Well, this is it. Halloween. It is now 8:22pm and all the kids seem to have come and gone. I think in total we got around 20-25 kids at the most. Last year we had a couple shy of 20 if I remember correctly.
I remember as a trick or treater, we would get upwards to 150 kids on halloween. My parents were the type who hated to run out of whatever type of goodies they were handing out. They, my mom in particular, would make sure we had lots so that no kid would get turned away. If we were giving out bags of potato chips, they would get enough to pass out to 150 and then maybe get a bag of those little halloween chocolate bars "just in case". Any left overs and us kids got them, though mom and dad would make sure they got a few too. Besides, with three kids Mom and Dad didn't go without either. Dad generally got all the candy kisses that we didn't like, as well as the black licorice or those good 'n plenty things. Mom wasn't so picky and we generally let her take her pick. Dad got asked if he wanted anything too though, so he didn't just get our rejects.
I remember one year my older brother had gone out with some of his friends and they went to another sub division and one of the treats they got was a can of pop. I was so jealous!! It just wasn't fair!! Of course, I didn't go to that subdivision so I didn't get one...
Another time I almost got accused of soaping the car of one of the neighbours down the street. He was a police man, but I don't know if that was the reason his car got soaped. It just so happened that three or four kids came to their door, got their candy and then soaped the car and took off. As they were running out of the yard I was walking up to the door ringing the bell. The cop came to the door in time to see them running away from the car (I think he had seen what they had done from his window) and then asked me if I was with them. I said no (which was the truth) I didn't even know who they were and told him that. I think I was around 11 that year, and this guy was big...tall and wide and he scared me. Years later I found out he was a pretty nice guy and had babysat for him and his wife a few times.
Another time Ihappened to come to a house at the right time. They wanted to get rid of the rest of their candy because they didn't want to have to go to the door anymore (remember this was in the time when we'd get the 150 or so kids) so between me and my younger brother, we got the rest of the candy. It wasn't a huge stash, but it was a lot and we felt special.
I think one of my earliest halloween memories was when I was probably around 4 years old. That year I went as a princess and my brother as a cat. These costumes (this was the 70's) were your basic cheap plastic kind with the plastic face mask (molded into a face with plastic contored hair at the sides and crown on the top) that had a little tiny hold to breath out of, and eyes cut out that were never quite big enough. I had a plastic cape or smock type "dress" that was big enough to fit over my winter coat (we always had to wear our winter coat under our costumes to keep warm). It was really basic, but plenty good enough for a 4 year old. My brother's costume was the same thing: plastic mask in the shape of a cat's face, and his smock type garment had the outline of a black cat on it. Anyway, I digress. I recall at one house saying "I am a princess, and this is my cat." The people thought it was so cute...I wonder if they gave us extra treats? Somehow I doubt it...but that leads me to my next thought.
Tonight at one of the times I had answered the door, there were two little girls, presumably sisters, and mom and dad (who were just there to help). The older girl looked to be about 4 years old and she was dressed up in a lion costume. She was so adorable! This looked to be the same costume my 2 year old nephew would be wearing tonight, but I know that he would look way cuter (ok, so I'm biased...). Her sister looked to be not much older than 1 and she was in a dolphin costume...waaaayyyyy adorable!! We were handing out those little chocolate bars, and were giving 2 to each kid. I got down on their level and said to the older girl "Wow, what a scary looking lion you are!" She smiled and I gave her the treats...at which point she said "trick or treat thank you." Then the little one, the one with huge chubby cheeks you just want to pinch, says some undistinguishable words and melted my heart. I held out the two bars so that she could take them from me as daddy had her little bucket. I told her how sweet she looked and then her mom told her to say thank you. She looked up at me with a big grin and says, "saa soo".
Now, (remember previously when I said I thought the people should have given me extra candy for being so cute?) that made me just want to run over to her and give her more chocolate bars, just because she said that...it was sooo cute!!! However, I didn't. I resisted the urge. Instead, I turned into that horrible monster that appears at anytime of the year, not just halloween; I turned into the "I Am Selfish And I Want Chocolate Monster". Pretty scary when you think about it.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The Great Pumpkin
This afternoon my brother came over with his son, my cute adorable nephew (who is 2). They brought with them 2 small pumpkins - the task to degut and carve. This is the first time that D has been exposed to the carving of jack-o-lanterns.
My brother had stopped at Walmart and bought one of those pumpkin carving "kits" which simply consist of a little knife and small shovel type scoop. He said it was only about a dollar, and he figured it wouldn't really work because it was probably cheap since it cost so little. Well, lo and behold, it worked really well!
My brother would loosen the inner goop, put some on the little scoop for D to dump into a bowl. He was a big help and seemed to be enjoying the fun. They did that together, and when it came to the actual carving, D wanted to help too but we explained that only Daddies or Mommies or other adults can do that...it isn't for little boys. Well, while my brother was carving (first he drew the faces on and showed them to D who laughed) D would try to scoop goop (as he was calling it), but there was none left...that didn't stop him though.
When all was said and done, D didn't want to keep the 'hat' on the jack-o-lanterns at all and it took us several tries to convince him to leave them on...eventually he did but only because we distracted him with something else.
Oh, I forgot to mention, D also got a new craft/paint smock to wear while scooping goop. It's just one of those cheap plastic ones with the ties on the side. Well, he was some proud of that smock and wouldn't take it off until after supper time...and even then he didn't really want to take it off.
I took pictures of the process, figuring they would be nice in a scapbook. Don't know if my brother will allow me to post D's picture with the jack-o-lanterns or not...I'll try to see if he'll let me.
Speaking of pictures, I now have a picture of my "famous" pittbullcat. Check the post below to see it...and don't expect much; remember I'm just starting out with my drawing!
Have a Christ filled day!
My brother had stopped at Walmart and bought one of those pumpkin carving "kits" which simply consist of a little knife and small shovel type scoop. He said it was only about a dollar, and he figured it wouldn't really work because it was probably cheap since it cost so little. Well, lo and behold, it worked really well!
My brother would loosen the inner goop, put some on the little scoop for D to dump into a bowl. He was a big help and seemed to be enjoying the fun. They did that together, and when it came to the actual carving, D wanted to help too but we explained that only Daddies or Mommies or other adults can do that...it isn't for little boys. Well, while my brother was carving (first he drew the faces on and showed them to D who laughed) D would try to scoop goop (as he was calling it), but there was none left...that didn't stop him though.
When all was said and done, D didn't want to keep the 'hat' on the jack-o-lanterns at all and it took us several tries to convince him to leave them on...eventually he did but only because we distracted him with something else.
Oh, I forgot to mention, D also got a new craft/paint smock to wear while scooping goop. It's just one of those cheap plastic ones with the ties on the side. Well, he was some proud of that smock and wouldn't take it off until after supper time...and even then he didn't really want to take it off.
I took pictures of the process, figuring they would be nice in a scapbook. Don't know if my brother will allow me to post D's picture with the jack-o-lanterns or not...I'll try to see if he'll let me.
Speaking of pictures, I now have a picture of my "famous" pittbullcat. Check the post below to see it...and don't expect much; remember I'm just starting out with my drawing!
Have a Christ filled day!
Pitt Bull Cat
Ok, by popular demand...well, sorta...here is the promised picutre of my pitt bull cat!The darkest lines are where the prof went over it to "bring it out". This technique was where we had to scribble a bunch of lines to get a rough idea of what we were drawing, and then gradually adding the bolder lines to give the shape of whatever it was we were drawing.
As I said, I attempted to draw a cat. I had been feeling a little confident that my cats were improving and actually looking like cats. However, little did I know...they were not turning into cats, but pitt bulls! Well, I shouldn't say all of them...but this one did.
Oh well, I guess it's back to the drawing board eh! Get it, drawing board, I draw...Hehehehe! Sorry, my poor attempt at making a joke! Oh well, at least I thought it was funny...lol
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Drawing Class
I have my drawing class tonight, and I am really enjoying it. I still can't draw all that well, but I can see improvement, and that is the main thing. The professor even told me last week that I have improved. It will just takes more practice to become better, which is common sense.
Last week, we had to do an exercise where we basically scribbled something and kept scribbling until the shape we were doing filled out more. Then we worked at it and added more definite lines a little darker than the scribbles (which are done rather lightly). Then we start adding darker and darker lines until we are getting whatever it was we were attempting to draw. The professor had done an example for us to show us the technique and what he was meaning. He demonstrated by drawing a man's head/face. Our task was to draw something natural, not man-made.
I set out drawing and working away at it, making light scribbles then darker ones. I knew what I was drawing, so I got to the point where I started putting in the darker, more defined lines. Then, I put in the lines that basically outlined and formed the animal. I couldn't get the legs just right, but they weren't overly bad...just looked a little awkward and, well, not quite right.
By this point, the teacher is going around and seeing how we were doing, making comments or demonstrating something at each person's easel. He got to mine and said it was good and seemed a little "excited" when he said it (in a way that was encouraging and positive). I said it wasn't very good because of the legs, so he came back and showed me how I could improve on that part and said that even the legs had improved from when I first drew animals at the beginning because now I had the back leg 'bent' in the right direction.
As he walks away again to check on the next student's drawing, he said "That is a nice pitbull." I looked at him and said, "Umm...it's supposed to be a cat." His next word was a simple "oops". I laughed though and wasn't offended.
The scanner isn't working right now (the software might need to be reinstalled or something, not sure off hand), but when it does, I will try to scan my drawing so that you can see what it looks like.
Anyhow, I am off right now to go practice my drawing for tonight so that if I attempt another cat it won't look like a pitbull. I kind of thought maybe I should try drawing a pitbull and see if it ends up looking like a cat...
Last week, we had to do an exercise where we basically scribbled something and kept scribbling until the shape we were doing filled out more. Then we worked at it and added more definite lines a little darker than the scribbles (which are done rather lightly). Then we start adding darker and darker lines until we are getting whatever it was we were attempting to draw. The professor had done an example for us to show us the technique and what he was meaning. He demonstrated by drawing a man's head/face. Our task was to draw something natural, not man-made.
I set out drawing and working away at it, making light scribbles then darker ones. I knew what I was drawing, so I got to the point where I started putting in the darker, more defined lines. Then, I put in the lines that basically outlined and formed the animal. I couldn't get the legs just right, but they weren't overly bad...just looked a little awkward and, well, not quite right.
By this point, the teacher is going around and seeing how we were doing, making comments or demonstrating something at each person's easel. He got to mine and said it was good and seemed a little "excited" when he said it (in a way that was encouraging and positive). I said it wasn't very good because of the legs, so he came back and showed me how I could improve on that part and said that even the legs had improved from when I first drew animals at the beginning because now I had the back leg 'bent' in the right direction.
As he walks away again to check on the next student's drawing, he said "That is a nice pitbull." I looked at him and said, "Umm...it's supposed to be a cat." His next word was a simple "oops". I laughed though and wasn't offended.
The scanner isn't working right now (the software might need to be reinstalled or something, not sure off hand), but when it does, I will try to scan my drawing so that you can see what it looks like.
Anyhow, I am off right now to go practice my drawing for tonight so that if I attempt another cat it won't look like a pitbull. I kind of thought maybe I should try drawing a pitbull and see if it ends up looking like a cat...
Monday, October 24, 2005
Matthew McConaughey
Ok, remember when I did that meme thing not too long ago? One of the questions asked was to list some celebrity crushes I have had. One of the name I listed was this guy on the left, Matthew McConaughey (though I had misspelled his last name as McConahey because I wasn't sure how to spell it).
Well, since that time I have had several hits (thanks to site meter) of someone looking for pics of this cutie. So, since I didn't have any before, I thought, just for whomever it is looking for pics, I would post one.
I did a google search and of course found many, many pics. I went with this one from the movie "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" (link can be found here). Doesn't he look cute?!
So, whoever you are, whether you are one person or many, this post is just for you! God bless!
Question of the day to everyone else: What is your thought/opinion on this guy...find him good looking or not? Is his acting good? Let me know what ya think!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Workshop
Yesterday I went to a workshop with seven other Sunday School teachers from my church. I was a little surprised that more didn't go, but I guess these things happen.
We were leaving the church at 7:30 am, and as I got a drive with the woman that I help teach in Sunday School, we had to get there earlier. She is one of these people who is never late, and more often than not, much earlier than the time they need to be there for. I didn't mind though. We left for the church when it was still fairly dark, and by the time we pulled away from the parking lot, it was a little brighter. We had to travel to Fredericton, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from here (we went on the church van). Heading up seemed to go by fairly quickly, but coming back seemed to drag on. Thankfully I had brought my crocheting to work on (another prayer shawl I plan on giving to one of the older ladies in my church) so I was able to pass the time without being bored.
So, back to the conference. There were 3 workshops (I think there was one or two the evening before, but we only went for the Saturday ones), two in the morning, a lunch break, and the third in the afternoon. Before things started for the day, a pastor from the Wesleyn (sp) church in my city spoke for about an hour...unfortunately I don't remember what he said.
There were a lot of workshops to choose from, but a lot of them dealt with teens and that isn't my area. I don't think many, if any, were for teaching adults. The majority were for teaching children which was good, but not if you were there specifically to learn something to do with teaching adults.
The first workshop I attended was showing how to do Biblical storytelling. It was awesome. The woman putting on the workshop showed us two ways that you can use this. It is so amazing how this can help you teach a class. She said a lot of teachers will just read (usually word for word) the story and the kids will quickly loose interest. By using 'props' such as a yellowish towel to represent sand, a construction paper cut out of a rock and two houses, and something to symbolize rain, you can demonstrate the parable Jesus tells about how hiding His word in our heart is like the man who builds his house on the rock...you know the one I am referring to.
The other way, was using actions. It's harder to describe, but this is something that can be used to tell a Bible story to kids and adults. For example, (this was a video) the guy showed that you can demonstrate blind Bartemaus (sp) calling out to Jesus to have mercy on him, by simply getting down on your knees, closing your eyes, sort of raising your hands out to Him and saying the line. Like I said, it's hard to explain but if you go here you should find information for the people that do this. Their organization is called NOBS (Network of Biblical Storytelling).
The second workshop I went to was on being an effective teacher. I will try to remember to get my 'worksheet' out that they gave us to help me go over this better. I really enjoyed this one as well as the first one and want to explain it better. Hopefully I'll do that in tomorrow's post.
The third workshop was on discipline. It was ok, but the woman doing it basically went over different ways to discipline, how to deal with some certain situations, gave examples of what she has dealt with in the past, etc. She also was very strong in the rewarding of behaviour, the kind that seems like bribery. You know what I mean, the kind that says "if you get so many points you can buy a cheap toy from the dollar store that will probably break by the time you get it home." While I don't have a problem with rewarding sporadically, such as if you see a child who is normally disruptive being quiet you can use verbal rewards ("good job on being quiet and listening tonight") or maybe give them a piece of candy now and then...something that isn't done on a regular basis, I am not too keen on this whole "collect points to buy/earn something" idea. It is like you are bribing them to change their behaviour or learn a verse rather than them wanting to do it on their own...I don't know, some days that sort of thing I feel is a good idea, but overall I don't really agree with it. If a church uses that method and it works, great. But personally I don't know how effective that really is...anyway, that's just my opinion. Overall though, there wasn't a whole lot that I got out of this last workshop.
My friend Francesca went to one workshop for the youth (one of the areas she teaches in) and came away totally pumped and full of ideas. She got a lot from that one, and hopefully she will get some ideas to be able to implement in the church.
So, I guess the post isn't as exciting as I had hoped it would be (much like my other posts). But at any rate, if you have opportunites to attend workshops for Sunday School, youth groups, kids groups, etc. it is worth it to attend.
We were leaving the church at 7:30 am, and as I got a drive with the woman that I help teach in Sunday School, we had to get there earlier. She is one of these people who is never late, and more often than not, much earlier than the time they need to be there for. I didn't mind though. We left for the church when it was still fairly dark, and by the time we pulled away from the parking lot, it was a little brighter. We had to travel to Fredericton, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from here (we went on the church van). Heading up seemed to go by fairly quickly, but coming back seemed to drag on. Thankfully I had brought my crocheting to work on (another prayer shawl I plan on giving to one of the older ladies in my church) so I was able to pass the time without being bored.
So, back to the conference. There were 3 workshops (I think there was one or two the evening before, but we only went for the Saturday ones), two in the morning, a lunch break, and the third in the afternoon. Before things started for the day, a pastor from the Wesleyn (sp) church in my city spoke for about an hour...unfortunately I don't remember what he said.
There were a lot of workshops to choose from, but a lot of them dealt with teens and that isn't my area. I don't think many, if any, were for teaching adults. The majority were for teaching children which was good, but not if you were there specifically to learn something to do with teaching adults.
The first workshop I attended was showing how to do Biblical storytelling. It was awesome. The woman putting on the workshop showed us two ways that you can use this. It is so amazing how this can help you teach a class. She said a lot of teachers will just read (usually word for word) the story and the kids will quickly loose interest. By using 'props' such as a yellowish towel to represent sand, a construction paper cut out of a rock and two houses, and something to symbolize rain, you can demonstrate the parable Jesus tells about how hiding His word in our heart is like the man who builds his house on the rock...you know the one I am referring to.
The other way, was using actions. It's harder to describe, but this is something that can be used to tell a Bible story to kids and adults. For example, (this was a video) the guy showed that you can demonstrate blind Bartemaus (sp) calling out to Jesus to have mercy on him, by simply getting down on your knees, closing your eyes, sort of raising your hands out to Him and saying the line. Like I said, it's hard to explain but if you go here you should find information for the people that do this. Their organization is called NOBS (Network of Biblical Storytelling).
The second workshop I went to was on being an effective teacher. I will try to remember to get my 'worksheet' out that they gave us to help me go over this better. I really enjoyed this one as well as the first one and want to explain it better. Hopefully I'll do that in tomorrow's post.
The third workshop was on discipline. It was ok, but the woman doing it basically went over different ways to discipline, how to deal with some certain situations, gave examples of what she has dealt with in the past, etc. She also was very strong in the rewarding of behaviour, the kind that seems like bribery. You know what I mean, the kind that says "if you get so many points you can buy a cheap toy from the dollar store that will probably break by the time you get it home." While I don't have a problem with rewarding sporadically, such as if you see a child who is normally disruptive being quiet you can use verbal rewards ("good job on being quiet and listening tonight") or maybe give them a piece of candy now and then...something that isn't done on a regular basis, I am not too keen on this whole "collect points to buy/earn something" idea. It is like you are bribing them to change their behaviour or learn a verse rather than them wanting to do it on their own...I don't know, some days that sort of thing I feel is a good idea, but overall I don't really agree with it. If a church uses that method and it works, great. But personally I don't know how effective that really is...anyway, that's just my opinion. Overall though, there wasn't a whole lot that I got out of this last workshop.
My friend Francesca went to one workshop for the youth (one of the areas she teaches in) and came away totally pumped and full of ideas. She got a lot from that one, and hopefully she will get some ideas to be able to implement in the church.
So, I guess the post isn't as exciting as I had hoped it would be (much like my other posts). But at any rate, if you have opportunites to attend workshops for Sunday School, youth groups, kids groups, etc. it is worth it to attend.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Max 5
This is just another 'fluff' post. I'm tired tonight as I have been out of town at a Sunday School Teacher's Workshop. I hope to post about it tomorrow, but for now just wanted to post something so I am keeping it light for now.
Ok, I have discovered (in the not too distant past) the Max 5 chocolate bar from Hershey. If you haven't heard of this or tried it, it consists of 5 sections to it I guess you could say. These items are pretzles, caramel, peanuts, peanut butter, and milk chocolate. Also, it is not one bar like most chocolate bars, but two pieces.
I didn't think that I would enjoy it much at first because I had never had chocolate covered pretzles and didn't think they would taste good. But, combined with the other things, it is fantabulous!
If you've not tried one of these bars, I recommend it. It takes care of salty and sweet cravings at the same time. I just had one a bit ago, and mmmmmmm boy was it good!!
Friday, October 21, 2005
What Kind Of Cute Animal Are You?
Ok, I saw this on Mistress Tootie Belle Rules...and decided to do this myself. So, here are my results. Let me know what kind of cute animal you are!
You Are A: Lamb!
Peaceful and gentle, lambs have been used in religious imagery for millennia. Lambs are baby sheep, an animal tended by shephards since the dawn of history. As a lamb, you tend to stay together in a flock and graze on grassy land. Lambs don't mind being led and tend not to go off on their own.You were almost a: Kitten or a Groundhog
You are least like a: Squirrel or a DuckWhat Cute Animal Are You?
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Something To Make You Laugh
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?" "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life." The child thought about this for a moment, then said, "So why is the groom wearing black?"
A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!" While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again. As she ran she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!"
Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem. They give him $50."
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song. They give him $100."
The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead.
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem. A small child replied: "They couldn't get a baby sitter."
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."
At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."
Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, "What do you think about all this Satan stuff?" The other boy replied, "Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.
A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!" While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again. As she ran she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!"
Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem. They give him $50."
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song. They give him $100."
The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead.
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem. A small child replied: "They couldn't get a baby sitter."
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."
At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."
Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, "What do you think about all this Satan stuff?" The other boy replied, "Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Frapper
I was visiting Pilot Mom's blog a little bit ago and she was talking about a frapper. Well, I decided that I needed to add that to my blog too! Gotta love when people put neat things on their blog that you can 'borrow' for your own!
Well, I added the link on the side bar, below the Psalm quotes (think it is called Daily Blessing or something like that), where you can go to add your name to the map.
All you do is add your name, zip code (if American), city if Canadian, and a little 'shout out' comment and it will record where you are. You'll have to erase my info because somehow when I did it my info stayed there...You can also click here to take you to the map.
Anyway, I'd appreciate all of ya's to add your name to the map :o) If there is a way to fix the link better so it looks nicer (like as a little button or something) I wouldn't mind if anyone could tell me how to do that...I'm so computer dumb! So, please add your name to my map, if you don't mind. This way I can see where everyone is from.
Well, I added the link on the side bar, below the Psalm quotes (think it is called Daily Blessing or something like that), where you can go to add your name to the map.
All you do is add your name, zip code (if American), city if Canadian, and a little 'shout out' comment and it will record where you are. You'll have to erase my info because somehow when I did it my info stayed there...You can also click here to take you to the map.
Anyway, I'd appreciate all of ya's to add your name to the map :o) If there is a way to fix the link better so it looks nicer (like as a little button or something) I wouldn't mind if anyone could tell me how to do that...I'm so computer dumb! So, please add your name to my map, if you don't mind. This way I can see where everyone is from.
A Bear In The Woods
Got another cute email that I thought I would share with you all. Hope you enjoy the laugh, I know I did.
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods."What majestic trees!What powerful rivers!What beautiful animals!" He said to himself.
As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast ashe could up the path.Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground.He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..."
Time stopped.The bear froze.The forest was silent.It was then that bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"
The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to save me but perhaps..., could you make the BEAR a Christian?
"Very well," said the voice.
The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke, "Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful."
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods."What majestic trees!What powerful rivers!What beautiful animals!" He said to himself.
As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast ashe could up the path.Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground.He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..."
Time stopped.The bear froze.The forest was silent.It was then that bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"
The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to save me but perhaps..., could you make the BEAR a Christian?
"Very well," said the voice.
The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke, "Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful."
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Latest Short Story
For those interested in reading my latest short story for the writers challenge over at Faith Writers, you can access the link here.
Please feel free to leave a comment here on what you think about it. I think that only members of Faith Writers can leave a comment on that site.
Hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to leave a comment here on what you think about it. I think that only members of Faith Writers can leave a comment on that site.
Hope you enjoy it!
Monday, October 17, 2005
New Blog Design
Well, as you can see, I have a new blog design. I'd like to thank Darlene over at What Would Jesus Blog for doing this. Over on the side bar is the linky thing (like my technical term? lol) to for her design site.
Let me know what you think of Darlene's great work.
Let me know what you think of Darlene's great work.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Tonight I Ache
We look after my nephew quite often. He is 2 and is soooo adorable and cute! Today was one of those days when he was here. My parents had picked me up from church after service, and D was asleep in his carseat, his head tilting to the right. I'm sure it must have been hard on his neck, but he didn't budge. I sat beside him in the backseat, trying to keep my hand draped around the top of the carseat, holding his head at a more comfortable angle and almost gave myself a kink in the neck, hehehe.
When we got him home, my dad put him to bed but a bout an hour later he woke up. I went to get him and he looked a little upset, like he wanted to go back to sleep but couldn't. He ran to me with his arms in the air and I reached down to pick him up. He just clung to me, and sort of sobbed. I thought maybe he had a bad dream.
I brought him out to the rocking chair (my favourite kind of chair) and we rocked some and he tried to go back to sleep but couldn't get comfortable. He'd rest with his head on my shoulder, then slide down on his back with his little legs hanging somewhat over the arm of the chair. I then brought him back to the bed and said I'd lay down with him a bit (figuring he might be a little scared if he did have a bad dream). Well, he curled right into me like he was looking for protection. I stayed there about 15 minutes while he slept. My neck was getting a kink this time because he hand't let me get comfortable or at a good angle, and he was laying with his head on my arm. I tried to move and get my arm out, but he rolled over and curled into me again. Finally after the 15 mins, I got up and he came out with me to the rocking chair again where he just sat on my lap and cuddled.
It seemed like my 'motherly' instincts were kicking in (I have no kids so I don't know if that is really possible or not) and I wanted to protect him from his bad dream. I wanted to comfort him and just hold him (like I did). I want to do so much for him, help him, teach him, etc. but he's not my child. He's my nephew, and I guess I can only do so much...
As I sit here, I really feel my clock ticking, really feel like my time is running out to have kids. I yearn to be a mother, I ache, like tonight to have children. I know that God has His timing, that if He wants me to have them I will (all things in His time). However, tonight that isn't comforting to me. I don't think that God would give me (if in fact it is from Him) such strong desires to be married and have children if He didn't have this planned for me. The thing is, I don't know if that is in fact what God has planned for me and it makes me feel so...I don't know, sad doesn't seem to describe the feeling, yet I can't put words to it.
I'm trying to trust God. I'm trying to find if His will is for me to get married and have kids, but truth be told, I don't know. I pray but I don't feel as though I am hearing Him. I don't know if He is telling me 'no' or 'wait' or 'yes'.
Anyway, tonight I am just aching at the fact that I am not a mother. I get afraid that I might not be and I don't know why I would have such strong desires for marriage and babies if I weren't meant to have these two things.
Anyway, I am still praying and still trying to hear God's voice. I'm trying to trust in this, but it's so hard when the desire is so overwhelming.
When we got him home, my dad put him to bed but a bout an hour later he woke up. I went to get him and he looked a little upset, like he wanted to go back to sleep but couldn't. He ran to me with his arms in the air and I reached down to pick him up. He just clung to me, and sort of sobbed. I thought maybe he had a bad dream.
I brought him out to the rocking chair (my favourite kind of chair) and we rocked some and he tried to go back to sleep but couldn't get comfortable. He'd rest with his head on my shoulder, then slide down on his back with his little legs hanging somewhat over the arm of the chair. I then brought him back to the bed and said I'd lay down with him a bit (figuring he might be a little scared if he did have a bad dream). Well, he curled right into me like he was looking for protection. I stayed there about 15 minutes while he slept. My neck was getting a kink this time because he hand't let me get comfortable or at a good angle, and he was laying with his head on my arm. I tried to move and get my arm out, but he rolled over and curled into me again. Finally after the 15 mins, I got up and he came out with me to the rocking chair again where he just sat on my lap and cuddled.
It seemed like my 'motherly' instincts were kicking in (I have no kids so I don't know if that is really possible or not) and I wanted to protect him from his bad dream. I wanted to comfort him and just hold him (like I did). I want to do so much for him, help him, teach him, etc. but he's not my child. He's my nephew, and I guess I can only do so much...
As I sit here, I really feel my clock ticking, really feel like my time is running out to have kids. I yearn to be a mother, I ache, like tonight to have children. I know that God has His timing, that if He wants me to have them I will (all things in His time). However, tonight that isn't comforting to me. I don't think that God would give me (if in fact it is from Him) such strong desires to be married and have children if He didn't have this planned for me. The thing is, I don't know if that is in fact what God has planned for me and it makes me feel so...I don't know, sad doesn't seem to describe the feeling, yet I can't put words to it.
I'm trying to trust God. I'm trying to find if His will is for me to get married and have kids, but truth be told, I don't know. I pray but I don't feel as though I am hearing Him. I don't know if He is telling me 'no' or 'wait' or 'yes'.
Anyway, tonight I am just aching at the fact that I am not a mother. I get afraid that I might not be and I don't know why I would have such strong desires for marriage and babies if I weren't meant to have these two things.
Anyway, I am still praying and still trying to hear God's voice. I'm trying to trust in this, but it's so hard when the desire is so overwhelming.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
I Will Not Forget You
"...but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16 (NASB)
As I read that verse this morning, an image popped into my head. It was the image of hands so long ago having nails driven into them. Those hands were, of course, Jesus' hands.
Jesus gave His life for us. He did it for us. He remembered us and because He loved us so much, He willingly went to the cross, taking the nails in His feet and hands, the spear in his side and all the other torture He endured before the cross. He did not forget us in all of this...He did it for us! Through His death, He offers us life. Thank You Jesus!
As I read that verse this morning, an image popped into my head. It was the image of hands so long ago having nails driven into them. Those hands were, of course, Jesus' hands.
Jesus gave His life for us. He did it for us. He remembered us and because He loved us so much, He willingly went to the cross, taking the nails in His feet and hands, the spear in his side and all the other torture He endured before the cross. He did not forget us in all of this...He did it for us! Through His death, He offers us life. Thank You Jesus!
As a side note, archaeologists have been able to find evidence that the nails, unlike popular belief, probably did not pierce the actual palm of the hand. It was more than likely that the nails were driven into the wrist area, between the two bones. Had the nails been through the palms, it would not support the weight of the body, however, if they are in the wrist area, they could. In Jesus' time, and earlier, the wrist was also considered part of the hand, so the piercing through the wrist would still fulfill scripture (Pslam 22:16 "They pierced my hands and my feet.")
When the passage in Isaiah talks about inscribing or writing us on His hands, "[He is] setting them thus as a seal upon His arm [that] denotes his setting them as a seal upon his heart, and his being ever mindful of them and their interests." (Taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary, Zondervan Classic Reference Series, page 901)
God does not forget about us. We may sometimes feel or think that He has because we don't get our prayers answered immediately or in the way we want. Our struggles and trials sometimes make us think that He has forgotten, but the Bible tells us otherwise, "I will not forget you." He has His reasons and timing for everything.
I don't claim to know the reasons why God does what He does or allows things to happen - I'm not Him. I do know that He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and He is with us every step of the way.
He has not and will not forget you or me.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
A Day In The Park
Today my school took part in its annual 'Fall Foliage Day' by going to one of the local parks in the city, which is in the picture to the left (that I found online). Every year, a different location is picked where the students, profs, faculty, etc. gather together and going walking and enjoy God's nature. They generally stop for a 15 minute devotion along the way as well.
Until today, I have generally not taken part in this event. Classes are cancelled for the afternoon in order for everyone to take part, or not take part...the choice is yours to make. Usually I would stay home and relax or work on some sort of school work. But today I had to go.
My drawing class went on this outting to learn to draw nature, particularly trees. We did not venture off with the others though, but stayed in our own group to do our drawing. It was fun and interesting and I did learn a lot...now I just need to put it into practice.
The weather had been calling for a somewhat chilly day today, but the sun was out and it was actually warm, so the extra sweater I brought along as a 'just in case' was not needed. It was so beautiful to see the way the sun lit up the colourful foliage. I especially like when there are birch trees among the others, because the white bark on their trunks jump out so brightly against the darker trunks of the evergreens, maples, etc. And of course all the reds, yellows, and oranges of the leaves was simple breathtaking.
Off and on this afternoon, I was reminded of God's creativity in nature. Take for instnace the little squirrels running around, gathering food, and just playing in general. These ones are probably used to humans being around because this park is popular and many people come here, especially with children. I watched as one squirrels dug at the earth that was beneath the root of a tree, and burried his treasure in preparation for winter. It amazes me at how God created these creatures to do this sort of thing...prepare themselves for winter by gathering food and storing it so that they will have something to eat when there is no food left for them on the trees or whatever.
We got back around supper time, and I had observed something I don't think I've seen before. It was still sunny and cloudy, but I noticed that on both sides of the sun there were short little rainbows ( shaped like the bracks () though, and not the 'normal' type of rainbow). I've seen one little rainbow in the sky near the sun before (on sunny days), but it has always been rather faint and didn't last very long before disappearing. However, both of these rainbows were rather bright and lasted quite a long time...I'd venture to say at least half an hour, if not more. Anyway, hope that makes sense...it was really neat, as mostly I have only ever seen rainbows when it's been raining out. There was not a drop of rain today, so I found it odd to see these two rainbows...though maybe they should be called sunbows. It's like God showed me another part of nature today when I saw them.
All in all, today was a real nature day and I enjoyed it. Soon the snow and cold weather will be here so it's nice to take advantage of the day and spend it outside.
Well, it's rather late now, so I'm going to head off. I'm thinking the post didn't make as much sense or explain things as well as I could. Too bad I hadn't had my camera to take some pictures to share...might try to get out over then next day or two and capture some images to share. Won't promise anything though...
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Another Tag
Amy over at Sparrow's Flight has tagged me with the following:
Things I want to do before I die:
Have more writing published, be a well known and respected writer, get married, have children, be a godly woman (always working on this one), improve my relationship with Christ, travel
Things I can do:
Read/translate Biblical Hebrew (though not a scholar in this, still a 'beginner' really), knit, crochet, read, pray, type fast and accurately
Things I cannot do:
Sing well, balance a cheque book very well, speak or read French (among many other languages), play a musical instrument, walk in the grass in bare feet
Things that attract me to my husband:
Not married, but the things that would be attractive to me would be that he is a godly man, loves Jesus and is faithful to Him, actively seeking the Lord, actively serving the Lord, nice eyes and smile, honesty, kindness and compassion, good sense of humour
Celebrity crushes I've had in the past:
Matthew McConahey, the guy that played Greg on Dharma & Greg, John Stamos
Things I want to do before I die:
Have more writing published, be a well known and respected writer, get married, have children, be a godly woman (always working on this one), improve my relationship with Christ, travel
Things I can do:
Read/translate Biblical Hebrew (though not a scholar in this, still a 'beginner' really), knit, crochet, read, pray, type fast and accurately
Things I cannot do:
Sing well, balance a cheque book very well, speak or read French (among many other languages), play a musical instrument, walk in the grass in bare feet
Things that attract me to my husband:
Not married, but the things that would be attractive to me would be that he is a godly man, loves Jesus and is faithful to Him, actively seeking the Lord, actively serving the Lord, nice eyes and smile, honesty, kindness and compassion, good sense of humour
Celebrity crushes I've had in the past:
Matthew McConahey, the guy that played Greg on Dharma & Greg, John Stamos
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Well, this weekend my fellow Canadians will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Some hold celebrations today (Sunday), some tomorrow, and still some will celebrate both days...usually because they are dividing the holiday among families (such as visiting both sets of parents for those who are married).
What, if any is the difference between a Canadian Thanksgiving and that celebrated with our neighbours to the south? Well, for starters, we celebrate in October and not in November. I was curious, myself, as to why the difference (it's sad that I don't know this) in dates so I did a little research on the net. Here are some interesting facts that I have found out in my search:
- "the first North American thanksgiving occurred in Newfoundland in 1578."
- "Between 1879 to 1898 thanksgiving was celebrated on a Thursday in November; from 1899 to 1907 on a Thursday in October (except in 1901 and 1904 when it was celebrated on a Thursday in November); from 1908 to 1921 on a Monday in October; between 1922 and 1930 Thanksgiving was held on Armistice Day, November 11. In 1931 the old practice of Parliament declaring a day of Thanksgiving each year was resumed."
- "On January 31, 1957 Parliament proclamed permanently the second Monday in October as "a day of general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.""
(The above information was taken from here where you will find interesting information on food, traditions and history. Please check it out.)
On another site, I found the following paragraph:
"In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is further north." This was taken from here, and it has more explanations there and is worth a taking a look at.
Another link I found here shows when Thanksgiving was held in particular years and they reasons it was celebrated...I thought it interesting that there were different reasons behind the celebrations.
Pretty interesting as to the differences between how these two countries (Canada and US) celebrate this holiday, eh? If you want to find out anything else, you can just do a simple Google search (which is what I did) typing in Canadian Thanksgiving.
So, with that, I would like to list five more things that I am thankful for.
1. Those who are bold for the Lord and proclaim His message to the lost.
2. New life.
3. Teachers.
4. Music.
5. God being in control of all things.
So, to all my fellow Canadians in this great country and abroad (in other great countries), Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from me. God bless you all (everyone in general) and have a Christ filled day!
What, if any is the difference between a Canadian Thanksgiving and that celebrated with our neighbours to the south? Well, for starters, we celebrate in October and not in November. I was curious, myself, as to why the difference (it's sad that I don't know this) in dates so I did a little research on the net. Here are some interesting facts that I have found out in my search:
- "the first North American thanksgiving occurred in Newfoundland in 1578."
- "Between 1879 to 1898 thanksgiving was celebrated on a Thursday in November; from 1899 to 1907 on a Thursday in October (except in 1901 and 1904 when it was celebrated on a Thursday in November); from 1908 to 1921 on a Monday in October; between 1922 and 1930 Thanksgiving was held on Armistice Day, November 11. In 1931 the old practice of Parliament declaring a day of Thanksgiving each year was resumed."
- "On January 31, 1957 Parliament proclamed permanently the second Monday in October as "a day of general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.""
(The above information was taken from here where you will find interesting information on food, traditions and history. Please check it out.)
On another site, I found the following paragraph:
"In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is further north." This was taken from here, and it has more explanations there and is worth a taking a look at.
Another link I found here shows when Thanksgiving was held in particular years and they reasons it was celebrated...I thought it interesting that there were different reasons behind the celebrations.
Pretty interesting as to the differences between how these two countries (Canada and US) celebrate this holiday, eh? If you want to find out anything else, you can just do a simple Google search (which is what I did) typing in Canadian Thanksgiving.
So, with that, I would like to list five more things that I am thankful for.
1. Those who are bold for the Lord and proclaim His message to the lost.
2. New life.
3. Teachers.
4. Music.
5. God being in control of all things.
So, to all my fellow Canadians in this great country and abroad (in other great countries), Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from me. God bless you all (everyone in general) and have a Christ filled day!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Associating With Sinners And Such
I have heard that some Christians say that it is a sin to socialize and be friends with non Christians. My thoughts on that are "Huh??!!" Didn't Jesus eat with sinners and tax collectors (who were considered to be really bad guys)? Didn't he walk among sinners offering them His healing, His ministry, His love? I'm thinking they just don't get it, these people who think this.
We need to be among non-Christians in order to share Jesus with them. It is as though they think that because we are Christian we are perfect. Well, I hate to be the one to burst their bubble (well, ok I don't hate that because they need to know), but the church is filled with sinners! We are Christian, we are not perfect. We still sin and make mistakes. The only difference is that we have One who will forgive us and cleanse us. We have someone who has given His life so that we may have eternal life. Those non-believers need this opportunity as well. They need to know about Jesus, His love for them, His willingness to die for them and be raised to eternal life. God is not willing that any should perish! We have a mission, the Great Commission that Jesus called us to.
If we don't associate with the non-believer, then how on earth are we accomplishing the Great Commission, to go into the world making disciples and baptising in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Just how would we reach them if we don't befriend them and associate with them? Do we just put up catchy signs outside the church, bumper stickers, wear t-shirts with a Christian message, or bracelets with the WWJD emblem and hope that would be enough to bring them to Him? Well, guess what...that won't cut it!
The way we live our lives speaks great volumes to those we live with and associate with. People should be able to see something 'different' about us. We should be living our lives to reflect Jesus to the non-believer. But if we don't associate with them, then how will they see this?
Now, mind you, there are some so called Christians out there talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. We can also be witnesses to them...reminders of what being a Christian is about. It is one thing to sit in church every Sunday singing, listening to the sermon, etc., but if we do not put into practice what we are taught then what's the point? Jesus was a man of action. He went out among the people and taught them, ate with them, befriended them. What do we do?
According to dictionary.com, one of the definitions of 'Christian' is this:
So, if we are to manifest (that is to be obvious or make clear) the qualities of Jesus we are to go among the non-believer, those who need Jesus in their lives. If we only fellowhip with each other (and fellowship with other Christians is important and the Bible tells us to do this), then how are we going to reach them?
We need to be among non-Christians in order to share Jesus with them. It is as though they think that because we are Christian we are perfect. Well, I hate to be the one to burst their bubble (well, ok I don't hate that because they need to know), but the church is filled with sinners! We are Christian, we are not perfect. We still sin and make mistakes. The only difference is that we have One who will forgive us and cleanse us. We have someone who has given His life so that we may have eternal life. Those non-believers need this opportunity as well. They need to know about Jesus, His love for them, His willingness to die for them and be raised to eternal life. God is not willing that any should perish! We have a mission, the Great Commission that Jesus called us to.
If we don't associate with the non-believer, then how on earth are we accomplishing the Great Commission, to go into the world making disciples and baptising in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Just how would we reach them if we don't befriend them and associate with them? Do we just put up catchy signs outside the church, bumper stickers, wear t-shirts with a Christian message, or bracelets with the WWJD emblem and hope that would be enough to bring them to Him? Well, guess what...that won't cut it!
The way we live our lives speaks great volumes to those we live with and associate with. People should be able to see something 'different' about us. We should be living our lives to reflect Jesus to the non-believer. But if we don't associate with them, then how will they see this?
Now, mind you, there are some so called Christians out there talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. We can also be witnesses to them...reminders of what being a Christian is about. It is one thing to sit in church every Sunday singing, listening to the sermon, etc., but if we do not put into practice what we are taught then what's the point? Jesus was a man of action. He went out among the people and taught them, ate with them, befriended them. What do we do?
According to dictionary.com, one of the definitions of 'Christian' is this:
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike
So, if we are to manifest (that is to be obvious or make clear) the qualities of Jesus we are to go among the non-believer, those who need Jesus in their lives. If we only fellowhip with each other (and fellowship with other Christians is important and the Bible tells us to do this), then how are we going to reach them?
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Update On My Day
Well, I had the Hebrew test this afternoon and before and during the test I was not, I repeat, I was not nervous at all! Wow, I don't think that has ever happened before. I think my pastor's prayer is coming true. Darn it! LOL!! He is praying that I will learn to relax and enjoy tests (I have asked for prayers for tests before, just mostly to remember the stuff and do well and glorify the Lord and not get nervous, but his idea was that I learn to love and enjoy tests). I'm going to have to let him know. He'll be very pleased about this...at least it is a stepping stone.
Now, back to the test. There were three translation questions of 3-5 verses roughly in each. For the parsing, there was only 4 words, maybe 5 (can't recall the exact number offhand). I don't think I did so hot on the parsing, but I did much much better on the translating than I thought I would do. I know I didn't get perfect, but I feel confident that I passed. This prof is new though, so I'm not sure how he marks things. He did say the other day that at least in the parsing if we don't get everything but get some of it (and if it is correct) then we will get partial points, so I'm at least hopeful on this for the translating as well.
Thanks to all who posted comments on my previous post and encouraged and prayed. I really really appreciate it, and I want you all to know this.
I do love the Hebrew, the sound of it, the look of it, even reading it and translating it. I think my problem lies in my attitude and the fact I know that I need to spend more time at it...have to make time for it. I don't need the course, but I do enjoy it. I had prayed about dropping it and told the Lord if He wants me to take it then I will, and if not then I won't. I also had decided that today's test would be my deciding factor in dropping the course or not. If I do well, then I know I will be fine (and even better with a little more work put into it), and if I don't do very well then I would drop it. Maybe I was/am just looking for an excuse or something, maybe being lazy and not wanting to do the work...I don't know. But, as I said, I felt that I did a lot better than I thought I was going to do.
So, now I just wait until I get the test back...not sure when that will be but maybe next Tuesday when the class is again. So, whenever I get the results back, I will have my decision made...I think. Now, if I end up not doing well at all and all of this 'peace' or whatever was false...then i will just feel like a total failure. But until that actually happens, I'm not worrying one way or the other. I feel confident that I didn't do so bad on it, and that i s the feeling I'm going with.
Thank You Lord for keeping me calm and stress free when doing this test!
Now, back to the test. There were three translation questions of 3-5 verses roughly in each. For the parsing, there was only 4 words, maybe 5 (can't recall the exact number offhand). I don't think I did so hot on the parsing, but I did much much better on the translating than I thought I would do. I know I didn't get perfect, but I feel confident that I passed. This prof is new though, so I'm not sure how he marks things. He did say the other day that at least in the parsing if we don't get everything but get some of it (and if it is correct) then we will get partial points, so I'm at least hopeful on this for the translating as well.
Thanks to all who posted comments on my previous post and encouraged and prayed. I really really appreciate it, and I want you all to know this.
I do love the Hebrew, the sound of it, the look of it, even reading it and translating it. I think my problem lies in my attitude and the fact I know that I need to spend more time at it...have to make time for it. I don't need the course, but I do enjoy it. I had prayed about dropping it and told the Lord if He wants me to take it then I will, and if not then I won't. I also had decided that today's test would be my deciding factor in dropping the course or not. If I do well, then I know I will be fine (and even better with a little more work put into it), and if I don't do very well then I would drop it. Maybe I was/am just looking for an excuse or something, maybe being lazy and not wanting to do the work...I don't know. But, as I said, I felt that I did a lot better than I thought I was going to do.
So, now I just wait until I get the test back...not sure when that will be but maybe next Tuesday when the class is again. So, whenever I get the results back, I will have my decision made...I think. Now, if I end up not doing well at all and all of this 'peace' or whatever was false...then i will just feel like a total failure. But until that actually happens, I'm not worrying one way or the other. I feel confident that I didn't do so bad on it, and that i s the feeling I'm going with.
Thank You Lord for keeping me calm and stress free when doing this test!
One Of Those Days
I am having "one of those days". I am sitting here at school in the library, attempting to study my Hebrew for the test this afternoon. I can't focus or concentrate on it. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed and stressed, and decided to pop online for a bit to take a little break.
I suppose lack of sleep is playing a role in the way I feel. The last few days have been jam packed with trying to get a book review done, study for a test (this one), regular homework and just life in general. So, I haven't gotten as much sleep as I should have (though it really isn't that much less than I normally get), and I think it is starting to catch up with me. Thankfully, I have no classes tomorrow so I can sleep in, hopefully.
Another thing that is playing into all of this is that my dad and I have had a little tiff. It's really nothing, but since yesterday evening (and even this morning), he's giving me the silent treatment. I've attempted to make conversation but he doesn't say anything. I think it is now to the point that he's got to be the one to talk first. I've tried. I guess this is something I need to take to the Lord and stop dwelling on it, but since this is me we are talking about...I am being stubborn today. I suppose I don't want to hear the Lord tell me to apologize (which I know I probably should do) because I feel that even if I do it wont make a difference. Dad is stubborn and will only be himself again when he's ready to stop being stubborn (he and I are a lot more alike than I had thought before). Anyway, this will eventually all blow over at some point, but I'm just feeling...I don't know...irritated that he's doing the whole "silent treatment" thing which I find childish no matter who does it.
I'm also seriously debating and praying about this Advanced Hebrew course. I am very close to dropping the course because I don't think that I can do this. I am forgetting a lot of stuff, I can't remember word meanings (though to be honest a lot of the words we never took so that part is understandable), and the parsing is not the best either. Mind you I haven't (as I've said before in other posts) looked at this since last April so that is a factor in things. I've also not been able to spend as much time at this as I could or should. Some of it is because I am, to put it simply, lazy and don't feel like working on it. Other times it is because my nephew is up and when he's up I don't have opportunity to get away and work on homework (he always wants me to play and doesn't understand that Aunt Shelley has other things she has to do). And, I've had a lot to do in my other courses and that usually means that the Hebrew gets put on the back burner. Maybe because I haven't quite found my groove yet for getting back into the whole school work thing is playing into this too, but it's been a month and I should have found that by now.
I think, after today's test which I honestly don't think I will do well on, I just might be dropping the course. It will mean I get a "W" (withdrawl) on my transcript, but that doesn't matter. It just means that I had to withdraw from the course. If I wait until after midterms and end up not passing then that would be worse because it would be "WF" (withdraw fail) and that wouldn't look good at all. So, after today I will figure out if I should continue with the course or not. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to apply myself more or not. I don't need the course (I'm taking it for the "fun" of it) but if I continue with it and get a low/bad grade in it, my GPA will drop a great deal and that will not help for applying into the education program.
Hmm...sounds like maybe I'm just looking for a good excuse/reason to drop the course. Maybe I already have my mind made up and I'm trying to justify my decision...I don't know.
Well, I am going to stop rambling on for now because chapel is about to start in 20 mins and I want to go and try to get myself refocused on the Lord. It's worship chapel today so we'll be singing and this is the most popular chapel so the good seats go fast.
I will try to get on again tonight to update or post something else, but if not, please pray for me in all of this. God bless you all!
I suppose lack of sleep is playing a role in the way I feel. The last few days have been jam packed with trying to get a book review done, study for a test (this one), regular homework and just life in general. So, I haven't gotten as much sleep as I should have (though it really isn't that much less than I normally get), and I think it is starting to catch up with me. Thankfully, I have no classes tomorrow so I can sleep in, hopefully.
Another thing that is playing into all of this is that my dad and I have had a little tiff. It's really nothing, but since yesterday evening (and even this morning), he's giving me the silent treatment. I've attempted to make conversation but he doesn't say anything. I think it is now to the point that he's got to be the one to talk first. I've tried. I guess this is something I need to take to the Lord and stop dwelling on it, but since this is me we are talking about...I am being stubborn today. I suppose I don't want to hear the Lord tell me to apologize (which I know I probably should do) because I feel that even if I do it wont make a difference. Dad is stubborn and will only be himself again when he's ready to stop being stubborn (he and I are a lot more alike than I had thought before). Anyway, this will eventually all blow over at some point, but I'm just feeling...I don't know...irritated that he's doing the whole "silent treatment" thing which I find childish no matter who does it.
I'm also seriously debating and praying about this Advanced Hebrew course. I am very close to dropping the course because I don't think that I can do this. I am forgetting a lot of stuff, I can't remember word meanings (though to be honest a lot of the words we never took so that part is understandable), and the parsing is not the best either. Mind you I haven't (as I've said before in other posts) looked at this since last April so that is a factor in things. I've also not been able to spend as much time at this as I could or should. Some of it is because I am, to put it simply, lazy and don't feel like working on it. Other times it is because my nephew is up and when he's up I don't have opportunity to get away and work on homework (he always wants me to play and doesn't understand that Aunt Shelley has other things she has to do). And, I've had a lot to do in my other courses and that usually means that the Hebrew gets put on the back burner. Maybe because I haven't quite found my groove yet for getting back into the whole school work thing is playing into this too, but it's been a month and I should have found that by now.
I think, after today's test which I honestly don't think I will do well on, I just might be dropping the course. It will mean I get a "W" (withdrawl) on my transcript, but that doesn't matter. It just means that I had to withdraw from the course. If I wait until after midterms and end up not passing then that would be worse because it would be "WF" (withdraw fail) and that wouldn't look good at all. So, after today I will figure out if I should continue with the course or not. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to apply myself more or not. I don't need the course (I'm taking it for the "fun" of it) but if I continue with it and get a low/bad grade in it, my GPA will drop a great deal and that will not help for applying into the education program.
Hmm...sounds like maybe I'm just looking for a good excuse/reason to drop the course. Maybe I already have my mind made up and I'm trying to justify my decision...I don't know.
Well, I am going to stop rambling on for now because chapel is about to start in 20 mins and I want to go and try to get myself refocused on the Lord. It's worship chapel today so we'll be singing and this is the most popular chapel so the good seats go fast.
I will try to get on again tonight to update or post something else, but if not, please pray for me in all of this. God bless you all!
Monday, October 03, 2005
I've Been Tagged!
Ok, Jennifer over at Idle Rambling Thoughts has so kindly tagged me with the following meme:
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.
Ok, my 23rd post was from Aug. 2, 2005 (or as near as I could figure it out) and I began the post by talking about how I was getting (back) into writing had had begun to work on a novel. I was talking about working on the character charts for the two main characters, and my 5th sentence was about the female character, and said:
"She doesn't want to be portrayed like that, because it makes her look a little too 'wussy' and who would want her in that condition."
So, now it is my turn to continue this tagging. The following are now tagged and need to post in their blog the same information from steps 1-5:
May at My Little Heaven
Bonnie at God's Most Wanted
Jess at the Roaming Possum
Maggie Ann at the Knitting Kat
Purple Kangaroo at Purple Puzzle Place
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.
Ok, my 23rd post was from Aug. 2, 2005 (or as near as I could figure it out) and I began the post by talking about how I was getting (back) into writing had had begun to work on a novel. I was talking about working on the character charts for the two main characters, and my 5th sentence was about the female character, and said:
"She doesn't want to be portrayed like that, because it makes her look a little too 'wussy' and who would want her in that condition."
So, now it is my turn to continue this tagging. The following are now tagged and need to post in their blog the same information from steps 1-5:
May at My Little Heaven
Bonnie at God's Most Wanted
Jess at the Roaming Possum
Maggie Ann at the Knitting Kat
Purple Kangaroo at Purple Puzzle Place
Saturday, October 01, 2005
I'm Dreaming Of....Hebrew??!!
What on earth has my life come to? Today I did some of my Hebrew homework. I am enjoying it, yet I am struggling with it at the same time. The reason being is that basically I have not looked at my Hebrew since classes ended last April. I would have taken a course through the summer (translating and parsing the verbs) but I could not afford it since it would have cost around $500. I also did not know there would be a course in Advanced Hebrew this fall until August, and I didn't find out that it was definate until a couple weeks before classes started.
So I am struggling to remember everything I learned last year. I remember more of the vocabulary than I forget, though there are times I will look at a word and know that I know what it means but can't remember...then I look it up and have one of those "Oh yeah, how could I forget that" moments. It is mostly the parsing that is messing with my mind. I can recognize that it is a verb, but it escapes which particular form it is (I do remember some though), as well as the way it is to be translated.
We have our first translating and parsing test next Thursday (please pray for me for that) and I feel so totally not ready for it. I have mentioned all of this to the professor, and he is understanding. He also did a bit of review on Thursday and gave us laminated charts with the verb forms on them (he happened to have a bunch and said the four of us in the class could have them). He told us that the Qal verb forms appear 5 out of 7 times in the Torah (our Old Testament for those who don't know). So that helped calm my fears somewhat. However, I do need to go over these verbs so that I can recall how to recognize which forms they are, as well as go over the endings to know if it is first, second, or third person; masculine or feminine; singular or plural.
As for translating the words, there are a lot that I don't know because we never had them in our vocabulary lists last year. We had to get a Hebrew/English lexicon this year and that is a big help (when I can figure out which word I need to look up), but we won't be able to use them on the test. He told us that we will have one translating question that will be a sight passage, meaning it is something that we haven't translated yet. This is, I guess, to see how well we are doing and not just maybe memorizing something we've gone over.
So, as I have said, I have been working on my Hebrew today. I also was reading 1 Samuel 4-6 in Hebrew as this is what I am doing my term paper on for my 1 Samuel class. It is the ark narrative and the prof (same one who teaches me Hebrew) suggested I read it in the Hebrew and use my NASB for any words I don't know...this is just something to do 'quickly'. He said if I do this he guarantees that I will find things in the Hebrew that is translated a little differently or something in English...
Well, I say all this to get to my main point for this post. After working on the Hebrew and reading 1 Samuel 4 (didn't make it to 6 as I got tired) in Hebrew with some help from my NASB, I got tired and laid down for a 1/2 hour nap this afternoon. Guess what I dreamed about...yup, you got it. I dreamed about Hebrew. Not just about Hebrew, but I dreamed that I was reading and trying to translate it. I saw Hebrew words in my dream and was trying to figure out what was being said. I don't think it was the Hebrew Bible, more like someone had written something to me. I woke up with "Ha Na-ar" (I guess that is how you would spell the word using English letters) in my mind in Hebrew letters, and saying it as well in my mind...that word translates into "the boy" or in some cases "the servant" )as in when Samuel was young and serving in the temple under Eli). This word was not in anything I read today or translated, so I don't know where it came from.
Sheesh, I enjoy Hebrew and think it is a beautiful language and it even sounds poetic...but, I don't know if I enjoy it enough to be dreaming in Hebrew. I will leave you with a request for prayers as I do this class as well as a line from 1 Samuel 3:1 (remember it is read from right to left):
(Translation: And the boy Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.)
Hebrew and English translation taken from here.
So I am struggling to remember everything I learned last year. I remember more of the vocabulary than I forget, though there are times I will look at a word and know that I know what it means but can't remember...then I look it up and have one of those "Oh yeah, how could I forget that" moments. It is mostly the parsing that is messing with my mind. I can recognize that it is a verb, but it escapes which particular form it is (I do remember some though), as well as the way it is to be translated.
We have our first translating and parsing test next Thursday (please pray for me for that) and I feel so totally not ready for it. I have mentioned all of this to the professor, and he is understanding. He also did a bit of review on Thursday and gave us laminated charts with the verb forms on them (he happened to have a bunch and said the four of us in the class could have them). He told us that the Qal verb forms appear 5 out of 7 times in the Torah (our Old Testament for those who don't know). So that helped calm my fears somewhat. However, I do need to go over these verbs so that I can recall how to recognize which forms they are, as well as go over the endings to know if it is first, second, or third person; masculine or feminine; singular or plural.
As for translating the words, there are a lot that I don't know because we never had them in our vocabulary lists last year. We had to get a Hebrew/English lexicon this year and that is a big help (when I can figure out which word I need to look up), but we won't be able to use them on the test. He told us that we will have one translating question that will be a sight passage, meaning it is something that we haven't translated yet. This is, I guess, to see how well we are doing and not just maybe memorizing something we've gone over.
So, as I have said, I have been working on my Hebrew today. I also was reading 1 Samuel 4-6 in Hebrew as this is what I am doing my term paper on for my 1 Samuel class. It is the ark narrative and the prof (same one who teaches me Hebrew) suggested I read it in the Hebrew and use my NASB for any words I don't know...this is just something to do 'quickly'. He said if I do this he guarantees that I will find things in the Hebrew that is translated a little differently or something in English...
Well, I say all this to get to my main point for this post. After working on the Hebrew and reading 1 Samuel 4 (didn't make it to 6 as I got tired) in Hebrew with some help from my NASB, I got tired and laid down for a 1/2 hour nap this afternoon. Guess what I dreamed about...yup, you got it. I dreamed about Hebrew. Not just about Hebrew, but I dreamed that I was reading and trying to translate it. I saw Hebrew words in my dream and was trying to figure out what was being said. I don't think it was the Hebrew Bible, more like someone had written something to me. I woke up with "Ha Na-ar" (I guess that is how you would spell the word using English letters) in my mind in Hebrew letters, and saying it as well in my mind...that word translates into "the boy" or in some cases "the servant" )as in when Samuel was young and serving in the temple under Eli). This word was not in anything I read today or translated, so I don't know where it came from.
Sheesh, I enjoy Hebrew and think it is a beautiful language and it even sounds poetic...but, I don't know if I enjoy it enough to be dreaming in Hebrew. I will leave you with a request for prayers as I do this class as well as a line from 1 Samuel 3:1 (remember it is read from right to left):
וְהַנַּעַר שְׁמוּאֵל מְשָׁרֵת אֶת-יְהוָה, לִפְנֵי עֵלִי; וּדְבַר-יְהוָה, הָיָה יָקָר בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם--אֵין חָזוֹן, נִפְרָץ
(Translation: And the boy Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.)
Hebrew and English translation taken from here.
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