Walking --- While Sitting

Here I sit, eating cinnamon rolls and drinking coffee. Life sure is tough. Actually, Justin now works at 8:00, so I enjoy the time at the bakery sampling the wares. Justin is driving now; only in the learner permit stage, but driving none the less. Learning in the city is sure different than learning in Michigan's UP. There are a few more people and cars to avoid here.

The EBCA Christmas concert was last night and the kids were fantastic. There were some fun songs and some serious songs; some secular and some sacred. The choirs sang and the handbells and bands played. It was an absolutely fantastic concert. Perhaps I may post a piece of video or some pictures sometime.

The weather has been quite crazy recently. It is mid-December and it feels like Oct/Nov. It has been mostly in the mid to upper 40's recently. Cool, but very pleasant. Not quite Rio Grande Valley weather, but I can live with this.

The biggest news in our lives recently is the purchase of a house -- at least I think we are buying a house. If there are no complications, we expect to close by the end of the month and then move around Feb 1. There is still a chance for complication, but God has been working out detail after detail accomplishing what we would be unable to so on our own. Those who refuse to acknowledge God and/or His sovereignty must get headaches trying to understand all of the "coincidences." He continues to demonstrate the wonderful truths of Jeremiah 33:3.

Basketball season is underway, doing a wonderful job of adding to already busy schedules. Actually, it doesn't bother me since it has been such a big part of my life over the years. It is odd to sit and watch, but that is what I do these days. Justin and Bri enjoy it and that thrills me.

I was reading the other day about intercessory prayer and was struck again at how a God that knows everything and can do anything wants us to tell Him what He already knows and ask Him to do what He may already desire to do. It isn't about getting Him to perform a task; it is all about getting us involved to the task. We need to see others and their needs and be constantly in a spirit of prayer, going to God who can meet needs. Intercessory prayer is not about sympathy; it is all about the work of redemption and a God who loves us far beyond what we can understand. A quick study of the scriptures looking at the topic of intercession reveals the very heart of God, who Himself interceded on our behalf in sending His Son to die in our place. My desire this coming year is to be more involved in the work of intercessory prayer. As God cares for me, so I want to care for others.

Well, time to go. Have a great day.

Walking Week by Week

Well, I started this last week, but obviously it was not posted last week. Here goes the update to life...

November has been a great month. The middle of the month includes what may be one of my favorite weeks of the year. First, most of the juniors & seniors attended a Student Leadership Conference at High Point Camp. I always learn something at the conference, and I have been to 16 of them now. The speakers this year were Trevor Gearhart and Dr. Marty Von. They did a tremendous job of taking Biblical principles of service and ministry and applying them to regular life. Often we are told that leadership is about getting things done, yet Christ, the greatest of all leaders, looked for opportunities to serve others. he is our example of true leadership. The students and I had a wonderful week; now comes the fun part -- applying the principles learned.

When we return from Leadership, many of the HS students leave to participate in the KCEA All-State Choir. (KCEA = Keystone Christian Education Association) The choir is made of 150+ young people who put on a full concert in the capitol rotunda. The acoustics are amazing in that setting. 

Then came this week; we resumed casually looking for a house to purchase. We knew where we wanted to locate and how much we wanted to pay. The key was to get the place, the price, and the property to all meet at the right location. We looked at some properties online and then scheduled a visit to a house that we liked. Before we even got to see it, we saw that there was going to be an open house there, so we went to see it and then went again the next day for our scheduled visit. It was priced about where we wanted and we were pleased with the possibilities. Two days later we were on the way to the realtor's to make an offer when he called to say that on offer had already been made. God closed that door. However, two doors down was another (practically identical) house for sale. It needed more preparation work, but the price was a bit lower. We visited, made an offer, and the sellers accepted almost immediately. They did not want to keep an empty house through the winter. So now comes all of the preparation work. We need to paint and carpet, but the price difference allows that. God is so remarkably good.

So, November has been a very busy month, and yet through it all God has continuously been faithful as He provides all of our needs. We see in the scriptures that He is in control and directs in the affairs of man. Now, here we are at the end of the month and I look back and see that through every day God was overseeing and directing to meet our needs and to allow us the privilege of living a life that can be enjoyed as we see Him work.What more can one ask for than to have God Himself as the one who serves as our provider. He meets needs and goes far beyond that to provide the enjoyable blessing of life. Truly, He is a great and wonderful God.

Happenings Along the Walk

Well, the World Series has begun. Of course, Texas is going to win, but I guess I will allow the Series to continue so that we can watch.

Not only is the Series underway, but the Keystone Christian Education Association (KCEA) volleyball tournament is next week. The Emmanuel girls will be attending with the intent of collecting the school's first volleyball championship. I am as sure of their victory as I am of the Ranger's victory, but again, I will allow the games to be played. This year's team is not as powerful as last year's, but it has just as much potential when the team works together. We have been up and down this year; however, when we play well we play really well. I guess we shall see how things turn out. After all, tournaments are all about match ups.

School has been moving along smoothly. The staff is experienced; they know their responsibilities and a fine job of getting them done. The student body is full of angels that never err and never settle for mediocrity. Every school should wish they had students like we have here. (At least the statement about the teachers was correct.) Honestly, we do have a great student body. The staff and students make the school run what it is. 

The annual benefit auction raised almost 2x what is has done is previous years. That was a tremendous blessing. We have seen God bless in so many ways so very many times. It is incredible to see how He continually meets the needs of the school and of my family. Our God is our great provider. I look forward to seeing what He does in the coming days and how He will accomplish it.

Christian Education Defined (pt.6)

Methods

I believe that the primary form of instruction is the lecture style. Ezra, after the exile, and Paul in the New Testament gave forth their thoughts and the truths God had given them in lecture manner. Though discussion of the material did take place, the primary means of delivery was a  simple presentation of the material. Other methods should be used, but the lecture method should not be abandoned.

Where the teacher is concerned, according to Ezra 7:10, he must “prepare his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” To be a good teacher, a person must first of all be right with God to be as effective as possible. Next, he must use the Bible and the principles found in it. The teacher needs to spend time in the Bible and have an understanding of God's Word. Finally, the instructor must use the Bible to teach the laws of God in the classroom.

Just as the Christian educator’s philosophy is to be grounded in the Biblical principles, so are his methods. I believe that just as the Bible has the answer for daily living, so it also has the answers for the classroom.

Christian education, in nature, not simply in name, does many things different compared to the secular schools. Of course, the spiritual training and holy living are emphasized. Not all students will be geniuses, not all will attend college, but the groundwork can be put into place for discipleship to God. Oh, there will be students who reject the spiritual emphasis, but if it is given from a loving heart and a godly example they will be few. (Proverbs 22:6) Academics should be stressed over the extra-curricular activities. A well-run sports program may be a benefit, but a sports program is not necessary. I believe that what is necessary is for the sports program to be guided by a godly person who has specific goals in mind, such as the spiritual maturation of participants, not a state championship. Competition does not develop character; it simply exposes it. (I Corinthians 9:24-27; I Timothy 4:8)

Field trips and similar outings are a great way to show the practical uses of principles taught in the classroom. They should not be over-used, reducing their effectiveness, but rather they should be carefully governed; they should come at strategic times. If budget will not allow trips, bring the field to the classroom through internet, video, guest lecturers, and experiments: they will reinforce what has already been taught. Christ often used such ideas as “consider the lilies”( Matthew 6:28).

Walking through Turmoil

No, not our turmoil. As we were readying for the new school year, we felt the DC earthquake. By the end of that week we were receiving the fringe effects of Hurricane Irene. What a week, at least for weather bugs. Then, this week we welcomed Tropical Storm Lee and the resultant flooding (13 1/2 inches of rain in one week). All we needed was a blizzard, a volcano, and forest fire to complete the natural disaster list.

The earthquake: In our location it was weak. At first, I thought that a large truck was idling outside the office, but when I noticed the computer monitor shaking, I realized it was more than that. It was a rather cool feeling, but then we had no loss or damage.

Hurricane Irene: Honestly, I was disappointed. Eight years in Pensacola; seventeen years near the Texas Gulf coast and now I get a "hurricane" that was a glorified rain storm. Of course, I did not have to deal with damage or power outages. That does make a difference.

In between the quake and the cane, the 2011-2012 EBCA school year began. It began so smoothly it did not even register as a disaster (of course, the kids may have different ideas). God has been very good; we started the year with 94 students, up from the 87 we were anticipating. We have all of the needed faculty in place.

Then this week we were visited by Tropical Storm Lee. It absolutely dumped rain on the central PA region. The Hershey area was hit hardest, but the region as a whole was hammered. Again, God was good -- no loss or damage to our stuff. Here is a picture of the Hummelstown/Hershey Pizza Hut -- just a little water.

And so we move on, undeterred by earthquake, hurricane, floods, or the opening week of school. God continues to bless and to not only meet our needs, but also to exceed our wishes. He is a great and mighty God who loves us and cares for us.

Christian Education Defined (pt.5)

Axiology (the philosophical study of value)

What is the relation of values to education? Should values be taught at school or should the discussion of values be kept out of the classroom? Are values permanent or changing; are they personal or universal? There are many opinions to these questions, but true answers are few. Even though unaccepted by unregenerate man, the Bible provides absolute guidelines for life. The Bible clearly shows that all men have a sinful human nature, so expressed in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us that good works do not save us and restore our broken fellowship with God. Values as given in God's Word are absolute, set by God Himself; the keeping of God’s rules does not save man, but rather the grace of God (Romans 3:24) when he accepts the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

God's laws cross all cultural and societal boundaries. There are many elements that indeed are restricted to particular periods or people (the Levitical Law, for example). However, there are many commands and principles that apply to all people in all places.


The values expressed in God's Word should be taught as permanent, universal truths that all men are to live by. They should be taught as such by Christian educators. Values should be primarily taught at home and reinforced at school, producing moral, godly people. Only with God's help and the help of family can the teaching of values do any good, and then they are useless unless the child knows Christ.


In our Postmodern world, the concept of absolute values is generally rejected; the result is a rejection of God. Yet, in John 14:6, Jesus exclaimed that He was the only way to heaven. If we know the truth, are we not bound to share it with those around us? Postmodernists tend to leave the interpretation of values to the individual, but God declares truth and says that it is of no private interpretation. Again, His Word applies to all people in all places.

Discipline

Discipline is an area that even Christians do not agree upon, so unsaved men and Christians cannot be expected to be in agreement. The teacher needs to be in control of the classroom to establish an atmosphere conducive to learning. Whether it be corporal punishment or restricted privileges, the teacher, or the school, must set rules and stick by them. Most instances of discipline in the Bible refer to the home setting, however the principles of discipline are established in God's Word. Hebrews 13: 7a says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.”

Many secular educators think that it is best to let the children do as they please, to become who they are. Unfortunately, many Christians do the same; in so doing they cater to the human nature. God has established a ranking of authority and the student is not at the top of the list.

In the classroom setting, the teacher is to have authority over the student, just as in life itself a person needs to yield himself fully to God (Romans 12:1). Sound, structured discipline in the classroom sets a fine example for the student, for he must ultimately give up control of himself to God and it is best to do so willingly.


Quite simply, discipline is good. When we understand the benefits of discipline, we become more willing to conform ourselves to Jesus Christ.

Materials

The Christian educator must be very careful of the materials he uses. Textbooks designed for secular, public schools, even old books, are written from a completely different perspec­tive than are Christian texts. Secular writers have not experienced the saving grace of God, so their philosophy is full of errors and so are their completed works. They may be well written and factual, but they do not emphasize spiritual things as they ought if they are to be used in a Christian school (Billings 1978, 74).

The administrator of a Christian school should, I believe, be a very discerning reader with great knowledge of the Bible. He must choose carefully the texts that will influence teachers and students.

I personally do not believe that “self-pace” methods in which the student works at his own level of achievement are the best choice for Christian education. If governed closely, they will be effective, but I would not recommend them if another option is available. I believe that although the authors of such texts may mean well, the texts differ philosophically from Biblical standards. In all areas I find in the Bible, God has established a structured ideal; I do not believe that it is right to leave this to the child. The classroom that allows the students to work at their own pace as they desire, seems to me to be a Christian substitute for the academic freedom of the open classroom, the difference being that the students are at least learning because they are in the textbooks. As I understand the Bible’s principles of instructing children, not children teaching themselves (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4).

We live in an age in which technology is king. It is easy for educators to become so focused on the use of technology that they miss the primary goal: education. We must remember that education is more that leaning to use the latest technological advancement.


Philosophy is the key when choosing materials. We can never ignore the philosophy behind the materials chosen for use in the classroom.

Howdy

What a wonderful summer. We have seen God bless in a variety of ways. Justin works every Saturday. We were able to go to Washington DC for an extended weekend (Thur pm - Sun afternoon). We visited/did:
Friday

• Washington Monument - Going up and looking around was great. God gave us a nice, sunny sky.
• US Forest Service - I have walked by the building probably 50+ times over the years. Finally, I stepped in. We saw Smokey and the Visitor's Center. It was a quick, yet unique stop.
• US Capitol - Rep. Platts' staff was very gracious and gave us a tour. The gallery lines were long, so we did not visit either of them, but everything else was wonderful to see.
• Union Station - We ate (twice actually) at the large food court in Union Station.
• Old Post Office - The Old Post Office is a cool place to visit. I usually go to see the view from the clock tower, a National Park site itself. It is the second tallest public viewing location in the city.
• Ford's Theater - There was no scheduled tour, nor a play taking place, but we were able to take the self-guided tour of the museum and theater.
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing - We saw money being printed and received the tour, but alas, no free samples.
• Marine Corps Evening Parade - We concluded the day at the 8th & I Marine Barracks to see the Marine Corps Band and the Drum & Bugle Corps. It was awesome!

Saturday

• Rosslyn Metro Station - We hopped off the Metro to rise the escalator at the Rosslyn Station. It is one of the tallest escalators in the western hemisphere.
• National Museum of American History - We visited a couple of Smithsonians and this was the first. We saw some of the unique symbols of America's culture and history.
• National Museum of Natural History - I usually refer to this as the Museum of Evolution. It does have a lot of great things to see, as long as you keep in mind that the dating system is seriously flawed. i like looking at the Upper Michigan copper and the stone from the island of Yap.
• Sculpture Garden - In all of my trips to DC, I have never stepped foot inside the fences of the Sculpture Garden until this trip. I may never do so again, as I am not much of a modern art type of guy. Relaxing, but not me.
• National Air & Space Museum - We like to walk and see the planes, rockets, and missiles. It is a fun place to visit and see the progress "we" have made in air travel.
• Tourmobile - We went back to Union Station to dine and then took the Tourmobile's Twilight Tour. I love riding around to see the city and especially the monuments lit up against the night sky. It makes for a long day, but it was a wonderful day.

Sunday

• National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center - Typically referred to as the Air & Space annex, it has some great displays. an SR-71, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the Enola Gay, and an air traffic control tower.

Then it was time to head home to catch the evening service back at Emmanuel. God gave us a great weekend and great weather to tour. We were not able to take a long or expensive vacation, but we were able to take a couple of days and spend time together as a family. God has given me a great family and He allowed us a wonderful time together.

See the photos here.