StaddonFamily.com

For Daniel’s Birthday . . .

posted by James on 04/19/10

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

Truth is Truth

posted by James on 04/16/10

“If you call a tail a leg, how many legs has a dog? Five?
No; calling a tail a leg don’t make it a leg.”

–traditionally attributed to Abraham Lincoln

8 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses, Photography

Benjamin Rush on Education and the Bible

posted by Donald on 04/15/10

Dear Sir:

It is now several months since I promised to give you my reasons for preferring the Bible as a schoolbook to all other compositions. Before I state my arguments, I shall assume the five following propositions:

1. That Christianity is the only true and perfect religion; and that in proportion as mankind adopt its principles and obey its precepts they will be wise and happy.

2. That a better knowledge of this religion is to be acquired by reading the Bible than in any other way.

3. That the Bible contains more knowledge necessary to man in his present state than any other book in the world.

4. That knowledge is most durable, and religious instruction most useful, when imparted in early life.

5. That the Bible, when not read in schools, is seldom read in any subsequent period of life.

-Benjamin Rush, late 1700′s

From a personal letter, later published as a tract, “The Bible in Schools”

by the American Tract Society, circa 1830

(First paragraph)

Benjamin Rush was known as one of America’s three most influential men, along with Washington and Franklin. He was a physician and scientist, and also helped to found the nation’s first abolition society. In 1776, at 30 years of age, he was one of the youngest to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is because of patriots and statesmen as he that American liberty stood the test of time.

“… Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

5 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses

When the Stelzls Stay with the Staddons …

posted by Donald on 04/9/10

…Amazing things happen!

Almost as soon as they arrived, the potato planting project came into full swing. Two rows were planted much to Michael’s satisfaction and such diligence was displayed that there was enough time afterward for volleyball.

The next day and the next were again sunny and warm. Work and relaxation were both enjoyed and throughout their three-day stay new games were learned, new business ideas discussed and, thanks to their oldest son David, a new bike trail was carved through the woods.

Another memorable bit of carving was the outstanding wood plaque Michael made for Jonathan and Josiah. On the front he woodburned a detailed forest scene and on the back was an encouraging note with the date.

Saturday was also the day for playing Follow The Judge To Court and bringing in firewood before the spring rains.

Sunday was perhaps best of all. It was Easter. Resurrection cookies were made the evening before and taken out of the “tomb” (the unlit oven) early the next morning. At church all eighteen of us sang together and several shared testimonies. We were also in for a big surprise. Unknown to us there was a reward for those who brought the most guests! The prize was a brilliant yellow bunch of tulips.

Other flowers were also making their appearance. On the way home from church, James thought Grandpa’s magnolia tree would be a good frame for a photo shoot—and he was right. Grandpa and Grandma came to share dinner too and Mrs. Stelzl’s ziti casserole was delicious.

And finally … Drumroll please … We have saved the best report for last: the Stelzls’ official Family Website stelzlfamily.com is now up and running, and waiting for your comments! By getting to know one more one-accord Christ-centered family we hope you will be as encouraged as we’ve been!