Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The joys of change

Last General Conference (October 2008) was a week of change for us. The Sunday before conference, the Bishop called us in and gave us callings. Eliza was called as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor. I was called as Sunday School President. That calling for me was really a shock. It was a week of reflection for sure. I studied, pondered, and prayed all week long for help in this calling and to find counselors. And if you haven't read the conference talks from Priesthood Meeting, do. They seemed as if they were directed to me. They all talked about new callings.

This General Conference (April 2009) was another week of change for me. Two Sundays before conference, the Stake President met with us. I received a new calling as the Stake Music Committee Chairman. Fun! Eliza had heard once just before Stake Conference that the current chairman would be released. Soon after that, our high councilman (who happens to be in charge of music) came and chatted with me about my music background. After that, Eliza told me about what she had heard. Hmmm......we kinda had a feeling this would come. But we are really excited. This is one calling that I have always looked forward to.

So, this last Sunday, I was sustained, and next Sunday, I will be set apart and begin my new calling. I wonder what next General Conference will bring.....

Usefulness of Blogs

I just finished having a colloquium with Kim Obbink from Montana State University, working with Distance Education in the said university. She gave a lot of good information about connecting with students using technology. It was a very wonderful presentation. But there was one thing in particular that hit me.

A couple of nights ago, I began thinking about where I am in my education and what other great professionals have done. I realized that almost all great professionals have kept a journal as they study their field. So I thought that perhaps I should do that as well. But today, Kim gave me an idea that I thought would be great. After all, what good is the stuff I learn if it doesn't help somebody else?

One technology that I realized in today's presentation as useful for classes is a blog. I need to look into using a blog for the next class I teach. I figured that in the meantime, that this would be a great idea for a new blog. You can see my new Teaching Journal at http://teachingmeo.blogspot.com/. I hope that this idea as well as those to follow become useful to some who browse through this blog.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

My claim to fame

Erin is a good friend of mine and Eliza's. She just posted a very good metaphorical blog:
http://redheadedalto.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-one-single-moment-my-eyes-are-held.html

This is my response to one thing I think she was referring to:


(Last complete row to the right, right in the middle in a red shirt with red hair.)

Great job, Erin. We enjoyed your singing!