Just in case anyone happens to stumble over this neglected blog, I’m making an announcement. School has gone very well during this past semester, but it has also kept me extremely busy. I’ve missed blogging, but, for now, I’m going to stay focused on school. Maybe during the summer, I’ll resume blogging — if I do, well, you’ll see it here. 
Until then, I wish you all a blessed 2010!
So, I’m a bit tardy on this post. Apologies! I probably need to post a warning — I’m starting online classes tomorrow, and I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to blog. Though I’ll do my best, it might be a while before I’m able to post again.
Online classes are a totally new thing for me. Not only do I have to get accustomed to the whole idea of "class", since I’m a homeschooler, I have to get used to the "online" part. I’m taking Music Theory, Music History and Literature, Aural Skills (aka ear training) and Pedagogy (a class where you are taught how to teach).
It’s not all been smooth. Take today, for example. I saw that a quiz on the course guide had been posted in the theory class site (note: there was no date posted with it saying when it should be taken). So, being the over-achieving homeschooler that I am, I thought, "Oh, I have time. I’ll go ahead and take it." I printed out the course guide, read over it, and took the quiz. And then I read in another section that the quiz was the assignment for Wednesday. Oops. Does this mean that I lose points for not reading all of the information in the site first, or do I get bonus points for initative?
Anyways, one verse has become my theme for this school year:
"And he said unto me, ‘My grace is suffiecient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor. 12:9
His grace is sufficient even for my my embarrassing little weaknesses, like taking a quiz too soon, and it is more than enough for the challenges of this coming year. With that grace, I’m ready to tackle college — for real.
It can be dangerous around our house when someone sinks their teeth into a new book. People suddenly disappear, holed away while devouring their tasty new mind meal. Take me, today, for example. My dad has helped me develop a taste for trial lawyer/mystery books, like those by Randy Singer (his less intense books) and Robert Whitlow. After a day of studying and struggling to pound out an essay as bland as unsalted Saltines, thoughtful, gripping fiction re-whets my appetite for writing and reading in general. It even makes me want to cook up something of my own. However, you probably won’t be able to sample any of my concoctions soon, because I prefer to write at the speed a crockpot cooks. We both let things marinate for a while. And that’s unfortunate since I’m planning on taking the CLEP English Composition with an essay – which must be planned, written and edited in 45 minutes. Microwaved essay, anyone? I don’t find it very appitizing. Most of my practice essays so far have been…hmm…undercooked. Or maybe overseasoned. Whatever it is, the receipe needs some work.
But that’s enough food for thought right now. I don’t want anyone to feel overfed; isn’t it better to leave readers hungry for more?
Have you ever heard that saying "write about what you know"? As I was sitting in front of a laptop screen that was void of inspiration, that phrase was flitting through my mind. "Write about what you know. Write about what you know." But what exactly does that mean? There’s not a lot that I really know. There aren’t many things of which I’m completely sure and have no doubts about. As I thought about it, though, I realized that I know a few more things than I thought. And I got a little excited about it.
I know….
that in my flesh is no good thing (Rom. 7:18)
that my old self was crucified with Him (Rom.6:6)
that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)
that my work for the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58)
that all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)
that my Redeemer lives and will stand again on the earth (Job:19:25)
"Whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." (2 Tim. 1:12)
That’s what I know for sure. What do you know?
What a busy week! There was a Bible conference at our church, I was studying for the Humanities CLEP test, we babysat three days this week,and now…I’m tired. Oh, yeah, and I’m getting ready to co-teach a Sunday School class with a friend, and we both have colds and croaky voices. Oh, dear.
Plus, school starts on Monday! Of course, that doesn’t really affect me, since I’ve graduated and have been doing CLEP tests all summer. I rather miss that sense of "beginning" — the clean smell of new school books, the careful scheduling of every subject I’m working on. My school books are used and my year is pretty well planned out already; I feel like I’m in the middle of a school year instead of at the beginning.
Accelerated distance learning is a different experience. I’ve already gotten 18 college credits, and that’s just since June. I love the "work at your own pace" style, and it’s nice to be able to chose what classes I want to take. Of course, it takes work. Lots of it. And it’s interesting to see the reactions I get from people. They’re similar to the reactions we get as homeschoolers — you know, "Does that count? How does that work?" What’s very funny to me is hearing homeschoolers ask those questions. Sure it works — isn’t that how you’re getting your regular education? I’m doing the same thing, just at the college level.
Okay, returning from my tangent, I am thankful for busyness. But I’m also thankful for quietness and being still. And after this hectic week, and a mind that is bouncing all over the place (can’t you tell?) I think I need to go imitate Mary….leave the unimportant, sit before the Most Important, and listen.
Little Sparrow