Uncategorized 2:43 pm
I’ve found greener grass at Beta Blogger. All you need to remember is my first name and then the word Blogspot.
That’s right. www.Zoanna.blogspot.com
Find me posting pictures all by myself again. No more whistling for Stephen’s help. I can also have categories there, just like at WordPress. For this girl, it’s the best of both blog worlds!
Please stop by and say “hi.”
Uncategorized 2:07 pm
If I can’t get figure this image-uploading thing on my own (i.e. with my crutch named Stephen) I will move to Blogger Beta or Beta Blogger, whatever it’s called. It’s much easier for me, a computer dunce.
If this image uploads, please know the photo was taken by our friend Victor Blum.
Hospitality 7:54 pm
My thoughts, emotions, opinions, and questions have been all over the map this fall as Halloween approaches. While once a staunch abstainer from all things that resembled the occasion, I have had a slight change of heart. I began to think of Halloween in terms of hospitality more than anything else. Not instead of anything else, mind you, but more than anything else.
Unlike some people who live in a neighborhood where people are neighborly all the time, I don’t. We have some really nice neighbors, but only a few are what you’d call “tight” with each other. (They are three men in their 50s who hang out at the mailbox of the “middle” neighbor. And we are tight with the Christians two doors down. Maybe not tight, but comfy.)
With the exception of a crisis of nature or nation, few of us rarely get together. Busyness, pride, apathy, selfishness, fear– who know all the reasons why? I just know that I have felt like opening the door to give treats and see cute little costumes and say “hi” to parents, but haven’t wanted to “open the door” to the other aspects of Halloween. I have known people personally whose lives have been dominated and bound up by evil influences, demons, and the occult on different levels. Such influences are real and, trust me, they are active on Halloween. Don’t buy the line that it’s not a holiday. It is. Complete with rituals and rites. People are making blood sacrifices and holding seances on October 31st. They might not be in your neighborhood, but then again, they might be. Let’s not keep our minds in the dark, people. There is a real spirit of oppression out there. Satan is being worshiped. Halloween is not just a “cultural tradition.”
But, does that mean that I have to sit in a dark house and pray constant protection over my children , home, and cars? No. I have done that before, and that’s been my conscience, my husband’s decision, and we’ve been okay with it. I think we’ve been spared fires, slashed tires, and broken windows. (We did not fare so well in Dundalk.)
Does it mean I should open the door to trick or treaters and their parents in the name of innocent fun and “reaching out”? Not necessarily. I haven’t done a 180-degree turn on this issue.
Maybe a 95 degree turn. Sarah and I talked at length and with Paul. She made up invitations to our church’s Wild West Party (which is geared for kids ages 1-11), put each one in a little Ziploc baggie and tucked in a piece of candy. The invitation says on the front, “Want MORE candy?” On the inside are details and on the back are directions to our church. (It’s a safeguard not to attach our home phone number but certainly points them to an outreach en masse.) That was Sarah’s idea, and a good one. It is a way of “keeping the light on” after we literally darken our house at the end of the night.
Paul is not ready to let Joel go trick-0r-treating, and I respect that. He can wear Superman PJs or Spiderman clothes to his heart’s content around the house, but for this year, door-to-door isn’t Paul’s choice. We will let Joel do the costume thing (cowboy style) at the WW party. It’s a matter of conscience, and this is what our consciences are allowing this year. I don’t hold the firmest position that I did a couple of months ago (and for the past 18 years). I think if my kids were curious about the occult or enamored of the culture of death, or if their friends were dabbling in ouija or D&D, Paul and I would bar the doors and petition the Lord of Heaven all night. Every night!
But this year, we’ll participate in Halloween by simply giving out a sweet treat and a sweet invitation to the Wild West Party. I’m so glad the party is not on Halloween weekend. I don’t think we’d get a turn-out from non-Christians. To me, it shouldn’t be about “finding an alternative.” We don’t view church functions, worship services, or fellowship times as simply “alternatives” to the culture’s pull. We see them as essential. But I don’t expect the neighbors to see a church party, on a school night, where they know no one, as a good reason to give up their own fun traditions.
I’m actually looking forward to this night, for a change.
Ben and Hospitality 11:37 am
Yay! I think I’ve figured out how to post pictures here! Thanks to my second son, Stephen. He pulled a baby picture of Ben up and it was so cute (Ben on top of Paul’s guitar case) I just had to post more.
L to R: Probably 1993. My sister Rachel, Ben (age 5), Mama, Sarah (age 4) at a Valentine brunch at our house in Dundalk. We held several brunches when the kids were little, creating themes and menus. The kids took orders, turned them into Daddy and Mommy in the kitchen, and served the food. One time we invited the elderly neighbors over. They were delighted. Grandparents tipped well, which may be the reason Ben ended up in the restaurant business today! It appealed to Sarah’s love of hospitality, serving, and administration. She was all about getting the orders right.
Next Picture: From my scrapbook. Ben in the Johnny Jump-up. He showed signs early on of being very athletic.
3rd pic: Ben’s 3rd (or 4th?) birthday. He loved the dalmatian across the street. Paul drew “Alex the dog” instead of a donkey and we played Pin the Tail on the Doggie.
NOTE: STEPHEN REMOVED THE FLOWER PICTURE FILE NAME AND PUT THE PICTURE OF BEN (ON GUITAR) IN. THEN I REMOVED THE OLD TEXT ABOUT NEEDING HELP WITH POSTING PICTURES. THEN I REALIZED THE COMMENTS REMAINED–COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD VIEWED THE FLOWER. ANYWAY, YES, I TOOK THE FLOWER PICTURE. THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENTS, Y’ALL.
Uncategorized 11:55 am
My whole family loves good eatin’ (who doesn’t?) and my sister’s a gourmet when she gets a chance. (Seldom, because her hubby and young sons don’t appreciate it.) I’m not going gourmet to impress her, but to bless her. I made my decisions based on, “What would Rachel like?” and “What would I want to eat on a cold Maryland night after a long day in the air?” Hence, this menu.
Since fall always puts me in the mood to cook a variety of harvest foods, and since I’m serving both vegetarians and carnivores, I’ve landed on a colorful autumn menu (served on my favorite autumn dishes.) It’s not a simple one. Fantasy Zo is kickin’ into action today. God, please help me! May I be as ready in reality for people at 6 pm as I am in my mind right now.
Appetizer: Acorn squash, halved and baked, buttered and sprinkled w/ cinnamon and brown sugar
Pronto Provencal Soup (chockful of veggies and garnished with halved, baked plum tomotoes , drizzled with garlic and onion, sprinkled with Swiss cheese (The “pronto” part is a misnomer.)
Romaine, Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with honey-mustard EVOO dressing
Poor Man’s Lobster (Mahi Mahi fillets from Ches. Qual Traders) recipe from recipezaar.com. We had this and it’s so delicious that my parents might even bend for a bite if I omit the beer in the sauce. (My dad’s an old Southern Babtust whose convictions don’t allow cooking with alcohol. Fine by me, I don’t think the beer enhanced it the time we tried it a month ago anyway.)
Baked potatoes & Baby Carrots & Green Beans (beans brought by Mama)
Grilled Veggie Burgers (Morningstar’s Black Bean style is delicious.)
Hot, fresh wheat rolls from the bread machine (my mom nearly demands these when I do a big spread) served with apple butter & Brad’s Pumpkin Butter
I think we’re doing dessert and hot cider at my parents’ house afterwards in the sukkot under the stars. (Sukkot: natural tent Hebrews made to celebrate Feast of Tabernacles. My dad built a collapsible wood frame on their deck and they decorated it –with help from visitors–with dried corn stalks, silk autumn leaf garlands, Chinese paper lanterns (a type of flower that, when dried, looks a bit like orange oval balloons on a stem), and set yellow mums, green and gold gourds, pumpkins, and squashes around. It looks amazing. If I can ever figure out how to post pictures on here, I’ll be sure to include the sukkot.)
Anyway, reality Zo is pecking away at the computer while Fantasy Zo cleans the house.
Adios, and thank you to those who made suggestions. We are definitely doing soup, salad, and rolls, plus some!
Uncategorized 10:32 pm
Actually, it’s not a physical thing. Well, maybe it is. I just can’t figure out what to have for dinner.
Rachel is coming from Texas to help her best friend in Virginia get ready for her baby’s arrival. She and my little sister, Jill, and my parents are also coming for dinner. (They’re local.)
Here’s the scenario when I try to plan a menu:
1) Some don’t do raw onions and absolutely no peppers.
2) Some are vegetarian.
3) Some are meat eaters.
4) Some are lactose intolerant.
5) One is diabetic.
6) Two are bothered by tomato sauce.
7) I seem to always fix Tex Mex for the vegetarians, but Rachel is from Texas. In Maryland you just don’t serve a Texan that lame excuse for “hot” food.
8) I am eating meat only every 11 days now, and I had my steak at Outback on Sunday. I am also not doing dairy for a long time or sugar unless I am about to die of LOSC (lack of self-control).
9) Almost all like Chinese, but one is allergic to MSG and three have high blood pressure. Plus, Chinese food doesn’t stick to the ribs. It’s not what I call comfort food, and hey, a relative from out of town deserves comfort food right off the plane. You can only eat so many peanuts before you turn into one.
What’s a gal to do? I want to fix a good, hearty bean soup, fresh whole wheat rolls from my bread machine, and some apple crumble for the ones who can indulge. What can I add to the menu?????
Uncategorized 2:10 pm
Consider this a tag if you homeschool. As one who has been homeschooling since George Washington was president, I have a great desire to encourage other moms along the path. I have learned mostly from the homeschool of hard knocks, and have some grey strands to prove it. To really encourage someone, though, it’s good to find out their needs, troubles, questions, and so on. With that in mind, I’d like to ask a few questions. Feel free to leave any length comment. I am serious. I don’t mind at all. Or, if you write a post, please leave a note to that effect. I’ll stop by your blog.
1. How long have you been homeschooling?
2. Were you homeschooled yourself?
3. Did you go to college? Graduate from college? What was your major?
4. How old are your children and how old was the first child when you started homeschooling him or her?
5. What are your favorite things about h.s’ing?
6. What are your least favorite things about it?
7. Are you in a co-op, and if so, is it curriculum based or subject based?
8. Do you pay for any teachers to teach your kids? If so, what subjects?
9. What subject do you teach best (don’t be bashful about saying it; it’s usually your favorite subject where God has gifted you also). In which subject area do you feel least adequate or motivated to teach?
10. Do you homeschool under the county, the church, some other umbrella, or other?
11. If you are in a co-op, what are the pros and cons? What do you think is the number one most important thing to know before joining a co-op?
12. What is one question you would love to ask a veteran homeschooling mom?
Uncategorized 2:56 pm
Oh, what a beautiful day…
Oh, what a beautiful feeling
Everything’s clean in my way!
I have been singing all morning. What a wonderful day I’ve had. It actually started last night, when Paul and I went out on a date to Outback and had delicious steak and potatoes. Our conversation was intimate and precious. He shed tears over a certain family’s crisis at the moment. He came home feverish so I joked about it being a hot date. He went to bed chilled and I stayed up and did what I love to do–helped someone write an English paper.
So this morning the house is unually quiet–almost weird. Just my pretty red golden retriever, Molly, keeping me company. Paul wanted to take the day off, and I tried to persuade him, but he said with all the renewals at work and recent property losses in Hawaii, they’d probably end up calling him at home which he doesn’t like. Ben’s at the college, Stephen’s on a school bike trip, Sarah and Joel were at my parents’ where they spent the night.
I did the carpool run and came back home. (I overcame the temptation to go to Panera to see if Laurie was there, but figured I’ll see her tonight at Mom’s Night Out for homeschooling moms. Plus she probably would prefer not to be interrupted since that is one reason she gets away to Panera!) I plopped on the sofa with the trinity–Bible, journal, and coffee. Just beyond the sliding glass door is my beautiful vista of trees in a tapestry of golds, reds, greens, and browns.
I sang, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts….the whole earth is filled with His glory!” Then I made up a new song which included the beauty of the trees and my dog, whose golden red hair blends beautifully with the autumn views. Then I read about Daniel in the lion’s den. I had forgotten that the king was really distraught about having to throw ole Danny Boy down into the dungeon of hungry carnivores. I also forgot that after seeing that Daniel’s God has spared him, this same king ordered Daniel’s accusers, their wives, and kids to be thrown down there. Their bones were chewed up before they hit the bottom of the den.
After reading Daniel 6 camped out in Romans 1. (Still in my quest to read the whole Bilbe this year.)
I asked the Lord for wisdom as to how to use this luxurious time. I felt tempted to sleep, wanted to clean a little, had errands to run, and yet I had a “day off” attitude which includes playing! I tried to rest, but sleep alluded me. I didn’t need it anyway.
I grabbed the laptop and clicked on Flylady.com. She always inspires me. I read about the Home Blessing which involves doing 7 tasks for 10 minutes each…dust, vacuum the middle of the floors, empty the trash, and a few other little chores. So I said, “I’m gonna do that. I set the timer for 10 minutes and ran up to my room with the Pledge and Windex. Finished that just before the timer beeped, reset it and started in on the trash cans upstairs, down here, and in the basement. Before I knew it, I had the following knocked out:
-first level and my room vac’d , my room dusteda and Windexed
-2 bathrooms mirror and toilets sprayed and swished
-one load laundry put in, one folded
-all trash to the curb
-sofa blankets folded up, Bible stuff tidied up,
-kitchen swept AND mopped
-steps vacuumed
-all this in 70 minutes
Then I got to greet my dad at the door when he brought the kids home. What a good feeling I get every time I see that man. There’s no better father except my Heavenly Father. I’ve got the best and I love him with all my heart. I hope Jesus returns before Daddy dies because I am not prepared o walk this earth without him. I know God will give me grace to do that, but I am still praying, “come quickly, Lord Jesus. Daddy’s past the three score and ten mark.”
Joel came home all happy. He squeezed me around the hips and said, “I’m happy to see you!” Awwww….
I’ve had my play time on the computer and now it’s carpool time again. I just love this day. My house smells like a mixture of clean and vanilla. Mmmm.
I have felt the pleasure of God in my choices today. What peace. What joy.
Uncategorized 8:59 pm
One time I was leaving a message on someone’s answering machine. I don’t remember whose it was, just that it was a man’s (probably a pastor, an insurance agent, or my dad).
All I remember is that at the end of the message I accidentally slipped into prayer mode. I said something like this:
“So if you want to call me back, I’ll be here until three o’clock, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Uncategorized 10:59 am
“God, be with me (or us or them).”
How often have you prayed this or heard someone else pray it? I never really thought about it until last summer. My kids and I joined a band of believers who were serious about taking evangelism to the streets. There were more teens than parents, but parents were there to chaperone and pray, and, if necessary, to lead the group verbally in witnessing. Our head leader, Eric D, gathered us on the grassy knoll of a local McDonald’s for a short devotional, time of prayer, and encouragement before hitting the plaza.
I remember one evening he was praying and said something like this: “Father, I thank You that we don’t have to ask You to be with us. You have said you will never leave us or forsake us.”
More lately I’ve been pondering that truth. Scripture is replete with this very promise. One of the names of Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us.”
He has said He will be with us now and to the end of the age.
He is in us (talking to followers of Christ here, of course) and we are in Him.
So, Lord Jesus, I confess I have prayed this prayer probably more as vain repetition or because it sounds comforting, or because I need to shore up myself with the thought of Your presence. But the truth is, I should maybe ask You to remind Me of your nearness, that you dwell in me, you don’t come and go like a visitor. You will resist me or might refuse to move in my behalf if I am proud, but you won’t leave me. You do not abandon Your children. Help me to be more aware of every word I pray to you, so that I am worshiping you not just in spirit but in truth.
