If you've had a hard day or perhaps you're at work wasting time, just sit back and enjoy the goodness of a Bahamian beach.
courtesy of SB04
Walking down the hall, I opened the door in to our common room in the Quad. To my surprise, I saw a scattered array of tools on the furniture, a shiny motorcycle, and Morris working intently on the handle bars. It's not something that I had seen before, so I was naturally inquisitive. "So is it still messed up from when it was stolen?" I asked. "Yeah, it was a pro job, they added a resistor and saudered it on to the ignition switch," stated Morris while holding a piece of wire in front of me, "these guys were a bunch of pros". Apparently his new motorcycle had been a victim to south Longview chop shoppers, and he was righting the wrongs on his fine piece of machinery. After chatting for a few minutes, I left for my room down the hall. While only being at my desk for a few minutes, I was roused from day dreaming by a loud "riinnnggrooomvroroooom!!!" in the lounge. I thought for a moment, realized that someone had started up a motorcycle in the lounge, and then I sat and thought again, "someone just started a motorcycle in the lounge." Now we learn a lot in RA training, but there's nothing in the manuals or fine fees about "motor vehicles in the lounge" and that's more of security's area anyway, since they give out the stickers and all. So I thought privileged, not many people get to hear a motorcycle start indoors like that, it's breathtaking really. With everything weighed out in my head, I chose to laugh and continue work in my desk while hoping that Morris' bandana didn't get caught in a gear or something that would fling him throught the front window. And thus, Morris fixed his battered bike in the lounge of Quad 1.
It's a beautiful day! I have had an amazing time the last few days because Karen came up from San Antonio to surprise me, it was so wonderful. Even when we are away from each other, we still grow in our relationship and have the most amazing time doing it. Kare had been three weeks away from me, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it very much was. It was so wonderful to have her back with me and again and it helped me realize again just how wonderful being in a relationship with a girl like Karen is. Everyday is so wonderful, and I am so very blessed and thankful for who God has put in my life, and for the way that our relationship has grown. More mushy details to come on a later blog...
On top of that, the last few weeks have gone really well for me at work. I'm getting to know the youths alright, and we had a lot of fun on a retreat last weekend. I got to shoot the little ones off this blob thing into the water, somehow it's really satisfying to knock little people into the water even when they know it's coming. Well, I guess it's always satisfying to knock someone of any age into the water, but still. I got to run the Wednesday night program this week since our Youth Leader was involved in a wedding for a friend. The whole thing went really well, and was a great experience. Fellowship Baptist has a lot of great people, especially on staff, that make working there a whole lot of fun on top of teaching me some great things.
Although it really would be nice to be home, I'm very happy with everything that has happened this summer. I'm at a great place where I learn a lot and have fun, and I get to see Karen at least 3 more times before school starts; I really am blessed for how things have worked out. And in less than a week, I get to see Karen again, along with an insanely good Spree show!!
A nice religiously toned way to describe a show...
On top of that, the last few weeks have gone really well for me at work. I'm getting to know the youths alright, and we had a lot of fun on a retreat last weekend. I got to shoot the little ones off this blob thing into the water, somehow it's really satisfying to knock little people into the water even when they know it's coming. Well, I guess it's always satisfying to knock someone of any age into the water, but still. I got to run the Wednesday night program this week since our Youth Leader was involved in a wedding for a friend. The whole thing went really well, and was a great experience. Fellowship Baptist has a lot of great people, especially on staff, that make working there a whole lot of fun on top of teaching me some great things.
Although it really would be nice to be home, I'm very happy with everything that has happened this summer. I'm at a great place where I learn a lot and have fun, and I get to see Karen at least 3 more times before school starts; I really am blessed for how things have worked out. And in less than a week, I get to see Karen again, along with an insanely good Spree show!!
A nice religiously toned way to describe a show...
Translation of John 3:38-39, 45-49
38 But Jesus turned around and observed those who were following. He said to them, "What are you seeking?" "Rabbi, (What he had said translates to teacher) where are you staying (living)?
39 He said to them, "Come and you all will see." They then went and they saw where he was staying and with him they stayed that day. The occasion was at ten (in the morning).
45 Phillip found Nathaniel and he said to him, "The one Moses and the Prophets wrote about in the law we (Referring to him, Andrew, and Simon) have found, Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth."
46 And Nathaniel said to him, "Out of Nazareth is something good able to be?" Phillip said to him, "Come and behold*."
47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming towards him and he said about him, "Behold, a true Jew in whom there is no deceit."
48 Nathaniel said to him, "How are you knowing me*?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Phillip called while under the fig tree, I saw you.
49 Nathaniel answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel*."
The Greek in this passage has several interesting points of note. First, the statement "Come and Behold" made by Phillip is an imperative command. It's not just like saying, "hey you may want to come and see this", it's saying that "you need to see this now" due to the sheer magnitude of the truth that Phillip had learned about Jesus. This shows that it really was something amazing for Phillip and his friends to have heard and seen. Also, when Nathaniel said to Jesus "how are you knowing me?" an ongoing action for "knowing" is used. In this situation, as expounded upon by Ravi Zacharias in Jesus Among Other Gods, it is like Jesus is looking right into the thoughts of Nathaniel's heart as he approached; he was probably thinking the exact phrase that Jesus spoke in reference to him. Finally, the last charge by Nathaniel is noteworthy. The Greek word "eimi" is used twice in the statement "you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel". This is the word for "to be or exist" and it links the subject of Jesus with the two definite statements of his character, or the predicate Rabbi (Jesus) is affirmed by the copulative of "Son of God" which makes a strong theological statement in the original text.
So I had to keep my Greek going, and I thought I mine as well put it into a blog so I feel it's not all getting thrown down into the trash when I'm done. Sorry if it is boring.
38 But Jesus turned around and observed those who were following. He said to them, "What are you seeking?" "Rabbi, (What he had said translates to teacher) where are you staying (living)?
39 He said to them, "Come and you all will see." They then went and they saw where he was staying and with him they stayed that day. The occasion was at ten (in the morning).
45 Phillip found Nathaniel and he said to him, "The one Moses and the Prophets wrote about in the law we (Referring to him, Andrew, and Simon) have found, Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth."
46 And Nathaniel said to him, "Out of Nazareth is something good able to be?" Phillip said to him, "Come and behold*."
47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming towards him and he said about him, "Behold, a true Jew in whom there is no deceit."
48 Nathaniel said to him, "How are you knowing me*?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Phillip called while under the fig tree, I saw you.
49 Nathaniel answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel*."
The Greek in this passage has several interesting points of note. First, the statement "Come and Behold" made by Phillip is an imperative command. It's not just like saying, "hey you may want to come and see this", it's saying that "you need to see this now" due to the sheer magnitude of the truth that Phillip had learned about Jesus. This shows that it really was something amazing for Phillip and his friends to have heard and seen. Also, when Nathaniel said to Jesus "how are you knowing me?" an ongoing action for "knowing" is used. In this situation, as expounded upon by Ravi Zacharias in Jesus Among Other Gods, it is like Jesus is looking right into the thoughts of Nathaniel's heart as he approached; he was probably thinking the exact phrase that Jesus spoke in reference to him. Finally, the last charge by Nathaniel is noteworthy. The Greek word "eimi" is used twice in the statement "you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel". This is the word for "to be or exist" and it links the subject of Jesus with the two definite statements of his character, or the predicate Rabbi (Jesus) is affirmed by the copulative of "Son of God" which makes a strong theological statement in the original text.
So I had to keep my Greek going, and I thought I mine as well put it into a blog so I feel it's not all getting thrown down into the trash when I'm done. Sorry if it is boring.
I got a chance to go out to lunch with the Drs. Hood today, it was really neat. Both of them are very wise, as well as have a good grip on reality in ministry. What was really great was the insight on Seminary and methods of education. I cannot really disclose all of the opinions displayed by the aforementioned professors, but what they said contained excellent advice and thought provoking sentiments. The talk again showed me that LeTourneau really is a great place to be educated, especially in Biblical Studies. The entire department is very solid in their beliefs and teachings, and the professors teach the tools of the trade instead of only giving one opinion. It also was neat because the discussion showed me the importance of the Christian Ministry degree, but also the large need for the Biblical Studies. In fact the two compliment each other in a wonderful fashion with one giving sound tools for study, and the other looking into more practical parts of human interaction. Some, including myself, do not count too highly the here and now practical parts of ministry in a culture, although knowing what is going on is very important. I struggled with the CMIN degree by itself for awhile because it seemed a bit empty and almost useless in the long run. Much of the stuff taught can be gained by experience or reading a book, but the CMIN material combined with the Biblical Studies turns out to be a pretty sweet pair of majors. Tools are taught in both, and those are the techniques and practices that last. Having only one perspective is not always good, and the dual major is a great environment for practice in critique and theory development under some great guidance.
So this was one of the things highlighted for me during the talks about education and ministry goals and values. I write it only because I like what I do, and I like it when I find things that make me feel all the more excited about it. It's hard sometimes being at a technical school with many (not everyone) people who find their pride more important than how they treat others, and knock liberal arts down. Somehow being picked on because I follow my gifts and joys in Bible Study does not really add up, but that's another topic. It's just refreshing to eat with people who know what's up, and don't automatically write you off as an unintelligent human being for not being in a technical field. The lunch was delicious, and I would eat with Doctors like the Hoods any chance I got.
So this was one of the things highlighted for me during the talks about education and ministry goals and values. I write it only because I like what I do, and I like it when I find things that make me feel all the more excited about it. It's hard sometimes being at a technical school with many (not everyone) people who find their pride more important than how they treat others, and knock liberal arts down. Somehow being picked on because I follow my gifts and joys in Bible Study does not really add up, but that's another topic. It's just refreshing to eat with people who know what's up, and don't automatically write you off as an unintelligent human being for not being in a technical field. The lunch was delicious, and I would eat with Doctors like the Hoods any chance I got.
When walking to financial aid today, a random high school aged girl asked me if I was Spork. Not only did she ask this strange question, but she addressed me as "sir". There is a high school camp going on here so I look older, but still, "sir"? It must be that I haven't shaven in a few days or something. That's the first time I've been called "sir", and actually, it's not so bad...kind of thrilling the first time. I guess it looses it's luster when one hits a certain age. Anyway, back to the question she posed about Spork's identity. I thought for a moment about what would spurn this on, and why on earth someone would confuse me for a C.S. major who looks almost nothing like me, save for the hair color and occasional (mine is not so occasional) Rochester accent. "No," came my reply, "I am not Spork, but he is my friend." At this her eyes lighted up, and I wondered if Spork had a fan club that spanned farther than I could ever imagine, with girls all around America filling high schools and concession stands with his picture. But sadly, this girl was no Sporketeer. She went on to explain that she was the sister of Courtney Cox, which was quite a coincidence. Anyway, what brought forth her question about Spork was computer problem of all things, which as some know Spork just thrives on. So I really don't know what anyone can draw from this aside the facts that I must be getting older, and more importantly, that the fame of Spork is spreading across the nation at an alarming rate. But at least now there is someone to head up the Sporketeer fan club.
I updated my blog, and I hope you all enjoy the changes. The dots get old after a while, and blue is my favorite color. The quote was inspired by SBemail, hope you like the changes!
Sometimes I wish I could travel at the speed of light. I could be in San Antonio one moment, then up to New York in the next. That would be very fun. Despite the lack of light speed, I did end up going to San Antonio this past week for a most excellent time with Karen. We got to see a lot of downtown, and some really fun places like central market, the best grocery store that I've been in. On top of that, just spending time at their house is very relaxing and fun. Karen's family is top notch and it is a blast to be in their home with her. Sadly, that time had to end though. It's really hard being away from the one you love, but the thoughtfulness of Karen really helps with that. Karen is an extremely caring and amazing person, and I can't wait to see her in July.;)
Since my trip, I've started my internship in Longview. Tomorrow I start moving over to Bubbles' house, so this may be my last blog for a bit since he doesn't have internet. The internship is kind of going well. I'm teaching VBS, and the kids are a bit of a hand full. But I met some of the youth, and things should be pretty neat this summer I think. Anyway, I'll learn a lot, and hopefully better understand just where God wants me and what I should do when I get out. But the summer should be fun so long as Bubbles' and I don't blow up the house (knock on wood) and that I get to see Karen for at least a little bit in July. So until next time...I um, won't be writing blogs...
Since my trip, I've started my internship in Longview. Tomorrow I start moving over to Bubbles' house, so this may be my last blog for a bit since he doesn't have internet. The internship is kind of going well. I'm teaching VBS, and the kids are a bit of a hand full. But I met some of the youth, and things should be pretty neat this summer I think. Anyway, I'll learn a lot, and hopefully better understand just where God wants me and what I should do when I get out. But the summer should be fun so long as Bubbles' and I don't blow up the house (knock on wood) and that I get to see Karen for at least a little bit in July. So until next time...I um, won't be writing blogs...
