7 Quick Takes: 2011 #5

-ONE-

This year's Holy Week has been refreshing and insightful.  I finally decided to attend all the services Good Shepherd has to offer this year and I haven't been disappointed.  Throughout the week, I have come to a few convictions and have a better understanding on how wide and powerful His forgiveness can be.

-TWO-

As per tradition of previous 7QT, I'd like to publicly congratulate Kellie and Albert on their recent decision to be committed to each other in  relationship. May God's presence be abundant and guiding for both of you in this new season of life.

-THREE-

Although the weather hasn't actually been "warm and springy," Spring Fever has come over the Kovac household.  We're rearranging our belongings, opening windows and painting surfaces to look fresh and new. We are hoping to also start a bigger project, but I still have to petition for the landlady's permission.  If it pulls through, you'll certainly hear more about it.

-FOUR-

My ankle, although better, still isn't fully healed.  I've embraced the fact that I need a support brace and frequently rotate through two of them as they both challenge the rehabilitation of my ankle differently.  However, the doctor wasn't joking around when she said it'd take the rest of the month.  I thinking a full recovery by mid-May would be a tremendous blessing.

-FIVE-

Playoff hockey is alive and well.  Last Wednesday was the opening night of the NHL playoffs, and I have been delighted to see the Penguins take a 3-1 games lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning.  All rounds of the playoffs are best-of-7 series.  With the fifth game scheduled tomorrow, I'm expecting a series victory for the Black and Gold, and earning themselves well earn rest before the second round.  Games should start to get much more interesting and stressful as it is almost certain that the Pens will be underdogs from here on out - just how we like it.

-SIX-

Statistics is almost (finally) over.  By far and large, it's the hardest material I've encountered in my young career.  It's a class needing high level mathematics, but also a high level of literacy.  Both qualifications seem to be lacking in most of my students this semester.  Furthermore, its unlike other math disciplines because it isn't absolute in nature; there is plenty of gray area in statistics, especially when it comes to interpreting in context.  If I'm offered to teach it again, I definitely will, however, I will be trying a new approach.

-SEVEN-

Because I haven't stumbled across a brilliant link lately, I'll default to the KenKen website.  Enjoy!

How to Read the Bible for All its Worth

If you're going to title your book as such, you better have the ability to deliver on that promise.  Fee and Stuart doesn't disappoint.  Perhaps more impressive than the content is how they manage to incorporate and value all types of denominations in this book.  Regardless where you stand spiritually, you'll learn (a lot more) about your Bible, regardless if you own a study Bible or commentary already.

Fee and Stuart take a systematic approach in teaching you how to maximize your Bible reading.  Before even cracking open the Bible, the co-authors dedicate three chapters on the importance of interpretation and how different translations of the Bibles are better suited for different types of interpretations.  This point can not be stressed enough.  If you don't believe me, take a familiar section of Scripture (about 3-4 verses) and try reading it in different translations; this is a great practice and can be done easily on BibleGateway.

The rest of the book structures around understanding the Bible as a whole by its document type.  Namely, they are epistles, OT narratives, Acts, the Gospels, parables, OT Laws, prophetic, psalms, wisdom books, and Revelation.  And although each section can be read apart from the others, techniques learned in earlier sections are sometimes utilized in later ones.  Also, I would argue that it gets more difficult to appreciate the fullness of each document type as you progress through the list.  For example, when I wanted information about the prophetic books or the Psalms, I had to go back and reference techniques learned in the epistles section.

One impressive feature of this book is that they provide numerous and often exhaustive examples.  As they are instructing how to read a broad section, it is almost always accompanied with an actual example from Scripture.  So if you learn through more theological explanations, or through hands-on examples, both are provided here.  And when they offer a suggestion before reading further, I found that it is really a  requirement than a suggestion.  Although it will take longer to read through the book, I was grateful for the exercises they suggested because my Bible reading was deeper and richer than it had been previously.

Another enjoyable and humbling aspect is that they don't pretend to know everything.  Throughout each section and in an appendix in back, they offer a number of high quality resources and references such as commentaries and other books similar to their own.  It would probably take a lifetime to actually read them all.

Although, this book has a small downside to it.  Its diction is necessarily challenging. I agree with the cover's claim that it is easy to read; you certainly don't attend seminary to get the complete experience.  However, they will challenge you with some high-level vocabulary and ideas, but its necessary considering the content.  Remember the Bible is a collection of documents containing the very thoughts of God through prose and poetry, thus the wording needs to be both precise and accurate.  If you can manage that, this book will be a spiritual and intellectual safari.

So in conclusion, I'm giving this book my highest recommendation to all Christ Followers or anyone who has read the Bible and found it unsatisfying.  Personally, I see myself going back to reference this book often, and I'm certain that I will read this book again in the short-term future.  And for those who don't know me well, that's a huge compliment because I rarely reread anything unless I must.

Bacon Rating: 4.5 out of 5

   

7 Quick Takes: 2011 #4

Haven't done one of these in a while!

-ONE-

When I was substitute teaching Last Friday, I sprained my ankle while playing dodgeball with the kids in gym.  The actually day I was injured was rather painful and intense, but what is surprising me most is that this injury is more annoying, nagging and demanding of my care then any other injury I've had.  And yes, that does include my previous 4 broken arms.  In other words, I'm learning the virtues of not being reckless with one's own body, and it's frustrating me to no end...

-TWO-

... But that didn't stop me from going geocaching the next day with Adam and Anna!  Much to my wife's disdain and disapproval, the four of us went out anyway to Airport Road in Binghamton, NY to conduct our searches.  Anna found her first and second caches on her first and second tries; needless to say, she was quite excited about her finds:

Anna's first find ever!

And just to show how carefully hidden some of the smaller caches are, take a look where Adam (aka "Boy Scout") found our third of the day:

Boy Scout finds our toughest caches.

About 4 feet up, on the backside of the tree.

-THREE- 

Although I wasn't too excited about it at first, I lost a statistics class to BCC's convocation day.  Since their first projects were due at the end of the week, I extended my office hours this week.  In a turn for the awesome, not only did many students show up for office hours and turned in the project, but I also finished all my lessons and wrote the unit test - which will last me to Spring Break.  After grading the projects all weekend, I'll be enjoying a week of relaxing foolishness on the couch with my sprained ankle.

-FOUR-

News Flash: This is upstate New York.  We aren't guaranteed snowless, 50-degree days until May.  Any nice, warm days we receive before the first of May is given to us by the great Weather God's generosity or twisted, dark-humor.

-FIVE-

Mission Group on Wednesday nights have continued to go amazingly well.  Since "The Merger" (no, this isn't Survivor), conversations have been Spirit-filled, fellowship has been deep, and I am starting to notice my own and other people's spiritual growth.  Best news yet, you ask?  We just hemmed in a recent believer in Christ who is passionate to know more about following Christ and isn't afraid to ask (lots of) questions.  I like it that way; it's refreshing.

-SIX-

Had an unexpected visit from my Best Man, Kenni, on Tuesday night.  In an ever-so-fortunate situation, he had a friend visit another friend who lives in Binghamton.  Kenni bummed a ride from him and I got to spend about 7 hours with him, which included some much needed catching-up and, of course, watching Penguins hockey.  However, he was quick (and right) to remind me that I haven't visited him up in Rochester yet.  Sounds like a summer weekend trip is long overdue.

-SEVEN-

Since I haven't included a link yet, check out this little nugget that's been hanging around the Internet for a while. It's an awesome look at the width, breath, and depth of God's amazing creation.

As always, feel free to check out Jen's takes.

Random Sunday Post

Without rhyme or reason, I present a Sunday afternoon update.

-ONE-

Teaching the college level course at BCC this semester has been different than what I had previously expected.  Although statistics is a 100-level class, it has become frighteningly evident that my particular group of students are not as hard working or as motivated as my previous class of "lower-level" students taking their developmental math class.  I have a number of theories why this might happen.

(1) One could simply be that the statistics class' backs are not against the wall like those taking the developmental math.  Specifically, all my students last year had to pass the course, so they could be admitted into their desired majors or gain access to a math class that they need to take in order to graduate.  Failing the class would result in graduating behind scheduling and spending more money.  Those taking statistics can simply choose another class down the line, or take it again next semester without as much fear.  

(2) Secondly, some of the statistics students may have taken a semester break from mathematics and are now returning to a world they wish they could forget.  After all, I am not ignorant of the math phobia that runs deep in public schools and other learning institutions; most students will avoid them at all costs.  

(3) And finally, three, people have a general fear of statistics because they are scared about working with lists of numbers.  Although I certainly won't deny that numbers are heavily used in the course, it is also one of the most theoretical and literacy based subject in mathematics, and that I believe is the reason why so many people hate statistics after leaving it. 

Feel free to comment other ideas that might be causing this lack of motivation.

-TWO-

Since we're on the topic of education, I would like to announce that Soli Deo Gloria (forever to the abbreviated as SDG) elected me to the "The Board" last Tuesday.  For those of you who aren't in close proximity to my personal life, they are the premier (and only) classical Christians school in the Southern Tier.  Currently we currently educate children in grades K-6, but are looking to expand to 7th and 8th grade before next school year.  If you're looking for more information about the school, feel free to check the website, which might be under some aesthetic construction over the next few months.  

However, I did not write to gloat or brag about my new position.  In fact, the opposite is more true.  Especially in New York state, it requires little effort to find an article about how a school district is making poor choices leading, but not limited to, consolidations, position cuts, lower quality education, or reduced extra-curricular activities.  Although administrators and superintendents may be responsible for poor managing, ultimately, these decisions are controlled and influenced by the school board.  Taking on such a position, requires tremendous amounts of discernment and vision, both of which I fear I may not have when presented with a difficult decision.  By far and large, this is the most complex and challenging situation I have ever participated in, so it is my prayer, and my prayer request for you, that God works in me and the other board members to not only manage a school that educates people, but also, and more importantly, to glorify God alone, as the school name implies.

-THREE-

Over the past few weeks, Andrea has also begun to tackle the hurdles that stand between her and running a successful photography business.  Although she has been actively involved and making some money in her photography, in the past she has not been very ambitious to deal with the more legal and business aspects regarding the trade.  However, now she is now fully prepared to take in any clients for weddings, family pictures, senior portraits, or any other photography project.  If none of those interest you, then you can still check out her fine art and order prints in almost any size you can possibly imagine.  Her newly updated website is now online and looking very snazzy.

-FOUR- 

I am anxiously anticipating the official arrival of Spring.  Although I am already a strong advocate of warm temperatures and the natural transformations it brings, I have yet another reason why I await its return: Christmas.  Specifically, I got a bike for Christmas this past year and although it is sleek and attractive to the eye, I much rather be exercising a healthy practices and greatly reducing my monthly gas costs by riding it to and fro.  Hopefully the weather will get nice soon so I can start all of the adventures that we've been planning for the last few months. 

Mission Group Pictures

Last weekend our mission group helped an elderly couple with a rotting bathroom floor.  Even though pictures were taken of the tiling project exclusively, the group also cleaned the upstairs bathroom, gave a haircut, cared for their pet cat, and cleaned couches.

It was fun and exciting to be actively serving in a community.  Personally, it was a pleasure to work with Elisabeth in her element and we were all very impressed with Pisey's expansive knowledge of tiling.  Kellie had the foresight and realization that busy people need nourishment and supplied breakfast and two lunches for everyone involved.  In addition, she assisted in cutting tile and cleaning the filthy upstairs bathroom.  Because of her previous experiences in cutting hair, Andrea gave one of our hosts a haircut, and afterwards cared for an injured house cat.

For those who are interested about the floor, check out this transformation:

  

STAGE 1: Pisey leading the way in removing the linoleum and rotting plywood.

Stage 1 Completed: Not a half-bad looking wooden floor either.

STAGE 2:  Laying down the core tiles.  Had to stop to cut the missing border tiles.  End of Day 1.

STAGE 3: The border tiles are now installed with grout and sealant applied.  After drying, the toilet was reinstalled.

Here are some action shots:

Elisabeth and me tearing up the old floor.

Pisey spreading cement for the tile.

Pisey calling out measurements for the border tiles.

...And Elisabeth carefully marking them down.

As a public announcement to anyone reading this, our mission group is a community that reads, studies and converses about the Bible on a weekly basis.  In addition, we eagerly want to be present and impacting in the Southern Tier community.  If you're interested meeting with us or want more information, let me know and I'll be delighted to share.  Also, if you know a person or group looking for volunteers to fill a need, please inform me of that opportunity for our group to serve.