Haley ROCKS!!!

Who is Haley, you ask?  A really cool kid in our church youth group.  Like most other church groups tonight we had a "Saw You at the Pole" Rally for our Association.  When we got there we found out that we had to provide a kid from our group to lead in prayer.  Oh no- we didn't know that.  So Kim, one of our leaders, turned around to our crew and said "Anyone willing to lead in prayer?"  And do you know that NO ONE was willing to lead..... not our older youth, not our youth who have been discipled, not even our youth who help teach.  Of course I should sat that the sanctuary was FULL of teenagers- at least 600.  So Haley said "I will".  This is really cool cause Haley is in the SEVENTH GRADE!!!  She did an AMAZING job!!!  I was so proud.  And several of our youth complimented her. 

You know, Haley was also willing to go to GA Camp alone.  Sometimes we have to make important diecisions alone.  I think that since she has learned this already, she is really ready for major life decisions. 

Major shout out, Haley- YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

"Lessons" with Connor

So I have begun "teaching" Connor some piano lessons.  I chose to teach him myself because of a few reasons.  One, I can teach him whenever it is convenient for me; two, I wasn't sure any of the local teachers were ready for a TYPICAL 1st grade boy; third, most teachers think 1st grade is too early to start.  So we are moving slowly, but methodically.

They are mostly going well.  But since we teach them into the night (7ish) I know he is tired and so am I :).  So, I should preface this by saying the circumstances were not the most conducive to a good piano lesson.  Nevertheless, I was a bit surprised at what happened tonight.  I try to give him three songs to "practice" two times each day and then play them for pass-off on Mondays.  He was struggling with a song and he started crying.  I continued to help him keep going and continue trying.  He was overwhelmed when he was making mistakes.  This is where I was surprised.  See, I am more of a coach than a teacher, so I tend to REALLY push my students HARD to do the best they can (remember, Mom IS Japanese, so it is in me!).  I got really annoyed at Connor and wanted to push him hard.  But I tried to hold back a bit but keep on encouraging him.  Instead of stopping, I just asked him to play it again and agin until he got it. 

Of course in two tries he got it.  It really wasn't that big a deal , but to him it was SO HARD.  Hmmm... normally people say that sports teach the concept of "never giving up".  I haven't thought of music teaching that same technique.  So, now I will call our lessons- "life lessons" :)- and I didn't even think I would be so frustrated with him... a lesson for me as well.

He did well- we brought Dad and Anna in to hear it and he did it perfectly.  He was proud of himself for not giving up.  It was tempting so let him stop, but making him stick with it helped him to learn that he could do it.  I guess I will be the mother that is demanding and pushy.  But I will try to do it with a smile :)!

can't sleep.....

So, cruise was wonderful (WOW!!!), school has started well for Connor, Anna, and I, and life is back in our routine.  But right now, I can't sleep.  Nothing is wrong.  Danny is on another trip to the DR, and that has gone well.  Four people have met Dad.  I think I am just more high strung, quite frankly, because I am the "single parent" this week.  I have to be sure and get the kids up and ready, get all of the MANY details together for school and work, and answer calls from friends and family (of course, they are calling to check on me).  Nevertheless, it is as if I can't really relax. 

So, last night it led me to my typical random thoughts.  Dad grants sleep to those He loves... and most of the time I rest well- but it was a case of letting circumstances take over my rest.  Hmm... wonder if those who can't sleep also struggle with letting go of things they can't control?  It is a bit over-simplifying of things, I realize. 

Letting go is so important.  Many who try to control things actually make it worse.  Most know it, but I am reminded of the old thought....

Dad, Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and Wisdom to know the difference.

Some days I get it better than others.....