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Friday, October 16, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Facebook dropout
Just letting you all know that I discontinued my Facebook account. I hadn't gone on in about 8 months. I find that it just wastes my time. I prefer this blog, because you may have noticed that I'm verbose and a couple sentences on Facebook just doesn't cut it for me. No offense to any Facebook followers, but it seems to capitalize on the mundane. Quite honestly, I don't care what my friends have for breakfast. So please don't be hurt if I haven't responded to let you be my friend. I'm no longer doing Facebook.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Morning Glories
I had had it with God. That morning I had decided to get real with Him about what I really thought about Him. Hey, He knows what I’m thinking anyway. I was tired of pretending He is faithful. Truth is—it felt like He had abandoned me long ago despite all I had done for Him. Because I thought I was called, I went to seminary and sacrificed during the 3 years it took to get my Masters in Christian Education. We had to depend on my in-laws for some of our finances during that time. Then I was without a job for 6 months after seminary while I searched to no avail for a job in Women’s Ministry. During that time the debt began to wrack up when we had to put things like $1000 dental bills and $1200 car repair bills on a credit card. Then I spent a couple years working for Michaels Arts and Craft store with part-time hours making less than $9 an hour. When I finally found a job at Devereux as Media Specialist, I had to go back to school (another 3 years for another Master’s degree). I hated my first semester in the program. The class was incredibly boring. The textbook was so dry I wouldn’t have been surprised if it caught fire spontaneously. I was wondering how I could be investing in a totally different career when it was quite possible that I wouldn’t be able to stand the job.
Basically, I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t find a job in women’s ministry when it seemed so clear at one time that it was God’s will. I mean, didn’t God owe me a job? I went to seminary for Him. Well, I let Him have it that morning. I thought, “Why should I bother going to church this morning? I’m tired of trying my best to do Your will when You just keep dropping the ball with me.” Despite my inner turmoil, I felt compelled to get in the car and go to church anyway.
As I pulled out of the driveway, I was still fuming at Him. That is when I saw them—morning glories blooming in the tangle of vines growing beside my driveway. I nearly drove off into the ditch. It is a good thing not many people are out driving in my neighborhood on Sunday mornings, because I don’t think I was driving very safely as I pulled out onto my street. I was so blinded by tears it was really hard to see.
I guess you’re probably wondering why morning glories could elicit such an emotional response. (My husband is used to my drastic mood shifts and even he was looking at me with incredulity.) Well, you’d have to know the history of God and me when it comes to flowers. I prefer flowers that occur naturally (not planted by humans). What people often think of as weeds, I prefer. Morning glories happen to be my second favorite flower (wisteria being my first). I notice flowers where most people don’t. I remember talking to my roommate Jen about all the flowers blooming around the neighborhood. She didn’t know what I was talking about. But to me, they were everywhere. There were wildflowers on the lawn outside our apartment and there was wisteria growing on the fence. It always took my breath away every time I saw it. Flowers are no respecter of neighborhoods. At that time in college, we lived in the ghetto. But wildflowers flourish everywhere & I always took note.
I had not seen the morning glories before because they only open up in the morning. I’m not a morning person so I hadn’t noticed them before when I left for work. I know God arranged it so that I would notice them for the first time that morning. And I knew they were from God. It was as clear as if He had spoken audibly. He does care about me. He will be faithful. He brought me flowers. And He knows my favorites. He knows me and hasn’t forgotten about me like I thought. God has spoken to me often through the language of flowers. I love how morning glories look like trumpets. They make me think of the trumpet that will herald Christ’s return for us.
God didn’t give me an answer that day as to what His will was. All He did was give me flowers and that was enough for me to trust Him again. It was about a year later that I finally understood why I never found that job in women’s ministry. I read “Pagan Christianity” by Frank Viola (see my other posts on that). After reading that book I went through a major paradigm shift. Now I wouldn’t accept a women’s ministry position if it was offered to me. I no longer believe in accepting a paid position in the church. I’m part of a house church in which everyone participates weekly and no minister is paid to do the work all believers are truly responsible for doing themselves. The irony of it all is this. The last week that Dwight & I attended our traditional church, a friend in the church who knew I was waiting for a women’s ministry position told me she knew the church was actually looking for one now. I had already heard that. I thanked her but told her of my change of heart. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was ready to put that all behind me. I had a peace in my heart that I shouldn’t submit my resume. I have never regretted it. I knew that God purposely did not open that door until He knew I wouldn’t choose to walk through it.
What I know about myself is this: when I wanted to do women’s ministry it was about me and my ministry. There were way too many personal pronouns involved. Now I know that we are all ministers of the gospel. I’m not special because of me. I’m special only because of Him. He must increase and I must decrease. He will do the ministering when I am broken enough to get out of His way. He derailed my plan and broke my will that day with something as simple as morning glories.
Basically, I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t find a job in women’s ministry when it seemed so clear at one time that it was God’s will. I mean, didn’t God owe me a job? I went to seminary for Him. Well, I let Him have it that morning. I thought, “Why should I bother going to church this morning? I’m tired of trying my best to do Your will when You just keep dropping the ball with me.” Despite my inner turmoil, I felt compelled to get in the car and go to church anyway.
As I pulled out of the driveway, I was still fuming at Him. That is when I saw them—morning glories blooming in the tangle of vines growing beside my driveway. I nearly drove off into the ditch. It is a good thing not many people are out driving in my neighborhood on Sunday mornings, because I don’t think I was driving very safely as I pulled out onto my street. I was so blinded by tears it was really hard to see.
I guess you’re probably wondering why morning glories could elicit such an emotional response. (My husband is used to my drastic mood shifts and even he was looking at me with incredulity.) Well, you’d have to know the history of God and me when it comes to flowers. I prefer flowers that occur naturally (not planted by humans). What people often think of as weeds, I prefer. Morning glories happen to be my second favorite flower (wisteria being my first). I notice flowers where most people don’t. I remember talking to my roommate Jen about all the flowers blooming around the neighborhood. She didn’t know what I was talking about. But to me, they were everywhere. There were wildflowers on the lawn outside our apartment and there was wisteria growing on the fence. It always took my breath away every time I saw it. Flowers are no respecter of neighborhoods. At that time in college, we lived in the ghetto. But wildflowers flourish everywhere & I always took note.
I had not seen the morning glories before because they only open up in the morning. I’m not a morning person so I hadn’t noticed them before when I left for work. I know God arranged it so that I would notice them for the first time that morning. And I knew they were from God. It was as clear as if He had spoken audibly. He does care about me. He will be faithful. He brought me flowers. And He knows my favorites. He knows me and hasn’t forgotten about me like I thought. God has spoken to me often through the language of flowers. I love how morning glories look like trumpets. They make me think of the trumpet that will herald Christ’s return for us.
God didn’t give me an answer that day as to what His will was. All He did was give me flowers and that was enough for me to trust Him again. It was about a year later that I finally understood why I never found that job in women’s ministry. I read “Pagan Christianity” by Frank Viola (see my other posts on that). After reading that book I went through a major paradigm shift. Now I wouldn’t accept a women’s ministry position if it was offered to me. I no longer believe in accepting a paid position in the church. I’m part of a house church in which everyone participates weekly and no minister is paid to do the work all believers are truly responsible for doing themselves. The irony of it all is this. The last week that Dwight & I attended our traditional church, a friend in the church who knew I was waiting for a women’s ministry position told me she knew the church was actually looking for one now. I had already heard that. I thanked her but told her of my change of heart. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was ready to put that all behind me. I had a peace in my heart that I shouldn’t submit my resume. I have never regretted it. I knew that God purposely did not open that door until He knew I wouldn’t choose to walk through it.
What I know about myself is this: when I wanted to do women’s ministry it was about me and my ministry. There were way too many personal pronouns involved. Now I know that we are all ministers of the gospel. I’m not special because of me. I’m special only because of Him. He must increase and I must decrease. He will do the ministering when I am broken enough to get out of His way. He derailed my plan and broke my will that day with something as simple as morning glories.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My Jeremiah 29:11 Soapbox
Okay, so I know I’m going to step on a lot of toes with this post, but I’m just going to have to go out on a limb here. I think Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most severely abused scriptures in recent Christian history. It is difficult to find a graduation card that doesn’t quote it. It is on plaques, cards, bookmarks, key chains, etc. I know everyone is well meaning, but I wonder if they’ve ever read the context. One of the problems that comes from chapter and verse divisions added to the Bible is that it becomes easier to take one verse out of its context and give it a life of its own. Go ahead and open up your Bible now and read the entire chapter from the beginning. Look for the who, what, when, where, why, and how. When you look for the correct interpretation of Scripture, that is a good place to start. Please read before continuing to read my post.
Okay, so what does it say about the “who” in verse 4? This letter is written to the Israelite exiles living in Babylon. So you should substitute this for “you” when you read 29:11. “For I know the plans that I have for the Israelite exiles living in Babylon, plans for welfare and not calamity to give the Israelite exiles living in Babylon a future and a hope.” Some have used this to say Christians will have prosperity and be kept from harm. That is called scripture twisting. Others say we can apply that to ourselves in reference to spiritual prosperity and protection. You can’t get that from this verse. It wasn’t talking about spiritual blessings. It was talking about physical prosperity and literal protection from physical harm. God planned to give the exiles back their wealth and their land. Did He keep His promise to them? Yes, He returned them to Israel in the era of Ezra & Nehemiah.
There are times when God is very specific in Scripture and He gives a promise to a particular person or people group. You shouldn’t be so egocentric to think that everything He has to say is about you. For example, Luke 1:31 says, “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” It is obvious that the reference to a womb rules every male out on this promise. The only person this promise applies to is Mary. I don’t mean by all this that there is no application. There is always application. In Luke, we benefit from the birth of this son promised to Mary, but she is the only one who had the privilege of carrying Jesus in her womb. I think that in Jer. 29:11, we are seeing God’s track record of giving and keeping promises to His people, Israel, in spite of their idolatry and faithlessness. The lesson to be learned here is about God and His faithfulness. Instead, so many people just think it means God’s going to give them their selfish desires. We get so focused on ourselves and what we can get out of Him that we miss Him entirely and it makes me sad.
What does God really promise Christians in regards to prosperity and harm? Many verses to the various churches addressed to early Christians promise persecution and suffering (which would be quite the opposite of protection from harm). See 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 and Philippians 1:29-30. In Luke 21:12-19, it talks about how, many believers living near the time right before His coming will be persecuted, imprisoned, and killed. We will be hated because of Jesus’ name. In verse 19 it says we will gain our lives by our endurance. That is where you can take “lives” to mean eternal or spiritual. How do I know? Context, once again. Verse 16 says some will die (physically) so it can’t mean a physical life in verse 19.
Think about it. All of Jesus’ disciples died martyr’s deaths except John (and even he came to a great deal of physical harm—I can’t imagine being dipped in burning oil is a pleasant experience or that being an exile is like a vacation). If He had promised no harm to Christians why did the disciples come to harm? I have my doubts that early Christians facing lions, sitting in dank cells, or being sawed to pieces did it while chanting Jeremiah 29:11. They weren’t focused on God’s plan for their lives. They were focused on God’s plan to save the world.
If you haven’t done the Experiencing God Bible study, I would suggest doing so. I imagine it is influencing how I see this. I learned from that study that it isn’t about me and God’s plan for my life. It is about God’s plan to bring salvation to every man, woman, and child. He is moving to that end and it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to join Him in His mission. When are you going to open your eyes to something beyond your own nose and your own little life? It is not about you. If you are already saved, His plan for your life is no mystery. He expects you to look for opportunities daily to fulfill the Great commission—Matthew 28:19-20. The only reason He left you here after your salvation was so that you could spread the good news to others. He didn’t leave you here to enjoy a pleasant, comfortable life. People aren’t saved so they can enjoy God’s wonderful plan for their earthly life (people need truth—not what will tickle their ears); they are saved from the wrath to come so that they can enjoy eternal life.
We will have fellowship with Him when we can fellowship with Him in our sufferings. Why? Because Jesus did not have a life of ease or prosperity. He had nowhere to lay his head. He was homeless. He was hated. Many whom He healed were ungrateful. His own family and hometown rejected him. He was beaten and crucified. If you live a life of ease, wealth, and popularity, you have nothing in common with Him so how can you fellowship with Him in His sufferings? Jesus’ early followers were hated, tortured, and ostracized. If they were blessed with wealth they sold houses and property to give to the needy. They didn’t just toss 20 bucks in an offering plate. There wasn’t a single needy person in the church. There are many needy in our churches, because we horde our blessings. That is not the Christian way (at least not according to the Acts account).
So, instead of thinking about God’s wonderful plan for our lives, let us focus instead on the bigger picture here. God’s plan is to save the WORLD. Wow! And I get to be a part of His big plan if I keep my eyes open to how He can use me in this plan instead of getting sidetracked by the idea that this plan is about me. It is about Him and others.
Okay, so what does it say about the “who” in verse 4? This letter is written to the Israelite exiles living in Babylon. So you should substitute this for “you” when you read 29:11. “For I know the plans that I have for the Israelite exiles living in Babylon, plans for welfare and not calamity to give the Israelite exiles living in Babylon a future and a hope.” Some have used this to say Christians will have prosperity and be kept from harm. That is called scripture twisting. Others say we can apply that to ourselves in reference to spiritual prosperity and protection. You can’t get that from this verse. It wasn’t talking about spiritual blessings. It was talking about physical prosperity and literal protection from physical harm. God planned to give the exiles back their wealth and their land. Did He keep His promise to them? Yes, He returned them to Israel in the era of Ezra & Nehemiah.
There are times when God is very specific in Scripture and He gives a promise to a particular person or people group. You shouldn’t be so egocentric to think that everything He has to say is about you. For example, Luke 1:31 says, “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” It is obvious that the reference to a womb rules every male out on this promise. The only person this promise applies to is Mary. I don’t mean by all this that there is no application. There is always application. In Luke, we benefit from the birth of this son promised to Mary, but she is the only one who had the privilege of carrying Jesus in her womb. I think that in Jer. 29:11, we are seeing God’s track record of giving and keeping promises to His people, Israel, in spite of their idolatry and faithlessness. The lesson to be learned here is about God and His faithfulness. Instead, so many people just think it means God’s going to give them their selfish desires. We get so focused on ourselves and what we can get out of Him that we miss Him entirely and it makes me sad.
What does God really promise Christians in regards to prosperity and harm? Many verses to the various churches addressed to early Christians promise persecution and suffering (which would be quite the opposite of protection from harm). See 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 and Philippians 1:29-30. In Luke 21:12-19, it talks about how, many believers living near the time right before His coming will be persecuted, imprisoned, and killed. We will be hated because of Jesus’ name. In verse 19 it says we will gain our lives by our endurance. That is where you can take “lives” to mean eternal or spiritual. How do I know? Context, once again. Verse 16 says some will die (physically) so it can’t mean a physical life in verse 19.
Think about it. All of Jesus’ disciples died martyr’s deaths except John (and even he came to a great deal of physical harm—I can’t imagine being dipped in burning oil is a pleasant experience or that being an exile is like a vacation). If He had promised no harm to Christians why did the disciples come to harm? I have my doubts that early Christians facing lions, sitting in dank cells, or being sawed to pieces did it while chanting Jeremiah 29:11. They weren’t focused on God’s plan for their lives. They were focused on God’s plan to save the world.
If you haven’t done the Experiencing God Bible study, I would suggest doing so. I imagine it is influencing how I see this. I learned from that study that it isn’t about me and God’s plan for my life. It is about God’s plan to bring salvation to every man, woman, and child. He is moving to that end and it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to join Him in His mission. When are you going to open your eyes to something beyond your own nose and your own little life? It is not about you. If you are already saved, His plan for your life is no mystery. He expects you to look for opportunities daily to fulfill the Great commission—Matthew 28:19-20. The only reason He left you here after your salvation was so that you could spread the good news to others. He didn’t leave you here to enjoy a pleasant, comfortable life. People aren’t saved so they can enjoy God’s wonderful plan for their earthly life (people need truth—not what will tickle their ears); they are saved from the wrath to come so that they can enjoy eternal life.
We will have fellowship with Him when we can fellowship with Him in our sufferings. Why? Because Jesus did not have a life of ease or prosperity. He had nowhere to lay his head. He was homeless. He was hated. Many whom He healed were ungrateful. His own family and hometown rejected him. He was beaten and crucified. If you live a life of ease, wealth, and popularity, you have nothing in common with Him so how can you fellowship with Him in His sufferings? Jesus’ early followers were hated, tortured, and ostracized. If they were blessed with wealth they sold houses and property to give to the needy. They didn’t just toss 20 bucks in an offering plate. There wasn’t a single needy person in the church. There are many needy in our churches, because we horde our blessings. That is not the Christian way (at least not according to the Acts account).
So, instead of thinking about God’s wonderful plan for our lives, let us focus instead on the bigger picture here. God’s plan is to save the WORLD. Wow! And I get to be a part of His big plan if I keep my eyes open to how He can use me in this plan instead of getting sidetracked by the idea that this plan is about me. It is about Him and others.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Landslide
Our county was among one of the hardest hit areas in the recent floods. Thankfully, our home did not flood. Our creek in the back yard grew and was raging Sunday & Monday. There was also another "creek" that formed along one side of our property. I had to step into a foot of water to get to my car on Monday morning. I shouldn't have gone to work but I did make it safely there and back. The garbage people had come that morning to empty our garbage can. They left it on its side with the top open. I didn't want it to float away. Stupidly, I picked it up. It is heavy and bulky anyway, but more so since it was waterlogged. When I arrived at work, I realized lifting the garbage can had pulled out my back. I made an appointment with my chiropractor. Thankfully, they stayed open even though the traffic caused me to be 30 minutes late. On my way home, I came upon this landslide on the street perpendicular to ours (only 3 homes lay between us and the landslide). I had to try another route. When I watched the 11 o'clock news, I saw a picture of the landslide and I couldn't believe it was the one near the end of our street. The side of the hill leading to the Silver Comet Trail slid down onto the road. That was a little close for comfort. Looks like the trail is closed in this area. Dwight is definitely disappointed and hopes it is fixed soon.
I took the following pictures of the landslide:
I took the following pictures of the landslide:
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
OMG--Stop taking this lightly. It is serious sin.
A friend says she is disgusted by how often she hears people casually saying, "Oh my God!" It even comes from young kids. "OMG" is actually a text message abbreviation for the phrase. This really bothers me as well. My mom actually raised me not to curse or take God's name in vain. In fact, she didn't even allow us to say words people substitute for God or Jesus when taking His name in vain. These include, "Jeez," "gosh," and "gee." I am glad my mother took this so seriously. And she lived it too. I have never heard her use any of those names in vain or curse--ever. The third commandment says, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God in vain." Using His name casually to express frustration, pain, shock, or exclamation is a violation of this command. I mean, would you like your name used in place of a curse word? God is not going to take this lightly. Even in PG movies, it is considered no big deal to take His name in vain. It is all over television and our culture. I don't even think we blink at it. We don't fear God. I think some tend to avoid movies with sexual content or violence, but rarely choose not to go because of language, particularly taking His name in vain.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Do You Know the Real Jesus?
Blair Wingo presents a poem called, "Allow Me to Re-introduce the Christ."
You Just Lost One
Blair Wingo presents her poem, "You Just Lost One." It is a letter to Satan rejecting his chains that would seek to enslave those who profess faith in Christ.
What If You Had No More Excuses?
Blair Wingo presents her poem. I have never heard a more eloquent call to repentance. She is a prophetess for our generation. (By the way, the primary role of a prophet/prophetess is to call people to repentance, not make future predictions).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Snowball Fight!
While on a women's retreat in Gatlinburg, TN, we had a snowball fight. It was the perfect end to a great weekend!
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Deck the Porch
My sister, Ruth, is so good at decorating. Her porch looks magical at Christmas. I love just sitting there sipping hot chocolate on a winter night.
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Humpty Dumpty
Read the entry below on Paradoxical Faith before you read this. I want to share another nugget from Steven James. He ends one of his poems with this paradox: "splinter me whole." Take some time to think about that.
I find that to be so true. In order to find healing I've had to be broken into pieces. I can't count the number of times God has had to take me apart in order to put me back together again.
I find that to be so true. In order to find healing I've had to be broken into pieces. I can't count the number of times God has had to take me apart in order to put me back together again.
Paradoxical Faith
I found another book by Steven James called "Sailing Between the Stars." I've decided he's the best writer I've ever read. That is saying alot because I've read a wide variety of authors. Every once in awhile Steven will include a poem in his book. His poetry is incredible. His prose is so poignant that it seems like poetry. I can't read too much at once because I have to let what he says trickle in deep. Did I mention I like this guy? This book is about the mystery of God. During the modern era (that period when science & reason reigned & evolutionists proclaimed that they had figured out a way to obliterate God) we thought we knew it all. Science actually means knowledge. The truth is that science/knowledge is always changing because it is limited to what humans know. We are very limited especially in comparison to God.
Now we live in the postmodern era. Now people embrace the spiritual and mysterious. (It has been like this since the beginning of time. People believe one thing for about 50 years and then the pendulum swings to the opposite side and they believe the total opposite. I wonder when we'll catch on and try to achieve some balance?) Anyway, there are good and bad things about postmodernism. Unfortunately, it breeds a tolerance for everything at the exclusion of common sense. Let's face it: how can all roads lead to heaven when some don't even claim to go there?
But one of the good things about postmodernism is that it has brought back an appreciation for mystery. I propose that science is the rape of mystery. Sometimes you can dissect, analyze, and explain something to the point that it has lost all of its beauty and value. There are some things God refuses to explain in His Word, not because He is trying to frustrate us, but because He wouldn't really be all that interesting if we already knew everything about Him. A good story keeps you guessing and contemplating it. It isn't overexplained. The trinity, God's sovereignty and human free will, the incarnation--these are mysteries I may never grasp.
Back to Steven James--he talks about the many paradoxes in Scripture. He says, "rather than sharing the paradoxes of Christianity with our neopagan neighbors, we're busy trying to make Jesus seem reasonable, sensible, and practical. But he's not. He's radical, paradoxical, and absurd . . . How could we hang our hat on so many paradoxical doctrines at the same time? Well, because the prism of paradox is the place God has chosen to shine his light. And because of that, it can't help but glow in so many different colors at once."
If you question that the Bible is filled with paradoxes, read 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 & 2 Corinthians 6:8-10.
Now we live in the postmodern era. Now people embrace the spiritual and mysterious. (It has been like this since the beginning of time. People believe one thing for about 50 years and then the pendulum swings to the opposite side and they believe the total opposite. I wonder when we'll catch on and try to achieve some balance?) Anyway, there are good and bad things about postmodernism. Unfortunately, it breeds a tolerance for everything at the exclusion of common sense. Let's face it: how can all roads lead to heaven when some don't even claim to go there?
But one of the good things about postmodernism is that it has brought back an appreciation for mystery. I propose that science is the rape of mystery. Sometimes you can dissect, analyze, and explain something to the point that it has lost all of its beauty and value. There are some things God refuses to explain in His Word, not because He is trying to frustrate us, but because He wouldn't really be all that interesting if we already knew everything about Him. A good story keeps you guessing and contemplating it. It isn't overexplained. The trinity, God's sovereignty and human free will, the incarnation--these are mysteries I may never grasp.
Back to Steven James--he talks about the many paradoxes in Scripture. He says, "rather than sharing the paradoxes of Christianity with our neopagan neighbors, we're busy trying to make Jesus seem reasonable, sensible, and practical. But he's not. He's radical, paradoxical, and absurd . . . How could we hang our hat on so many paradoxical doctrines at the same time? Well, because the prism of paradox is the place God has chosen to shine his light. And because of that, it can't help but glow in so many different colors at once."
If you question that the Bible is filled with paradoxes, read 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 & 2 Corinthians 6:8-10.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hebrew vs. Greek Education
It was last May when I read “Pagan Christianity” and began exploring the Hebrew perspective on life, church, and education. That summer I wrote a 15 page paper for my class on the topic of how different the Hebrew mindset was from our Western mindset especially as that relates to education. I’ve been thinking on that lately. I guess it is so
frustrating because I actually work for a public school system.
Let me give some background. The very foundation of our society in the US is shaped by a Western mindset which is largely influenced by the Greek/Roman mindset—it is what we would call a classical education. The Hebrews whose history is recorded in the Bible think with an Eastern mindset. It is totally different from how we think. Some of you may know that Hebrew books are read from right to left (this is true of Eastern cultures). Their music is often in the minor key (and I have to say I’m partial to that). Those are some differences you may already be familiar with, but I want to share some others. Right now I’m going to talk about their viewpoint on education.
The majority of students today are educated in public schools controlled & funded by the government. There was no such thing for a Hebrew student. The responsibility for education was with a child’s parents. When students were old enough to prepare for an occupation this was done as an apprenticeship rather than at a university. This was true because of the Hebrew emphasis on the practical as opposed to the Greek emphasis on the theoretical & philosophical.
Another distinction is that God was central to education for a Hebrew student. Today we attempt to teach without ever mentioning God. I posit that this is not possible. God’s word says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. How can we know anything of import if we do not understand it from His perspective? Indeed, it is empty and unprofitable if God is not central. A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach science without God, for it is He who made the world and all that is in it?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach social studies apart from God, for it is His story that is important and our relationship with Him that is our primary purpose?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach math without God, because He is the standard by which all things are measured and it is God who knows the number of hairs on our heads?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach language arts apart from God, for it is He who is the Word.”
Often people ask if we plan on having children. Since I’m 32 and I’ve been married for 8 ½ years I guess it is normal for people to wonder this. My answer is no. I have several reasons but one of my primary ones relates to this topic of education. Because of our unique situation and the fact that Dwight is retired on disability, I will always have to work full-time. If I were to have children I would have to send them to public school. I refuse to do this. If I can’t homeschool them, I won’t have them. Please do not misunderstand if your children do attend public school. This is my personal choice and conviction for my family and does not mean that it must be the same for others. I just believe that the very foundation of public education undermines a Biblical worldview. God’s plan was for education to take place within the familial context in order to instill loyalty to family and God. Public education fosters loyalty to the state. Our country no longer reflects my values or beliefs so I don’t want to push responsibility for my child’s education off on an establishment that teaches the religion of materialism (a.k.a. evolution) under the guise of science, sacrifices truth for tolerance, ignores the need for spiritual growth, encourages self-esteem and independence rather than God/other-esteem and interdependence.
frustrating because I actually work for a public school system.
Let me give some background. The very foundation of our society in the US is shaped by a Western mindset which is largely influenced by the Greek/Roman mindset—it is what we would call a classical education. The Hebrews whose history is recorded in the Bible think with an Eastern mindset. It is totally different from how we think. Some of you may know that Hebrew books are read from right to left (this is true of Eastern cultures). Their music is often in the minor key (and I have to say I’m partial to that). Those are some differences you may already be familiar with, but I want to share some others. Right now I’m going to talk about their viewpoint on education.
The majority of students today are educated in public schools controlled & funded by the government. There was no such thing for a Hebrew student. The responsibility for education was with a child’s parents. When students were old enough to prepare for an occupation this was done as an apprenticeship rather than at a university. This was true because of the Hebrew emphasis on the practical as opposed to the Greek emphasis on the theoretical & philosophical.
Another distinction is that God was central to education for a Hebrew student. Today we attempt to teach without ever mentioning God. I posit that this is not possible. God’s word says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. How can we know anything of import if we do not understand it from His perspective? Indeed, it is empty and unprofitable if God is not central. A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach science without God, for it is He who made the world and all that is in it?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach social studies apart from God, for it is His story that is important and our relationship with Him that is our primary purpose?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach math without God, because He is the standard by which all things are measured and it is God who knows the number of hairs on our heads?” A Hebrew would say, “How can you teach language arts apart from God, for it is He who is the Word.”
Often people ask if we plan on having children. Since I’m 32 and I’ve been married for 8 ½ years I guess it is normal for people to wonder this. My answer is no. I have several reasons but one of my primary ones relates to this topic of education. Because of our unique situation and the fact that Dwight is retired on disability, I will always have to work full-time. If I were to have children I would have to send them to public school. I refuse to do this. If I can’t homeschool them, I won’t have them. Please do not misunderstand if your children do attend public school. This is my personal choice and conviction for my family and does not mean that it must be the same for others. I just believe that the very foundation of public education undermines a Biblical worldview. God’s plan was for education to take place within the familial context in order to instill loyalty to family and God. Public education fosters loyalty to the state. Our country no longer reflects my values or beliefs so I don’t want to push responsibility for my child’s education off on an establishment that teaches the religion of materialism (a.k.a. evolution) under the guise of science, sacrifices truth for tolerance, ignores the need for spiritual growth, encourages self-esteem and independence rather than God/other-esteem and interdependence.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Abiding All Day
I've been struggling with learning how to truly abide in Christ--not just giving Him a few minutes a day or week but actually communing with Him throughout the day. It seems so hard and it is so easy to let the cares of the day choke the Spirit out of my life. Well it has been one of those good days--I hope there are many more like this. It started out this morning with me reading a devotional book my mom gave me at breakfast. It seems to get me in the mood for meditating on God. On the way to work I was listening to a new CD of hymns that I have. A phrase from the old old song Amazing Grace really struck me. I was listening to a version by Aaron Neville--quite unique. Go to http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=_z7SEf-9D4s to hear him sing this. Unfortunately the you tube version cuts off before that amazing phrase that meant so much to me this morning. If you are like me you have heard this song so many times that you stop truly listening to the lyrics. You don't often hear this verse but here is what struck me:
"The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine."
The Bible does say that God will destroy this earth someday so it truly will dissolve. There are trees on this earth that are 2,000+ years old, but they will pass away. Continents were created over 4,000 years ago in the time of Peleg--they will disappear like a mist. The sun will quit shining someday as well. These things that have existed long before you and I will easily disappear at God's command. But we have the amazing assurance that those who trust in Christ's grace to save them from their sins will be forever His. Our relationship with Him will never dissolve. Anyway, this made me cry.
Several teachers and I meet to pray every morning before school starts. We had an incredible prayer time this morning. It was just getting better.
I had to sub today, but I really enjoyed teaching the students. I was able to come up with a good assignment for them and help them learn & I always love to watch kids learn.
Now I'm going to study some using a new Bible Reference tool I've downloaded on my computer that includes 100 titles that help you study the Bible.
I'm feeling so good despite the fact that I think I'm coming down with a cold.
"The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine."
The Bible does say that God will destroy this earth someday so it truly will dissolve. There are trees on this earth that are 2,000+ years old, but they will pass away. Continents were created over 4,000 years ago in the time of Peleg--they will disappear like a mist. The sun will quit shining someday as well. These things that have existed long before you and I will easily disappear at God's command. But we have the amazing assurance that those who trust in Christ's grace to save them from their sins will be forever His. Our relationship with Him will never dissolve. Anyway, this made me cry.
Several teachers and I meet to pray every morning before school starts. We had an incredible prayer time this morning. It was just getting better.
I had to sub today, but I really enjoyed teaching the students. I was able to come up with a good assignment for them and help them learn & I always love to watch kids learn.
Now I'm going to study some using a new Bible Reference tool I've downloaded on my computer that includes 100 titles that help you study the Bible.
I'm feeling so good despite the fact that I think I'm coming down with a cold.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Omelets & Clue
My sister, her husband, and their twins came over for dinner before Christmas. It was the first time Rebecca had seen my kitchen's new paint.
We had omelets--Mary's specialty. Even Matthew had an omelet and he loved it! We played Clue which Brian usually wins. But I actually won this time! It is probably our favorite game. My sisters, Mom, & I used to play Clue nearly every Friday night when Rebecca was a senior in high school.
We had omelets--Mary's specialty. Even Matthew had an omelet and he loved it! We played Clue which Brian usually wins. But I actually won this time! It is probably our favorite game. My sisters, Mom, & I used to play Clue nearly every Friday night when Rebecca was a senior in high school.
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