Saturday review

Thanks everyone for suffering through talk prep with me for the last few weeks. After all my whinging, things went pretty well. I think my talks were well received.

Preparation is torture. Every time I sit down and try to write a talk I swear that I'll never do it again. But then there's the buzz of presenting and the feeling that I may have actually communicated something worthwhile and helpful... and while I'm riding the high of it all, someone asks, I say 'yes', and find I'm locked into another round!

But not for a little while.

A culture of mediocrity in our churches

I've contributed to the discussion over here. Feeling narkey. Hard to pin-point why. I hate badly done bible teaching at least as much as the next person...

I've still got some work to do on my talks for tomorrow.

I think I might do some baking.

Yay!

Our senior choir which I accompany (conducted by Lorna, my teaching partner) just won our QYMA heat. 89% Gold.

Viola update. Week ?

Still having fun.

Ashamed to admit that I want to join the strings ensemble at our school. I'm about at the standard of a kid who has been having group lessons for 2 years. The year 5s. So I'd slot right in.

A bit embarrassed to ask.

A very sweet 8 year old came and excitedly told me that he learns from the same teacher as me. He said he'd like to play with me some time. Maybe he, Micah and I could make our own ensemble!

I had a little joke at school today.

It was funny.

75% of the kids thought so too.

We were playing concentration - a rhythm game.

This is the game of concentration.
Concentration has begun.
Tell me the name of.... colours.
Blue
Green
Light blue
Orange
Red
Dark Blue
White
Royal Blue
Aqua...

We also did fruits and animals, then....

This is the game of concentration.

Concentration has begun.

Tell me the name of.... lame bands.

One Direction.

One Direction.

One Direction.

One Direction.

One girl is probably still cursing me.

Everything is BAD!

Watch out! The world is a dreadful place and it only seems to be getting worse.

In the last 24 hours I have read/heard that:

1. We are no longer getting enough sleep. Most of us live in a constant state of social-lag (like jet lag but it never ever goes away.) This is NEW and it is BAD.

2. There is more litter left lying around now than EVER BFORE. This is BAD.

3. Children don't get taught to say thank-you and please anymore. This is obviously BAD.

4. Parents are neglecting children by playing with their smart phones. Children have never been ignored before. The is BAD.

5. Children in our schools can know longer reed or right proply like wee can. SHOCKINGLY BAD!

6. And need I mention gay marriage? Never been thought of before and BAD BAD BAD!


I feel my heart rate rising.

Enough with the alarmist headlines!

The world has been bad since the fall. It's no worse now than it was a thousand years ago.

How about some good headlines instead?

1. Heaps more kids can read and write now than 100 years ago.'
2. Women are now allowed to go to school and vote. This wasn't always the case.
3. It is no longer acceptable to show prejudice based on skin colour. (Theoretically.)
4. Fewer babies die in infancy than ever before.
5. Fewer mothers die in childbirth than ever before.

What I'd like for Mother's day next year.

Dear Family (particularly husband),

I know that you always feel guilty about Mother's day. Have you done enough? Have you done the right stuff? Jenny has suggested that it's a good idea for us Mothers to set out our expectations nice and clearly so that we won't be disappointed. So. Here they are in seven easy to understand points.

1. I'm not into Mother's day. I'm not just saying that. I'm really not into it. I feel like it's a Hallmark occasion. On this particular celebration, my expectations are really low. I'm not expecting any fuss. I don't want any fuss. (Note to other men reading this: Most of my friends do want and expect fuss. Ask your wife!)

2. I really hate gifts bought from our school Mother's day stall. I know I'm a kill joy and I will take it well if gifts from school appear, but I really don't like them.

3. I do like cards that the kids have made. Encourage this.

4. If you want to get me something, make it something necessary - like new electric beaters, the latest Twilight DVD, or an iPad. Actually, ask me before you buy the iPad so we can make it a family trip to the apple store. It's good that we do things together.

5. Sunday morning is a shocker. You won't remember to wish me a happy mother's day before church. That's okay. Maybe mention it to the kids on Saturday night and they can remember.

6. I do want to visit family on Mother's day. Be careful not to organise any church function for that day.

7. Please remember that this applies only to mothers day and certainly not to my birthday. 

I think you are all fabulous and I can't remember a bad mother's day yet.

Simone.


Blog friends - Why not post what you like for mother's day in the comments. Next year I'll repost it so (hopefully) your husband can read it.

5 Curiosities about US Christians and Politics

I find it all very interesting. I've been following the Republican primaries and reading the christian comments around it all. It's curious.

1. It seems widely accepted that conservativism is a Christian virtue.
2. Many seem to think that abortion, same sex marriage and me not paying a cent more tax are the only issues that God cares about.
3. Many seem to grossly overestimate the power that conservative christians wield within the Republican party.
4. Many seem to have an inflated estimation of the importance of the US in God's plans for creation.
5. Many seem to have an insane prejudice against President Obama. [Silly. Even the Third Eagle of the Apocalypse accepts that he is not the Antichrist.]

Talk one finished

But it feels long.

And the end feels lame.

But it's less clunky then it was a few hours ago.

Preacher guys, how long does 3,150 words take you to preach?

[I speak quickly.]

sitting in a coffee shop...

... trying to get these talks under control.

My exegesis is okay. Feels fresh. But my first talk is clunky and undisciplined. I have this morning to hit it repeatedly with a big stick until it behaves.

Again I ask. Who would do this all the time?

(Anyone want to come to Toowoomba with me next weekend?)

How To Care For Extroverts.

Okay introverted friends. This post is not aimed at you. It's aimed at people who write these dumb lists.

How To Care For Extroverts.

1. Respect our need for conversation. Honestly, if we are standing together at a party or something for half an hour, I am going to say something to you. It is awkward and unnatural for me if there is no communication between us. I feel stupid if everyone else in the room is in a conversation and I'm not. And I'll be bored. So I'll introduce some light, social chit chat. Or I might as you about yourself. Don't get all introvert-righteous. 'Her conversation was so shallow blah blah blah' or 'She wanted to know all this stuff about me.' I will make conversation because I need to. Respect that.

2. Realise that conversation is a two-way street. If we are in a situation where we are required to talk, you need to play your part. As an extrovert, I'll usually initiate the conversation (but it's nice if I don't always have to - see point 3) but it is your job to keep it going. Generally, one or two word answers are unhelpful.
Me: What have you been up to today?
Introvert : Nothing much.
Me: Anything on for tomorrow?
Introvert: Not really.
AAARRRGGHHH! Blood from stone! GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WORK WITH!!!!

3. Sometimes be the one to initiate conversation. It takes a lot of energy (even for extroverts) to always be taking charge of social situations. Why not start a conversation yourself? Just for a change! It may make your friend's day!

4. Don't call us shallow because we can do light-touch conversation. We do it because it is often needed. If you want the conversation to go deeper, then take it deeper. Offer more.

5. Don't assume that social embarrassment is easier for your extroverted friend to deal with than it is for you to deal with. It isn't. He is dying underneath the happy face. Show some kindness.


6. Remember that it is possible (and common) to be the life of the party and feel utterly alone. Don't make assumptions. Don't think you are the only exhausted, miserable, lonely person in the room.

7. If your extroverted friend is feeling depressed or a bit down, company and a new environment may help. Suggest you go out somewhere together.

8. Don't hide behind your introversion. Let people get to know you and buck up and do what needs to be done.

9. Don't quote research at us that says that introverts are cleverer than extroverts. Even if it were true, it would only be true on averages and therefore says nothing about whether or not you are cleverer than me. (The fact that you didn't realise that makes me suspect that you are a less-clever than average introvert.)

10. Enough with the whining! Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Stop writing these dumb posts about how misunderstood you are. You are who you are. Sit up and make life happen.

NAPLAN tomorrow - Persuasive writing tips

One Direction parody by No Direction "What Makes Us Really Cool"

'Application'

That's another word for Roman Catholicism, isn't it?

Great quote from a friend. What do you think?

Perhaps I need a BowZo!

The sound of that lady playing her violin is pretty hard to take. At least viola has a lower pitch.

String instruments are hard to play.

I've had four viola lessons now.

I think I sound worse each week.

The trouble with string instruments is that there are so many difficult technical things to worry about.

Am I holding the bow properly (probably not!) Are my thumb and pinky fingers bent the right way? Are my second and third fingers hanging loosely with their pads in the right spot? Am I gripping the bow too tight? Is the weight of my arm on the strings?

Is my elbow up high enough?

Is my bow moving straight, parallel to the bridge, and half way between the fingerboard and bridge?

Is my left hand wrist straight?

Are my left hand fingers in EXACTLY the right spots? (Millimetres matter.)

Am I making sure all this is right and RELAXING at the same time?

Good. Now I can start playing!

I grew up thinking that the piano was the most difficult instrument to play. I was wrong. I repent.

This is way harder.

If God had meant music to come out of pieces of wood, horse hair and synthetic/metal strings he'd have made violins grow on trees. He didn't. So playing is difficult.

But. I. will. master. this.

Eventually.

Suggestions for a way forward?

Over the years I've written quite a lot about Joel's issues with reading and spelling. I've fluctuated between hope, sadness, frustration, excitement, joy and despair. As a university educated parent, it is confronting to have a child with a learning disability. To think that the world in which you live is one that may never be open to him. It's especially painful when you can see that he would fit so well into that world. He has the desire to be there and ideas to contribute - just not the keys to unlock the door.

The middle of last year was a turning point for Joel. We were always told that he would need to learn to read in his own way and that he would work out how to do it when he wanted it enough. Ten months ago, thanks to the Percy Jackson books, he wanted it enough. He went from reading as little as possible to reading constantly. He has a bookshelf that he's proudly labelled 'books I've read'. It contains all the Percy Jackson books (5), the sequel Heroes of Olympus series, the Harry Potter books and the dystopian GONE series that he's currently working through (we bought him #5 this afternoon.) Library books aren't good because you can't keep them.

People ask if his comprehension is okay. In answer, yes. It is very, very good.

Sometimes I allow myself to think that his issues are in the past. Then something will happen to make me realise that they are not.

Joel got a D for his first major English assessment piece this year. It was a persuasive essay. The content may have been fine but the spelling was so bad that the teacher couldn't read it.

I proofread Joel's second major piece of English assessment. A narrative. I was very careful to make sure that I did nothing except correct bad spelling (70% of words) and add full stops and capital letters. He got an A.

So Joel's issues primarily exhibit in spelling now. But base level spelling is really important. Your words have to be discernible to others or at least to word's spell-check. The spell-check doesn't know what to do with Joel's writing and teachers certainly don't. Unless we can get it under control he will not pass any subject (except maths) in high school.

So we are looking for a way forward.

My speechie friend has told us about the assessments that they do.
My friend with a learning-complicated ASD daughter told us how a DAS assessment has helped them.
We've had a WISC before and are having it again (because the school lost the report with the details on it!)

Apart from the WISC, I'm not going to rush into anything. Before I make up my mind which way to go (we have to do something) I want to be convinced that whatever we do will yield results for Joel. He doesn't believe that anything can help him spell better. And certainly nothing at school ever has. Ideas?

He really is complicated. We were chatting this afternoon about the book he had just finished. I looked through it and asked him what a pile of tricky words were. He could read them all.

I was curious so I put these non-words to him, one at a time.


- pothouse

- nosegate

- toothfairy

- joelosaurus

He could not read them. Not any of them. Not at all. Not even when I told him that each word was made up of two words crashed into each other. His could pick his name at the beginning of the last one, but still had no idea what the whole non-word was.

For Joel, reading is a non-phonetic activity. He gets to know words by their shape. When he encounters a new word in a text, he works it out based on the context and the beginning two letters and maybe the final letter of the word. Then after that he knows the word for next time. The middle letters contribute nothing in working out the word initially, but are useful in making the word distinct from other words so that he can recognise it in the future. Lots of letters make it longer. Letters with tails or flags will make it a taller or droopier word.  

Is it any wonder that Joel can't spell?

How do you teach spelling to a child who reads like that? When he's writing, he just makes up the middle letters of the word! He developed his own way of reading, not out of perversity but because his brain's slow processing speed could not decode words phonetically. So is it likely that teaching him to spell phonetically would work?

Psychologists? Therapists? Any suggestions? Are you usual methods likely to work in this case? I'm after advice. Joel goes to high school in 18 months. I feel like time is running out.

27 hours without Andrew and the boys

What have I done?

- Tidied the house
- Gone to the gym
- Edited a song
- Practiced viola (accompanying myself on the electric piano I bought home from school. It has a memory!)
- Sat in a coffee shop for 4 and a half hours writing a talk
- Bought some new jeans
- Had a hair cut
- Ran to a friends house, had a drink and a chat, walked home
- Done some washing.

The dog is keeping me company and protecting me from all the noises this house makes. She's also demanding from me all the attention she'd get from the others.

My Heart Delights (draft 4 - re-metred)

My heart delights that Christ my Lord
would leave his heavenly throne,
And come to earth, our God a man
to claim us for his own.
The Lord of the ages
took on human form,
He clothed himself in humble flesh
And as a child was born.

My heart delights and wonders at
this love that gives himself,
He sought no honour, no acclaim
no riches and no wealth.
He faithfully followed 

the path set for him,
He walked the road to Calvary
To take away our sin.


My heart delights that Christ would seek
a sinful soul like mine
My heart was all unrighteousness
But his was love divine!
Oh Spirit move in me and
make me like Christ!
Oh may his will be my desire
And he my heart's delight.

sar 2012

My Heart Delights (draft 3)

My heart delights that Christ my Lord

would leave his heavenly throne

And come to earth, our God a man

to claim us for his own.

The king of all took off his crown

He took on human form

He clothed himself in humble flesh

And as a child was born.

My heart delights and wonders at

this love that gives himself

He sought no honour, no acclaim

no riches and no wealth.

His only thought was to obey

the path set out for him

To walk the road to Calvary

and take away our sin.

My heart delights that Christ would seek

a sinful soul as mine

My heart was all unrighteousness

But his was love divine! 

Oh spirit move and change me so

that I should be like Christ

Oh make his will all I desire

And him my heart's delight.

sar 2012

I've changed a bit at the end of V3. Took out the heart beating line. Was it too sentimental? Also would the last line be better if it said 'he' instead of 'him'? 'Him' is more correct, but yuckier I think.

Oye!

The senior choir at our school is singing this. I get to play piano. Fun fun fun!

My Heart Delights (draft 2)

My heart delights that Christ my Lord

would leave his heavenly throne

And come to earth, our God a man (OR as God and man)

to claim us for his own.

The king of all took off his crown

He took on human form

He clothed himself in humble flesh

And as a child was born.

My heart delights and wonders at

this love that gives himself

He sought no honour, no acclaim

no riches and no wealth.

His only thought was to obey

the path set out for him

To walk the road to Calvary

and take away our sin.

My heart delights that Christ would seek

a sinful soul as mine

My heart was all unrighteousness

But his was love divine! 

Oh spirit move and change me that

my heart should beat for Christ

Oh make his will all I desire

And him my soul’s delight.

sar 2012

new song - my heart delights (draft 1)

Hopefully the last song on the incarnation that I'll write in a while. (And this one moves away from the incarnation pretty fast.) I stole the title line from something that I wrote a couple of years ago that went nowhere.

Questions

1. Have I stumbled into any Trinitarian heresies? In V1L6, could I have said 'put' instead of took?

2. Would you feel ripped off if this was on a cd that was meant to be on the topic of the incarnation? I've used the words 'born' and 'child'. Does that cover it?

3. I have Doug Wilson's voice in my ear telling me that this is effeminate. I'm a girl, so that's fine, but guys - what do you think?


My Heart Delights

My heart delights that Christ my Lord
would leave his heavenly throne
And come to earth, our God a man
to claim us for his own.
The king of all took off his crown
He took on human form
He clothed himself in humble flesh
And as a child was born.

My heart delights and wonders at
this love that gives himself
He sought no honor, no acclaim
no riches and no wealth.
His only thought was to obey
the path set out for him
To walk the road to Calvary
and take away our sin.

My heart delights that Christ would seek
a sinful soul as mine
My heart was all unrighteousness
But his was love divine!
Lord live in me and change me that
my heart should beat for Christ
Oh make your will be my desire
And you my one delight.

sar 2012

Weekend - Family =

3 days to myself.

Wow.

Shame I have 3 talks to write.

'If only'

'If only' is a distant planet that we know very little about. They may not have volcanoes there, but they also may not have oxygen.

Pathetic

Just finished watching season 2 of Dance Academy. I know it's lame but I still cried a bucket load of tears during the (very sad) second last episode. Do you think less of me?

Hospitality = Having a minecraft server

I think we have half the school hanging out virtually at our place each afternoon.

Want to be a mother of awesome?

Print out these minecraft* paper craft nets for your kids. They'll love you for it.

Our kids can now continue the obsession through the whole week and play minecraft without a screen.

* Unaware of minecraft? Find out about it here.