The Mack Academy

Recession: A Blessing in Disguise?

Wendy Mack — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:45:00 -0700

For a scholarship, I wrote an essay about the effects of the current recession on the family. I really enjoyed writing it and thought I'd share it.

While initially, one would expect the current recession to have an adverse effect on the average family, I have found that my family has grown more creative, closer in our relationships, and wiser in our decisions as a result.

There are many studies that claim that television and video games “suck up” creativity and I believe that there may be some truth to that. Several years ago to cut expenses, my parents made the decision to get rid of our cable television. We still had videos to watch, but the television was on far less frequently than when we had cable. Suddenly, my sisters and I found ourselves with abundant time on our hands. We all read more and began to discover interests or talents that we otherwise might not have known we possessed. Although I did not enjoy the home economics course I took in high school, I realized that once I had the freedom to experiment, I loved cooking and baking. I also learned how to knit and have enjoyed making sweaters and scarves for family and friends. We encouraged friends to get rid of their cable subscription and they, too, have found themselves being more creative.

We also found that we became more creative – and more appreciative – with gifts. A few years ago, we watched an episode of “Little House on the Prairie” where the Ingalls family made Christmas gifts for each other. It looked like a lot of fun, and since we had little money to spend on gifts that year, we decided to make the gifts for each other. Our family enjoyed making the gifts so much that we made it a tradition, and have now branched into making birthday gifts as well. The realization that the things I received were the product of a great deal of time and effort caused me to value them much more than the store-bought gifts I had previously been given.

Recently, I learned how to sew and – both to apply for a scholarship, and because I could not afford to buy one – I undertook the task to sew my own prom dress. While it was challenging, I enjoyed constructing it and plan to sew other clothing in the future. If I had been able to buy a prom dress, I never would have discovered how much I love sewing.

Our family has also grown closer in our relationships – a fact which I attribute in part to the current recession. I have found that I respect my parents a lot more for their efforts to provide for the family. It is evident how much they enjoy, not only supplying our basic needs, but also meeting our “wants” as well. My sisters and I have become much more sensitive toward causing any guilt through wishes or requests that we know they cannot supply.

Since we do not watch much television, and cannot afford to buy video games, my family has spent much more time together. We have discovered that we all love to debate, and a family dinner might last for a few hours if we are debating an interesting topic. In addition, we have resurrected our old board and card games and have a great deal of fun challenging each other.

The greatest blessing of the current recession, however, has been in our decisions. I have learned that if I want something, I should work hard to earn the money to buy it, rather than buy it on credit and pay for it later. I have also found that I appreciate the item more and take better care of it because I understand how much time went into earning it. Through my parents, I have learned how to make do with little and not feel that I am lacking anything. They have taught me how to be frugal with resources such as water and electricity and I have become much more conscious of what I waste. In the future, when I begin to support myself, I intend to use these lessons to make wiser choices about spending and to cut down on my expenses so that I might help avoid another recession. I also plan to teach these lessons to my children.

While the current recession is by no means easy to go through, the good lessons and experiences far outweigh the bad. I firmly believe that the strength of the family and the creativity of the people are a large part of what makes America great, and perhaps, this recession will make America an even greater nation.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Bah Humbug!

Kathy Mack — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0700

Dear Mr. Iger,

Why is there no Christmas store at Disneyland anymore? It was charming when it was in the castle, but bigger and better stocked when moved to New Orleans Square, it kind of got put back in Fantasyland, although it never seemed to be open when I was at the Park. Other than a few odds and ends at World of Disney - there is nothing!!! It can't be for lack of sales - I had to fight crowds and stand in line every time I shopped there. Let's bring back the Christmas shop - what could be better than a combination of Christmas and Disney?

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Fashion, Clay, Books, and more...

Wendy Mack — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0700

These last few weeks have been rather busy for us. Amy and I are hoping to audition for our church's orchestra and have spent many hours practicing. We are also starting a bell choir at the Pine Mountain Club church, and have been going through materials in preparation for that. Amy also designed another fantastic clay box which I will be sharing soon.

Both Emily and Kelly received some fashion kits and dress models for their birthdays and they have been going to town creating new fashion designs. Emily had so much fun wrapping the fabric around the small doll and twisting it to make new fashions that she decided to pull out a sheet and wrap the fabric around Kelly to create life sized fashions.

Kelly has gotten hooked on the Mandie mystery series and has talked mom into making regular trips to the library so that she can check the books out. She has also enjoyed watching the old "I Love Lucy" TV series and loves to run down and tell me what is happening in the episode she is watching.

Several weeks ago, my aunt visited and taught me how to French braid. I've always enjoyed fixing hair, and with five, long-haired, girls in the family I'm never at a loss for a head of hair to style. A blog that I have really enjoyed following is The Story of A Princess and Her Hair in which a mom regularly posts tutorials for styles she either designs or recreates.

Another blog that I really enjoy following for my pop-up cards is Extreme Cards and Papercrafting. I love how Carol can take a design that seems so complicated, and break it down into easy, clear instructions.

I hope that you enjoy these blogs as much as I do!

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Disney Archivist for a Day

Kathy Mack — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:12:23 -0700

Who would you like to be for a day?

That's an easy answer for me - Dave Smith - the official archivist for The Walt Disney Company. This man either knows everything there is to know about Disney, or has the access to find out. What a cool job!

Mr. Smith wrote one of my favorite books - "Disney A to Z". If you love to learn about Disney history, I strongly recommend this book.

In the meantime, here is how you can access some Disney knowledge online: http://disney.go.com/vault/archives/today.html

Mr. Smith, if you'd ever like to really wow this homeschooling mom - just invite me to be your shadow for a day! (hint, hint)

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Dear Mr. Iger: A Disney Channel Makeover

Wendy Mack — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:59:46 -0700

Dear Mr. Iger,

Our family stopped watching the Disney Channel many years ago. Somewhere along the line the channel changed from fun and interesting family programming to several broadcasts each day of tween shows. I mean, really, how many times a day does "Hannah Montana" have to air?

We miss "Vault Disney" and the classic movies. You used to produce wonderful series like "Avonlea". Where is the creativity?

I have a theory that there are far too many cable channels available, and not enough talented writers or actors to fill the time slots. So we end up with unfunny sitcoms like "The Wizards of Waverly Place", "Hannah Montana", "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" - well, you get the picture.

How about producing some new series - with the same quality of "Avonlea" - here are some ideas...

The Boxcar Children
The Borrowers
Nancy Drew
The Hardy Boys
The American Girls stories
Historical or period Dramas (e.g. "Swamp Fox", "Zorro", "Johnny Tremain", etc)
A youth time traveler series - teaching children about history - Mr. Iger, there is so much excitement in history, with good writing, it could make great programming

Just some ideas to encourage The Disney Channel to return to its days of glory and quality.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Happy 55th Birthday, Disneyland!

Kathy Mack — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:07:58 -0700

Disneyland is the only theme park to have been directly supervised and built by Walt Disney. In my book, that makes it pretty special.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of my earliest memories (at age 3) was in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. That would have been in 1964. Just 9 years after Disneyland opened.

Dozens and dozens of my happiest memories are based around Disneyland - the pure magic of being there as a child, my family indulging my belief in Peter Pan by making sure we always rode on his ride, had tuna sandwiches at Captain Hook's ship, stopped to see Skull Rock, and of course, watch Tink fly over the castle before the fireworks began.

For some reason, my dad always took his vacations in August - and down to Disneyland we would go. We were always at the Disneyland Hotel on their anniversary (August 31), and my parents would hire a hotel babysitter (my sister and I will never forget Mrs. Johnson), and they would go out do dinner at the steak restaurant at the hotel. Even though we were there during the hottest time of the year, my parents made it so very comfortable for us. We got to The Park when it opened, and stayed until just after lunch. We'd ride the monorail back to the hotel, go swimming and then take a nap. We'd head back to Disneyland for dinner (often at my two favorite places: the Plaza Inn and the Polynesian Terrace), and we'd stay until well after the fireworks.

My memories grew when I went with friends for Grad Night in 1979, and as a teacher, when I took students there during summer camp. What an experience to take 9 boys - around age 10 - to Disneyland. Let's just say I stayed sane by taking them to Tom Sawyer's Island, and waited at the dock, since that was the only conventional way to leave the island!

I was there for the incredible 30th celebration, when Disneyland was open all night. Once you entered the park with your special ticket, you could stay until closing the next night! Main Street was lined with towering birthday candles, and spotlights arched a kind of rainbow over the castle. It brought tears to my eyes to stand around the flagpole and sing "Happy Birthday" to Disneyland.

The day after Eric proposed to me, we headed to The Park - after all, I had to make sure he was someone I could have fun with at Disneyland before I agreed to marry him!

And now, I get to celebrate all of those memories, and make new ones with my own children. My greatest dream would be that we all have lifetime passes and could go whenever we wished.

Disneyland, thanks for the memories. I pray that you always stay true to your founder's goal - to create a place where families could just enjoy being together, and forget the outside world.

Hope to be there with you to celebrate on the 60th.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

A Clay World

Amy Mack — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0700

About a year and a half ago, I had really wanted to take up whittling as a hobby. I had always loved looking at beautiful woodwork and wood carvings and I wanted to learn to make my own creations. My parents, however, were opposed to this new hobby because they were afraid that it was too dangerous using the knives and that accidents might happen. Much to my disappointment, they would not allow me to try whittling.

My mother knew that I wanted to try something new and decided to try to get me into the world of Scupley clay. I was not impressed, but she insisted I give it a try. Now I can't get enough of clay sculpting, taking challenges to improve my work and create new and fun characters. I have made many sculptures, including some of the Muppets, all of the Disney Princesses, Dumbo, Larry the Cucumber, holiday decorations, and much more.

Recently, I have enjoyed making shadow box scenes from different movies. So far I have made the Muppet Christmas Carol, Peter Pan, Toy Story, and Tinkerbell. Each character is unique and fun and I've been amazed at how the clay almost forms itself.

While, someday, I would still love to learn wood carving, I am so glad that I have been able to experience working with clay. It has become one of my favorite hobbies!

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Uncle Sam’s Hat

Wendy Mack — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:15:00 -0700

In honor of our countries birth, I designed a new Fourth of July card - Uncle Sam's Hat.

This was my first time using the cylinder technique. While it was easy to assemble, it took me a while to develop a template with the right proportions. As you can see, in my first attempt, the top of the hat didn't quite pop up all the way.

Later, I tried adding a support brace inside the card to push the top of the hat up - and met with success!

The hardest part about creating a pop-up card is visualizing - not what it will look like when it is open - but how it will fold. It's hard to tell in the picture but the hat is perfectly round when the card is laid flat, however, it needed to lay flat when I folded it. I thought I'd post a picture of the hat as I folded it to show how the hat flattens itself. The top of the cylinder folds inside the hat, the support pushes down, and the base of the hat lays flat.

I'm excited to have learned this new technique and have already come up with several ideas to incorporate it into new designs. Perhaps a candle on a birthday cake? Or maybe a Fourth of July Firecracker? If I can figure out how to put a cone on top I might even be able to make a spaceship or rocket! I'll keep you posted on my designs!

Originally posted on MackAcademy

A Case for Homeschooling

Wendy Mack — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0700

I have never liked writing a paper for school and never doing anything else with what I've written. I thought I'd post the argumentative essay I just finished.

Many of our schools are dangerous and inefficient. Often in the news there are reports about shootings and drug abuse in schools. Children as young as elementary school are familiar with several curse words and are hearing about subjects not appropriate for their age. Students are being taught that there is no God who created the universe, and that they are a result of random chance which diminishes the value of their life. It has become popular throughout our society to refer to education as boring or torturous, and students have little incentive to read or experiment outside of school. Students are graduating with few writing or math skills and without the knowledge of how to discover answers for themselves. Yet despite this grim situation, a movement has been growing to repel it. More and more parents have decided to pull their children out of public schools and to educate them at home. Critics of this movement claim that homeschooling children are ill equipped to handle situations in the “real world”, socially deprived, or that parents are unable to meet the special needs of a child – yet with homeschooling it is quite the opposite.

Disputers of the homeschooling movement claim that homeschooling children are raised in an artificial environment in the home, and thus incapable of coping with the “real world”. However, these critics fail to realize that public education is perhaps more of an artificial environment. Students are separated by age, grade level, and abilities. Social barriers are established between the different grade levels – limiting interaction. In life, however, few, if any, of these barriers exist. In a common work environment, one can see adults of different ages working as colleagues. Those with higher abilities are not separated from the rest of the team, instead, everyone is given a specific job to do for the good of the company and there is often much interaction. In the real world, workers must learn to work hard and work well with other colleagues.

The homeschooling environment actually prepares the student for adulthood. Albert Einstein once said, “It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom.” Unlike the public school environment, homeschoolers have time to ask questions and experiment. There is no time limit on their education and the students have the ability to take a much more hands-on approach to what they are learning. Because many of the parents who homeschool do not have a higher education, students are encouraged to look up the answers for themselves – equipping them to do their own research in the “real world” – and explain it to their parents. According to Dr. Gary Knowles, a professor at the University of Michigan who made a study of home educated adults, “None were unemployed and none were on welfare, 94% said home education prepared them to be independent persons, 79% said it helped them interact with individuals from different levels of society, and they strongly supported the home education method.” Obviously these homeschooled adults were able to “cope with the real world”. This is just one appealing attribute of homeschooling.

One of the biggest motivations for homeschooling parents is the fact that they are the ones teaching morals and values to their children – not the government – and that they are the ones choosing when their children learn about specific topics – not their classmates. Max Victor Belz, an Iowan grain dealer, once said, “I don’t want my children fed or clothed by the state, but I would prefer that to their being educated by the state.” Even the Transcendentalist author Ralph Waldo Emerson made the gloomy comment, “You send your child to the schoolmaster, but ‘tis the schoolboys who educate him.” Dr. Raymond Moore, a staunch supporter of homeschooling, stated, “Does anyone who knows children believe that the yellow school bus takes children down the road to a constructive, positive sense of society? Or returns them in the afternoon or evening more loving creatures than when they left in the morning?” One can clearly see that this mode of education is demoralizing and destructive to the values of both the parent and the child.

Children imitate whoever is around them. In public schools, it is considered “cool” to utter strings of curse words and blasphemous words, make provocative and inappropriate comments, act disrespectful to authority, etc. So how is homeschooling better? Author Laura Ingalls Wilder one said, “I believe it would be much better for everyone if children were given their start in education at home. No one understands a child as well as his mother… She can keep them from learning immoral things from other children.”

The Unitarian preacher William Ellery Channing made the statement, “The home is the chief school of human virtues”, and John Taylor Gatto, author of The Art of Education declared, “One of the first things a family tries to teach its children is the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. One of the first things our schools do is destroy that distinction.” It does not matter if the values are Biblical or not. The blog “Successful Homeschooling” compares some of the values taught in the homeschooling environment with the values taught in a public school. Homeschoolers are taught independence vs. dependence on the teacher and government; self-motivation vs. external rewards and consequences; creativity vs. adherence to standards; tolerance and individuality vs. pecking order and conformity; discipline focusing on building character vs. discipline focusing on classroom management; community service vs. materialism and entertainment; family vs. teachers and peers. The parents must decide between these two sets of values.

One of the biggest arguments that critics bring against homeschooling is that homeschooled children are socially deprived, yet they do not stop to consider whether or not it is harmful to be so deprived. The Education Review Office in New Zealand did a study in 1998 of the arguments against homeschooling and made this comment, “Concerns that homeschooled children are marginalized in terms of opportunities for socialization are generally addressed by homeschooling parents and homeschool support groups through the provision of additional social activities. Not one report in this study suggested that a greater emphasis on social interactions would be beneficial.” Ivan Illich wrote in “Deschooling Society”, “School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need the society as it is.” And author John Holt wrote “It is the duty of a citizen in a free country not to fit into society, but to make society.”

Despite this debate on whether or not social interaction and immersion is actually beneficial. It is a fact that, with rare exceptions, most homeschooling families are extremely socially involved – the difference is that the parents get to choose who their children interact with and thus, who influences their children. The Home School Legal Defense Association did a study on over five thousand homeschool students and determined that homeschool children were engaged in an average of 5.2 activities outside of the home. Another study showed that 98% of the homeschooled children were involved in at least two activities outside of the home each week. In fact, many homeschooling families complain of being over committed! Obviously these poor homeschoolers are suffering from social deprivation.

Not only is there a big motivation for parents to be able to teach their values to their children, but the quality of education is producing some fantastic results. In 2002, homeschoolers scored an average of 72 points above their public schooled counterparts on the SAT. Research has shown that “On average, homeschool students, grade 1-4, perform one grade level above their public and private school counterparts. The achievement gap grows in grade 5; by 8th grade the average home school student performs four grades higher than the national average.” Kate Grossman, a reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times reported that “The number of homeschoolers receiving National Merit Scholarships has increased more than 500 percent: from 21 in 1995 to 129 in 2003.” What is so different about homeschooling that would allow these students to perform above their peers?

Ignacio Estrada once said, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Parents are the ones who know their child’s interests and learning abilities best. If the child needs to have more hands-on activities, they can provide it. If the child struggles to understand a concept, extra time can be taken to explain it – there is no time schedule for a homeschooler. Lesson times are more of a conversation than a lecture, and the student has the ability to participate more with the materials. There is no apprehension of humiliating himself when reading in front of his classmates, and he might just find that reading is fun.

Author John Holt wrote of the public education system, “We destroy the love of learning in children, which is so strong when they are small, by encouraging and compelling them to work for petty rewards – gold stars, or papers marked 100 and tacked to the wall, or A’s on report cards, or honor rolls, or dean’s lists or Phi Beta Kappa keys – in short, for the ignoble satisfaction of feeling that they are better than someone else.” In the homeschool environment, the children work closely with brothers and sisters and are taught that they are not better than each other. In these homeschooled students is awakened the spark of creativity and the hunger for learning. Little time is wasted with interruptions and the student is free to explore. Many homeschooled students – unlike their public schooled friends – value their education, and instead of seeing it as dull or torturous, they feel excited about what they are learning. They want to work hard and learn more, and this makes all the difference in their grades.

Despite arguments that homeschoolers are unable to cope in the real world, socially deprived, or that parents are unable to meet the special needs of their children, the homeschool movement is growing rapidly with amazing results. Perhaps by being homeschooled, these students are better equipped with the morals and study habits necessary for adulthood.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Are You Wise?

Emily Mack — Mon, 5 Jul 2010 06:30:00 -0700

A while ago, my parents watched a movie called, "The Fourth Wise man". It was based on a story by Henry Van Dyke called The Other Wise Man. They were so impressed with the story, that they wanted my sisters and me to watch it as well. Here is the summary:

A magi named Artaban leaves his home and sells everything he has to go look for the Messiah. All the other magi taunted him for his decision. A reluctant servant accompanied Artaban only for a reward of his (the servant's) freedom. Artaban brings three gifts for Jesus; a ruby, a sapphire, and a pearl. Along the way, he stops and helps needy people and gives the gifts away to provide for them. He got sidetracked, and for 33 years, Artaban lived with a colony of outcasts and lepers using his medical skills and farming abilities to help them. Artaban learned that Jesus was in Jerusalem and set out to meet him. Many troubles prevented him from seeing Jesus before the crucifixion. Before Artaban’s death, Jesus rewarded his faithful servant, Artaban, with his heart’s desire.

My dad gave my sisters and me a challenge of how many verses from the Bible we could find to support this movie. He said if we found enough verses, we could earn the new Nancy Drew computer game for the four of us to play together. My dad also said that if we write a blog post about it, we could earn another game. These are the verses and the reasons why that we found:

John 3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him will never perish but have eternal life. –Answers why Jesus came.

Isaiah 9:6- For unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulders and His name will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –The prophecy that Jesus was Born.

Matthew 11:5- The Blind receive sight, the Lame walk, those who have leprosy are healed, the deaf her, the dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor. –Blind man received his sight

1 Corinthians 9:17- For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. –describes the servant

Matthew 6:1- Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them: otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. –Artaban did not serve the colony for prestige among the magi

Matthew 6:2-4- Therefore, when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I saw unto you, they have their reward. But when you do alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does. That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret Himself shall reward you openly.- Artaban did not announce to people that he was helping others.

Matthew 13: 45-46- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found a pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. –Artaban sold all he had for the King because he believed He (Jesus) was worthy.

Matthew 10:5-10- These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritains enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devil: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.”- Artaban gave all to serve the Lord.

Matthew 7:1-5- Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye but considerest not the beam in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote of thine eye and behold, a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then thou shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote of thy brother’s eye. –The servant was judging the people that Artaban helped based on their appearance, health, or financial standing.

1 Peter 2:24- He Himself bore our sins on His own body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness by His wounds you have been healed. – explains why Jesus had to die on the cross

1 Peter 5:5- Young men, in the same way, be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward on another because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” –The magi were proud about their abilities and not wiling to help

Matthew 25:35-36 –For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. –Described Artaban’s actions during the movie

Matthew 2:1-2 –Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.” –described the magi seeing the star and coming to worship the Messiah

Matthew 6:19-21 –Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but instead, store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. –Artaban did not store up his treasure on the earth in the treasure or prestige of the Magi, but he put his treasure in the Messiah and His service

Matthew 7:12 -Therefore in all things, do unto others as you would have them do unto you: For this is the law and the prophets. -Artaban treated the people kindly and in return he earned the people's love and respect

Isaiah 10:1-2-Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. -Warning against the people who hounded the colony because they were jealous of their prosperity

Matthew 2:5-6 -And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judea: For thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princesses of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, and he shall rule my people, Israel." -Gave the prophecy Artaban heard about where Jesus was born

Matthew 5:5 -Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth -Artaban was gentle toward the people he encountered

Matthew 5:8 -Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God -Described Artaban's desire to see God, and his effort to be pure in heart be serving others

Matthew 5:44 -But I say unto you, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." -Jesus told His followers to love their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them

Matthew 26:34 -Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee that this night, before the crock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." - Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him

Matthew 7:7-8 -Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh recieveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. -Artaban was faithful to search for the Messiah and found Him

Psalm 14:1 -The fool hath said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. -The servant refused to believe in God and to see the king. In his faithfulness to God, he was given the desire of his heart and he met Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 -Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. -Artaban's friends put their trust in wealth and their own knowledge while Artaban served others and laid up treasure in heaven

Matthew 23:12 -And whosoever shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself to be exalted. -Artaban humbled himself and served others, but his friend exalted himself and was killed

Proverbs 16:18 -Better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. -Artaban humbled himself and served others

Luke 2:29-32 -Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. -Artaban waited his whole life to let him see the Lord, and God did not allow him to die without granting his desire

James 4:5 - Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?" -Artaban was blessed because he humbled himself but the Magi were rebuked because they were so proud

Proverbs 16:18 -Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall -Refers to the pride of the Magi

Matthew 19:21 - Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." -Artaban sold everything to follow Jesus

Luke 10:36-37 -"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He that showed mercy on Him." Then said Jesus unto him, "Go, and do thou likewise" -Artaban was a good Samaritan to the people he saw

Isaiah 53:4 -Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. -Jesus healed the sick but was persecuted by the very people he had come to save

Matthew 9:29-30 -And he said unto them, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it." -Jesus healed the blind

2 Timothy 2:24 -And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. -Describes Artaban who truly was a servant.

Philippians 4:11 -Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. - Artaban was content serving others

Hebrews 13:5-Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. -The servant couldn't understand why Artaban was so content serving others

Numbers 24:17 -I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. -Artaban spent his whole life searching for the Messiah

1 Corinthians 13 (the chapter on love) -Artaban served the people because he loved them

Psalm 4:3 -But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call upon him. -Artaban was God's servant

Proverbs 19:7 -All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? He persueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. -Artaban gave freely of himself and his resources to help the poor. His reward was to see Christ before he died

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Minnie is a Chicken?!?

Kelly Mack — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 17:29:46 -0700

My cousin, Julie, recently got a chicken, and is looking forward to showing it in the fair.

She wanted to show us what her chicken will do in the fair. Julie inspected it, so that the judges would know if it is a healthy bird

One of her requirements was to dress up her chicken. Julie decided to dress her chicken up as Minnie Mouse. She has an old Minnie doll dress for her chicken, felt arms with little white gloves. She also hollowed out a Minnie Mouse antenna ball for the ears. The funniest thing was that as soon as the dress was put on the chicken, it pulled its head out - looking like a chicken with its head cut off. When the chicken tried to walk in the dress it would wobble, and turn somersaults across the table. Oh well, at least it has time to get used to the dress!

I am very impressed with my cousin’s creativity!

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Happy Birthday America!

Emily Mack — Sun, 4 Jul 2010 18:17:27 -0700

Today, this great country of ours, the United States of America, turned 234 years old. 234 years ago today, on July 4th, 1776, fifty-six men in the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson. This document would soon bring freedom to America.

The men who signed the Declaration were not only risking their lives, but their families lives as well. They knew that if they signed it, and if they were caught, they could be tortured and hanged as conspirators against the king.

Today, We should be inspired by the men who took this great chance, for instance, John Hancock. While other men were making small signatures on the Declaration, Hancock signed his name large and right in the middle of the page. When asked why he took that action, Hancock said that he"wanted the King of England to be able to see his name without wearing spectacles (glasses)"

I hope this Fourth of July, you will stop and think about all the people throughout history, who gave their lives for America's freedom.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

A Pop-up World...

Wendy Mack — Thu, 2 Jul 2020 10:25:54 -0700

A few years ago I was talking to my mom about opportunities for learning engineering techniques and she suggested that I learn how to make pop-up cards. Her reasoning was that pop-ups are very complex how they fold and that the practical application of the geometry I was learning would reinforce it in my mind. At the time, I was thinking only about robotics and didn't really consider what she was suggesting. However, the thought stayed in the back of my mind.

A year later it was Emily's birthday, and as our whole family has a tradition that we give hand-made cards, I had to come up with an idea. For some reason, all I could remember was that conversation and decided to search the web for instructions on making pop-up cards. I discovered Robert Sabuda's site and made the birthday cake pop-up card. I was instantly hooked!

I went to the library and checked out two books: Paul Jackson's The Pop-Up Book, and The Elements of Pop-Up by David Carter and James Diaz. These two books have become an essential part of my pop-up kit.

I have made several cards and taken many pictures which I will be posting in the future, but I thought that I would share one of my favorite designs I created.

I first made the made the pop-up ladybug card for one of my VBS girls, and later as a get-well-soon card for a friend who was going in for an operation. I used a combination of the Closed Tent Technique for the head and body and the Platform Technique for the leaf.

Creating pop-up cards has now become a major hobby for me. It is a craft that is both challenging and rewarding, yet not very common. If you are interested in creating your own pop-up cards, I would recommend that you first make a few of the template cards on Sabuda's website. Once you understand how the paper must fold, I would work through The Pop-Up Book. Finally, once you feel comfortable with the process, I would go through The Elements of Pop-Up to learn the more advanced techniques. This is an incredible craft and I hope that I can inspire you to take it up as well.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Mom Vs. Day Care

Kathy Mack — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:45:00 -0700

I was at a dinner party a few nights ago when a woman made the comment that in this day and age, both husbands AND wives have to work in order to get by, and children need day care.

Well, nothing puts a bee in my bonnet faster than such a ridiculous comment.

Before I go further, I do understand there are single moms who have to work - they have been dealt a tough role - but that is where families and churches need to step up to the plate to help these moms as much as possible, so that she can spend as much time as possible raising her children. Please note, I am not advocating welfare - but time and compassion. Kudos to dads who are raising the children. We need to reach out to you, as well.

BUT...we live in a society where most people feel they DESERVE to have the things they WANT (note, I did not say the things they NEED). In Santa Clarita alone - there are more nail salons than Starbucks (and there are quite a few Starbucks!). I cannot begin to tell you how ridiculous it is to spend $4 on a cup of coffee and a great deal more to have your fingernails and TOENAILS painted. But we deserve it don't we?

We make choices. By sending Mom to work, we choose to do so - above raising the children.

You know, we have three cars - one is 18 years old, one is 12 years old, and one is 9 years old. All rattle and have problems. We choose to do without a lot - new cars, eating out, vacations, new clothes, landscaping, etc., because we have chosen that raising the children at home was the most important thing.

Do you need that mini-mansion, jet skis, a new car, a large flat-screen TV, fancy vacations, or to have your toe nails painted? Or, can you scale back and stay home with your children?

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Soil, Sheep, and a Rainforest?

Kathy Mack — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:30:00 -0700

Add together almost 16,000 cookies, 1500 children, 500 workers, and five parables - and what do you have? Vacation Bible School at Grace Baptist Church!

The girls and I were extraordinarily blessed this past week to attend Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. I certainly had a life-changing week.

Wendy and I shared a sixth grade classroom of 19 girls - in which Kelly was a student. Emily led a table of first graders, and Amy sang and played the keyboard for Outdoor Music.

When the children arrived each morning, we attended a 35 minute assembly of music, drama, and information on the missionary that we were supporting. The contest between the boys and girls was held each day to see who could donate the most money to our missionary, Ashley Ruffner, who works at a school in Ecuador. The over $19,000 the students brought in will go to supply sports equipment, VBS materials, Bibles, and some new sound equipment to the school. The donation also paid for a plane ticket home, so Ashley could see her father who had become ill and needed surgery. Ashley was able to join us at the assemblies on Thursday and Friday.

After the assembly, our group went to our classroom (which our family had a blast decorating with rain forest themed decorations!) for craft time, then outside for some wet recreation time. After a quick snack (some of those 16,000 cookies), we headed in for a message from one of our pastors or a drama group. After that, we headed back to our room for our table time.

Each day's theme was a different parable told by Jesus in the Bible. On Monday, we learned about the sower and the seeds. We learned that if our faith is shallow, like seeds built on rocky soil, it will fail. We need strong healthy soil to grow strong.

Tuesday we heard the parable of The Lost Sheep. We were reminded that each and every one of us is important to Jesus.

Wednesday was one of my favorite stories - The Good Samaritan. It's always a good reminder that we need to love our neighbors - no matter what.

Thursday was a day to learn about prayer, and reviewing The Lord's Prayer, as well as the parable of the man who persistently knocked on the door. We were reminded that Jesus is knocking - are we going to answer the door?

And it all came to an end on Friday, with the parable of the Talents. Not talent as in singing and dancing, but in the Bible, the talents are money. We were challenged to think carefully and act with the talents God has given us. Not just money well spent, but our time - do we waste it, or are we glorifying His kingdom?

Wendy and I had an incredible time during the last hour of each day. Only a few of our girls were Christ-followers - many had never learned information from the Bible, or they did not attend church. We decided to allow them to ask any question they had about the Bible, and we would answer it. if we did not know the answer - we told them we would check in our Bible, or with a Pastor and get back to them. The questions were great, some were simple - like the girl who had heard of Adam and Eve, but had no idea who they were - so we took a day and covered Creation. There were lots of questions about Heaven and hell. We told the girls that one of our main goals for the week was that they left understanding that EVERY word in the Bible is true. We were able to outline the steps to salvation. Seeds were planted. Six Bibles were given away, in our class alone, to girls who had never owned a Bible.

A mighty work was begun. May God be glorified through this.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Memories of Mrs. Linda Reece

Kathy Mack — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:45:00 -0700

A dear woman passed into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior this past week.

Linda Reece, wife of Roger Reece, the pastor of Pine Mountain Christian Community Church fought illness for some time - although you would rarely have known it when spending time with her.

I had the opportunity to participate in a Bible study with Roger and Linda when they first came to the mountain community in 2007. It was a Bible study based on marriage, and strengthening our marriages. Roger and Linda were candid and wise. There were a couple of nights when Linda led the meetings, as Roger had an elders' meeting to attend. She did so with love and grace - and her witty sense of humor! Linda was great for sly comments out of the side of her mouth - always polite and kind - but hysterical, nonetheless.

Linda's memorial service was the most beautiful I have ever attended. Scripture was read, hymns and praise choruses were sung, family and friends shared their memories, but the most touching moment, was the Gospel presentation delivered by her husband. It was Linda's request that Roger - her pastor - deliver the message at her service. Roger has strength that I don't have. He was focused and clear about the steps one needs to take to spend eternity with our Lord. You're going to spend eternity somewhere - best to make sure NOW where that will be. Roger, there was not a person who left that service untouched - by the tribute and memories of Linda, but also by your courage to say what needed to be said. Thank you.

This poem, by T.R. Buzzard was on the back of the program. It speaks volumes.

Our Pastor's Wife
In the shadow of the parsonage stands a figure of obscure.
Just behind the faithful pastor is his wife, devout and pure.
She is with him every moment helping make his work progress,
and you can't discount her portion in the measure of success.
Oft behind the scene of action, often never seen or heard,
yet she stands forever ready just to give a helping word.
It is not in active service that her worth is really shown,
but in the bearing heavy burdens that to others are unknown.
With encouragement and vision she must urge God's servant on,
when the shadows are the darkest and his courage's almost gone.
With her home forever open and her work quite never done,
she is ever his lieutenant in the battles fought and won.

Well done, Linda.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

A Letter to Disney: Waterfalls and Bears?

Wendy Mack — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:24:32 -0700

Dear Mr. Iger,

I was quite excited when I learned The Disneyland Hotel was renovating their pool area and adding Monorail-themed water slides. I was dismayed, though, to find out you were taking out the koi ponds and waterfalls in this same renovation.

My family and I LOVED the waterfalls. What fun it was to cool off in a wet and noisy place. Sometimes, when you are unable to go swimming, it is a refreshing break on a hot summer day.

I am probably too late to get you to change your mind - especially since you have already given the fish to the Huntington Library in Pasadena - but I'm going to share an idea with you, anyway.

You've done a tremendous job making plans to add exciting things to California Adventure. I'd like to suggest some changes to the Grizzly Rapids section of the park:

1. We all miss Country Bear Jamboree, and few of us can afford to get to Florida to see it there. This is the PERFECT place to add it.

2. Since the theme of that area is the forests and wildlife of California - how about putting "walk through" waterfalls there? Again - another great place to cool off when it gets hot.

Most sincerely,
Kathy Mack

Originally posted on MackAcademy

"Chip" Comes to Visit

Wendy Mack — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:40:16 -0700

For the past few weeks I have been hearing noises behind the walls and in our ceilings. Then, a few days ago, I caught sight of the intruder.

"Chip" seems to have been living behind the wall in my office and using a route over my dad's office ceiling to get to our front room which currently serves as a greenhouse. One of the hazards of living in the forest is that "critters" love to move in with you. Late last year we had a family of raccoons move in under our deck and now it appears that some chipmunks have decided to follow suit.

I was able to catch several great pictures of him before he dove back to his home, and it wasn't until the camera made a noise that he ran. Oh well, we'll see how long this guest decides to stay at the Mack Family Bed and Board.

Originally posted on MackAcademy

How do you build an all-terrain robot?

Wendy Mack — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:00:00 -0700

I recently finished another robotics book entitled Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot. It was written by Brad Graham and Kathy McGowan and takes people with all levels of experience through the process of creating their own all-terrain robot with as little expense as possible. This book provides great resources and is packed full of good advice and ideas. Beginning by helping the reader understand exactly what he wants his robot to do, Graham and McGowan take the reader through the process of building two robots, and leaves him with a reminder of the endless possibilities of all-terrain robots.

Because I have very little experience with robots outside of the LEGO MINDSTORMS kits, I approached this book at a beginning level. I appreciated the minimal use of technical jargon and the clear explanations for any of these terms. I loved how the author did not box me into a certain mission or a way of building but presented multiple solutions to any problem that arose. The writing style allowed me to read it simply for ideas since I was not intending to build an all-terrain robot at that time, yet I could also use it as a sort of workbook if I started a robot.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in robotics - whether or not they are planning to build an all-terrain robot. I can say that while I had barely thought of it before, this book has inspired me to build my own robot to use in a local parade. I look forward to starting!

Originally posted on MackAcademy

Amy and Wendy Earn the Awana Citation Award!

Kathy Mack — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:30:00 -0700

Monday, May 24, marked the completion of 12 years of hard work and service for Amy and Wendy. That day they were each presented with the Awana Citation Award. For young people involved in Awana, earning the Citation Award is the ultimate achievement. The Citation is their reward for thousands of hours attending group meetings, working with children, getting involved in their communities, completing 10 years of biblically grounded curriculum and learning more than 700 Bible verses.

The awards ceremony was held at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. Wendy was the first of three students to speak. She shared what the various stages of Awana meant to her spiritual growth and development. Amy delighted all by playing the piano before and during the ceremony, including two of her own compositions.

Amy and Wendy began Awana when they were seven at the Pine Mountain Christian Community Church (http://www.pmccc.org/awanas.htm), where they were lovingly trained by leaders Nancy Miller, Pat Westlund, and Melodie Steele, among others. The girls were honored that Mrs. Steele continued to be an encouragement by attending their awards ceremony. In seventh grade they transferred to the Awana program at Grace Baptist Church.

For nearly 60 years, Awana has been a leader in children’s ministry, helping churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ. The founders of Awana derived the Awana name from the first letters of Approved workmen are not ashamed as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15 of the Bible. Based in the Chicago area, Awana is the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for ages 2 to 18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. Each week, more than a million children and youth, 250,000 volunteers and 300-plus field staff take part in Awana in over 18,000 churches in the U.S. and internationally Our family is so blessed to be a part of this wonderful program!

Originally posted on MackAcademy