Since I can only handle small bits of info right now, here we go:
Gina...just got powdered sugar all over her keyboard.
Gina's inbox is out of control and apologizes to all who have e-mailed her in the past month (or 2).
Gina is sick of dealing with parents who let their children do anything they want.
Gina is tired of phone conversations with parents that are a complete waste of her time.
Gina wonders why it takes a bag of candy sitting out for middle school students to pay attention.
Gina feels that some things are better left unsaid.
Gina is starting to lose it and looking forward to a day off Monday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Fickle Society
Thankfully today is a day that I'll never have to redo. His mercies are new every morning. If there is something that frustrates me to no end each year, it is the fact that parents let their children switch instruments or drop after only one year of study. "Whatever will make Johnny happy" is the motto of many parents that I've talked to. "I would like him to continue, but he doesn't want to" is another one I have heard more than once. Who is in charge? The student or the parent? Mind you, I'm talking about 4th & 5th graders!
The parents in my public school building want their kids to be able to try everything. Now there is nothing wrong with trying new things--I like doing it myself. But what are we are we teaching children when we allow them to switch instruments or activities at the drop of a hat? There has to be a balance between trying new things and sticking with something in order to learn about commitment and perseverance. In our fast paced, instant gratification geared society, so many things are geared towards making a child feel good--make them happy and fulfilling their wants. These children grow up thinking that everything should be given to them for nothing, handed to them on a silver platter. What a rude awakening when they get out in the real world!
It amazes me that in the public school (where students can receive instrument lessons for "free,") the parents take advantage of the system, and in the private school where parents must pay for lessons, it is automatically assumed that a student will continue on the same instrument year after year. Fascinating, and a sad commentary in my opinion. But I will now get off of my soapbox and bid you a goodnight!
The parents in my public school building want their kids to be able to try everything. Now there is nothing wrong with trying new things--I like doing it myself. But what are we are we teaching children when we allow them to switch instruments or activities at the drop of a hat? There has to be a balance between trying new things and sticking with something in order to learn about commitment and perseverance. In our fast paced, instant gratification geared society, so many things are geared towards making a child feel good--make them happy and fulfilling their wants. These children grow up thinking that everything should be given to them for nothing, handed to them on a silver platter. What a rude awakening when they get out in the real world!
It amazes me that in the public school (where students can receive instrument lessons for "free,") the parents take advantage of the system, and in the private school where parents must pay for lessons, it is automatically assumed that a student will continue on the same instrument year after year. Fascinating, and a sad commentary in my opinion. But I will now get off of my soapbox and bid you a goodnight!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SEEK TO KNOW HIM
"Let us seek to know Him in the Word. It is in the Word we will find the Holy Spirit. Don't read too many other things. Some of you will say, "Look who's talking!" Well, go ahead and say it, I don't mind; but I am reading fewer and fewer things as I get older, not because I'm losing interest in this great, big, old suffering world, but because I'm gaining interest in that other world above. So I say, don't try to know everything. You can't. Find Him in the Word, for the Holy Ghost wrote this book. He inspired it, and He will be revealed in its pages."
--A.W. Tozer
--A.W. Tozer
Thursday, April 23, 2009
New Tozer Quote
TOZER ON BEING CALLED A MYSTIC
from "The Counselor"
"Some of my friends good-humoredly - and some a little bit severely - have called me a 'mystic.' Well I'd like to say this about any mysticism I may suppose to have. If an archangel from heaven were to come, and were to start giving me, telling me, teaching me, and giving me instruction, I'd ask him for the text. I'd say, 'Where's it say that in the Bible? I want to know.' And I would insist that it was according to the scriptures, because I do not believe in any extra-scriptural teachings, nor any anti-scriptural teachings, or any sub-scriptural teachings. I think we ought to put the emphasis where God puts it, and continue to put it there, and to expound the scriptures, and stay by the scriptures. I wouldn't - no matter if I saw a light above the light of the sun, I'd keep my mouth shut about it 'til I'd checked with Daniel and Revelation and the rest of the scriptures to see if it had any basis in truth. And if it didn't, I'd think I'd just eaten something I shouldn't, and I wouldn't say anything about it. Because I don't believe in anything that is unscriptural or that is anti-scripture."
- What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?, A. W. Tozer
from "The Counselor"
"Some of my friends good-humoredly - and some a little bit severely - have called me a 'mystic.' Well I'd like to say this about any mysticism I may suppose to have. If an archangel from heaven were to come, and were to start giving me, telling me, teaching me, and giving me instruction, I'd ask him for the text. I'd say, 'Where's it say that in the Bible? I want to know.' And I would insist that it was according to the scriptures, because I do not believe in any extra-scriptural teachings, nor any anti-scriptural teachings, or any sub-scriptural teachings. I think we ought to put the emphasis where God puts it, and continue to put it there, and to expound the scriptures, and stay by the scriptures. I wouldn't - no matter if I saw a light above the light of the sun, I'd keep my mouth shut about it 'til I'd checked with Daniel and Revelation and the rest of the scriptures to see if it had any basis in truth. And if it didn't, I'd think I'd just eaten something I shouldn't, and I wouldn't say anything about it. Because I don't believe in anything that is unscriptural or that is anti-scripture."
- What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?, A. W. Tozer
Monday, February 16, 2009
Grandma sitting--always an adventure
Spent the day with Grandma today. It was nice because I had nothing pressing to do, so it was low key. While we had lots of opportunity to talk, those opportunities came during commercial breaks of such "lovely" shows as Jerry Springer, NCIsomething, and Family Guy. I have never felt so exposed to such trashy TV as I have today. But on the other hand, in between the filth Grandma was asking my opinion on various Biblical topics, so I can't really complain. Her health has really gone downhill over the past few months, so if you think of it, please lift her up in prayer. Thanks.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to
the Lord and not to men, knowing that
from the Lord you will receive the
reward of the inheritance; for you serve
the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24
Found this verse in my e-mail and thought I would post it. It is hard to keep this in mind when the daily drudge catches up to you. But it is definitely a good reminder.
the Lord and not to men, knowing that
from the Lord you will receive the
reward of the inheritance; for you serve
the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24
Found this verse in my e-mail and thought I would post it. It is hard to keep this in mind when the daily drudge catches up to you. But it is definitely a good reminder.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday Night
My bed and I have become good friends as I have now spent the better portion of three days in it due to some nasty neck pain which is making me quite loopy. Went for an MRI today and my doctor should have the results on Tuesday. Some reasons why this is a problem: (1) waiting in pain for 4 days doesn't sound like fun (2) Monday morning I need to be able to conduct my orchestra rehearsal because (3)Tuesday night is our concert. I haven't been driving over the past few days because I've been so out of it...so Monday could be a problem if I don't show any improvement. So I'll just have to wait and see what happens.
In my online reading this evening I came across this article, one I wish I had been privy to about ten years ago when I got saved. A great article, but humbling. Very appropriate in a day and age when many of us are easily drawn towards visions, signs and miracles.
In my online reading this evening I came across this article, one I wish I had been privy to about ten years ago when I got saved. A great article, but humbling. Very appropriate in a day and age when many of us are easily drawn towards visions, signs and miracles.
Today's Church
Came across this today: http://www.alittleleaven.com/2009/01/purpose-driven-hireling.html
Fascinating.
Fascinating.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Viola Therapy
"When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." This was part of a conversation I had with a colleague today as I related my discouragement and frustration over a situation I am dealing with at school. I am so discouraged by the lack of support from the administration in one of my buildings....it's to the point where there is a rather large part of me that is ready to be out of the public school system. While I enjoy working with the students, working with other teachers, parents and principals can be exasperating.
Anyways, after shoveling slush off the driveway, and then later recovering from the effort put into shoveling, I decided to get out my viola. Haven't played for awhile and I had forgotten how therapeutic playing is. As I was playing through a couple of hymns I am considering playing at church, I came to the realization that simple is sometimes the best. There is something wonderful about playing a simple hymn while taking the time to make each note sound its best. As a musician, I think we tend to get carried away turning hymn arrangements into virtuosic pieces. Is what I am playing for the Lord or is the focus on me and how "good" of a musician I am. While I agree that we should share the gifts that the Lord has given us in the area of music, I think we need to be careful about mixing the world's ideal of musicianship with the Lord's.
In the chaotic craziness that is my life right now, I long for a season where life is simple and uncluttered. How I will get there I have no idea. But it is comforting knowing in the midst of the chaos the Lord just wants me to have a simple, childlike faith--in His eyes, that is what is beautiful. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the beauty of playing a simple hymn on a solo instrument (preferably a viola....yes, I am biased).
Anyways, after shoveling slush off the driveway, and then later recovering from the effort put into shoveling, I decided to get out my viola. Haven't played for awhile and I had forgotten how therapeutic playing is. As I was playing through a couple of hymns I am considering playing at church, I came to the realization that simple is sometimes the best. There is something wonderful about playing a simple hymn while taking the time to make each note sound its best. As a musician, I think we tend to get carried away turning hymn arrangements into virtuosic pieces. Is what I am playing for the Lord or is the focus on me and how "good" of a musician I am. While I agree that we should share the gifts that the Lord has given us in the area of music, I think we need to be careful about mixing the world's ideal of musicianship with the Lord's.
In the chaotic craziness that is my life right now, I long for a season where life is simple and uncluttered. How I will get there I have no idea. But it is comforting knowing in the midst of the chaos the Lord just wants me to have a simple, childlike faith--in His eyes, that is what is beautiful. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the beauty of playing a simple hymn on a solo instrument (preferably a viola....yes, I am biased).
Thursday, January 1, 2009
NOTHING TO DO BUT SAVE SOULS
I was cleaning out my inbox and came across this quote. It is a good reminder for myself as we begin a new year.
"You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most. Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring them to repentance, and with all your power to build them up in holiness without which they cannot see the Lord."
--John Wesley
"You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most. Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring them to repentance, and with all your power to build them up in holiness without which they cannot see the Lord."
--John Wesley
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