Sunday, March 08, 2009
When it rains...
When it rains in Michigan it really rains. This makes sense given the fact that we're surrounded by lakes on all sides but one and if it gets cold enough it explains all the snow. Right? Correct. The only thing that's missing with all this rain? Character. Back home in Georgia when we start getting spring and summer showers there are the few that bring the rain but then the rest of the showers are thunderstorms. There is something to me that is comforting about hearing rain beat down on the rooftop and hearing the crack of lightening and the crash of thunder that comes with the storm. It adds character to the drenching wet that is coming down out of the sky. Now I'll take rain in Michigan over the snow any day (especially right now since it means spring is coming) but I'd like a little character every once in a while. I got super excited yesterday when I was driving home from church in the dark, rain pouring down, windshield wipers on high and I heard a faint little attempt at thunder. I immediately turned off my radio and waited for more. It didn't come but I'll listen for it next time. And maybe sometime soon we'll get a good thunderstorm in Michigan.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
What's up?
Not a whole lot. We've been keeping busy lately with work, church and hanging out with friends. In the past few months we've attended a couple beautiful weddings (one of them being my dear sister Margaret's), visited Hillsdale a few dozen times, gotten into the swing of a new church "program" year, gotten sick, gotten promoted and gone to the saddest funeral I've been to since November 2001. Oh, and we've had birthdays! So it's been busy. I've started to find my niche with cooking. I'm currently on a "learning how to cook things I've never cooked before" streak and I must say it's going very well. We've had lasagna, pizza meatloaf, rice krispies, white chili and I'm going to bake a pound cake tonight. Other than that life is nice and simple which provides for a boring blog. Oh well. I'm still here. Until next time....December maybe?
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Why Women Should Vote
An SAI friend sent this to me and I decided to share it with y'all. I'm interested in seeing the movie now...I'll probably Netflix it. :-)
This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers, as they lived only 90 years ago. Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketting the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden' s blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'
They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly?
This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers, as they lived only 90 years ago. Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketting the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden' s blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'
They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly?
We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?
Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of vot ing had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was-with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. 'What would those women think of the way I use-or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'
HBO released the movie on video and DVD. I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum. I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a litt le shock therapy is in order.
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
History is being made.
Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of vot ing had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was-with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. 'What would those women think of the way I use-or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'
HBO released the movie on video and DVD. I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum. I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a litt le shock therapy is in order.
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
History is being made.
Monday, June 09, 2008
JUNE
Things that have happened (or will happen) in the month of June:
June 1st: I sang my second Kirkin' of the Tartan service at CCC. One of the most spectacular services I've ever seen. Reminds me of Grandpa's family tree and Vivian. One day she'll be there for this service. Also played in my first ever handbell concert. I've learned a LOT from Dr. Daniel this year and really am looking forward to next year.
June 2nd: Heard about Dean's first day at his new part time job: Youth Minister at Christ Church Cranbrook. a) Never thought I'd be a youth minister's wife, b) Can't believe we've been so blessed to have found ways in which we can both serve God and others.
June 3rd: Turned in my two weeks notice at Bath and Body Works. Due to Dean's new job and other opportunities I get to spend more time singing and studying singing. I may even audition for the opera chorus for the 2008-2009 season.
June 7th: Watched co-worker (and friend), Jenny, get married. It's so much fun to see the people you spend all your time with outside of work. :-)
June 9th: Spent my evening cleaning and fixing dinner! (despite the fact that Dean is working and not here to enjoy it with me) This is one of the big things I'm looking forward to. I'm finally at that point where I want to cook things, in MY kitchen. So we'll see what comes of that.
June 13th: I leave for London. I was given an anonymous scholarship to be able to go on the Christ Church Cranbrook choir trip. It was supposedly said of me by this anonymous person to my choir director that I can't not go. I'm still baffled that someone would think that well of me and honored for them to have sent me on this trip. I've learned so much already from other people going on the trip and can't wait to learn more while I'm there. :-)
More updates on London and the rest of June later...
June 1st: I sang my second Kirkin' of the Tartan service at CCC. One of the most spectacular services I've ever seen. Reminds me of Grandpa's family tree and Vivian. One day she'll be there for this service. Also played in my first ever handbell concert. I've learned a LOT from Dr. Daniel this year and really am looking forward to next year.
June 2nd: Heard about Dean's first day at his new part time job: Youth Minister at Christ Church Cranbrook. a) Never thought I'd be a youth minister's wife, b) Can't believe we've been so blessed to have found ways in which we can both serve God and others.
June 3rd: Turned in my two weeks notice at Bath and Body Works. Due to Dean's new job and other opportunities I get to spend more time singing and studying singing. I may even audition for the opera chorus for the 2008-2009 season.
June 7th: Watched co-worker (and friend), Jenny, get married. It's so much fun to see the people you spend all your time with outside of work. :-)
June 9th: Spent my evening cleaning and fixing dinner! (despite the fact that Dean is working and not here to enjoy it with me) This is one of the big things I'm looking forward to. I'm finally at that point where I want to cook things, in MY kitchen. So we'll see what comes of that.
June 13th: I leave for London. I was given an anonymous scholarship to be able to go on the Christ Church Cranbrook choir trip. It was supposedly said of me by this anonymous person to my choir director that I can't not go. I'm still baffled that someone would think that well of me and honored for them to have sent me on this trip. I've learned so much already from other people going on the trip and can't wait to learn more while I'm there. :-)
More updates on London and the rest of June later...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tonight while Dean has been at work I left my piles of laundry to fold and my checkbook balancing turned on the tv to the Big Band and Swing music channel and did something I've been dreading doing.
I sorted through Grandpa's old sheet music and stored it away.
I'm sure some people think this is silly but that music has been in the same place in the top of his keyboard since he passed away almost 7 years ago and I've let it like that especially in the last year that I've had possession of the piano. Now his music is safely stored away for me to still pull out and play but it's not going to be the constant reminder that it was everytime I even opened the piano let alone sat down and played.
Does everyone remember who Grandpa's favorite band was? I do. :-)
I sorted through Grandpa's old sheet music and stored it away.
I'm sure some people think this is silly but that music has been in the same place in the top of his keyboard since he passed away almost 7 years ago and I've let it like that especially in the last year that I've had possession of the piano. Now his music is safely stored away for me to still pull out and play but it's not going to be the constant reminder that it was everytime I even opened the piano let alone sat down and played.
Does everyone remember who Grandpa's favorite band was? I do. :-)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
What did I sing this weekend?
I'm taking my mother's blogging question one step further. :-) Here's what I sang this weekend:
04/12/08 10:30AM A Service of Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation
"Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven"
"We Know the Christ is Raised and Dies no More"
Jubilate Deo by Paul Halley
Child of the Light, arr. Dent Davidson
I Received the Living God by Richard Proulx
"O Praise Ye the Lord"
This is one of the longest services I've ever sung for but so wonderful to see. Our church was host to several churches and a service which baptized 3 people and confirmed 89. And the bishop of the Diocese of Michigan was there. All in all it was pretty cool (actually it was really hot, but that's beside the point)
04/12/08 5:00PM The Fourth Sunday of Easter: Good Shepherd Sunday
04/13/08 8:00AM
04/13/08 10:00AM
"All People that on Earth do Dwell"
A Song to the Lamb by Donald Pearson
"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"
Jubilate Deo by Paul Halley
"I Can Hear My Savior Calling"
"Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!"
(These three services had a mix match of the above songs/hymns as I was the cantor for the 5pm and 8am services and the whole choir was at the 10am)
04/13/08 4:00PM Music at Christ Church Cranbrook presents Classical Bells Hanbell Ensemble
with D. Giles Simmer, soprano and John Repulski, organist
I sang "The Gift of Love" by Hal Hopson with one of the largest (and best) professional handbell choirs in the Midwest. It was pretty cool and also some sort of evidence to the fact that I just can't say no to Joseph...
So that's what I sang this weekend! I put the hymns in parenthesis because I didn't want to italicize and I'm awful for not doing something to the other pieces but I had to show some distinction. And, since I sing for an Episcopal church, all the hymns are from the most recent hymnal (1982 I think).
Now all I have to say is "Thanks be to God!" that my weekend is over but I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow...
04/12/08 10:30AM A Service of Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation
"Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven"
"We Know the Christ is Raised and Dies no More"
Jubilate Deo by Paul Halley
Child of the Light, arr. Dent Davidson
I Received the Living God by Richard Proulx
"O Praise Ye the Lord"
This is one of the longest services I've ever sung for but so wonderful to see. Our church was host to several churches and a service which baptized 3 people and confirmed 89. And the bishop of the Diocese of Michigan was there. All in all it was pretty cool (actually it was really hot, but that's beside the point)
04/12/08 5:00PM The Fourth Sunday of Easter: Good Shepherd Sunday
04/13/08 8:00AM
04/13/08 10:00AM
"All People that on Earth do Dwell"
A Song to the Lamb by Donald Pearson
"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"
Jubilate Deo by Paul Halley
"I Can Hear My Savior Calling"
"Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!"
(These three services had a mix match of the above songs/hymns as I was the cantor for the 5pm and 8am services and the whole choir was at the 10am)
04/13/08 4:00PM Music at Christ Church Cranbrook presents Classical Bells Hanbell Ensemble
with D. Giles Simmer, soprano and John Repulski, organist
I sang "The Gift of Love" by Hal Hopson with one of the largest (and best) professional handbell choirs in the Midwest. It was pretty cool and also some sort of evidence to the fact that I just can't say no to Joseph...
So that's what I sang this weekend! I put the hymns in parenthesis because I didn't want to italicize and I'm awful for not doing something to the other pieces but I had to show some distinction. And, since I sing for an Episcopal church, all the hymns are from the most recent hymnal (1982 I think).
Now all I have to say is "Thanks be to God!" that my weekend is over but I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow...
Monday, April 07, 2008
Ode to My Toolbox
So I'm definitely NOT a poet but I figure I can do a little "list" poem of all the wonderful things about our toolbox that Daddy gave us for Christmas 2006.
Bright color. Black and Yellow.
Full of surprises.
Has every tool I could think of needing and more.
Plus it has a glue gun! So handy for crafts.
And it has lots of extra room to store items we pick up as our collection grows.
Thanks for the gift Daddy! It's one of the most used! :-)
Bright color. Black and Yellow.
Full of surprises.
Has every tool I could think of needing and more.
Plus it has a glue gun! So handy for crafts.
And it has lots of extra room to store items we pick up as our collection grows.
Thanks for the gift Daddy! It's one of the most used! :-)
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
The Things I Want
So, I have this dilemma (as I'm sure many people do). Whenever my birthday or Christmas rolls around and people ask me what I want I never know! And then, of course, after the fact I think of all of these things that I want. So, in the ridiculous amount of time that I spend clicking around on Facebook I came across this website on Sarah's list of websites and it's so cool! So for any future reference see here:
http://www.thethingsiwant.com/gazelle0206/
http://www.thethingsiwant.com/gazelle0206/
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Weddings
So I'm definitely NOT the only Jordan granddaughter married anymore and am about to be joined by another married girl! As I've been hearing little blurbs about the planning of Margaret's wedding I've been thinking back on my own on the little things I would have done or would have done better...
1. A picture with the Jago side of the family! I cannot believe that I forgot to get one of these. It's not hard to fit us all in a picture and I should have.
2. Directions for the guests and out of town baskets. I would have spent more time on them. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful and creative sister who offered to do both and I was off in another world and didn't help.
3. Scrapbook! I had this wonderful idea for people to be able to write us little notes that I could scrapbook and I didn't lay it out right so that was able to happen. I still got signatures and have thought of a way to use those but again more thought would have been good.
Those are my three big "regrets" although they aren't even regrets. They're just sort of ohs... Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep. I've completed 2 of 9 rehearsals/services this week so I need to sleep when I can. :-)
1. A picture with the Jago side of the family! I cannot believe that I forgot to get one of these. It's not hard to fit us all in a picture and I should have.
2. Directions for the guests and out of town baskets. I would have spent more time on them. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful and creative sister who offered to do both and I was off in another world and didn't help.
3. Scrapbook! I had this wonderful idea for people to be able to write us little notes that I could scrapbook and I didn't lay it out right so that was able to happen. I still got signatures and have thought of a way to use those but again more thought would have been good.
Those are my three big "regrets" although they aren't even regrets. They're just sort of ohs... Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep. I've completed 2 of 9 rehearsals/services this week so I need to sleep when I can. :-)
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Late!
It seems that I have been seriously lacking in the blog posting department lately so I will give a brief update on the last several months:
October: my birthday! and a beautiful time of year in Michigan. Also I performed a concert, God's Trombones as part of the Christ Church Cranbrook Choir.
November: Thanksgiving was spent with our dear friends from church, Dr. and Mrs. Robinson as well as their daughter, Sara, and my sister, Vivian. Fun was had by all.
December: Lots of snow here in Michigan as well as my first Christmas season away from home. Sang in a Lessons and Carols service at CCC as well as quite a few Christmas Eve services. Christmas was also spent with Dr. and Mrs. Robinson and both of their daughters, Ruth and Sara.
January: We rang in the New Year with a surprise visit to Traverse City and spent a few wonderful snow filled days with Paul, Jodi, David and Hali (as well as the animals Chance, Dakota and Pouncer). Also received a brief break from singing (and handbelling) before preparation began for a Bach Cantata Concert, CCC Choir Cabaret and Lent/Easter. Dean also began working at Starbucks! :-)
February: Lent! And lots of hours at the doctor's office = very tired Giles. Also had wonderful visits from Margaret and Vivian (including picking out a bridesmaids dress and shoes!) and a visit from Momma and PeggyDee before her music audition at Hillsdale.
March: Bach Concert! Went well and only a few vocal hitches. I think we did okay considering how hard those pieces were! Easter is around the corner as well as spring *hopefully.* Road trip to PA next weekend (not this coming weekend) for a church seminar and a quick return for Palm Sunday. We're looking forward to our second Easter together at CCC and are very thankful for all the friends that we have gained in 2007 and how those relationships will continue to develop in 2008.
As for today, I have the day entirely off (minus handbells) and have so much I want to do I don't know where to start but I ended up finishing my book so now I'm off to try and be productive. :-)
October: my birthday! and a beautiful time of year in Michigan. Also I performed a concert, God's Trombones as part of the Christ Church Cranbrook Choir.
November: Thanksgiving was spent with our dear friends from church, Dr. and Mrs. Robinson as well as their daughter, Sara, and my sister, Vivian. Fun was had by all.
December: Lots of snow here in Michigan as well as my first Christmas season away from home. Sang in a Lessons and Carols service at CCC as well as quite a few Christmas Eve services. Christmas was also spent with Dr. and Mrs. Robinson and both of their daughters, Ruth and Sara.
January: We rang in the New Year with a surprise visit to Traverse City and spent a few wonderful snow filled days with Paul, Jodi, David and Hali (as well as the animals Chance, Dakota and Pouncer). Also received a brief break from singing (and handbelling) before preparation began for a Bach Cantata Concert, CCC Choir Cabaret and Lent/Easter. Dean also began working at Starbucks! :-)
February: Lent! And lots of hours at the doctor's office = very tired Giles. Also had wonderful visits from Margaret and Vivian (including picking out a bridesmaids dress and shoes!) and a visit from Momma and PeggyDee before her music audition at Hillsdale.
March: Bach Concert! Went well and only a few vocal hitches. I think we did okay considering how hard those pieces were! Easter is around the corner as well as spring *hopefully.* Road trip to PA next weekend (not this coming weekend) for a church seminar and a quick return for Palm Sunday. We're looking forward to our second Easter together at CCC and are very thankful for all the friends that we have gained in 2007 and how those relationships will continue to develop in 2008.
As for today, I have the day entirely off (minus handbells) and have so much I want to do I don't know where to start but I ended up finishing my book so now I'm off to try and be productive. :-)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Georgia and Back
We had the great joy of visiting Georgia this weekend for my 5 year high school reunion at the Lovett School. It was really nice to see so many friends from then, to catch up and find out what everyone is doing now. Even better was seeing my family and visiting so many familiar places.
It's starting to turn into fall back in Michigan. The leaves are changing and my mind is starting to turn to learning to cook the wonderful soups and warm things that you think of during this time of year. Also coming up are my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and our first anniversary. So, despite the cold, cold weather that I'm sure is to come the next few months are filled with the best and warmest memories I have from many, many years.
It's starting to turn into fall back in Michigan. The leaves are changing and my mind is starting to turn to learning to cook the wonderful soups and warm things that you think of during this time of year. Also coming up are my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and our first anniversary. So, despite the cold, cold weather that I'm sure is to come the next few months are filled with the best and warmest memories I have from many, many years.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
From Momma's Blog
I know that this copy/paste has no real connection to anything I've written about before on my blog but I just found it on Momma's blog and needed to post it again. I truly loved and continue to appreciate my time at the Heiskell School and hope to continually be involved with the education they provide and to send my children there one day as well.
Soapbox
Why We Chose The Heiskell School
March 22, 2005
Before I answer the “assigned question,” let me first thank you all for being here tonight. I suspect that you, committee members, have “volunteered” for service with SACS and I commend you for such a sacrificial way of spending your limited “free” time. Expending energy to improve education in Georgia is a grand way to place a stake in the future. I want to thank The Heiskell School for participating in the accreditation process. Submitting to this type of peer review is what makes you stand head and shoulders above others.
So, why did Ken and Dana Jago choose The Heiskell School? Precisely because it was SACS accredited! Honest! In a nutshell, about 18 years ago, when it came time to seek a partner in rearing our girls in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and it came down to choosing between Christian School A and Christian School B, the deciding factor was SACS accreditation, which Heiskell has maintained for many years.
But if I can hope for your attention for just a bit longer, I would like to answer an additional question – and that is, “Why did we continue to send our children to The Heiskell School for sixteen years?
In these days of micromanagement, parents have succumbed to micromanaging their children’s schooling as well. But here at Heiskell, we parents don’t have to micromanage. Our four daughters (God’s Most Valuable Players) were successful here and have continued to achieve success through their high school and college years precisely because Heiskell remains committed and steadfast to their foundational goal of training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6) Education has been their business and excellence their standard. Their mission “to glorify God” is clear.
(Story about PTFs? And hearing the commitment/mission reiterated.)
Training a child is a long row to hoe. It is an act of faith, and therefore, somewhat difficult to explain. But I can offer a practical answer in the three R’s. And those are not reading, writing, and arithmetic. They are remembrance, recognition, and realization.
As promised in John 14, the Holy Spirit continually reminds Ken and me of God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings. He makes us remember many of the things that the Bible says and the Bible speaks about everything. We wanted our children to remember the things of the Bible, too (Deut 6:5-6). At The Heiskell School our children were taught continually what God’s Word says about whatever situation they might face, which He has brought back to their remembrance time and time again, especially now that they are older and into their teenaged years. This is why we chose a Christian school as our partner.
Then we recognized that Biblical principles (teachings and commands) were taught at The Heiskell School, where all subjects are taught from God’s point of view. It is a Biblical worldview. It’s not just math, science, and history with a few Bible verses thrown in. We recognized that Heiskell teachers know and serve the Lord. We recognized an atmosphere here that is protected by God because it is devoted to His will. These things are only recognized with spiritual eyes (I Cor 2:12)
Finally, we were able year after year to realize our educational goals at The Heiskell School. This was not a quick process. It involved the completion of one day at a time, one school year at a time. This might be a good time to tell you that we live 30 miles away from Heiskell, so each year we really did count the cost. We had realization that our decision was right because we saw our daughters growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:40). Through thick and thin, we were encouraged to keep our commitment to Christian schooling by both the teachers and the administrators, in addition to fellow parents.
Indeed, by using the Bible as the standard of excellence, by employing born again believers to teach knowledge from God’s perspective and by instilling Christian character traits as model behavior, The Heiskell School has been our faithful partner as Ken and I continue to prepare our children for a life of earthly service to their heavenly master. I look forward to their being able to make wise judgments for their own families and exercise dominion as Christian leaders in the 21st century.
Thank you.
Soapbox
Why We Chose The Heiskell School
March 22, 2005
Before I answer the “assigned question,” let me first thank you all for being here tonight. I suspect that you, committee members, have “volunteered” for service with SACS and I commend you for such a sacrificial way of spending your limited “free” time. Expending energy to improve education in Georgia is a grand way to place a stake in the future. I want to thank The Heiskell School for participating in the accreditation process. Submitting to this type of peer review is what makes you stand head and shoulders above others.
So, why did Ken and Dana Jago choose The Heiskell School? Precisely because it was SACS accredited! Honest! In a nutshell, about 18 years ago, when it came time to seek a partner in rearing our girls in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and it came down to choosing between Christian School A and Christian School B, the deciding factor was SACS accreditation, which Heiskell has maintained for many years.
But if I can hope for your attention for just a bit longer, I would like to answer an additional question – and that is, “Why did we continue to send our children to The Heiskell School for sixteen years?
In these days of micromanagement, parents have succumbed to micromanaging their children’s schooling as well. But here at Heiskell, we parents don’t have to micromanage. Our four daughters (God’s Most Valuable Players) were successful here and have continued to achieve success through their high school and college years precisely because Heiskell remains committed and steadfast to their foundational goal of training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6) Education has been their business and excellence their standard. Their mission “to glorify God” is clear.
(Story about PTFs? And hearing the commitment/mission reiterated.)
Training a child is a long row to hoe. It is an act of faith, and therefore, somewhat difficult to explain. But I can offer a practical answer in the three R’s. And those are not reading, writing, and arithmetic. They are remembrance, recognition, and realization.
As promised in John 14, the Holy Spirit continually reminds Ken and me of God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings. He makes us remember many of the things that the Bible says and the Bible speaks about everything. We wanted our children to remember the things of the Bible, too (Deut 6:5-6). At The Heiskell School our children were taught continually what God’s Word says about whatever situation they might face, which He has brought back to their remembrance time and time again, especially now that they are older and into their teenaged years. This is why we chose a Christian school as our partner.
Then we recognized that Biblical principles (teachings and commands) were taught at The Heiskell School, where all subjects are taught from God’s point of view. It is a Biblical worldview. It’s not just math, science, and history with a few Bible verses thrown in. We recognized that Heiskell teachers know and serve the Lord. We recognized an atmosphere here that is protected by God because it is devoted to His will. These things are only recognized with spiritual eyes (I Cor 2:12)
Finally, we were able year after year to realize our educational goals at The Heiskell School. This was not a quick process. It involved the completion of one day at a time, one school year at a time. This might be a good time to tell you that we live 30 miles away from Heiskell, so each year we really did count the cost. We had realization that our decision was right because we saw our daughters growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:40). Through thick and thin, we were encouraged to keep our commitment to Christian schooling by both the teachers and the administrators, in addition to fellow parents.
Indeed, by using the Bible as the standard of excellence, by employing born again believers to teach knowledge from God’s perspective and by instilling Christian character traits as model behavior, The Heiskell School has been our faithful partner as Ken and I continue to prepare our children for a life of earthly service to their heavenly master. I look forward to their being able to make wise judgments for their own families and exercise dominion as Christian leaders in the 21st century.
Thank you.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Cooking
Okay, so forget my lack of a china cabinet woes. Dean and I have decided that despite my desperate wishes we probably don't have room so he's going to get shelves to install on the wall so that I can at least display all my pretty stuff. Problem solved. (the closet still needs work)
But, I digress.
This month is my birthday month and I'm starting to think (like my mother...oh dear...) that it's great to celebrate all month. I'm not sure how but it's going to happen. And since it's my birthday and I'm lacking so many things in my kitchen (per myself and Vivian) those things are what are making up most of my wish list. I'm hoping to get more into cooking (aka making time for more of a variety so my husband doesn't starve or get bored with his food...)
Anyway, here is my *things you really need* list from Vivian (with a few additions from myself):
Mixing Bowls (small & large)
Knife Set
Dutch Oven
Baking pans: 1 pie, loaf, muffin pan, bundt pan (12C)
Pots! (more...including a double boiler...I really want to fix Momma's brownies...)
I have gotten a few things crossed off the list that are not listed thanks to Williams-Sonoma and Macy's. We have a brand new and improved Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine store so gift cards are always great. *hinthint*
I'm off to clean up my kitchen and write down a few more recipes from Momma's blog. :-)
But, I digress.
This month is my birthday month and I'm starting to think (like my mother...oh dear...) that it's great to celebrate all month. I'm not sure how but it's going to happen. And since it's my birthday and I'm lacking so many things in my kitchen (per myself and Vivian) those things are what are making up most of my wish list. I'm hoping to get more into cooking (aka making time for more of a variety so my husband doesn't starve or get bored with his food...)
Anyway, here is my *things you really need* list from Vivian (with a few additions from myself):
Mixing Bowls (small & large)
Knife Set
Dutch Oven
Baking pans: 1 pie, loaf, muffin pan, bundt pan (12C)
Pots! (more...including a double boiler...I really want to fix Momma's brownies...)
I have gotten a few things crossed off the list that are not listed thanks to Williams-Sonoma and Macy's. We have a brand new and improved Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine store so gift cards are always great. *hinthint*
I'm off to clean up my kitchen and write down a few more recipes from Momma's blog. :-)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Closet Storage Woes
So we have this closet in our hallway. It's a nice closet, I'm grateful to have it. BUT it's so empty of proper storage! The closet is 4ft wide x 2ft deep x about 8ft tall(to the ceiling). We currently have odd things like the vacuum, ironing board, tool boxes and Christmas ornaments stored in there but there is so much wasted storage space! Dean doesn't think there are beams behind the wall to affix anything to so I'm looking for any suggestions on freestanding storage units that anyone thinks might help. I'd like to be able to store things up high, down low and in between. I could fit in Christmas decorations, extra kitchen dishes that won't fit in the TINY kitchen, etc. The possibilities are endless. So, suggestions anyone? I'll take whatever I can get. I took a couple pictures and will try and post them soon so you can see what sort of a nightmare I'm dealing with here. :-)
Next apartment woe: how much I wish I had a china cabinet...
Next apartment woe: how much I wish I had a china cabinet...
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Today is my dear sister Margaret's 21st birthday! I just got off the phone with her (after putting in a full 13 hour day of working at two jobs and she's having a great time at her birthday party. She was so excited that so many friends (Hillsdale and otherwise) showed up to help her celebrate! I'm sad we're not there but we're taking dear sister Vivian to school tomorrow and we'll get to catch up over dinner in celebration. I've really found it to be amazing how much closer I have become to my sisters now that we're all growing up and going our different directions. Ask us in high school or younger and we couldn't wait to get away from each other, but now as we are limited to the time we get to spend with each other, let alone be in the same state (PD!) we miss each other more. All this to say that I'm missing my family terribly and I hope I get them soon.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Our Apartment
Dean and I set off to work this morning like any other Monday and at the end of the day I went to pick him up. This is our normal schedule which also includes the discussion of whatever happened during our separate days on the car ride home. Well to make any extremely long story short there have been some problems with one of the occupied apartments in our building and us having the good relationship with the front office that we do have voiced our concerns. It is on that vein that I have to say that I live in one of the best apartment complexes ever. :-) Dean has lived here over a year and since that time I have only heard good things about the wonderful ladies up "the hill." That wonderfulness has continued as I moved in had various broken appliances and concerns, especially with suspicious neighbors. Needless to say I really appreciate the staff of our apartment complex and I hope that if we ever have to move out of this complex into a different one (God-forbid) that they are half as nice as they are here.
That's about all. Dean won tickets to a Detroit Shock game (WNBA) and so we have the privilege of attending that game tomorrow evening. I'm excited! I've never been to The Palace nor have I ever attended a WNBA game, although I have met GT WB players who have gone on to play in the WNBA. Anyway, off to bed so I can be rested for a full day of work and a fun basketball game. :-)
That's about all. Dean won tickets to a Detroit Shock game (WNBA) and so we have the privilege of attending that game tomorrow evening. I'm excited! I've never been to The Palace nor have I ever attended a WNBA game, although I have met GT WB players who have gone on to play in the WNBA. Anyway, off to bed so I can be rested for a full day of work and a fun basketball game. :-)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Mrs. Dean Simmer
I'm going to try and take a stab at this blogging thing again. Dean, my dear husband, has dsimmer.com set up as a "family" blog but it's a little too confusing for me and I think would be easier to keep my updates separate from his soapboxes.
We went to church this morning and then met Dean sister and her family for brunch at Big Boy. Now Dean is off playing put-put with the neighbors and I'm getting ready to go to work at Bath and Body Works. I hope everyone is well! :-)
We went to church this morning and then met Dean sister and her family for brunch at Big Boy. Now Dean is off playing put-put with the neighbors and I'm getting ready to go to work at Bath and Body Works. I hope everyone is well! :-)
Friday, November 17, 2006
Winter
So it's been a long time since I last posted. Things have been kind of busy. :-) Just thought I would let anyone out there know that I am still alive, I'm getting married in 40 days and wedding R.S.V.P.s are VERY exciting. :-) ta-ta!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Summer
With the official beginning of summer just a few short days away (June 21st) I have to mention some of my favorite summer foods: shrimp, cold vegetables, and any fresh fruit I can get my hands on and usually served with cottage cheese (this category includes things such as: Georgia peaches, grapes, watermelon! and pretty much anything else). There are lots more but those three things/categories could make up my entire diet during the summer (in addition to water and some sweet/plantation tea). :-)
Friday, June 16, 2006
Wedding Update: J.P. Stevens & Co.
I had the privilege today of visiting the well-known J. P. Stevens & Co. in Atlanta, GA today. I went to look at wedding invitations with my mom and in the process learned a lot about "paper" and discovered my new favorite stationary company, Crane & Co. We picked out the paper, decided on a font, chose the style of invitation and reception card and now there are just little bitty details to be decided for the rest of the invitations. Then once the guest list is better organized we'll order invitations! That's one more things to check of the list. I'll be sending lots of e-mails tomorrow to get more meetings set-up for Friday afternoons. If you're ever wondering what I'm doing on a Friday afternoon I'm probably planning some aspect of my wedding. :-)
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