Soul Carving

     Statistics.      Just the word is enough to make some people cringe. Mark Twain is reported to have said, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." But after finishing an introductory course this past semester, I can honestly say I've gained a new appreciation for the subject. I was nervous about the class in the beginning. I had't met anyone who had fond memories of their Stats class. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover an instructor whose enthusiasm for the subject was endearing, if not contagious. I found myself thinking differently about things, applying equations and concepts I'd previously seen as strictly scientific, but suddenly seemed so appropriate, helpful, and. . . dare I say - fun! Have you ever tried formulating null and alternative hypotheses to justify an opinion you have which contradicts popular belief? Or plotting data to measure the correlation between bedtimes and crankiness-levels among young chil...

    Have you ever seen the "I Spy" book series by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick? We're big fans. I know several look-and-find type books are out there, but for me the I Spy series remains the best. Each picture is a true work of art - no cartoons of people exhibiting crude behavior, as in the "Where's Waldo?" books. And no need to strain your eyes to see an image that's not there! (I could never get the hang of those "Magic Eye" things). Over the years we've accumulated a good sized I Spy library from the thrift store and other book sales. They run about a buck-fifty each. My kids never tire of them. Sometimes they'll even ask to borrow the camera to take a snapshot of an I Spy scene they've created themselves.      In addition to the books, we've acquired quite a variety of I Spy paraphernalia. Let me share with you some of my favorite finds:       A while back I began collecting foam f...

   There is something about the morning that inspires me. Waking up before the children, listening to the steadiness of their breathing, meditating in the stillness, and sensing the gradual increase in light, warmth, and activity as birdsong fills the morning air and the sun rises up over the mountains in the East. It's an invigorating experience. Yet it's also an everyday occurrence. Isn't this really the way with all of life? Reflecting on the wondrous event of the dawn makes me realize, those things we talk about as ordinary, repetitive or even mundane are anything but! "Everyday miracle" isn't an oxy moron, it's a sublime truth. And it's all because of Him - the One who gave His life and now lives through all things. His infinite sacrifice literally gives new life to every man woman, child and creature in this universe. This world was fashioned with His love, saved by His love and it will endure by His love, so long as w...