Monthly Archives: February 2012

Monthly Archives: February 2012

Wimps of the Bible: Jacob (part 2)

Posted on February 29, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Wimps of the Bible | Leave a comment

While we’ve focused mainly on his interaction with his brother Esau, Jacob’s life shows that there is a lot we can learn about consequences…. God has a plan, he doesn’t need our help to make it work.  When Jacob was born, it was revealed to Rebekah that he would be the leader of the family.  Instead of trusting God and letting this prophesy come to fruition on its own, the two of them scheme to force it.  The result?  Jacob … →

Wimps of the Bible: Jacob (part 1)

Posted on February 26, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Wimps of the Bible | Leave a comment

Today’s wimp is a key figure early in the bible: Jacob.  Jacob’s life is covered in 25 chapters in the book of Genesis (Genesis 25 – 50).  That is major coverage for a man who was a thief, a liar, a coward and caused dissension among his children by openly showing favoritism.  But perhaps that is why his life story is covered in such great detail.  Jacob has many of the character flaws that we experience today and yet God … →

The Religion of Self

Posted on February 22, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Book Review | 4 Comments

Lately I’ve been reading a book called The Third Basic Instinct: How Religion Doesn’t Get You by Alex Keys.  I started reading it because I thought it was a book about Deism.  Dictionary.com gives the following definitions for Deism: 1. belief in the existence of a God on the evidence of reason and nature only, with rejection of supernatural revelation 2. belief in a God who created the world but has since remained indifferent to it. I am fascinated by the concept … →

$5 Can Go a Long Way

Posted on February 19, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

Poverty is defined “as the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions” (Wikipedia.com) .  For 2011 in the United States, the poverty guideline for a family of 4 is $22,350.  That equates to $1862.50 a month (before taxes) for food, clothing, shelter, insurance, transportation and all the other stuff goes with life.   Many of these families use public assistance – aka welfare – to help make ends meet. Many children of … →

Can’t is a Bad Word

Posted on February 16, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

My students today really frustrated me.  We started a new project.  It is going to be a very challenging project.  It has many sections to it and involves a convergence of several topics that we have covered over the entire year so far.  The project will take about 2 weeks straight and at the end either it works or it doesn’t.  Being the nice teacher I am, of course I will give them some partial credit if, after much trouble … →

Just Wanna Say….

Posted on February 13, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Feel the Music | 1 Comment

We did a flash mob dance to this song yesterday at church (Compass Community Church).  It was a lot of fun!  About 15 of us got in front of the church dancing while several people in the audience stood, rocking it out at their seats.  What an amazing worship time!   I can’t believe there are denominations of Christianity who find dancing sinful.  2 Samuel 6:14 says “He [David] danced in the sight of the Lord with all his might.”  … →

Christian Chameleon?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

Today’s post isn’t any special insight or great “Aha” moment on my part.  In fact it will probably read as somewhat incomplete because it’s a topic I’m still chewing on.  But if you have any insights to share, please do…. Recently I’ve been reading the book of 1 Corinthians.  The Apostle Paul has a lot to say about Christian living and church relationships in this book.  It is in 1 Corinthians that we find advice about sexual immorality, marriage, spiritual … →

You Do You.

Posted on February 7, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

In case you’ve forgotten (or never knew), I teach high school.  Yes I purposefully choose to spend my day surrounded by teenagers.  One neat part about working with teenagers is that you are constantly – whether you want to or not – being educated on the most recent and common slang terms and phrases.  One particular phrase that I’ve grown fond of is “Let me do me and you do you.”  It’s refreshing to see that at fifteen and sixteen … →

Parable of the Sower

Posted on February 5, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

In Matthew 10 we hear the parable about the sower…. 1 That same day Jesus left the house and sat by the Sea of Galilee. 2 Large crowds gathered around him. So he got into a boat. He sat down in it. All the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things by using stories. He said, “A farmer went out to plant his seed. 4 He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on … →

Keep it in perspective

Posted on February 2, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

Earlier this week I went to the dentist.  I absolutely hate going to the dentist.  It seems like everytime I go there is something wrong.  I’m surprised I’ve never off the metal detectors at the airport I have so many fillings in my mouth.  And this trip was no different.  Apparently one of my older fillings is failing.  The dentist recommended I get it replaced with a ceramic filling.  The price tag: $900….ouch.  Fortunately insurance will pay for over half … →