Not a Fan of Hot Drinks

I had a meeting at a coffee shop today. I like the atmosphere of coffee shops. I don't, however, like coffee.

Outside of not liking coffee because of the taste, I tend to not like many hot drinks at all. Besides hot chocolate on an especially cold day, hot drinks just aren't my thing. I'm the guy that orders a smoothie at a coffee shop because hot drinks of any kind don't appeal to me.

It was good today. I had a wonderful smoothie, and wasn't being made fun of, because we were in the 60s in October. I was glad that my usual stares of disapproval as I drink a smoothie or an iced drink during the winter months were not there to avoid.

Answering an Anonymous Question

I have an off the topic question. How long do you think a couple should date before getting engaged? In other words, what do you think the minimum amount of time is a couple should date before getting engaged? What reasoning do you have behind this? Think of it in general for most people in the world.

Posted by anonymous.... time for an answer I guess.

Simple answer... 0.0 seconds. I'm sure I need to explain. I can't put a minimum time on this question, as I don't think it will equate across the board. I have heard of great relationships coming from arranged marriages which had neither dating, nor engagement periods. I've seen couples date for 5 years who should never get married, and couples get engaged after very short periods of dating. I don't think there is a good time answer to this question, so I'm not going to give one.

However, I might attempt to answer the question "How will I know if I'm ready to get engaged?" I'm going to answer this question from a singular standpoint (the I, not the we) because I was being asked by a singular person, and not by a couple. If a couple wants to ask me this question, my answer will change (as I assume that means they are both thinking about it). I'm also a guy, and can only answer from that perspective, so this question might be re-phrased "How do I know when/if I can/should ask my girlfriend to marry me?" Here we go...

My opinions, and no facts, start here. I believe this question is only asked by someone who is thinking about marriage. I'm assuming things about the "in general for most people in the world" thing now. I'm assuming first that this person is mature enough to be married. I don't know exactly how to equate what I'm thinking when I say mature, but it requires an ability to live life independently of "others" for things like food and shelter. Someone who cannot provide food/shelter (with their spousal help) shouldn't think seriously about this question. (I understand there are exceptions to all these rules, I'm just assuming that the person asking isn't a 15 year old kid with his first girlfriend or something)

So we've got this down, we consider ourselves mature enough for marriage (maturity defined very loosely) and we are at least thinking about the prospect of marriage with a specific person in mind. Here is a list of "requirements" I would prefer be met before the "general people" take the next step...

Someone shouldn't ask someone else to marry them based on emotion. The knowledge that engagement would be either enjoyable or romantic is not a valid reason. The assumption that engagement is the next logical step, again, not a valid reason. The assumption that, the other person will like/love me more if we are engaged, again, not a valid reason. There are plenty of other ways to be romantic that don't involve an increase in commitment (or unhealthy physical activity). Avoid these pitfalls of relationships. Ask yourself, am I only doing this because I think they want it, or because it feels logical? If you are only doing it for that reason, you haven't dated long enough (really, you aren't ready to make a life long commitment).

Secondly, I wish more people would think about what they do/don't know about a person. Though I would agree with the statement that you learn a lot more about a person during the engagement period, if you are relying on this as a learning phase before marriage, you are not ready. Engagement periods (in my opinion) should be long enough to comfortably plan the wedding ceremony. Not longer, not shorter. Engagement is not the best time to begin to realize new things about someone. It will happen, but if you are counting on it to give you information important enough for life commitment, you haven't dated long (or well) enough. You should not be considering engagement if you are not ready to commit your entire life. Period.

I'll end with one more. Engagement is the next step in the relationship when you have realized one thing. You cannot be who you are created to be without this person as a companion. If you cannot say this without a doubt, continue dating. You know when you've realized this. If you have realized this (I'm assuming this is from the "asker's" perspective now) then you can begin the engagement process.

This process will include more questions. Are you sure the other person wants marriage as well? Are you sure that you can also help make the other person what/who they are created to be? Are you confident (notice I didn't say sure for this one) that the timing will fit with their life stage (family, friends, jobs etc..)? Can you afford your idea of an engagement (don't go in debt for a ring, it isn't worth it)? (Again, realize that the last is my opinion, and that I understand there will be exceptions to this rule).

Engagement shouldn't be rushed. It should be enjoyed. It is a decision however, that should be made more on the end of necessity than on the end of emotion. I can't define it well on this blog, but can easily and comfortably talk about it. Feel free to ask me in person sometime when we can dialogue about the relationship if you want my opinion communicated more clearly.

Woohoo

Daylight savings time ending. Reverting back an hour.

Perhaps the best night of the year. A lot of times it is more fun than New Years Eve or Christmas Eve. Adding an hour to our lives. Woohoo.

Prettiest Goal I've Seen

I watched the prettiest goal I've seen live take place today. I was amazed at how good a goal can look when executed properly. I was more surprised that the player who scored it ran over to thank me (because I had helped him with a similar thing in warm ups). That always makes me feel good.

Unfortunately, they lost the game, and can no longer win their region. Tough season to end with key players getting hurt before the most important games.

Better luck next year.

The Sporty Bachelor

My wife is leaving for the weekend. Soccer regionals also take place. I'll be spending a considerable amount of time at the soccer field, and the rest, looking for ways to feed and groom myself. Feel free to help me with either.

I confirmed that I will be teaching at one of the opportunities (young adults service) at some point. Nothing else new.

No deep thoughts today.

Scary Thoughts

I was talking to someone today who I respect. It was surprising to hear him say that he was preparing a message, and as someone told him that the way he was using the Bible was not congruent with what the Bible actually means, he said "I know." He went on to say that his desire to use a specific text and jump off from it to talk about what he wanted to say was just par for the course in being a pastor.

I'm glad this other guy called him on his misuse of scripture. I'm glad that they re-crafted the message that will be preached. It is unfortunate that so many pastors have things to say, that don't come from the Bible, that they use the Bible to "support" by twisting its meaning or pulling verses out of context. I hope not to ever be that kind of preacher.

Myers-Briggs

My mom had mentioned that one of my readers assumes that I am as far off as possible on their scale of Myers-Briggs. They would argue from reading my blog, that I am roughly the opposite of their temperament.

To ease their curiosity, here is my temperament: INTJ (Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging)

For those of you who don't know what some of these mean, I'll explain some. This description comes from another website. I agree with what it says except for two things. I am very comfortable explaining my thoughts in a way people will understand, and "0ver-drinking" is not close to a result of my stress. Other than those two things, this description is pretty accurate.

As an INTJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via your intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things rationally and logically.

INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others.

With Introverted Intuition dominating their personality, INTJs focus their energy on observing the world, and generating ideas and possibilities. Their mind constantly gathers information and makes associations about it. They are tremendously insightful and usually are very quick to understand new ideas. However, their primary interest is not understanding a concept, but rather applying that concept in a useful way. Unlike the INTP, they do not follow an idea as far as they possibly can, seeking only to understand it fully. INTJs are driven to come to conclusions about ideas. Their need for closure and organization usually requires that they take some action.
INTJ's tremendous value and need for systems and organization, combined with their natural insightfulness, makes them excellent scientists. An INTJ scientist gives a gift to society by putting their ideas into a useful form for others to follow. It is not easy for the INTJ to express their internal images, insights, and abstractions. The internal form of the INTJ's thoughts and concepts is highly individualized, and is not readily translatable into a form that others will understand. However, the INTJ is driven to translate their ideas into a plan or system that is usually readily explainable, rather than to do a direct translation of their thoughts. They usually don't see the value of a direct transaction, and will also have difficulty expressing their ideas, which are non-linear. However, their extreme respect of knowledge and intelligence will motivate them to explain themselves to another person who they feel is deserving of the effort.

INTJs are natural leaders, although they usually choose to remain in the background until they see a real need to take over the lead. When they are in leadership roles, they are quite effective, because they are able to objectively see the reality of a situation, and are adaptable enough to change things which aren't working well. They are the supreme strategists - always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against their current strategy, to plan for every conceivable contingency.

INTJs spend a lot of time inside their own minds, and may have little interest in the other people's thoughts or feelings. Unless their Feeling side is developed, they may have problems giving other people the level of intimacy that is needed. Unless their Sensing side is developed, they may have a tendency to ignore details which are necessary for implementing their ideas.

The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions, express judgments, and put everything that they encounter into an understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to express judgments. Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are convinced that they are right about things. Unless they complement their intuitive understanding with a well-developed ability to express their insights, they may find themselves frequently misunderstood. In these cases, INTJs tend to blame misunderstandings on the limitations of the other party, rather than on their own difficulty in expressing themselves. This tendency may cause the INTJ to dismiss others input too quickly, and to become generally arrogant and elitist.

INTJs are ambitious, self-confident, deliberate, long-range thinkers. Many INTJs end up in engineering or scientific pursuits, although some find enough challenge within the business world in areas which involve organizing and strategic planning. They dislike messiness and inefficiency, and anything that is muddled or unclear. They value clarity and efficiency, and will put enormous amounts of energy and time into consolidating their insights into structured patterns.

Other people may have a difficult time understanding an INTJ. They may see them as aloof and reserved. Indeed, the INTJ is not overly demonstrative of their affections, and is likely to not give as much praise or positive support as others may need or desire. That doesn't mean that he or she doesn't truly have affection or regard for others, they simply do not typically feel the need to express it. Others may falsely perceive the INTJ as being rigid and set in their ways. Nothing could be further from the truth, because the INTJ is committed to always finding the objective best strategy to implement their ideas. The INTJ is usually quite open to hearing an alternative way of doing something.

When under a great deal of stress, the INTJ may become obsessed with mindless repetitive, Sensate activities, such as over-drinking. They may also tend to become absorbed with minutia and details that they would not normally consider important to their overall goal.

INTJs need to remember to express themselves sufficiently, so as to avoid difficulties with people misunderstandings. In the absence of properly developing their communication abilities, they may become abrupt and short with people, and isolationists.

INTJs have a tremendous amount of ability to accomplish great things. They have insight into the Big Picture, and are driven to synthesize their concepts into solid plans of action. Their reasoning skills gives them the means to accomplish that. INTJs are most always highly competent people, and will not have a problem meeting their career or education goals. They have the capability to make great strides in these arenas. On a personal level, the INTJ who practices tolerances and puts effort into effectively communicating their insights to others has everything in his or her power to lead a rich and rewarding life.

Remembering Childhood (science edition)

I was pondering my past earlier today, and remembered some things from my past that others might be able to relate to.

Namely, I remember making "formulas."

It was great to find an empty (or mostly empty) shampoo bottle and begin filling it with what would become a life saving formula. Adding the unknown red berry like objects picked off a bush, and whatever ingredients we found in the garage and kitchen, making a successful formula is an artform for young children. My brother was usually the counterpart in this "game" of ours.

We always had to make a formula, but all formulas looked rather similar. Not a whole lot was new, and we only knew that we were finished when we finally filled the bottle with whatever it could hold. Little of it could come back out the small spout of a shampoo bottle, as berries and rocks and such were too big, but somehow it made us feel as if we had accomplished something.

It is times like these that makes a kid want to become a scientist. I never got this bug nearly as hard as my brother did. He became fascinated with science fair projects (he actually got a prize for one about paper towels) and inspired me in taking some advanced college science classes. He even made me popular by allowing me to bring props (a trebble form Star Trek) to my science classes.

I suppose however, that the most telling sign of Jason and his interest in science was in his perfection of the "mad scientist" look at such an early age.

Writing for Money

My mom pointed out an advertisement for some graduate school scholarships today that requires essay writing. I'll likely attempt to answer their question in some way that makes them love me enough to give me the money.

Wish me luck.

But It's Just a Pinky

I'm hoping that this realization is come to. I broke fingers on three separate occasions playing goalie in college. Today I went to the North Central University game and their goalie was playing on the field because he broke his pinky during the last game.

I know what it is like to enjoy playing the field more than goal, but I also know what it is like to watch a regional championship game be lost, that could have been won if I wasn't injured (that was a shoulder not a finger).

Trust me, you can play through the pain of a broken finger with enough tape and Ibuprofrin.

They better come to this realization by Friday, or they are substantially hurting their chances of advancing to Florida.

Smarter than Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings, you know, the Jeopardy guy that won 73 straight times or whatever it was. I'm smarter than he is. He was a guest member of "the mob" in the new game show 1 vs. 100. I've watched both episodes of the show, and as a contestant, still would have answered every question correctly, where as a mob member I would have gotten one wrong (I wanted help on that one, that would have given me the correct answer). Fortunately for me, the one I needed help on was after Ken had gotten a question wrong.

Ken was the longest survivor of the original mob, but I'm smarter than he is. He didn't know what color the number 1 on a Roulette wheel would have been. (Black, Red, Green were the options)

I feel good. I celebrated with a root beer. It was a good time.

To Say or Not to Say

I couldn't think of anything else off the top of my head, so I'll stick with my question from yesterday.

Here is the situation. Every Old Testament professor I've ever had, and even those I've heard read the Bible, but haven't had (at Seminary) re-translate God's name when they read the Bible. In our Bible, the name is usually written "LORD" in all caps, but is actually the translation of God's name (Yahweh). These Old Testament scholars find it important enough that they pronounce "Yahweh" every time their Bible says "LORD."

Hebrew students (and teachers) are the exact opposite. We are taught that because people who speak Hebrew are afraid to say God's name (there is no Biblical reason for this), they pronounce "Adonai" which translates Lord, instead.

Which camp do I fit in? I'm a saying kind of guy. There is only Biblical truth that God's name should not be defaced. This began a tradition of the name not being written, so as not to be defaced in the future. When it had to be written (scribes onto scrolls) it was written very carefully and surrounded by cleansing, so as not to be written in any kind of unclean manner. Though I understand the logic behind this reasoning, there is no Biblical validation for it.

In fact, I would argue, that the Bible says so much about God's name going forward (it actually specifies the name) that not using His name is less Biblical. Others may disagree, and I'm comfortable with that, but I'm gonna say Yahweh when Yahweh is written.

"Struggling" Students

I was annoyed in a class of mine this week. The all blessed Hebrew class. Unfortunately, I was annoyed at classmates. I understand that I'll come across as a biased nerd or something in this post, please forgive me now, but I need to vent (again, my wife and another classmate got to hear it already).

Today was the vocab quiz which covered the 80 words I talked about yesterday. It wasn't a terribly difficult quiz for me. By course standards, we are supposed to spend 8 hours a week outside of class working on Hebrew. I haven't come close to that, and have found myself well on top of the material. In fact, I have over 100%. This past week, I spent a total of 40 minutes or so on the vocab. It didn't seem too hard, it's just memorization.

This is where I acknowledge that I'm not always the normal case. I can memorize quickly, have a very able mind, and can remember lectures and notes photographically. I also have tendency to be able to write my papers very efficiently. This usually means that I come nowhere close to the course recommendations for work outside of class. Trust me, I do understand that not everyone is like me.

A few classmates today, argued that we have too much work to do. They argued that we are required to learn so much vocab that we can't possibly be keeping up on all the grammar rules we are learning as well. We are too overwhelmed.... My frustration hit immediately as I knew this teacher was too soft to not change. He had reduced the workload once, and was about to for a second time. My frustration was obvious to the classmates immediately next to me, so we had a side conversation.

All three of the students around me had also done fairly well on the vocab quiz. To do well, meant you needed to know all the vocab, so as not to just get lucky. It seemed the average time spent was probably around 2 hours for them. I'll assume that would be the normal time for an average student then. I, and thus by my argument we, decided that anyone who claims that the vocab is too much work to do to expect us also to learn grammar (with an understanding that we are to spend 8 hours outside of class) had to be lying.

I can't imagine anyone who did 8 hours worth of Hebrew could barely scrape by the vocab. Anyone that put in the recommended time, the expected time, the guidelined time, should be able to accomplish all that we have learned. I mean this as unsarcastically as possible: anyone in this level of education that could not get both vocab and grammar, and spent more than an hour a day working on the language, needs learning assistance help.

The complaints were ungrounded to me. They had no leg to stand on, but the first year teacher felt sorry for them and is cutting back our required vocab....again.

On a different note, I'm fascinated now by a "to say or not to say" question as it deals with the name of God. Ask me about it sometime (or maybe it will just show up as a blog sometime).

Another 80 words

I spent a chunk of time this evening reviewing my Hebrew vocab words. With no class last Friday, that put tonight's workload (for tomorrow's class) a little above the norm for memorization.

As my Hebrew vocab continues to grow, it's nice to start seeing similarities between words in meaning and in sound. It is also interesting to me that the same word can mean two different things, which I wouldn't always place together. For instance, I'm not surprised when a word can mean both man, and husband, but found it interesting that the same word is used to describe receiving help, and becoming victorious.

I'm enjoying this class more than the others, but randomly enough, Hermeneutics is rising to a close second. The rise of hermeneutics is because of the quality of teacher, as her ability to teach, and her knowledge base, are both things that people should aspire to.

Passive Perspectives

I'm amazed at how often a perspective change can encourage my heart. Things that are often frustrating, when put in a different perspective can bring joy or life into my being. Usually, another person, or God, has to give me this perspective change.

I had to take a bunch of personality tests as I enrolled in Bethel. None of them were new. I had taken all of these tests before. One of them, my favorite one, is the Strengthsfinder test. I've taken it twice now, with similarities on some strengths, and some differences that arose in the 4 years between taking it again.

One thing that remained clear was that I had a gifting of putting things in a new perspective. I understand that I see life differently from most people. Sometimes my perspective frustrates other people, usually my forcefulness does, but often times my perspective encourages people to see and understand things in a different way, a hopeful way.

There are days I wake up and hope to use this ability. Not some "sense" that I have, or "knowledge" that I hold, but an ability to tell a story, or explain my experience in a way that will encourage those who hear (or read).

Yesterday, in the shower I had such thoughts. These thoughts were specific to my church community. I get to talk often about this community while I'm at school. I speak of the challenges of the community, the frustrations, but also the benefits, joys, and things that I greatly respect about that church (First Baptist Church Minneapolis) and its leaders. I was wondering if there were ways that I could share some of these positive perspectives to a larger audience than my small group.

Could I write a newsbreak letter describing my perspective on the musical worship styles and my respect for the balance offered to help everyone be both comfortable and sacrificial in worship? I'm positive I could write about this touchy subject from a perspective that would be largely agreed upon, and encouraging, though not initial for many people.

What about our small group system? Could I write an example of how my specific small group has impacted the life of all those involved in positive ways, because we've chosen to be that kind of community? Would anyone want to read it?

I don't know that any of these ideas will happen, both because I don't know if they are possibilities and because I sometimes get lazy, but I am excited for the next time I get to help shape someone's perspective in a way that brings life into their being as they see God at work in their midst.

Loyalties Lie Within

I am often loyal to companies based on two things: how they have treated me, and how creative their marketing is. I will gladly try new things if my interest is sparked by creative advertising. I will also avoid shopping at stores, or buying products which are marketed weakly.

Many companies will always have my loyalty because of how well they have treated me. USAA (insurance), AAA, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and Keller Williams Realty are examples.

Macintosh would be an example of how advertising has caused me to do research and change my views (their new commercials still make me laugh).

I am often loyal to companies who treat me well, you know, like I'm an actual human. Those that treat me otherwise will never get my business (I hate State Farm).

What companies have treated you well that I should look into?

Trusting Historical "Facts"

I haven't decided how particular I am on trusting historical facts. There seem to be so many things that become popular, regardless of how true they are. I just don't know who to believe anymore.

Speaking particularly of Biblical Interpretation, I don't know what resources to trust. There are books which claim that the reference Jesus makes to "a camel going through the eye of the needle" refers to a gate which was called the eye of the needle. There are also references which claim that this is made up, and wasn't even mentioned until 1000 AD or so. Who do you believe?

What about on more vague things. I'm doing an exegesis paper on 1 Corinthians 15 this weekend. As part of the assignment, I have to do a decent amount of historical work of Corinth, and particularly, the church at Corinth. I've heard often of the immorality in Corinthian society that came from being a major trade center because of its port, but the Bible dictionary I was reading today states that it would have passed before Paul evangelized the area. Thus saying, Corinthian history is true when it says it has this past of enormous immorality, but to claim that it was in that state when Paul wrote to them is wrong.

Who do you trust? Can I assume a standard of morality worse than the norm in Corinth when reading the Bible or not? Do I trust the books written in 1980 that say I can more than the ones written in 2002 that say I can't? Do either of them have a better "historical" footing than the other?

Lack of Creativity

I was sitting in a workshop today that wasn't very interesting. I started doodling. There are a couple things people recognize about my doodling. I mainly repeat the four same shapes in different colors, tones, and dimensions. They involve pretty much straight lines only.

Rarely do I venture to try a new shape, and rarely do I doodle without using only straight lines.

Is there something to be gleaned about my personality from this? Why aren't I more creative? Am I a perfectionist? Am I just afraid to try new things?

Feel free to psycho-analyze me based on my doodles.

Revitalized

Classes were cancelled today. Every year, Bethel Seminary puts on a conference that brings in "successful" church leaders and their staff to talk about being a "transformational church." This conference happens this weekend. Today was a day leading up to that conference, which was designed for spiritual formation. I was blessed to spend my day there.

Though little I heard was new to anything I had heard before (which is good, cause the "new" stuff is usually unbiblical), it refreshed me.

I came away today with a revitalized picture of the person that God has called me to be. Not just the end product, but many of the miniscule details that are required before the end product can happen.

I want to stay strong on this journey. I'm glad to see the picture more clearly again.

Websites on T.V. Shows

I had often been curious what would happen if you typed in the web address of sites shown on T.V. or movies to help with their plot.

In tonight's episode of CSI New York, websites existed to help them solve their crimes. They were t-shirt websites in which the clothes provided passwords for more information from the website. Curious as to what would happen, I finally decided to type the web address used in the show in my browser to see what pops up.

Turns out, cbs did by that exact webaddress and has used it to forward you to the csi ny section of their site to give you the preview of the next episode.

My curiosity has been satisfied for now.

Grade "A"

Actually, it was a "check ++" which equals "A."

I got the first of my papers from that September intensive back today. It was the final. The 7th of the one day stretch of papers. I was pleased to get an "A" on that one as it was the one I was most tired writing.

Hopefully the others will produce a similar result.

Coaching the Coach

Is that allowed? I mainly help the goalies for the North Central soccer team. In fact, I am their goalie coach. That is my role. Today, the head coach asked me to work on something with them in particular, which I didn't think they needed more work on. In fact, he actually yelled at one of the goalies during a game for "doing something wrong" which I disagreed with.

After that game, I actually told that goalie that he did all he was supposed to do on that particular play, and that he wasn't at any fault. That meant, today, I got to have that discussion with the head coach. It was a matter of "coaching" him on what the goalie's responsibility is, and more importantly isn't, in certain circumstances. Overall the conversation went pretty pleasantly, which was good, because I enjoy helping and wouldn't have wanted to lose my job over it.

Phone Habits?

Do any of you have weird phone habits? I don't mean, pacing while you talk like habits, but decision habits.

Do you always call people back?

Do you always answer a cell phone if you are available?

Do you always talk for an indeterminate amount of time?

I tend to cut conversations short. I don't like to spend longer than 4 minutes with any given phone conversation, unless in person contact is highly improbable. I'd rather drive a half an hour to have a 15 minute conversation, then drive half an hour home, than I would have a 15 minute phone conversation.

If you are ever on the phone with me and my demeanor changes at the four minute mark, now you know why. It isn't you, I just hate phone conversations.

Creeping Temptation

Jenny and I have been avoiding spending money as much as we can now that I'm not working. What is funny to me, is that meant that tonight, we'd go walk around a mall for free.

Constantly putting ourselves in a state of temptation, we walked into most clothing stores that we passed. We even walked in some of them we didn't shop at (because of their prices) when I was working full-time.

It's amazing how that works in life.

It works that way in my spiritual life often as well. The more I try to think about avoiding sin, the more time I spend thinking about things that would be sinful. Why don't we just focus on the things we need to. Had I spent time doing homework tonight, spending money would not have been a focus (and my wife would have been bored!). Like most of my life, if I would consume myself with the things I'm supposed to be doing, that I've been called to do to be a disciple of Christ, the temptation of sin would be less apparent in my thought patterns.

Speaking Opportunities

I didn't feel like talking about these things right when I got home, so my wife might find out about these opportunities from this blog. Lucky for me, I didn't commit to anything, just was made aware of opportunities.

It feels good to be wanted sometimes. Today, I was asked if I could help lead a youth group weekend retreat, at a church I've never been to. The youth pastor needs a male leader (the yp is a female) and has gotten some sermon writing help from me at seminary. I don't know if I'll go yet, (as I haven't talked to the wife) but it is nice to be wanted.

The other is largely different. From a Presbyterian Youth Group to Pentecostal Young Adults. I was asked if I would be available to teach on occasion at a young adult group that is just getting started at a well-known large church in the area. I'm excited about this opportunity, and will be meeting with the leaders of this new group soon to figure out what might work with our schedules.

I love the experience of teaching, both sermons and classroom style. If you are ever looking for a teacher of any kind (in religious subject of some form) I'd be more than happy to sit down and talk with you.

Wish Me Luck

I have my first graduate level test tomorrow. It is a language test, meaning my Hebrew memory needs to do well with the dagesh's and sheva's and dividing of syllables.

Most of it I think will be fine.

On another note, I was back at the North Central soccer team's practice today working with their goalies. They have come a long way, but it is easy to see that they need more individual attention. I enjoyed running around with them again this afternoon.

I have been assigned my text for my preaching class. 80% of my grade will come off of a sermon I write and preach based on James 1:1-12, so if you have any input on how this text can be applied to your life, I'd be more than happy to receive that information.

Assignments Come Natural

My preaching class requires that I listen to, outline, and evaluate sermons by three different preachers, covering three different biblical genres. Many students were concerned that they would have to go to different churches and hit or miss the different genres.

I had the opposite reaction. I'm nerdy enough to have a binder full of sermons on cd in my car. I probably average around 3 sermons that I listen to on my own outside of church each week. I've already got two under my belt this week.

These assignments seem like just another avenue of life for me.

If you ever want some sermons to listen to, I would be more than happy to direct you to some places to find some good ones, or to copy some of mine for you. Just let me know.

Life saving chalk

Jenny and I are both struggling with a cold. Heavy congestion has fogged our minds, and our sinuses aren't very happy.

Under the high recommendation of friends, we are trying a new medication for us, Zicam, and have high hopes for its impact.

It tastes like chalk. Don't get me wrong, it starts out with 3 seconds of cherry, but lingers with a minute or so of mouth filling chalkiness.

When I heard quick dissolving, I imagined a breath strip, this is more like grass growing.

Oh well, it should help, and I've eaten apples the last couple of days, so I'm sure there aren't any doctors around anytime soon.

Hebrew 412

I'm actually just in introductory Hebrew but am amazed with my progress in understanding the language. Luckily for the rest of you, someone took me up on my offer and asked me a Hebrew question.

So, I'll take you up on your offer. The footnote for Genesis 2:23 (NIV) on BibleGateway.com says:"The Hebrew for woman sounds like the Hebrew for man."How so? Can you illustrate this for me? Specifically, I guess I'm just looking for the phonetic representation of both words.

I'll do my best now to answer this question with my current knowledge, and 4 minutes worth of research to get to my conclusion.

The Hebrew word for "woman" used in that verse would be pronounced "ishash" in English. There are actually 8 different words for man in Biblical Hebrew, one of which is also used in that verse. It is pronounced "ish." The two words are similar in in that the word for man, is obviously the root for the word for woman, which would actually be translated "from man." Here is where the pronunciation similarities come into play.

In original Hebrew culture, vowels were not used. They were pronounced, but not written. Hebrew was a language of oral tradition, and the vowels were learned only through an oral understanding of the language. After a while, Hebrew scholars decided they needed to form a system of keeping this language sacred in written form as well. Thus, Hebrew vowels are actually markings of sounds placed above and below the consonants. The only difference in looking at the two words in Hebrew "ish" and "ishash" would be their vowel markings, and a silent consonant.

Looking at an old enough copy of the Old Testament, you actually would be provided with no difference in sound, but a slight difference in look. Looking at modern Hebrew scripts, which strive to keep the original pronunciation and meaning intact with the addition of the vowel marks, it is clear to what the separate meanings are, and when they are used.

Lingering Question

Just one lingering off topic question from my thoughts today. (Actually, it is another, things Nate thinks about while he is driving question)


Do people ever have wet senses of humor?