Thanks for visiting us!

What's good about pro football

2008-08-08T08:20:00.003-04:00

As you can imagine, the events surrounding Brett Favre and the Packers over the last couple of months have bothered me. I told Kimberly yesterday, "Brett Favre and the Packers have caused me to tire of the NFL before the season even began."

This morning, I read a blog from C. J. Mahaney concerning Art Monk. Take a look at Monk's Pro Football Hall of Fame comments. The difference between the Favre/Packers situation and Art Monk is a matter of humility. The former, and we, could learn much from the humility of a man changed by Christ.

I still enjoy football. Last night my friend Gil and I watched a preseason game. I still love the Packers and Favre. I hope the Pack wins the Super Bowl and the Jets do well. Through this whole situation, Calvin made me smile. The other day he said, "Dad, will Brett Favre be a Viking?" I said, "No, I hope not." He replied, "That's good, because we don't like the Vikings, yuck!"

Yes!

More Things They Say

2008-07-29T20:47:00.002-04:00

Enjoying some delicious corn on the cob for dinner:

Calvin: We haven't had corn on the cob for 10 years.

Playing I Spy outside with Grandma Patti:

Grandma: Have you seen any numbers?

Calvin: No. (looking around) Well there's a number, number 4. That's Brett Favre's number. Did you know he's coming back to life, Grandma?

Jumping in a bouncy house at Lookout Ridge indoor climbing gym:

Calvin: Barack (bounce) Obama (bounce). Barack (bounce) Obama (bounce). (Adults snickering all around him)

Mama: Calvin, who is Barack Obama?

Calvin: He's a Philistine!

While reading a Bible story with Grandpa John, or "Bop":

Bop: Have you ever seen an angel?

Calvin: There are no angels in Kentucky!

Steering Bop's boat, a 31-foot power cruiser, and Bop tries to take the wheel:

Calvin: I don't need your help.

Encouraging Teddy to finish his dinner:

Mama: Make your food go down to your tummy, Teddy Dean.

(Teddy lifted his shirt and started poking his tummy with a french fry.)

.

The Things They Say

2008-07-15T15:06:00.003-04:00

The way Calvin greeted me this morning:

Cal: Mama! Is today 'tomorrow'?

Me: Yes! I guess it is!

Cal: Yea! I get to wear my Mr. Incredible shirt!

After giving Ken a big hug and kiss as thanks for finding some lost toy cars:

I have to go upstairs now and wash my hands. I did pee pee's.

5th of July Party

2008-07-05T21:33:00.005-04:00

We continued celebrating Independence Day with a 5th of July Party today with our Adult Bible Fellowship....

Little Gracie, Big Grace, and Kay-wa (as Calvin calls these sweet girls). These three are already good multi-taskers...they are playing Old Maid while swinging ~

We had a great time swimming today. My hands were too full to take pictures while I was swimming with Cal and Ted (imagine that), but afterwards I snagged a photo of the Davenport family ~

Precious little Katherine pushed herself up to standing for the first time today. Isn't she a doll? ~

Some card sharks emerged ~

Great food, of course ~

My food contributions were two kid-pleasers ~

Dorislee after doing an underwater back flip. This is one talented attorney ~

Some of the firecracker-happy Baum family ~

A super cute Beaner Baby ~

A big thanks to Eric and Amy for opening up their home to us! What fun to spend the day with our church friends!

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-05T13:59:00.004-04:00

For the second year in a row, we celebrated Independence Day at the Crescent Hill Old Fashioned Fourth of July.

We ate tons of junk food ~

Listened to a Dixie Land brass band ~

Played instruments at the Music Together tent ~

Visited Sweet Petunia the clown ~

Watched an antique car parade ~

And we went for a trolley ride ~

What a great day! Happy 4th of July!

The Things They Say

2008-07-03T14:25:00.003-04:00

Calvin has had us laughing lately. Here are a few of his funniest (and sweetest) lines:

While walking barefoot across hot pavement:
My feet are spicy.

Praying before breakfast this morning:
Dear God, rule over Teddy's heart and make him as happy as he can be.

When I served him a bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal:
This is good porridge.

After I told him we may not be able to go to the zoo because of the weather:
I heard on the blog it's not gonna rain.

The boys were crying and whining that daddy had to leave and go to work:
Me: That's what daddies do, boys. They go to work to make money for their families. And mommies take care of the children. When you grow up to be men, you will go to work, too.
Calvin: I don't want to grow up to be a man.
Me: Sure you do, Calvin!
Calvin: No, mama, I always want to be your boy.

(Okay, melt my heart...)

Right before I prayed for a meal:
Mama, will you pray and ask God to give me a wife when I become a man?

And Teddy's favorite thing to say lately:
Mmm bite.

(This is short for "The food on your plate looks better than the food on my plate. You will give me some of yours now.")

Recipe Alert: Summer Food

2008-06-27T20:17:00.004-04:00

Cookbooks and Commentaries has had a lot of "commentary" over the past year and very little "cookbook." So, to even things out a bit, here are some of my favorite light, fresh summer recipes:

Chicken Kebabs
Makes 8-9 skewers, about 4 servings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into large chunks
1 container whole mushrooms
1 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks
½ red onion, cut into large chunks
1 small can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup Italian dressing
8-9 wooden skewers
Rice

Cut chicken, peppers, and onions. Marinate all ingredients except the pineapple in dressing in a resealable plastic bag 8 hours or overnight. Turn a few times to coat evenly. Soak skewers in water for 15 minutes. Thread food onto skewers, alternating between meat, pineapple and vegetables. Place directly on hot grill (or bake in 375 F oven) for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Serve over white rice or rice pilaf. Also good with flat bread or flour tortillas, with a dollop of Ranch dressing.

Fresh Mexican Salad

4 tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 green chili, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
¼ cup olive oil
Salt to taste
1 avocado, diced
1 mango, diced

Combine first five ingredients. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, oil, and salt. Pour over salad. Serve with avocado and mango on the side (they are too mushy to stir into the salad).

Green Beans and Carrots with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Fresh green beans, washed and cut into ½ inch lengths
Carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
2-3 T. raspberry vinegar
dash of each salt and pepper

Combine prepared beans and carrots. Toss with combined oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Adjust the amounts for the dressing ingredients to suit the amount of vegetables you prepare.

Turkish Salatasi

4 tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 cucumbers, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
½ small red onion, chopped
2/3 cup fresh parsley, snipped

Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
3 T. red wine vinegar
½ tsp salt

Toss salad ingredients with combined dressing. Enjoy!

Home Stretch II

2008-06-26T17:51:00.002-04:00

My wife is very kind and encouraging. I am very excited, I have finished all of my reading (10 books). I have only two papers left for my last of three summer classes. Finally, we found out yesterday that I do not have to take one of the classes I was registered for this fall...so that means only three more classes and I graduate!

As an aside, my wife has been very busy. In addition to the full-time job of raising three boys, she finished my resume on Monday evening and painted the bathroom walls and cabinets last night. Now that is real work.

I am proud to be married to you babe!

Home Stretch

2008-06-22T21:23:00.003-04:00

We've lived in Louisville for one year and seventeen days. In that time, Ken has taken 13 seminary classes!

I am so proud of my husband! He has persevered through long weeks and even longer reading lists. He has made good grades, all the while working nights as a waiter. He has served in some ways at church, and has continually made our family a priority in his schedule.

Only four more classes to go...you can do it, Babe!

For My Lost Friends

2008-06-17T15:45:00.004-04:00

We go to the Louisville Zoo a lot (have you gathered?), and so the rhinoceros, the meerkats, and the giraffes are beginning to seem commonplace. My eye is looking for something more. I've realized recently that if you strip away the Bomassa and Australian Outback themes, the well-manicured gardens, the cotton candy and screaming kids, and, oh yes, the animals, you see something very interesting: the Dharma Initiative.

That's right. The ole "DI" right there in the Louisville Zoological Gardens.

So I present to you the relatively unknown exhibits at the zoo:

The "Orchid" Station ~

The "Hydra" Station ~

The "Tempest" Station ~

The "Temple" Station ~

The "Looking Glass" Station ~

The "Arrow" Station ~

The "Staff" Station ~

The "Swan" Station ~

The "Flame" Station ~

And the "Pearl" Station ~

Is it just me, or are you seeing it too?

S'More Family Fun

2008-06-16T21:10:00.004-04:00

The boys had their first s'mores last night. Calvin was concerned about the mess:

Calvin: Mama, my hands are getting sticky.
Me: Yes, honey, that's the way s'mores are.

Calvin: There's chocolate dripping on me!
Me: MmmHmm, isn't it fun?

It took him a while, but he ended up embracing the sticky-ooey-gooey fun ~

Teddy, on the other hand, prefers his marshmallows pure and undefiled, that is, straight out of the bag. And he knows how to save a bit for later ~
And how did we roast these marshmallows? Ken's preferred method of cooking: the grill ~

He burned his last two marshmallows. He said he was distracted by the pretty girl standing next to him taking pictures. He's so sweet.

Floral Interlude

2008-06-14T10:37:00.005-04:00

Ken may be posting more about the SBC soon, but in the meantime, how about a floral interlude?

I've enjoyed starting some annual planters this summer~ One of the delights of living in a house!

The Cucumber Monster in our family (aka Ken) is likely to eat all the fruit of this plant. Hopefully I'll get at least one taste ~

Hmmm...Do you think I like hot pink petunias?

And check out these gorgeous lilies that just opened up yesterday ~

The Power of the Cross

2008-06-13T07:05:00.003-04:00

Here are the lyrics for this powerful hymn from Stuart and Krysten Getty:

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

The SBC in Indianapolis

2008-06-13T06:46:00.002-04:00

I had the privilege of attending the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting this week. I want to share some of my thoughts about the meeting over a series of blogs. Today I want to comment on the highlights of the convention for me personally.

First, I was able to meet with Dr. Paige Patterson for a 30-minute interview. For those of you who are not familiar with SBC life, Dr. Patterson is one of the most well-known persons in all of SBC life. He currently serves as the President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas. He is a kind and gracious man. When we sat down he asked me about me and my family. He answered every question I had and then shared some invaluable advice to me as a young pastor. I walked away from this interview praising God that he has raised up men like Dr. Patterson to defend the faith earnestly.

Second, Stuart and Krysten Getty, modern day hymn writers led us in worship for one session. These two are amazing, they have written two of my favorite hymns: In Christ Alone and The Power of the Cross. If you have not heard their hymns, check out their music at this site.

Third, the Southern Seminary Alumni and Friends Luncheon was first-class. I love Southern Seminary and it was so much fun seeing old friends and hearing how God is using them. My pastoral heart was overjoyed to hear of many serving in local churches across the country. I also met some great alumni. Dr. John Newland, newly elected 2nd Vice President of the SBC, sat at my table and we had a nice visit. He pastors a church in Indianapolis and he shared with me the need for churches in Indiana (nearly 80% of all Indianians are unchurched).

That is enough, more later...

Three Little Men

2008-06-10T13:42:00.005-04:00

I got to spend this beautiful summer day with three handsome little men:

Caleb, our friends' son,

The Deaner-Beaner,

And Mr. Incredible.

Joy!

The Truth Comes Out

2008-06-06T06:40:00.002-04:00

Well, now that I have a year under my belt in the south, I can make my confession: I love country music! I will listen to other types, but country is definitely my favorite. I was discussing this with a co-worker and we each came up with our top five country singers.

1. Toby Keith

2. George Strait

3. Martina McBride

4. Alan Jackson

5. Hank Williams Jr.

Less Travelled Paths

2008-06-03T13:23:00.006-04:00

I have been reading this book for the past ten months. I am not an exceptionally fast reader...but I'm not that slow! No, I read it slowly because it was so convicting. I could only handle a couple pages at a time. It wasn't "pleasure reading." No, it was more like surgery without anesthesia.

(Not that I've actually experienced surgery without anesthesia, but my friend Meredith has--an appendectomy, no less--and she told me all about it. Seriously.)

The truth in the book continually cut into the cancer of sin in my heart. All that said, When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel in Marriage, by Dave Harvey, is excellent.

A few things that hit me hard from this book:

1. When my marriage is in conflict, the first place to look is myself, my own sin. Dave Harvey says it so well:

...Jesus tells us, our own sin must loom large in our sight. It must be, by far,
the primary and more significant issue...If you suspect yourself
(humility), you are more likely to inspect yourself first (integrity).
This road feels narrow to us, because we are constantly looking for an off-ramp
to focus on the sins of someone else. But if we stay on it, we can be confident
that it will take us where Jesus wants us to go. [p.66-67]

2. Once I have "removed the log" from my own eye, I am called to lovingly remove the "speck" from my husband's eye. I am God's instrument to confront sin in my husband's life.

3. A lot of marriage teaching today focuses on needs, teaching that marital conflict is because of unmet needs or unspoken love languages. Harvey challenges this notion in Chapter 4:

Guess what? Your last heated exchange was not caused by an unsatisfied need; it
was not "her lack of respect" or "his lack of affection." It was caused by
renegade desires--"passions at war within us." ...we must see that Scripture
places the blame for conflict squarely on our passions--on how much I
want something, regardless of how "legitimate" that desire is. If my
desire is so strong that I am tempted to sin, then the problem is entirely me.
It's my desire, my sin, the grimy oil in my own heart erupting in response to
the heat of circumstances. With a sentence or two, James [4:1-2] masterfully
shifts our entire paradigm from something we're missing (an unmet need)
to something we're doing (passionately desiring something we're not
getting). [p. 72-73]

3. He makes this profound statement about confrontation:

If we avoid confrontation, we'll just get confrontation anyway, because sin
unaddressed is sin unconfined. [p.127]

(Now that's something to chew on.)

4. I'm so glad I persevered to the end of this book, because I thought the last chapter was the best. "When Sinners Say Goodbye" explains how, in marriage, we are preparing one another for heaven. Harvey discusses how we might grieve the loss of a spouse in a way that glorifies God by acknowledging eternity. He also beautifully illustrates how the life of a widow or widower should be lived for the glory of God.

Near the end of the book, Harvey refers to his discussions on marriage as "less travelled paths." Indeed, if you read this, you are in for an eye-opening walk through less travelled paths of biblical teaching on marriage.

The Things They Say

2008-06-02T14:12:00.002-04:00

Calvin's best lines of the day...

When a customer asked his name while we were grocery shopping this morning:
"My name is Calvin but I usually call myself Mr. Incredible."

After I had asked him to put celery and cucumbers into the shopping cart:
"Mr. Incredible is doing all the work."

(I should add, the manager at Aldi has told me they ought to pay us to come in every day, for all the entertainment they get out of Calvin...like the time he marched up and down the aisles singing, "Life Is a Highway.")

While he was sitting at the counter for lunch, wearing nothing but shorts:
"This is what Pharoah looks like. An Egyptian without a sert (shirt) on."

Holding up the picture he just colored, some beautiful scribbles of blue, green, and yellow:
"This reminds me of the osen (ocean) at Madeline Island." (I didn't tell him that Madeline Island is in Lake Superior, not the ocean. I suppose it is an ocean to a little boy.)

Peeking around the corner when he was supposed to be napping:
"What is that delisis (delicious) smell?" (Strawberry cake, Calvin, but go back to bed!)

Good times.

Responsibility Training

2008-05-30T22:31:00.001-04:00

"For each one should carry his own load."

Galatians 6:5

I recently listened to a recorded seminar called, "Raising Large Families," from the 2008 Seminary Wives Institute Seminar Saturday. One main point of the speaker's message was "don't do anything that someone else in your household can do."

This got me thinking: am I doing things for my children that they really should be doing themselves? I realized I was tidying Calvin's room every day, sometimes more than once. If he makes the mess, can't he clean it up?

So I've added to Calvin's list of responsibilities, which I wrote about back in October. He now is responsible for tidying up his room every morning.

I've walked through this process daily with Calvin over the past few weeks:

Books don't belong on the floor. Put your books in your book box or on the shelf.
Neither do clothes belong on the floor. Are they clean or dirty?
Dirty clothes go in the laundry hamper.
Hang clean shirts in the closet.
Put clean pants, shorts, underwear, pajamas, and socks in the correct drawers.
Close the dresser drawers.
Close the closet door.
Put your pillow and blankets on your bed (he's not to the point of actually making the bed, but this is a good first step).
Look around. Did you do everything? Doesn't your room look good now?

I see some progress. Cleaning his room is now an expected part of our "morning jobs," and, for the most part, he has been doing it without grumbling.

Of course, I like his room to be clean. But I hope that I am instilling in him a sense of satisfaction from orderliness and a job well done.

I'm finding out that, yes, a three-year-old can clean his room, though teaching him how is tedious.

Poor Man's Pools

2008-05-29T18:20:00.005-04:00

Girl Talk

2008-05-27T21:52:00.002-04:00

Though this book may look like the chick-lit novels on the racks at Target, don't let the cover fool you.

Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood, by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, is a significant book for women, specifically mothers and their pre-teen or teenage daughters.

It could be extremely helpful as well to youth workers, not only to pass on the content to teenage girls, but to gain a greater appreciation for the significant mother-daughter relationship and to encourage teenagers to "talk to Mom," as Mahaney and Whitacre like to say.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part is devoted to making the mother-daughter relationship strong. The second part is all about carrying out a purposeful relationship, one that passes on the character qualities of biblical womanhood from mother to daughter. In doing this, they write, the gospel will "sparkle" in our lives. Topics discussed include communication, conflict, salvation, roles of men and women, friendship, courtship, true beauty, modesty, homemaking, good works, and marriage.

With book lists for further study, discussion questions, and a list of memory-making activities, Girl Talk could be just a starting point for years of fruitful discussions, reading, and memories.

Boys Play Rough

2008-05-24T15:08:00.003-04:00

Check out this rough-housing:

This is the type of play we have daily! Boys are fun!

Cave Hill

2008-05-17T20:48:00.005-04:00

I've been curious about Cave Hill Cemetery for months. I drive by it and around it often. It's hard to miss: 296 acres in the middle of Louisville.

Until today all I had ever seen were the miles of stone fence surrounding the cemetery along Grinstead Drive and Lexington Road.

But this morning, we took our family walk in the cemetery. Sounds strange, but it was fascinating and beautiful.

Walking through the cemetery was a history lesson, for sure. All the big names of Louisville history are buried at Cave Hill: Speed, Seelbach, Colonel Sanders, Gheens, Norton, Belknap, Boyce, Sampey, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., and many more.

We passed by the graves of Breckinridge, Henry Watterson, Zorn, Grinstead, Baxter. It seems every street in Louisville is buried here :)

Cave Hill is known as a "Garden Cemetery," and is in fact an arboretum, the only one in the city. The foliage this season is full with roses, peonies, Iris, and Japanese Maple. Probably many more exotic things, too, but I'm still at a basic level of plant appreciation.

Part of the grounds were used as a Civil War burial site. One section for Union solders; one section for Confederate soldiers.

The elaborate monuments are quite a sight, all in memory of wealthy and influential Louisvillians. Fountains, statues, obelisks, mausoleums with stain glass windows, elaborate family plot gardens. One monument was a life-like statue of a magician, his hand outstretched in invitation to his audience. To his side was a trunk with a cape draped over top. Many amazing works of art, really.

We didn't intend for the morning to be any more than a walk through a sort of outdoor museum. It turned, however, into a spiritual lesson when Calvin asked, "Mommy and Daddy, why do people have to die?"

We discussed with him Hebrews 9:27, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

What a profound question he asked us, and what an unexpected opportunity to once again share the gospel with him.

Ken's Summer Reading

2008-05-14T10:56:00.004-04:00

Well, break is over...now I must begin studying and reading for summer classes. I have ten books to read this summer. I will also need to keep up with my Greek because I have one more Greek class in the Fall that builds upon the Greek class I just finished. Here is the list of books I will be reading this summer:

Baptists and the Bible by Russ Bush & Tom Nettles
Uneasy in Babylon by Barry Hankins
A Hill on Which to Die by Paul Pressler
The Baptist Reformation by Jerry Sutton
Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel by Eugene Merrill (who is also teaching the class, he is a godly, pastoral scholar, I took an exegesis course on the books of Judges and Ruth from him last summer)
The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges
An Earnest Ministry by John Angell James
The New Guidebook for Pastors by James Bryant & Mac Brunson
Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd Jones
It's Still Greek to Me by David Allan Black

Peonies

2008-05-13T21:16:00.002-04:00

At our home in Minnesota, I planted a Sarah Bernhardt peony in the front flower bed. I never saw it bloom. We were always in Louisville for summer term classes, ironically, while the peonies were in bloom. (I did see pictures, thanks to my neighbor Mary, and they were gorgeous)

God always gives the most thoughtful gifts. Look what is blooming in our side yard ~

Peonies!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T20:58:00.004-04:00

Some highlights from this Mother's Day:

Ken and Calvin cleaned the van, inside and out. It looks like we just drove it off the lot! Ken even took out the car seats and vacuumed out the raisins, M&M's and sand.
I plan to ask for the same gift next year.
Calvin came down the stairs this morning with a card. He ran to me saying, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I got some mail for you."
When I told Calvin, "I am so glad to be your mommy," he hugged me tightly and said, "I'm so glad, too."
Ken arranged for a baby-sitter last night and took me out to dinner.
I snuggled with Cal for a few minutes before he fell asleep. He wrapped his arms around my neck and then gently touched my face. So precious.
Both boys gave me no shortage of opportunity to put my mothering to good use today. Most notably when Calvin hosed down the bathroom floor with pee pee.
Teddy actually sat and read with me for about fifteen minutes. We read Touch and Feel Baby Animals at least a dozen times. (He's been far too busy for that lately, what with a fun big brother and quickly advancing gross motor skills.)

I love being Calvin and Teddy's Mommy!

The Bug Barn

2008-05-09T20:20:00.004-04:00

Very popular at our home this spring, among both our boys and their friends, is Calvin's Bug Barn ~

It is currently housing three caterpillars.

Finished! (For a little while)

2008-05-08T13:59:00.002-04:00

Hooray! Ken finished his spring term today!

I made my friend Kacie's "Best Brownies" to celebrate.

Ken is taking the weekend (he's really indulging himself here) as a break from studying and reading. Then he'll begin reading his books for his three summer classes.

We are seven months away from graduation!

Seminarians

2008-05-08T13:50:00.003-04:00

It happened again last night.

We had a lovely dinner at the home of our friends, Matt and Ashley. As Ashley and I cleared the table, what do you think the men did? They mumbled something about books and then disappeared into the basement to inspect Matt's library.

I love books, too, but not nearly as much as Ken and his friends.

We have plenty of bookshelves in our home now, so Ken's obsession can be contained. I have one friend who kept finding theological books stuffed into various drawers throughout their home after her husband's library outgrew their bookshelves! So it could be worse...

The Ph.D. Posse

2008-05-06T22:27:00.005-04:00

Ken has a posse of sorts at seminary. It started with his friendship with Lee Tankersley, a Ph.D. student. Lee would often invite Ken up to the Ph.D. student lounge at the library. It was there that Ken got to know two other guys, Jeremy and John. (Ken enjoyed their company almost as much as he enjoyed the free coffee in the Ph.D. lounge.)

I hear stories every week about the four of them yabbering in the lounge. People think Ken is a doctoral student because he spends so much time with these guys.

Anyway, I got to see them all together tonight. We had the whole group and their families over for a cookout. The guys jib-jabbed around the grill about amillenialism.

Then the guys mumbled something about books and quickly disappeared into the basement to inspect Ken's library.

Ken is in his element with these guys! (I'm sure many of you can picture it.)

A Simple Surprise

2008-05-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

Today Kimberly and I did something I never imagined we would do. We threw around the football in the park. She is a natural, she catches with her hands and not her body. Life is good.

On the school front, two classes complete, two more tests to go...

A Simple Pleasure

2008-05-05T22:30:00.002-04:00

A random thing I love about our home in Louisville:

The vent for the clothes dryer is right below the kitchen window. When I open the window on laundry days, in wafts the smell of detergent, bleach, and dryer sheets. Good clean smells. Mmm.