Published by Kristie on 21 Jan 2009 at 11:19 pm
A Study of Worldviews
It’s not a typical school morning in the Wiedle household. Three lunches, three backpacks and three students. Today Mommy is off to school too.
Kind of intimidated, but prepared, I head off to class. Campus Crusade provides theological training by offering graduate-level seminary courses to Staff Members — moms included. Among the 50 or so people taking the Christian Worldview course, I’m one of only two moms (Greg is working at home this week to free me up).
My mind feels like it’s going to burst as I take in the often confusing tenets of Marxism, Theism, Naturalism, Humanism, Deism, Pantheism, Existentialism, Nihilism, Postmodernism and Islam. I think I’m coming to a better understanding of how some people view life.
But the course is not all lectures and textbooks. A big part of the grade is interviewing three people with a questionnaire that taps into how they view the world. I’ve already interviewed two of my neighbors and my hair dresser.
One neighbor is a new believer in Christ and is excited about growing and raising her 12 week-old daughter to know Jesus. My hair dresser is a Jehovah’s Witness and I enjoyed taking the conversation deeper than we normally do.
But I really want to tell you about my friend Jessica who serves with me on the neighborhood board. Her interview lasted two and half hours because she was so interested. I listened as she shared about her shuffled, difficult journey. Recently, her four year-old daughter asked, “Who is God?” Jessica was at a loss to explain and it really got her thinking.
Jessica told me she wants to know the God who created her. Wow! The Holy Spirit enabled me to share a great deal about God’s love for her and His desire to draw her into a personal relationship with Himself. I explained how sin separates us from Him, but that God’s loving grace provided a way though Jesus to re-unite us to Him. She was amazed.
The next day Jessica sent me this note. “Thank you for sharing all you did last night. It has really made me think in a way I’ve never thought before—in a good way.” Please pray that Jessica and I have more conversations about Jesus together. She’s also interested in attending church, although her husband is not at the same place in his journey. Would you remember this family in prayer?
Ok, got to go, it’s time to turn in my final paper!
Family Stuff
We’re not sure if Ethan will be ready for Kindergarten in the Fall. This weighs heavy on Kristie’s mind. Would you please pray for wisdom and discernment and for Ethan’s continued development?
We’re thankful that Ethan and Hannah can both be in gymnastics through June. They’re having a blast. Ethan is so motivated to attempt everything with the other kids, even though it is difficult. We hope to see increased body strength and abilities.
We are deeply grateful for your prayer and support. Thank you for being a part of our lives and ministry!
Greg & Kristie
Greg on 26 Jan 2009 at 10:40 pm #
Way to go, Kristie. I knew you could do it!
Dale Ewald on 27 Jan 2009 at 12:18 am #
Carole and I can relate to all your concerns about Ethan. Our 3rd child, Carrie, (and the girl Carole was praying for) was a special child, who suffered severe brain damage at birth and later developed cerebral palsey. Carrie lived to age 22 but never was able to walk, talk, feed herself and achieved a max weight of 35 lbs and about 3′ long, but she was a blessing to us. We believe God gives His special needs children to special parents, and I’m sure God will bless you as you show your love and care for Ethan. You and your family are in our prayers!
Dale
Mom and Dad on 27 Jan 2009 at 3:34 am #
Kristie, we know you can do it. Ethan, you are looking great. Keep up the good work, all you Wiedles. Love from Mom and Dad
dennis brockman on 27 Jan 2009 at 6:08 am #
I love how you attacked this class Kristie. I was suppose to be in the class with you, but came up short in my preparations and had to withdraw. Your experiences motivate me to try again.
I joined you in praying for your family contact and for Ethan this morning.
Todd & Jane Barber on 27 Jan 2009 at 5:43 pm #
Kristie~
I am so impressed w/ you – hope you enjoy your class and continue even more so to apply it in your interactions w/ those around you! There are so many worldviews in our own backyard – much ministry to be done! I will continue to pray for you to have wisdom as to when to have Ethan start Kindergarten. You guys are doing a great job in how purposeful and carefully you raise your children!
love,
jane
Skip Holmgren Franzen, Ph.D. on 28 Jan 2009 at 1:20 am #
Kristie:
As a retired California State University Professor, involved in training Master’s level School Counselors (I spent a total of 40 years as a professional educator), I am encouraging you to look very carefully as to whether or not Ethan should start Kindergarten this Fall – if you have any doubt whatsoever, have him wait a year! The extra year will not hurt him, BUT keeping him back in Kindergarten a second year if he doesn’t do as well as he should, will definitely hurt him – trust me on this.
Boys are notorious in their lack of readiness for starting school as compared to most girls. When my own sons (both adults) were Cub Scouts, and I was the Den Mother for their Cub Scout Pack, I was amazed at the differences in maturity, etc. of the boys in my den – the ones that were the most mature, doing the best in all areas, were ones that their parents kept back when the time came to start school. Three of the boys parents were teachers – they recognized that their sons were not quite mature enough to start Kindergarten as 5-year olds so kept them back a year.
I pray that you will make the right decision for Ethan – it is not a reflection on you as parentsif you delay his start in Kindergarten for one year.
Love and a hug as you go through this process!
Skip Franzen