2008 Christmas Program

Here are some of the kids I teach. We are putting on a 45 min. Christmas musical on December 11. It includes singing, acting, movements, and some cheesy jokes. Here's the sign our Middle School art class created for the event. It's probably 4 feet tall.

Amazing Grace - Book Review

I am just finishing the book "Amazing Grace" by Eric Metaxas. This book comes with my high recommendation. Wilberforce was known mostly as the primary force in abolishing the slave trade and slavery from England and Europe. This was an astounding accomplishment, but he also was responsible for what he would call "the reformation of manners" in England. During his time period there was no Salvation Army, Red Cross, social workers, homeless shelters, etc... The poor were either ridiculed or ignored and their living conditions were reprehensible. Wilberforce helped to awaken the social consciousness of his nation.

Here is a quote from the book which mentions the significance of his life:

" Taken all together, it's difficult to escape the verdict that William Wilberforce was simply the greatest social reformer in the history of the world. The world he was born into in 1759 and the world he departed in 1833 were as different as lead and gold. Wilberforce presided over a social earthquake that rearranged the continents and whose magnitude we are only now beginning to fully appreciate."

I also thought it was interesting to see the connection between Wilberforce and the Methodist church leaders of his day. He had friendships with John Newton (pastor. author of the hymn Amazing Grace, and former slave trader), John Wesley, and William Cowper among others. These friends encouraged his faith in Christ and strengthened him for his lifelong battles against slavery and social evils.

So, there is my little review of this book. If you enjoy historical novels I highly recommend it. If you would like a more details review, look here.

Talk Radio Addiction

Whenever I am in the car I have to listen to something. (Marci is exactly the opposite) Oddly enough, I hardly ever listen to music in the car (maybe that's because my life revolves around music). My vehicle addiction is talk radio. I could listen to talk shows for hours without getting bored.

This all began about 4 years ago during my XM radio and conservative talk radio stage. Then I moved on to sports radio, sermons, and podcasts. One of my favorite podcasts is the Albert Mohler show. His daily radio show is available through a free online download. I like the show because he gives a brief review of current events and then delves into one relevant topic each day. Many talk show hosts go on endless rants and heated arguments which annoy me most of the time. Mohler has level-headed arguments and never looses his temper. Plus, the radio show is less than 40 minutes long (minus commercials). You can download the show from his website or search on iTunes.

Never Say Never

Back in college, did you ever say those words "I'm never going to use this stuff"? Or "how is this going to apply to my career"? Well, now I know! Every music education major has to take classes in band methods. This involves learning about every instrument and playing many of them in preparation to teach band. Back then I couldn't imagine ever teaching a band class, but here I am...teaching a middle school beginner band!

During the last two quarters I was teaching general music to the middle school students. We played some hand bells and sang choral music for the Christmas concert, but it was a very challenging time for me. Most public schools offer middle school music as an elective. Many of my students wanted nothing to do with music because they know that public schools wouldn't make them take the class. After much planning it was decided to take away general music and turn it into a band elective. This makes me very happy because I will have a class full of students who want to be there!

Some Baby Thoughts

Traveling with a baby makes everything different. You must assume that everything will take longer than normal. Assume that you will have to stop more often. Plan to leave earlier than you think you should and plan to get there much later than you planned. Bring buckets of patience.

We are spending New Years with my wife's family. Her sister Angie had a baby 1 month ago and it's bringing back the memories of Lilly's early days (as if an 8 month old isn't early...). The first few months of a baby's life can be quite stressful. Their only talents are eating, sleeping, and pooping. They have very few facial expressions. They can have painful gas ALL of the time (it seems like) and it can leave the parents feeling helpless. What does this baby want???? What am i suppose to do??? Sometimes you just have to let that baby cry it out.

When I look at Lilly right now, it's worth the stress. Lilly is becoming SO much fun to be around.

Amazing Grace

Have you seen the new movie called "Amazing Grace"? It's about William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery in England. I thought that the movie was pretty good, but the true story was excellent. It makes me want to do some reading on the history of William Wilberforce. This Chris Tomlin music video includes scenes from the movie. It's a pretty good rendition of Amazing Grace...maybe I'll use it in church sometime...