My new skates have arrived. My feet are in great pain, and will probably be enduring more in the next few weeks.
My trusty old Reidell's finally gave up the ghost and had to be replaced after eight years. They were beginning to break down, but my coaches also decided I needed to change blades. They felt a boot change at the same time would be a good idea. So I have switched from a Reidell 320 Bronze Star with an MK Professional blade to a Jackson Competitor 2200 boot with an Ultima Mirage blade.
I wore the new skates around the house (with guards on, of course) today. Boy are they ever stiff. I guess I had forgotten how stiff the Reidells were when I first got them. They also seem shorter in length, though they are actually a half-size larger than the Reidells. Of course sizing varies widely from brand to brand. I got a C width, which I can already tell is very nice, but the toes seem really squished, especially on top.
Once I get on the ice, the top edge of the boot won't be fun to deal with. I do remember how badly the tops of the Reidells cut into my legs until they bled! Also, the new blade is 1/2 inch shorter and flatter in the rocker now. It will be interesting to see how that changes my elements. I am most worried about losing my scratch spin.
I hope my coach takes pity on me tomorrow night. Maybe the Lord will return before then, and I won't have to endure the pain after all!!
Maranatha!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Home Again
Just returned from the convention. I was very impressed with the overall quality, the content, and the emphasis of what I heard. It was a strong exhortation to excellence in the ministry of teaching and an unapologetic and definitive stand for academic training of children and teens that is decidedly, thoroughly, and consistently Christian. No waffling, no "salt and light" excuses for embedding kids 30-40 hours a week in temples to a false god, no integrating the world's philosophies and "christianizing" them with a few Bible verses.
The opening message reminded us teachers that our students are our Timothys -- our sons in the faith. Like the believers in Philippi were to Paul, our students are our joy and crown. We need to teach them diligently with that attitude so as to build them up in their faith to become worshippers of, and thus servants of, the Lord.
The closing message took us to the account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and and encouraged us to approach our ministry with the humility of a servant. Instead of trying to climb to greatness, we need to descend to a place before God and others where we genuinely minister. It's not about our professional achievement, it's about God's glory and the eternal hope he offers to human souls.
In between, there were dozens of workshops from which to choose that provided information, encouragement, and instruction in both the pragmatic and philosophical aspects of teaching. They were packed into a small amount of time, so we got a lot of information at a fast and furious pace. I need some time to mentally download it all and sort through it. I'm glad I took a lot of notes. Fortunately I had my laptop with me, so I was able to type quickly.
DH had a restful time, and we had wonderful fellowship and conversation with the N's. They took us to a funky little burger joint in downtown KC at the Crown Center called Fritz's . Your food order is delivered to your table by a miniature train on an overhead track. It's really quite clever. I did a little shopping at the Christmas ornament store. Back at the hotel, we all spent a couple hours playing Wii. DH doesn't usually get too excited about technological fads, but he really enjoyed this one.
We were thankful to the Lord for safe travel, a comfortable place to stay, the generosity of friends who helped make the trip possible, and the AACS staff and presenters who offered the conference. I am already looking forward to next year!
The opening message reminded us teachers that our students are our Timothys -- our sons in the faith. Like the believers in Philippi were to Paul, our students are our joy and crown. We need to teach them diligently with that attitude so as to build them up in their faith to become worshippers of, and thus servants of, the Lord.
The closing message took us to the account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and and encouraged us to approach our ministry with the humility of a servant. Instead of trying to climb to greatness, we need to descend to a place before God and others where we genuinely minister. It's not about our professional achievement, it's about God's glory and the eternal hope he offers to human souls.
In between, there were dozens of workshops from which to choose that provided information, encouragement, and instruction in both the pragmatic and philosophical aspects of teaching. They were packed into a small amount of time, so we got a lot of information at a fast and furious pace. I need some time to mentally download it all and sort through it. I'm glad I took a lot of notes. Fortunately I had my laptop with me, so I was able to type quickly.
DH had a restful time, and we had wonderful fellowship and conversation with the N's. They took us to a funky little burger joint in downtown KC at the Crown Center called Fritz's . Your food order is delivered to your table by a miniature train on an overhead track. It's really quite clever. I did a little shopping at the Christmas ornament store. Back at the hotel, we all spent a couple hours playing Wii. DH doesn't usually get too excited about technological fads, but he really enjoyed this one.
We were thankful to the Lord for safe travel, a comfortable place to stay, the generosity of friends who helped make the trip possible, and the AACS staff and presenters who offered the conference. I am already looking forward to next year!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Southbound
We are traveling to Kansas City (technically Independence, MO) tomorrow for the MAACS teachers' convention. DH gets to go -- a nice little much-needed vacation for him. We will be traveling with Mr. N and his family, as well. I am really looking forward to the trip, the convention, and great fellowship with dear friends.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
New Students
We have some new students starting classes with us at MCA tomorrow. We are very excited!
Maranatha!
Maranatha!
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