Book Review: ESV Daily Reading Bible

In case you missed it in my previous New Year Resolutions posts, it's been a goal of mine to read through the Bible in a year.  After failing (miserably) in 2011 and 2012 through a variety of different methods, I acquired the ESV Daily Reading Bible for Christmas 2012.  I started on January 1st with the greatest of intentions, fell behind in March, but I am now elated to report that I have accomplished my goal - and with a day to spare.

Not only does the book guide you through each section by date, I also enjoyed the minimalistic approach of the passages themselves.  To start, just open the book to the date and start reading.  There are still footnotes on the bottom for alternative translations, measurement conversations, etc., however the section headings that are usually presented in study Bibles have been removed.  Admittedly, I can understand others may not be thrilled with it - especially because you are reading four sections a day (more on that later) - but personally, it encouraged me to slow down and understand what I am reading

Whereas other daily reading plans focuses on working through the Bible straight-through or chronologically, this book uses the M'Cheyne reading plan, which, to quickly summarize, has the reader complete the Old Testament once per year, and the New Testament and the Book of Psalms twice per year.  If that is too much reading, a simple compromise is to remove the fourth reading section of each day and you will still read through the entirety of the Bible.

A major strength of the book lies just with the shear amount of Scripture read through in a year.  At our church, our pastor has been preaching the Gospel of Mark verse-by-verse.  It's been invaluable and insightful to understand the context and meaning of OT passages during the sermon, or, honestly, just reading through the NT.  Also, it's worth mentioning that because Scripture is so interconnected to each other, reading four different sections yields a unique perspective God's character, Biblical figures, major events, and how genre of different sections compare and contrast with each other throughout the entirety of time.

One other aspect worth mentioning is that the reading plan doesn't split chapters.  In other Bible reading plans I have researched, some present parts of a single chapter to only read another part or the remainder of the chapter at a later place in time.  This guide is devoted to keeping the fluency of the chapter intact; I like this approach as considering that reading and thinking of the Bible in chapters is particularly valuable when reading OT narratives as well as the Psalms - although not so much regarding the NT epistles.

It took a lot of discipline for me to read through this.  Not because I'm disinterested, but simply because of it being a daily commitment.  But in reflection, it only takes about 10-15 minutes a day to read through all four sections.  If you are a slow reader, or really trying to get the most out of the passages, maybe it pushes up to 20-30 minutes.  But thinking about how much time I can waste in a day, dedicating 10-15 minutes to sit down and read my Bible made my spiritual life richer.  I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in trying to reading their Bible in a year.

I usually only provide the physical book in my links, but I do want to make it known that if you have a digital book reader, there is a digital copy of this book and an app available too.

Bacon Rating: 5 out of 5

Bible Questions: Mark 12:41-44

I have written these questions based on the sermon A Widow Devoured - A Victim of False Teaching by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:41-44

1. [App] There are many sections where the Bible upholds the causes of the widow, the fatherless and the sojourner (immigrant) in Israel.  Why does God have a special type of love and compassion for these people?

2. [Malachi 3:5] Read the Malachi verse.  How can the righteousness of a nation be reflected by the status of their widows, orphans, immigrants and poor?

3. [App] How are widows, orphans and immigrants seen and treated today by the population at large?

4. [v.41-42] The rich were quick to give and gave often, but their giving is for their own righteousness.  The poor were giving too much out of a desperation and false hope of salvation and forgiveness.  How can we ourselves give to the church or other worthy causes, but do so under the wrong circumstances?

5. [v.41-42] Assuming that you are in a position to give financially, and you are right with Jesus, where is the line between healthy and unhealthy giving?

6. [v.43-44] If Jesus is lamenting the woman’s circumstance, why doesn’t he do anything about it here?

7. [App] As Christians, how do we support those who have suffered tragic family or personal loss? Specifically, how should we engage the widow, the orphan and the immigrant in our culture?

Names I've Been Called by Students

One of the more rewarding experiences you get as being a public school teacher is the plethora of nicknames that you acquire.  Here's a short list of personal favorites:

1.  "Mr. Kovac" - the obvious classic

2.  "Kovac" - Although some might find this disrespectful, there are actually a number of students who omit the title of a favorite teacher's name as a form of respect.

3.  "(Big) Papa Kovac" - In contrast to another teacher who was called "(Big) Mama _____."  Originated in what will probably be my favorite upperclassman AIS workshop, which they unofficially named "Math Prep."

4.  "DJ Kovac" - When I told my students that I have a Twitter, they went looking for it.  They were adamant that this was my handle, but it (obviously?) isn't.  Mine is @KovacMathHelp if you care.

5.  DJ Kovs - Pronounced "Coves", it's a shortened version of #4

6.  Mr. C - From my lower-level AIS workshop, they had a habit of calling people the wrong names on purpose.  Everyone ended up having an alias, and this one was mine.

7.  Kaptain Kovac - Just got this one a week or two ago by a student who I accidentally called Patrick, because he reminds me of Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.  But I haven't told him that part.  Found out, this week that more than one of my students refer to me regularly as "The Kaptain."  (Note the alliteration.) 

Bible Questions: Mark 12:38-40

I have written these questions based on the sermon The Weighty Burden of Teaching God's Word by Dr. David Sonju.

Text: Mark 12:38-40

1. [App] Who, if anyone, do we consider dangerous (physically or spiritually) in our world today?  If so, why do we consider them dangerous?

2. [v.38, Ezra 7:10] The Scribes of Jesus’ day were the keepers, readers, and interpreters of God’s Law.  Is there such a position, or combination of positions, to who we can compare them to today?

3. [v.38] Considering that this was a time before the printing press, why would a Scribe be revered, powerful, and important?

4. [v.38-39] How did the Scribes turn the symbols meant for God’s honor into objects that honored themselves?  Use the robes, greetings, important seats, and prayers as talking points.

5. [v.40] What does a God honoring prayer sound like?  Are they long? Short? Use big words? Do they quote Scripture? Or are they original?

6. [App] The Scribes lived in hypocrisy, and today, we Christians do the same.  What steps should we take with God to correct this, and how should we present this problem to the culture that observes it?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:35-37

I have written these questions based on the sermon The Rule of Christ by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:35-37

1. [App] How is the father-son relationship characterized today?  Think about any rituals, symbols, or shared experiences that fathers and sons share today.

2. [v.35] How is the father-son relationship characterized during Biblical times?  Why is the father always considered the greater?

3. [Psalm 110] Jesus references Psalm 110.  Read the psalm as a group, and interpret its meaning in context of David writing it.

4. [v.36] Why would Jesus be so interested in quoting Psalm 110 to his audience?  What is he trying to get them to understand?

5. [v.37] When engaging others, Jesus blends his ministry with compassion and truth.  Why is one just as important as the other?

6. [v.37] Why does the crowd and temple goers continually adore Jesus’ words, while the elders only build up anger and resentment?  Is Jesus not being compassionate to everyone? 

7. [App] How does theological conversations and arguments help lead us to a better knowledge of Scripture, and a deeper relationship with God?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:28-34

I have written these questions based on the sermon at Good Shepherd by Dr. Robert Carlson.

Mark 12:28-34

1. [App] What does it mean to be human?  Are there any shared experiences that span across all people, in all cultures, through all time?

2. [v.28, 29] Depending on the translation, the word “important” or “first” can be exchanged.  What can either translation do to strengthen the teacher’s question?  How could important also mean first?

3. [v.29-30] What is “heart”, “soul”, “mind” and “strength”?  How can a person love and serve God with these parts of their body?

4. [v.29-30] Why doesn’t Jesus answer simply, “Love God,” without the conditions mentioned in verse 30?  Why does he draw attention to heart, soul, mind and strength?

5. [v.31] How is loving your neighbor similar to loving God?  How is it different?

6. [v.34] Jesus tells the teacher that he is close to the kingdom, which also implies that he is not quite there yet.  What’s the difference between knowing God, his commands, and the Bible, and living by them?  What does this teacher need to do in order to be in the kingdom of God?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:18-25

I have written the following questions based on the sermon Knowing Scripture and the Power of God by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:18-25

1. [App] The Sadducees only believed in the first five books of the Bible, called the Torah; the rest they excluded.  What happens to our faith when we discount or ignore sections of the Bible?

2. [v.18] How would you live your life differently if you knew there was nothing after death?

3. [v.18-23] Why do the Sadducees care about the question they are posing if they don’t believe in the resurrection themselves?  Why wouldn’t they ask Jesus something they were more knowledgeable about?

4. [v.24] If the word of God is spiritual food, what happens when we neglect our own personal reading of Scripture?  Even if we have sections of Scripture memorized, or have already read through the Bible once, why should we continue to do so?

5. [v.24] Jesus petitions to the Power of God as evidence of the Sadducees ignorance of Scripture.  Using only the Old Testament, discuss what you believe are God’s most powerful works up to this point.  (Bonus points if your example is the in first five books.)

6. [v.25] What’s the difference between people and angels?  When resurrected, what parts of our humanity do we get to keep, and what will be replaced?

Bible Questions: Mark 12:13-17

I have written the following questions based on the sermon Giving to Caesar, Rendering to God by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:13-17

1. [v.13] What is the difference between Biblical customs and Biblical commandments?  What is the consequence of breaking either one?

2. [v.14-15] Why do people change their appearance or offer flattery when trying to obtain a particular outcome?

3. [v.14-15] Is the flattery that the Pharisees and Herodians offer Jesus true or genuine?  Is flattery ever necessary?  How about deception?

4. [v.15-16] Why does Jesus turn the crowd’s attention to the details of the coin, particularly its image and description?

5. [v.17] Does Jesus actually answer the initial question about taxes?  What is Jesus trying to communicate?

6. [App] To some degree, Jesus upholds the ruling government, despite its faults.  Read Romans 13:1-6.  Why does God institute governments to rule over people?  When does a bad government become so corrupt that Christians would be right (before God) to disobey?

7. [v.17] Today, how do we know “What is Caesar’s” and what is God’s?  How do we give our money and honor properly?

Homeschooling Thoughts from an Infographic

Those familiar with my Facebook account already know that I posted this infographic up last week with the simple comment of "wow."  But what I really want to do is explain why it shocked me so much.  If you haven't already seen it, or want to read it again, study the graphic again below.

Source: TopMastersInEducation.com

Let's start with the actual enrollment numbers.  Some would be quick to discard the validity of the numbers because it only accounts for 4% of the schooling population.  But at 2M+ students, it can still stand as statistically significant, especially when you consider that homeschool is also increasing at 7% a year (in contrast to public school's 1%).  With an increased emphasis of testing at public school (and a standardized test for every grade level from K-12 here in New York), there is little reason to believe that this rate will drop dramatically anytime in the near future.  When more and younger students start getting diagnosed with testing anxiety and stress-related conditions, it wouldn't be hard for me to believe that another significant percentage of parents will withdraw their children from public schools.

With the exception of the "bullying" category (21%), the reasons for why parents choose to homeschool their children isn't really surprising to me.  With the advent and constant use of social media among pre-teens and teenagers, it's well-established that American middle and high school students use these outlets to single-out and bully their peers.  This is a shift from the typical teenage bullying of decades past because students are now harassed and slandered against at all times - including off school grounds and inside the home.  For some students and parents, I could see why home schooling might be an attractive alternative.

However, what surprised me the most is the student achievement section.  First of all, let me remind my readers that the 87th percentile does not mean that the homeschooling population is scoring 87% of the material correctly.  Rather, it means that homeschooled students are earning scores that are better than 87% the entire schooling population.  Although impressive, the percentiles themselves don't hold a lot of weight until you start breaking them down into the demographics.  Regarding achievement, both genders are performing equally.  Parent education or background in teaching has almost no effect.  Neither does cost per student.  (And in other studies I've researched, apparently race and ethnicity and religious affiliation doesn't make a difference either.)  As a public educator, THIS IS A BIG DEAL.  I can't tell you how many times I've seen statistics on student achievement, and every single one of them that separate students into demographics display that non-white, lower-educated, and/or lower-income students score lower than their white, higher-educated, and/or higher-income peers.  Needless to say, this speaks very strongly to the fact that homeschooling is not only an effective alternative to public schools, but in almost all cases, it is the more successful option.  How could you argue with the fact that the lowest-scoring sub-category is still performing better than 83% of the population?

This makes educational sense as well.  Even if a family chose to homeschool with 10 children, the teacher to student ratio is still more favorable there than at any public school classroom.  How much more beneficial for families with six children or less (~94%)?  Additionally, a parent who deeply cares about their child's education will almost always be able to find success for their child despite their own education.  Most parents love their children and want their children to do exceedingly well.  No matter how good a pubic school teacher is, they simply can't care and love them as much as a parent can.  Also, the Internet not only provides online classes and access to any curriculum created, but when combined with your local library you have more access to information and knowledge than any public school library ever will.  On top of that, many reputable and well-respected educational organizations are offering low-cost and high-quality material.  A field trip to the museum or any public or private facility is an interdisciplinary lesson that allows the child to see everything they learn in the context of the real world - an experience that many public school students are losing with the currently decreasing school budgets (for actual student learning - see more below).  Most of all, parents can use any and every situation as a learning experience; there are no classroom walls or schedules where dedicated learning is established.  The world is their classroom, their laboratory, their gym, and their studio.  Together, these are factors that public schools just can't logistically compete with.

The kicker here is that homeschooling is being done at 5% the cost than that of public schools.  Of course, much of the public school's income (either through government aid or the taxpayer) is being spent on building maintenance, staff salary and benefits, transportation and food services.  After these are taken out, it would be interesting to know how much is actually left for the student in the average public school.  It's certainly less than $10,000/student.  (Also, it's comforting to learn here that some states actually give you tax credit for homeschooling.  In those states, you probably end up breaking-even on homeschooling costs.)

There are other aspects of this issue that I've left unspoken for.  If there are others who care about my opinion about these, I'll write about them in a second part.  But as for now, I think I've left plenty to think about.  Comments are encouraged below, or on Facebook, where this will be posted.

Goodbye, Summer Vacation!

As summer comes to a close, I'm rather content with how my vacation has turned out.  Here's the short of it:

1.  Spending my time with Evelyn has been the greatest source of blessing and frustration.  During the time that I've been at home, she has gone from barely mobile to a high-energy crawler.  She likes being held up so we can walk with assistance, mostly detests eating, and puts her mouth over everything.  She's delightfully cute, makes funny noises, and wants bathtime to last for 3 hours.  Basically, it's been a joy, even through she's a lot of work.  I'll simultaneously miss it, but I'm also excited to be in the classroom again.

2.  After doing no summer trips the last two years, we did two this year - one week at the Outer Banks, and another on Cayuga Lake.  Both were fun, enjoyable and relaxing.  However, with all the hassle to get to North Carolina, plus ridding with a 7-month old in the car, I don't know if it's a trip I would take again.  Spending time at the lake with Grandma is always worth it - it's the first thing I think about when I think of summer... which is usually in the middle of February.

3.  We visited and were visited by friends (who we need to see more often).  Got to see a number of college friends over the summer.  Most of them were gracious enough to visit us here, but we did get to see a few more out on the road.  As Evelyn gets older and able to handle some 3-6 hours trips in the car, hopefully our ability to show her more of the world increases as well.  Looking forward to sharing these moments with both friends and family.

4.  The more disappointing part of the summer is that almost no geocaching or bicycling happened.  Turns out that if you have a baby sitting around the house, a few of your favorite activities have to suffer for the short term.  I'll have to make up for it next year.

Next time I post, I'll be teaching!  Got some finishing touches to do for school, and maybe a lawn to mow if the weather can hold.

7 Month Milestones

Evelyn is already into her eighth month, and has a good grasp on crawling, eating, and pulling herself up on things.  I'm also going to start posting some video since Andrea and I have a camera that does so.  And since we have a number of far-away friends and relatives, this might be a bit more enjoyable than pictures alone.  Enjoy!

Here's one of her eating and Andrea singing.

And another of her crawling.

More to come!

Dedicated to Rest

As I've been reading through my Bible, especially in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, I've noticed there is a lot of repetition.  Although its tempting to breeze over them, I've been diligent in trying to stay focused during these sections.  I believe the the purpose of the repetition is two-fold.  The first is simply to remind the nation of Israel their laws so that they will not fall into sin as they are about to inhabit the Promised Land.  However, the second benefits us; it allows us to hear God's Law continually like waves on the ocean.

In particular, I've been reminded how much God values the fourth commandment:

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.  On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your ages.  For in six days the LORD made heave and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:8-11
[emphasis added]

It's clear that God does not want us to to do work on Sunday; that's what we have six other days for.  Yet, sometimes I just can't help myself.  I am a person who is driven to do work and tasks and jobs and projects, and I like to get them done as quickly as possible.  It's weird to admit it, but it's difficult for me to take a day long break.  Even God kicked-back on the seventh day to admire His creation; He has set a precedent for me, and I should do my best to follow.

And this, too:

Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.

Exodus 31:13

The Sabbath rest quiets our restless spirits, and allows God to mend and rejuvenate us for the good work He has already prepared for us to do for the week ahead.  But if we try to cheat the system and get a head-start, we end up cheating ourselves of an opportunity to be with Him - our Creator and Sustainer.

For the past few weeks, I've been trying hard not to do too much work and simply rest.  During the Summer, I think that its easier for me.  When school starts though, it'll be tempting to prepare lessons or grade papers.  But this year, with God's help, I'll be trying to keep the Sabbath as it was intended to.  Please pray for me as I challenge the ambitions of my flesh to do work, and ask that I am rested and sanctified on the Sabbath.

A Vacation Montage

Thought I should post some of these pictures from vacation before summer is gone!  We went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
 

 

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
  vanity of vanities!  All is vanity.
What does man gain by all the toil
  at which he toils under the sun?
A generation goes, and a generation comes
  but the earth remains forever
The sun rises, and the sun goes down,
  and hastens to the place where it rises.
The wind blows to the south
  and goes around to the north;
around and around goes the wind
  and on its circuits the wind returns.
All streams run to the sea,
  but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
  there they flow again.
All things are full of weariness;
  a man cannot utter it;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
  nor the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
  and what has been done is what will be done,
  and there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there a thing of which it is said,
  "See, this is new?"
It has been already
  in the ages before us.
There is no remembrance of former things,
  nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be
  among those who come after.

The Potency of Sin

Thanks be to God, one of the activities I've been able to do on a regular basis again is reading my Bible. (Don't ask how exercising or riding my bike is going though.)  The near-daily consumption of God's word has really opened my eyes to the nature of sin - particularly how potent it can become.  The way I see it, it comes in two types.

The first type is just flat-out rebellion.  For a variety of reasons, intentional or not, we love to sin.  When we do something we know is wrong, there is a thrill and excitement to it.  It invades our lives and destroys meaning and relationships; it corrupts and overturns.  Later, when the adrenaline wears off, sin leads us well into blame, guilt and shame.  When confessed, I think most people see and understand what is wrong about this type of sin, and are eager to correct.

However, I'm much more concerned about the second type of sin.  The one that creeps and sneaks into our lives through what starts as a little lie or deception of self.  By observation, I've noticed that once we allow one sin to slip into our lives, it multiplies subtly, but quickly, into other facets of our lives.  What starts as something small, grows into a habit, then that habit becomes lifestyle.

I also find it interesting how different categories of sin can blend themselves into each other.  Greed isn't far from pride, lust isn't far from vanity, and lying isn't far from (selfish) ambition.  It's small wonder that we are a broken creation that needs daily renewal for our daily sins.

It's personally overwhelming to think about how much I can fail everyday.  Forget about living a perfect life, I would be satisfied with a perfect day.  Thanks and praise to Jesus that he has died for all our sins.

Romans 8:1-8
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

The Weight of a Year

Since starting to teach in the public schools, I have been periodically told by friends and colleagues that I am a good teacher.  To be honest though, it's been difficult for me to believe that - especially over the past year.  Sometimes I feel like it's lip service, but others, I believe are genuinely trying to encourage me in my practice.  My reason for doubting, is very obvious.  There are a handful for those who are already familiar with my reasons, but I haven't written anything about it here.  Today, I feel ready to do so.

As much as I remember, my first year at Vestal was very first-year-teacher-like.  The first half of the year I spent most my time creating lessons the day before I taught them.  Certainly not the ideal, but it's part of the initiation.  Once November and December came around, I started to be able to plan for a handful of days at a time, which continued for the rest of the year.  That year, I taught two sections of Algebra 2/Trig (A2T), which is a very challenging Regents-level class because of it's depth and breadth of the material.

As I was preparing my students for the end-of-the-year Regents exam, I was fairly confident in my students' ability.  But I was very wrong; it was a disaster.  Many of my students failed the exam, and I asked often the question, "Should I be teaching at all?"  The summer wasn't restful either because I spent most of it doubting myself and thinking about the choices I made when teaching in general.  But more than anything, I felt the weight of guilt and condemnation.  Although I was thankful that none of my students (or parents) pointed the finger at me for their lack of success (and they would have had the right to), I still carried the burden of blame.

When September rolled around, I did not feel as through it was a fresh, new beginning.  I carried that doubt and the pain from the previous June, throughout this school year as well; mostly, I just did my best to cover it up.  And at the beginning of the year, I did a pretty good job of doing that too.  As the year progressed, I'm sure some of my colleagues noticed an irritated and frustrated attitude.  By the end of the year, I did privately share with a handful of people what I was feeling.

In the classroom, I tried not to let my insecurities get noticed by the students.  For the most part, I am an honest teacher and I don't pull punches with them.   If I'm feeling something, or need to communicate something, I let them know about it.  But as a teacher, there are some things are better left unsaid.  Teaching lessons were a lot more stressful, because I always had last year's lingerings going on in the back of my head.  Also, it's worth mentioning that I pressed these students a lot harder than my first-year ones; the weight of everything kinda forced me to do so.  So when the year was winding down and students were getting anxious about the exam, my memories of last year were overwhelming.  As much as I could, I controlled my nervousness and turned it into classroom energy.

Over the entire course of the year, I made a few subtle but important chances to my classes.  I won't bore you with all the teacher talk, but I think it's important to mention that I didn't go into this year the same way I did my first.  As I already said, I spent a lot of time over the summer and into this school year thinking about what I can change or eliminate, and generally be a more effective teacher.

After a year of fighting with these demons, all my students arrived to the exam (on time), and they were graded the following Monday.  What normally is a two-day wait was shortened and grades were delivered the next afternoon.  With butterflies in my stomach, I try my best to focus on the computer and find my students grades...

And in a moment, the weight of a year is shed.  If you haven't heard already, this year's grades were fantastic.  I had a passing rate of 84% and a mastery rate of 24%.  Although my goal every year is to have all my students pass, 84% is generally accepted as doing well.  Needless to say, I was overcome with emotion, that I am literally jumping up-and-down in the math office.  (In hindsight, I'm glad of the people who were in the room were there at that time - no one I didn't, and everyone I did.)

Of course, I am relieved that I now have some evidence that I am a good teacher - I'm even starting to believe it now.  Since that moment, it's been a bit easier to live with myself.  It reminds me when I experienced, understood and accepted Jesus.  My sin-debt was paid, and now I am free.  I was ecstatic the first few days, but then I realized the weight of the matter - and it's still not over yet.  I understand that what happened this year does not compensate, or atone for my first.  However, I am thankful that many of my students who failed the first year have taken the exam over again and passed.  It's even more of a blessing that I got to help them a second (and better) time.  Almost all the students I had a second time in the workshop setting passed.  

Like I said, I pushed my students hard this year - maybe even too hard in some cases.  I don't regret any of it; I'm writing this because I really feel grateful for them.  Whether they know it or not, they tolerated not only a difficult math class, but also my insecurities about teaching it.  It's a connection and a feeling that I'll ever forget during my teaching career.

I really do enjoy the art of teaching and all it's ups-and-downs and ins-and-outs.  There are some days that make me want to quit, but in the same week, its very possible I'll have the best class of the year.  I find a great amount of satisfaction in working with children, and especially teenagers.  So even though I don't know what my classes look like for next year yet, I just hope that I get a group of barely-juniors-and-seniors who may or not may not be looking forward to another challenging year of A2T.

I Believe, but Help My Unbelief

At Good Shepherd, we have been methodically working our way through the Gospel of Mark over the past year or so, and last Sunday Pastor Matt preached the text surrounding Mark 9:24.   Particuluarly, this one verse stood out:

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

The statement belongs to a father who has brought his demon-possessed child to be healed.  But honestly, these are words we have all cried-out to God before, if not aloud, then certainly within ourselves.  For Andrea and I, this spring has been very trying and frustrating to us on a number of levels.  Although nothing has gone horribly wrong, it certainly hasn't been alright either.

Our collective belief in a God who loves is still unfailing and uncompromising, but it is easy for us to ask the question, "Why?"  We know that its foolish and wrong to believe that bad things can't happen to "good people," when you consider that there is no one good - we all sin and fall short of perfection and the glory of God - but to consistently experience frustrating news, back-sliding progress, and unlucky happenings, it's hard to see why God has laid this before us.  As Christians, this is a time where we are called to rest on the promises God has given us, and it's been my hope that this is something all three of us can do as a family.

If you have some time, please pray for Evelyn, Andrea and me as we struggle to see the purpose in our lives right now.  And if God withholds that for us, pray that we may find peace during a tumultuous time. 

Dismantle. Repair. by Anberlin

 

Anberlin - Dismantle.Repair.

One last glance from a taxi cab
Images scar my mind
Four weeks've felt like years
Since your full attention was all mine
The night was young and so were we
Talked about life, God, death, and your family
Didn't want any promises,
Just my undivided honesty, and you said

Pre-Chorus:

Oh oh, things are gonna change now for the better
Oh oh, things are gonna change, oh, they're gonna change
 
I am the patron saint of lost causes
A fraction of who I once believed
only a matter of time
Opinions I would try and rewrite
If life had background music playing your song
I've got to be honest, I tried to escape you
But the orchestra plays on, and they sang
 
Pre-Chorus
 
Chorus:
Hands, like secrets, are the hardest thing to keep from you
Lines and phrases, like knives, your words can cut me through
Dismantle me down (repair)
You dismantle me, You dismantle me
 
Give me time to prove
Prove I want the rest of yours
Call this a prelude to a lifetime of you
It's not that I hang on every word
I hang myself on what you repeat
It's not that I keep hanging on
I'm never letting go
 
Chorus
 
Save me from myself
Save me from myself
Help me save me from myself
Save me from myself

Pre-Chorus

Chorus

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  Go is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Romans 12:9-16

"Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight."

Mark 12:29-31

[Jesus being asked the most important commandment.]
"The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord or God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'  The second is this: 'You shall love you neighbor as yourself.'  There is no other commandment greater than these."

Romans 8:26-28

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for he saints according to the will of God."

Matthew 23:11-12

[Jesus to the crowds and disciples]
"The greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Acts 17:24-28

[Paul to Athens' Philosophers]
"What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.  The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.  And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.  Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being."

Genesis 4:7

[The LORD to Cain]
"If you do well, will you not be accepted?  And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.  Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."

Seven Quick Updates

Thought I'd update a bit with what's happening around the Kovac Homestead.

-ONE-

Heard wonderful news this week about our dear friend Kellie landing her dream job at a Community College.  After spending so much time looking for a job, and taking the risk to being closer with her boyfriend, it's exciting to hear that everything is falling right into place for her (and Albert).

-TWO-

Since we're talking about jobs, our department was surprised to find one of our own on the retirement list.  This marks the second consecutive year that a math teacher in the high school is quietly retiring.  Last year, it saved my job, and this year it builds another year of job security for me.  Our department is thinning, and to continue offering as many sections of so many classes, it keeps my job safe from budget cuts.  So, I'm grateful to be sitting tight in Vestal for the reminder of this year, and what looks like to be the 2013-2014 school year.

-THREE-

Hard to believe that Evelyn is almost four weeks old.  And she certainly has grown! Her clothes and pajamas are starting to fit her a little better now.  Most days things are fine and everyone has their daily routine.  Also importantly, everyone gets enough sleep and rest.  But there are certainly days when all Evelyn wants to do is cry and fuss.  Even through the ups and downs, Evelyn is still a blessing from God to us, and we're still very much glowing with our new family addition.

-FOUR-

Friend and mentor, Pete McClain has created and is now selling his first game that he invented.  Pete has always been into games and loves thinking about the economics and statistics of them.  If you're interested in trying it out, it's called Str8 Eight and costs - surprise - $8.

-FIVE-

Super excited that hockey is coming back, and on my birthday no less.  Pens are currently the Vegas Odds favorites to win the cup for this shortened season, but I'm feeling a bit more cautious because of our problems at defense.  It's been great to come home and when I get a free moment or two to check out hockey updates, and I'm certainly planning to watch the season opener next weekend.

-SIX-

 Andrea and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary on Thursday.  Instead of going out to dinner and doing crazy things that couples do on their anniversary, we just ordered Chinese food and had a relaxing time at home.  Traditionally, a 4th year anniversary calls for a gift of linen or silk, but our joke is that it really should be the Anniversary of Soy.  All joking aside, Andrea has blessed my life in so many ways over these past four years, and I'm thankful that she is my wife and best friend.

-SEVEN-

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