The Friday Five
A little levity, good music, and bad habits never hurt anyone ever, right?
Happy Weekend, Y’all!
The adventure begins. Now. On to the news.
I can’t believe you missed it! :) No, really no—I’m not shaming you because you missed out on the first Thread session for the summer book club. Really, I’m not. I’d never do that. Ha.
But seriously (man, that’s way too many “ly” words—which I loathe by the way), we missed you last night and had a raucous good time discussing the first three chapters of C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters. But, praise be, you can still sign up. We’d love to have you. The chapters are short, punchy and fun to discuss. And, last night’s discussion even ranked on Substack’s top posts—made it to #15. So, that was fun and unexpected. To join, all you need to do is subscribe for the next two months and boom, you’re in.
Without further adieu, I thought I’d spice up your weekend with five random things I believe are worth checking out, reading, doing, or not doing.
The Friday Five
My Public Square Nightmare - One of the fine folks in our book club brought up this article I wrote a few years ago. We both shuddered at the fact that this little fictional piece is sadly becoming real. See what you think.
Peace to All Who Enter Here - Our family has found great peace and comfort with this new offering from Josh Garrels. When I saw “In the Garden” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” I knew this would be a special album. I grew up singing both of those songs. I’d often hear my dad singing “In the Garden” at random times. It’s one of my all-time favorite worship songs. I hope it blesses you.
What did Bach sound like to Bach? - This was fascinating. I know not everyone likes classical music. But this is Bach. I’ve referenced the beauty of his cello suites more times than I can count.
The Kids are all Fried - This was a fun read, even though we’re a homeschool family. “This summer I’m taking the brakes off. This summer we’re going rogue. I want my kids to do what they want to do. I want them staying up a little too late. I want water balloon fights and squirt gun holsters. I want ice cream before lunch and pizza for breakfast.” (Sorry, if you can’t view this for the firewall. I got a promotional subscription for $1. I recommend it.)
Question: What is the worst new habit you’ve formed due to COVID19? Betcha didn’t see that question coming. Don’t worry, no one’s judging. We’re just busybodies who have nothing better to do.
A Good Word
The late Dr. Karyn Purvis, of Texas Christian University, says, it takes over 400 repetitions to create a synapse in the brain (true learning) without playful engagement OR about 12 repetitions to create a synapse when you use play to teach.
What’s the lesson here? Do it with play.
Take Time to Laugh
“Screens, the great enemy of parents.” (Ha.)
Quote Machine
“In a word, we may reasonably hope for the virtual abolition of education when “I’m as good as you” has fully had its way. All incentives to learn and all penalties for not learning will vanish. The few who might want to learn will be prevented; who are they to overtop their fellows? And anyway the teachers—or should I say, nurses?—will be far too busy reassuring the dunces and patting them on the back to waste time on real teaching.”
{Who knew Lewis was so cheeky. I love it. And folks, this isn’t fiction. This is actually happening. More on that later.}
Have a great weekend!
And don’t forget to subscribe to The Saturday Stoke. You won’t be sorry.