This morning we are staying in as Virginia is being hammered with heavy snow. As I write, 17 million Americans are experiencing this storm across the nation. Our governor has issued a state of emergency. That's all the tv stations are talking about. The boys already went out to play and shovel in the yard. Steven's still out there playing in it! Holly threw some bird seed on the back porch railing. The red cardinals stand out in stark contrast to the weather. Amy's ministry team was supposed to go to a juvenile detention center but that was closed. Roger's recording project with the choir has been postponed to Sunday but no one knows how the roads will be whent he storm ends. In the last storm, the only one to plow our road was a farmer with his tractor and a small blade.
May the Lord keep you all safe from all the storms you encounter.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A collection of musings
Experts say that January 25 is the day in the calendar year when most people are depressed. Perhaps it's due to the lack of sunshine or snow 0n the ground. Or it may be from all the bills that are coming to your mailbox in the aftermath of the Christmas shopping. I know it has been a difficult month for us. Our cars had to go into the shop recently. In order for both vehicles to pass inspection, they needed repairs that cost about $200 each.
This morning when I walked Samuel down to the bus, the sun was just peaking over the hill but as we descended toward the street the sun was obscured by that same hill. But I know that very soon the sun will reemerge. In fact, it hadn't left. I was the one who moved. So, when you wake up gloomy and depressed, know that the sun is about to rise.
Recently the Shriners mailed us free tickets to see the circus in Roanoke. The boys had never been to a circus. In fact, Steven was afraid that he would have to touch a lion. We assured him that he wouldn't have to be near the animals. We even checked out books and videos from the library abou the circus so he could understnad what will happen there. So, I hope to have some photos of "the big top" in the next blog session.
School for Roger and Amy is in full swing and we have lots of projects, field experiences and exams to complete. Holly plans to go to school in March. She will pursue a CNA certification.
Last night the president gave his state of the union address. As a result of his first year in office, our deficit has climbed so quickly that it is estimated that every family owes $100,000. I'm not sure who the bailout is helping. Have you seen any of this money? Jobless rates climbed from 6 to 10% (That figure is probably higher because it only represents only those who are on unemployment compensation, not those who 'gave up looking' or who were self-employed.) Terrorist activities continue and those who are captured are receiving the same rights as American citizens while detained. His plan is for government to control more sectors of our economy, including our health care instead of empowering the States to assume more control over these issues. Frankly, I feel that the States are more in touch with the people than is the federal government.
After saying all of this, please understand that America's democratic system is still much better than other systems in the world. Simply travel outside of America and you will gain a greater appreciation for the red, white, and blue.
Outside our kitchen window, the birds flock to the yard to enjoy their morning breakfast of bird seed. The cardinal, blue jay, nuthatch, finch, and chickadee are regular visitors. A few weeks ago we saw some robins. Does this mean spring is on the way? Not according to our latest weather forecast. We're expecting a minimum of six inches of snow this weekend! Sadly, this means our church choir has to postpone a recording session with Lari Goss (Dove award winning producer and orchestrator). But we need not be discouraged because the sun is shining outside today.
One more musing: In preparation for the recording contract our choir has been working diligently twice a week to perform the music flawlessly. We have been doing our best to memorize the words. One particular song spoke to my heart yesterday.
"Suspended above the world that He made, and below His home in the sky;
God in flesh came down to man and man raised Him up to die.
And there on the tree the destiny of ev'ry fallen man,
Was held by nails driven through his sinless feet and hands.
* Somewhere between heaven and earth
stood a symbol of grace,Not based on our worth;
It was there he endured what we deserved
For a cross held the hope of the world,
Somewhere between heaven and earth
Somewhere between time and space, somewhere between judgment and grace'
He became the sin that He'd never known; And for that moment He was left alone
(repeat last paragraph)
Let this be your mediation for today. Christ did it all to purchase our salvation from sin and a relationship with the God who loves us. God bless you all
This morning when I walked Samuel down to the bus, the sun was just peaking over the hill but as we descended toward the street the sun was obscured by that same hill. But I know that very soon the sun will reemerge. In fact, it hadn't left. I was the one who moved. So, when you wake up gloomy and depressed, know that the sun is about to rise.
Recently the Shriners mailed us free tickets to see the circus in Roanoke. The boys had never been to a circus. In fact, Steven was afraid that he would have to touch a lion. We assured him that he wouldn't have to be near the animals. We even checked out books and videos from the library abou the circus so he could understnad what will happen there. So, I hope to have some photos of "the big top" in the next blog session.
School for Roger and Amy is in full swing and we have lots of projects, field experiences and exams to complete. Holly plans to go to school in March. She will pursue a CNA certification.
Last night the president gave his state of the union address. As a result of his first year in office, our deficit has climbed so quickly that it is estimated that every family owes $100,000. I'm not sure who the bailout is helping. Have you seen any of this money? Jobless rates climbed from 6 to 10% (That figure is probably higher because it only represents only those who are on unemployment compensation, not those who 'gave up looking' or who were self-employed.) Terrorist activities continue and those who are captured are receiving the same rights as American citizens while detained. His plan is for government to control more sectors of our economy, including our health care instead of empowering the States to assume more control over these issues. Frankly, I feel that the States are more in touch with the people than is the federal government.
After saying all of this, please understand that America's democratic system is still much better than other systems in the world. Simply travel outside of America and you will gain a greater appreciation for the red, white, and blue.
Outside our kitchen window, the birds flock to the yard to enjoy their morning breakfast of bird seed. The cardinal, blue jay, nuthatch, finch, and chickadee are regular visitors. A few weeks ago we saw some robins. Does this mean spring is on the way? Not according to our latest weather forecast. We're expecting a minimum of six inches of snow this weekend! Sadly, this means our church choir has to postpone a recording session with Lari Goss (Dove award winning producer and orchestrator). But we need not be discouraged because the sun is shining outside today.
One more musing: In preparation for the recording contract our choir has been working diligently twice a week to perform the music flawlessly. We have been doing our best to memorize the words. One particular song spoke to my heart yesterday.
"Suspended above the world that He made, and below His home in the sky;
God in flesh came down to man and man raised Him up to die.
And there on the tree the destiny of ev'ry fallen man,
Was held by nails driven through his sinless feet and hands.
* Somewhere between heaven and earth
stood a symbol of grace,Not based on our worth;
It was there he endured what we deserved
For a cross held the hope of the world,
Somewhere between heaven and earth
Somewhere between time and space, somewhere between judgment and grace'
He became the sin that He'd never known; And for that moment He was left alone
(repeat last paragraph)
Let this be your mediation for today. Christ did it all to purchase our salvation from sin and a relationship with the God who loves us. God bless you all
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Day After
Friends,
I do pray that you all had a marvelous Christmas with your family and that you experienced the blessing of our marvelous Savior.
This morning I read in the paper a story of four young men who saved a family from being consumed in an early morning house fire. They were driving along looking for a snack but everything was closed. On their way back home, they passed by a house that was billowing with smoke. They stopped, banged on the door (to no avail), then threw a chair through the window and climbed in. They rushed upstairs and awakened the inhabitants, resucuing them from certain doom. You can read the full article at www.wset.com/news/stories/1209/690580.html
Interesting, two of the heroes bear the last name of Nauss.
There is a greater hero, one who came into our broken and battered world to rescue us from our sins. His name is Jesus, the One who came on Christmas Day. Responding to His offer of forgiveness is as crucial as answering the call to exit a burning house.
That's enough preaching. When I have an opportunity, I'll upload some Christmas photos for you.
One more tidbit. December 26 is known in some places as Boxing Day. One tradition says that this is the day to recognize those who serve us all year round such as the mail carrier. Do something special for a servant in your life today.
I do pray that you all had a marvelous Christmas with your family and that you experienced the blessing of our marvelous Savior.
This morning I read in the paper a story of four young men who saved a family from being consumed in an early morning house fire. They were driving along looking for a snack but everything was closed. On their way back home, they passed by a house that was billowing with smoke. They stopped, banged on the door (to no avail), then threw a chair through the window and climbed in. They rushed upstairs and awakened the inhabitants, resucuing them from certain doom. You can read the full article at www.wset.com/news/stories/1209/690580.html
Interesting, two of the heroes bear the last name of Nauss.
There is a greater hero, one who came into our broken and battered world to rescue us from our sins. His name is Jesus, the One who came on Christmas Day. Responding to His offer of forgiveness is as crucial as answering the call to exit a burning house.
That's enough preaching. When I have an opportunity, I'll upload some Christmas photos for you.
One more tidbit. December 26 is known in some places as Boxing Day. One tradition says that this is the day to recognize those who serve us all year round such as the mail carrier. Do something special for a servant in your life today.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Blizzard of 2009
Many of you are literally snowed in due to a perfect storm, the blizzard of 2009. Weather forcasters state that moisture from both the Gulf of Mexico merged with moisture from the Atlantic which met a cold air, low pressure system from the north, producing beautiful snowfall. We have about 12 inches of snowfall on the ground, reminiscent of snowstorms from long ago. So much for global warming. And think - last fall we gave away our snowblower to a pastoral family that moved north to Pennsylvania. This storm system is so big it stretches from the Carolinas to Maine, affecting DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston on one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.
We are so thankful for a warm home, electricity, a full cupboard and refrigerator, and safety for our family. We are saddened to have missed church this morning and the candlelight service this evening. The boys and Amy are thrilled with the snowfall. We will be making snowmen when the snow begins to melt. We expect to be able to get out sometime on Monday.
I have been pondering the Christmas story. Did you know:
1. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist were cousins? (born only six months apart).
2. Jesus appeared at the Temple when he was eight days old.?
3. When he was one month old he was presented to the Lord at the Temple for the redemption
of the first born (i.e. to present him to the Lord)?
4. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory
to the Israelites"?
5. We don't know how many Magi there were. The Bible does not indicate a certain number. We
only know that they presented him with gifts of gold, frankinsense and myrrh.
(Frankinsense was often used in temple ceremonies when prayer was offered and mixed into
an anointing oil. The word "Messiah" means "anointed one". Myrrh was a spice used in
burial rites. One might consider that gold was for Jesus' royalty, frankinsense for his priestly
ministry, and myrrh for his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins.
When the storms enter your life, let's be thankful that God has made provision through a great gift - His Son Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.
We are so thankful for a warm home, electricity, a full cupboard and refrigerator, and safety for our family. We are saddened to have missed church this morning and the candlelight service this evening. The boys and Amy are thrilled with the snowfall. We will be making snowmen when the snow begins to melt. We expect to be able to get out sometime on Monday.
I have been pondering the Christmas story. Did you know:
1. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist were cousins? (born only six months apart).
2. Jesus appeared at the Temple when he was eight days old.?
3. When he was one month old he was presented to the Lord at the Temple for the redemption
of the first born (i.e. to present him to the Lord)?
4. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory
to the Israelites"?
5. We don't know how many Magi there were. The Bible does not indicate a certain number. We
only know that they presented him with gifts of gold, frankinsense and myrrh.
(Frankinsense was often used in temple ceremonies when prayer was offered and mixed into
an anointing oil. The word "Messiah" means "anointed one". Myrrh was a spice used in
burial rites. One might consider that gold was for Jesus' royalty, frankinsense for his priestly
ministry, and myrrh for his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins.
When the storms enter your life, let's be thankful that God has made provision through a great gift - His Son Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas is almost here!
Christmas is around the bend! Steven and Samuel are so excited. They wonder how Santa will bring presents into our home since we don't have a chimney. We have enjoyed the Christmas concerts and musicals including the Virginia Christmas Spectacular. As you remember, last year we spent the Christmas season in China. So this is really the first memorable holiday for the two boys. Tonight I took the boys shopping to find a present for mom. I wonder how long they can keep their present a secret?
Alicia and Lorelai is planning to visit our home this Christmas season. Again, this will be the first time she has been with us at Christmastime since 2007. There will be a lot of delicious food to prepare for the holidays. One tradition we enjoy is cooking caramels and banana bread. Fudge is also a wonderful treat during this time of year.
Please pray for Steven. He has a small tumor on his cheek that needs tending. Tomorrow he has a CT scan followed by a doctor visit to discuss the options. On the surface it seems like a simple procedure. However, there are many facial nerves and muscles to contend with. Thankfully it doesn't seem to bother him.
I pray you continue to experience the blessing of the Christ of Christmas!
Alicia and Lorelai is planning to visit our home this Christmas season. Again, this will be the first time she has been with us at Christmastime since 2007. There will be a lot of delicious food to prepare for the holidays. One tradition we enjoy is cooking caramels and banana bread. Fudge is also a wonderful treat during this time of year.
Please pray for Steven. He has a small tumor on his cheek that needs tending. Tomorrow he has a CT scan followed by a doctor visit to discuss the options. On the surface it seems like a simple procedure. However, there are many facial nerves and muscles to contend with. Thankfully it doesn't seem to bother him.
I pray you continue to experience the blessing of the Christ of Christmas!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A week of celebrations
We are celebrating two thanksgivings this year. It's not that unusual for us to do so since my parents are both from Canada and we have celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with them in October. However this is a special Thanksgiving year for us as we celebrated early with the visit of Alicia and her daughter Lorelai. (See photos) We will be spending our second Thanksgiving on Thursday with Holly's parents at Smith Mountain Lake.
This season I am thankful that God has allowed me to attend Liberty University and gain new teaching skills. Working toward certification and licensure is not an easy process. Under the new legislation, "No Child Left Behind Act", all school systems need to show that their teachers are "highly qualified". Although this term is not clearly defined, the state of Virginia demonstrates teacher skill through testing. Most teachers need to take the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) or the Praxis 1, AND the Praxis 2. Special educators take the Virginia Reading Assessment exam. Students like myself, (those seeking double certification) must take all three exams. On Monday I took the four hour VCLA test. Unofficial reports show that I scored 97% in the Reading subtest while scoring 85% in the Writing subtest. Of course official scores will be mailed to me. In January I will take the VRA (a much harder test) that examines a student's readiness for special education work.
Samuel celebrated his fifth birthday this week. In addition to a party with his family, Sammy is having fun with his new remote controlled car. We have the perfect basement for such toys. Steven can't wait for March when we celebrate his 7th birthday. He never had a party before. I wonder if anyone ever celebrated his birthday. This will also be the first year Steven celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
The close of 2009 also marks the beginnning of an expensive but necessary readoption process for our two sons. Because Steven's official birthdate is inaccurate (by 2 years), we need to legally change the date and go through a readoption. So we will do it with both boys. This way, they will receive an official US birth certificate (which comes in very handy these days).
May your thanksgiving celebration focus your gratefulness upward as you praise God for his great goodness and grace.
This season I am thankful that God has allowed me to attend Liberty University and gain new teaching skills. Working toward certification and licensure is not an easy process. Under the new legislation, "No Child Left Behind Act", all school systems need to show that their teachers are "highly qualified". Although this term is not clearly defined, the state of Virginia demonstrates teacher skill through testing. Most teachers need to take the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) or the Praxis 1, AND the Praxis 2. Special educators take the Virginia Reading Assessment exam. Students like myself, (those seeking double certification) must take all three exams. On Monday I took the four hour VCLA test. Unofficial reports show that I scored 97% in the Reading subtest while scoring 85% in the Writing subtest. Of course official scores will be mailed to me. In January I will take the VRA (a much harder test) that examines a student's readiness for special education work.
Samuel celebrated his fifth birthday this week. In addition to a party with his family, Sammy is having fun with his new remote controlled car. We have the perfect basement for such toys. Steven can't wait for March when we celebrate his 7th birthday. He never had a party before. I wonder if anyone ever celebrated his birthday. This will also be the first year Steven celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
The close of 2009 also marks the beginnning of an expensive but necessary readoption process for our two sons. Because Steven's official birthdate is inaccurate (by 2 years), we need to legally change the date and go through a readoption. So we will do it with both boys. This way, they will receive an official US birth certificate (which comes in very handy these days).
May your thanksgiving celebration focus your gratefulness upward as you praise God for his great goodness and grace.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Congratulations Amy!
Another milestone was reached in the Nauss household. Amy passed her drivers examination and now has her provisional license! Congratulations to our 18 year old daughter. Notice her new braces! Now pray that she will find a job so she can put gas in the car and save money for her own vehicle.
Samuel turns 5 on Tuesday. Alicia will be here with baby to celebrate it. We'll share pictures on our next blog. Yesterday he told Santa Claus that he wants a kids digital camera. (Consequently, Steven said the same thing!) We went to Sam's school yesterday for a class presentation. They dressed as Indians and sang songs. How cute!
Steven has just been approved by the school system to receive occupational therapy. So they wrote up an addendum for his IEP. Whoever wrote it doesn't know a thing about arthrogryposis and has made both lofty and unrealistic goals for Steven's progress. "By 6/4/2010,Steven will improve bilateral coordination and overal proximal stabilty by 50% in order to maximize performance during functional mobility and school related tasks." This progress is measured by observation. How are they going to measure 50% improvement through observation? "BY 6/4/2010, Steven will improve developmental hand skils by 50% in order ot maximize performance during finre motor and graphomotor tasks."Again, this is measured through observation. If they accomplish this feat, they will have reversed Steven's condition! "By 6/4/2010, Steven will improve graphomotor skills by 75% in order to perform within the classroom setting." Again, if this were to occur, Steven would be miraculously cured. Remember that his condition, although non-progressive, he has contractures in his upper and lower extremities. His joints have bone deformities and he lacks physical muscle tissue. There are reasons why he is unable to clap his hands or turn his palms upwards. He is unable to bend his legs. (There is absence of a patella.) However, we will allow the school to work with him because he can benefit from OT and we're thankful that the school really wants to help Steven develop and grow.
They boys have been riding the horses at the therapeudic riding center and are developing good balance and posture. We'll have to take some pictures. Hopefully in the spring, they will learn to trot and begin to rein. This free program for children with special needs is a real blessing, especially for children suffering from Autism. Please pray that Spirithorse will receive a grant to build an indoor riding ring which is so desperately needed.
Holly still has lettuce, swiss chard and spinach in her garden! It's amazing to have fresh produce so late in the season!
Roger has been working part time, very sporadically as a substitute teacher. It has been a very interesting experience. Some of the kids say that he's the best sub; (it could be they are buttering him up or he's too easy with the kids). One kid said, "I learned more from you in one class session than what the teacher taught in a week! More lard I think.
Enjoy our latest photos. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever."
Samuel turns 5 on Tuesday. Alicia will be here with baby to celebrate it. We'll share pictures on our next blog. Yesterday he told Santa Claus that he wants a kids digital camera. (Consequently, Steven said the same thing!) We went to Sam's school yesterday for a class presentation. They dressed as Indians and sang songs. How cute!
Steven has just been approved by the school system to receive occupational therapy. So they wrote up an addendum for his IEP. Whoever wrote it doesn't know a thing about arthrogryposis and has made both lofty and unrealistic goals for Steven's progress. "By 6/4/2010,Steven will improve bilateral coordination and overal proximal stabilty by 50% in order to maximize performance during functional mobility and school related tasks." This progress is measured by observation. How are they going to measure 50% improvement through observation? "BY 6/4/2010, Steven will improve developmental hand skils by 50% in order ot maximize performance during finre motor and graphomotor tasks."Again, this is measured through observation. If they accomplish this feat, they will have reversed Steven's condition! "By 6/4/2010, Steven will improve graphomotor skills by 75% in order to perform within the classroom setting." Again, if this were to occur, Steven would be miraculously cured. Remember that his condition, although non-progressive, he has contractures in his upper and lower extremities. His joints have bone deformities and he lacks physical muscle tissue. There are reasons why he is unable to clap his hands or turn his palms upwards. He is unable to bend his legs. (There is absence of a patella.) However, we will allow the school to work with him because he can benefit from OT and we're thankful that the school really wants to help Steven develop and grow.
They boys have been riding the horses at the therapeudic riding center and are developing good balance and posture. We'll have to take some pictures. Hopefully in the spring, they will learn to trot and begin to rein. This free program for children with special needs is a real blessing, especially for children suffering from Autism. Please pray that Spirithorse will receive a grant to build an indoor riding ring which is so desperately needed.
Holly still has lettuce, swiss chard and spinach in her garden! It's amazing to have fresh produce so late in the season!
Roger has been working part time, very sporadically as a substitute teacher. It has been a very interesting experience. Some of the kids say that he's the best sub; (it could be they are buttering him up or he's too easy with the kids). One kid said, "I learned more from you in one class session than what the teacher taught in a week! More lard I think.
Enjoy our latest photos. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever."
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