7 Quick Takes meme

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1) I'm wondering what it is that modern society is trying to pass down to the future generations of women. The community high school girls soccer team practices on the field adjacent to where my son plays football. Thus, we often have a close-up view and ear shot of these young ladies as they finish up their drills each evening. As common among many sports teams, the practice ends with a huddle and a "cheer" for team morale. This particular team's "cheer" is REALLY REALLY loud. In fact, it was SO loud that one of the more demure girls on the team seemed a bit uncomfortable with it and said to the coach and her teammates, "Gee, we are being really loud", to which the Coach proudly replied, "Just the way I like you...LOUD and OBNOXIOUS!"
My daughters looked at me with confused eyes and I myself sat befuddled for a moment. I thought to myself, "I'm not sure I'd want my teenage daughter taking part on a team where the adults are encouraging her to grow up to be LOUD and OBNOXIOUS. If the coach were just trying to build a little team spirit, she could have worded it several other ways ... but it was clear in her tone that there was an underlying message there...one that neither I nor my daughters were comfortable with. Even on a sports team, is it too much to encourage our young girls to be feminine and well-mannered? Can they not be athletic, competitive, and aggressive on the field while conducting themselves on the sidelines a bit more like young ladies?

2) The UN's new plan that hopes to mandate various teachings on sexuality to five year olds is beyond my comprehension and, quite frankly, upsets me. Who will protect the purity and innocence of children if the government is mandating that their innocence be stripped away under the falsehood of "providing tools to make informed decisions"? LET THE CHILDREN BE CHILDREN PLEASE!

3) School starts for us on Monday! This year I will teach a 9th grader, 7th grader, 4th grader, 3rd grader, 2nd grader, Kindergartener, and two little sweeties who will also want to "do school" with us. I am so excited and really look forward to the year of learning ahead. I am SO thankful to be able to be home with my children, teaching them each day!

4) Bring on Autumn! How many of you are looking forward to the change of seasons? I must admit that I have a sneaking suspicion that my (middle) age is beginning to manifest itself, for this was the first time in my life that I was "bothered" by humidity. I am looking forward to chilly mornings, windy walks, and hot chocolate evenings by the campfire!

5) Have you signed up for our monthly newsletter on our website: The Best of Homeschool Faith and Family Life? We offer a monthly gazette, (free) that keeps you up to date on our website pages, freebies, and homeschooling resources...and also shares new articles each month that encourage and support daily family life! Stop by our homepage, scroll to the bottom, and register for a subscription today!

6) I am thinking that God really blessed Australia with some wonderful examples of what it means to be a devoted wife, mother, friend, and servant of the Lord. Truly, have you noticed?
Every time I visit a blog wherein the host is from Australia, I am in awe of the beauty, insight, wisdom, and elegance of the women there!! (Visit Cherished Hearts at Home, Aussie Coffee Shop, and Seven Little Australians Plus One to name a few!)

7) Our family has been making a real effort to observe Sunday as the Lord's Day in a more reverent, significant way. We've been trying to get all shopping done by Saturday and have implemented a "no laundry" "no work" rule on Sundays as well. We try to make a special meal and spend time TOGETHER as a family of God...slowing down, praying, relaxing and refreshing our souls. My husband and I want the children to know that Sunday "isn't just another ordinary day" but a day SET ASIDE for REST IN THE LORD.