RETURN IT!

Americans will spend much time and energy after Christmas to "return it". They will receive something that will not work, or something that is the wrong size, or simply something that they don't want.

So return it or exchange it for something totally different! This behavior is so accepted that  gifts are given  with the receipt, so that they can be easily returned. This is expected, and no one is insulted. Americans say, "Isn't it great that we can take things back that we do no like?"
About one in every five people expects to return a gift after the holidays, according to a poll taken by Consumer Reports.

Get to Know Two members of our Family!

Christmas is the time to reflect on the incarnation of Christ, a celebration! 
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
                                                                              John 1:14

It is also a time that our family comes together for that celebration. This year will be a special year, because our daughter and son--in-law will most likely be in Thailand for the next 3 years.

We want to share their story with you.
What are Trey and Kiki doing in Thailand?
Trey will be taking over as the Team Leader at the Bangna church plant. Trey will also be working with a young Thai pastor named Pat doing general pastoral ministry (visitation, prayer, and life on life discipleship of Thai believers) as well as university and mercy ministry in the Bangna area.
Kiki will be focused on equipping Thai believers in the ministry of counseling. Her hope is to partner with a few of the Thai believers who are already involved in counseling ministry to give them resources to be more effective and to be able to train others.  She also hopes to use her training to reach out to and care for other missionaries in the area, especially those who have marriage and family counseling needs. 
 

A True Story

The Story of Silent Night

Father Joseph Mohr sat at the old organ. His fingers stretched over the keys, forming the notes of a chord. He took a deep breath and pressed down. Nothing. He lifted his fingers and tried again. Silence echoed through the church.

Father Joseph shook his head. It was no use. The pipes were rusted, the bellows mildewed. The organ had been wheezing and growing quieter for months, and Father Joseph had been hoping it would hold together until the organ builder arrived to repair it in the spring. But now, on December 23, 1818, the organ had finally given out. St. Nicholas Church would have no music for Christmas.

©2006 Publications International, Ltd

    

.

Father Joseph took a walk up a mountain path. He looked out over the Austrian Alps. Stars shone above in the still and silent night.
Silent night? Father Joseph stopped. Of course! "Silent Night!" He had written a poem a few years before, when he had first become a priest, and he had given it that very title. "Silent Night."
Father Joseph scrambled down the mountain. Suddenly he knew how to bring music to the church.
The next morning, Father Joseph set out on another walk. This time he carried his poem. He was going to see his friend Franz Gruber, the organist for St. Nicholas, who lived in the next village.
It was Christmas Eve, and that night Father Joseph and Franz Gruber stood at the front of the church. Father Joseph was holding his guitar. The people had never heard a guitar played in church before.

Father Joseph and Franz Gruber began to sing. Their two voices rang out, joined by the church choir on the chorus. Together they sang the words of Father Joseph’s poem and the melody of Franz Gruber's music.
When the last notes faded into the night, the congregation remained still for a moment, then began to clap their hands. Applause filled the church. The villagers of Oberndorf loved the song!

Today, people all over the world sing this simple song that was first played in a mountain church in Austria on Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago.

"Silent Night" Lyrics
1. Silent night, Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild;
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Hallelujah,
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
3. Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth.

AAAH..... Idioms!

Idioms 1

1. Q: Jack has egg ______ because he couldn't remember how to spell "Batman"!

on his teeth
on his face
on his shirt
on his fingers

2. Q: As the maestro lifted his baton the theater was so still you could hear _____.

his heartbeat
a pin drop
bird wings
the drum beating

3. Q: I don't agree with you, but your idea certainly gives me food _____.

for fun
for consider
for thought
for thinking

4. Q: I think I understand the nuts and _____ of the operation.

screws
hammer
nails
bolts

5. Q: I'm afraid hip hop isn't my cup of _____.

tea
java
coffee
wine

6. Q: Just a moment... I've got the answer on the ____ of my tongue.

top
tap
tip
back

7. Q: Look, I will pay you back. Would you please call the ____?!

hunters off
tigers off
dogs off
apes off

8. Q: Ever since he married Jane, he's had a new ____ on life.

rent
lease
title
loan

9. Q: Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I guess I really put my _____ in my mouth.

foot
hand
elbow
knee

10. Q: I'll be back in the twinkling of ____.

an eye
a lighting bolt
a smile
a laugh

Take your shoes off and walk in the sand down the narrow road!

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him
he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

"Enter God's kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that leads to death and hell. Many people go that way.  But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to life. Only a few people find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Christmas Vocabulary

Frosty The Snowman's baby picture!

Match these words with their meanings:

1. advent wreath        a.  metallic foil strip decoration  

2. angel                     b.  Christmas Star flower

3. creche                   c.  one candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas

4. mistletoe                d. a salutation of good health

5. poinsettia               e. decoration for the top of the  tree

6. Saint Nicholas        f. a kind bishop who brought presents to children

7. tinsel                     g. a manger scene

8. wassail                   h. a sprig of evergreen plant

Holiday Fun at the Halthen's

Here you see family, friends, and sons with girlfriends. If you look closely you'll notice that there's a sign that says 'Happy Birthday'. No, we are not confused. We are just celebrating many events at one time: birthday, Thanksgiving, and holiday college football games.
After the meal, we went for a walk and then the "kids" and Dad bought a Christmas tree. Enjoy this short video starring the Halthen men being filmed by  big sister (she is the dance director)!

They were each demonstrating their choice with a little dramatic flair! Skip is in the front, then comes Erik, and Dad is in the back.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 Here is our family's favorite way to cook our turkey!!!
It's called Trashcan Turkey! Note that it is the men who cook this turkey.
The turkey is inside that metal trashcan, cooking.



 That handsome young man who is standing next to my daughter is my son-in-law.




Watching the turkey is the main activity.




Viola! 

Find the Errors! Warning! Some of these are tough!

Correct these sentences. One error per sentence. Look at the underlined words.

1. I went to the library to get as  many information as I could.

2. To eliminate any delays on handover we would remember you to bring all the necessary documentation.

3. He was accused of stealing an old lady in the high street just after she had left the bank. 

4. It's absolutely no good  asking me. I haven't the smallest idea. 

5. Working at the reception desk for an airline can be hard work when you consider all the different people you have to hold with.

6. The teeth were in such a bad condition that three of them had to be detracted.

7. My main trouble is that I have a terrible feel of direction. 

8. From it's very beginning the piece of music has the power to carry you away to distant lands.

9. I honestly cannot except the basis of your argument because it is too full of holes. 

10. Mary could always be trusted on to be late for work.

11. We were very surprised at the generosity of the offer as it far acceded our expectations.

 

 

Look at the Birds of the Air

The Robin and the Sparrow
Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”

Said the sparrow to the robin,
“Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”
~~Unknown Author

They don't plant or gather crops. They don't put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren't you worth much more than they are?  "Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?  Matthew 6:26-27

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Having fun practicing our English!

What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall? 

 

Isaiah 40:28-31

Don't you know who made everything? Haven't you heard about him? The LORD is the God who lives forever. He created everything on earth. He won't become worn out or get tired. No one will ever know how great his understanding is.

29 He gives strength to those who are tired. He gives power to those who are weak.

30 Even young people become worn out and get tired. Even the best of them trip and fall.

31 But those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak.

Random Act of Culture!

On Saturday, October 30, 2010 the Opera company of Philadelphia Chorus and over 650 area choristers met at Macy's Center City Philadelphia.

Enjoy this YouTube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU&feature=player_embedded


The people with the round pins are the professional singers. They are scattered throughout the the center of the mall and begin to sing. The shoppers had no idea what was happening, but quickly stop their shopping to enjoy this 'random act of culture'.

Don't go in the Red on Black Friday!

Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. 

Will you be filling up your 'little red wagon' on November 26th?

Black Friday refers to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from being in the red (posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (turning a profit).

 

Word Meaning Challenge - Will you dare to oppose the Hulk?

Prefix   ob-, "against, toward"            Root    pone, pose,  "place, put"

           sub-,  "under" 
                            
These are the verbs:
oppose   - place, put against   (resist; work against)

suppose  -  place, put under  (believe to be likely)

What are the nouns?

Complete these sentences with words having the root pone/pose.
1. Our mayor will face strong _______________ in his campaign for reelection.
2. It is my ___________ that he will win, even though his ___________ has more political experience.

What about the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving?

The Pilgrims set aground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. Weakened by the seven-week crossing and the need to establish housing, they came down with pneumonia and consumption. They began to die By the spring, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower.

The Pilgrims obviously needed help and it came from an English-speaking member of the Wampanoag nation, Squanto. Squanto decided to stay with the Pilgrims for the next few months and teach them how to survive.

The harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one and the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast.

But the only letter that we have telling us about the first Thanksgiving praises God for the harvest, makes reference to the "goodness of God" in providing for them, and says that the feast was held so that they "might after a special manner rejoice together."⁴ 

The settlers asked Squanto and the leader of the Wampanoags, Massasoit, to bring their immediate family and to dine with them. The feast lasted three days. The Pilgrims and Indians ate outdoors at large tables and competed together in tests of skill and strength.

Did you know that most Americans confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day? Learn the history of Veterans Day.

The History of Veterans Day

What Do You Know About Veterans Day?

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, most Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, reports the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What's more, some Americans don't know why we commemorate our Veterans on Nov.11. It's imperative that all Americans know the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former service members properly.

A Brief History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Trick or Treat!

What is the History of Halloween?

Halloween is a holiday of costumes, pumpkins, witches, ghosts, haunted houses and trick-or-treating. What exactly is the history of Halloween? Where did these strange traditions originate?

What is Halloween?

The history of Halloween can be traced back 2,000 years. It was during these ancient times in Europe that the Celts celebrated the beginning of winter on the evening of October 31st. November 1st was the first day of their new year and it also marked the first day of winter.

When Christians began to gain authority in the 800s, the history of Halloween was forever changed; November 1st became known as All Saints Day or All-Hallows. It is believed that the Christians slightly altered the holiday into a church related celebration, honoring deceased saints. Not unlike Celtic tradition though, the Christians too honored the dead on this day. The evening of October 31st soon became known as All-Hallows Eve and was eventually changed to Halloween.

The History of Halloween: Traditions and Customs

Today in America it is traditional to celebrate the holiday by throwing a party in which the guests dress in costume.

The tradition of trick-or-treating and costumes are a little less tied to the history of Halloween. Door to door trick-or-treating began in America. Modern day trick-or-treating is most commonly practiced by children who walk door to door asking for candy. They customarily say "trick or treat" in anticipation that they will be given a treat which is most likely candy.

Today, dressing in costume is also a very popular way to celebrate the spooky holiday. Costumes range 

 from ghost and witch costumes to trendy costumes such as famous characters.

 This is a picture of my son after "trick or treating". He is already in his pajamas and counting all his candy! I'm not sure how much he has already eaten! It appears that he has had too much, but wants one more!

Save the M&M's for me!

Be very careful when working out in the yard!

WSB News

Killer Bees Blamed for Man's Death

By

Jon Lewis

@ October 22, 2010 4:59 AM 

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) Tests show Africanized ``killer'' bees were responsible for the death of a 73-year-old man in Dougherty County.

Curtis Davis was stung hundreds of times when his bulldozer hit an old wooden porch post where the bees had built a giant hive. The insects swarmed him.

Georgia Agriculture Commission Tommy Irvin said Thursday that tests showed the insects were a hybrid of African and European honeybees, sometimes called ``killer bees.'' The bees are extremely defensive, swarm in greater numbers than typical European honeybees and sting with little provocation.

Irvin said the bees spread from Central America and first appeared in Texas in 1990. They have gradually spread to other states. State officials said they will continue trapping and monitoring bee swarms to identify Africanized honeybees.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Which picture demonstrates Americans at a party? The blue one or the red one. The dots are people.

How would the picture look for a party in your country?

Tongue Twisters - maybe it's better not to have a tongue?

A flea and a fly flew up in a flue.
Said the fly to the flea, "What shall we do?"
Said the flea, "Let us fly!"
Said the fly, "Let us flee!"
So they flew through a flaw in the flue.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

Six slippery snails slid slowly seaward.

She sells sea shells by the seashore.
The shells she sells are surely seashells.
So if she sells shells on the seashore,
I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

Surrender! A good thing or bad thing?

Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

Surrendering your life means -
Following God's lead without knowing where he's sending you;
Waiting for God's timing without knowing when it will come;
Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
Trusting God's purpose without understanding the circumstances.

An exercise for the intermediate level

THE THINGS MY TEACHER NEVER TAUGHT ME TEST

1. One of the most important things in this life is _________.

a. love

b. the love

2. Although we like ________ very much, we don't like to be together all the time.

a. us

b. each other

c. ourselves

3. She _______ me math when I was at school. She was a good teacher.

a. teach

b. taught

c. thought

4. She is much more intelligent ____ me.

a. that

b. as

c. than

5. Which river ____ through the Grand Canyon?

a. does run

b. run

c. runs 

6.The U.S. State of Vermont has a French name. What ____ it _______ exactly?

a. does / means

b. do / means

c. does / mean

7.__________ nose grows longer every time he tells a lie?

a. Who's

b. Whose

c. Who

8. What __________ to objects in zero gravity?

a. does happen 

b. do happen

c. happen 

d. happens

9. They took your mother to _____ hospital, ____ excellent hospital.

a. an / an 

b.a / an

c. a / a 

d. an / a

10. I have lots of ______ this weekend, so I won't be going out.

a. homework

b. homeworks

Idiom: FEATHER IN YOUR CAP

Here's another idiom for you. Those of you who have been commenting on this blog- You can put a feather in your cap!!
That's you, Grace, Pei, Susan, Mayumi, Connie, Kelly!.
Meaning of the idiom:

A success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather in your cap.

Do you recognize this American city?

These photos are compliment of Harry, a member of the Saturday ESL class at Perimeter. Thanks, Harry! Great photos!

If you haven't guessed it yet, this photo has a great clue in it!

Watch this video of the Chinese Circus doing Swan Lake

Just click on this link:

http://www.nzwide.com/swanlake.htm 

The Halthen's have a dancer in the family, as well. This is our daughter Kirsten.

Here are some sample TOEFL test questions for the advanced level.

Be tough and give it a try!

Q1: _____ his illness, John continued to play rugby.
Despite
Although
Even though


Q2: After many peace corps teachers return to the States, ___________ professional English teachers.
often they become
they often become
and often become


Q3: _______ that the American Indian crossed a land bridge into North America from what is now Russia.
It is considered
It is thought
It was thought 


Q4: None of the students _____ a car.
has
have
have got


Q5: _______ the Depression, individual stock ownership was common in the United States.

It was during
By the time of
Because


Q6: Never before _____ as rapidly, as during the last three decades.
communications have developed
have communications developed
have developed communications


Q7: It is not yet clearly understood _________ cause obesity.
why eating too many hamburgers can
why can eating too many hamburgers
eating too many hamburgers can







 

Does speaking English make you fat?

 30.6% Of Americans Are Obese, Compared To 3.2% Of Japanese And Koreans

The USA has the highest percentage of obese people in the world, followed by Mexico 24.2%. The top seven countries include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - all English-speaking countries!

Let's eat! 

Gerund versus Infinitive Quiz

"To do" or "not to do"? or is it "doing"?

1. What do you recommend _____________ in New York?  (do)
2. Julian wants a new car, but he can't afford __________   one this year. (buy)
3. Jack tried _________ me, but he couldn't.  (help)
4. Brent is looking forward to _______ a short break next month. (take)
5. Karen was real hungry, so she stopped __________ a quick snack. (have)

Is English scary?

Just hang on for a wild ride!

Idiom Fun!

Use these words one time in the following phrases:
blind, busy, clear, cunning, fresh, light, old, quiet, slippery, stubborn

1. As __________ as a fox
2. As __________ as a daisy
3. As __________ as a mouse
4. As _________ as a bat
5. As _________ as an eel
6. As _________ as a bee
7. As _________ as a mule
8. As _________ as the hills
9. As _________ as a feather
10. As ________ as a bell

How does this thing work?

Where are the smiles? Enjoying this blog is supposed to be fun!

Fall Semester Begins at Perimeter!

We're off and running! For more pictures, checkout the slideshow at the right.

Do you ever complain about your work commute here in Atlanta? Watch this video!

You might want to reconsider?

Truth or Consequences

Here are some famous quotes. Some will make you smile, and some will make you think. Some of these quotes are loaded with idioms.  Have fun reading them and ask any questions that you want.

Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.  Thomas Jefferson

Pretty much all the honest truth telling in the world is done by children. Oliver Wendall

If you want to ruin the truth,  stretch it. Unknown

A lie gets half way around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on. Winston Churchill

Always tell the truth. That way you don't have to remember what you said. Mark Twain

And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. Jesus Christ

Kids say the darnedest things!!

Can you guess who is in these photos?

Vocabulary Challenge

Does this picture display -
audacity or prudence?
confidence or presumption?
defiance or stupidity?
temerity or faith?

After you understand the vocabulary, come up with your own opinion!

Test time! Adjectives!

1. He invited that ___ lady to dinner.
a. young beautiful
b. beautiful young

2. These are _______  products.
a. excellent agricultural
b. agricultural excellent

3. Why can't you wear your ____ dress tonight?
a. pink silk
b. silk pink

4. The boy needs ______ balls for that activity.
a. ten cotton small
b. ten small cotton

5. I've booked that ____ table on the corner.
a. big square
b. square big

6. Mary's husband gave her a _____ vase.
a. porcelain French
b. French porcelain

7. He broke Mother's ____ milk jug.
a. green old
b. old green

8. My brother wants to meet that ____ girl.
a. tall Japanese
b. Japanese tall

9. What do you plan to do with these ____ bottles?
a. empty wine
b. wine empty

10. That ___ woman needs help.
a. old foreign
b. foreign old

Just for Fun! Can you guess?

Which one of these beautiful young women is my daughter? They are all from Belhaven College in Mississippi.

Say or Tell ?

Here are some general simple rules to follow when you use the words: 'say" or 'tell'.

With 'tell', we say who is told.
   (I told Bill to bring the book.) Who did I tell? Bill.
With 'say', we say what  is said.
   (I said that he should bring the book.)  What did I say?

Try these examples:
1. What did he _____?
2. Mary  ____ her sister to bring the tablecloth.
3. Everyone  ___ that they had finished the test.

4. They ___ us to come at 8:00 pm.
5. Sally ___   everyone about the accident.
6. Why didn't he ___ anything about the accident?

Beware there are exceptions!
Tell me a story. (Tell who a story?) This follows the rule.
Tell a lie. Tell the truth. Tell a story. (Correct, but does not follow the rule)
Say a story.  Say a lie.  Say the truth. (Not correct)

Pick up or Drop off ? (tricky phrasal verbs)

 "Of course we can go there together.  What time should I _______   you  ___ ?"

"Yes, I can take those letters to the post office.  I'll  _______ them  ___  as I go home from work."

"You don't have to take a taxi.  I'll be happy to ____  you  __ at the airport."


 I'll be glad to _____  ___  your kids from soccer practice."
(Fill in the blanks with "pick up" or "drop off" and see how you do.  Look at Word Tsunami!   Answers coming soon. )

Bad News about Education in the US

Educating your children in the US is a challenge for many parents. Georgia isn't on this list, but I know that it is not at the top of  list.
What are your thoughts?
Check out the comments under "Food for Thought".  Kelly had some ideas.

Kudos to Catalina! Chong! Connie! Daisy! Kelly! Mayumi! Pei! Shellsea!

These people have all bravely posted a comment!!!!  A great way to practice their English and have a lot of fun!
I look forward to seeing more comments!!!