Stair Hiking

I was introduced to “Stair Hiking” by some friends at church this past weekend. When this was explained to me I really didn’t get it, so hopefully as I try explain it the pictures will help. There are all of these really old staircases that connect streets in LA that are on hills. This guy wrote a book about all these different paths you can take to explore LA and climb these stair cases. There are 42 hikes. We did one in Silverlake.

I really enjoyed this little LA adventure for many reason.

1) Praise the Lord for being able to get out of the house! I am working somewhat part time and often feel confined to my apt. It was good to have new surroundings.

2) I was actually excited to something active. I know, I know, I’m Miss Anti-Exercise, but I do enjoy the outdoors. This adventure was proposed to me as a “hike” but it actually was pretty easy. I am still going to count it as “exercise” because that is how it was presented to me.

3) Seeing new parts of LA. I haven’t had much opportunity to explore the city or really know how to explore it, so I am grateful for other people who know about these little out of the ordinary things to do.

4) It was free!

Awesome way to spend Presidents Day. Great people, outdoors, exploring the city, and free. I can’t ask for much more in an outing.

We hope to do more of these secret stair hikes.

View of houses in Silverlake
There is some really cool architecture in Silverlake. This was a elevator that led up to a walkway. We couldn't even see the house that it led to. I think that was the point.

Kids Songs!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqV1O5eeA9Y

Its no secret that I absolutely love little kids songs. I always have. What most people find repetitive and annoying, I can't get enough of. Now that I work with kindergardeners I can sing these glorious songs once again with a chorus of energetic 5 year olds. I have found with my kinders that songs really help them to focus and stay on task. When singing songs children are engaged with multiple senses: auditory (hearing me sing), visually (seeing my hand motions), and kinesthetically (by doing the motions themselves.) I mainly do song during transitions or to kill time when I need them to sit or stand still. Songs catch their attention especially if I use their name is a song. Everyday, usually several times a time, I sing, "I like Lauren is waiting, and I like the way that Sam is waiting, I like the way that Noah is waiting, and I like the way, Elijah's waiting too." The tune is similar to the 'Wheels on the Bus.' When they are cleaning up their homework I sing to them, "Put your homework in your folder, put your folder in your backpack, put your backpack outside." (To my own tune.)

When researching engaging children's song I came across these guys on You tube that posted tons and tons of camp songs!! I seriously prob have spent hours watching these videos. Partly for research to use for my kids, but mainly because I just love kids songs. The video is one song my kids really love. Baby Shark!

PS Guys singing kids songs is very attractive, I'm just saying

Dang Disciples, Dang!

Acts 5: 40 They called the disciples in and had them flogged
Acts 5:40 They ordered them not to speak the name of Jesus and let them go.
Acts 5:41-42. The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Holy Crap apostles! After being flogged you are rejoicing because you get the privilege of suffering?? That is intense. I wish I had that boldness of faith.

I just just reading this verse this morning and struck by how intense this is. Especially because they were just FLOGGED. Not just punched in the stomach of given a black eye, flogging is epic. No one rejoices after flogging. You try to not bleed to death after being flogged. OMG disciples, how do you do it?