Today we started a new unit in KONOS--

SELF-CONTROL

Suffice it to say, it was crystal clear that this was definitely the section God had in mind for us at this juncture!

Here is how the first lesson went...I can't even begin to really put into words the atmosphere, but I hope you can imagine the whole thing just from what I have written here!

ME: Today we are starting a new unit on self-control.  B please be quiet for just a moment.  M sit up.  OK, here is the definition of self-control...

DD: (shouting) I don't know the definition!

ME: That's b/c I haven't told you yet...now sit up and don't yell!  Self-control is making myself do what is right.

DS:  Oh yeah...doing what's right...yeah, that's right...I knew that.  Hey, I know a song about self-control...(starts singing).

ME:  (trying to talk over DS)  It's not easy to do what is right all the time is it?  So, we have to practice self-control and do what is right even when...B stop singing!...M, sit up!..even when it isn't easy.  OK, here's what we're going to..

DD:  I'm tired.  Can I get a drink? (mind you, we JUST sat down for school)

ME:  No.  OK, here's what we're going to learn during this section...

DS:  SELF-CONTROL!

ME:  Um, yes, but here are some of the things we'll learn about self-control...1. To control my body and appetites...

DS: Yeah, like eating too much!

ME:  yes...2.  To control emotions and expressions...and 3.  to control my tongue...

DS:  Yeah, like overtalking (remember this is my jabberwocky kid!)

ME:  Yes, like talking too much and saying mean things to others.  Now, self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit...

DS:  Hey, that's the song I was singing (begins to sing again).

ME:  Hang on!  Let's read the verse first and then...

DS:  Can I read it?!

DD:  I don't want to read!

ME:  It's Galatians 5:22-23 and I'LL read it!

DD:  I can't find it.  ARGH! 

DS:  I found it!  Can I read it!!!

ME:  Hang on!  M, Galatians is BEFORE Ephesians, now I'LL read it!  (I read--trying ever so hard to exemplify the fruits--especially the "longsuffering" one!)

DD:  Hey!  That's not what my Bible says!

ME:  OK< what does yours say?

DD:  I don't want to read it!!!

ME:  Just read it, please.  (DD starts to read)  Wait!  That's Ephesians, not Galatians...here is Galatians 5:22.  NOW read it.  (DD reads.  Then I let DS read his--we all have the same version, but I couldn't let DD read and not let him read too.)

DS: (starts singing again)  Hey, wait a second...these words aren't right!  What happened to patience?

ME:  Longsuffering is patience.

DS:  Longsuffering??  I thought that was being sick a long time!

ME:  Well, it means that even when you must suffer through something for a long time, you are patient and you don't complain...

DD:  I'm complaining!  I don't want B to sing that song anymore! (makes a really grouchy face)

ME:  OK, B stop singing for a while, please.  Let's draw some pictures about the fruit of the Spirit.  B, STOP SINGING!  M, SIT UP and STOP MAKING GRUMPY FACES!!!  ARGH!!!!!

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I'm sure I didn't sound nearly as patient as it appears, so I am sure I need this unit too!  I just pray we all survive it!