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posted by James on 11/18/06

On the 11th of November, Life Focus 14 came to a close. As a way to cool down and be refreshed after seven weeks of serving, all the leaders took a relaxing trip up to the Northwoods Conference Center for a few days. The second day we were there, it snowed; at night, you could see the glow of the northern lignts; the lakes partially froze; this was as far north as I had ever been.

In this tranquil and peaceful place, we enjoyed rest, recreation, and good discussions that helped us wind down. While we had the opportunity, we went hiking among the cedars, kayaking on partially frozen lakes, and tried our hand at bowling and other indoor activities. What I enjoyed most was probably the fellowship with the leaders as we talked about Life Focus’ past and future. It was a sad parting at the end but everyone knew we had made the most of the time we had.

1 Comment » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Robert on 11/14/06

Today Pastor Pierpont showed me his blog at KenPierpont.com. This evening I had a chance to take a better look around the site and really enjoyed my visit.

First of all, in his characteristic story-telling style, there’s this great video clip of him telling the true story about the rabbit and the cat.

And in light of it being hunting season here in West Virginia, this story was great.

There’s lots more great stories and meaningful devotionals. Check it out for yourself!

2 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Esther on 11/12/06

I am excited to be here at the Indianapolis Training Center taking a course offered by the International Academy of Music! I am so blessed to be given all this priceless information on violin technique and receive one on one instruction from Katie Humby and Valerie Gardner who earned her M.F.A at the Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Her method has been perfected through years of overcoming tension the logical and natural way, believing that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made and violin playing is enhanced by cooperating with this design. A tense body makes tense music and hinders you from the joy, freedom, and excellence possible even at the most professional levels.

Through daily lessons, assisted practice, teaching observation and group instruction, I have been inspired to give all diligence to every area of my practice. Not to have my eyes “in the ends of the earth” dreaming about how good I’ll be one day, but wisely focused on the exercises I’m doing now. For it doesn’t matter half as much what I play as how I play it.

It has been an awesome experience to be here, get a glimpse of the sheer pleasure violin can be, and receive a solid foundation to take home and pass on to my students.

Please pray that I would not be a forgetful hearer but apply myself diligently to the work my hands have found to do.

2 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Mom on 11/11/06

I think we’d all agree that laundry can be a real chore, especially if you have a big family! So I thought I would share a couple of things that I’ve learned that have helped us “lighten the load” on laundry day. I must confess that these are not entirely original to the Staddon’s, but ideas I have taken advantage of since our move to West Virginia.

My first problem was that the washer & dryer were right in front of the entrance into our house (you know how everyone always comes in the “back way”) so there was no place for the dirty laundry!

My solution was to have all the laundry in the various bedrooms until “laundry day.” There is a laundry basket in the bedroom closet with 4 or 5 plastic grocery bags in each basket. This makes sorting easy (socks in one bag; whites; darks; pants; work clothes). By tying the bags the smell is contained. This means no sorting for me on laundry day!

Also something that is very helpful is to divide it up and do certain people’s laundry on certain days. This makes it easier to sort later. And pinning sock pairs together with safety pins can help solve the ever-present problem of “loners”. Also, combining one older child with a younger child for easy sorting works wonders. The older child can be responsible for his younger siblings clothes before sorting and even doing the washing for both of them (add the bed sheets for full loads).

I find it easier to do the four younger boy’s laundry the same day and then let them watch a favorite video while they sort and fold (It takes longer but everyone is happy and less noisy!)

I hope this helps the laundry blues. Do you have any hints or tips on your laundry days? Your feedback would be appreciated.

1 Comment » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Donald on 11/7/06

“I am sure that there never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.”

(Source: Washington, Writings (1838), Vol.X, pp.222-223, to John Armstrong on March 11, 1792)

1 Comment » | posted in Historical Glimpses