Monday, January 18, 2010
1-2 Kings
On Thursday night I'm presenting my 1-2 Kings Sunday School curriculum to our teachers and the teachers of two other churches who are also using it this term. I thought I'd include some background on the books in case anyone is unaware (I naturally assume that everyone knows this stuff, but I shouldn't). Perhaps more interesting, is my take on application - which others may not agree with. Anyway, I'll be saying something like this. Any thoughts?
What is 1-2 Kings all about?
The books of Kings continue the story of the books of Samuel. (The break between Samuel and Kings is artificial.) They begin with the rise of Solomon, treating his reign as the as the golden age of Israel. The Abrahamic promises are fulfilled – Israel is a great nation, at rest in the land of Canaan, blessed extravagantly with wealth and wisdom and the nations are coming to her for blessing. Moreover, the promises to David are also fulfilled – his son is on the throne and the temple is built, and the Exodus image of God being present in the cloud comes along for the ride as well. Abraham, Moses, David all wrapped up together and given to Solomon. Bully for him!
But we don't get to enjoy this idealised picture of the kingdom for long. Solomon's foreign wives (accumulated in order to form political alliances) inevitably lead him into apostasy. In judgement, God rips the northern ten tribes out of the hands of Solomon's inept son Rehoboam and gives them to Jeroboam to rule. Only two tribes remain faithful to Davidic rule – Judah and Benjamin.
In order to keep his people away from Jerusalem and thus consolidate his rule, Jeroboam sets up two alternate shrine in his new Kingdom (called Israel) - Dan in the far north, and Bethel in the South. The writer of Kings is not impressed with Jeroboam's rejection of Jerusalem which is symptomatic of his general disregard for Yahweh's rule. All of the kings of Israel follow in Jeroboam's apostate steps, despite much prophetic activity and many clear warnings of coming doom. Successive northern dynasties are brought down before Israel is finally defeated by Assyria. We are encouraged to see the inevitability of this. Israel has chosen the path of death, rejecting the covenant, and faces the judgements outlined in Deuteronomy 30.
The faithfulness of the southern kingdom (Judah) is marginally better than that of their northern cousins. In the centuries following Solomon, there are 2 good kings (Hezekiah and Josiah) who attempt to keep the covenant, 6 not entirely bad kings (including Jehoash who we'll look at) and then there's the rest – who, like their northern counterparts, flagrantly reject God's rule. The question throughout 1-2 Kings is 'how long will God put up with this?' Each king is measured against a Deuteronomy checklist which none come close to fulfilling. The collapse of Judah seems inevitable. A better king is needed.
What should the kids get out of it?
I want the kids to become immersed in the Kings narrative. I want them to feel with the inspired writer the failures (and successes) of the kings. I want them groaning over Israel's hopelessness and feeling the inevitability and rightness of God's judgement. If the kids can learn to see and assess Israel's history from God's perspective, this will help them see their own lives and situations as God does.
I don't think we need to push too hard at application. If the children are drawn into the narrative and shown how Jesus is end point of the story, we will achieve a great deal. With the weekly story and repetition of the checklist and song, the children will learn:
What is 1-2 Kings all about?
The books of Kings continue the story of the books of Samuel. (The break between Samuel and Kings is artificial.) They begin with the rise of Solomon, treating his reign as the as the golden age of Israel. The Abrahamic promises are fulfilled – Israel is a great nation, at rest in the land of Canaan, blessed extravagantly with wealth and wisdom and the nations are coming to her for blessing. Moreover, the promises to David are also fulfilled – his son is on the throne and the temple is built, and the Exodus image of God being present in the cloud comes along for the ride as well. Abraham, Moses, David all wrapped up together and given to Solomon. Bully for him!
But we don't get to enjoy this idealised picture of the kingdom for long. Solomon's foreign wives (accumulated in order to form political alliances) inevitably lead him into apostasy. In judgement, God rips the northern ten tribes out of the hands of Solomon's inept son Rehoboam and gives them to Jeroboam to rule. Only two tribes remain faithful to Davidic rule – Judah and Benjamin.
In order to keep his people away from Jerusalem and thus consolidate his rule, Jeroboam sets up two alternate shrine in his new Kingdom (called Israel) - Dan in the far north, and Bethel in the South. The writer of Kings is not impressed with Jeroboam's rejection of Jerusalem which is symptomatic of his general disregard for Yahweh's rule. All of the kings of Israel follow in Jeroboam's apostate steps, despite much prophetic activity and many clear warnings of coming doom. Successive northern dynasties are brought down before Israel is finally defeated by Assyria. We are encouraged to see the inevitability of this. Israel has chosen the path of death, rejecting the covenant, and faces the judgements outlined in Deuteronomy 30.
The faithfulness of the southern kingdom (Judah) is marginally better than that of their northern cousins. In the centuries following Solomon, there are 2 good kings (Hezekiah and Josiah) who attempt to keep the covenant, 6 not entirely bad kings (including Jehoash who we'll look at) and then there's the rest – who, like their northern counterparts, flagrantly reject God's rule. The question throughout 1-2 Kings is 'how long will God put up with this?' Each king is measured against a Deuteronomy checklist which none come close to fulfilling. The collapse of Judah seems inevitable. A better king is needed.
What should the kids get out of it?
I want the kids to become immersed in the Kings narrative. I want them to feel with the inspired writer the failures (and successes) of the kings. I want them groaning over Israel's hopelessness and feeling the inevitability and rightness of God's judgement. If the kids can learn to see and assess Israel's history from God's perspective, this will help them see their own lives and situations as God does.
I don't think we need to push too hard at application. If the children are drawn into the narrative and shown how Jesus is end point of the story, we will achieve a great deal. With the weekly story and repetition of the checklist and song, the children will learn:
- That we should worship God alone
- That we should love God with all our hearts
- That accumulating wealth and marrying people outside the faith are dangerous things
- That our most natural drift is into disobedience. Our obedience to God can be half hearted and short lived.
- God is ready to forgive us as soon as we turn to him
- The Israelites followed the lead of their king. If their king scored badly, so did they.
- Jesus is the only one who scored 10/10. The only perfect king.
- If Jesus is our king, we follow him and get his 10/10 score.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
My desk
Ali tagged me in this desk photo thing. You have to take a picture of your workspace and post it.
Mine, as you can see, is a total mess.
A few things to notice:
1. Shoes under the desk.
Now I tag Nathan and Al.** Don't worry if I didn't pick you! Wait patiently and you will get a go.
[** Come on guys, you can do this!]
Mine, as you can see, is a total mess.
A few things to notice:
1. Shoes under the desk.
2. Kids' gifts on the wall
3. And a few books (Ali- including one of my new Sophie Hannah's.)
Now I tag Nathan and Al.** Don't worry if I didn't pick you! Wait patiently and you will get a go.
[** Come on guys, you can do this!]
Friday, January 15, 2010
A day without comments...
Have I missed the rapture? Am I the only one left? Wandering lonely in the blogosphere... All my comrades taken... And I....Left behind!
Is there anyone out there?
Is there anyone out there?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
two Lesbia Harford poems
A lady and I were walking
Where waters flow;
A lady and I were talking
Softly and slow.
This is what you were saying,
Lady of mine,
"I will be sad without him,
Yea, I will pine.
But he would never leave me
If he were free.
That's what my love in prison
Whispered to me."
September, 1919
The Folk I Love
I do so hate the folk I love,
They hurt so.
Their least word and act may be
Source of woe.
"Won't you come to tea with me?"
"Not today.
I'm so tired, I've been to church."
Such folk say.
All the dreary afternoon
I must clutch
At the strength to love like them,
Not too much.
28.11.1915
Where waters flow;
A lady and I were talking
Softly and slow.
This is what you were saying,
Lady of mine,
"I will be sad without him,
Yea, I will pine.
But he would never leave me
If he were free.
That's what my love in prison
Whispered to me."
September, 1919
The Folk I Love
I do so hate the folk I love,
They hurt so.
Their least word and act may be
Source of woe.
"Won't you come to tea with me?"
"Not today.
I'm so tired, I've been to church."
Such folk say.
All the dreary afternoon
I must clutch
At the strength to love like them,
Not too much.
28.11.1915
Rascal
I was sitting in a coffee shop this afternoon listening in on a conversation. Two women were gossipping about a mutual friend who had called her son 'Rascal'.
I'm looking forward to teaching him in a few years!
I'm looking forward to teaching him in a few years!
as for the foreigner
It is a strange thing that I, a 21st century Australian woman, should be reading the scriptures of the Jewish people. What have the historic records of this Hebrew people to do with me?
I'm a christian and all of it is mine in Christ. This is wonderful.
But every now and again I come across a verse which is mine - not just in Christ - but mine in all my un-regenerate gentileness. These verses make my heart sing and realise anew that God does indeed want me to seek and know him.
Here's one I came across today. Read and feel your heart warm.
Solomon prays: "As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name-- for men will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm— when he comes and prays toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name." 1 Kings 8:41-43
I'm a christian and all of it is mine in Christ. This is wonderful.
But every now and again I come across a verse which is mine - not just in Christ - but mine in all my un-regenerate gentileness. These verses make my heart sing and realise anew that God does indeed want me to seek and know him.
Here's one I came across today. Read and feel your heart warm.
Solomon prays: "As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name-- for men will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm— when he comes and prays toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name." 1 Kings 8:41-43
jesus! amen
we bow our hearts to the ground
turn our wills to you and pray
'as this book is read,
breathe life into the dead.'
jesus lord, living word
piercing our souls like a sword
cut through our defence
and make us wholly yours.
and the people said 'amen'
and the people said 'amen'
o church arise and stand in praise
heaven speaks and hearts are changed
as we hear his word we sing, proclaim,
'jesus!' amen.
o spirit come light our eyes
for without you we are blind
dull in sin remove
the scales so we can see
o father make us like your son
as we hear your word today
guide us into life
and show us how to love
and the people said 'amen'
and the people said 'amen'
sar 2009
Still working on this one. It has a new verse since I posted it last. Is the spirit verse okay, or is that father/son stuff? Would you sing it?
turn our wills to you and pray
'as this book is read,
breathe life into the dead.'
jesus lord, living word
piercing our souls like a sword
cut through our defence
and make us wholly yours.
and the people said 'amen'
and the people said 'amen'
o church arise and stand in praise
heaven speaks and hearts are changed
as we hear his word we sing, proclaim,
'jesus!' amen.
o spirit come light our eyes
for without you we are blind
dull in sin remove
the scales so we can see
o father make us like your son
as we hear your word today
guide us into life
and show us how to love
and the people said 'amen'
and the people said 'amen'
sar 2009
Still working on this one. It has a new verse since I posted it last. Is the spirit verse okay, or is that father/son stuff? Would you sing it?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
pt - 10 days in
I am a week and a half into my role as Andrew's personal trainer. After a shakey start (well, he was shakey anyway (and in considerable pain)), I feel like we are making progress.
Here's the little circuit we did after dinner tonight.
[Swim 1500m (before dinner)]
Circuit 1 - Repeat 3 times, one minute break after each round
Circuit 2 - Repeat 3 times
He's going pretty well. The male thing is so unfair. I've been doing this for years, but at his current rate of improvement he'll overtake me in a couple of months.
Here's the little circuit we did after dinner tonight.
[Swim 1500m (before dinner)]
Circuit 1 - Repeat 3 times, one minute break after each round
- push ups - 15
- squat and shoulder press - 10kg x 15
- skip - 100x
- plank - 1 minute
- tricep dips - 15
Circuit 2 - Repeat 3 times
- lunges - 10kg, 10 each leg
- bicep curls - 10kg x 15
- shoulder press - 15
- side plank - 45 seconds each side
- chest press - 20kg x 15
He's going pretty well. The male thing is so unfair. I've been doing this for years, but at his current rate of improvement he'll overtake me in a couple of months.
why...
...do theological colleges spend so much time teaching verse by verse exegesis?
Why not use that time to teach students how to extract the big idea from a passage and how to understand the passage in the context of it's book?
The word by word, verse by verse details aren't going to be much use to anyone if the bigger picture can't be seen.
Why not use that time to teach students how to extract the big idea from a passage and how to understand the passage in the context of it's book?
The word by word, verse by verse details aren't going to be much use to anyone if the bigger picture can't be seen.
How to make a woman fall in love with you
Last night I watched the bachelorette while colouring in.
Falling in love, it seems, is easy. The bachelorette was madly in love with no less than three different men in one episode.
In case any of you guys are struggling to make that special someone fall for you, here are some tips.
1. Be pretty good looking.
2. Take her to an island resort.
3. Spend most of each day looking into her eyes.
4. Tell her 19,548 times that she is beautiful.
5. Tell her that she is smart. (This may not be true, but needs to be said.)
6. Kiss her a lot.
7. Tell her that you can see the two of you together for a long long time. Even forever.
8. Tell her that you are madly in love with her.
9. Tell her that she is the one you want to have a family with.
10. Avoid anything that will remind her of mundane normal life.
1-2 Kings older kings booklet
I promise I won't post forever on the Sunday School material I'm writing. I'm nearing the end of the creative stage so pretty soon I'll lose interest.
Here is the finished product of the older kids booklets. I stayed up late last night colouring and 'scrapbooking' the pictures in, so the kids can see what their books might look like at the end of the term.
I still love the font and don't regret the price I paid for it.
Here is the finished product of the older kids booklets. I stayed up late last night colouring and 'scrapbooking' the pictures in, so the kids can see what their books might look like at the end of the term.
I still love the font and don't regret the price I paid for it.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
understand me!
I think many people find me a pain in the neck to work with. But I'm not. I'm just a poor, misunderstood ENTP... Okay. I am annoying. But understand me and working with me may be less painful. Ten things.
1. I hate asking people to do thing. I really hate it, so I put it off and put it off until it's absolutely the last minute and then I ask... but not very well - often I minimise what needs to be done, doing as much myself as I can - then I look like a one-woman band who doesn't actually want anyone else's help...
2. I run on enthusiasm. I can move small mountains when inspired by a new project. When my enthusiasm runs out (usually after the creative stage of the job is over), I need people to carry me.
3. I'm an up front person. I'd rather a class of 25 than a single kid. When on my game, I do upfront stuff well (eg. together time in Sunday school) and it costs me very little. Don't assume I'll competently transition to a smaller group.
4. I'm a big picture person. Unless it's my current pet project, I will not be able to deal with details.
5. I want to know you. Sit down and talk to me about something significant and I'll love it.
6. I think fairly quickly. Women often feel intimidated by this, mistaking it for cleverness. I'm not particularly smart. Talk to me for long enough and you'll realise.
7. I have ridiculously high standards for material that I have to use (eg. bible studies, sunday school curriculum, school lessons, recipes...) Mostly, if I haven't written it myself, I'll hate it. I know this is stupid but I run on creative buzz and there is no buzz for me in using other people's stuff. The least painful thing for me to do is make my own bible studies, school resources and sunday school material. You shouldn't feel you need to follow my lead on this.
8. I'm a routine person. I don't carry a diary and it stresses me out having non-routine stuff locked in heaps in advance. If you ask me to do something with you in 2 weeks, I'll look confused. Ask me to do something now and I'll be keen. Does this mean I'm a STABO person?
9. I have a very bad memory for names.
10. If you give me something, I will lose it. If you send it in an email, I'll have it forever.
What do you wish people understood about you?
1. I hate asking people to do thing. I really hate it, so I put it off and put it off until it's absolutely the last minute and then I ask... but not very well - often I minimise what needs to be done, doing as much myself as I can - then I look like a one-woman band who doesn't actually want anyone else's help...
2. I run on enthusiasm. I can move small mountains when inspired by a new project. When my enthusiasm runs out (usually after the creative stage of the job is over), I need people to carry me.
3. I'm an up front person. I'd rather a class of 25 than a single kid. When on my game, I do upfront stuff well (eg. together time in Sunday school) and it costs me very little. Don't assume I'll competently transition to a smaller group.
4. I'm a big picture person. Unless it's my current pet project, I will not be able to deal with details.
5. I want to know you. Sit down and talk to me about something significant and I'll love it.
6. I think fairly quickly. Women often feel intimidated by this, mistaking it for cleverness. I'm not particularly smart. Talk to me for long enough and you'll realise.
7. I have ridiculously high standards for material that I have to use (eg. bible studies, sunday school curriculum, school lessons, recipes...) Mostly, if I haven't written it myself, I'll hate it. I know this is stupid but I run on creative buzz and there is no buzz for me in using other people's stuff. The least painful thing for me to do is make my own bible studies, school resources and sunday school material. You shouldn't feel you need to follow my lead on this.
8. I'm a routine person. I don't carry a diary and it stresses me out having non-routine stuff locked in heaps in advance. If you ask me to do something with you in 2 weeks, I'll look confused. Ask me to do something now and I'll be keen. Does this mean I'm a STABO person?
9. I have a very bad memory for names.
10. If you give me something, I will lose it. If you send it in an email, I'll have it forever.
What do you wish people understood about you?
Monday, January 11, 2010
I've almost finished...
Here is Solomon, young and old.
(Sin makes you sad. That's why the second Solomon looks so glum. It also makes your hair thinner. Try it and see. Sin for long enough and your hair will get noticably thinner.)
I think he looks like Rodger Ramjet.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
just bought on itunes...
I love her voice. I've been listening to her (probably illegally) on you-tube for a year or more.
what makes a great weekend?
Saturday sleep in
Pump class
Swim
Dinner with friends
Buzzing church
Long luch with friends - thoughtful and stimulating conversation
Exercise with Andrew
Pump class
Swim
Dinner with friends
Buzzing church
Long luch with friends - thoughtful and stimulating conversation
Exercise with Andrew
five really unfair things
1. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader doesn't come out at the movies till December.
2. Mummy isn't fair in any way except one...
3. Movies are all over-due. The Hobbit should have been made before the Lord of the Rings but it doesn't come out until December 2011.
4. Doctor Who episodes are released in the UK before in Australia. This is not fair, but it's even worse because we see the trailers which say the episodes are already out...
5. Mummy won't let me get LOTR on audio book.
I'm wondering if TV is too much a part of Joel's life.
2. Mummy isn't fair in any way except one...
3. Movies are all over-due. The Hobbit should have been made before the Lord of the Rings but it doesn't come out until December 2011.
4. Doctor Who episodes are released in the UK before in Australia. This is not fair, but it's even worse because we see the trailers which say the episodes are already out...
5. Mummy won't let me get LOTR on audio book.
I'm wondering if TV is too much a part of Joel's life.
today...
...the boys watched Star Wars episode 3. They've been asking for a long long long long long time.
Friday, January 8, 2010
how common is your name?
SIMONE is the #711 most common female first name
0.015% of females in the US are named SIMONE.
Around 18375 US females are named SIMONE!
source: namestatistics.com
Interestingly, son #3 has a more common name than I do!MICAH is the #520 most common male first name
0.017% of males in the US are named MICAH.
Around 20825 US males are named MICAH!
source: namestatistics.com
But maybe that's just in bible-belt America.
From here.
ten good things I'm looking forward to
The last 2 posts are really negative. Time for some sunshine.
Ten good things I'm looking forward to
1. The new creation. Where good-things lists will be more fun to write than bad-things lists.
2. Doing weight training with Andrew tonight. He can walk again now, so there are no excuses!
3. A new minister is getting inducted in our neighbouring pressy church tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing him go well.
4. Joel being able to read the Lord of the Rings. He has just listened to the Hobbit on audiobook and is desperate for more. We are refusing to read him LOTR and won't buy it for him on audiobook. We're hoping this will motivate him to work hard on his reading so he can read it himself. At this stage he is just pulling the book off the shelf and looking at it longingly.
5. Micah doing year 1 this year and learning to read. I don't think it will be difficult for him and will bring him joy. He's also desperate to have homework to do. Bless him!
6. Lots of babies being born this year. I'm praying that God will give babies to many friends and this year. Especially those who have had to wait a long time for this blessing.
7. My bible study group starting up again.
8. Teaching RE with Andrew. We'll probably do different classes, but the same year level (yr. 2) and at the same time so it will feel like we are working together.
9. Finishing writing my 1-2 Kings sunday school material.
10. Nathan and Robyn joining us at church.
Ten good things I'm looking forward to
1. The new creation. Where good-things lists will be more fun to write than bad-things lists.
2. Doing weight training with Andrew tonight. He can walk again now, so there are no excuses!
3. A new minister is getting inducted in our neighbouring pressy church tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing him go well.
4. Joel being able to read the Lord of the Rings. He has just listened to the Hobbit on audiobook and is desperate for more. We are refusing to read him LOTR and won't buy it for him on audiobook. We're hoping this will motivate him to work hard on his reading so he can read it himself. At this stage he is just pulling the book off the shelf and looking at it longingly.
5. Micah doing year 1 this year and learning to read. I don't think it will be difficult for him and will bring him joy. He's also desperate to have homework to do. Bless him!
6. Lots of babies being born this year. I'm praying that God will give babies to many friends and this year. Especially those who have had to wait a long time for this blessing.
7. My bible study group starting up again.
8. Teaching RE with Andrew. We'll probably do different classes, but the same year level (yr. 2) and at the same time so it will feel like we are working together.
9. Finishing writing my 1-2 Kings sunday school material.
10. Nathan and Robyn joining us at church.
5 annoying things that people do when preaching on the OT
I rarely preach, and when I do it's pretty much never on the Old Testament. So I'm well qualified to offer advice to others who do! Here are 5 annoying things that I've noticed about many OT sermons. If your sermons are online, I could be talking directly to you here! They are all linked.
1. Gold mining. This is when the preachers just picks out a few verses that he/she likes and preaches on these rather than preaching on the entire passage in its context.
2. A-narrative preaching. Preaching on a passage without placing it in it's narrative context. What was happening in Israel/Judah at the time this prophet spoke? How would the original hearers have understood his words?
3. Testament leaping. Jumping to the New Testament as a short cut for understanding an Old Testament passage. Look properly at the passage before you, then you will be better able to take it to the New Testament.
4. Stock-Standard application. Like the cheesey smiles if the istock photo family, pre-packaged general points of application will rarely cut through. I switch off when I hear the familiar platitudes beginning...
5. Genre-deaf preaching. Preaching a passage without adequately considering the genre in which it is written. eg. Preaching the psalms as if they were epistles, the proverbs as if they were law or Song of Songs as if it were narrative. Bad things happen when genre is ignored.
1. Gold mining. This is when the preachers just picks out a few verses that he/she likes and preaches on these rather than preaching on the entire passage in its context.
2. A-narrative preaching. Preaching on a passage without placing it in it's narrative context. What was happening in Israel/Judah at the time this prophet spoke? How would the original hearers have understood his words?
3. Testament leaping. Jumping to the New Testament as a short cut for understanding an Old Testament passage. Look properly at the passage before you, then you will be better able to take it to the New Testament.
4. Stock-Standard application. Like the cheesey smiles if the istock photo family, pre-packaged general points of application will rarely cut through. I switch off when I hear the familiar platitudes beginning...
5. Genre-deaf preaching. Preaching a passage without adequately considering the genre in which it is written. eg. Preaching the psalms as if they were epistles, the proverbs as if they were law or Song of Songs as if it were narrative. Bad things happen when genre is ignored.
6 issues I have with 'Introverts in the church'
Here are my criticisms, in list form.
1. It over-generalises.
It reads very much like a book I've recently read on dyslexia. Written by a dyslexic, the book was all about how dyslexics are brilliant, gifted and misunderstood people. There were many over generalisations about how dyslexics think, learn and act... and a 'the world is against us' air about it. This book is similar. The extrovert/introvert difference is but one part of our personalities. McHugh very often describes introverts as deep thinkers. I don't think that deep thinking is a function of introversion - but something else (they Myers Briggs profiles have a thinking/feeling category). I know many introverts who are not thinkers. They have no constant internal monologue happening, they are not particularly reflective, they are not really interested in thinking profound thoughts. But they are introverts. McHugh flags his difficulty in isolating his introversion from other parts of his personality (p35) and I think this is perhaps the biggest weakness with the book. Perhaps it could be better titled "ISTJ*s in the church".
2. I think it's written to the American church.
Things are a little different here in Australia. Megachurch isn't where we are at. I don't think most Australian christians would classify Jesus as an extrovert.
3. McHugh confuses the struggles of humanity with the struggles of introverts.
On page 50 he writes, "While extroverts commonly feel lonliness when others are absent, introverts can feel most lonely when others are present, because ours is the aching loneliness of not being known or understood." But this 'introverted' loneliness is surely what loneliness is - felt by introvert and extrovert alike! The life-of-the-party extrovert can be desperately lonely while entertaining a crowd. The 'aching loneliness of not being known or understood' is felt even more acutely by the person who has heaps of friendships - even deep friendships - and is still unsatisfied.
4. McHugh misunderstands extroverts (ie. McHugh misunderstands me!).
I'm an extrovert and I need loads of time by myself. Intense people stuff wears me out too. I'm a thinker. I have a constant, noisy internal monologue happening. I treat my ideas as my children. While I can do broad and shallow, I much, much prefer to spend time with one or two really good friends.
5. I'm not sure why, but his complete lack of reference to children and parenthood** annoyed me.
6. His bent towards a mystic spirituality is one that I don't share.
*or whatever he happens to be.
**The only mention of parenthood that I can recall, was when he was talking about how extroverted parents mess up their introverted kids.
I'd be interested in what others think. Particularly introverts - Jean? Helen? And extroverts - Nathan? (I'm thinking this would get on Nathan's nerves even more than it got on mine!) Everyone, actually. I ordered my copy from the book depository. It didn't cost much. Read it and tell me that I'm ungracious and wrong and I'll repent.
In a couple of days I might write a list of things I liked about the book to balance things up a bit.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
drawing
I have spent much of today drawing pictures for my Sunday School material. I was hoping that if I left this job for long enough, someone else would do it for me. Alas, it didn't happen. I'm not a drawer. I sat down with my kids' 'how to draw people' book and followed the steps.
I've now done 4/8 pictures. They'll do (probably), but look laboured - like an essay written by a non-English speaker or a melody by a non-musician.
I'm hoping they'll be rescued by my nice font.
Anyway, here's Rehoboam.
and here's Manasseh.
I've now done 4/8 pictures. They'll do (probably), but look laboured - like an essay written by a non-English speaker or a melody by a non-musician.
I'm hoping they'll be rescued by my nice font.
Anyway, here's Rehoboam.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm a PT!
Andrew has agreed to let me be his personal trainer for the next month. This is very exciting for me. Maybe not so fun for him. Need to think how to best inflict pain help him get fitter.
We started last night with a brief strength session:
Abs - 10x roll outs, 15x crunches, 15x leg scoops, 15x raise/lower legs, 15x leg throws
Shoulders - 30x push ups, 30x weighted arm raises, 15x overhead presses
Triceps - 30x kickbacks on each arm, 15 tricep pushups
I need to work out a weekly schedule. Being January, we're pretty flexible so I should be able to work him pretty hard. [Just so you know, Andrew is not unfit. He was training for a marathon last year and could run for 3.5 hours without a break. He got injured in June and hasn't been able to run since. He just needs some gentle wifely encouragement to start trying some different sorts of exercise!]
Maybe something like this?
Sunday - Both of us - Swim 1.5km
Monday - Me pump class, Andrew - cardio circuit - skipping and boxing + some strength
Tuesday - Me circuit class, Andrew - Abs, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, shoulders + legs
Wednesday - Me - swim, Andrew - big time cardio (jumping etc)
Thursday - Day off
Friday - Me - cardio class, Andrew - swim.
Saturday - Both - strength
We started last night with a brief strength session:
Abs - 10x roll outs, 15x crunches, 15x leg scoops, 15x raise/lower legs, 15x leg throws
Shoulders - 30x push ups, 30x weighted arm raises, 15x overhead presses
Triceps - 30x kickbacks on each arm, 15 tricep pushups
I need to work out a weekly schedule. Being January, we're pretty flexible so I should be able to work him pretty hard. [Just so you know, Andrew is not unfit. He was training for a marathon last year and could run for 3.5 hours without a break. He got injured in June and hasn't been able to run since. He just needs some gentle wifely encouragement to start trying some different sorts of exercise!]
Maybe something like this?
Sunday - Both of us - Swim 1.5km
Monday - Me pump class, Andrew - cardio circuit - skipping and boxing + some strength
Tuesday - Me circuit class, Andrew - Abs, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, shoulders + legs
Wednesday - Me - swim, Andrew - big time cardio (jumping etc)
Thursday - Day off
Friday - Me - cardio class, Andrew - swim.
Saturday - Both - strength
hints for making pizza on a pizza stone
1. You need to use a paddle. Get the biggest one you can find.
2. Put heaps of flour on the paddle.
3. Don't make your pizza hang off the ends of the paddle. Just because you can roll the dough out nice and thin doesn't mean you should.
4. Stuffed crust seems like a good idea, but is awkward to get into the oven.
5. Even if you turn it into a mutilated mess trying to get it into the oven, don't fear - it will still taste fantastic.
2. Put heaps of flour on the paddle.
3. Don't make your pizza hang off the ends of the paddle. Just because you can roll the dough out nice and thin doesn't mean you should.
4. Stuffed crust seems like a good idea, but is awkward to get into the oven.
5. Even if you turn it into a mutilated mess trying to get it into the oven, don't fear - it will still taste fantastic.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
feeling flat and pathetic
There is nothing to watch on telly.
It's hot and the gym is shut so I can't swim.
I hurt my foot 3 weeks ago and haven't been able to do any cardio on it since. I thought it was okay so went for a jog yesterday. I can't walk now.
The kids are fighting.
I'm bored and restless.
What's wrong with me?
[Andrew has just put a pepsi max into the freezer for me. Could the trouble be that I've been drinking a lot of caffeine lately and haven't had any for 2 days now?]
It's hot and the gym is shut so I can't swim.
I hurt my foot 3 weeks ago and haven't been able to do any cardio on it since. I thought it was okay so went for a jog yesterday. I can't walk now.
The kids are fighting.
I'm bored and restless.
What's wrong with me?
[Andrew has just put a pepsi max into the freezer for me. Could the trouble be that I've been drinking a lot of caffeine lately and haven't had any for 2 days now?]
Friday, January 1, 2010
my dad...
... is a life saver at Tallebudgera SLSC. He's currently looking for a 17 year old boy who went missing a couple of hours ago. We can hear the helicopter searching the creeks and canals near here*. Horrible.
* we are staying with my parents at the moment.
* we are staying with my parents at the moment.
time rich - a myth about single women
``Oh! my dear Lydia,'' she cried, ``when shall we meet again?''
``Oh, lord! I don't know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.''
``Write to me very often, my dear.''
``As often as I can. But you know married women have never much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing else to do.''
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 11.
I'm not sure when the myth that single women have more time than married women first surfaced, but it seems to have been around for a while. Austen put it into the mouth of silly Lydia Wickham - which should be reason enough for us not to repeat it - but still it does the rounds... I often hear it from preachers and others who are looking for a bright side to singleness. "A single woman doesn't have kids, therefore she has heaps of time to serve on all these church rosters..."
There is no reason why we should assume that single women are time rich. Many of us assume it, thinking back to when we were single (at uni) and assume that our single friends have stayed in that stage of life. But an older single woman (say in her thirties) is not still in the uni stage of life. She has responsibilities. She most likely has a full time job that occupies her from 8am till 6pm five days a week. Outside of that time she needs to exercise, house clean, shop... mostly with no one else to help her. If she wants any human contact outside work, she'll need to arrange it (which is pretty painful) and go out of her home to get it. If she lives with other people, she may be able to socialise at home, but this brings with it some potentially difficult terrain...
In our society that links busyness with importance, to assume that someone is not busy is to imply that they are not important. Of course, the link between busyness and importance is far from justified... but to be labeled 'time rich' is still insulting. If Shirley has a full-time job, it's unlikely that she has any more discretionary time than a mum with a couple of kids.
As a mum with little kids at home, I had plenty of time to do stuff. Yes, there were the little baby stages which were pretty intense, but I had quite a lot of flexibility, time when I could go out and meet friends in the park, meet friends at bible study, meet friends at playgroup, meet friends at the pool... When the kids were asleep or occupied, I could blog or plan conferences or do desktop publishing jobs for church or whatever... And now while my kids are at school and I work a few days a week, I have time to do all sorts of things that a woman with a full time job cannot do.
At times when we are sick or sad or lonely or depressed or overwhelmed, our productivity will decrease. We'll be able to do fewer things than usual. Just getting through the day will take more effort. Many of us experience this when our kids are little and we put it down to motherhood. But many of our childless sisters are experiencing these things too - with little sympathy. To assume that a single woman will have time to do things that we cannot do is to unkindly burden them.
A married woman with kids may or may not be time rich. A married woman without kids may or may not be time rich. A single woman may or may not be time rich.
Let us have no more condescending generalisations about time and single women.
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