Multiplication

Yeh!! We finally got through the multiplication flash cards today without any whining or complaining. We have spent three years on learning skip counting and times table memorization. And today we made it, at least until tomorrow. Hopefully, they won't forget by then. We still have the twelves to do, but the hard part is over. I think the multiplication tables are up there with learning to ride your bike. They are something we don't forget. I remember my exciting time learning them. I was in 4th grade, I think. It was a miserable experience for both me and my parents. Finally, I got sent to my room and wasn't allowed out until I had them memorized. Needless to say, that gave me incentive to get the job done. I asked my son this morning why he thought that he got them today instead of the other days. He said, "I decided not to cry about it". I think that is it! When we are faced with a hard and terrible task, we need to face it head on. Forget the tears, and make up your mind to do it. My dad use to say, "There's nothing to it but to do it." And, my husband always repeats The Cable Guy quote, "Get her done." Are we going to do things God's way or our way? Either way, it is going to be hard, but one way leads to peace and knowledge and the other to devestation and foolishness. It's our choice, what will we choose? I think I'm going to go tackle those dishes now.

Yeh, the Weekend

What happened on Friday? There must have been something in the air or in Fruit Loops. Because the kids I teach in our co-op were acting crazy!! Jumping out of their seats- not obeying. It was an insane day. It was a day that made you want to go home and crawl back into bed. I didn't think I was going to make it. All day I just kept praying for God to help me through because I knew I would blow it and the stress would be expressed on those little minds. On days like this we have to just let go and let God handle it. Once I prayed that and released the day to Him, it let up, and I made it through. Thank you God for the Sabbath!

September 3, 2008

In the beginning was the Word... Have you ever thought how important words are? Not only did God create the world with four simple words, but words have transformed history. From the halls of ancient Egypt to the pillars in Rome man has an inner desire to speak, to express himself, to make his voice echo throughout the seemingly unending vacuum of space, and to leave his mark, to leave his word...The ability to express our thoughts and feelings is quite a magical thing.
But is it too much? Do we treat this gift too casually? Words are everywhere. They are so abundant that people don't pay attention any more. This brings to mind that song that Tesla use to sing..."Signs, signs everywhere the signs -Blocking up the scenery breaking my mind"... I'm also reminded of my young son. I love to read books to my children, so much so, that sometimes I see those rascals fading off into nowhere land. I want so badly for them to hear me-to understand what I'm teaching them, but when I use too many words, they phase me out. I think brevity is the key. I think we need to weigh our words before speaking to be effective. There is power in words. And power can go both ways.