Thursday Free Fifteen

Already Thursday. Amazing!  Noorul canceled for her English lesson today. So, I have a pretty free day, and it is gorgeous and sunny out there. :)  I think I will start some bread to bring to Noha and Ghada.  Then, I will get the house ready for Valentina and Pieter to clean it. Then, I will take a walk in the sunshine. :)

I have some teaching to do tonight. So it wouldn't hurt for me to get ready for that and also for the teaching on gifts that I will be doing next week. I think it is about time I prepared a PowerPoint for the gifting portion. I haven't done that yet, and it really helps to make the talk more interesting.

Last night, George talked on Peacemaking, and it was really good. It was so good to review everything in this important topic, and it is so applicable for the future.

Wellness is Body: I am doing GREAT in the exercise department these days. I am up to my pre-injury workout routine (1 hour of cardio five days a week, weight lifting 2-3 days a week with 120 lbs on arm pull, 40 lb chest, 70 lb hamstring leg curl, 110 lbs adductor and abductor, 50 lunges, 25 calf raises, and the lifting up to strengthen the back muscles (never thought I would do that again!). So, GOOD JOB with that.

The eating is a different story all together. What happened to my 90 day buckle down! It went out the door. I am not using ANY self control whatsoever. It is PATHETIC.  So, every other area is GREAT, but this is the only one where I suck at it.

I think I will go back to taking pictures of what I put in my mouth OR writing it down. Taking pictures is such a hassle that I don't put as much in. So, I think I might do that!

Well, here is my TOP TEN for the day:
1) 1 hour cardio and weight lifting
2) Prayer
3) Acts 12 finish
4) Laundry
5) Straighten up for Valentina
6) Bake bread for Noha and Ghada (and sweet mothers)
7) Prep for Chi Alpha
8) Read Koran for 1/2 hour
9) Visit Ghada and mothers
10) Teach at Chi Alpha

Wednesday Freewrite

Free Fifteen - Ready GO!

I wonder if I will write more here once I am done with the Bible Book Club in November. I have to admit I will miss the BBC when it is over. I love the discipline of synthesizing what I learn from scripture in writing and applying it everyday!  It has become a definite habit for me, but I will admit that my actual writing in a journal has suffered miserably as a result. I used to go through two to three standard size journals a year. I think I have gone through 1 1/2 in the 27 months of the BBC!  I like having a documentation of my journaling in print though.

Yesterday was a very productive day. I forced myself to take a full sabbath rest on Monday, and I had my "Top Ten" list of things to do yesterday, and I did them all and was able to rest in the evening. Today is a little busier with outside activities and more people than task, but that is OK!

Here is Today's Top Ten:

1) Prayer 3:30-4:30
2) BBC in Acts 12 some of it 9-11 pm 
3) Walk 1 hour 3:30-4:30
4) Edit Brit Literature lecture 27 (only five more, and I am done! [maybe forever]) YES! 9:15-12:30
5) Dial a Book/Library run 12:45-3:30 YES
6) Piano for Paul YES
7) Orthodontics Appointment for both YES
8) Read 1/2 hour (9 pages/2% of Koran) YES
9) House spruce up (vac, dust, kitchen) 5:00-7:00
10) TOAG night 7-9:00

I also need to go back to counting calories again. I have been out of control!

Tuesday Means Back to Work: Fifteen Minute Freewrite

Well, I did make those reservations for our coast trip, but that was fun. George just plopped a whole wheat English muffin with melted cheese down on my desk as I type this Free 15!

As much as I loved our like-hearted guests, our overnight guests are gone after nine days and two different sets (one guy solo and a married couple). It is nice to be in my PJ's right now and not wonder if I should be getting breakfast ready. So, I sit knowing that my kids are probably going to sleep in a bit more (Michael has a college class at 11:00 am), and George has already made his lunch (and my breakfast) and will go to prepare for work.

I slept a long time last night. I think I am still fighting some kind of bug. I wake up congested, and I also have sort of delirious dreams. This time we were on our way to a nice hotel but stopped at a flee bag hotel to sleep for a couple of hours to rest only to wake up the next morning still there with the hotel managers at our pillows fighting. I could  not wake up though to kick them out. Strange!

So, this is what is up for today:

1) Update friends about what is going on with our lives
2) Grade Perspectives Lessons and Papers
3) Grade Paradise Lost paper
4) Bible Book Club post for Acts 11
5) Preview Michael's rough draft for Writing 121 observation and proposal for final art project
6) Lift weights and do cardio (maybe go for another walk)
7) Prayer
8) Read for 1/2 hour something educational (maybe finish Beth Moore book)

A Free Monday

We have been going great guns this last week. We have had nine straight days with guests, lots of face-to-face time with people, prayer, fun, and . . . TAXES.


All the other things were fun and exciting, but the taxes were NOT. I had it hanging over my head during this busy season and finally decided I needed to finish them up yesterday and THEN take my Sabbath day. NOT!  They ended up taking from the time I got home from church until 2:30. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up and sorting all the papers AND all the file folders full of prior year taxes. It was nice to get them back in their appropriate places, but I was BUSHED after all the brain power.


So, I have officially declared today a DAY OFF. I am not going to grade the Perspectives lesson or their final project. I am not going to grade Paul's Paradise Lost paper. I am not going to write my prayer update (although that can be sort of fun, actually). I am not going to make room reservations for a getaway. 


I am going to take a walk, lift weights, spend time with God, and read a book. Maybe even read some poetry. 


We'll see. Tee Hee.

English Romantic Poetry

Encompassing a broad rage of subjects, styles, and moods, English poetry of the late 18th and early 19th centuries is generally classified under the term "Romantic," suggesting an emphasis on imagination and individual experience, as well as a preoccupation with such themes as nature, death, and the supernatural.  (From English Romantic Poetry: An Anthology edited by Stanley Appelbaum)

Alexander Pope was the chief English poet of the 18th century. His death in 1744 is conveniently regarded as the end of the period known as Classical. This ideal gradually gave way to what we will refer to as the Romantic Revolution. 

The Romantic Revolution of 1798

To the romantic poets Wordsworth and Coleridge, Pope represented everything they would repudiate: order, convention, and control.  We will see the romantic thrust towards the worship of nature and the revolution of the Hierarchy Conception.  God will move from the top to the bottom, nature will move from beneath man to above him on the scale. They reflect the escape from the world of conventions to the gods of nature and imagination. (British Literature Survey by Thelma English)

An artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late 18th century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual's expression of emotion and personality more than self-restraint, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, values imagination more than reason, and rebellion against traditionally established social rules and traditions (especially Christian).

After the English romantic revolution of 1798 and the revolution of the medieval hierarchy conception/worldview, nature assumed dominance in the hierarchy.  The romantic worldview of nature sets the needs of the earth over and above the needs of mankind.  Man is viewed as the pillager, or plunderer of the earth.  Every possible step is now taken to reduce the human impact; every need of Mother Earth is viewed as more important than the needs of mankind.

             

See Green Concept. (Syllabus, British Literature Survey, Thelma English)

Still Pinching Myself for the Boundaries

My Tuesdays used to be filled with dread. I couldn't sleep beforehand. Now, I just go through them and am so pumped afterward. I love my British Literature class now. These are a VERY good group of students. I am SO glad I did what I did!  TOTALLY different atmosphere in the class, and I will never again hesitate to ask someone to leave that is disruptive. It is not in my nature to have to be a hardened and tough classroom teacher. I can just be a mom facilitating a class of well-behaved kids now. YEAH! In addition, the remaining moms who were aware of what was happening are 100% behind my decision too. They observed it too, and I almost feel stupid for not doing something about it sooner. 


So, now I am to Wednesday. I have a touch of the flu though, and the sun is glorious. I want to go grocery shopping. I want to work on the next Brit Lit class and get a bunch of stuff done before Kyle and Kara come tonight to sleep at our house for the next week. I also want to go and see Noha and her new baby. So, Lord, heal me please.


I am also going to develop a Summer Reading List. I know I still have quite a few more TWEM books to read, but I am itching to read:


Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
Oh darn, there was another one I thought of, but now it has left my mind! 


Well, I am off to do wash to prepare for Kyle and Karen. 


Loving life and the Lord!

Yippee for Boundaries!

Setting boundaries sometimes can be such a good thing. I set one on March 3, and it was the most painful thing I have done all year, but I am reaping the fruit of that four weeks later.

Today is a VERY good day!

The Nativity Story

I am on a Mike Rich fest since he is an Oregon screenwriter (The Rookie, Radio). I loved this film for its simplicity, its music, its love story between Mary and Joseph (Joseph rocks - what a risk he took. We all knew Mary did, but this brought out what Joseph must have gone through).

Loved it. I am going to have my kids watch it next Christmas!

British Poets: Blake

WOW! I just read Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience by William Blake and loved it.

It was so weird because as I read Innocence, I sat by my bedroom window on this second day of Spring and felt the sunshine and the grandkids of our neighbors out in the yard to play. Then, when I got to the reality of Experience the sky grew dark and rain began to pour. The grandkids, no doubt, scampered inside, and the joyful sounds of Innocence disappeared!

Isn't that amazing?  I will write more soon.

Spring Break

Slept in 'til 10
Couldn't sleep till 4
Felt squishy but loved church
Have to set some boundaries
For my soul

Calm After the Storm

Weather last Saturday was
Gorgeous and sunny
While a storm raged inside


Step by step I walked
And poured out the storm
Into the ears of him who loves me


The ache of my toe
And ache of my heart
Were one in unison


He spoke truth after I poured
But he knows me so well
I don't believe him 


He has seen the grieving stare
He knows to just stand by
Until I hear the Voice on high


It's not that I don't like 
That he speaks truth
And listens with heart


I feel he can't judge
Objectively
Because he loves me


He doesn't want me
To hurt when
He knows I try so hard


So he waits
And prays
And loves


Hours later
Right before light
On a Sunday morning . . .


I heard


The Voice was clear
The Voice was sure
And silenced the enemies lies


Now the storm is outside
But my heart is calm
With sunshine inside

Seurat Painting Photo

First example of Seurat Painting Photo, originally uploaded by OldOnliner.

Love this take on this famous painting by George!

Forgiveness from Jane Eyre

HELEN (my favorite character in all of literature)
You mustn't be revengeful
You have to be strong
To offer good for evil
Return right for wrong
We must not hold a grudge
And we must learn to endure
Then as God is your judge
At least your heart will be pure


Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you hate
Will be your highest reward


When they bruise you with words
When they make you feel small
When it's hardest to bear
You must do nothing at all


Forgiveness
Is the simplest vow
Forgiveness
Of all their crimes
Is your deliverance now


Bless those souls
Who would curse your name
When the last bell tolls
You'll be free of blame


You can continue to grieve
But know the Gospel is true
You must forgive those who lie
And bless them that curse you


Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness
of those you fear
Will be your highest reward


The time will come when we will leave this world,
and then the injustice and the pain and the sin will fall away from us,
and only the spark of the spirit will remain - returning to God who created it


You must never lose faith
You must never lose heart
God will restore your trust
And I know you're afraid
I'm as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love

Forgiveness

HELEN
You mustn't be revengeful
You have to be strong
To offer good for evil
Return right for wrong
We must not hold a grudge
And we must learn to endure
Then as God is your judge
At least your heart will be pure
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you hate
Will be your highest reward
When they bruise you with words
When they make you feel small
When it's hardest to bear
You must do nothing at all
Forgiveness
Is the simplest vow
Forgiveness
Of all their crimes
Is your deliverance now
Bless those souls
Who would curse your name
When the last bell tolls
You'll be free of blame
You can continue to grieve
But know the Gospel is true
You must forgive those who lie
And bless them that curse you
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you hate
Will be your highest reward
The time will come when we will leave this world,
and then the injustice and the pain and the sin will fall away from us,
and only the spark of the spirit will remain - returning to God who created it
You must never lose faith
You must never lose heart
God will restore your trust
And I know you're afraid
I'm as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love

Tunnels Beach Kauai Hawaii 2007 Matt Anderson Photography

Tunnels Beach Kauai Hawaii 2007 Matt Anderson Photography, originally uploaded by Matt Anderson Photography.

We are looking for places to stay on Kauai for our 20th wedding anniversary. This beach is supposed to be the best snorkeling!

Wellness of Body

I am on a roll today. Just feel like writing down thoughts as they come to mind. It feels so good to sit comfortably the last two days. I didn't push it last night by sitting through a three hour movie though. That was good for me to say no to that because I had sat through church and the party at Noorul and Khairol's house. Both days I got up and did my moist-heat with the Thermophore pad (best purchase of 2010), back and hamstring stretches, and any core strengthening exercises I need to do from Parwana. I wasn't able to do that on Saturday before the morning of prayer, and I paid for it later on in the day. Once those little pain receptors in my back find friends to join them, I am all bound up. Better to be preventative and get the little ones smoothed out in the am after my night of sleep. 


So, I am in no pain and have no tightness. What is funny is the pain is very minor now, it is more "nagging" than anything. So, it fools me into believing it isn't that bad, but it really affects everything I do.


So, my body is well. I am trying to put good things in it too. :)


I also got a very good night of sleep last night. Too many late nights because of the Olympics and ministry things. All great things, but it was good to rest last night rather than go to watch North and South with the girls. I needed some down time at home with my sweetheart, especially since we have stuff Monday-Thursday night this week. :)

Filing Out My Life

This morning I transitioned the two file drawers in my kitchen computer area to the file cabinet in the office. I will bring the files that I file from opening the mail out here. It makes sense. I spend much more time out here than at my office, and I always open the mail out here rather than in the office. So, it will be a quick open and file, rather than a open, set on the dining room table, let it sit there, gather up all the piles, plop it in my office "catch all" drawer, put it in the "to file basket" and file having to get down on my knees to avoid straining my back. I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago. Oh well.

In the file next to me were old files related to homeschool and my online life of Edu-Anon and Trapdoor. I took a trip down memory lane, and I read old posts I had copied for archiving. It is so interesting to see the transition that most of us have made out of that. Tia's famous, "Moooom, are we there yet?" post that caused a little stir. The posts about transitions in theology. The posts about how much we have lost of ourselves through marriage and kids. Seeing where many are now, I know that this was because of what was happening in the spousal relationships at the time. So much has sifted out in that respect. So many divorces and transitions. It is mind-boggling to think about it.

It made me smile. It was all part of life in my 40's: elementary age kids, co-ops, teaching the basics, finding support for my own growth and education through Edu-Anon, Trapdoor. wisdom from moms who had high schoolers, tears, drama. All part of my life then.

I have transitioned somehow as I hit 50. My homeschool file cabinet is no longer needed, really. The basics have been covered. I have independent learners who only occasionally ask me for help. I facilitate and host a couple of group classes, but it is all through digital means, and I have no need for printing and filing papers for myself.

Trapdoor folded years ago (what year? I have forgotten). Friendships remain intact and some are so precious to me. I am so thankful for all in my life. The collective whole exhausted me though, but I am pretty sure I am at peace with all of them individually but have no desire to return to that collective whole that it morphed into after TDS closed down. I have nothing against it, but my real life collective whole has much less drama, and if it does, it is much easier to sort out and make peace than through the words we furiously type out on our keyboards.

Timer has sounded. On to filing out my life.

Holy Spirit Rain Down

Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
Oh Comforter and Friend
How we need Your touch again
Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
Let Your power fall
Let Your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts
As we stand on Your word
Holy Spirit, rain down

No eye has seen, no ear has heard
No mind can know what God has in store
So open up heaven, open it wide Over Your church and over our lives


I was so touched by this song this morning. I used to listen to it when I would sit up in my "happy place" in my bedroom in Southeast Asia twelve years ago. God gave me such peace there. I had such confidence in knowing that He would accomplish what concerned me and would bring glory to Himself there. 


I feel that today too. Being around so many younger people today who are lacking in confidence about what God has for them, it reminds me that I was like that when I was younger also.  It helps me to empathize with them. 


You are so there, Lord. It was hard when our relationship was new, and I didn't know that I could trust you. Someone 24 just hasn't walked long enough to know that. The challenge for me is not to get so comfortable in our relationship that I get soft. I must press forward in trust. Believing you with wide-eyed wonder like I did when I was 24 only KNOWING beyond a shadow of a doubt that You will accomplish what concerns me. 


The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)


I lift my eyes to Your throne
Lord as I lose myself in You 
The song in my heart will be 
Yours alone 
My treasure is in the Cross Jesus 
I love to meet You There
I hunger and thirst for You 
Now flood my soul  


Chorus  
River of Love
River of Healing 
Holy Spirit flow
River of Grace 
River of Mercy flow 
River of Peace
River of Promise
Holy Spirit flow 
River of Joy 
River of Blessing flow


Jesus come again . . .

Body Wellness

I have not talked about Body Wellness. I knew that my tendon laceration and subsequent pin being accidentally pulled out (causing me not to be able to exercise) would result in a weight gain, and it did!  I was at my ideal weight when I walked into my surgery on November 19. 


Now, I am over my ideal. :)  I am not going to let it discourage me, however. I had done so well at maintaining my weight over the last few years, this is merely a "bump" in the road with unavoidable circumstances. 

So, I started back with my BodyBugg logging and wearing it for calorie burn. 


I am doing really well already. :)