A TV documentary that I watched earlier this week had, as its main message, that all over the world, people in supposed first world countries were no longer better off than their parents, and that they had nothing left to aim for.
In Vietnam, youngsters enjoy parties and study as they celebrate the life improvements each generation can make on their parents - they can get better jobs, have more money, enjoy city living and be proud of their achievements.
In other countries, however, like Japan and the UK, children are less happy as they know that however hard they work they will not be able to outshine their parents, unlike the last few generations. They will struggle to get a job, may not get on the property ladder for some time (if ever), and have less disposable money with which to enjoy themselves. And I started thinking 'am I better off than my parents'?
I live in the UK, have a house that needs a lot of renovation (much of which I can't afford at this present time), have a car that amazes my family every time I drive to see them in it (as they're convinced it was ready for the scrapyard years ago), can never afford to stay in a hotel, and buy mainly value lines in the supermarket.
Yet I am fully aware of how much better off I am than my parents as they taught me well. I know which of the budget lines taste good, and which to avoid. I'm a keen freebie hunter, and when the season's right, can practically live off thin air. I have friends all over the world, who I can couch-surf at, when I get enough cash together to pay for the air fare.
My entertainment costs are practically zero as I've been trained to see the value in volunteering. Though my husband certainly only earns a one-person salary, we can live quite comfortably when I'm between jobs, and then when I start earning more, we can use almost all of our money to go on holiday to see my friends.
I don't have to work if I don't want to, rather, using that extra time to help those in genuine need - socially, physically or mentally. I have gained from IT developments as I can chat with friends around the world everyday, and don't have to miss out on friendship just because I can't afford the long-haul flights as often as I would like.
I may not have more disposable income than my parents did, but I know how to use it more wisely as I have learnt from their experience. I can use money much more creatively to stretch it as far as possible in a country which is becoming increasingly tight-fisted. I enjoy every day, even the rainy ones, as I know the peace instilled in me from having thoughtful, loving parents, who have never stopped showering me with their wisdom in a useful way.
In short, I am much better off than my parents were, as they sculpted a better life for me when I was still young.
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Friday, 17 May 2013
Day 4 = A, B, C!
One of the methods suggested by several sources as being helpful and good for studying scripture is to learn it, commit it to memory and carry it all the day through internally. I have difficulties with short-term memory, and I find memorisation really quite difficult, so I thought I'd look around for tips on remembering scripture, and came across the following quote: "I know an easy way to memorise scripture - through the alphabet!". This particular comment precedes an internationally-known children's song, performed and written by Ernie Rettino (a.k.a. Psalty).
Thus, in my prayer and study time today, I listened to, and sang along with (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn3C2H8bgYQ) 'The Alphabet Song'. I had to listen to it a number of times, as each time, I learnt something different, and it required a great amount of concentration to succeed in being able to get the whole song internalised, which, was rather disconcerting to my passengers! (My main CD player is in my car as that enables me to be able to sing along with music without being a nuisance to my housemates).
It's a good song, and useful to teach younger Christians. It contains a mix of scriptures, which together, do a decent job at summarising the overall message of the Bible, and each is succeeded by its reference. It's catchy. upbeat, melodious and fast-paced, and is a song that can be listened to, in certain contexts and times, repeatedly. I find it difficult to hear in places as the singers stumble over, and muffle, their words somewhat, but if the aim is to learn some scripture from different parts of the Bible, it's pretty effective.
I think it might be useful to learn several chunks of scripture (i.e. lots of different chapters) rather than having a number of random verses in my head, as this facilitates access to context and background as well as making it easier to remember the references, but it's a helpful start. Learning scripture is important as it's not always easy to locate meaningful verses, find the accompanying reference to an arising thought and the Bible is not always at hand, but with the age of the internet, the need becomes less prevalent in today's society. It's not as essential in the western world as it is in less developed or more politically hot countries.
Thus, in my prayer and study time today, I listened to, and sang along with (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn3C2H8bgYQ) 'The Alphabet Song'. I had to listen to it a number of times, as each time, I learnt something different, and it required a great amount of concentration to succeed in being able to get the whole song internalised, which, was rather disconcerting to my passengers! (My main CD player is in my car as that enables me to be able to sing along with music without being a nuisance to my housemates).
It's a good song, and useful to teach younger Christians. It contains a mix of scriptures, which together, do a decent job at summarising the overall message of the Bible, and each is succeeded by its reference. It's catchy. upbeat, melodious and fast-paced, and is a song that can be listened to, in certain contexts and times, repeatedly. I find it difficult to hear in places as the singers stumble over, and muffle, their words somewhat, but if the aim is to learn some scripture from different parts of the Bible, it's pretty effective.
I think it might be useful to learn several chunks of scripture (i.e. lots of different chapters) rather than having a number of random verses in my head, as this facilitates access to context and background as well as making it easier to remember the references, but it's a helpful start. Learning scripture is important as it's not always easy to locate meaningful verses, find the accompanying reference to an arising thought and the Bible is not always at hand, but with the age of the internet, the need becomes less prevalent in today's society. It's not as essential in the western world as it is in less developed or more politically hot countries.
Day 3 = BSL
Nice and simple entry for today. As a keen BSL learner, I am always looking to expand my knowledge, enrich my vocabulary and practise my language use through prayer (of one form or another). I sign a lot in my work, and find it a very beneficial medium in which to start to contemplate, and grasp, difficult concepts.
As a creative person, and fond of using my hands a lot, I thought BSL would be a fantastic medium in which to pray today. So I chose one of my favourite scriptures (Isaiah 40:31), matched it with a beautiful song (On Eagle's Wings) and spent my 30 minutes this afternoon learning to sign the song, whilst focussing on the comparisons between the song and scripture, and applying the signs from the song to similar signs for the scripture.
I am a slow learner, so it took me most of the time today to commit the song to memory, yet as I was working through it, I adapted some of the signs for ones that meant more to me and which I felt were more appropriate to the context. The demonstration sign for Satan, for example, was 'eagle', and the song included the words that God would raise us over the difficult situations in our life by carrying us on eagles' wings - not such a great image and not really fitting to the context, so I changed the sign for Satan to the one for devil.
I found this time of 'study' more memorable and absorbing. I could still remember the signs a week later, which is extremely unusual for me. I often get bored when sitting still and find it difficult to concentrate on scripture for such a prolonged period of time, but I had an hour today, and would have kept going if I hadn't had a meeting I needed to attend.
I will use BSL in the future, and am looking to attend signed services if I can, to continue to develop and widen my knowledge and use of BSL in scripture and ecclesiology.
As a creative person, and fond of using my hands a lot, I thought BSL would be a fantastic medium in which to pray today. So I chose one of my favourite scriptures (Isaiah 40:31), matched it with a beautiful song (On Eagle's Wings) and spent my 30 minutes this afternoon learning to sign the song, whilst focussing on the comparisons between the song and scripture, and applying the signs from the song to similar signs for the scripture.
I am a slow learner, so it took me most of the time today to commit the song to memory, yet as I was working through it, I adapted some of the signs for ones that meant more to me and which I felt were more appropriate to the context. The demonstration sign for Satan, for example, was 'eagle', and the song included the words that God would raise us over the difficult situations in our life by carrying us on eagles' wings - not such a great image and not really fitting to the context, so I changed the sign for Satan to the one for devil.
I found this time of 'study' more memorable and absorbing. I could still remember the signs a week later, which is extremely unusual for me. I often get bored when sitting still and find it difficult to concentrate on scripture for such a prolonged period of time, but I had an hour today, and would have kept going if I hadn't had a meeting I needed to attend.
I will use BSL in the future, and am looking to attend signed services if I can, to continue to develop and widen my knowledge and use of BSL in scripture and ecclesiology.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Day 2 = A Suggestopedic Study
A few years back, I spent a while preparing lessons using the Suggestopedia method (www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX4JFEUgqlg), a method of language teaching, which focuses on increasing students' long-term memory and speed of acquisition by using subliminal messaging and semi-consciousness in the classroom.
A typical lesson takes between one and four hours and comprises a few instances of the target language embedded in a sample text, which takes approximately one minute to read aloud at a conversational pace. The students are relaxed at the class' onset then the text is read aloud by the teacher once at a normal pace, then a second time quite slowly with emphasis on the important words (whatever they may be, as decided by the teacher). The text is then repeated a third time as it is sung loudly and dramatically, set to a Baroque piece of music.
After this, the target language is isolated and practised through games where the answers are obvious and can be worked out logically (without any knowledge of the language). The class concludes with all students singing the same sample text together, and a final subduing of the active mind, using any method of relaxation preferred by the teacher and students. It's all quite fascinating really, and very different to a typical lesson.
I didn't want to give myself a lesson based on a biblical passage, but I was interested in using the initial methods of textual reading with a chapter, and seeing the influence and effect on reading in this way. I'm quite keen on the suggestopedia method generally, and find it a useful way to commence a series of complicated language lessons and ignite students' passion in the topic. As I was uncertain and hesitant about beginning my Eastertide studies, I thought this would be invaluable at this time.
I found a text, which I felt suited my mood at this time (1 Corinthians 2) and read through it at my usual reading pace. I then read it more quickly focussing on the words which I found most noticeable the first time I read through it. I emphasised these words by reading them more slowly and loudly, and 'chewing' over them in my mind. I then found a piece of music which seemed to match my mood and the content of the passage: Sempre Una Canzone (www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdEH5SYIG38), and sang it through a few times. The first time, I sang it through dramatically, the second more slowly, concentrating on the overall message that appeared to me, and the third time in time and tempo to the music. I concluded by reading through the text a last time at my usual reading speed.
I found this method interesting and exciting. I'm not sure I'll remember much about the passage itself when I look at it again, but I feel more peaceful, affirmed and aware of the purposes of my adventure through the texts. I also feel empowered and thrilled at the prospect of the next forty days. My conclusions with today's method are similar to my overall impressions of suggestopedia, in that the technique has a lot more to do with affective learning rather than effective learning, and its lasting impression on the emotions and attitudes of the students/ reader are much more significant than any deeper change in memory retention of the passage or biblical revelations.
Above all, I think it's a fun method that everyone should try (maybe in the comforts of an empty house) to rekindle a passion for the scriptures. Just don't expect too much greatness from it.
A typical lesson takes between one and four hours and comprises a few instances of the target language embedded in a sample text, which takes approximately one minute to read aloud at a conversational pace. The students are relaxed at the class' onset then the text is read aloud by the teacher once at a normal pace, then a second time quite slowly with emphasis on the important words (whatever they may be, as decided by the teacher). The text is then repeated a third time as it is sung loudly and dramatically, set to a Baroque piece of music.
After this, the target language is isolated and practised through games where the answers are obvious and can be worked out logically (without any knowledge of the language). The class concludes with all students singing the same sample text together, and a final subduing of the active mind, using any method of relaxation preferred by the teacher and students. It's all quite fascinating really, and very different to a typical lesson.
I didn't want to give myself a lesson based on a biblical passage, but I was interested in using the initial methods of textual reading with a chapter, and seeing the influence and effect on reading in this way. I'm quite keen on the suggestopedia method generally, and find it a useful way to commence a series of complicated language lessons and ignite students' passion in the topic. As I was uncertain and hesitant about beginning my Eastertide studies, I thought this would be invaluable at this time.
I found a text, which I felt suited my mood at this time (1 Corinthians 2) and read through it at my usual reading pace. I then read it more quickly focussing on the words which I found most noticeable the first time I read through it. I emphasised these words by reading them more slowly and loudly, and 'chewing' over them in my mind. I then found a piece of music which seemed to match my mood and the content of the passage: Sempre Una Canzone (www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdEH5SYIG38), and sang it through a few times. The first time, I sang it through dramatically, the second more slowly, concentrating on the overall message that appeared to me, and the third time in time and tempo to the music. I concluded by reading through the text a last time at my usual reading speed.
I found this method interesting and exciting. I'm not sure I'll remember much about the passage itself when I look at it again, but I feel more peaceful, affirmed and aware of the purposes of my adventure through the texts. I also feel empowered and thrilled at the prospect of the next forty days. My conclusions with today's method are similar to my overall impressions of suggestopedia, in that the technique has a lot more to do with affective learning rather than effective learning, and its lasting impression on the emotions and attitudes of the students/ reader are much more significant than any deeper change in memory retention of the passage or biblical revelations.
Above all, I think it's a fun method that everyone should try (maybe in the comforts of an empty house) to rekindle a passion for the scriptures. Just don't expect too much greatness from it.
Day 1 = The Sermon on the Mount
Having completed my prayer challenge on Easter Sunday, I started my Bible study adventure on Easter Monday - with a gap of 6 weeks as I transferred from the Protestant calendar to the Orthodox one. After an intensive spiritual journey, I needed the time and space to regenerate, recharge and refresh my mind by using tried and tested techniques for a while without the pressure to wax eloquent about my quiet time with all and sundry! So I started today.
With a simple and quite passive style of listening to a sermon, delivered by one of my favourite preachers, John Valentine (tinyurl.com/Johns-Video-Blog). To get into the mood of Easter, particularly since the local Orthodox church Paschal services were all Greek to me (both literally and figuratively), I listened to John's Easter Sunday message, which focussed on Colossians 2:6. It's been a while since I last heard an in-depth study of one verse; as a member of an AngloCatholic these days, we tend to have a short illustration of three or four chapters of the Bible (an Old Testament, a Psalm and a Gospel - and occasionally, a New Testament).
It was refreshing to be able to follow the train of thought of the speaker, have the opportunity to follow the red herrings cognitively and consider the additional scope of the overall message from my own perspective during the sermon. It is all too rare that we get the chance to discuss the most salient aspects of a message with the preacher or other members of the congregation in today's society. I realise that I've missed easily accessible, conversational yet occasionally deep discussions of the Bible, but I valued again the brilliance of my current priest who never fails to captivate me with one of his stories or explanations and the wealth of scripture I get presented with in the masses I attend at my current church.
As a result of my Bible study time today, I will find the opportunity to download more of John's sermons, and attempt to get involved with a Bible study group that is at the most suitable faith level and in a setting in which I feel comfortable, perhaps even at my local church. Wonder what my current priest would think of one of John's sermons...
Btw, today's title is named in honour of the mountains I was driving over as I listened to the streamed talk.
With a simple and quite passive style of listening to a sermon, delivered by one of my favourite preachers, John Valentine (tinyurl.com/Johns-Video-Blog). To get into the mood of Easter, particularly since the local Orthodox church Paschal services were all Greek to me (both literally and figuratively), I listened to John's Easter Sunday message, which focussed on Colossians 2:6. It's been a while since I last heard an in-depth study of one verse; as a member of an AngloCatholic these days, we tend to have a short illustration of three or four chapters of the Bible (an Old Testament, a Psalm and a Gospel - and occasionally, a New Testament).
It was refreshing to be able to follow the train of thought of the speaker, have the opportunity to follow the red herrings cognitively and consider the additional scope of the overall message from my own perspective during the sermon. It is all too rare that we get the chance to discuss the most salient aspects of a message with the preacher or other members of the congregation in today's society. I realise that I've missed easily accessible, conversational yet occasionally deep discussions of the Bible, but I valued again the brilliance of my current priest who never fails to captivate me with one of his stories or explanations and the wealth of scripture I get presented with in the masses I attend at my current church.
As a result of my Bible study time today, I will find the opportunity to download more of John's sermons, and attempt to get involved with a Bible study group that is at the most suitable faith level and in a setting in which I feel comfortable, perhaps even at my local church. Wonder what my current priest would think of one of John's sermons...
Btw, today's title is named in honour of the mountains I was driving over as I listened to the streamed talk.
40 days of Eastertide = 40 forms of Bible study
And once again, I find myself back on the bandwagon of Salesian spirituality exploration, looking at different ways to study the Bible, and trying a few of them out. I feel this will be a more difficult task than my prayer journey, as a quick poll on the internet reveals between 5 and 25 ways to study the Bible, I have challenged myself to double that, at 40 - and if I get enough inspiration, may extend it to Orthodox Pentecost (50 days), but don't watch this space.
I feel also that I will find this more arduous than trialling prayer techniques as I have issues with reading, what, I'm not exactly sure, I've been told by a few that I may have something similar to very mild dyslexia, as I have dyspraxia, and the two conditions often co-occur, to a greater or lesser extent. Therefore I don't enjoy reading all that much, and unfortunately, this also extends to reading the Bible, despite it being such a vast and wide-ranging treat of literary pieces. Though nowadays, there are many ways round sitting in a hard-backed chair with a fat book filled with tiny print, and I feel confident, that I will be able to study the Bible for 30 minutes each day over Eastertide, and that a fraction of that time will involve silent reading.
The Bible is a fascinating collection of stories, history, poetry, law and other miscellaneous genres. It is life-giving. It is exciting and action-packed. It is a thrill to delve into. It is a friend that accompanies many on their journey through life, sustaining the majority whilst teaching, challenging and guiding. I used to read the Bible for hours when I was younger, including one memorable evening where I read the book of Job cover-to-cover whilst waiting for my dinner as a tyke. And I feel emboldened and apprehensive, eager and at peace about becoming reacquainted with it in a little more depth over the coming days.
Not sure how much I will learn about myself, the Bible, different traditions of spirituality and scriptural study, but I will post my findings here if you care to venture with me a little. I hope my path encourages some of my readers to begin a similar quest, and I look forward to hearing any comments! Nothing more remains to be said apart from 'bon voyage!' to myself and my friends.
I feel also that I will find this more arduous than trialling prayer techniques as I have issues with reading, what, I'm not exactly sure, I've been told by a few that I may have something similar to very mild dyslexia, as I have dyspraxia, and the two conditions often co-occur, to a greater or lesser extent. Therefore I don't enjoy reading all that much, and unfortunately, this also extends to reading the Bible, despite it being such a vast and wide-ranging treat of literary pieces. Though nowadays, there are many ways round sitting in a hard-backed chair with a fat book filled with tiny print, and I feel confident, that I will be able to study the Bible for 30 minutes each day over Eastertide, and that a fraction of that time will involve silent reading.
The Bible is a fascinating collection of stories, history, poetry, law and other miscellaneous genres. It is life-giving. It is exciting and action-packed. It is a thrill to delve into. It is a friend that accompanies many on their journey through life, sustaining the majority whilst teaching, challenging and guiding. I used to read the Bible for hours when I was younger, including one memorable evening where I read the book of Job cover-to-cover whilst waiting for my dinner as a tyke. And I feel emboldened and apprehensive, eager and at peace about becoming reacquainted with it in a little more depth over the coming days.
Not sure how much I will learn about myself, the Bible, different traditions of spirituality and scriptural study, but I will post my findings here if you care to venture with me a little. I hope my path encourages some of my readers to begin a similar quest, and I look forward to hearing any comments! Nothing more remains to be said apart from 'bon voyage!' to myself and my friends.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Prayer: A Wrap-Up (for now)
During lent, I undertook an adventure of '40 ways to pray'. In actuality, as I included Sundays, it became almost 50, and as I reached the end of the time, I was aware of how many more styles there were that I hadn't tried, and how uplifting and fulfilling I found my challenge. So much so, that I was encouraged to try a similar path, looking at 40 ways to read the Bible from (Orthodox) Easter to Assumption.
Recently, I spent a day examining Myers-Briggs personality types (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator), finding out more about my preferred style, and how that relates to the type of prayer which works best for me. I wasn't all that surprised to hear that those with ENFJ tendencies (www.personalitypage.com/ENFJ.html), like myself, find Salesian spirituality practices most effective (www.sfdsassociation.org/spirituality/5934-what-is-salesian-spirituality.html). In other words, enjoy the freedom of being able to pray in different ways, depending on the mood, context and situation, and are encouraged to spend at least an hour a day in prayer (if possible).
Seems I know myself quite well! I would't advocate spending huge amounts of time in prayer (there's not that much time in a busy life), but I would praise the outcomes of doing a Myer-Briggs test and researching the most popular prayer style chosen by each preferred trait. There is comfort and peace found in following a routine that works best for everyone, not following the general consensus or necessarily sticking with a technique taught at an early age. With 16 characteristics, and hundreds of ways to pray, the possibilities are endless.
Psalm 145: 18 (NIV)
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth".
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