OK! I am shamelessly recruiting kudos! I have finally started a blog for my kids to showoff their hard work. (OK, I'm hoping for hardwork to show off.) It's been a uphill battle to motivate them.
Thanks in advance for taking time to leave a little encouragement. I posted their link in my friends and family list. Thanks, Jody
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
I found this article on FoxNews Blogs. I really liked what he said about families in general. Of course I am proud as can be of Gov. Palin!
September 4th, 2008 12:55 PM Eastern
A Priest’s View of the Palins
In the best of worlds, I would leave most discussion of a politician’s family matters to the privacy of the home. But over the last few days I have witnessed such meanness, such venomous politicking, such childish gossip —all, of course, in the name of news reporting –that I have felt a growing obligation to say why Governor Sarah Palin and her family have won my utmost respect.
It’s mostly about comparison. As a priest, families often ask me to help them through personal situations like Bristol’s teenage pregnancy. So when I think of Bristol’s case, I immediately think too of Molly, Jenny, Amy, Christy, and so on….how they and their families responded to the same life-altering reality.
As you read along, consider this: how a family fares in such a challenge is mostly about good instinct and character.
A family that thinks as family and has lived as family will almost always come out of the test being more family for it. More love. More trust. More loyalty. More “us” and less “me.”
From my perspective, here are a few things that show the Palin’s are a very special family:
- A young woman will find the courage to talk to her parents to the degree there is trust in unconditional love. If Bristol found the courage to talk to “my mom, the Governor”, then the trust level between the two must be exceptional.
- In their public statements, and by example, the Palin’s have clearly distinguished their beliefs about pre-marital sex (Gov. Palin has been a big proponent of abstinence education) from the pregnancy itself. The Palin’s are right: there is no such thing as the sin of getting pregnant. A baby is never a curse for wrongdoing. It takes special people to see new life, in these circumstances, as an underserved blessing.
- There exists a temptation for any family, but particularly a family in the public’s eye, to hide an unexpected pregnancy. In the past, when abortion was rare, unwed mothers were sent away for seven months. They usually returned empty handed and nobody said a word. We know Bristol’s pregnancy, on the other hand, was a well known fact in her little town. Her parents bucked both local shame, and other easy ways out, and kept her close when she needed them most.
- I would never suggest marriage as a universal solution to an unwed pregnancy (one mistake doesn’t demand another). But, when a young father decides to act like the dad he is, something very good is happening. I wouldn’t be so quick to assume, as I’ve heard on the news, that Bristol’s and Levi’s wedding must be politics-driven. Silly wisdom says they are obviously too young to make a life-long commitment. Let me say, in my line of work, I’ve seen a lot of old men act like little boys, and their life experience doesn’t translate into commitment. If these two now have the courage to grow-up together, all I can say is “Good for you, Levi. Good for you, Bristol. And good for you Mr. and Mrs. Palin, for allowing two kids to become adults.”
What does the Palin family instinct and character have to do with where we are now in the election process?
I do not know if Gov. Sarah Palin will make a good Vice-President. I do know she is being an exceptional mom, also in moments of crisis. Some have said, in many, many ways, “Big deal!”
But most of these are men.
I ask if any of us guys could be a mom of five, with a handicapped child, achieve an 83% approval rating as state governor, and smile all the way through a prime time speech, after the week this woman has just had.
My read is this: with that kind of woman on the ballot, it’s certainly not, “all over,” whatever that did or did not mean. And I take Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan at her word.
God bless,
Father Jonathan
September 4th, 2008 12:55 PM Eastern
A Priest’s View of the Palins
In the best of worlds, I would leave most discussion of a politician’s family matters to the privacy of the home. But over the last few days I have witnessed such meanness, such venomous politicking, such childish gossip —all, of course, in the name of news reporting –that I have felt a growing obligation to say why Governor Sarah Palin and her family have won my utmost respect.
It’s mostly about comparison. As a priest, families often ask me to help them through personal situations like Bristol’s teenage pregnancy. So when I think of Bristol’s case, I immediately think too of Molly, Jenny, Amy, Christy, and so on….how they and their families responded to the same life-altering reality.
As you read along, consider this: how a family fares in such a challenge is mostly about good instinct and character.
A family that thinks as family and has lived as family will almost always come out of the test being more family for it. More love. More trust. More loyalty. More “us” and less “me.”
From my perspective, here are a few things that show the Palin’s are a very special family:
- A young woman will find the courage to talk to her parents to the degree there is trust in unconditional love. If Bristol found the courage to talk to “my mom, the Governor”, then the trust level between the two must be exceptional.
- In their public statements, and by example, the Palin’s have clearly distinguished their beliefs about pre-marital sex (Gov. Palin has been a big proponent of abstinence education) from the pregnancy itself. The Palin’s are right: there is no such thing as the sin of getting pregnant. A baby is never a curse for wrongdoing. It takes special people to see new life, in these circumstances, as an underserved blessing.
- There exists a temptation for any family, but particularly a family in the public’s eye, to hide an unexpected pregnancy. In the past, when abortion was rare, unwed mothers were sent away for seven months. They usually returned empty handed and nobody said a word. We know Bristol’s pregnancy, on the other hand, was a well known fact in her little town. Her parents bucked both local shame, and other easy ways out, and kept her close when she needed them most.
- I would never suggest marriage as a universal solution to an unwed pregnancy (one mistake doesn’t demand another). But, when a young father decides to act like the dad he is, something very good is happening. I wouldn’t be so quick to assume, as I’ve heard on the news, that Bristol’s and Levi’s wedding must be politics-driven. Silly wisdom says they are obviously too young to make a life-long commitment. Let me say, in my line of work, I’ve seen a lot of old men act like little boys, and their life experience doesn’t translate into commitment. If these two now have the courage to grow-up together, all I can say is “Good for you, Levi. Good for you, Bristol. And good for you Mr. and Mrs. Palin, for allowing two kids to become adults.”
What does the Palin family instinct and character have to do with where we are now in the election process?
I do not know if Gov. Sarah Palin will make a good Vice-President. I do know she is being an exceptional mom, also in moments of crisis. Some have said, in many, many ways, “Big deal!”
But most of these are men.
I ask if any of us guys could be a mom of five, with a handicapped child, achieve an 83% approval rating as state governor, and smile all the way through a prime time speech, after the week this woman has just had.
My read is this: with that kind of woman on the ballot, it’s certainly not, “all over,” whatever that did or did not mean. And I take Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan at her word.
God bless,
Father Jonathan
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I noticed on Amy's blog tracker that it has been 5 weeks since I last updated our blog. Where did those weeks go? I assure you that this was not due to my lack of things to say, but of my inability to organize my thoughts enough to put them.......on paper.....or in type.....what is the correct wording........in blog?
I have been sitting here this morning reflecting over this last summer. I can't believe the leaves are starting to turn......we had to cover what's left of the garden last night to protect it from frost. These are sure signs that this summer is almost past. I still have so many things on my "want to do" list not to mention the "have to do" list!
Last month, David and I were privileged to attend a seminar on mentoring our children. The emphasis was on truly mentoring your children to be leaders. We were encouraged to do an inventory of everyone we "mentor" including our spouses and self. It was humbling to realize just how much I don't know my children, my husband, or myself. I really was uncomfortable with not being able to answer what my children's biggest fears, interests, or fondest dreams were. Wow! For that matter what are mine? I have enjoyed learning more about what they are really thinking (ok more than bullying their sister or their latest light saber fights!) Their answers were not at all what I thought they would be!
I think the most impacting thing I came home with was the quote "Your children are worth the effort!" It is too easy for me to get distracted by cleaning, cooking, laundry, blogging, Facebook, wanting a house, etc. My children are so worth the effort and time it takes to make the chages needed to give them the Leadership Education they need.
To think this is only one area of thought for this summer!! I'll save the others for another day (or month)!
I have been sitting here this morning reflecting over this last summer. I can't believe the leaves are starting to turn......we had to cover what's left of the garden last night to protect it from frost. These are sure signs that this summer is almost past. I still have so many things on my "want to do" list not to mention the "have to do" list!
Last month, David and I were privileged to attend a seminar on mentoring our children. The emphasis was on truly mentoring your children to be leaders. We were encouraged to do an inventory of everyone we "mentor" including our spouses and self. It was humbling to realize just how much I don't know my children, my husband, or myself. I really was uncomfortable with not being able to answer what my children's biggest fears, interests, or fondest dreams were. Wow! For that matter what are mine? I have enjoyed learning more about what they are really thinking (ok more than bullying their sister or their latest light saber fights!) Their answers were not at all what I thought they would be!
I think the most impacting thing I came home with was the quote "Your children are worth the effort!" It is too easy for me to get distracted by cleaning, cooking, laundry, blogging, Facebook, wanting a house, etc. My children are so worth the effort and time it takes to make the chages needed to give them the Leadership Education they need.
To think this is only one area of thought for this summer!! I'll save the others for another day (or month)!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Playing at the Park Alaska Style
These pictures are for our friends and familiy that don't live in AK. These were taken between midnight and 12:30 am. No, we don't usually take our kids to the park at midnight even though it is light all night here. This was Summer Solstice night so the whole town was awake.
I think this was taken at midnight.
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