12/21/2005
No Christmas Service?
I did think that the cancelling of Christmas day service by some churches was crazy. Who would cancel service on the "day Jesus was born." But after reading THIS article by Steve Camp, I am glad that some churches are cancelling their services. Thanks for the insight Steve!--Dirk
12/12/2005
Don't Eat or Drink Reading This
I have started a post of my own about children's ministies, but haven't finished it. Until then you should read this post poking fun of Calvinist. Yeah, I know I am one....but it is still really funny. I can relate to several personally! Enjoy--Dirk
http://purgatorio1.blogspot.com/2005/12/help-im-going-hyper.html#links
http://purgatorio1.blogspot.com/2005/12/help-im-going-hyper.html#links
12/07/2005
Back to Blogging
Do you smell that? That is the smell of final exams being completed!! I have survived my first semester at SWBTS Havard. I hope to be able to write more blogs, maybe it will help with my papers next sememster. For those of you who read this Blog (both of you), you should go to this article. John MacArthur has written (quite well I might add) a piece on the importance of doctrine, for our benefit. There is much to be learned from great writers like this man! Enjoy.--Dirk
http://phillipjohnson.blogspot.com/2005/12/another-guest-post-from-my-favorite.html
PS. I need books for Christmas if you feel so generous!
http://phillipjohnson.blogspot.com/2005/12/another-guest-post-from-my-favorite.html
PS. I need books for Christmas if you feel so generous!
12/01/2005
Study Break
I found these during a study break. Yes, I too need a break from Hebrew. Check out this link, it might make you laugh...or not:
http://purgatorio1.blogspot.com/2005/11/you-might-be-emerging-if.html
This link too might or might not bring a laugh, but either way it will make you think about some of our Christian "leaders" we looked too all the time. Let us never accept anything because someone we respect said it, but instead test it against Scripture!--Dirk
http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2005/11/top-ten-turkey-awards-of-2005the.html
http://purgatorio1.blogspot.com/2005/11/you-might-be-emerging-if.html
This link too might or might not bring a laugh, but either way it will make you think about some of our Christian "leaders" we looked too all the time. Let us never accept anything because someone we respect said it, but instead test it against Scripture!--Dirk
http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2005/11/top-ten-turkey-awards-of-2005the.html
11/24/2005
Wishlist
Since everyone else is doing it we thought we'd jump on the bandwagon. Here are our wishlists so you can see what we are asking each other for this holiday season. Kathy's and Dirk's
I always love looking at people's bookshelves. To me(since I'm a reader), it tells me so much about the person, so I thought that I'd let you know about us. Mine is a true wishlist--I dont expect to get most of these books this giving season, I just like to daydream--so take it with a grain of salt.
--Kathy
I always love looking at people's bookshelves. To me(since I'm a reader), it tells me so much about the person, so I thought that I'd let you know about us. Mine is a true wishlist--I dont expect to get most of these books this giving season, I just like to daydream--so take it with a grain of salt.
--Kathy
Thankful
There are a lot of things that I could talk about that I'm thankful for--family, friends, Jesus Christ, my husband--but today I'm reminded of something else.
For a long time, even though I'm a Baptist, I didnt want to be labeled as one. "I go to a Baptist church, but I'm not a Baptist"--I saw things in Baptist churches that I wasn't comfortable with so I didnt want to get grouped with them. But through this semester, I've learned a lot. Dirk has been taking a Baptist Heritage class at seminary(a class I had turned my nose up to) and I've learned that the things that I didnt really like about Baptist churches were really not Baptist "things" at all. We discussed this at length last night at church as well, and here is a pretty good list of things that are what historians would call "Baptist distinctives":
For a long time, even though I'm a Baptist, I didnt want to be labeled as one. "I go to a Baptist church, but I'm not a Baptist"--I saw things in Baptist churches that I wasn't comfortable with so I didnt want to get grouped with them. But through this semester, I've learned a lot. Dirk has been taking a Baptist Heritage class at seminary(a class I had turned my nose up to) and I've learned that the things that I didnt really like about Baptist churches were really not Baptist "things" at all. We discussed this at length last night at church as well, and here is a pretty good list of things that are what historians would call "Baptist distinctives":
- Historically orthodox
- Salvation by grace (incedentally, "salvation by faith" was deemed a heresy we call Pelagianism at the Council at Ephesus in 431. The orthodox veiw would be "salvation by grace through faith")
- Bible as the sole authority
- Autonomy of the local church
- Regenerate church membership
- Priesthood of all believers
- Soul, or Religious Liberty
- 2 Ordinances (Believer's baptism, and the Lord's supper)
- 2 Offices (Deacons and Elders)
I'm not uncomfortable about any of these things, in fact I like them, I want to be part of a church that values them. All the other parts of Baptist churches that always bothered me like the altar calls (invented by the Charles Finney, a questionable evangelist during the Second Great Awakening), prevalent anti-intellectualism(a reflection of the culture), "canned" sermons(see previous), excessive traditionalism (we've-always-done-it-that-way mentality) and so forth aren't even Baptist.
Interestingly, reformed Baptists can trace their heritage to the English Separatists that came to America from England--Otherwise known as Pilgrims [not all Puritans were Pilgrims, but its safe to say that most Pilgrims were Puritans]. John Adams, one of our founding fathers, called reformed Baptists "the most thorough-going reformers", which is a high compliment.
I am thankful for a church that is distinctively "Baptist" for all the right reasons, that doesnt mimic the prevalent model for Baptist churches, which seems to be the way of the "get-rich quick schemes" or "get-big-fast schemes". I dont think there is another denomination(and yes even non-denominational's are a denomination....whatever) that at its heart is as truly biblical as reformed Baptists.. I'm putting myself out there by using that statement. But shouldn't you feel that way about the church you attend? Shouldn't you search the scriptures to see if what your church does and believes is truly biblical?? And if you haven't, what right have you to attack or disagree?
I'm thankful to be a Baptist. Yes, you may label me, as long as you know what kind of Baptist identity I'm refering to. Now that you know, you separate what is historical and what is a new development. Label me as a historical Baptist. I'm thankful for my heritage.
--Kathy
Great article on Brian McLaren's "A Generous Orthodoxy"
Steve Camp has a great article on Brian McLaren's book A Generous Orthodoxy. Reading some of the things Mr. McLaren says is down right scarey! Is this what people are being taught???? I hope that Christians will continue to (as Martin Luther said) shake the branches of Scripture. We should all always examine teachings given to us in light of the Bible. Here is the link:
http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2005/11/reinventing-calvinismthe-gospel.html
Enjoy--Dirk
http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2005/11/reinventing-calvinismthe-gospel.html
Enjoy--Dirk
11/22/2005
I'm all for separation of church and state!
Being a Baptist traditionally meant being for chruch/state separation, but recently I do not think church members have been taught it's importance. In fact I would say that we haven't been taught anyting about it. How are people to know what it even means if it isn't taught? Here is a very interesting link to Al Mohler's blog, he mentions what can happen when the state steps into the church. I highly recommend reading more about this IRS case....are they coming to your church????--dirk
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=383
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=383
11/21/2005
E.Y. Mullins
I have told several people that I would be posting some of my papers from school on this thing. I guess I better do it. This is a short chapter review over E.Y. Mullins. I recommend reading the entire book, it is very informative. We should all learn about where our denomination came from!--Dirk
Fisher Humphreys wrote chapter ten of Theologians of the Baptist Tradition about Edgar Young (E.Y.) Mullins. After being raised in Texas and moving around the country, Mullins became a strong defender of the Christian faith and a leader of the Baptist.
Edgar Mullins was born as the first son and fourth child of his family on January 5, 1860. His father, who was a teacher, farmer, and Baptist minister. His mother dedicated him to Christian ministry without him knowing until he was 35 years old (181-182). The Mullins family moved to Corsicana, Texas because of the war, and in 1869 and Mullins’ father founded the First Baptist Church of Corsicana. The children of the family were encouraged to attend college, so Edgar became a member of the first class of the military school that is now known as Texas A&M University. Not yet a Christian and preparing to pursue a career in law, Mullins was converted to Christianity at a revival in Dallas, Texas. At the age of twenty he was baptized by his father in Corsicana, shortly thereafter he felt a call to full-time ministry and entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). After graduation his desire to become a missionary was halted because of health concerns of his doctor. Instead, he became pastor of Harrodsburg Baptist Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. After marring Isla May Hawley, Mullins went on to serve churches in Baltimore, Maryland and Newton Centre, Massachusetts. He then served the Foreign Mission Board and became president and professor of/at SBTS, a position he held until he died in 1928. During his time as president of SBTS he also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1921 to 1924 and the Baptist World Alliance from 1923 to 1928.
During his three decades at SBTS he had influence on three major theological issues that effected Baptist life. First was the controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism. Although Mullins continued to use a Calvinistic textbook in his class, he intentionally took a very moderate position on the issue (184). He wrote this about the extremes of both sides of the issue: “The really safe leaders of thought, however, are between these extremes (184).”
Landmark Baptist interpretation of history was another issue with which Mullins had to contend with during his ministry at SBTS. These Baptists were insistent that the only congregations permitted by the New Testament were local bodies of baptized believers that were in succession from the time of Christ. To deal with this issue Mullins referred to the same line of history as the Landmark movement, but let the answer ultimately rest with historical scholarship (185). This controversy may have led to the lack of written work on the doctrine of the church by Mullins.
The third controversy Mullins dealt with was the controversy between the Fundamentalists and Modernists. In this controversy the study of history and science was used to threaten or explain differently what the churches understood the Bible to say. Mullins, once again, had a very moderate opinion. His stance would not allow for the Bible to be explained away, and would not let the truthful claims of history and science be rejected. This moderate stance was very similar to the stance he took on the Calvinism and Arminianism debate.
Controversies were just one part of Mullins’ ministry, he also wrote more than six books. In his books he teach on apologetics, Baptist heritage, systematic theology, and the controversies of the day. This achievement should be noted along with his leadership of the Baptist worldwide. Through his leadership in the controversies noted above, he led the Baptist away from the extremes of several different views.
Although many of his stances were in the middle of the issue, he should be respected because of this careful thought on issues and his active engagement of the controversies around him. E. Y. Mullins was a great Baptist theologian that led his contemporaries and trained future ministers of the gospel.
Edgar Young Mullins Baptist Theologian and Leader
Fisher Humphreys wrote chapter ten of Theologians of the Baptist Tradition about Edgar Young (E.Y.) Mullins. After being raised in Texas and moving around the country, Mullins became a strong defender of the Christian faith and a leader of the Baptist.
Edgar Mullins was born as the first son and fourth child of his family on January 5, 1860. His father, who was a teacher, farmer, and Baptist minister. His mother dedicated him to Christian ministry without him knowing until he was 35 years old (181-182). The Mullins family moved to Corsicana, Texas because of the war, and in 1869 and Mullins’ father founded the First Baptist Church of Corsicana. The children of the family were encouraged to attend college, so Edgar became a member of the first class of the military school that is now known as Texas A&M University. Not yet a Christian and preparing to pursue a career in law, Mullins was converted to Christianity at a revival in Dallas, Texas. At the age of twenty he was baptized by his father in Corsicana, shortly thereafter he felt a call to full-time ministry and entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). After graduation his desire to become a missionary was halted because of health concerns of his doctor. Instead, he became pastor of Harrodsburg Baptist Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. After marring Isla May Hawley, Mullins went on to serve churches in Baltimore, Maryland and Newton Centre, Massachusetts. He then served the Foreign Mission Board and became president and professor of/at SBTS, a position he held until he died in 1928. During his time as president of SBTS he also served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1921 to 1924 and the Baptist World Alliance from 1923 to 1928.
During his three decades at SBTS he had influence on three major theological issues that effected Baptist life. First was the controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism. Although Mullins continued to use a Calvinistic textbook in his class, he intentionally took a very moderate position on the issue (184). He wrote this about the extremes of both sides of the issue: “The really safe leaders of thought, however, are between these extremes (184).”
Landmark Baptist interpretation of history was another issue with which Mullins had to contend with during his ministry at SBTS. These Baptists were insistent that the only congregations permitted by the New Testament were local bodies of baptized believers that were in succession from the time of Christ. To deal with this issue Mullins referred to the same line of history as the Landmark movement, but let the answer ultimately rest with historical scholarship (185). This controversy may have led to the lack of written work on the doctrine of the church by Mullins.
The third controversy Mullins dealt with was the controversy between the Fundamentalists and Modernists. In this controversy the study of history and science was used to threaten or explain differently what the churches understood the Bible to say. Mullins, once again, had a very moderate opinion. His stance would not allow for the Bible to be explained away, and would not let the truthful claims of history and science be rejected. This moderate stance was very similar to the stance he took on the Calvinism and Arminianism debate.
Controversies were just one part of Mullins’ ministry, he also wrote more than six books. In his books he teach on apologetics, Baptist heritage, systematic theology, and the controversies of the day. This achievement should be noted along with his leadership of the Baptist worldwide. Through his leadership in the controversies noted above, he led the Baptist away from the extremes of several different views.
Although many of his stances were in the middle of the issue, he should be respected because of this careful thought on issues and his active engagement of the controversies around him. E. Y. Mullins was a great Baptist theologian that led his contemporaries and trained future ministers of the gospel.
11/10/2005
Education gone too far?
I have had an ongoing discussion with several people about education. Not just public education, but classical, home schooling, discipleship in the church, seminaries and colleges. Being part of the education system can sometimes be frustrating and rewarding, but reading this blog by Albert Mohler makes me think that some people may be going a little too far. He references a recent news article that I fully intend to read, but his blog will fill you in.
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=368
I wonder if my "scissor skill" were bad at age 4?????
And yes I will be posting stuff from this semester...I just gotta have time to get it together.--Dirk
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=368
I wonder if my "scissor skill" were bad at age 4?????
And yes I will be posting stuff from this semester...I just gotta have time to get it together.--Dirk
11/08/2005
its that time again...
Wow, its been a while!
I cant believe our last real post was about RITA of all things....the cause of much frustration and anxiety here in the Houston area. I still dont feel like I have recovered--I lost about a week of instructional time in my classroom, and that's really set me back--there is too much to cover in a semester!!! Actually its not, but it takes forever to get students to understand these concepts--mostly because it doesnt even occur to them to maybe read outside of class or possibly DO THEIR HOMEWORK--so consequently, my time in class is precious. I cant have hurricaines come blowing through (or nearly blowing through) and messing everything up. GRRRRR.
I know you (you know who you are) have been checking this blog about once a week always asking "what's going on with Dirk and Kathy these days???" Well, I'll tell you. Lots of busyness. Dirk has been trying to balance a marraige and a social life with his classes--and doing a pretty good job of it. I still love him, we have friends, and he's got stellar grades in class. Just trying to keep up with it all. I just recently had a stomach virus thing this past weekend. Mostly on Sunday, and it was messy. We'll just leave it at that. It was strange because Dirk was able to sub for my classes and so it was nice to not have to freak out and leave detailed messages for someone to pass onto a sub. Its so nice to get to see him as much as I do. In fact, Dirk's coming up with me to school tomorrow--not to sub, but to help me out with a "class activity"--we're going to play Capture the Flag to teach the Revolutionary War--at least I hope thats how it works. :/ Dirk's there for crowd control. I'll let you know how it goes. Student Council is kicking my butt. Everything is, it seems. Too much too fast!!!
But as far as what the Lord's been teaching me....its been good times. Im on a reading track to read the bible in 180 days. I've done stuff like this before, but I always end up getting off track about 2/3 of the way through. I've kept up with this one--maybe because it starts with the New Testament, and its only been about a month or so. But anyway, I just finished Acts and I'm really sad about it. Its been so good to read through the Gospels and then Acts. I like the narrative stuff. Its also been nice to become reacquainted with the person of Jesus. I've liked rereading his conversations and his miracles. (By the way if anyone has Luke 16 figured out, let me know) But a good way to get me excited about the epistles has GOT to be Romans. Nice how that works out.
I've also been very thankful of the Lord bringing to rememberance many of the blessings He has given me. Its been by His grace that I can remember to thank Him for all the good things, especially as they happen. He has been my provision for energy, creativity, lessons, conversations, time, and all the other things that I can so easily assume just "happen." I am so thankful not only for my precious salvation, but for all the little (and not-so-little) things afterward. Its so humbling to know that He really is mindful of me and my ways and that He really wants all of me--oh that I can give Him all of me! I love Augustine's prayer "Lord, command what You will, and give what You command" He provides for what He demands!! What a gracious God.
Well thats about it in a nutshell ("How did I get in in here??") We've been having some pretty great conversations lately, but we'll have to save that for another post. Have a good one(whatever it is)!
I cant believe our last real post was about RITA of all things....the cause of much frustration and anxiety here in the Houston area. I still dont feel like I have recovered--I lost about a week of instructional time in my classroom, and that's really set me back--there is too much to cover in a semester!!! Actually its not, but it takes forever to get students to understand these concepts--mostly because it doesnt even occur to them to maybe read outside of class or possibly DO THEIR HOMEWORK--so consequently, my time in class is precious. I cant have hurricaines come blowing through (or nearly blowing through) and messing everything up. GRRRRR.
I know you (you know who you are) have been checking this blog about once a week always asking "what's going on with Dirk and Kathy these days???" Well, I'll tell you. Lots of busyness. Dirk has been trying to balance a marraige and a social life with his classes--and doing a pretty good job of it. I still love him, we have friends, and he's got stellar grades in class. Just trying to keep up with it all. I just recently had a stomach virus thing this past weekend. Mostly on Sunday, and it was messy. We'll just leave it at that. It was strange because Dirk was able to sub for my classes and so it was nice to not have to freak out and leave detailed messages for someone to pass onto a sub. Its so nice to get to see him as much as I do. In fact, Dirk's coming up with me to school tomorrow--not to sub, but to help me out with a "class activity"--we're going to play Capture the Flag to teach the Revolutionary War--at least I hope thats how it works. :/ Dirk's there for crowd control. I'll let you know how it goes. Student Council is kicking my butt. Everything is, it seems. Too much too fast!!!
But as far as what the Lord's been teaching me....its been good times. Im on a reading track to read the bible in 180 days. I've done stuff like this before, but I always end up getting off track about 2/3 of the way through. I've kept up with this one--maybe because it starts with the New Testament, and its only been about a month or so. But anyway, I just finished Acts and I'm really sad about it. Its been so good to read through the Gospels and then Acts. I like the narrative stuff. Its also been nice to become reacquainted with the person of Jesus. I've liked rereading his conversations and his miracles. (By the way if anyone has Luke 16 figured out, let me know) But a good way to get me excited about the epistles has GOT to be Romans. Nice how that works out.
I've also been very thankful of the Lord bringing to rememberance many of the blessings He has given me. Its been by His grace that I can remember to thank Him for all the good things, especially as they happen. He has been my provision for energy, creativity, lessons, conversations, time, and all the other things that I can so easily assume just "happen." I am so thankful not only for my precious salvation, but for all the little (and not-so-little) things afterward. Its so humbling to know that He really is mindful of me and my ways and that He really wants all of me--oh that I can give Him all of me! I love Augustine's prayer "Lord, command what You will, and give what You command" He provides for what He demands!! What a gracious God.
Well thats about it in a nutshell ("How did I get in in here??") We've been having some pretty great conversations lately, but we'll have to save that for another post. Have a good one(whatever it is)!
10/21/2005
10/19/2005
Back in Action
I'm back in action after having to take a couple of weeks off to catch up from studying. The hurricane caused me to get behind in updating the blog because of the increased school work. Be checking back, I think I will be posting a couple of papers I wrote for school...of course I have to figure out how to do that. But until then here is a good link that talks about the storm and church/state issues:
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=337
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=337
9/29/2005
Things I learned from Hurricane Rita
When running from a big scary storm there are many things to be learned. I thought I would share a few of those with you today. We spent 6 hours going only 20 miles at one point!
1. After 10 pm only Spanish speakers listen to the radio. I know this because at that time almost all radio stations switched to Spanish.
2. Those 20 mph school zones aren't really that bad, at least your moving.
3. During an evacuation of a major city TxDot guys in pickups watching random cones that block one lane that isn't under construction yet, aren't allow to move them. Yeah this really happened. We moved down to one lane for about 1/2 mile and the other lane was in perfect condition, and yes there was a TxDot guy in his pickup watching the whole thing!
4. I can't see much with my glasses on, I need to update the lenses.
5. Fox news is broadcast on 1170 am near the DFW area in the late night/early morning. We heard the storm come ashore. That was awesome.
6. The RaceTrac gas station at IH35 and US380 has awesome frozen drinks. 2 types of frozen coffee, I lost count of the other Icee type drinks, and a milkshake machine that adds flavor as you pour it into your cup. It's a must stop place for me now.
7. At 3:30 am it is 61 degrees in Hamlin, I dont' think it ever gets that cold here.....it was awesome.
8. 2.5 million evacuees = 2.5 million cars
9. God's grace was poured out upon us and His wrath was not.....only He knows why. If it wasn't for His mercy everyday we'd all be gone.
--Dirk
1. After 10 pm only Spanish speakers listen to the radio. I know this because at that time almost all radio stations switched to Spanish.
2. Those 20 mph school zones aren't really that bad, at least your moving.
3. During an evacuation of a major city TxDot guys in pickups watching random cones that block one lane that isn't under construction yet, aren't allow to move them. Yeah this really happened. We moved down to one lane for about 1/2 mile and the other lane was in perfect condition, and yes there was a TxDot guy in his pickup watching the whole thing!
4. I can't see much with my glasses on, I need to update the lenses.
5. Fox news is broadcast on 1170 am near the DFW area in the late night/early morning. We heard the storm come ashore. That was awesome.
6. The RaceTrac gas station at IH35 and US380 has awesome frozen drinks. 2 types of frozen coffee, I lost count of the other Icee type drinks, and a milkshake machine that adds flavor as you pour it into your cup. It's a must stop place for me now.
7. At 3:30 am it is 61 degrees in Hamlin, I dont' think it ever gets that cold here.....it was awesome.
8. 2.5 million evacuees = 2.5 million cars
9. God's grace was poured out upon us and His wrath was not.....only He knows why. If it wasn't for His mercy everyday we'd all be gone.
--Dirk
Another blog site
I don't have long to type today, lots of studying to be done. But I would like to post one more blog link that I think is good. This is Steve Camp's blog. Here it is:
http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/
--Dirk
http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/
--Dirk
9/27/2005
Rita
School was cancelled thursday and friday in my district and we haven't returned. Tomorrow will be the first day back. Dirk and my sister Amy (along with sweet little Olivia) and I made our way wednesday evening to Longview to stay with Dirk's dad's family and out of the way of Rita. It took us 9 hours and it normally takes about 4. We finally got in around 5 am and crashed. We spent the next couple days worrying about Shale (amy's hubby) and Beth and Evie (my other sister). Shale had to work a half day on thursday so there was no way he would be able to get out of town--it was WAY too crowded. Beth, however left her house around 4 am and after about 14 hours, she finally had to turn around and head back to Kingwood. She'd travelled probably 30 miles and was tired, desparate and low on gas. I was sooooo upset about them trying to get home and I didnt wanyt to her to be left stranded on the side of some country road with no gas when Rita made landfall. Dirk found some awesome Texas Atlas(that was rank with cigarette smoke) that had every road in Texas listed in it and he and Amy were able to navigate her back home. Beth, Evie, Shale and my dad rode out the storm in our house and enjoyed the hot powerless home. They made good use of the gas grill and cooked up about every frozen piece of meat in the house and then feasted. WE (Amy, Dirk and I) decided on friday that since the storm was predicted to head straight up 59 to where we were, we would be better off heading west to Dirk's mom's house and camping out in Hamlin for a few days. We told Clif (Beth's hubby who was fortunate enough to make it up to Longview) about our plans and he joined us on our 7 hour trip to west Texas. We drove through the night again so Olivia could sleep so we were able to listen to Foxnews on the Radio report the storm hitting landfall. We made it about 3:30 and slept until Olivia had us all awake.
Of course being in Hamlin we ate WELL. So well that we all vowed that would not let the rest of the family know what we ate--we felt bad knowing they were without power and left with whatever food wouldnt spoil while we ate steaks and all kinds of awesome stuff. It was good to see family too. My mom and grandmother were in Austin with my aunt, so they werent hurting either. I felt really bad that little Evie had to suffer through the storm and the heat and the power outages--but she's a trooper.
We got home around 9 or so last night. We took our time and even stopped in College Station for some Taste of the Tropics (yummmmmmmm) and some Wings'nMore. It was so nice to be back in our own beds again too.
Tomorrow is school. Yay. Back to the grind.
Of course being in Hamlin we ate WELL. So well that we all vowed that would not let the rest of the family know what we ate--we felt bad knowing they were without power and left with whatever food wouldnt spoil while we ate steaks and all kinds of awesome stuff. It was good to see family too. My mom and grandmother were in Austin with my aunt, so they werent hurting either. I felt really bad that little Evie had to suffer through the storm and the heat and the power outages--but she's a trooper.
We got home around 9 or so last night. We took our time and even stopped in College Station for some Taste of the Tropics (yummmmmmmm) and some Wings'nMore. It was so nice to be back in our own beds again too.
I am very thankful that the Lord protected us throughout all our driving and gave us wisdom about what to do. Even my car: we dropped it off wed morning and it needed $700 worth of repairs--repairs that if we didnt get fixed would have cost us thousands on the road out of town that evening; we had it out of the shop that afternoon and were able to take it on the road on our adventurous "Tour of Texas." The Lord sustained us the whole way and I am very thankful. he even allowed us to see some family and spend some time with people we hadnt seen in a while. What a blessing!
Tomorrow is school. Yay. Back to the grind.
9/20/2005
9/19/2005
Some thoughts about Paul, and the workings of God
For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now. --1 Corinthians 4:9-13
I read these verses last night as I was working on a study of Ephesians. I was in Ephesians 3 and the question was about the sufferings that Paul mentions just breifly in 13 I think. I was so amazed by these verses for several reasons. Paul's not trying to gripe about their situation, it sounds like he's being honest with how he sees things: "For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death" --like he's accepting the reality of his station. PAUL is saying this. One of the most influential men in Christendom. I always imagine Paul walking around with a little invisible halo floating over his head--he's special, the Lord blinded Paul and spoke audibly him, he's always got the right answers--how could he think that the apostles could be last??
I also feel totally like the people he's speaking to. They are prudent, strong, distinguished, fed, clothed and enjoying life--and totally reaping the rewards of the laborers like Paul and his companions. I am not considered a "fool", I'm not without honor...its totally acceptable for me to be Christian--but the reality is that this only happened because Paul endured what he did to bring the gospel to these people.
I'm so convicted reading these verses!! Paul was in the real battle---not sitting on the sidelines like I'm always doing--and it was hard. I guess a lot of us Christians would like to be like Paul, but in reality we dont know what we're saying. "We have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." I bet it must have been hard to keep going some days, and but for the sake of Christ, there would have been a day he would have quit.
"Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?" --2 Corinthians 11:25-29
The way of the real Christian life (not that one I want so desperately to be) is paved with suffering and hardship. Its difficult and full of toil. And as Paul says in Philippians:
"More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;" (3:8-10)
Do we really want the fellowship of Christ's sufferings? I'm not saying that if we live comfortable lives, free of persecution we arent true Christians, I'm just wondering if we miss out on the rich fellowship of Christ if we stay in our safe environments. But then, is rich fellowship with Christ what some of us wanted when we confessed Christ anyway? I wonder.
These passages made me think about my life, it also reminded me that Paul was human--life wasn't easy for him--and also that he remembered these outward trappings where rubbish compared to Christ--Something I needed to hear.
Makes me want to be a missionary in some remote part of the earth and suffer with Paul in laboring to bring the gospel to those who dont know Him(Christ, that is).
On another note: you should check this out: http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb and listen to the song called "the Wedding Dress" Oh man, if you arent ashamed of the way you abuse the riches of God's grace, then you weren't listening.
Peace,
Kathy
I read these verses last night as I was working on a study of Ephesians. I was in Ephesians 3 and the question was about the sufferings that Paul mentions just breifly in 13 I think. I was so amazed by these verses for several reasons. Paul's not trying to gripe about their situation, it sounds like he's being honest with how he sees things: "For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death" --like he's accepting the reality of his station. PAUL is saying this. One of the most influential men in Christendom. I always imagine Paul walking around with a little invisible halo floating over his head--he's special, the Lord blinded Paul and spoke audibly him, he's always got the right answers--how could he think that the apostles could be last??
I also feel totally like the people he's speaking to. They are prudent, strong, distinguished, fed, clothed and enjoying life--and totally reaping the rewards of the laborers like Paul and his companions. I am not considered a "fool", I'm not without honor...its totally acceptable for me to be Christian--but the reality is that this only happened because Paul endured what he did to bring the gospel to these people.
I'm so convicted reading these verses!! Paul was in the real battle---not sitting on the sidelines like I'm always doing--and it was hard. I guess a lot of us Christians would like to be like Paul, but in reality we dont know what we're saying. "We have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." I bet it must have been hard to keep going some days, and but for the sake of Christ, there would have been a day he would have quit.
"Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?" --2 Corinthians 11:25-29
The way of the real Christian life (not that one I want so desperately to be) is paved with suffering and hardship. Its difficult and full of toil. And as Paul says in Philippians:
"More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;" (3:8-10)
Do we really want the fellowship of Christ's sufferings? I'm not saying that if we live comfortable lives, free of persecution we arent true Christians, I'm just wondering if we miss out on the rich fellowship of Christ if we stay in our safe environments. But then, is rich fellowship with Christ what some of us wanted when we confessed Christ anyway? I wonder.
These passages made me think about my life, it also reminded me that Paul was human--life wasn't easy for him--and also that he remembered these outward trappings where rubbish compared to Christ--Something I needed to hear.
Makes me want to be a missionary in some remote part of the earth and suffer with Paul in laboring to bring the gospel to those who dont know Him(Christ, that is).
On another note: you should check this out: http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb and listen to the song called "the Wedding Dress" Oh man, if you arent ashamed of the way you abuse the riches of God's grace, then you weren't listening.
Peace,
Kathy
9/17/2005
Scotland Pictures
We forgot to put the link to the Scotland mission trip pictures up....so here we go:
http://photos.yahoo.com/dirklittlefield
ENJOY!--Dirk
http://photos.yahoo.com/dirklittlefield
ENJOY!--Dirk
9/16/2005
HMMMMM
It's Dirk again. I'm getting ready to study this evening and thought I would pass along this piece of information to you.
I just recently (today) found out that Saddleback Community Church in sunny California was a SBC church. I read it in the Southern Baptist Texan paper. I found that very interesting because on their website, in their name, and by what they say you would never know. Are they scared to be labeled a Southern Baptist? I think I'll start calling these churches closet baptist.....nah that's not too nice. I just thought that was interesting because I had no clue they did anything with the SBC. Did anyone else know this and NOT tell me? This is information I would have like to have known about. If you know of random information like this little piece please let me know--Dirk
I just recently (today) found out that Saddleback Community Church in sunny California was a SBC church. I read it in the Southern Baptist Texan paper. I found that very interesting because on their website, in their name, and by what they say you would never know. Are they scared to be labeled a Southern Baptist? I think I'll start calling these churches closet baptist.....nah that's not too nice. I just thought that was interesting because I had no clue they did anything with the SBC. Did anyone else know this and NOT tell me? This is information I would have like to have known about. If you know of random information like this little piece please let me know--Dirk
9/15/2005
Hello Again
Dirk here with ya. I'll start posting in orange if I remember so that you know it is me.
Ahhh....the blog, a new way to procrastinate from studying. I remember when e-mail was the new fad and then it was high speed internet so we could check that e-mail every 3.252845 minutes instead of studying. I hope that you all read and enjoyed Kathy's rant about the school system. I think now it is my turn.
I do this next section with as much love as possible. Please do not think that I am personally attacking any specific person :) OK, here I go.
I have been less that pleased with the overall quality of speakers that have been in front of us at school chapel. It is very frustrating to hear pastors and laborers of Christ use poor theology and poor Bible teaching when preaching to a bunch of seminary students. I know that I personally would be scared to death to be in front of a bunch of people that are supposed to be the future leadership of many churches. I mean of all people I would think seminary students would be sharp and I would be scared I would slip and say something stupid. Not all, but several of the pastors that have been up in front of us have been less that impressive. For example, at one point one it was said "We blame God for a lot of things He doesn't have any control over!" I am curious what God he is serving? I mean last time I checked the Bible still taught that He is sovereign. More than that I get frustrated when a person speaks on a topic and reads the scripture that he is going to be "teaching" from and then doesn't teach or use that scripture again. I think that it is time for teachers of the Word, pastors, and lay persons to start teaching the Bible and stop abusing it. Christians have gone way too long with finding a topic then trying to find a few verses, that when used out of context, can push an agenda. What we should do is find the scripture that addresses the topic at hand, exegete it, and then obey. It is pretty scary to see some people, who once were in my seat as a student, have been in the church long enough that they stopped teaching scripture. Or worse never learned......yikes.
Ok enough about that. I'm not trying to call any one person out, I just had this revelation the last week or so and have been very frustrated.
Thought for the blog:
Why do Americans "church shop" when they move? What I mean is why are people so comfortable with the different teachings of different denomonations? Do they know the differences? What would you say is the most important attribute for a church (friendly people)? These questions and more are courtesy of my Baptist Heritage class. Feel free to respond, I would love to know your ideas!
Ahhh....the blog, a new way to procrastinate from studying. I remember when e-mail was the new fad and then it was high speed internet so we could check that e-mail every 3.252845 minutes instead of studying. I hope that you all read and enjoyed Kathy's rant about the school system. I think now it is my turn.
I do this next section with as much love as possible. Please do not think that I am personally attacking any specific person :) OK, here I go.
I have been less that pleased with the overall quality of speakers that have been in front of us at school chapel. It is very frustrating to hear pastors and laborers of Christ use poor theology and poor Bible teaching when preaching to a bunch of seminary students. I know that I personally would be scared to death to be in front of a bunch of people that are supposed to be the future leadership of many churches. I mean of all people I would think seminary students would be sharp and I would be scared I would slip and say something stupid. Not all, but several of the pastors that have been up in front of us have been less that impressive. For example, at one point one it was said "We blame God for a lot of things He doesn't have any control over!" I am curious what God he is serving? I mean last time I checked the Bible still taught that He is sovereign. More than that I get frustrated when a person speaks on a topic and reads the scripture that he is going to be "teaching" from and then doesn't teach or use that scripture again. I think that it is time for teachers of the Word, pastors, and lay persons to start teaching the Bible and stop abusing it. Christians have gone way too long with finding a topic then trying to find a few verses, that when used out of context, can push an agenda. What we should do is find the scripture that addresses the topic at hand, exegete it, and then obey. It is pretty scary to see some people, who once were in my seat as a student, have been in the church long enough that they stopped teaching scripture. Or worse never learned......yikes.
Ok enough about that. I'm not trying to call any one person out, I just had this revelation the last week or so and have been very frustrated.
Thought for the blog:
Why do Americans "church shop" when they move? What I mean is why are people so comfortable with the different teachings of different denomonations? Do they know the differences? What would you say is the most important attribute for a church (friendly people)? These questions and more are courtesy of my Baptist Heritage class. Feel free to respond, I would love to know your ideas!
9/14/2005
Education
I don't know what the deal is lately, but its only the 5th week of school, and I just can't get excited about it. I think that "new" has worn off or something. I guess also, I know that this is not my ultimate goal in life: to teach American history in a state school to students who dont want to be there. Dont get me wrong. I love the students, but I dont see myself making a career of this. Its just the machine of government schools is so...... I dont even know the word. Depraved? Empty? Aimless? Hostile to the things of God?
I was given several books over the summer that really challenged my thinking about education, and what the true goal should be. The fact is, the children of America are receiving their education from people who don't love God or His Word. What, honestly, does that teach them? That there is an area of life where Christ isn't necessary? Is that the lesson we want them to learn?
I know anyone reading this who isnt a fan of homeschooling for any number of reasons ("socialization", evangelizing, being a part of the "world", fear of poor education, etc) is probably wondering what happened to me. I would have been the first to object to homeschooling a year ago, but my eyes have really been opened to a lot of things.
If you think I'm nuts, or have any interest in what I've been rambling about, I would highly recommend you check out these books: When You Rise Up, by R.C. Sproul Jr and Excused Absence by Douglas Wilson.
The shema in Deut. 6 is pretty clear--its clear about a lot of things--that parents are responsible for their children's education: they are the ones to teach them if at all possible. How can I in good conscience let someone else teach my child (someone who may not know Christ) while I teach someone else's child? It just doesnt make sense.
I could go on forever, but its time for me to head off to church. Maybe I'll continue this later...
Peace,
Kathy
I was given several books over the summer that really challenged my thinking about education, and what the true goal should be. The fact is, the children of America are receiving their education from people who don't love God or His Word. What, honestly, does that teach them? That there is an area of life where Christ isn't necessary? Is that the lesson we want them to learn?
I know anyone reading this who isnt a fan of homeschooling for any number of reasons ("socialization", evangelizing, being a part of the "world", fear of poor education, etc) is probably wondering what happened to me. I would have been the first to object to homeschooling a year ago, but my eyes have really been opened to a lot of things.
If you think I'm nuts, or have any interest in what I've been rambling about, I would highly recommend you check out these books: When You Rise Up, by R.C. Sproul Jr and Excused Absence by Douglas Wilson.
The shema in Deut. 6 is pretty clear--its clear about a lot of things--that parents are responsible for their children's education: they are the ones to teach them if at all possible. How can I in good conscience let someone else teach my child (someone who may not know Christ) while I teach someone else's child? It just doesnt make sense.
I could go on forever, but its time for me to head off to church. Maybe I'll continue this later...
Peace,
Kathy
9/12/2005
You have to laugh, or else you'll cry...
If it wasnt so true, it might be funnier.
http://fide-o.blogspot.com/2005/09/in-n-out-worship.html
Blessings,
Dirk and Kathy
http://fide-o.blogspot.com/2005/09/in-n-out-worship.html
Blessings,
Dirk and Kathy
9/11/2005
Dirk's First Blog
Ah my first blog of this site. I used to think that blogs or what other names that they are called were.....well....stupid. But after becoming addicted to reading them, we decided to come up with out own. Here is what you might see from me on this blog.
1) Things going on in my life (I can sense your excitement already).
2) What I am reading for class, or does that fall under #1?
3) Possibly a paper or two from class....again is that #1?
4) Things in the culture and life in general that bother me and I feel that everyone should get my opinion on, dang #1 again.
5) Surprise topics
OK, OK, with all blogs you are going to get all about me and my thoughts. But that is ok :) I'm not that creative to come up with anything else.
We are also going to post some Links of other cool Blogs. Until then you can click on the links below to get them:
http://jimhamilton.blogspot.com/
http://fide-o.blogspot.com/
http://www.albertmohler.com/
I hope that these will bring some a few laughs, but more importantly challenge you in the things of God.
Kathy suggested that I let you know of what I read for class this week. I read a section from Torbets Baptist Heritage, Selections from Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Harlots of the Deserts (I don't recommend the last two for leisure reading), Romans 1-12, Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life (excellent book by Dr. Whitney that is also being done as a study through the Founders Ministry www.founders.org), and finally parts of World Christian Movements. All this on top of Hebrew homework and study for the Haggai Bible study sure made for a long week. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else though!
1) Things going on in my life (I can sense your excitement already).
2) What I am reading for class, or does that fall under #1?
3) Possibly a paper or two from class....again is that #1?
4) Things in the culture and life in general that bother me and I feel that everyone should get my opinion on, dang #1 again.
5) Surprise topics
OK, OK, with all blogs you are going to get all about me and my thoughts. But that is ok :) I'm not that creative to come up with anything else.
We are also going to post some Links of other cool Blogs. Until then you can click on the links below to get them:
http://jimhamilton.blogspot.com/
http://fide-o.blogspot.com/
http://www.albertmohler.com/
I hope that these will bring some a few laughs, but more importantly challenge you in the things of God.
Kathy suggested that I let you know of what I read for class this week. I read a section from Torbets Baptist Heritage, Selections from Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Harlots of the Deserts (I don't recommend the last two for leisure reading), Romans 1-12, Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life (excellent book by Dr. Whitney that is also being done as a study through the Founders Ministry www.founders.org), and finally parts of World Christian Movements. All this on top of Hebrew homework and study for the Haggai Bible study sure made for a long week. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else though!
pictures. because i can.
Awww, cute us. Dirk was bald for about a year, but it got a little drafty. This is right before he grew it all back.
This is a Scottish cow. They pronounce it "hairy coo" They are pretty cool. This one was kinda small. It was just hanging outside a castle. Sweet.
Where "dead dog stories" rest in peace. Ask Jenny.. Ah, good times.
That s about it for now.....
9/10/2005
Happy Birthday Dirk!!!
Today is Dirk's 26th Birthday!!!
He's OLD. Not me though. I'm only 25. Thats still mid-20's. Dirk, however, has moved into his late-20's .
This is Dirk is Scotland taking a break from the Holiday Club festivities. Those kids were great. I fitting tribute to him on his birthday.
So what's going on with us? Not a lot. We got up at 5:45 to do our long run this moring with the group, but Dirk was not felling so hot, so we crawled back in bed. Thats the beauty of only training for a half-marathon. We're about halfway to 13 miles in training and we still have 4 months before we have to run the Houston HP marathon. A week off won't kill us. PLUS, its his birthday, so if he wants to sleep in, he can. It will be nice when we get our saturdays back, right now our "sleep-in" day is Sunday because we dont have to be out of bed until 7:30.
WOW, we're old.
Teaching has been good. I really want my students to love history, but I guess I have to accpet the fact that I'm an idealist in that way. I guess I need to settle for them knowing that I love them--which should be the primary goal anyway. I just get so swept away in what I want them to know, and its kind of scary that I'm jacking with how they will perceive history as they go into high school. I still remember my 8th grade history teacher, so I bet some of them will remember me.
ANYWAY--We're going to the Cheesecake Factory tonight! MMMMMMGodiva Chocolate cheesecake gives me goosebumps. yummmmmmmmmmy!
Maybe one of these days Dirk will take a break from writing hebrew and will post something. I should post a picture of that--its crazy.
9/08/2005
A day in the life of...(dot, dot, dot)
Ok so I stole the name from a lame FoodTV show I saw ages ago. I'm just not that creative to come up with my own material.
Dirk and I love reading other people's blogs--we have many favorites, snd a few inspired us to come up with our own. I'm not sure that it will be as interesting as most, but if you're interested you can keep up with our oh-so-fabulous life. :)
Right now I should be downstairs reading with Dirk to lend moral support, but reading up on some friends got me distracted. I'll head down there in a minute to join him. While he's reading "Sayings of the Desert Fathers" or whatever it is for one of his classes, I'll bbe reading a biography of John Adams. Who knew his life was that interesting? Not me.
Well this entry is a trial run...we'll see how long it stays up.
Dirk and I love reading other people's blogs--we have many favorites, snd a few inspired us to come up with our own. I'm not sure that it will be as interesting as most, but if you're interested you can keep up with our oh-so-fabulous life. :)
Right now I should be downstairs reading with Dirk to lend moral support, but reading up on some friends got me distracted. I'll head down there in a minute to join him. While he's reading "Sayings of the Desert Fathers" or whatever it is for one of his classes, I'll bbe reading a biography of John Adams. Who knew his life was that interesting? Not me.
Well this entry is a trial run...we'll see how long it stays up.
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