Just returned from a radio interview with Janet Johnson of AM Tri-Cities on Oldies WKPT! We met Janet down in the lobby at the brand new Food City store in Kingsport. Upstairs, there is a little radio station area set up, and she broadcasts live. It was very unusual - a radio booth, on a 2nd story balcony, inside a huge grocery store. Sitting down in the two tall chairs behind the booth, with the two big microphones, you could chat and look out over the aisles of produce, flowers and groceries while you were interviewed! Emily sat and watched- school this week is largely the gigantic PR Machine!

Janet was incredibly warm, welcoming and gracious, making me feel right at home (which is the secret to being a good interviewer!) She assured me that it would be painless and it really was a piece of cake and simple to do. It was! We just sat and chatted for a little over 20 minutes. She asked me about homeschooling, the convention, how CA compares to TN, what we do about difficult subjects and more. Before we knew it, it was over!

Thinking it was a day to be at home, I was up by 5am, and so busy working on last minute details that I paid no attention to the morning ticking by. Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call from the Johnson City Press offering to do a story and bring a photographer RIGHT THEN. Um. Uhhh, dare I admit to still being in my PJ’s? (not very Pru!)

I asked them to come an hour later, and we quickly showered and got ready. The house was okay downstairs, but we had not done our Monday 1 hour home blessing the day before, since we were on TV. Could I let folks in to a less than perfectly mopped home? Sure, life goes on. But, that did not make the ironing pile suddenly morph into my closet, so I grabbed what I could, a cotton Midwinter looking sweater!

An hour later, Rex Barber, staff writer with the Johnson City Press and Lee Talbert, photo editor were at our door. We welcomed them in and sat down to an interview. Rex came with a list of questions and proceeded to write in shorthand as I babbled away. Intrigued, I asked him if it was real short hand, and he grinned and said it was “his own.” Homeschool moms are ALWAYS looking for that teachable moment. Rex asked me some very thoughtful questions - really good ones and I tried to answer them honestly! I appreciated his take. Meanwhile, Lee quietly snapped photos.

They asked Emily a few questions, and she openly shared with the gentlemen. I was really impressed by how honest and earnest she was. She can be shy with the media and prefers the sidelines, so that was a huge blessing.

They seemed very interested in how we would teach our kids how to deal with bullies and life, and hardships and how she met friends and that sort of thing. Some of the normal stuff we all get, but on the other hand, it seemed to be very fair, legitimate questions. How DO we teach kids how to deal with life. We were able to share with them that we try and always deal with by walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. That we dealt with life openly and honestly and very directly, as a FAMILY. That our kids have the opportunity to learn how to come at life with their parents, and make decisions not influenced by peers. We talked a lot about involving the family in education, about reading great books out loud as a family. We shared with them some of the unusual things that we do as homeschoolers, and we even talked about Midwinter.

After the interview, we got to do some shots of school. The reality of school at Chez Baughn is usually Emily reading in a chair with her book, with ClaraBaughn the cocker spaniel curled up in her lap. Normally, Clara just lays on her lap quietly and snores. Today - she was on high alert, trying to figure out what was going on with these men in her house, taking pictures of her girl, and the dog would not relax. They took a few other shots and were done. When we were saying goodbye, they saw our library in the dining room and wanted to take a few shots with all of the books behind us.

All in all, they were so nice! This is getting more and more fun, except for the-get-the-house-and-the-hair-ready-really-quick part! You know, I was really intimidated by all of the interviews – but what I am finding is that all the interviewers are just like the people here in NE TN, SO NICE. That same, easy going, laid back, informal thing with both so far. Folks are just really nice. That is one of the things we love about living here – the NICEST people in the world. We rarely meet strangers and most folks are nice to us overall – but there is something special about here. And I laugh to think of how hardcore and nasty the media was in CA, which is a direct result of being in the midst of 38 million people and they have to have that nasty shell and that go for the jugular thing. Here, so far, these people seem genuinely interested, they have done their homework, and they seem to want you and your event to succeed. The interview is here.

Additional photos here.

At 3:30, I did a telephone interview with Christin Thomas of the Kingsport Times-News. Christin was lively and nice, although it was a little more difficult to do a phone interview. I like live people. She was very gracious and kind, and mercifully that was a quick interview.

It will be interesting to see how things look in print! I pray that it all is well, and that we communicated fairly and accurately, and that folks will have a better understanding of this lifestyle of learning we have chosen!

Today, while promoting the Midwinter Homeschool Convention, I had the honor of doing my first TV interview on WCYB-TV5, the NBC station for our area, with Tarah Taylor.

After trying to corral my hair, and figure out what to wear, Emily and I trekked down to the NBC studio this morning, leaving in plenty of time. Downtown Bristol always confuses me, so I wanted to make sure we got to the studio in plenty of time. As strange as it sounds, I had asked for prayer from many friends last night - as this interview seemed a thoroughly terrifying task. Would I freeze up, dishonor the Lord, bumble, stumble, say the wrong thing, fail to adequately promote MWC 2008…could I do this? Years ago, I thought homeschoolers were freaks, and for those who shared that opinion viewing today, I hoped that the Lord would use me to show them a positive side of homeschooling (all this week through all of the interviews), also hoping to allay the fears of well meaning family and friends who encourage parents to “put their kids back in public school” for every little thing.

We went in nerved out, and left absolutely thrilled! From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated with the utmost courtesy and kindness. We were the first of the Noon Show interviewees to arrive. The receptionist told us they would come in before 12:00, with a script and they would come get us. We did not need to worry about a thing, they would do it all. The ubiquitous “they” was a little unsettling. We sat down in the lobby, to watch some network TV. Since we do not have network TV, it was more terrifying, as I had never seen any of the anchors here, the Noon Show and was walking in utterly clueless. Three other people arrived, and we nervously chatted, until one woman, with a great acting school in Jonesborough, told us the interview was just like sitting in someone’s living room and it would be really easy and comfortable. That put us at ease.

Around noon, a delightful lady came into the waiting room and gave us our scripts. This turned out to be a detailed time line, including our interviews with Tarah Taylor, along with the questions she was going to ask each of us. I went over them, easy enough. Would I remember these little factoids? I had enough time to take a trip to the ladies room, and a moment of quiet prayer away from everyone else. Walking down the short hallway, seeing the studio on the left, immediately put me at ease. A little slice of the unknown, known, from the outside of the wall. Framed sayings lined the hallway, heralding teamwork. Another said something to the effect of “If you don’t like change, embrace irrelevance.”It struck me as hilariously apropos - here I was, terrified, yet standing firm facing the “media machine” in these last days before of getting the word out about Midwinter. Get with change!

I was ushered into the studio, with a very nervous Emily following me. We went inside a large, windowless, darkened room full of enormous monitors and screens. The anchor desk was straight ahead, to the right looked to be a control center with a gentleman working. To the left of it, was a little “living room” area, where the interview would take place. Tarah sang out “Hello!” from the anchor desk, and I stood there dumbfounded. Should I speak? Were they recording? No, it was commercial break. I put my stuff down and walked over to the table and chairs in the studio “living room.” The lovely woman (what was her title or name???) hooked me up with a microphone. I sat there, still nerved out and panicked. What was going to happen next? We did a sound check and I mumbled something. They asked me to speak again, so asked some silly question, telling them I was nervous. This prompted the “guys upstairs” to tell my calm friend who had ushered me back to ask me “If your happy and you know it clap your hands.” Immediately, all of the terror melted away as I clapped my hands like a silly monkey. Tarah giggled and I knew it would be okay. They were just regular folks and their job is to deliver the news, and they did it graciously, by making their guests comfortable.

Tarah sat at her desk and did the next segment, facing two enormous machines with telepromptors. It was fascinating watching her read her script, interspersed with the stories being clipped in, go to break. One of those machines was in front of the interview area. After she finished her interview, she began to unhook herself from the anchor desk to come over to the parlor. The enormous machine closest to me, came alive, and began rolling over to me, this hulking telepromptering R2D2 of a machine, with a screen showing everything that was being recorded! R2D2 pivoted perfectly and stopped in front of me. Discovery Ice Cream had just volunteered to give free ice cream away at Midwinter, and all I could think of is how R2D2 would like their robot! In the photo above, you can see a bit of R2D2. If I ever get the opportunity again, I will take a photo from the chair, of what I saw!

Tarah came over and sat down, a lovely, encouraging, warm woman, with a ready smile and a quick wit. She told me to look at her during the interview - NOT at R2D2 or his friend (that helped - had I stared at the R2D2 camera, seeing my face, I would have frozen!) Just answer her questions, and it would be great. We chatted for a few seconds before the interview began. She told me she was from Russell County and had only known a few homeschoolers. She was shocked that there were hundreds in the area. Suddenly, it was time. Tarah asked me questions, interviewing me for about 3 1/2 minutes. Her gracious, easy going manner made it as easy as pie. It was a little distracting to see my image in screens all over the studio - so I kept my eyes glued to Tarah and tried to just focus on CONTENT, not what was going on, whether I looked silly, etc! And I must say, I am an exceptionally casual person and don’t worry about “looks” a whole lot, unless it is being broadcast over our area on TV!

Before I knew it, the interview was over. Commercial break! Emily came over and took a picture of us in studio and we unmiked, shook hands, and I thanked her profusely. They were trying to determine exactly where it would be and we ended up chatting about the Gray Fossil Museum, as Crossroads is next to it. We thanked the rest of the people who had been so wonderful and left, exhilerated to walk out of the studio into the fresh, cool sunshine of a January afternoon! Hurdle met! It was tremendous fun and thoroughly enjoyable.

Now of course, I haven’t seen myself on TV yet, so will probably be wracked with insecurity the moment I see it. But the fear of the unknown is gone. Done!

I could never have done it without my faithful friends praying - thank you so very much! We have a radio interview on Weds, and Thursday WJHL is coming to our home to film us homeschooling and interview us.

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship(Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven(Col.1:14).I have been adopted as God’s child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are?

Keep this bell ringing…pass it on

Well now! Ever wondered if your antidepressant is really working? Feel trapped taking it and wonder if you will ever get off? Here is an article that has some fascinating things to say about antidepressants…..

The makers of antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil never published the results of about a third of the drug trials that they conducted to win government approval, misleading doctors and consumers about the drugs’ true effectiveness, a new analysis has found.

One of the big things we talk about at The Prudent Wife is how to function THROUGH depression and how to attack depression naturally! There are many things you can do, you just have to get beyond the convenient pill!

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!”He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, “I don’t get it! You can’t be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?”

He replied, “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or … you can choose to be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood.”

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or…I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or… I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of LIFE .

“Yeah, right, it’s not that easy,” I protested.

“Yes, it is,” he said. “Life is all about choices When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.”

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, “If I were any better, I’d be twins…Wanna see my scars?”

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone throug h his mind as the accident took place.

“The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,” he replied. “Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or…I could choose to die. I chose to live.”

“Weren’t you scared? Did you lose consciousness ?” I asked He continued, “..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read ‘he’s a dead man’. I knew I needed to take action.” “What did you do?” I asked.

“Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,” said John. “She asked if I was allergic to anything ‘Yes, I replied.’ The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, ‘Gravity’.”

Over their laughter, I told them, “I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.”

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude… I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Today, 2 1/2 weeks until Midwinter, has been a typical shift hats type of day. Wife, mother, friend, publicity for Midwinter, talk to a friend struggling with health issues and help her decide on regimen of health until she can get into the dr., deal with my own doctors appointments, more Midwinter, letters, answer emails, find information and get it out about a business dinner tonight, field phone calls for hubby for a client, email, more email, a chat with a volunteer, information to a college coming, and scheduling the dreaded final reproductive endocrinology appointment to get the results of all of the post miscarriage testing, which brings in the infertility side of me. I now have three doctors appointments in 7 days. About to pop back to the Midwinter site and be a webmaster, and of course, am watching what is going on in Michigan as the big vote is there in the presidential primaries. Half cleaned the house on phone calls and doing laundry all day. At 3:18, it is time to get going on homeschooling, as we have kind of pushed off the stuff we do together today and Emily delightedly has her nose in a book! Oh and we got out some clothing for our church Swap and Shop on Saturday - so add purging closets to this routine!

Amazingly, we got two hours of science in, while I ironed, Emily read!

There is a great difference between a lofty spirit and a right spirit. A lofty spirit excites admiration by its profoundness; but only a right spirit achieves salvation and happiness by its stability and integrity. Do not conform your ideas to those of the world. Scorn the “intellectual” as much as the world esteems it. What men consider intellectual is a certain facility to produce brilliant thoughts. Nothing is
more vain. We make an idol of our intellect as a woman who believes herself beautiful worships her face. We take pride in our own thoughts. We must reject not only human cleverness, but also human prudence, which seems so important and so profitable. Then we may enter — like little children, with candor and innocence of worldly ways — into the simplicity of faith; and with humility and a horror of sin we may enter into the holy passion of the cross. … François Fénelon (1651-1715), Meditation

Well, we are working diligently on the 2nd Annual Tri-Cities Midwinter Homeschool Convention for 2008, held in Gray TN on February 1 & 2! Creating a convention from scratch is a FULL TIME JOB! In fact, it is a full time, double time, triple time task! Why? Obedience. When the unmistakable call of the Lord whispers your name, when He puts a burden on your heart so heavily that you cannot escape it no matter what you do, when He lights a kindred fire in your whole family, when you have to do what He is calling or explode, the only real choice is obedience.

We covet your prayers, that the Lord will be glorified in all we say and do at Midwinter. Please pray that all of our Midwinter 2008 speakers will diligently pray through their talks, with tender hearts toward the Lord and what He would like to do in and through them. Pray that everyone involved in Midwinter has a pliable heart, and that we walk in mercy, grace and truth, with a common goal of encouraging, edifying and equipping homeschool families throughout the Tri-Cities area! Pray that any spirit of entitlement, self, pride, and all of the ugly attributes of a sinful heart will not rear their ugly heads. Pray that we walk in humility, with the honor and glory of the Lord always our goal. Pray that truth is spoken, truth that honors the Lord, and gives grace and encouragement to the hearer.

So where does this leave the much promised, often pushed back debut of The Prudent Wife? It leaves it another month or two out there. Unfortunately, we simply cannot create, organize and do all that we truly feel the Lord has for us to do, and launch The Prudent Wife with the quality and value that you deserve! On the back burner are dozens of recipes, photos, articles and more - just waiting to be properly fit and put into the website. There are 12 tapes of videos to edit, and boatloads of work to do! We thank you for your patience, and will launch soon!

Please pray for Midwinter 2008, and also for personal strength and wisdom for the Baughn family.

Phenomenal site on copyright violations and how to safely do things. We all want to honor the Lord and not steal from others!