HEM·ology: noun: somewhere between zoology and theology.
We do not have a TV set downstairs in this new house. I knew I wanted this setup, but I wasn't sure how the girls would respond—but the adage is true, "out of sight, out of mind." We have all found ourselves creating something or simply going outside much more consistently in between meals and homeschool work.
Amongst the stacks of books available for perusing, we've now added a yarn basket for crocheting, pads and charcoal pencils for sketching, and watercolor pens for easy setup and tear down. I got all these ideas from Andy Crouch's Techwise Family—I thought it romantic at first, but now is sweet to recount.
I was a part of a book challenge a few years ago where we chose intentional binary books. Never had I considered reading opposing viewpoints purposefully (outside of assigned readings for my B.A. and M.A. at a public university).
Joel Miller includes 5 helpful ideas to keep in mind while reading a book you know from the outset you disagree with. "No book is wholly right. Then again, no book is wholly wrong. All of us have biases and blindspots, prejudices and predilections. We are all—writers and readers alike—creatures of partial perspective. It’s the best we’ve got."
"To stare awkwardly at things in the world until they cease to be mere things. To risk the appearance of foolishness by being prepared to believe that world might yet be enchanted. Or, better yet, to play with the notion that we might cast our attention into the world in the spirit of casting a spell."
There is so much about James Taylor Foreman that I enjoy—he's wry, intelligent, and punchy. Here he is talking about people from many demographics who are drawn to the great classic works. There's just something about the canon of great literature which proves transcendent. It also proves dangerous:
"I read "The Dictator's Handbook," 10 years ago, and I’ll never forget one thing: tyrannical governments keep their populations from rising against them by (get this) funding only STEM. You can just follow the money: the more tyrannical the country, the less they promote the humanities.
With no emphasis on humanities, the unwashed masses 1) can't conceptualize how anything could be any different, and 2) their children don’t inherit a wisdom tradition, which could provide them the moral stability to be a threat. "
I've always been a pen snob—but I just elevated my status tenfold. I introduce to you: the Lamy Safari Mango Fountain Pen with Ergonomic Grip and Polished Steel Nib.
I don't use this beauty on everyday post-it notes. It's just for my Idea Book and Commonplace Journal. It fosters all sorts of creativity that extends beyond the safari world.
I have finished the article on "...the Language of the Soul..." and await the edits and reviews of a few trusted friends.
"Light holds you, Grendel. Light has you in its power. You, who have shunned the sun, meet me, once stung by bees that drank the sun. There’s honey in my veins, Grendel, a liquid sunlight that can kill you quite. These fingers that you feel are ten great stars. Stars have no fear. I do not fear you, Grendel. I do not fear, therefore I do not fight. I only hold you, child of Cain. I only fix you fast in your own evil, so that you cannot turn it out on any other. It is your own evil, Grendel, that undoes you. You must die, creature of night, because light has got you in a last embrace."
Beowulf, translation by Robert Nye
(This one has been posted for 3 weeks; I'm aware. But it's just so so good. . . )
The beginning of our catechism this year:
Ladies, who are you?
I am a queen, for I rule myself.
What does it mean to rule yourself?
I am free to do good; I am not the slave of my desires.
Who has made you queens?
And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. 1 John 2:28–3:3
What are your great things from the week?
Worshiper, wife, mom—with the help of the Lord, this is my hierarchy of work. Beyond this I homeschool the girls and hold down a staff position at Zionsville Fellowship in Zionsville, Indiana. I read, write, do yoga, cook, and practice thinking pure and lovely things.
Somewhere between zoology and theology.
