Well, because of lack of an idea, this is going to be pretty basic. It is starting to look like the posts I put the least effort into thinking through get the most comments. It is kinda interesting actually. The post with the most comments is not even about anything. It is just a compilation of a few random thoughts. Although I do realize that, at 3 comments, it is a little early to start developing a pattern, you have to consider that I only have 4 confirmed readers of my posts. That particular post tops the others at a response from 2 people. Isn't that exciting?
Only 14 days until I move to Nashville. I will be starting classes at the Free Will Baptist Bible College on the 25th. I am incredibly excited.
An interesting character has arisen on Facebook recently. It seems somebody has started an account as the mascot of the college: FWBBC Flame! It's rather interesting because nobody really knows who it is. It seems like most of the students think it is another student playing a joke, but I am almost fully convinced that it is a staff member. I had posted on the wall that maybe we should consider staff members, and the mysterious flame replied on my wall that I made a good point. I guess this could be to throw me off the trail, but I doubt a student would think of that. Besides, all of the pranksters seem to have been accused already. Another clue is that the birthday for the account is August 1, 1942. That would be the year and month that the college was founded. I don't think a student pulling a prank would think of that either. So I will continue my quest for the identity of the Flame. In the meantime, I think this will be all for tonight!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Why I Believe in Homeschooling
Well, tonight I have copied and pasted a note for your reading pleasure. It was written by an acquaintance of mine, David Lorimer, and it is about his views on homeschooling. I think it is pretty good, but you'll just have to read it yourself. He is a little bit long-winded with this one, so it might take a few minutes to read.
And for the record, I was homeschooled too.
I believe in Homeschooling. Why on earth would someone homeschool? Shouldn't education be handled by those professionally trained? Don't homeschoolers just cop out of school? Don't homeschoolers have some kind of problems? And what about sociability?I am prepared to address all these concerns, and more. But first, a little bit about me.
I am homeschooled, and the middle of 5 siblings. I was homeschooled from K-12, then attended Kentucky Mountain Bible College. I found homeschooling to not only agree with me extremely well, but I believe it is one of the best things that ever happened to me.In this essay, I aim to express my reasons for why I believe in homeschooling. I do not intend to answer all objections or concerns regarding homeschooling. I do not write about every individual person's experience; I write about homeschooling as a theory and a model. I understand, perhaps more than some, that homeschooling has been much misused, and abused.That said, let us proceed!
Biblical Responsibility
The Bible makes it very clear that the responsibility for the education of children rests with the parents. (Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, and many more). It is not the government's responsibility to educate your kids! You will not find one verse that indicates the government should educate children. The parents are Biblically responsible. Though the parents may choose to delegate the education, they still retain the responsibility. The Biblical model for education is in the home. I cannot understand why anyone would send their children to be trained by a pagan system. "If you send your children to Caesar, expect them to return as Romans." - Respondent, Homeschool Alumni Reunion 2008
Values Transfer
One of the greatest benefits to homeschooling is the transfer of values from the parents to the children. Because the entire educational process is directed by the parents, values are taught and demonstrated. This is true of any education, of course, which is why it is so important to watch carefully what your children are being taught! A large percentage of homeschoolers are Christians. I believe it is because of these first two reasons, the Bible, and Values."If there's something that's very important to me, am I going to let a stranger teach that to my kid!?" - Sarah Phillips
Philosophy of Education
One's philosophy of education makes a HUGE impact on their view of homeschooling. I will not expound all my thoughts here. Let me summarize. I do not believe education is about information. Our modern education system is very information-based. I believe education is training on how to think and how to learn. It is training for life. It is, as William Law set forth, an attempt to reverse some of the aspects of the Fall. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Prov. 9:10; Prov. 1:7). I believe that homeschooling best accomplishes the objective of training how to think, how to live life, how to be a good citizen, and how to be a right person.
Centrality of the Home and Family
We've often heard it said that the family is the building block of society. This is clearly described in the Bible, and has been observed by sociologists the world over. What better way to have a strong family than to have the family together, the better part of every day, with education in the home! Another benefit here is that the child's role-models become parents and older adults, instead of the popular jocks and cheerleaders. I believe in strong families, and so I believe in family-based education.
Socialization
But aren't homeschoolers socially handicapped? No, I've never met a homeschooler ever that I would say had major social problems. What most people notice is a difference in socialization. Our society's definition of socialization is based on the ability to lower inhibitions, talk about nothing endlessly, flirt, and politic. On the opposite side, homeschoolers tend to learn a socialization method that is more reserved (often interpreted aloof), respectful, thoughtful, and deeply-based. This disconnect produces a problem where both sides don't understand the other, and both think the other needs major social help! (yes, homeschoolers think the same thing about you.) Which is better? Personally, I believe the homeschooling approach is. Let me take up an example. Our society's socialization is evidenced very well at a day care. Here, very young children are taught to socialize and make friends with other children. Unfortunately, a very negative approach develops. Yes, they have learned to walk into a room full of people they don't know and be able to function. But they learn this walking into a room full of new people and claiming their space, and defending it from others (the politics has begun). "Mine," "mine," is a word heard ever so often. They also learn another dangerous lesson here -- that is, if it is lying around, it is fair game ... Think about what happens when people grow up with this idea ... On the other hand, homeschoolers learn their socialization from their parents and siblings. Thus, they are taught early to respect older people. They learn authority and respect. They also learn private property, as well as sharing. They must get along with siblings, but their own space is protected, and their self is developed. They learn to interact in a family setting, instead of a war of peers.Another item of socialization where homeschoolers excel greatly is cross-generational. Most youth only know how to socialize with a limited group of peers. Their goal is to be popular with the popular people. Put an average youth in a room full of octogenarians and see what happens! On the other hand, homeschoolers are at ease with all ages, because they have been raised in a community of all ages. Homeschoolers tend to view their "peers" as multi-generational. This can be very intimidating for an older adult, when a younger teen regards him as a peer! Homeschoolers don't tend to "fit" with their generation, because they tend to "fit" a little more just below their parents' generation. Is this bad? I don't think so. It produces mature young citizens."Questioner: But aren't you concerned about socialization?Homeschooler: Oh yes, we're very concerned about socialization. That's why we homeschool." (Natalie Wickham)
Educational Outcomes
An argument against homeschoolers is that they tend to be critical. It is indeed true. When one is truly taught to think, he is taught to not believe everything he hears, but to test it and try it, and see if it is indeed true. Homeschoolers are taught critical thinking. Because of this advanced training, they will challenge their teachers, which is where this reaction arises. Teachers (or "learned adults") are not often prepared to defend their beliefs and statements. They are used to everyone simply believing them without question. They do not like to be "attacked," as they perceive it. "Why, I am a professional, and that young kid had the audacity to challenge me, as if what I said might not be true!" If only they would learn their trade, career, or belief well enough to defend what they present, what great benefits they would find! If people were honest, they would admit they are intimidated by homeschoolers, because they are forced to give homeschoolers answers, not just platitudes. Homeschoolers have been taught to seek for truth. They have learned the important practice of critical thinking. If they have any weakness, it is a lack of tact.Homeschoolers are taught to find answers. A classroom school education reports that the student did well, passing with a 95%! A proper homeschooling education reports the same, but then requires that the homeschooler return to his lessons, and discover what 5% he did wrong, and how it is to be made right. The classroom student will never learn the percentage he missed; the homeschooler may learn it better than the 95% he knew well. The outcome of this is obvious. Homeschoolers learn to push themselves to higher levels. They learn not to give up. I heard a homeschooler say recently, "If it's wrong, I'll find the answer; if there is no answer, I'll find the answer."It is true, that across the board, homeschoolers do better on standardized tests than their public school contemporaries. They excel in all fields, from engineering to the arts. They tend to have more purpose, and more success, in life. They are not weak and wishy-washy. In fact, they are often chided for being too opinionated. They generally outclass their contemporaries in a way that has made them the target of whatever censure their offended peers could come up with.
Worldview
It can nearly all be summed up in worldview. A homeschooler's worldview is shaped by his family, instead of by the government or body of equally-immature peers. His thinking is shaped from day one by those who have gone before, who know more, and have more experience. But most of all, by those who care the most. The homeschooler does not receive a brainwashing of pagan God-denying bologna, parading as "great education". The homeschooler receives a building of precept upon precept, of real science, real thinking, and real faith. His life is not controlled by government money, availability of "good teachers", or political pressure. His life is controlled by the very people God gave him to: his parents.
One may rightly challenge:
"Ok, this is all well and good, but I know several homeschoolers that don't fit this description. In fact, they are lazy, unprepared for life, co-dependant, and ignorant. This is what homeschooling does!"I will answer:You are right. There are several homeschoolers exactly as you have described. They are a great tragedy, and I have no defense for them. But they are not a failure of the idea of homeschooling. They are a failure in implementing homeschooling. I agree that their poor education is inadequate, and their lives will be the poorer because of it.However, I will answer this: For every homeschooler of this type that you present, I will present an entire classroom school worthy of the same condemnation. And I dare say, I will have some to spare. What is more, for each homeschooler of this type that you present, I will present two who are of the type I describe. And I dare say, I will have many to spare.
And for the record, I was homeschooled too.
I believe in Homeschooling. Why on earth would someone homeschool? Shouldn't education be handled by those professionally trained? Don't homeschoolers just cop out of school? Don't homeschoolers have some kind of problems? And what about sociability?I am prepared to address all these concerns, and more. But first, a little bit about me.
I am homeschooled, and the middle of 5 siblings. I was homeschooled from K-12, then attended Kentucky Mountain Bible College. I found homeschooling to not only agree with me extremely well, but I believe it is one of the best things that ever happened to me.In this essay, I aim to express my reasons for why I believe in homeschooling. I do not intend to answer all objections or concerns regarding homeschooling. I do not write about every individual person's experience; I write about homeschooling as a theory and a model. I understand, perhaps more than some, that homeschooling has been much misused, and abused.That said, let us proceed!
Biblical Responsibility
The Bible makes it very clear that the responsibility for the education of children rests with the parents. (Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, and many more). It is not the government's responsibility to educate your kids! You will not find one verse that indicates the government should educate children. The parents are Biblically responsible. Though the parents may choose to delegate the education, they still retain the responsibility. The Biblical model for education is in the home. I cannot understand why anyone would send their children to be trained by a pagan system. "If you send your children to Caesar, expect them to return as Romans." - Respondent, Homeschool Alumni Reunion 2008
Values Transfer
One of the greatest benefits to homeschooling is the transfer of values from the parents to the children. Because the entire educational process is directed by the parents, values are taught and demonstrated. This is true of any education, of course, which is why it is so important to watch carefully what your children are being taught! A large percentage of homeschoolers are Christians. I believe it is because of these first two reasons, the Bible, and Values."If there's something that's very important to me, am I going to let a stranger teach that to my kid!?" - Sarah Phillips
Philosophy of Education
One's philosophy of education makes a HUGE impact on their view of homeschooling. I will not expound all my thoughts here. Let me summarize. I do not believe education is about information. Our modern education system is very information-based. I believe education is training on how to think and how to learn. It is training for life. It is, as William Law set forth, an attempt to reverse some of the aspects of the Fall. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Prov. 9:10; Prov. 1:7). I believe that homeschooling best accomplishes the objective of training how to think, how to live life, how to be a good citizen, and how to be a right person.
Centrality of the Home and Family
We've often heard it said that the family is the building block of society. This is clearly described in the Bible, and has been observed by sociologists the world over. What better way to have a strong family than to have the family together, the better part of every day, with education in the home! Another benefit here is that the child's role-models become parents and older adults, instead of the popular jocks and cheerleaders. I believe in strong families, and so I believe in family-based education.
Socialization
But aren't homeschoolers socially handicapped? No, I've never met a homeschooler ever that I would say had major social problems. What most people notice is a difference in socialization. Our society's definition of socialization is based on the ability to lower inhibitions, talk about nothing endlessly, flirt, and politic. On the opposite side, homeschoolers tend to learn a socialization method that is more reserved (often interpreted aloof), respectful, thoughtful, and deeply-based. This disconnect produces a problem where both sides don't understand the other, and both think the other needs major social help! (yes, homeschoolers think the same thing about you.) Which is better? Personally, I believe the homeschooling approach is. Let me take up an example. Our society's socialization is evidenced very well at a day care. Here, very young children are taught to socialize and make friends with other children. Unfortunately, a very negative approach develops. Yes, they have learned to walk into a room full of people they don't know and be able to function. But they learn this walking into a room full of new people and claiming their space, and defending it from others (the politics has begun). "Mine," "mine," is a word heard ever so often. They also learn another dangerous lesson here -- that is, if it is lying around, it is fair game ... Think about what happens when people grow up with this idea ... On the other hand, homeschoolers learn their socialization from their parents and siblings. Thus, they are taught early to respect older people. They learn authority and respect. They also learn private property, as well as sharing. They must get along with siblings, but their own space is protected, and their self is developed. They learn to interact in a family setting, instead of a war of peers.Another item of socialization where homeschoolers excel greatly is cross-generational. Most youth only know how to socialize with a limited group of peers. Their goal is to be popular with the popular people. Put an average youth in a room full of octogenarians and see what happens! On the other hand, homeschoolers are at ease with all ages, because they have been raised in a community of all ages. Homeschoolers tend to view their "peers" as multi-generational. This can be very intimidating for an older adult, when a younger teen regards him as a peer! Homeschoolers don't tend to "fit" with their generation, because they tend to "fit" a little more just below their parents' generation. Is this bad? I don't think so. It produces mature young citizens."Questioner: But aren't you concerned about socialization?Homeschooler: Oh yes, we're very concerned about socialization. That's why we homeschool." (Natalie Wickham)
Educational Outcomes
An argument against homeschoolers is that they tend to be critical. It is indeed true. When one is truly taught to think, he is taught to not believe everything he hears, but to test it and try it, and see if it is indeed true. Homeschoolers are taught critical thinking. Because of this advanced training, they will challenge their teachers, which is where this reaction arises. Teachers (or "learned adults") are not often prepared to defend their beliefs and statements. They are used to everyone simply believing them without question. They do not like to be "attacked," as they perceive it. "Why, I am a professional, and that young kid had the audacity to challenge me, as if what I said might not be true!" If only they would learn their trade, career, or belief well enough to defend what they present, what great benefits they would find! If people were honest, they would admit they are intimidated by homeschoolers, because they are forced to give homeschoolers answers, not just platitudes. Homeschoolers have been taught to seek for truth. They have learned the important practice of critical thinking. If they have any weakness, it is a lack of tact.Homeschoolers are taught to find answers. A classroom school education reports that the student did well, passing with a 95%! A proper homeschooling education reports the same, but then requires that the homeschooler return to his lessons, and discover what 5% he did wrong, and how it is to be made right. The classroom student will never learn the percentage he missed; the homeschooler may learn it better than the 95% he knew well. The outcome of this is obvious. Homeschoolers learn to push themselves to higher levels. They learn not to give up. I heard a homeschooler say recently, "If it's wrong, I'll find the answer; if there is no answer, I'll find the answer."It is true, that across the board, homeschoolers do better on standardized tests than their public school contemporaries. They excel in all fields, from engineering to the arts. They tend to have more purpose, and more success, in life. They are not weak and wishy-washy. In fact, they are often chided for being too opinionated. They generally outclass their contemporaries in a way that has made them the target of whatever censure their offended peers could come up with.
Worldview
It can nearly all be summed up in worldview. A homeschooler's worldview is shaped by his family, instead of by the government or body of equally-immature peers. His thinking is shaped from day one by those who have gone before, who know more, and have more experience. But most of all, by those who care the most. The homeschooler does not receive a brainwashing of pagan God-denying bologna, parading as "great education". The homeschooler receives a building of precept upon precept, of real science, real thinking, and real faith. His life is not controlled by government money, availability of "good teachers", or political pressure. His life is controlled by the very people God gave him to: his parents.
One may rightly challenge:
"Ok, this is all well and good, but I know several homeschoolers that don't fit this description. In fact, they are lazy, unprepared for life, co-dependant, and ignorant. This is what homeschooling does!"I will answer:You are right. There are several homeschoolers exactly as you have described. They are a great tragedy, and I have no defense for them. But they are not a failure of the idea of homeschooling. They are a failure in implementing homeschooling. I agree that their poor education is inadequate, and their lives will be the poorer because of it.However, I will answer this: For every homeschooler of this type that you present, I will present an entire classroom school worthy of the same condemnation. And I dare say, I will have some to spare. What is more, for each homeschooler of this type that you present, I will present two who are of the type I describe. And I dare say, I will have many to spare.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
In The Light
"In the Light" happens to be one of my favorite DC Talk songs. I just never seem to get tired of the lyrics.
It seems like every time I listen to this song, I'm reminded that I do stuff all the time that I shouldn't do. I try to do the right thing, and many times, I just end up messing up big time. Paul described his struggle with this same thing in Romans 7.
This is a problem that all Christians struggle with. The world expects us to be perfect because we're Christians, but we all stumble and fall. No matter how much we try, we will never be perfect until we get to heaven. So until then, we can only claim the promise given in 1 John 1:9, and look forward to that day when Christ will deliver us from our sinful nature.
I keep trying to find a life
On my own apart from you
I am the king of excuses
I've got one for every selfish thing I do
Tell me what's going on inside of me
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior
I wanna be in the light as you are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh Lord, be my light and be my salvation
Cuz all I want is to be in the light
The disease of self runs through my blood
It's a cancer fatal to my soul
Every attempt on my behalf has failed
To bring this sickness under control
Tell me what's going on inside of me
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior
I wanna be in the light as you are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh Lord, be my light and be my salvation
Cuz all I want is to be in the light
It seems like every time I listen to this song, I'm reminded that I do stuff all the time that I shouldn't do. I try to do the right thing, and many times, I just end up messing up big time. Paul described his struggle with this same thing in Romans 7.
(15) For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (16) Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. (17) So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (18) For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (19) For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (20) Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (21) So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. (22) For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, (23) but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. (24) Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?( 25) Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. - Romans 7:15-25 (ESV)
This is a problem that all Christians struggle with. The world expects us to be perfect because we're Christians, but we all stumble and fall. No matter how much we try, we will never be perfect until we get to heaven. So until then, we can only claim the promise given in 1 John 1:9, and look forward to that day when Christ will deliver us from our sinful nature.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Monday, August 4, 2008
iStink
Well, for today's post (which I'm sure you're all dying to read) I'm going to explain to you how much I stink at Halo. Yes, I realize you don't care; I'm telling you anyway.
I went to Sam's house, and we hung out for a while. We didn't really do a whole lot. Ya know, normal boredom activities: hacky sack, TV, beating him at pool, eating, more TV, more hacky sack (which I stink at). Then he decided to play Halo. I had never played before, so when he asked if I wanted to play, I said "Yeah. Teach me how, and I'll play." Apparently, his idea of "Teaching me how" was to put me in a tiny arena with him, some rocks, a couple of bunkers, and some attack vehicles. Then he proceeded to kill me repeatedly, never letting me live long enough to learn the controls well. *sigh* I was sniped, machine gunned, lasered, missiled, and grenaded (and probably a few more things). Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I really stink. It's hard to learn to play against a seasoned pro. On the plus side, I did kill him 3 or 4 times. =)
[ Note from the Author: Yes, I am aware that many of the words used to describe his attacks are not actual words]
I went to Sam's house, and we hung out for a while. We didn't really do a whole lot. Ya know, normal boredom activities: hacky sack, TV, beating him at pool, eating, more TV, more hacky sack (which I stink at). Then he decided to play Halo. I had never played before, so when he asked if I wanted to play, I said "Yeah. Teach me how, and I'll play." Apparently, his idea of "Teaching me how" was to put me in a tiny arena with him, some rocks, a couple of bunkers, and some attack vehicles. Then he proceeded to kill me repeatedly, never letting me live long enough to learn the controls well. *sigh* I was sniped, machine gunned, lasered, missiled, and grenaded (and probably a few more things). Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I really stink. It's hard to learn to play against a seasoned pro. On the plus side, I did kill him 3 or 4 times. =)
[ Note from the Author: Yes, I am aware that many of the words used to describe his attacks are not actual words]
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Raining Cats and Dogs
I received a rather interesting comment today. Matthew told me that he read over my blog, and that I had actually learned to communicate with words. I'm not sure if he was implying that I didn't know how to previously, or that other people don't know how to. Either way, it's a compliment, I guess - even if I don't know what it meant.
A funny quote from a cartoon I saw today:
"As a lazy tailor would say, 'Suit yourself' "
And now for the Useless Information for the week, I will tell you of the origin of the phrase "Raining cats and dogs"! I heard somewhere that the phrase came from medieval times when houses had thatch roofs. They would basically pile a bunch of straw on top of the house and it would shed water when it rained. The story says that during cold weather small animals would crawl into the straw to stay warm, and when it rained they would end up falling through the ceiling. And so started the adage: "Raining cats and dogs". It almost makes sense until you start to think about it, but in the end, you have to realize that it's just crazy.
The truth is that nobody really knows for sure where it started (like so many other things) but there are a few theories. The most likely is that in the filthy streets of 17th century England, many times heavy rains would carry along the bodies of dead animals in the flood waters. Jonathan Swift described this in his poem "A Description of a City Shower", and the first appearance of the current version was in Jonathan Swift's "A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation". The fact that he described the streets flowing with animals, and then used the phrase "Raining cats and dogs" a few years later makes a pretty good case for the theory that poor sanitation is the source of this popular adage.
Like I said before, nobody really knows how it was started, but these are just a couple theories. There are actually several ideas, but in the end, it doesn't really matter who started it if you're outside when the clouds open up and you're getting soaked!
A funny quote from a cartoon I saw today:
"As a lazy tailor would say, 'Suit yourself' "
And now for the Useless Information for the week, I will tell you of the origin of the phrase "Raining cats and dogs"! I heard somewhere that the phrase came from medieval times when houses had thatch roofs. They would basically pile a bunch of straw on top of the house and it would shed water when it rained. The story says that during cold weather small animals would crawl into the straw to stay warm, and when it rained they would end up falling through the ceiling. And so started the adage: "Raining cats and dogs". It almost makes sense until you start to think about it, but in the end, you have to realize that it's just crazy.
The truth is that nobody really knows for sure where it started (like so many other things) but there are a few theories. The most likely is that in the filthy streets of 17th century England, many times heavy rains would carry along the bodies of dead animals in the flood waters. Jonathan Swift described this in his poem "A Description of a City Shower", and the first appearance of the current version was in Jonathan Swift's "A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation". The fact that he described the streets flowing with animals, and then used the phrase "Raining cats and dogs" a few years later makes a pretty good case for the theory that poor sanitation is the source of this popular adage.
Like I said before, nobody really knows how it was started, but these are just a couple theories. There are actually several ideas, but in the end, it doesn't really matter who started it if you're outside when the clouds open up and you're getting soaked!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Yikes
I don't even know what to say today. I was mowing all day with temperatures over 100 degrees. In fact, the heat index here was 116 this afternoon! So, I am completely exhausted. I got to hang out with Sam some today, and I talked to Rebekah for a while. It seems like the mission trip went really well. Nobody got deathly ill while they were there, and they all definitely enjoyed it. I wish I could've gone with them, but alas, it was not meant to be. :(
I went to FWBBC to sign up for my classes yesterday. I ended up with 16 credit hours for my first semester, so that'll be pretty crazy. I also have to find a job, and I might sing in the choir or play basketball. I don't really know yet. It's looking like I'm going to be pretty busy even without all of the extra-curriculars. My class schedule is as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:
U.S. History
Old Testament Survey: Law and History
General Psychology
Tuesday
Microcomputer Applications
Freshman Orientation
Fundamentals of Speech
Thursday
Freshman Orientation
Fundamentals of Speech
And I will have chapel every day, Christian Service, and a guitar class thrown in there somewhere. It's gonna be great. 19 Days!
I went to FWBBC to sign up for my classes yesterday. I ended up with 16 credit hours for my first semester, so that'll be pretty crazy. I also have to find a job, and I might sing in the choir or play basketball. I don't really know yet. It's looking like I'm going to be pretty busy even without all of the extra-curriculars. My class schedule is as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:
U.S. History
Old Testament Survey: Law and History
General Psychology
Tuesday
Microcomputer Applications
Freshman Orientation
Fundamentals of Speech
Thursday
Freshman Orientation
Fundamentals of Speech
And I will have chapel every day, Christian Service, and a guitar class thrown in there somewhere. It's gonna be great. 19 Days!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Pennies
I've been gone all day to Nashville, so tonight you're getting an e-mail that I found in my inbox when I got home.
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc.. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about. Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants.
Image via Wikipedia Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure... How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? 'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words 'United States of America.' 'No, not that; read further.' 'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.' 'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?' 'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful! When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient...
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc.. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about. Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants.
Image via Wikipedia Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure... How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? 'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words 'United States of America.' 'No, not that; read further.' 'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.' 'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?' 'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful! When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient...
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