Geography and Israel

Our Pastor mentioned in bible class wednesday that Israel is mentioned a lot in the news.  He's right...and you know what, we learn a lot about Israel in the bible too.

Here's the thing...I don't really know that much about Israel...nor do I "fully" understand what is going on over there.  I hear lots of things about it on the news but they are just random facts...I can't begin to intelligently tell you why that information is important.  I mean other than I know where its at and its connected to prophesies in the bible...but even then, I can't give you detailed information or back anything up.

I can't make the solid connections.

Thats a problem for me.

I'll admit, Ive done a little research on this topic before...way back in the day when I was young...and  confused.  I ended up getting my mind wrapped up in a philosophical/religious questioning session and most "connections" were lost...mostly because I didn't have a solid foundation/worldview (aka I didn't really care).

Today is a different day and a lightbulb has exploded (my non-linear, highly active, lightbulbs don't just turn on...they explode.  I'll contain my thoughts for your sake).  Its actually been working its way up to this for awhile and I didn't know it until today.

We are using My Fathers World: Exploring Countries and Cultures for our main curriculum.  As you can probably guess, we are focusing on Geography this year.  Today, I opened up the lesson plans and for our Bible time, we had to look up where Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem were on a map.

What?  Hold the phone! Im getting another call!

(Seriously, I know at this point its not as exciting to you as it is to me...and maybe none of this is exciting to you.  In that case, I express my deepest sorrow at you having to read this.  Im just trying to express the connections, which I am probably no good at, I realize.)

Anyway...yeah, we had to find a map of Israel that showed these places.  Of course, my mind instantly starting throwing random Israel files to the front...including Pastors talk on wednesday night.  It was the first one there actually.  The others were kinda slow.

Again...the fact that I can't make any real good connections was nagging at me.

Then, out of nowhere, I remembered the explanation I had to come up with for why we were calling Iran, "Persia" in Classical Conversations.

Are you ready to complete the call?

So the kids can make "CONNECTIONS" when we talk about events that happened in history and in the Bible.  Thats pretty important because thats how we really internalize and therefore understand.

Hmmm...Geography and connections.  DuH!

In CC, we are memorizing the geography of southeast Europe this week.
This includes Iraq, Persia (Iran), Kuwait, Turkey and Cyprus.  This area is very prevalent in biblical text and in the news.  That and the fact that I have had to answer the question in my own head about why Geography is so important, spurred me to the realization that I (and the kids) don't know enough about the geography of this VERY POPULAR place.  Just one week isn't going to do it.  This is a place that requires more.

The fact is, We NEED to have a real, tangible spatial understanding of these places to make more connections with the information that is bombarding us from all different directions.

Lets go deeper into the how and why.

I believe that the study of History is extremely important...more specifically, the chronological study of History.  In fact, I have fallen in love with making History the spine or backbone of my own eclectic homeschooling curriculum.

To take it one step further and really help kids make connections in the history timeline, they need to have an understanding of the worlds geography...in detail.  Unfortunately, most people think Geography is just learning where countries are on a map...but thats far from the truth.

The definition of Geography is:

1. the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources, land use, and industries.

Basically its the study of people and places.

Now I understand why Classical Conversations puts great emphasis on map drawing.  Talk about internalizing geography...try drawing it millions of times before your even out of high school.

How can we make connections and truly learn from History if we don't have an understanding of the Geography?

In other words, how can we understand History if we don't understand the people and their practices.  How can we understand people and their practices if we don't know history?

Why would we care if we don't have an real understanding of either?

Fact is, most people don't.  Hmmmm...wisdom abounds doesn't it?

Do you see the connections yet?  Im not talking about just memorizing historical or geographical facts, which is what most of us had to do just to graduate high school and college.  Im talking about really understanding it, hide it in our hearts so we can put what we learn into practice.

On a side note, those of you knowledgeable about classical method of education, its like the public schools got stuck in the grammar stage in History and Geography.  There is little to no progression through the other two stages...in other words there is a lack of "maturation".  Sadly, most people (including myself), never got past the grammar stage when it comes to these two subjects.  We rarely, if ever got to logically think about historical events or how that applied to us and most of us still can't express ourselves about it in an intelligent way.  We were too busy just trying to fill in the multiple choice bubbles with the right year and get an A.

It is my experience that kids are capable of more than that.  If we want wise adults who are able to logically analyze and process whats going on in the world and in what they believe spiritually then we have to give them a foundation...we have to get them to make connections in these subjects.  I believe that History and Geography should be taking the forefront in our children's education with less emphasis on math.  Not only that, but it needs to be taught differently than it was when I went through school.

At any rate, I think we can all agree that having true wisdom is far better than just knowing facts.  Facts do us no good unless we can make "connections" and apply it.

Geography helps serve as that connection.  It is the connection between social and natural sciences...and of course, you need all that to truly understand History.

For those of us who love to be in the word and to teach our children the word:  The bible has a lot of history.  Its important to understand the geography (places and people) so we can make "connections" both in the book and in our everyday life and the things that are going on around us.

That being said,

We are going off the beaten path of our curriculum.  I just printed off blank maps of Isreal and we will be filling it out with the places we hear about in the news and in our bible for the rest of the year. We will also be looking more into the surrounding countries.  In general, Im going to be focusing more on this section of the world with the kids.  

I love it when things collide like this and create awesome teaching opportunities.  "Connections" are important.  I am SO THANKFUL that I have the opportunity to chase this rabbit trail with my kids...Praise God!

Help a Girl Out!

Can you all help a girl out?

Today I came across this article on my FB page:

http://jonathanmerritt.religionnews.com/2014/01/16/philippians-413-many-christians-misuse-iconic-verse/#comment-138089

You have to read it to understand what Im about to say.

In essence, the author is saying that people are misusing Phillipians 4:13...people such as Tim Tebow and Joel Osteen.  Now I'm not an expert on either of these men but I do know of them and have read a couple articles or interviews...and maybe watched a couple football games.  Might I also say that I don't know Jonathan Merritt...I can't assume concretely and eternally what he thinks and believes.  Any comments/arguments I make on his article are based solely on his writings here.

This article, written by Jonathan Merritt of the Religion News Service, strikes me as a little off.  I kind of grasp the concept at which he is getting at but I seem to disagree with him on many points.  I agree with him that context is extremely important but I also think that we can get a little legalistic about it too.  Some things are meant to be taken in spirit rather than literally.  Therefore, I don't believe you have to be in prison or depths of hell before you can accurately use Phillipians 4:13.  I don't believe thats exactly what Mr. Merritt is saying but then...Im not really sure what Mr. Merritt is saying.

1.  Isn't he ASSUMING that Tebow is just flinging that verse around to get attention?  Perhaps that is the crux of the whole "misuse" problem.  We can assume people are using it wrong when they really are not.
2.  Didn't Joel Osteen say in that quote that if God says you can, than you can.  I find that extremely hard to argue with.  What am I missing here?
3.  I think a bigger contention is that he says the bible teaches that God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable. I'll explain later.
4.  Is the writer implying he doesn't need God when life is good but he wants him to hunker down with him when life is bad?

Before I go on...I responded to the article...I don't know why...maybe because the thing just bothered me...and I had a moment of weakness.  Its usually my mantra to avoid these things...Ive learned from experience.  Im hoping Im not missing an important concept here though.  Its totally possible...and maybe someone can point me in the right direction if I need it.  Anyway...here's the response.  Reader beware:  This is opinion only from my imperfect mind...in fact, I need to wrestle with my very first statement.  I know what I mean but Im not sure how to accurately verbalize it and maybe I'm treading in dangerous waters with it even.

"The beauty of scripture is that even in context, it can mean something different to different people and be more or less valid at different times. This is one reason why we call it the living word. I think this author has went too far and readers should beware. Im not a fan of Joel Osteen…at least I should say Ive never heard the man preach. I know of him and seen him do interviews but thats about it. In the quote, he clearly says: “if God said you can…you can!”. Nowhere does Joel Osteen say anything about using that scripture on a whim to get your next case of beer or whatever. Something the writer overlooks. The truth is if God has shown you a path and gave you a calling, then He will strengthen you. Saying or remembering this scripture to help put aside fears of failing and rejection while you are on that path, doesn’t seem wrong to me. We have the scripture to teach us and remind us. It should be on our minds at all times. We don’t have to wait until we are in prison, being persecuted or when life is tough to remember and say that through all things Christ strengthens me. Because of the Word, we can remember it before we get there. Sometimes our calling is a rough road…i understand paul was in prison when he wrote it…i get that, but none the less he said “in all things”. Really if you think about it…isn’t christ strengthening us always..even in the good times? Just his mere presence in our life strengthens us! He’s not only around when we are in the dumps. I think thats a truth that all christians inherently know. Now on to Tebow…I don’t for one second believe that playing back up quarter back is easy. All of a sudden he’s in the limelight…I don’t believe thats a pretty place to be for a real christian. We all hear the stories of how fame falls hard. Maybe that was his prison at that time…his time of great temptation. Perhaps he was calling on the strength of Christ to keep his humility. You don’t know until you ask him. Its sad to me that this writer assumes the worst of him. Its easy to assume that he was just flinging that verse out there so God could help him win a football game…or just to get attention. Thats what all the haters think. There is actually evidence out there to the contrary. You know, he did a fantastic job…was it luck or was it God? You can decide for yourself. I also don’t believe that Tebow is playing football just because he wants to…but maybe because He wants him to as well. Who are we to say that God doesn’t care if Tebow is on that playing field? Be careful we don’t start applying our man made doctrine to whats happening in the world. Thats probably very well his missionary field…thats his calling. God is probably using him to share his gospel on and off the field…even on TV! (gasp). Guess what…he succeeded. There are more people out there now that know that “in all things, christ strengthens me”. There are a few more people out there that have cracked open that bible they got as a wedding present. Whatever you choose to believe on the subject, God can make lemonade out of anything."

...on with it Sommer!

Ok back to #2...because I think I addressed #1 pretty well in my response and really nobody knows except Tebow.

What am I missing in Osteen's quote?  I know that its possible its taken out of context but for purposes right now...what did this author see to disagree with in that quote?  What am I missing?  Give me something to explore here.


#3 has me going...perhaps this (and #4) is the reason I've gotten riled up.  Mr. Merritt says:

"Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not teach “God will give you the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.” (Actually, anytime a foundational view in your theology begins with, “God will give you”, stop and do a double-check.) God is not a heavenly bellhop or divine sugar daddy or cosmic power plant to fuel your dream-quest.  Instead, the Bible teaches, God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable." 

I said I would explain and I will.  At first glance, I don't really have a problem with what he says.  Take it into context and I do (told you that you'd have to read the article).  That last sentence, he says the bible teaches that God is the sustainer when life feels unsustainable.  Oh MY is that truth!!!  but wait...I thought God is the sustainer at all times?  What bible have I been reading?  Is this something Ive made up in my own mind?  Can anyone provide biblical backup to my thoughts?  One more thing...didn't he just say that if anything in my theology starts with God will give you...that I should do a double take?  I happen to be under the impression that God sustaining me is a gift...maybe I should double check that?  After all, God is "giving" me sustenance.  Maybe Im dicing words and on the edge of deceit here...I haven't decided yet.  Ok...you have to read the next paragraph to understand what made me think of all that.

On to #4...

"And if you’re like me, this is a “good news” message. Because my experience is that life is messy and thorny and unpredictable and chock full of disappointments. Most of them, a result of my own doing. I don’t need a God who motivates me to pursue my career dreams or chase down opportunities for personal advancement. I possess that drive on my own. Instead, I need a God who hunkers down in life’s trenches with me, who isn’t afraid to get mucky and messy and wade with me through tragedy and pain and failure."

Is the writer not implying he doesn't need God when life is good but he wants him to hunker down with him when life is bad?  If so, I personally disagree and this could be the cause of the rub.

"I don't need a God who motivates me to pursue my career dreams..."

Does that just strike anyone else wrong?  I think its the first 6 words...

"I don't need a God who."

BUT...He does need a God who hunkers down with him when life gets rough.

In my humble opinion, Christ gives us the strength to survive our moments of weakness as well as the good times.  Who are we to judge wether someone using the verse is going through a moment of weakness or their own personal hell?  Just because we can't see it?

I honestly think he is probably trying to say he doesn't need a cheerleader to cheer him on even when he's not following the will of God.  But seriously, that could have been said a million times better and that may be just me trying to extrapolate onto someone else...who knows.  While I think I get what he's trying to say I have to question this whole idea of only needing God when we are in the trenches.  I think because he drives that point home not once but twice.  Perhaps the writer just failed to make the other point...that we need God even when things are good...we need Christ even when things are good.  Maybe its because I've heard this before...been there before. I've been in that place where God is a convenience...yet it strikes me odd that he is speaking against it at the same time and therefore causes me to be confused.  Maybe it was his avoidance and twisting of what Joel Osteen literally said that makes me think otherwise (but then maybe Im missing something there).  Maybe its just because the writer didn't find great sources to back up his point.

...or maybe it was the whole dogging on Tebow thing.

In the end...I shall have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"The God of the Bible—Jesus—is better than we’ve imagined because he gives us what we actually need: strength to survive our moments of weakness and a sense of freedom even in life’s prisons.

Go write that under your eyes."

Sorry Mr. Merritt...it won't all fit under there.  (I couldn't help myself sorry)

I personally think Phillipians 4:13 covers that pretty well.

Why?  Because I ACTUALLY need Christ even when things are going good...I don't ever want to not need him.

Where did I go wrong here?

Facing the Music

Today I mentioned the word "burnout" while talking with fellow moms at a homeschool co-op.  I was referring to church and how I'm so careful not to do anything...especially when it comes to children's ministry because I get sucked in...and burned out.  We've been to a lot of churches because we are a military family so I've been through this process more times than I can count.  I usually refrain from even mentioning that I am a teacher because then Im approached by a ton of other burned-out people looking for someone to relieve them...because they know I can.

The truth is ugly...at least it feels ugly to me.

I'm tired.

I really just want to sit in a service for once and really soak up the message...the experience.  I want to be a part of the congregation, the worship.

I know the judgements will come.  After all, I should be giving my talents.

It makes me feel so guilty because I know I have the ability and even talent to do it.  Perhaps someday when I am not so tired and needy, I will be able to give of my talents so that other mothers can have rest and spiritual manna in worship with their congregation.  I often get ideas popping up in my brain (but really thats a constant in this mega highway called my brain...the city that doesn't sleep) and it gives me the itch.  This time, I've been denying it because it leads to burnout...every time.

I've decided to wait.  Here's why...

A few years ago I joined this fantastic bible study while we were stationed in Texas.  At the beginning, I was asked to fill out this card that identified my talents and what I was willing to help with.  I must have been off my guard that day because I checked musical experience.  I didn't even realize I had done it.  I was never approached about helping with anything which I was so glad for...I just wanted to learn about God...I NEEDED to just be IN there.

But then I got the call.  Literally.

This sweet lady informed me that I had mentioned musical experience on my card and they were in need of a worship leader.  What was I thinking???!!!  I've never been a worship leader!!!!  I cringe every time I have to pray out loud because my prayers sound a little more conversational than formal and they don't usually make any sense to anyone listening!  How was I going to lead?  I think I said something like "I did?"...and then silence as my brain started racing.  I was about to tell her there was no way I could do that...I was totally unqualified for that...maybe helping but not leading.  Maybe I did say those things, I certainly can't remember because I was a mess.  Something interesting happened though.  As I often do throughout the day, I turned my brain power over to God (its the only way I know how to explain it...sorry).  There were a few minutes there while she explained some things to me.  I was probably thinking...God help me...what should I do???  Who knows because for me its not a dialogue with God per say...its just me opening up and receiving maybe.  Either way...He knew I needed help.

Just before I said no, I said yes.

That did NOT come from me.  Did it?  I just listened to myself say yes to something I meant to say no to.  The inner dialogue ensued.  Well I did it again...what was I thinking...I added more stress to my life...blah, blah blah.  Now I had to face the music.

The stress never came

I didn't get burned out

My stage fright took care of itself because I prayed like a mad woman every week while I prepared.  I was pretty calm considering my past experiences.  I prayed that all would only hear HIS voice in mine...because I knew that mine would not glorify God justly.

Even still, He knew my limits...praying out loud for a group is just not my thing yet...and I didn't have to do that.  The right person did the praying...everything in its right place.  He truly has his hand over that bible study group.

Before all that, while I was in college, I learned a lesson that I didn't really learn until much later.  Anyone else ever had that happen?

It was my first time conducting a choir.  Just like everything else in my chosen field of study, I studied like crazy but when I had to perform, it just didn't work.  It appeared as though I couldn't do it.  I was first up...it made my stomach turn.  I was frustrated beyond belief and embarrassed and I was getting all tied up in knots because I could not get it right.  But then something very gracious happened.

My professor told me to close my eyes.

Why he didn't just fail me, I have no idea.  But it worked...I closed my eyes and it just came out.

I faced the music with my eyes closed...trusting


So what tangible lesson did I learn from these events?

Ultimately, it forced me to depend on him because there was no way to do it myself.

I'm not going to hide my talents when we find a new church.

I'm going to trust that God will let me know when there is a need...and I'm going to take care of my spiritual needs by saying no if I need to.

My need to volunteer is not necessarily from God but sometimes peer pressure and ultimately pressure on myself.

I'm going to trust that my church will not exploit my talents

I'm not going to let other's ideas of what I should be doing, navigate my life anymore.  At least I will try.  I've sure been getting a lot of practice in this lately.

If a program fails because I'm not doing it, then its going to fail.  God is in control.

God is the great conductor and I'm going to trust him

I need to trust in the gifts that he has given me.

When the call comes, Im going to close my eyes and face the music



I challenge you to turn your face to the music...



Ann Voskamp said in her Facebook post today:

"The only way to lead a symphony is to turn your back to the crowd, the critics, the court."

sometimes your biggest critic is yourself...

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/01/how-to-cure-burn-out/

A Lot

I like to talk...

a lot.

I like to think and create...

a lot.

So, why not?

This will mostly be thoughts that tumble out of my brain.
It'll be messy and unorganized and inconsistent.
I'm just like that...

a lot.

and I'll prob get things wrong...

a lot.

But...why not?

I can't think of a reason...