CaliforniaFamilies

Politics stress me out

2005-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't written much on this post for a couple of months. I still feel compelled to learn and write occasionally about the political and family issues of California, but I will do so on a different site.

I have discovered for me, that the constant reacting to governmental issues makes me a grump. For the sake of my girls, a grump I must not be.

Look for more inspirational writing at LostandBlind.blogspot.com.

California Teacher's Association is alive and well

2005-02-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Just went to pick up my daughter's kindergarten registration packet. Oy the tension. I do not trust the California Teacher's Association. It is too powerful and too big. The self proclamed largest union in the state is growing. One big question I had for the school was to which union do the teachers belong?

My discovery was enlightening. Each teacher is automatically part of the CTA. There is no choice. Though they can opt to have their fees placed elsewhere, most teachers are unaware of this option. The CTA has somehow managed to have all office and other school employees added to their union as well. So, it isn't really the California Teachers Union. It is the California Teachers and other school employees union. Add to that their desire to have a universal preschool added to the state plan which all related becoming part of the union and they grow exponentially.

Never thought I'd say it, but come on Gov. stick to it and bust their plan. The propoganda is on the loose. Even local principals are saying the gov has renigged on children. You got to know this change of seniority for teachers is a threat and a half. I hope it happens.

Presidents day in the southland

2005-02-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

Rain pounding down upon us, famiy from Michigan comes to visit "sunny" California. See the kids, see the grandchildren. What do we do? Hang around the house, go to the mall, watch movies. But children need more, family needs more. Where can we go indoors to spend time together? My husband brings up an idea. We've never visited the Reagan Presidential Library. OK.

It's beautiful in the hills. We remember times when we were young now seen through adult eyes. The children learn something new. There were other presidents besides the one we have now. My oldest peers through glass at children's pictures and letters sent to the president. "Why are those there mommy?" she asks. I tell her that children wrote to the president. I tell her presidents like to get letters and care about the children of the country. She, four years old, says that she would like to write to President Bush. OK, I think, one day.

President's Day arrives. Oh yeah, it's President's Day, how ironic. That wasn't planned.

"I want to make a card for President Bush" the munchkin says. We get out the paper and pens. In her uneasy hand she writes "President Bush". She draws a very basic picture of a stick figure cat, because she thinks he'll like a cat. Inside, she writes "President Bush", she draws lines and a gold glittery path. She draws a morraca with a "W" on it. Tomorrow we will send it, with a letter of explanation.

That was our President's Day. Not what I expected.

Rain rolls in

2005-02-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Soggy swampy backyard. Leaking garage. Drains not draining.
That's just my personal experience.

In the neighborhood...
evacuated mobile homes, quickly moving rivers that appear and disappear at the drop of rain, impassable dirt roads that lead to homes, hillsides still moving from the last rain, houses relocating--not mobile homes, HOUSES.

No idea what to expect but seeking prayer for So Cal. It is needed in so many ways.

Good thing FEMA set up shop here.

FEMA finally fantastic

2005-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Much frustration has been expressed across my state concerning the lack of a presidential declaration of disaster. Yesterday, sorry I didn't blog, my local newspaper ran info that FEMA (federal emergency management agency) is setting up shop in our area.

The recent rains devasted some of the people in our area. People with mobile homes who were unable to return and unable to do much more. As the water poured, their life savings drifted away. That was almost a month ago. Frustration has engulfed this region waiting for some word from the federal government.

The WORD has been HEARD. PRAISE GOD!

Another one bites the dust...

2005-02-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

What is with our state and scandals? Now State Attorney General Kevin Shelley has submitted his resignation amidst yet another scandal for our state. I read about it in an AP Article in my local Daily News. In this very fair article, the negatives and positives of Mr. Shelley's service to the state were laid out.

Is it any wonder we have so many problems at the local level when we don't seem to know how to elect people who will not open the door to accusations. I don't know if he's guilty of the abuse of voter money mentioned in the article but it is quite clear that with anger management classes and abusive language seen and recorded, he did leave the door open for attacks. One may have nothing to do with the other, but when one's integrity is in question so are all their actions.

My mind us mush

2005-02-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have many thoughts right now. Things which concern me. Will the California State Legislature pass physician assisted suicide? What do I think about it?

Still in the works...I struggle because I saw death recently. I watch my grandfather pass away. He has mentally been gone for a while. With dimensia his mind and ability to talk or communicate in any way was gone. He would smile and people would interpret it's meaning. When he had a stroke which caused his breathing to stop for one or two minutes, and then abruptly restart. I don't know all the details and perhaps that is good. But through much difficulty, my mom and uncle decided to have him admitted to hospice. Again, I don't know all the details but I do know what it was like to watch the lack of water and food eat away at his frail body. Is it better to end a life when we know it is ending? I can't agree with it, but the selfish part of me wonders if I would feel the same if the suffering person was me.

Should I be a bag lady? In San Francisco, they have apparently decided to charge extra for the grocery bags. It is their hope to encourage people to bring their own bags to the grocery. The result would be fewer bags creating hideous litter. Not and entirely horrible idea, but slightly embarassing to say the least. What if I don't bring enough bags? Will people purchase reusable bags at a higher cost to help solve the problem? I don't want to be cruel but I think that in order to live in Frisco one has to have an inordinately large back account. An extra $.17 per bag probably bother them a bit.

Baby cries can't leave her, sister enters wearing a lovely taffeta cinderellaesque outfit and wants all my attention too. How to balance...

Loved the state of the union. Detailed but not too detailed, let the politicians get bogged down with that which I can't change or affect. Mr. Bush, I have great respect for you just one thing. Please don't negate any efforts to help our state simply because we have problematic people. They are everywhere. There was a lot of damage in the storms, people need help.

Baby cries again. Writing time is through.

Hoping for a Kind Kindergarden

2005-02-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

I wonder if other parents struggle as my husband and I struggle concerning the education of our daughters. It seems there is not a really good choice. My daughter is wired to love being with people. Though I would happily home school her, with her personality, it would simply be cruel. We cannot afford a private school, though I am not entirely convinced they greatly benefit the child as a whole (not just educationally). That leaves our local public school.

I also know the power a teacher wields. Much of the day they are alone with our children and in general we barely know them. I will have to rely on the judgement of those who hired the teacher. By the way, I don't know them either. I can't edit a teacher as I would the T.V. This is frustrating.

Yet, the process begins. Today I have discovered the sign up date for our local school. I believe these years to come will be spent on my knees (literally) much of the time. I feel as though I have so little control over the influences in her life. Praise God, His influence extends beyond all fences and borders in any and every location. I do know Him and I do trust Him.

Mommy Bloggers...are we just me first whiners

2005-02-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

This article in the New York Times was listed at Smart Christian and it bothered me a bit. I am a "mommy blogger". The idea that those of us who are moms are strictly trying to get attention for ourselves and take it away from our kids is just plain mean. Perhaps the moms they spoke with or read appear to have recentment or selfishness as their motivator, but there are others I have read who seem to simply want to express their views and give others advice or information. I can think of Michelle Maulkin and Mommy Pundit as good examples of this.

As for me, I am trying to develop my writing skills. I care deeply about the issues of my area and want to watch them myself. I wasn't sure but maybe others might be interested as well. I have become a stay at home mom and I don't want my husband to feel like he is carrying the load all by himself without any attempts on my part to help. I have longed to be a writer for years and not had the time or energy to really put forth an effort. This becomes a tool. I can research the news and political items which are relevant to my family and maybe they will be relevant to others. If not, I am still developing a writing skill which will help with my other goal. I write when my girls are sleeping or having quiet playtime and in this way, it doesn't take away from them. Perhaps the writer of this article should have investigated deeper.

I have even started an occasional other site called Lost and Blind which gives the pastor in me a chance to have short pastoral moments.

Are women supposed to have no interests and no opinions? I don't think historically that has ever really been the case.

Watch out someone else is coining "the Governator" phrase

2005-02-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I was reading various blogs this morning and at Stones Cry Out I see "Once invincible 'Governator' dips". Until this read I had seen no one else call our Governor Arnold, "the Governator". It turns out it is a quote from an AP article of the same title. It is interesting to me that the author of this article points to things like taking on the California Teacher's Association as a reason for the decline in numbers. The team at the beautiful new Stones Cry Out site do a great job of analysing the poll involved. I do think it is possible that his numbers could go down a bit though because of his willingness to have teachers get pay increases based on overall success not just tenure. It is the largest union in the state and if you've read some of my previous articles, you'll know they are trying to grow larger. This will be a battle of Governor Arnie stands by what he said. Quite frankly, if he can do that he'll finally have a fan in me too.

Does the Iraqi election mean anything in SoCal?

2005-01-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

YES! In Orange county, Iraqi's who are current living here had an opportunity to vote. Our ability to govern ourselves and believe in the system is absolutely connected to those young upstart countries who are trying to follow our example. Here in what some call the People's Republic of California, it is essential to see democracy in action.

I suspect many will doubt this votes validity no matter what happens but only time will show it's real value.

They have my prayers and hopes for their future. God bless you Iraq.

Mastering Mom Mania

2005-01-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have noticed a trend in educated professional women who are choosing to stay at home with their children. We all agree it is important to help our children developmentally. We agree that we have the biggest drive to see that happen, though there are more than a few highly committed dads as well. But I must admit that the mania of being with a 1 year old an 4 year old all day has its moments.
I can get tired of hearing the same drum beat over and over again. I can get frustrated with the baby who cries when I have finally developed something interesting to say. Let's face facts, reading and writing blogs is sometimes the only adult contact I have in a day. So, let me get this out now....

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Ok, better now. I adore them I long to be the best I can be. I am also in a cross cultural experience. I used to communicate the gospel, do counselling for teens and families. I was even crossing over to do counselling for children. I have a passion for sharing the gospel, so my kids...OK, my 4 year old, knows what I believe (to the best of her ability) and is learning for herself. The time will come as she grows for her to decide to claim or not claim these beliefs for herself. But for now, they are my ministry.

Are there any moms in the same boat? How is the sanity? I would love ideas for keeping my brain while fostering strong emotional, spiritual and physical children.

Am I dreaming?

Universal Preschool what does it mean

2005-01-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Once again Universal Preschool is brought to our state assembly floor....what does the bill AB172
mean in practical application and what does it say... let's take a look

INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Chan (Principal coauthor: Senator Escutia) (Coauthors: Assembly Members Berg, Bermudez, Coto, Evans, Hancock,Jones, Leno, Lieber, Liu, Montanez, Nava, Parra, Pavley, Ruskin,Salinas, and Yee) (Coauthors: Senators Figueroa, Florez, Kuehl, Lowenthal, andOrtiz)

JANUARY 20, 2005 An act relating to preschool.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 172, as introduced, Chan.
Universal preschool. Existing law, the Child Care and Developmental Services Act,establishes various full- and part-time programs for a comprehensive,coordinated, and cost-effective system of developmental services forchildren to age 14 and their parents. Other existing law, theKindergarten Readiness Pilot Program, permits, until January 1, 2011,school districts to participate in the program to providekindergarten preparedness opportunities to increase a child'sreadiness for school. Existing law requires the Superintendent ofPublic Instruction to administer state preschool programs includingpart-time day and preschool appropriate programs for prekindergartenchildren 3 to 5 years of age. This bill would make certain findings and state the intent of theLegislature with regard to universal preschool. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.State-mandated local program: no.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of thefollowing:(a) A compelling body of respected research demonstrates that quality preschool programs benefit children and their families,the public school system, public safety, the economy, and society as a whole.

I am fascinated that this states the benefits of preschool. Yet much research also shows the detrament of preschool. Children in the formative first four years of life have statistically done better when they spend more time with their parents not away from them. Also, if the assembly members who supported this are so certain, why do they need the repeated "public service" commercials touting the "benefits" of preschool. If it is true why does it need to be stated over and over as though brain washing the audience.

(b) California has an enormous opportunity to reach children at a time when they are eager and ready to learn. 90 percent of brain development takes place before age five, making early childhood the best time to invest in preschool programs that boost learning,creativity, and social skills. Preschool programs lay a strong foundation that helps children succeed in school and in life.

Again, not optimum to take children from families at this learning time. Then the things they learn is "school is more important than family." "Family doesn't want me." "School does want me." "School has higher value than family", etc. I have no problem recognizing that not all families can be together in all those first five years, but for those who can, it is lying and deceptive to tell them that preschool will be of benefit. Children need the solid core of love which keeps them strong through the school years, without it they flail in the wind. Preschool cannot and should not be the "foundation" of a child's life. The foundation is in the family who will be with them throughout their lives not the teacher who changes annually.

(c) Quality preschool experiences boost academic achievement in school, decrease grade retention, decrease special education placements, and increase graduation rates. Quality preschool further reduces the likelihood of later arrest and incarceration, and increases college attendance and earnings in adulthood. Economists report that every dollar invested in quality preschool returns as much as seven dollars ($7) to the public.

I'm sorry did they indicate that preschool will keep children out of jail in college and they can get a good job. Funny, I've done much research and seen none of this in families with strong parental involvement. Research shows that children who have a strong relationship with their father are 70% less likely to go to jail. I don't see the state proposing classes to improve fathering skills. No they want to take young impressionable children away from this strong influence. Illogical from the outset. The economists are likely to be responding to limited information given to them by those who support this bill. Besides, let's be real. If we are one of the worst educated states in the nation now, how can we assume that those who put together this program are going to fare any better. Why don't we improve what we're already doing before we try something new.

(d) Hundreds of thousands of children in this state do not have access to quality preschool. Preschool age children enroll at a rate of just 47 percent below the national average and far below international comparisons.

I'd want to know a lot more about their research before I assume it's true.

(e) The fastest growing segment of the preschool age population is the most underenrolled, in that Latino children account for nearly half of all preschool age children, yet have the lowest enrollment rate of any ethnic group, just 37 percent.

Are they honestly saying that because someone is Latino, they must not be able to go to preschool. Has it occurred to anyone that the strong Latino families don't place their children in preschool by choice? An interesting assumption without evidence of reason.

(f) Of the estimated 1.1 million children who are three to five years old and not yet enrolled in kindergarten, about 39 percent would likely be designated as English language learners. Therefore,pathways to excellence must be created for all children while communicating respect and support for differences in cultural origins.

"Likely" , it says 39% would "likely" be designated English language learners....hmmm. They are proposing a major plan costing the state $$$$? on the "likely" English learners. Funny, I thought kindergarden involved language developement. It's not like 5 year olds are fast learners or anything.

(g) Quality preschool experiences decrease special education placements, in part because they have the potential to provide early identification and intervention for young children with exceptional needs, which can reduce the need for ongoing special education services. Providing access to quality preschool for children with exceptional needs can help support their development and prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.

I would like to know how a child who is developmentally disabled will improve dramatically through preschool. My daughter was in a preschool which had them play, rest, experience story time and they had the letter of the week (mentioned on Monday, but not later). How will preschool, change that which already is?

(h) Research confirms the many benefits that children, parents,and preschool programs gain when parents are involved in their child's preschool learning both inside the classroom and at home.

Parental involvement in any aspect of a child's life always shows benefits. Again, why would preschool be better than staying with mom or dad?

(i) Universal programs - those available to all families - are supported by research. Research shows that children from all backgrounds benefit from quality preschool. The school and life success of low-income and at-risk children may be significantly increased through quality preschool. But problems with schoolreadiness are not confined to low-income children and neither are the benefits of preschool. A 2004 University of California study of California kindergartners found that children from all income backgrounds who attended preschool showed significant prereading and premath gains over children who did not attend preschool.

Anyone who assumes income defines involvement is probably not very involved and wants some form of excuse. According to mothers I know who have their children in preschool, the children who had parents teach them ANYTHING at home are already well beyond those others in the school. Academically, the benefits of preschool cannot outdo the benefits of parents who teach and spend time with their children. Why does the assembly see the need to poor more money down a pit that cannot have the outcome they state?

(j) Low- and middle-income California families have low preschool enrollment rates. Private preschool may be prohibitively expensive,with quality programs in some communities costing twice as much per year as tuition to the California State University system.

Yes, the costs of preschool can definitely add up, which is why we had better be certain of it's value before we spend extra state money with a system which is already highly flawed.

(k) The Council of Chief State School Officers has found that efforts to reform and strengthen public education cannot succeed without a concerted effort to support and improve programs that provide care and education for our youngest children.

This does not sound like a complete statement. When it says the "youngest children", I would want to know who qualifies in that category. It is quite possible the Council of Chief State School Officers is referring to Kindergarden students or 1st graders.

(l) All California families should have access to quality preschool programs for their children.

Define quality.

(m) These ideas are supported by many of the findings and recommendations of the National Education Goals Panel, the 2000California Master Plan for Education, and the 1998 Universal Preschool Task Force. SEC. 2. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to establish and provide a voluntary preschool-for-all system that conforms to the following principles:
(a) Programs may be offered in a variety of settings including public schools, centers, family childcare homes, faith-based institutions, and head start programs. These programs will meet research-based standards for social, emotional,cognitive, linguistic, and physical development, and are linked to public school system standards.

Trying to reinvent the wheel. This is already being done, but now they want to control it. Bad idea.

(b) A goal will be set for preschool teachers to be educated and compensated at levels comparable to teachers in the public schoolsystem and early education professionals will have access to ongoing professional development.

I see the strong arm of the teacher's unions looking to enlarge it's already large contingency.

(c) Recognizing that parents are their children's first teachers,and that preschool programs benefit from engaged parents, programs will create opportunities for parent involvement in preschool settings, as well as for interaction between parents and preschool teachers and administrators. Quality preschools can become learning resources not only for children but for their parents as well.

Already being done. But not as well as parents who are with their children personally.

(d) Families will have access to programs with settings,locations, hours, and participatory opportunities that meet their needs and preferences, and that support their aspirations for their children. For working families, part-time preschool will be integrated with full-time daycare as seamlessly as possible.

Preschool teachers AKA babysitters all day. But, with benefits in the union....strong arm is seen again.

(e) Children of all cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds,income levels, and neighborhoods will be welcomed in inclusive programs designed to meet their needs.

Wow! How much are they spending on this project? While jr. highers are failing classes....and drop out rates are huge.

(f) Elements that promote the inclusion of children with exceptional needs will be integrated into the planning and design of programs, facilities, staff training programs, and the provision of resources for parents.

They sure make it seem like the miracle cure for all human problems. Why can't they get good at what they are already doing? I find it difficult to believe they are capable of all written here.

(g) A system of public accountability will be established at state and local levels to ensure maximum benefits for children, equal access to services, proper use of tax dollars, and transparency to the public.

Someone is eyeing the new beaurocratic jobs.

(h) Programs will meet established standards of the public school system, providing adequate pay and benefits for qualified teachers,establishing accessible higher education opportunities for the preparation of the workforce, developing suitable preschool facilities, and engaging in ongoing quality assessments. Financing of preschool should not detract from funding for infants, toddlers, and schoolage children, nor child care subsidies that enable low-income families to work.

Strong arm....
Meeting established standards of the public school system? This is new how do those standards apply here.

(i) A preschool-for-all system will connect coherently with the public education system as well as to programs serving infants and toddlers and those providing full-time, full-time year-round childcare and other services for children of all ages. In addition, the preschool-for-all system will connect families to other services,including health and nutrition resources, that support children's readiness to learn.

Of course it will.

(j) All children deserve the opportunity to get ready to do their best in school, and to succeed later in life. Quality preschool helps build a learning foundation that should be available to all families who want it for their children. The Legislature recognizesthe benefits of quality preschool, and that the public education system, the economy, and quality of life will be strengthened byproviding quality preschool for all children.

Frankly, their standard of quality for other areas of education really concerns me.

It just gives me images of the USSR. Those who trained the children became the accountability for the children. The children were trained to care more about the state than their own families to the level that children would actually turn in their own parents for having differing views from the state.

NO THANKS!

Come water come

2005-01-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the morning news and they mention we are in the path of rain once again. I look out my window to the back yard. It's still a bit of a swamp. Don't need it. Not part of my plan. Perhaps a bit much.

Yet I trust. I trust God's timing, I trust who He is and how he has organized things to be. He is the Living Water. He fills the soul that thirsts. He quenches our every need. I trust.

I need water, but do I always want it? That is the real question. To all of us. We need Him, but do we always want what He wants.

So, OK, whatever happens. Come water come.

Pro-life rally's in Frisco?

2005-01-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow will mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Taking things to their most liberal source pro-life groups are gathering for a rally. They have my prayers. Do the rally's help? I don't know. But I do believe the fight will not go away, it will come back again and again as long as the difference of opinion exists. If their are people who love the Lord within our country there will be a difference of opinion. If their are people who oppose what the Bible says, there will be a difference of opinion.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

We have to be careful and not attack the people who are caught in the deception of the evil one. It is the sin which is hated not the sinner. Let's face it, if I were hated for even one of my sins, I would be one incredibly hated person and probably sad and angry.

It is easy to be deceived and to deceive oneself when we're scared and longing for the facts to change.

You Go Bushie, I mean Mr. President, sir

2005-01-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Inauguration day starts well. From my warm and comfy living room, for the first time, I am able to sit and watch as the inauguration happens. While I support our president there are still times I wonder if he is making good decisions but I have no doubt about the choices for singers and speakers at the inauguration.

Oh my goodness! I was shocked as the camera panned from John Kerry and former president Clinton. It showed political "enemies" of the President and the singer sang, "Heal our land..."

It was beautiful. My mind was immediate to recall the words of God ...

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will heal their land."

We think of others who need to pray for forgiveness but no one is good, not even one. All of us fall short of the glory of God and all of us, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Unitarians and any other arians need forgiveness. We NEED to ask. We NEED to be willing to do things differently. We NEED to be real. God wants to heal us and forgive us.

The tears flowed from my eyes in the hope that maybe some do believe these true words and God will, as He chooses, help us.

What has happened to Hollywood Video?

2005-01-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

I receive e-mail updates from Focus on the Family and a section called Citizen Link. The most recent update indicates that Hollywood Video has been bought out by a chain called Movie Gallery. This chain apparently readily stocks hard and soft core porn. They plan on adding this feature to 800 Hollywood Video stores which have not previously carried it.

That is unreal to me. I am a regular patron of Hollywood Video and its competitor Blockbuster. Both have extremely limited such types of video sales. I had forgotten there were even chains who still kept them in stock. I usually think of small stores or ones specializing in that genre.

As for me, Hollywood has lost a customer and probably gained a protestor. I certainly don't want to bring my children in to get a video if that is part of their sales and I don't want to contribute my money to future investments. I wonder what Blockbuster's response will be.

Self-promotion season starts

2005-01-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Living here in the land of fruits and nuts as many have dubbed the So Cal area. We have begun the season of self-promotion, in other words, Hollywood awards and soon music awards have begun. Just having this blog is making it very evident to me how transparently narcassistic the entertainment industry really is. I see images of stars who want awards everywhere. As publicists keep their stars in the full view of the American public and keep their job list growing, all I can think is UCK.

I mean, it is truly difficult for me to promote my blog to my friends repeatedly because it is such a me-centered process. Yet, in order to be successful in the entertainment industry one absolutely must be entirely self-centered. You are your own business empire. The me-ness of it all is the only way ANYONE succeeds. There are stars I like because they seem humble and not self-focused when they appear on talk shows. But then I must step back and realize, that is publicity, that is an image. I don't know that star, no matter how many magazines I read, I don't know them.

Reality is probably quite different. It has to be. Because big entertainers are continually told how great and wonderful they are by people who are paid to do so. How can one not be self-centered when everywhere they go pictures of themselves are on magazines or billboards.

It makes me wonder if it is possible for one to love Christ and love being an entertainer. It almost seems like serving two masters.

Who will teach my child

2005-01-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

My daughter will probably go to kindergarten next September and I am anxious and nervous. Teachers exert great influence and have a very important role in the life of my child. I read this recent news and it understandably distressed me.

---------------------------------------------Bad Career Advice Given in Bay Area Middle SchoolCareer Day at a San Francisco-area middle schools this year included some highly disturbing advice from a management consultant.During a 55-minute presentation entitled, "The Secret of aHappy Life," the consultant, William Fried, told female middle school students they could earn a good living beingstrippers and nude dancers -- up to $250,000 annually."It's sick, but true," the Associated Press reported Friedas saying.School officials in Palo Alto, Calif., are reconsidering whether they will invite Fried back in the future to sharewith students

What were they thinking? Why is it not a forgone conclusion that this person must NOT return?
Who chose the consultant?

When I say mud I mean mud!

2005-01-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

So, I wanted to show some pictures. Haven't yet figured out how to import the pictures I want. As a result you'll have to imagine... torn up streets, mud flowing down streets, a submerged airport, the spillway flows into a town. These are images I wanted to show. All within 15 minutes of my house.

Yet, today, the trickle is returning. The river runs more normally and life is going back to it's regular eb and flow.

Does God cause such calamities? Like mudslides and tsunami's. Does God plan how to hurt people? No! God created an earth which works. It grows and changes and keeps functioning regardless of where we choose or don't choose to build our lives. The hill had a lifespan, the people below didn't know the lifespan and were in the path. God does interupt his creation and change things on occasion. The stopping of water in the Red Sea is a great example. God can and does save. On occasion God has been known to destroy but to assume His destructive abilities were in use is to assume we know the mind of God. I don't, do you.

So Cal is living in the muk

2005-01-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

So, let's get this over with right now. Many people believe So Cal has been living in muk for years but this is different.

It's been raining and pouring who's the old man whose snoring.
I hear he bumped his head and went to bed and couldn't get up in the morning.

Yahooooo, the rain is stopping! At least for now. The sun shines brightly between the softly floating non-rainfilled clouds.

Let's keep people in prayer. Santa Clarita mobile home owners who lost their homes. The landslide victims in Ventura county. Others who are fearing strong flowing rivers located near their homes. Though the rain stops, the problems don't necessarily.

Near my home is a river which hardly ever seems to have much more than a trickle. It almost makes one wonder why we bother having a bridge. But now I know. The trickly is now fast flowing, dangerous and about a block wide. Where did that come from?

I praise God for the simple reminder of rainbows seen on TV as the weather is reported. Lord, you promised no more flood, thanks for the reminder.

It Rained and Poured

2005-01-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

It's a miserable day outside. So Cal is a grand deluge of water, or seemingly so. Children ache to go outside and play. Parents long for the same. Some homes worry of impending mud slides. Or maybe, like us, there is simply something wrong with the way your house was built and occasionally water floods the garage, and the many things stored in the garage.
It's grey and "gloomy" reminds one of 40 days and 40 nights.

Then perspective comes. In one hour flood came to 12 countries. No rain, no precursor to deluge...just calamity. Why?

Why would God, creator of the Universe, allow such hideous things as flood, famine, disease, tragedy? Why? Why? Why?

As the parent of a highly inquisative 4 year old I have finally learned an important lesson. "Why" is the unanswerable question. Because one why simply leads to another why and another and another until either the why's continue or acceptance is made. We accept the explaination without the continued why's not because there are no more questions but because the trust exists between the asker and the answerer.

For some reason we like God to fit into our Santa Clause perfect idea of the world. We want Him to be who we imagine Him to be. We make God in our own image not the other way around. He is the creator of the Universe, not me. He knows how it will work best, not me. And not anyone else either. Despite degrees and experiences, extraordinary giving or extraordinary kindness, when it comes down to it, we are all in the same boat. We are not God.

God set this world spinning. He began the wind, the rain, and even the earthquakes for a reason. Sometimes I think I know the reason. I think I have achieved all insight and I get it. But reality is that with my puny brain no matter how hard I try, I will only get a piece of the puzzle that is God and His creation. Why? Hmmm....that develops into many questions doesn't it?

I have come to a trust with this mighty creator that I accept the reality. I will never know it all. He does.

So, on this dark, gloomy day as people wonder if mudslides will come I am compelled to realize that this will be the drinking water for years to come. This will grow the trees we love. This will bring new growth in the next season. This is an important time.

As I look at the tsunami "tragedy", I am saddened by the loss of so many and so much and to feel any other way would be callous and cruel. But I also see a season. I don't know what the next season will bring but I know God does and that is enough for me. I pray it becomes enough for the survivors too. This IS an important time.

Stating the state of the state

2005-01-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

Let's get this over with right away. Arnold is NOT my favorite person for Governor of the state of California. A solid conservative myself, I think he overstates his conservativeness. He embraces things with which I completely disagree. Embryonic Stem Cell money is probably the biggest for now. Now that is covered....

I liked his speach. He certainly has a strong personality and carries himself well. I am SO GLAD he wants to focus attention on education and educators. He mentioned wanting to have a teacher's salary be dependent upon success and essentially how well they teach not how long they have been teaching. What a concept, raises based on merit. What will come next? Grades based on merit? Ooooh, I think I like it. In fairness, I have been to the teachers union website and they profess to be the largest union in the state. 300,000 members. I think he is up against a POWERFUL union. Check it out here is a portion of his speech:

So, where do we start? We start in the classroom. We start with those who hold our children's learning in their hands. We start with the teachers.
Let me say this to every California teacher who is opening the minds of our children and nurturing their lives: I want to reward you for your hard work. I want to reward you for the sacrifices you make. I want to reward you for the learning that you instill.
But I cannot do so under the current system. Help me change it.
We must financially reward good teachers and expel those who are not. The more we reward excellent teachers, the more our teachers will be excellent. The more we tolerate ineffective teachers, the more our teachers will be ineffective.
So, in the special session, I propose that teacher pay be tied to merit, not tenure. And I propose that teacher employment be tied to performance, not to just showing up.
And I want to say to every Californian who has a child: "Your child deserves a good teacher. An educational system that rewards and protects a bad teacher at the expense of a child is wrong. And I intend to change that system."

He mentioned the recent agreement with the Indian gaming groups and how that money with go toward improvement in transportation. I have recently driven past some of the larger casinos in our state as I drove to Arizona. Oh my goodness, if they haven't given to the state before, it is long past time. Those places are HUGE.

Repeatedly Mr. Schwarzzeneggar stated our state's deficit. Come on Mr. Gov. sir, you help increase that when you encouraged the largest funding of research which is highly offensive to many of the states citizens. Realisticly, your approval pushed it over the top. Shame on you for ignoring your part in this problem.

There was, of course, more. But the thing that intrigued me was the Democrat response. I have watched responses many times and this one was interesting. Despite the fact that the Democrats refused to applaud the Governor throughout much of his speech, they had little to say which countered his opinion. The only conclusion I can reach is: either, they are afraid to make the citizens who love him angry; or, they agree but can't make it too obvious.

Hmmmm. It makes one think.

My country can give more than your country

2005-01-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

I just have to praise God for the weird way He does things. The world has been frustrated with the U.S. so when we are one of the first countries to offer $35 million dollars to help the situation, Australia happily offered $10 mill and all were proud. But how could those nasty Americans offer so little? So other countries feel the need to one up those spoiled rich Americans. They give $95 mill or $75 mill. We look stingy. We can't look stingy we're the generous U.S. So, we change plans.

We'll give $350 million. You must have misunderstood us. Having seen such a number Japan jabs back, but we'll give $500 million. Now U.S. senators are stating that when all is said and done, we'll probably give about $1 billion.

God is amazing. He uses petty minds who simply want to appear better than one another to do His work.

And all this taking place in a solidly Islamic part of the world. Christians can't outgive the muslims, can they? HMMMM.

Faith vs. School

2005-01-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

In my ever expanding search for pertinent issues for California Families, I came across an article in the LA Times. There was reference made to this article by Hugh Hewitt but I have to confess. I feel like Hugh over simplified the situation. Initially I agreed with Hugh because as a fellow Christian he is usually quite insightful, but I'm not certain he thought about the details involved in this situation. On the surface, it seems like a simple issue. We are all sinners and so we should all be open to growing and knowledge in God's word. But is that the only purpose of that Catholic School. If evangelism of the children and growth in doctrine is it's main purpose, I hartily agree with Hugh. But there is a challenge.

The school has all parents agree to live by Catholic doctrine. Now we all know that not everyone who signs such agreements is good at keeping their word. With that in mind, we also need to consider where the boundaries start and end as far as keeping our children safe. Recognizing the sinfulness of all is certainly important but if one has a regular issue of lying and another has a regular issue of murdering, which would be the more appropriate caregiver for children. The Lord does not separate one sin from another because even the tiniest lie is still not equal to the glory of God. If you miss the bullseye in darts, even slightly, you still missed.

But, as a society, we have to create and utilize some divisions of sin because otherwise we simply leave ourselves open for chaos. Why not allow the addicted family with the drug dealing husband. I recognize there is no guarantee that those who have signed the agreement are not going to bring more damage, but wasn't there a reason for having that agreement in the first place.

The priest who ignored this agreement as a matter of conscience needs to also consider removing it and opening the doors to baptists and episcoples and deists and wiccans. Because the ultimate result is that there become no boundaries.

Honestly, I'm not certain if I would want to have my child at a school with the rules as they currently stand, but I am also not certain I like the idea of school as a mission field when you have paid to be separate. Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart far from it.