Questions from small group

In my small group we are working our way through the book of Mark. Last night, we read Mark 14:27-52 and then discussed the questions: What do Jesus's references to prophesy in this passage tell us about Jesus's death? How does the cross help us to face suffering and injustice in our lives?

We worked through a lot of various ways that the cross helps, both ways that we have heard and think are trivial or dismissive and ways that we found more sincere or helpful. Being someone who asks questions rather than makes statements, I spent a good chunk of the discussion just writing questions that came to mind. I'll put some of them here with the hopes that you will offer your opinions/thoughts.

What do I think about the idea that "it is because we suffer that we need the cross"? or "It is because He suffered that we have the cross?

It is only through the cross that justice can come from suffering. Dos this relate to Jesus incarnate feeling the terminal nature of human life and providing an escape from the decay?

Can justice be considered one of the few universal virtues? Is it more universal than love? Intrinsically intertwined with love? Is justice love?

If Jesus had not entered into our suffering would salvation have been cheapened? Incomplete? Possible? Was suffering necessary for redemption (by His wounds we are healed...)

Is suffering necessary? If so, does that make it somehow not evil?

What do you think?

Desperation Breeds Bravery

I am not the kind of person to take risks... at all. However, today was a different day. Today, my computer power adapter died and I realized that replacing it was probably not the wisest decision considering that the LCD screen is dying one column of pixels at a time, 2 of the USB ports mysteriously stopped working, various programs that worked before are now not working, and my computer was no longer able to access the server at school or to upload grades to the internet. So, I did research (via patient family members, friends, and the internet) and then went to the Apple Store and purchased a Mac.

Whew, that was a scary decision. I've wanted one for at least three years, so it's about time I got a Mac.... I was just hoping I would be able to save up a little longer before that was absolutely necessary. God's timing is perfect, though, and I'm sure He had all of this planned even when I didn't. (Please don't interpret that statement as any indication of my thoughts on the sovereignty of God... I realize that a statement like that has various theological implications)

So, I'll leave you with a picture of me at this moment, because I have a Mac and I can.

Just Try It

Your Arms Will Play Tricks on You

Wanna play a trick on your mind? Grab a friend and check out these mind boggling experiments.

Stand in a doorway with your hands by your side. Press the back of your hands against the frame (like you're trying to raise your hands.) Stand there for about a minute but keep pressing your hands against the frame. Then step out of the doorway and let your hands relax at your side. What happens?

http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1917-body-and-mind-experiments

Ever done the above activity? Jen and I used to when we were younger, and then we were reminded of the activity last week by our cousin Allison. Today, during our morning break, one of my 10th grade boys was standing in the doorway, so I had him try it. Soon, I was surrounded by 10th and 11th grade boys who all wanted to try the activity. It was great.

Back to school

2 weeks is inexcusable... I apologize.

Today was my first day back to work after a week + break. I spent the week in South Carolina, hanging out at Litchfield Beach with my family. It was a great way to spend a break.

This morning, when I dragged myself out of bed a little before 6, I was pretty sure I wasn't ready to come back to school. I was definitely not ready to be done sleeping in, reading for fun, laying in the sun, etc. But, today was a good day. My students seemed excited to see me, and I really missed them. My lessons went well (including a simulation of the French Estates prior to the French Revolution using M&Ms), and it felt good to get back in the rhythm of work. I still love my job.

God's faithfulness is apparent in the little things right now: friends at church, good phone conversations, rest, laughter, and sunshine.

Not an Intentional Break

The silence is not intentional. We haven't gotten our internet hooked up yet.

I wish I had something to write about here, but right now I don't. School's a bit busy and the basketball teams are in the playoffs, which means I've been and will be attending a lot of games, but thankfully Feb. break starts on Friday and I'm off to the beach in SC for a week.

I'm speaking in chapel on Wednesday so maybe I'll put part of my notes up here.