Grandma's Gleanings
Words and Thoughts from Grandma
It would be an experiment in independence, a nation comprised of free people-citizens who could speak, write, assemble, and worship without fear of a tyrant’s intervention. Prior to the American Revolution, the crown of England imprisoned, mutilated, exiled, and even killed men and women who voiced opposition, who belonged to minority political parties, or …
What characteristics would you list in your definition of a friend? What do you consider the hallmarks of true friendship? For me, loyalty is an essential quality, someone who sticks by me when times are tough, when I’m at my weakest. Common interests are always a plus, someone who shares the same hobbies, pastimes, …
If compromise didn’t exist, agreements would never by attained between people of diverse opinions. The Great Compromise of 1787 is one example of bridging a gap between two different viewpoints. The government of a free nation was being formed when a disagreement arose between the smaller states, who sought equal representation, and larger states, …
Since our family is spread over a bit of a distance now, holiday gatherings are cherished times. But I noticed during our latest family feast that one of my sons was sporting new reading glasses. Ah, the dreaded presbyopia had begun! Presbyopia, a combination of two Greek words, old man and eye, becomes evident …
In the course of my teaching career, I have been fortunate enough to have encountered a myriad of some truly gifted young people. I met one such student in the autumn years of my teaching career. This young lady was simply amazing; she could take a camera and not only capture what the camera saw, …
Allow me to present to you two opposing homeschooling scenarios. Scene one: the child reluctantly stumbles out of bed, but resists all attempts to get dressed, fed, or organized by the designated start time; the day melds into a constant battle to force concentration, to complete projects, and finish daily assignments; the evening is …
A nation was divided. The chosen people of God, Israel, had split into two separate kingdoms, never again to be united in purpose. Tribe against tribe, brother against brother. What brought about the demise of these blessed people? What was the turning point? What went so terribly wrong? The story is fascinating. King Solomon …
At times it’s easy for those of us advanced in age to become overconfident in our acquired wisdom. We have lived long, seen much, experienced life, and made the hard decisions, therefore we have a larger library of experience at hand as we face the daily struggles of life. When I often find myself privately shaking …