Newness

    I wasn't expecting it, but I have been talking to God about it for a while. I mean, I love my life as it is, but I continue to believe there's more to come, so that's why I keep asking. So, it, all of a sudden, appears. It happens in a way I'm not expecting. It doesn't happen in the usual way, where you see the opportunity, or opportunities, out there in front of you, and you can reach out and take it, or decide between them. Instead, someone says to me, "Here it is, and you are it! Congratulations!" And my life takes a slightly radical swing away from the simple path it was on. Suddenly, once again, God moves me to higher level.

   So, God. What's next?

Forgive, but don't forget?

Someone famous once said, "Forgive them, but never forget their names." I don't believe that sentiment represents the teachings of Jesus, or his example.
Aluizio Vidal, who, is the pastor of Igreja Presbiteriana Gileade, in Porto Velho, was teaching about forgiveness, and he read the most famous part of the Bible about this subject, which is Jesus's discussion of the topic in Matthew 18:21-35. Really, you should read it. If you call yourself a Christian, then this is what Jesus said to do. Just do it.

Gun Violence?

A gun's a machine, it has no brain.
It doesn't cry or complain.
In my life there've been
A lot of guns
But I've never seen
The violent ones.

The mass media system, which I used to be a part of, has a way of perverting language by coining inflammatory expressions, like "gun violence." This term suggests that a thing can somehow be responsible for violence. It can not.

Ancient Religious Writings Not Relevant?

I have been thinking a little about some of the things my atheist friends have said or posted on the nets. Since I think arguing is pointless, I don't often respond to those things directly, preferring time to be the teacher. People's hearts, and opinions on these matters usually change slowly, and more often as a result of personal life experience than argumentation. However, there is one statement that I hear often, that I have never seen answered even to my satisfaction, so there is no wonder why it is often repeated by those who have not really thought it through. That is the assertion that the Bible is a set of 2000-6000 year old religious writings that have no relevance to modern societies.

It may be true that the Bible is a set of 2000-6000 year old documents, but, my so-called Atheist friends, please allow me to use that fact against you. Are you trying to say, that in the sum of your many years of existence, that you have accumulated more understanding of human behaviour than the 4000 years of observations recorded in the Bible? I think not.

While it may be true that you could demonstrate that human attitudes and behavior exhibit moderate differences between different cultures, in general, the ways people think and act, have not significantly changed through the course of human history. For example, we are still interested in reading other ancient writings that predate much of the Bible, such as the writings of  Greek authors like Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, because we can identify with the drama in them. Clearly, from the perspective of observing human behavior and psychology, the Bible is a worthy record.

Secondly, the Bible not only records the events, but also gives various perspectives on the same events, and demonstrates the real effects on society of specific human interactions.

16 Year Honeymoon

Time has past
so fast,
It seems  like only
yesterday,
I'm trying to say,
I still love you,
in the same way.
It was the love
of
Jesus
that put us
in the same space
and time,
Though you were from one place,
And I had mine.
His love grew in us like a seed
Planted before the need
Of the fruit that is here,
And now.
There is no fear,
'Cause we know,
how
our history
Will grow
into the future
That only He knows.
There are no doubts,
I still love you now, and until then.

- Daniel Conklin

Tablet computer a useful tool for teachers

I have noticed that almost all of the public speakers that I know use tablet PCs during their presentations. Many of the teachers I work with, and I, have them as well. This is not without good reason, because we have discovered that it is a great advantage to have this information power in the palms of our hands, when we are speaking in front of an audience.
We can also use them as multimedia tools in our presentations. I have used mine to play music during song class, and also have my reference books ( like my dictionary ) and other tools on it.
During my preaching at a recent church service, I used my tablet to control my presentation software on my notebook computer via a blue tooth connection using the  application BT Remote PC .  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.rozkovec.android

Getting ready for test week - a teacher's POV

I think I sometimes get more nervous for my students than they are for themselves. I don't like tests much because the results can be skewed by a student's physical, or emotional condition on the day of the test. The only solution is to be prepared as much as possible, and be confident. Confidence can be a much a factor as preparedness, so you need to psych yourself up and convince yourself that you know what is going to be required. As a teacher, I try to keep the atmosphere light during the exam, but I feel the pressure of the time requirements too. The main thing for my students to know is that I want them to pass - maybe even more than they do.

Travel Report - Florianopolis

Florianopolis, Brazil

 I spent two weeks on vacation here in March, and I recommend it to anyone who likes any kind of travel, because this place has everything. There are beautiful mountains that flow down into the sea. There are many, many beautiful beaches, each with it's own special qualities. There are Atlantic Forest preservation areas, and hiking trails. There is great shopping on the island side, and also on the mainland. There is always some kind of entertainment going on too. 

Praia Do Forte

Bridge

Cathedral