gasthausramstein

Does Prayer Make a Difference

“The impossibility of empirical proof is a spiritual necessity. A man who knew empirically that an event had been caused by his prayer would feel like a magician. His head would turn and his heart would be corrupted. The Christian is not to ask whether this or that event happened because of a prayer. HeContinueContinue reading “Does Prayer Make a Difference”

Big Life Changes

As a sporadic blogger, I find myself facing a somewhat surprisingly stark truth as I compose this entry: the purpose of my blog is shifting. This is our final year of homeschooling. This, 2025, is my final year as a homeschooling mama. But truth be told, I was born a teacher. Since I was 7ContinueContinue reading “Big Life Changes”

Let them eat cake!

A synopsis of my brief journey with taking risks, failing and living another day. I read recently that Marie Antoinette, who was apparently oblivious to the plight of the common people of France, was not talking about whipping up a Duncan Hines devil’s food cake mix when she (indirectly) tossed this callous comment out toContinueContinue reading “Let them eat cake!”

Thoughts on Teaching Writing

Remember the first time you received a heart-melting note from your chubby preschooler full of capitalized consonants strung together in a charming way that put your detective skills to the test? Throw in a few of the most beautiful crayon stick figures you’ve ever seen and it’s enough to make any beaming parent open anContinueContinue reading “Thoughts on Teaching Writing”

Reflections on our year with CMI’s Alveary (2017)

Some of you will remember that last year, about this time I went to the UK for a conference given by a group I knew little about: The Charlotte Mason Institute. It was held in Ambleside, England which is where CM had her training college and school and I could not resist the urge toContinueContinue reading “Reflections on our year with CMI’s Alveary (2017)”

Controlled Chaos

Originally posted on this author’s earlier blog In His Grip back in 2019 As Christmas 2019 is right around the corner, many of us embrace the illusion we call control. We love to control our bank accounts–when we are not overspending…our body image–when we are not eating what appeases only our taste buds but notContinueContinue reading “Controlled Chaos”

What happens in Vagus doesn’t stay in Vagus

Originally posted on this author’s earlier blog In His Grip back in 2019 Heads up… today’s topic is not for the squeamish as it will talk about the dread ‘p’ word. Yup, that one. Poop. Consider yourself forewarned. Ok, raise your hand if you’ve never heard of the Vagus nerve? Uh yeah, me neither. ButContinueContinue reading “What happens in Vagus doesn’t stay in Vagus”

Unquenchable thirst

I have struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life. I didn’t know it, but even in childhood I can look back and see things that were clearly anxious behaviors. I recall an episode in my bedroom at age 6 where I sat cross-legged on my neatly-made bed, folded my hands in my lap andContinueContinue reading “Unquenchable thirst”

Much Ado about Something (or Shakespeare Pt 2.)

After writing the last post on how our family enjoys Shakespeare, I realized there were a few more things I really thought might be helpful to those of you who are getting your feet wet. Let it be clear from the start, I am not a Shakespearean authority by any stretch of the imagination. IContinueContinue reading “Much Ado about Something (or Shakespeare Pt 2.)”

Sundaes with Shakespeare

Shakespeare often conjures up images of elaborate costumes, English that doesn’t sound much like English and unengaged students falling asleep in their chairs after ten minutes time. Try as they might, many homeschool mamas are not quite sure how to sell their students on Shakespeare. Heck, they’re not even sure if they are sold themselves!ContinueContinue reading “Sundaes with Shakespeare”