Aug. 9, 2008 - Day of Fasting for Dr. Oliver DeMille

A letter written by Deena regarding Dr. Oliver DeMille's health and a special day of fast for him.

Shiloah
___________________________

Dear Friends,

As you know, leadership education is not new, but with the onset of the industrial revolution in America and, subsequently, the public school being removed from local governance, most of the principles of this educational philosophy were lost to modern education.


However, leadership education is making a comeback, and the man most responsible for this resurgence is Dr. Oliver DeMille, author of A THOMAS JEFFERSON EDUCATION and president of George Wythe College.


Please recognize we are among the beneficiaries of his life’s work as Dr. DeMille has worked tirelessly and sacrificed much on our behalf—including time with his family and even his health.


By now you probably have heard that he is very ill and has cancelled his speaking engagements for an indefinite period. Rachel, his wife, wrote in her statement that he was taking a six-month leave, but sources at the college have suggested it will be longer.


Actually, Oliver has been ill for some time, but has continued to travel extensively on behalf of the college and in a show of support for all of us who are trying to implement leadership education in our homes.


For example, he came to Rancho Cucamonga three times this year—in January, again in April, and lastly this past weekend—for which he received no remuneration. (This is a man who commands thousands of dollars in speaker’s fees from Fortune 500 companies.)


Dr. DeMille’s temporary absence is a rich opportunity for personal growth for each of us who has already discovered TJEd. Here is a perfect opportunity to increase individually in statesmanship and leadership, and there is much each of us can do to encourage others to strive toward becoming liber.


Now is the time to step up if you have been feeling that you should do something—heal or strengthen the family culture in your own home, start reading, start keeping a journal, establish a colloquia group, teach a class of young scholars, take a class yourself, fall in love with learning, become politically active, etc.


I am confident that Oliver will recover, but I also recognize the seriousness of his condition as my own mother died less than two years ago of adrenal failure—although she was old and had completed her mission. Therefore, acknowledging that one of the pillars of TJEd is God, I add my voice to those of other friends of the DeMille family who are petitioning that God’s grace will attend him.


It is my understanding that most, if not all, of the major religions of the world have as one of their tenets the principle of fasting, which is the voluntary abstinence from food for the purpose of developing or renewing spiritual strength.

For those of you for whom this is a part of your faith, I echo the invitation made by friends of the DeMille famly and invite you to participate in a day of fasting and prayer on behalf of our mentor, Dr. Oliver DeMille, on Sunday, August 10.

~Deena~

Jul. 31, 2008 - My Babies

Apr. 21, 2008 - Clicking Fun

Nov. 7, 2007 - We Have a Diagnosis

Aug. 11, 2007 - I was tagged

Homeschoolmom 0221 tagged me this evening. Here we go!

1.  What is your favorite Bible verse?

Proverbs 22: 6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  It is such the focus of my thoughts on a daily basis in this season of my life. 

2.  What season of the year is your favorite? Why?

It is a toss up because I love them all.  I would have to say Spring is my favorite, though.  I feel refreshed and reinspired when spring comes around. I love that it isn't too hot and occasionally cold enough to still feel cozy inside but pretty on the outside with the budding flowers and plants.

3.  Do you think homeschooling will continue to grow?

Definitely!  When I was a child, we homeschooled for 5 years.  It was so unheard of in most places, people actually thought we were making it up!  Now that I'm homeschooling my own children it is almost an expected "yes" when I'm asked if we homeschool. 

4.  List 4 people who have most influenced your life

  1. My dad

  2. Debra C. who successfully homeschooled all five of her children in a relaxed, loving environment.  Each child went to college and have all be successful! :)

  3. Marybeth Davis whom I knew in my youth, she set a wonderful example to me on how to keep a home and raise a beautiful family.

  4.  The author Joann Larson and her books about not being perfect.

5.  What is your favorite non Biblical Quote?

This is difficult because I'm an avid collector and love of quotes.  There are so many wonderful ones.  This is the one on my signature line:

"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class." -- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

6.  Silk, satin, or cotton

I prefer cotton.  It's simple, its airy, it breathes.  But I would love a set of satin sheets! ;)

7.  If you like chocolate, what is your favorite?

This isn't fair either!  I am a chocolate LOVER.  Ok, so if I had to narrow it down to one favorite.  It would be between the 80% bittersweet chocolate bar and Nestle's Symphony (blue) with the toffee and almonds.

8.  If you could sit at dinner with five people who would they be?

My darling husband, Ben.  I always want to be with him.
My friend Dawn
My friend Beth
My sister Gen
and Diann Jeppson (co-author of the second Thomas Jefferson Edu book)

9.  What is your favorite author?

Right now it is Jane Austen.  Ask me another time and it will change.  I'm almost finished with Emma and will be starting Persuasion!

10.  Who will you tag?

Anyway who wants to join in and Dawn S. and Little Skipper

Jun. 9, 2007 - From the Baker Studio

May. 21, 2007 - Cyber Charter Schools need help

Here is a message from a fellow homeschooler- lets help as much as possible to keep cyber charter schools open!

Shiloah --

____________________________

As I now understand it, House Bill 446 is up to seriously cut the funding to cyber charter schools across the state of Pennsylvania.  The Cyber Schools are stating that they will not be able to operate with this type of funding cut.  Our school is organizing another march in Harrisburg, and once I have that date, I will forward it on to you.  In the meantime, you can find current information on this website:  http://www.pacyberfamilies.org.

 You can get involved if you wish, in several ways.

 http://pennsylvaniaspeakout.blogspot.com/

  I have started a blog for this and other issues facing Pennsylvania residents.  Join me there and let your voice be heard.

 http://www.pacyberfamilies.org/joinus

 With this link, you can register to write letters or call legislators, get information on attending public rallies for cyber schools, or write articles for the PA Families Newsletter.

 http://www.pacyberfamilies.org/newsletters/display.cfm?ID=712

 Provides information on how to contact State Representative Karen Beyer and let her know that we will not stand for her bill.

 http://www.pacyberfamilies.org/uploads/leave-behind.pdf

  Provides a form letter that you can print, sign and send off.

 Thank you for your response!  It meant a lot to me to see so many Mom Packers jumping up to help with this.

Melanie