Friday, August 26, 2011

Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding....

Below is a shot of our classroom. I got the desks from a friend and painted them. The tops are done with chalkboard paint. I'd still like to find some chairs at some point that look more "schooly" but it all will come in time.
The old ladder in the corner is being used as a bookshelf for some of our literature books. It also holds a set of flags and a Bible for pledges.
I had taken the desks apart to paint and here hubby was working on putting them back together. Kaite saw the opportunity and used the leg for a microphone to treat us with her version of "Grace."
I did these somewhat pitiful silhouettes of my students and the bulletin board holds our own signed copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

With school beginning just around the corner, I was thinking this an appropriate “theme verse.” But, what does it mean? It uses the words wisdom, knowledge and understanding, but aren’t they all the same thing?

By wisdom is the house builded.

Wisdom.
Wisdom is the comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Wisdom often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that one's principles and not feelings determine one's actions.
The house spoken of here refers to the life as a whole. Not only the inside, but not only the outside either. The house is where the family lives and learns (whether your house is a homeschool house like mine or not). The house of God, the church of the living God, is built by Wisdom, that is, by Christ; on a good foundation, a rock, upon himself, against which the gates of hell can never prevail. My “house” may be unique and may stand out on my block, but I must follow God’s blueprint. There is no glory in being exactly like all the others and at the same time, there is no salvation found in being different simply for the sake of being different. The previous two verses warn us against envying another man’s house or studying destruction. See, the evil man studies as well, but his study is that of mischief. Wisdom says that I alone am responsible for this house. To tear down another’s house will not aid the building of mine. A critical spirit or a tongue that tears down others will only make my own foundation weak.

Understanding.

By understanding is it established.

Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge sufficient to support intelligent behavior. The prosperity of a one's family is continued and secured by his prudent conduct. The church of God is established by Christ, who is understanding as well as wisdom. Every true believer is established in Christ, and in the faith of him; and that as he has more and more an understanding of him and of divine things. I think understanding is like step two. It’s knowing how to accomplish what you already know to do. It’s not only KNOWING that I need God to guide me as I build, it is understanding how to hear his voice and sense his direction. Without understanding, wisdom will never get the house built.

Knowledge.

By knowledge is the house filled.

Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, that can include facts, descriptions, information, and/or skills acquired through experience or education. When I become familiar with God, he can then fill my life with all precious and pleasant riches. Things that are both of worth, value, and usefulness, and for ornament and delight; the more private and retired parts of a man's dwelling house, as well as his shops, warehouses, barns, and granaries, shall be filled with all kind of valuable substance. This may be understood spiritually, of the fullness which the church has from Christ, and of those unsearchable riches of his she receives from him; and of those treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which the chambers of the soul of a believer are filled with by him; and of all the riches put into them, which are both precious and pleasant; such as precious promises, pleasant doctrines, the valuable truths of the Gospel, and blessings of grace.

This is my prayer for my house (my life) and the little houses (the children) my husband and I have been given the privilege and responsibility of helping to build. I plan to keep these things in mind during the coming school year.

The Bible always amazes me...how powerful it’s message. As occurs over and over throughout the Bible, I also saw here a clear message of holiness.

1. Wisdom sees the need.
2. Understanding accepts the cure.
3. Knowledge brings the filling of The Spirit.

Sources: Biblios, E-Sword,

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Raggedy Red

I finally just completed a project that has been itching me ever since we moved into this house. Six months ago. No...almost 2 months ago. Crazy when it feels like it has been that long. Anyway, I had a white eyelet shower curtain in the girls bathroom and it was just not speaking to me.
Too pain.
Too bland.
So, I thought I'd be the smart one, save money and dye it dark demin navy.
I tried.
In fact, I tried twice and still ended up with a washed out purple blue color.
Not good. I finally gave up on it and it now rests in a small "donate pile" in my garage.
I had some white eyelet leftover from another project several years ago, so I paired it with some red gingam from Walmart. So happy that our Walmart carries fabric again, btw. It was so easy. Just 3 yards, right sides together with a ruffle between. I added a row of eyelet to to bottom, turned down the top, hemmed up the sides and there you have it.
I am finally happy with this room!The Raggedy Ann decor is stuff I saved from Kalli's baby room. Raggedy Ann is one of my favorites and I knew it would come in handy someday.Here is the "before" picture. Don't you think the added color really makes the room pop? In hindsight I see that I should have just picked up a yard of the red gingam and added ruffles to the existing eyelet curtain, but...too late now.
I have a good friend who picked up the enesco figurines where she works at Ben Franklin clear back 9+ years ago when I was expecting baby #2.
I love them!
While I was in here today, hanging the curtain, inspiration struck.
(Don't you love it when that happens?)
You'll see the empty hooks on the little shelf in the before picture. I was at a loss what, if anything to hang on them.
Inspiration: fold the tiny napkins from tea set to hold tiny plates from tea set.
I priced one new shower curtain that I did like at $45, so I feel pretty great about the $8 I spent here.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tiny Talk Tuesday

As mentioned in the previous post, Rancher got to come home! He even went camping with us! He is doing better, but has been one sick doggie and was left so weak and tired from the poisoning and blood loss. When we first brought him home, he ran round the fence line here sniffing and then laid down in the grass and did a happy little back roll. I think he was quite relieved when his "guys" finally were called inside for bed. He felt it was his duty to follow tham around the yard and his legs kept giving out on him! He has medicine to take twice daily, and since he gets it wrapped in meat, he helps us remember it!
The photo below was just after we picked Rancher up at the hospital. He and his girl were very happy to be back together!

Kammy: "Momma, your BBQ sauce rocks the house!"
Kaite has heard her guys saying, "No fair!" Only she didn't quite hear it right. Now she is walking around the house saying, "Nose Hair! Nose Hair!"
Kammy walks around the house saying her ABC's and sometimes we also spell things so KAite won't "hear" us. Kaite has taken to repeating letters now as well and as luck would have it, the 2 letters that are her favorite are, "BS, BS" she will walk around half the day saying it. Oh, dear!
Bedtime and Kammy: "Is my chocolate milk all ready to go to tummy Heaven?"
I was putting brand new pj's on Kaite one night (she had never seen them before). I said, "Grandma got these for you." Kaite: "Oh. Gramma MUCH me!" (looks down, pats jammie legs) "Nice. Really nice!" ("Much" is Kaite's little word for love.)
One night we pulled into Wendy's drive-thru and Kaite says, "Yippee, Yippee, yay, yay! Frossy choc-ate mine!"
Kammy awoke one morning crying because she did not want to wake up~she was having a good dream about horses.

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Campout Pics

This first picture speaks for itself. We were able to pick Rancher up from the vet on Thursday evening. Friday, he went camping with us. He was very weak and tired, and for hus own good he spent most of his time in a doggie crate. He is on Vitamin K for another week yet, but he is feeling much better! Kammy was of course, one happy, happy girl!
Miss Kaite loves camping. Perhaps it is because mommy lets her get as dirty as she pleases. Mommy says, "God's dirt is not nearly as dirty as Walmart's dirt!" Kaite has neatness in her genes though, and loves to have her hair combed and nails clipped. Camping is not the time for exceptions to those rules either--not for Kaite!Below is Kaite sporting one of the kids crafts. Campfire caps complete with roasting sticks.Another craft we did was stick vases. They turned out pretty cute and you can't get much more economical either.The sunset Saturday evening was breathtaking.And who doesn't love the campfire? Here, my hubby had just added another log, or in this case, most of a tree.Sunday Morning. Some of the kiddos.Our FamilyKammy and baby Benjamin.Kammy feeding deer in the wild. This little girl LOVED animals and cried because we couldn't take a deer home with us!For more pictures of our local church campout you can go to our church blog here http://www.freewebs.com/treasurevalleypnc/apps/blog/show/8199206-some-2011-campout-photos

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...and underneath are the everlasting arms...Duet. 33:27