Not that anyone is surprised by that! All the "tips on having a successful blog" say that you need to write regularly and have a theme for your blog to get readers and keep people interested. Plus, posts about what I'm doing and stuff are real no-no's.
Obviously, I am not interested in a successful blog. I write sporadically and randomly about a mishmash of stuff and there's a lot of "what I'm doing" posts. As a result, I have about 4 readers; even my dad doesn't read what I have to say!
I suppose it depends on your definition of "successful." I like writing, sharing what's happening or whatever interests me, and I'm all good with not being well known. Well-know blogs get trolls in the comments who argue and then they have to defend themselves and stuff. Plus, then I might feel some obligation to write frequently. It's not going to happen!
So, to talk about myself.... It was a long week, I'm glad it's over, and I'm very happy for a long weekend. All I have to do is: finish a skirt, start another skirt, start studying for my exam, start research for papers, play with Lego with a couple little guys from the church, prepare a month or two of Junior Church stuff, vacuum....
At the last sleepover, the girls complained that I made them go home too soon (this, after I extended the time for an extra hour) because no one has anything to do on Saturdays anyway. I laughed at them.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Monday, 25 July 2011
Psalm 73, next section
Now the Psalmist moves from his description of the wicked to his reaction to what he sees.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands on innocence;
For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.
If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
I get him: sometimes I look around too, see how easy life seems for unbelievers, and how tough it seems for me and I wonder why. I think that sacrificing for Christ should lead to greater blessings, ignoring the eventual blessings.
But see what the Psalmist says next...he did not speak about it. He knew that it would be wrong and would affect others. Asaph was a priest and people listened to him, so he kept his mouth shut when he was doubting; he did not speak until he had answers (they're coming up later).
He stands in contrast to some so-called pastors I've heard about. They doubt and rejoice in their doubting and encourage others to doubt. They don't look for answers, for all that they claim to be looking for them; instead, they keep asking questions and it seems like they don't want answers. And so they betray the ones who look to them for answers.
Asaph was confused, he forgot some important characteristics of God, and he doubted. But he was careful, even in the worst of times, not to betray the people who looked up to him.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands on innocence;
For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.
If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
I get him: sometimes I look around too, see how easy life seems for unbelievers, and how tough it seems for me and I wonder why. I think that sacrificing for Christ should lead to greater blessings, ignoring the eventual blessings.
But see what the Psalmist says next...he did not speak about it. He knew that it would be wrong and would affect others. Asaph was a priest and people listened to him, so he kept his mouth shut when he was doubting; he did not speak until he had answers (they're coming up later).
He stands in contrast to some so-called pastors I've heard about. They doubt and rejoice in their doubting and encourage others to doubt. They don't look for answers, for all that they claim to be looking for them; instead, they keep asking questions and it seems like they don't want answers. And so they betray the ones who look to them for answers.
Asaph was confused, he forgot some important characteristics of God, and he doubted. But he was careful, even in the worst of times, not to betray the people who looked up to him.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Church stuff
I was back in my own church this morning, listing to my own pastor preach on Mark and keeping an eye on a certain small monkey who sits with me. She started to get bored, but then entertained herself by making new colours with the pencil crayons. Eventually she started colouring patches of blue and covering them with yellow to make green.
Next week I start training two of the high school boys to be Junior Church teachers. I had one approach me, and when I told him today that I planned to start training him next week, he was very happy. One of my other boys was there and he wants to learn to be a teacher too (although so far I don't know if either of them can teach). They've agreed to teach as a team, but I can't call them co-teachers because in movies that signals upcoming trouble.
That's all I have for you today, so I leave you with this....
Next week I start training two of the high school boys to be Junior Church teachers. I had one approach me, and when I told him today that I planned to start training him next week, he was very happy. One of my other boys was there and he wants to learn to be a teacher too (although so far I don't know if either of them can teach). They've agreed to teach as a team, but I can't call them co-teachers because in movies that signals upcoming trouble.
That's all I have for you today, so I leave you with this....
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
School Notes
School is going well and I'm learning a lot of stuff. Here are my random notes, with some commentary.....
Class one: I think there are 12 guys and 8 girls….we’re catching up! It beats last year with about 10 guys and me. Do the math: there are a lot more students this year than in any of my previous classes. In the second class, I think we’ve lost one of the girls. We’re still gaining on them!
Okay....fact....even though there are girls, I still mostly sit with the boys at meals, although one girl has come to join us, and sometimes at breakfast a couple of the other girls are there. Last night I tried sitting with the girls and ended up in Biblical Counselling world. On one side of me the girls were sharing proposal stories, complete with "That's so sweeeeeeet / cuuuuuute" and on the other side the boys were....sharing proposal stories (although with less gushing). Today I return to my place with the Biblical Studies boys.
I really, really love being a student. It’s a bit strange not being the one writing all over the whiteboard, but I like learning. Teachers are supposed to be the worst students, but I think that’s only true if you have a poor or even a mediocre teacher. With a good teacher, it’s easy enough for me to be a student. I will admit though: there have been times in the past (not here mind you) when it has been hard to keep my mouth shut because there were so many better ways to teach the topic and I can see the students’ minds wandering off. For a teacher, though, watching a good teacher work, either as an observer or a student, is actually a pleasure. I get to learn about the Bible and watch a master teacher and pick up pointers on how to be a better teacher as well.
Part of it is that Abner's teaching style matches my teaching style, so watching him is like watching myself! Dr. Hutchison is different, more direct and lecturing. He's still really, really good, though.Sometimes it’s hard to see how the dating forward from the OT and the dating backwards from the NT are going to mesh, but when you do your homework, they do. It’s always surprising, but it shouldn’t be because it’s all God’s Word so of course it works!
Learning the chronology keeps Christ’s life in the time-space continuum; it keeps it real.
Contrary to popular belief, if you look at the Greek or Latin, “Christian” does not mean “little Christ” (which is what people used to tell me). It means “of the party of Christ” which means that we do everything to promote Him.
My computer clock is in Alberta time and I don’t want to change it to California time because I’ll forget to change it back. The only problem is that I thought class was almost over but there was still another hour.
Okay, there you are. There's more, but this is long enough. Also, some of it is stuff that I need to think about and that may end up as a post of its own.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Psalm 73, part whatever
This week's verses end Asaph's description of the wicked:
Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
They say, "How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?"
Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
So: they are rich, they do not acknowledge God, and yet they are at ease. It really, really seems like God ignores -- or even rewards -- disobedience and rebellion over following Him.
Next week we'll see how the Psalmist feels about things, and then we'll start to switch focus and get the answer.
Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
They say, "How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?"
Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
So: they are rich, they do not acknowledge God, and yet they are at ease. It really, really seems like God ignores -- or even rewards -- disobedience and rebellion over following Him.
Next week we'll see how the Psalmist feels about things, and then we'll start to switch focus and get the answer.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Sunday in California
I'm back at Master's. Classes start tomorrow, so yesterday was for settling in and catching up, today is for church and socializing in the evening (most of us are resting more this afternoon).
Notes from so far....
It's more fun to travel with someone than alone, even if we both spent time both on the plane and the shuttle sleeping (or dozing).
There are a lot of people here who I don't know yet, although I know some from last year and I've been getting to know others. There are other girls in my classes (yay) and at least one is from Canada.
Canadians are slowly and politely taking over the school. We have some competition, though, from Texans.
It hasn't been too hot yet, although too much time in the sun is still too much for me. It's supposed to get hotter, but most of the week I'll be inside.
We went to Grace Community Church this morning. The sermon was good, about how being a christian should lead us to fear God and willingly submit to Him, and there was communion. After the service I stopped by the bookstore and bought more books and a CD. After that, we went to one of the smaller groups (smaller than the service, bigger than my church) where the lesson was about Christ's temptation. It was also very good. Later I went to the visitor's centre, mostly because I knew they'd have juice or water (they did) and had a nice chat with some guy who handed me a free book.
With all that good teaching and worship you'd think I wouldn't miss my own church family, but I did. I love being with them best.
We went to the Stone Fire Grill for lunch. The food there is good, the price is good, and the portions are very generous. I had the petite macaroni and cheese and it was quite enough for me (and very good).
Later tonight, when we've recovered from lunch, some of us are planning to maybe go for pizza (although some people have leftovers from lunch; the portions are very, very generous).
So far it's been nice, relaxing, fun. Tomorrow the work starts. I think classes will also be fun, but a bit more strenuous mentally!
Notes from so far....
It's more fun to travel with someone than alone, even if we both spent time both on the plane and the shuttle sleeping (or dozing).
There are a lot of people here who I don't know yet, although I know some from last year and I've been getting to know others. There are other girls in my classes (yay) and at least one is from Canada.
Canadians are slowly and politely taking over the school. We have some competition, though, from Texans.
It hasn't been too hot yet, although too much time in the sun is still too much for me. It's supposed to get hotter, but most of the week I'll be inside.
We went to Grace Community Church this morning. The sermon was good, about how being a christian should lead us to fear God and willingly submit to Him, and there was communion. After the service I stopped by the bookstore and bought more books and a CD. After that, we went to one of the smaller groups (smaller than the service, bigger than my church) where the lesson was about Christ's temptation. It was also very good. Later I went to the visitor's centre, mostly because I knew they'd have juice or water (they did) and had a nice chat with some guy who handed me a free book.
With all that good teaching and worship you'd think I wouldn't miss my own church family, but I did. I love being with them best.
We went to the Stone Fire Grill for lunch. The food there is good, the price is good, and the portions are very generous. I had the petite macaroni and cheese and it was quite enough for me (and very good).
Later tonight, when we've recovered from lunch, some of us are planning to maybe go for pizza (although some people have leftovers from lunch; the portions are very, very generous).
So far it's been nice, relaxing, fun. Tomorrow the work starts. I think classes will also be fun, but a bit more strenuous mentally!
Friday, 15 July 2011
Almost Time!
Tomorrow I leave for school!!!
Work wrapped up well; at any rate, everything seems under control and ready for my teacher to take over for a week. It was an insanely busy day, with three new students testing, parents to meet with, and more student binders to prepare for next weeks' new starts. Still, it's over now.
Right now I'm doing laundry. After that I can finish packing. Then I'll be ready to go. I understand that there are people who pack days in advance. I am not one of those people. I firmly believe in packing the night before. (Side note: The other night I dreamed that I was going somewhere and it was time to leave and I was still packing. I'm not really that bad.)
By this time tomorrow I'll be settled into a dorm room at Masters, catching up with old friends, meeting new friends. and relaxing.
I hope there's another girls in my classes this year.
Work wrapped up well; at any rate, everything seems under control and ready for my teacher to take over for a week. It was an insanely busy day, with three new students testing, parents to meet with, and more student binders to prepare for next weeks' new starts. Still, it's over now.
Right now I'm doing laundry. After that I can finish packing. Then I'll be ready to go. I understand that there are people who pack days in advance. I am not one of those people. I firmly believe in packing the night before. (Side note: The other night I dreamed that I was going somewhere and it was time to leave and I was still packing. I'm not really that bad.)
By this time tomorrow I'll be settled into a dorm room at Masters, catching up with old friends, meeting new friends. and relaxing.
I hope there's another girls in my classes this year.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
We might need to work on our sympathy....
Student: But I really have a headache.
Teacher 1: Well, try doing your work anyway.
Teacher 2: Doing work will make your headache better.
Student: No it doesn't. It's getting worser.
Teacher 2: "Worser" isn't a word.
Student: It's getting worse.
Teacher 1: That's right; high five!
Student and Teacher 1 high five....
Yes: while some people might offer sympathy, we offer reading work and correct his grammar.
As a side note: the student also said he threw up yesterday. We suggested that if he had to throw up today, he try going outside, maybe around the corner or in front of another business. If he insisted on throwing up in the bathroom, he had to make sure he did it neatly.
Also: By the second hour his headache was all better. Obviously our treatment worked.
Teacher 1: Well, try doing your work anyway.
Teacher 2: Doing work will make your headache better.
Student: No it doesn't. It's getting worser.
Teacher 2: "Worser" isn't a word.
Student: It's getting worse.
Teacher 1: That's right; high five!
Student and Teacher 1 high five....
Yes: while some people might offer sympathy, we offer reading work and correct his grammar.
As a side note: the student also said he threw up yesterday. We suggested that if he had to throw up today, he try going outside, maybe around the corner or in front of another business. If he insisted on throwing up in the bathroom, he had to make sure he did it neatly.
Also: By the second hour his headache was all better. Obviously our treatment worked.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Psalm 73, Part 3
This week we are still talking about the wicked....
Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot,
The mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high,
They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.
So, basically, the Psalmist is still describing the characters and actions of the wicked. They imagine wickedness beyond belief, they speak evil, and they speak against God. So why do they seem to prosper?
Soon...we'll see the answer.
Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot,
The mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high,
They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.
So, basically, the Psalmist is still describing the characters and actions of the wicked. They imagine wickedness beyond belief, they speak evil, and they speak against God. So why do they seem to prosper?
Soon...we'll see the answer.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Friday
Week one of summer at work is done. It has been an insanely long week with people and paperwork all. the. time. Today I finally got to eat lunch at 3:30 after the last person left. By 5:30 I thought I was just about done for the day when the phone rang. It was a dad from earlier today who wanted to sign up his son to start next week. That was fine, but as we spoke he learned that the child needed more hours than mom was going to sign for so.....he had to talk to them about adding more time and call me back. He called back at just before 6:00 to arrange for him to start on Monday morning which meant I had to make sure everything was ready for him before I could go home. I finally left work at 6:30, making the work week approximately 51 hours long. No wonder I'm tired!
7 weeks of summer left. Next week looks to be at least almost as long as this week. The week after I'll be in school (yay!) and then everything should settle down to nice, normal days. I hope.
7 weeks of summer left. Next week looks to be at least almost as long as this week. The week after I'll be in school (yay!) and then everything should settle down to nice, normal days. I hope.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Books
I'm trying to read some of the books that have been donated to the church library. Most books we okay right away, but a few we're not sure about. We can turn them over to the elder for approval, but this is not his area of expertise.
So far I've read 2 novels. (I know, I know...the things I do to ensure quality books...I am so dedicated!) They both turned out pretty well so I'm adding them to the library.
The other books are princess books. One of them is called "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" and the other one is "Keeping a Princess Heart."
I'm not a fan of the princess mentality. I sort of understand; all women want to be called beautiful and seem special. I just worry sometimes that with all the princess talk we ignore huge parts of Scripture and it becomes all about us.
Really, I should read the books before I judge them, I get that. Um...if anyone out there has read them and can tell me how they are, it would help me.
Please?
So far I've read 2 novels. (I know, I know...the things I do to ensure quality books...I am so dedicated!) They both turned out pretty well so I'm adding them to the library.
The other books are princess books. One of them is called "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" and the other one is "Keeping a Princess Heart."
I'm not a fan of the princess mentality. I sort of understand; all women want to be called beautiful and seem special. I just worry sometimes that with all the princess talk we ignore huge parts of Scripture and it becomes all about us.
Really, I should read the books before I judge them, I get that. Um...if anyone out there has read them and can tell me how they are, it would help me.
Please?
Monday, 4 July 2011
Psalm 73, continued
The next 3 verses start off the Psalmist's list of how he views the lives of the wicked....
For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
From his perspective, the wicked seem to have it good. They're prosperous, not troubled, either liked or at least left alone....it sounds good. It seems good to the wicked as well, as they are prideful and willing to turn to violence untouched.
Sometimes it's hard to see how good unbelievers have it and how easy things come for them. We'd maybe like to change places....until we remember God. (I've peeked ahead to see how the Psalm comes out. Go ahead; we won't get to the really good stuff for a few more weeks!)
For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
From his perspective, the wicked seem to have it good. They're prosperous, not troubled, either liked or at least left alone....it sounds good. It seems good to the wicked as well, as they are prideful and willing to turn to violence untouched.
Sometimes it's hard to see how good unbelievers have it and how easy things come for them. We'd maybe like to change places....until we remember God. (I've peeked ahead to see how the Psalm comes out. Go ahead; we won't get to the really good stuff for a few more weeks!)
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Church Notes
This morning on my way into church one of the boys said, "Miss Dorothy, I was somewhere doing something and I lost my library book." One week in existence and already the library is a book short. He's going to try to find it, though. He knows where he left it, so there's hope!
I taught my Junior Church babies again today. We're just about finished Joseph; he met up with his brothers again. Some of them seemed a bit sad that no one died, but next week will make up for that: Jacob and Joseph both die.
It's the oddest thing: church starts on time in summer. I think it's because there is no Sunday School before to make things busier and, since we start at 10:45 (Sunday School starts at 9:30 in the winter) there's no trouble getting there on time.
And now, some history and a hymn....
I taught my Junior Church babies again today. We're just about finished Joseph; he met up with his brothers again. Some of them seemed a bit sad that no one died, but next week will make up for that: Jacob and Joseph both die.
It's the oddest thing: church starts on time in summer. I think it's because there is no Sunday School before to make things busier and, since we start at 10:45 (Sunday School starts at 9:30 in the winter) there's no trouble getting there on time.
And now, some history and a hymn....
Friday, 1 July 2011
Canada Day...The Lighter Side
I believe I left this off the list below of great things about Canada, so I bring you the Arrogant Worms.....
Canada Day
I realized this morning that last Canada Day I was very busy and promised a proper, patriotic Canada Day post at the end of summer when I might be less busy. Research has shown that I never wrote that post. Research has also shown that I requested that someone remind me to write it and nobody did. For that reason alone I'm not feeling guilty about my neglect.
However....it's a year later and I'm a bit more relaxed, so I'll give it a shot.
Canada is a great country. Really, it is. It's big, it has an amazing array of nature: mountains, prairies, amazing forests.... I don't know why anyone would live anywhere else (except maybe to avoid winter). Actually, I like the change of seasons as well; I missed winter when I was in Taiwan. Canada also has a good medical system (yes, yes, not perfect, but what is) and an education system that is open to everyone (and I know that's not perfect either, but it beats out countries where you can't go to school if you're not rich enough or if you're a girl).
Yesterday: I went to work at a job I found on my own, that I can quit if I want to, and that pays enough to live comfortably, and don't feel intimidated by the people in charge. I took public transportation to get there in relative comfort. I stopped to get iced coffee from a coffee shop where they know me by name and are open and friendly. I spoke with parents who want the best for their children and taught children who have multiple opportunities ahead of them and who are growing up in a safe society. After work I went to the grocery store where I am always overwhelmed by the variety and amount of food. I walked home without fear, I entered a safe apartment with reliable electricity and hot running water. I surfed the net without restrictions and watched a video and read whatever I wanted.
Every Sunday I go to church and teach the children about God and sing out with other believers and listen to a pastor preaching soundly from the Word....all without fear of arrest or execution.
Every election I get to vote and no one tries to intimidate me.
I'm a female, and I can work and drive (if I wanted to) and walk the streets in whatever clothes I like and go to school without fear of arrest or persecution.
I know Canada has problems because no country is perfect. It will never be perfect this side of heaven.
Given a choice, though (and here I have a choice to move within the country or move to another country if I want), I think I'll stay.
However....it's a year later and I'm a bit more relaxed, so I'll give it a shot.
Canada is a great country. Really, it is. It's big, it has an amazing array of nature: mountains, prairies, amazing forests.... I don't know why anyone would live anywhere else (except maybe to avoid winter). Actually, I like the change of seasons as well; I missed winter when I was in Taiwan. Canada also has a good medical system (yes, yes, not perfect, but what is) and an education system that is open to everyone (and I know that's not perfect either, but it beats out countries where you can't go to school if you're not rich enough or if you're a girl).
Yesterday: I went to work at a job I found on my own, that I can quit if I want to, and that pays enough to live comfortably, and don't feel intimidated by the people in charge. I took public transportation to get there in relative comfort. I stopped to get iced coffee from a coffee shop where they know me by name and are open and friendly. I spoke with parents who want the best for their children and taught children who have multiple opportunities ahead of them and who are growing up in a safe society. After work I went to the grocery store where I am always overwhelmed by the variety and amount of food. I walked home without fear, I entered a safe apartment with reliable electricity and hot running water. I surfed the net without restrictions and watched a video and read whatever I wanted.
Every Sunday I go to church and teach the children about God and sing out with other believers and listen to a pastor preaching soundly from the Word....all without fear of arrest or execution.
Every election I get to vote and no one tries to intimidate me.
I'm a female, and I can work and drive (if I wanted to) and walk the streets in whatever clothes I like and go to school without fear of arrest or persecution.
I know Canada has problems because no country is perfect. It will never be perfect this side of heaven.
Given a choice, though (and here I have a choice to move within the country or move to another country if I want), I think I'll stay.
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