School Report

Well, I am almost finished with my 2nd class (not counting the 2 week introductory class) with Western Governors University. So far I am really liking it. My first class was a communications, public speaking class. I needed to do research on a topic of my choice and prepare a 5 minute presentation. Once the outline was approved, I taped the presentation and submitted the file. As soon as I was done with that one, I could move on the class #2.

My second class is a Health Wellness and Fitness class. This course has an objective assessment instead of the performance assessment like the oral presentation. As soon as I felt ready I took the pre-assessment. I passed that so now I am ready for the real test.

My next one will be a US constitution and government class. I did a study on that on my own two years ago. So this should just be a review. Seems almost a waste to by the $50 dollar book for the course when I already have the resources at home (just not in the order of the class) especially when I would only need it for about 3 weeks. (It's only a 1 credit class). Oh well.

But it is going well. I meet with my "mentor" by phone weekly for the first term and the less often after that. But he is a decent fellow and I enjoy talking with him.

My new projected graduation date is May of 2013. I could do it quicker if I really wanted to, but I think I like the casual pace. I can spend more time with my children and their education. It drags out the pain, but the pain is not as intense.

grace vs tolerance

I have never been comfortable with the concept of tolerance. Yes, it is good to show unconditional love, but if I practice "tolerance" then I cannot judge. Does that mean that I ignore what I believe is right, true, and good? Judging is important; discrimination is important, needed, and natural.

I have been reading a Princess Academy and the Hope Chest Journey: Rediscovering the Lost Arts of Godly Womanhood by my friend and mentor Donna Goff. In this thesis Donna spoke of the difference between grace and tolerance. Grace means favor, kindness, esteem. Some of its synonyms are attractiveness, charm, love, leniency, embellish, beautify enhance, honor. It is charity; the pure love of Christ, it is long-suffering. If you have grace you know the difference between right and wrong, but you are forgiving and have unconditional love.

Tolerance on the other hand does not distinguish between right and wrong. All views are equal.
Donna mentioned that grace is mentioned in the bible 237 times; tolerance never.

So I had an ah-ha moment. It isn't tolerance that I should be exercising but grace. I was buying into the modern showing-everyone-tolerance movement. I should instead be nurturing and cultivating grace. (Why do I fall for the philosophies of man?)

After discussing the difference between grace and tolerance, Donna proceeds to discuss many aspects of grace and how one can cultivate grace: comeliness, eloquence, grace of writing, etiquette, sisterhood, diplomacy, generosity, hospitality, hand work, and making a home.

EEAAKKK!!

Steven can wear my shoes
He is showering regularly of his own accord.
He has asked for deodorant.

I don't think I am ready for this.