This Classical Life

Recent Clips

kristen — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 05:40:18 +0000

All Joy & No Fun: Why Parents Hate Parenting. It weaves around but is ultimately a really fascinating read about happiness, purpose and parenting.

I’m a trendsetter, apparently. Why the Next Pop Culture Wave Might Be Libraries.

After Haiti: The Chaos of U.S. Adoptions An in-depth look at some of the expedited adoptions post-earthquake that brings up some very important questions about international adoption I’ve been wrestling with for a long time. Why are people giving up their children in the third world? What is the best way we can intervene? For the record, “orphan” doesn’t necessarily mean what it does to us around the world. To the U.N. if you’ve lost (or never were connected to) one parent, you are an orphan. In some countries, it is applied to any child who is abandoned.

The Hole in Our Gospel

kristen — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:35:15 +0000

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a world with great poverty and despair, what does God expect of his people? If our neighbors are people of relative affluence, what concern should we have for the poor? Grappling with these questions and others, Richard Stearns, president of World Vision US, writes an engaging and informative treatise to all Christians to life out the gospel with word and deed in the context of the world’s poor.

Weaving in his own personal testimony, Stearns considers the problem of poverty from various perspectives. As he explains how he left his position as the CEO of a large corporation to begin a new work he felt unequipped for in the private sector, he is also expounding on the Bible’s call to love the poor and needy. Describing his first visits to the third world, he embodies the statistics about poverty that he is also providing.

In an age where our influence can spread beyond a few square miles of our homes, Stearns lays out for readers how they can help to serve the suffering and why they ought to. I found the book compelling and thought provoking, but also winsome and easy to read. This book is one that I’d commend to any Christian, but in particular those who feel ill-equipped in their call towards mercy and justice. (9/10)

**I received this book from the publisher to review. My opinion I’ve expressed is my own.**

Plan B

kristen — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:32:44 +0000

I first became aware of Nashville superstar pastor Pete Wilson when he followed me on twitter. I popped over to his blog, and his wife’s, and found him warm and likable. So I followed him back and have been watching him from afar for many months. I was intrigued by the book he was finishing up: Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? With a subtitle like that, who wouldn’t be? When I had the opportunity to receive a copy for review, I jumped at the chance.

Suffering is a part of the christian life, and this question is one that I grapple with a lot. Pete’s analysis is honest, Christ-centered and pastoral. If you want an academic discourse on the problem of suffering, look elsewhere. This book is surprisingly easy to read, something I appreciated considering the foggy haze suffering can bring. Knowing that there aren’t any easy answers to the question, I appreciated the reinforcement of basic truths that Plan B provided.

Wilson uses stories from the Bible and the experiences of his friends to explain suffering from a Biblical perspective. I might have done it differently, and spent more time talking about how things will be different someday in the new heavens and the new earth. Explaining how Christ has started to redeem the world and make all things new. However, Plan B is a hopeful book, and a good one, and will be a good resource to the church in the years to come. (8.5/10)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sit-In (A Mother-Daughter Review)

kristen — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:58:44 +0000

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautifully illustrated book details the famous sit-in at the Greensboro, NC Woolworth’s counter in 1960. The prose is moving, speckled with quotes that inspired the protesters and good detail. As a picture book ought to be, it is both easily understood and deep enough for older readers. Kate (who does have some exposure to the civil rights movement) grasped the storyline and was moved by the strength it took to stay still.

The simple, powerful prose is well matched by the illustrations. Watercolor paintings with ink, they come across as modern yet classic, and moving. With a repetitive motif of cooking that might come across a bit strong to some adults, however, I wasn’t distracted by it and consider it effective for young readers.

Though graphic about their struggles, the story isn’t scary or overwhelming to children. It would work well in any elementary grades, and even in some middle school classrooms. I’d commend it to any family who is building a personal library with any attention to covering American History or Civil Rights.

Kate, age 5 “I like this book, it told about Dr. King and his dreams, and how these boys followed his dreams by sitting at the white skin lunch table. They sat and they sat for a long time. People were mean to them. Now people all sit together. That’s why I like this book.”

**We received this book from the publisher to review. Our opinions are our own.**

Very Chocolate Cheesecake

kristen — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:27:12 +0000

I’ve made this in both 8 and 10 inch versions and it’s been very well received by cheesecake lovers as well as those who don’t typically delight in cheesecake. This is a great first cheesecake recipe, it’s fairly simple, does not require much hands on work and the very thick layer of ganache on the top covers a multitude of cracks. You need to make the crust and bake the cheesecake one day and do the ganache layer 4 hours or more before you serve it (more is even better.) But, it will be waiting, ready to delight, as you assemble the rest of dinner!
This will serve 12-16. The 10 inch version will serve 20, adjust by multiplying all ingredients by 1.5. When in doubt, go big, remembering that cheesecake freezes well, just stick it in the fridge a day before to defrost.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

THE CRUST
14-15oz of chocolate cookies (wafer, teddy grahams, etc.)
1 stick + 1 Tb of butter, melted

Grind cookies in food processor until crumbs, add melted butter and combine in food processor until it’s a consistent mixture. If you have trouble finding chocolate wafers, you can also use dietary biscuits + cocoa. I tend to use a mix of all of the above! Spray the bottom of an 8″ spring-form pan with cooking spray and make a ring extension adding another 2″ of height via double walled aluminum foil to the outside of the pan. Press the crust mixture firmly in the bottom of the pan (not the sides.) Stick the pan in the fridge while you make the cheesecake.

THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tsp. instant espresso powder
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, in chips or chopped well
1 lb of cream cheese (2 blocks) at room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 c. sour cream at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350, adding a pan full of water to the bottom rack to keep the oven moist. Mix the heavy whipping cream and espresso powder in a small saucepan over medium heat until the powder is dissolved. Turn the heat to medium low and add the chocolate, stir with a whisk constantly just until the chocolate is melted and the sauce smooth. Move off the warm burner to cool.

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until blended. Beat in cornstarch, then add sour cream and vanilla. Don’t over mix. Add the three eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Whisk a cup or so of the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate, then add the chocolate mixture to the rest of the cream cheese, whisking until combined. Pour the filling onto the crust and bake until softly set (jiggly like jello okay) with the edges puffed up, about 45 minutes or an hour. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the closed oven to cool for another hour. Refrigerate overnight (the cheesecake will settle considerably and level off.)

THE GANACHE
1 c. heavy whipping cream
8 oz. of bittersweet (dark) baking chocolate, chopped well

Bring whipping cream up to a simmer, whisk in chocolate until smooth. Pour ganache over the cheesecake carefully and refrigerate until well set. If you like your ganache soft, expect 2-3 hours, 4 or more for a harder consistency.

Hymnody and Easter

kristen — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:39:17 +0000

When you think of Easter, what hymn or song pops into your head? It’s sort of an interesting exercise. If you are raised in the church, it might reveal your upbringing or church of origin. If your parents were Jesus people, Keith Green may race into your head with “Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing that you can be born again…” A little older or less hip parents: “Because He Lives.” Independent Fundamental Bapticostal types might remember “He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus Lives Today!” or “Up from the Grave He Arose! With a Mighty Triumph O’er His Foes!” If you were confirmed Lutheran, perhaps it’s “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.” Other traditional churches might have imparted, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today! A-a-a-a-a-le-lu-u-ia!”

As for me, I always think of “This Joyful Eastertide.” One year in Austin, but the hymnody of Redeemer Presbyterian sticks to the brain.

The beautiful thing is that as I consider these hymns, I may have preferences, but there is a clear message: He is Risen! Happy Easter.

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition

kristen — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:13:30 +0000

When I requested this book from Thomas Nelson, I was excited to have a book of Bible maps to use as a reference. But it ended up being so much more. Photos, charts, and outlines, as well as downloadable PDFs, make this a great first stop for visual information related to the Bible. Additionally, each book of the Bible has an overview including things like the basic message and setting. I was impressed with the balance between historicity and orthodoxy, they seemed to hit the middle ground of the majority of evangelicalism and not lean too far towards fundamentalism or liberalism.

With over 500 pages, and a list price of under $20, this is the sort of resource that belongs on on each family’s bookshelf. If you serve as a teacher, you can even use duplicate these charts and maps for non-commercial use to share with your students. I can anticipate some great uses for homeschooling families as well.

If you simply want a book with large, full color maps that remind you of the ones in the back of your Bible, this is probably not the best choice. But as an all-around resource, it really shines.

The SlingRider is RECALLED!

kristen — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:25:31 +0000

This is a great day for babywearing. The Infantino SlingRider is being recalled. That seems strange, but its true. Babywearers want mothers to use slings SAFELY. The SlingRider was impossible to use safely, and they were in every big box store, the most accessible “sling” to the general public. For over three years, Infantino has been warned of the danger. They’ve finally caved, but not until a MILLION of these carriers were sold. You probably know someone with one. The wrap and tie carrier they are offering in exchange is much safer. It’s a copy of a mom-made design, and mass produced, and not “perfect”, but it’s safe. Pass the word on.

The Streak

kristen — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:03:00 +0000

This beautiful story from this week’s New York Times is a must-read for parents. Life presented all sorts of complications, but one father and daughter let books bind them together, and kept up a streak of 3,218 nights of reading at least ten minutes, all the way through high school. . . . → Read More: The Streak

Are Slings Dangerous?

kristen — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:54:15 +0000

You might have seen the CPSC warning about slings last week. As a certified volunteer babywearing educator (through Babywearing International) I wanted to give my two cents. If you’ve ever been to a local meeting here or met up with me in person and talked about slings in the last three years, I’ve mentioned infant safety. NONE of this information is new in the babywearing community. Common sense is key. Our local group issued a press release that summarized our thoughts and general warnings to parents that we routinely give, with some easy guides you can use and pass on. You CAN use slings safely. You need to be aware of your infant’s positioning and breathing. If your child was premature or is at risk for breathing problems, be extra cautious. And NEVER ever use the Infantino Sling Rider or other “bag-style” carriers that bury a baby deep in a pouch and don’t allow you to position them safely.

Learning to Long Well

kristen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:55:45 +0000

Yesterday Kate asked me to read her a “black history story” since she was sad their black history month unit was over. So, we read Martin’s Big Words. Afterward, she asked me some questions about why people hate each other, and why the police didn’t do more to protect Martin. I gave her some answers rooted in history, not spiritual in the least.

She was quiet for about a minute, then asked, “When there’s the new heavens and the new earth, will it last an hour or a day or a week?” I wasn’t sure where she was going, so she asked again, “When the new heavens and the new earth come, will it be for a day or a week or a month?” “No, baby, the new heavens and the new earth will last forever, forever and ever.” “And there will be no sickness and no one sad and no one dying and no hate forever and ever?!” “Forever and ever.” “I wish the new heavens and the new earth would come right now.” “Me too, baby.”

I know that she will continue to struggle towards longing well. When she tempers her “Come, Lord Jesus” with “after I have my first kiss” or “after I can drive” or “after I get married”, I will understand. But I hope her simple, sweet faith will continues to encourage me as I keep learning to long.

Some Recent Children’s Book Reviews

kristen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:52:19 +0000

I have been writing some children’s book reviews here and there, I figured y’all might find them useful, so here are some previews with links to the full review. All of them should be available at your local public library.

The Princess and the Pea by Rachel Isadora (5/5) …the illustrations are truly engaging and beautiful and stand on their own merit, not just as a non-white version of a classic.

The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren (4/5) A sweet story that many will probably think of as “Little House in Sweden.”

Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (5/5) The oil paintings and collage illustrations by Kadir Nelson are beautiful and striking, they seem to make a faraway world more real to readers, integrating African textiles and motifs.

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (5/5) Martin’s Big Words is a book that every family ought to own. It’s the best introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we have come across, something appropriate for even four or five-year-olds.

NY Times Clips

kristen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:14:05 +0000

Some of my favorite articles lately:

Freda Rosenfeld is The Breast Whisperer.

God said be fruitful and multiply and Yitta certainly did.

Where the Bar Ought to Be is an opinion piece about education, and how excellent, passionate teachers make the difference.

Gingerbread Pancakes

kristen — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:22:52 +0000

I know this is a little late for Shrove Tuesday celebrating, but I’ll remind you next year!

GINGERBREAD PANCAKES
(inspired by Kerbey Lane in Austin, but it’s been so long since I’ve eaten there, I can’t verify the authenticity)

Cream together:
6 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar

Add, then mix well:
1 cup buttermilk*
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup coffee (brewed)
2 tsp vanilla

In a seperate bowl, combine dry ingredients:
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 Tbs. cloves
2 Tbs. cinnamom
2 Tbs. ginger
1.5 Tbs. nutmeg

Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently. When combined, mix in:
1 stick of butter, melted

This makes about 7-8 thick, plate sized pancakes. SUPER thick. Cut back a tsp of baking soda or so if you prefer less cake-y pancakes.

* buttermilk is easy to make: 1 c. milk + 1 Tbs. lemon juice or vinegar, I let it stand for a half hour or so, but you could probably push it to even 5 or 10 minutes in a pinch.

When Parenting Kills

kristen — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:12:31 +0000

A must read post by a friend-of-this-blog. This post is sensitive in nature as it mentions an adopted child’s death at the hand of her parents – cardiac arrest brought on by spanking. Please pray for her sister, in critical condition, and for all families struggling with difficult to discipline children that this would . . . → Read More: When Parenting Kills