LovingtoLearn: Music, music, everywhere....

Friday, February 22, 2008

Music, music, everywhere....

My home is always filled with music.

My husband plays the piano, keyboard, and guitar. My oldest dd graduated last year with a degree in Music -- flute, voice (opera), and piano. My 19yo son plays the french horn. My 17yo is probably the most devoted to her music -- she is a bassoonist, and she also plays the oboe and piano and sings in several classical choirs. She completed and aced the local college's 2 yr. Music Theory program by the time she was barely 16 and is now the college's Music Librarian. She's been in two Orchestras and a Symphonic Band for years.

My 12yo son is a gifted clarinetist and pianist. My almost 10yo dd plays the flute like her big sister, and the older girls are teaching my 8yo son piano now, too. Even my "non-musical" 15yo dd sings with the older girls in one of our church's Worship Teams. Classical CDs are often playing in the background around here, and we love learning about the composers and musicians.

However, until recently, we had never entered the realm of contemporary Christian music. Perhaps because my dh and I were both raised (albeit all the way across the country from each other in CA and NY) in churches that didn't care for this type of music. We then went to a college that forbade any music but hymns, classical pieces, and a very limited amount of "show" tunes (as in, some of Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof, etc.).

We'd always been told that not only was contemporary Christian music itself "bad" (due to the rhythm, etc...), but that there was really no point in listening to it anyway because you either couldn't hear the lyrics through the awful music or the lyrics were shallow and meaningless.
Well, we didn't feel a lack in our lives because we had beautiful music playing all the time anyway -- and hey, you can't exactly "miss" what you are not aware exists.

Except that, you sort of can, can't you?

This past summer I went to a regular midwife check a month before my due date only to be shocked with the news that my baby had died suddenly due to cord entanglement. I was devastated, of course. As I drove the long 40 minutes back to my home that morning, trying to comprehend what was happening and somehow figure out what I was going to do about delivering my precious baby, I accidentally turned on the radio with my steering wheel button.

It was on a station I'd never listened to in my life (K-Love), and a song started playing just then that was a direct message from God to my heart. It was Casting Crowns' "Praise You in This Storm." As I cried tears of grief and confusion, I felt the Lord reach out through that song and hold me together with His comforting arms. I literally felt the sorrow of God join me there in that car, and I knew I would be okay if I just drew closer to Him and let Him take my pain for me.

Since that time, I have listened to K-Love every time I am in the car driving my children from place to place. My dh and I have invested in a new CD library that is made up of many inspiring Christian artists, and this music is blessing our family in ways I never imagined possible. God has worked through these songs to transform certain aspects of our lives that had long been overlooked, and I am so grateful for the grace and strength He gives so freely, even when we don't realize we need it.

And also during those times when we are exquisitely aware that we do need Him and His love.... or we shall die.

From this time forward, I intend to write out the powerful and moving lyrics from one of these Christian songs each week here. I want to focus my heart and mind and soul on the meaning in the words. I want God to keep transforming me to be more like Him, and this is one tangible way I can do that. For when we sing our praises and prayers to God, He does hear us.

"Praise You in This Storm" (by Casting Crowns)

I was sure by now
that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away --
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say "Amen,"
and it's still raining....

As the thunder rolls,
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives...
and takes away.

I'll praise You in this storm,
and I will lift my hands
for You are who you are.
No matter where I am,
every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You've never left my side,
and though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind...
You heard my cry;
You raised me up again.
My strength is almost gone --
How can I carry on...
if I can't find You?

I lift my eyes unto the hills;
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord --
the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

I lift my eyes unto the hills;
Whre does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord --
the Maker of Heaven and earth!

I'll praise You in this storm,
and I will lift my hands
for You are who you are.
No matter where I am,
every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You've never left my side,
and though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

Romans 8:28; II Cor. 4:16-18; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 121:1-2; Daniel 3:16-18.

I pray God blesses you through these words as He continues to bless me....

Kim

6 comments:

Sarah at SmallWorld said...: Hi Kim:
Thought I'd come over and visit you here from The Lounge!
SmallWorld; February 22, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Timber said...: Kim, I was so touched by your entry. My folks have never approved of that style of music, but one thing that has greatly influenced my mom is Bethany's blogging, because she sees (in person and in her posts) her spiritual depth, combined with her interest and involvement with contemporary music.

It's so neat to see those pics of your kids - keep 'em coming!; February 22, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Audrey said...: He is truly awesome, isnt He! I love many of these wonderful worship songs, they bring me to His feet.

What beautiful children you have!; February 23, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Mommy said...: I came from the same background as you did when it comes to music. Infact, I was *very* judgmentle of other Christians that listend to that type of music.

But like you, I was going through a tough time in my life. The tape player didn't work in our car, and one Christian station had on all sorts of doctrine that it was confusing.

So I tuned into a Contempory Christian Station.

Two Songs that *really* spoke to me, and they still do. I even put them up on my blog is:

Who Am I? by Casting Crowns

and

In Christ Alone, sung by Avalon, and other artists

I put up those songs with great fear and trepidation, because many people read my blog that have the same philosophy as I had.

But God is working his work in me. I am seeking Him. I need to stop caring about what others think. ;-); February 23, 2008 at 3:02 PM
Kim said...: Yes, that's so true, isn't it? It's so easy to be afraid of what others will think and say! And yet God is using songs like these to minister to Christians and to reach out to lost people every day. I am so thankful *I* found this music and that through it the Lord is drawing me closer and closer to Him. ;-)

Thanks for your comment --

Kim; February 23, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Amy said...: I love how the Lord uses even things that aren't in our everyday life to bless us! Music has at times really touched me too. I have a few special songs that helped me when my son died and the moment I hear them again, I am reminded how good God has been to me!
(I came here via the Homeschool Lounge - NorCal group :); February 25, 2008 at 7:23 AM

A Recipe For You to Try....

COFFEE KUCHEN

3 Cups unbleached flour (I use at least half whole wheat)
3 tsp. baking powder (non-aluminum)
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 Cups brown sugar
3 Tbsp. instant coffee, dry
1/2 Cup butter
1/2 Cup shortening (non-hydrogenated)
1 Cup milk (nonfat)
1/8 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, slightly beaten

(Sometimes I replace some of the butter/shortening with liquid Butter Buds or "Lighter Bake" -- which is made from prune butter -- or with applesauce.)

This is supposed to be a very tall coffee cake, so it is baked in a small pan (8 or 9" square). However, I usually double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan to feed my hungry crowd. You can also make the original recipe amount and bake it in 9 x 13 pan and just have a shorter coffee cake. I *do* think it tastes better when it is taller for some reason. The best thing about this coffee cake (other than its scrumptious taste!) is the velvety texture -- very different and very good.

Mix the 6 dry ingredients together. Cut in the butter and shortening with 2 knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles pea-sized lumps. **Set aside** 1 Cup of this dry mixture for topping.

Now mix well together the milk, baking soda, and eggs. Stir into the dry mixture all at once with a wooden spoon just until combined -- don't overmix. Pour into greased pan, and sprinkle with reserved topping mixture.

Bake at 350 F for 50 to 65 minutes, depending on the pan and amount of coffee cake you made. Judge by the color (rich dark brown) and the usual "knife" test (coming out clean from center poke).

Enjoy! It's a little messy, but it will melt in your mouth.....

Favorite Read-Alouds for our Family..... in no particular order, and some are for older children...

Little House series (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
American Girls History series (various authors)
Swiss Family Robinson (Johann David Wyss)
Little Britches (Ralph Moody)
Mama's Way (Thyra Ferre Bjorn)
The Time Travelers (originally titled -- Gideon: The Cutpurse) (Linda Buckley-Archer)
The Phantom Tollbooth (Norton Juster)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Stewart Trenton)
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Bk. 2 -- Stewart Trenton)
Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan)
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
Deltora Quest series (Emily Rodda)
Cheaper By the Dozen (Frank Gilbreth and Elizabeth Gilbreth-Carey)
Chronicles of Narnia series (C.S. Lewis)
A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L'Engle)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Rick Riordan)
Lord of the Rings series (J.R. Tolkien)

Our American History Journey

After years of studying world history intensively (while inevitably reading American historical fiction and biographies on the side because we just couldn't help ourselves), two years ago we decided to actually tackle our country's history from start to finish in a more "formal" manner. Of course, "formal" doesn't mean much around here.... ;-) Mostly it denotes that we have a chronological outline to follow. However, it does not preclude tangents. We love tangents. Fortunately for us, (for many reasons), we live in the United States, and our country's history is relatively short -- so there is plenty of time for those interesting tangents!

Also fortunately for us, we have found fantastic guidelines and enrichment ideas in the American Story themed units from WinterPromise.

http://www.winterpromise.com/

I discovered the WinterPromise company a few years ago when it first started, and I love it! It's exactly the type of curriculum I'd write if I was publishing one myself. ;-)

Actually, for many years, I've cobbled together just such a program for my own family. I've gathered what I consider the "best of the best" from many sources to make our learning interesting, thought-provoking, and fun. Now, WinterPromise does most of the work for me. Though, of course, being who I am, I can't resist tweaking things around a bit and adding this and that.

Still, WinterPromise is the only "curriculum" I recommend to homeschoolers who are not completely satisfied and excited with what they are currently doing. It's the kind of program that can be used in entirety or just in bits and pieces for enrichment. Plus, WP engages every learning style, and that element alone makes learning something all kids can enjoy!

So, as to American History, we began our journey in the fall of '07 with the explorers to the New World, and in May '08, we came to the end of our first homeschool year in a very long time (in other words, since the older kids were little...) that was focused on American history. It was enlightening, and it was great fun. We have a lot of wonderful memories, pictures, and stories.

This past year ('08/'09), we spent September through November studying the election process in an in-depth manner to coincide with the landmark campaign and election of our first African-American president. In December, we spent some time on the Gold Rush days of California, and then when January arrived, we decided to detour a bit. I made a big commitment to become the official National History Day County Coordinator, and 5 of my kids chose to compete in various categories. In addition, I actively recruited homeschooled students from my drama groups to participate with us in History Day.

The National History Day competition encourages children (6th-12th grades, and in CA, 4th/5th grades, too) to learn to research and analyze history as they prepare different sorts of projects (papers, documentaries, posters, exhibits, websites, or performances) for their county, state, and even National competitions. There is a different theme each year, and this year's theme is "The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies." I ended up with 20 students participating in our county's HD event, and it was so exciting. The kids chose to study the following individuals in history:

Samuel Morse
Louis Braille
Joan of Arc
Laura Bridgman
Helen Keller
Elizabeth Blackwell
Gen. George S. Patton
Amy Carmichael
Sarah Emma Edmonds
John James Audubon
Janusz Korczak
Gen. George H. Thomas
John Hart
Prince Henry the Navigator

Do you know who all these people are?! Do you really understand the legacies they have left to this world? These kids certainly do!

Several members of our county's team made it to the Finalist level at the California State competition, and a couple won special awards, and my son Ben actually won the gold medal in the Historical Paper category and will be competing at the National level in less than two weeks!

So this past semester was given over to establishing our county's History Day program. A couple of my own kids' "individuals" fit into the time frame we had reached at that point in our history study... mid-to-late nineteenth century. My 9 yo's Poster was on Louis Braille -- though not American, he did have a profound effect on America with his Braille language via Dr. Samuel Gridley-Howe who brought the 6-dot system back to the U.S. to use at his School for the Blind (Laura Bridgman being the first student he taught using Braille's methods). Interestingly, Jim's group drama about Helen Keller meshed perfectly with his Louis Braille studies, and we were all surprised to learn there was a *lot* we didn't know about the famous "miracle" child.

My 11yo Ellie Rose did her individual drama performance on Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman doctor, so that fit in perfectly with our studies, as we came to realize more fully how difficult such pioneer work was in the second half of the 1800s. We also learned that there was more than one side to the whole women's rights issue and found that a fascinating tangent to explore.

Ben's paper carried us back in time a bit to mid-to-late fifteenth century Portugal and Africa where Henry the Navigator was carrying out his military crusades and sponsoring exploration expeditions. Through his research, Ben discovered (and then enlightened us to the fact!) that those expeditions were actually what directly led to the explosion of the Atlantic Slave Trade in Europe.

Shannon's individual drama focused on Amy Carmichael and her work with the children in India (especially the temple girls). Her research highlighted for us what it means to take a stand against the status quo (in this case, both the caste system of India and the "traditional" ways the European missionaries of that time interactede with the people of India) in order to do what is right and best for people in dire need.

Deedee's paper on Janusz Korczak, the famous Polish Jewish pediatrician who ran an orphanage in the Warsaw ghettoes during WWII and was executed alongside his children at the Treblinka concentration camp, also inspired us to really think about what it means to make a difference in this world. Korczak's many books on children's rights live on to proclaim to the world that children are people NOW and deserve respect and fair treatment.

I will continue to coordinate the History Day local contest each year, and my kids will continue to participate in various categories, but there won't be the same need to give it so much time as the county program is now up and running. Therefore, we can get back to the second half of our American History studies! I'm really looking forward to starting things off with a bang as we take two great road trips.

On our first trip, in July, we'll drive through the old Gold Rush cities and experience firsthand what we studied last December. Then in late August, we'll be driving back to Washington, DC. to drop Deedee off at George Washington University for her first year of college. We plan to stick around a while and see all the memorials and museums, soaking in all that glorious American history. We'll also head over to Colonial Williamsburg for a couple of living history days before starting back home (though I hope to make some interesting stops on our way back to California, too...).

As I have time, I plan to post some of the activities, websites, and books we use and love this coming year in relation to our study of American history -- picking up with the Civil War in September and carrying on through WWII by the end of May, if all goes as planned. I will *try* to do this on regular monthly basis! We will be using the WinterPromise American Story 2 as our core guide, with supplements from all over the place, including the following great website:

www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/curriculum

Please check back regularly if you are interested in updates on our progress, and feel free to comment or email with any specific questions you have about our studies.

Hope this helps or inspires someone else out there to wade into history with relish!