James K.A. Smith ... makes a wonderful distinction between education as information and education as formation. ... Early on in the book [Desiring the Kingdom] Smith makes the vital point that education is about shaping desire, and not so much about dropping worldview modules into the brain, like they were so many wood pellets for that special intellectual stove of yours. What he calls shaping desire, I have called teaching students to love the standard.
--Douglas Wilson
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hidden in Christ
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
In Sunday School yesterday, John taught on Colossians 3:2 in a way that really brought it into focus. He emphasized that the earthly things that Paul is referring to are specifically the ceremonies and "good works" that a Pharisee would do to "earn" his right standing before God. The heavenly things, specifically, would be your identity in Christ. Setting your mind on heavenly things, on being "hidden in Christ" means grasping what it means to be justifed before God in Christ, totally accepted, given His righteousness that is outside of yourself. Hilda brought up the biblical metaphor of adoption and John jumped on it, saying that was exactly right. We are adopted by God, given His name, His righteousness, His lineage, even when we have not yet lived up to it -- just as an adoptive parent gives all that to the child. Then you live like a "Rabe" or a "James" because of that, because you remember that. Your identity yields your behavior. You do what you do, because you are what you are. But you are already, unconditionally "in" and that is what you focus on. Setting your mind on "doing good things" (earthly things) will only lead to Phariseeism and exhaustion, and doesn't please God. It leads to self-righteousness. Of course, Paul is very concerned for us to do good things--but he always makes that behavior the outcome of our new identity, not the basis of it, and in Paul's flow of thought, our focus on the theology of who God is, who we are, and what God has done for us will then yield the changed life and behavior. Setting your mind on what He has already done leads to humility and gratitude, rest and sanctification and greater faith in future grace. So the fight is in the mind, to be vigilant to keep thinking correctly. I so needed to hear that again and in this fresh way -- and it has given me such joy today.
In Sunday School yesterday, John taught on Colossians 3:2 in a way that really brought it into focus. He emphasized that the earthly things that Paul is referring to are specifically the ceremonies and "good works" that a Pharisee would do to "earn" his right standing before God. The heavenly things, specifically, would be your identity in Christ. Setting your mind on heavenly things, on being "hidden in Christ" means grasping what it means to be justifed before God in Christ, totally accepted, given His righteousness that is outside of yourself. Hilda brought up the biblical metaphor of adoption and John jumped on it, saying that was exactly right. We are adopted by God, given His name, His righteousness, His lineage, even when we have not yet lived up to it -- just as an adoptive parent gives all that to the child. Then you live like a "Rabe" or a "James" because of that, because you remember that. Your identity yields your behavior. You do what you do, because you are what you are. But you are already, unconditionally "in" and that is what you focus on. Setting your mind on "doing good things" (earthly things) will only lead to Phariseeism and exhaustion, and doesn't please God. It leads to self-righteousness. Of course, Paul is very concerned for us to do good things--but he always makes that behavior the outcome of our new identity, not the basis of it, and in Paul's flow of thought, our focus on the theology of who God is, who we are, and what God has done for us will then yield the changed life and behavior. Setting your mind on what He has already done leads to humility and gratitude, rest and sanctification and greater faith in future grace. So the fight is in the mind, to be vigilant to keep thinking correctly. I so needed to hear that again and in this fresh way -- and it has given me such joy today.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Nathan Wilson on Writing for Children
Over the weekend Nathan Wilson, author of the recently released The Chestnut King, wrote a playful piece about why and how he writes for kids. Here's a quote explaining why he intentionally does not shy away from difficult or dark themes:
I want to paint a picture of this world that is accurate (if impressionistic), and I don’t want a single young reader to grow up and look back on me as the peddler of sweet youthful falsehoods. I want them to get a world vision that can grow and mature and age with them until, like all exoskeletons, it must be cast aside—not as false, but as a shallow introduction to things even deeper and stranger and more wonderful (and involving more dragonflies).
It is because I try to write this way that I use so much darkness. Evil is more than a prop. True sacrifice is not a sleight of hand. Laughter in the face of adversity is the first step to profound joy in triumph.
I want to paint a picture of this world that is accurate (if impressionistic), and I don’t want a single young reader to grow up and look back on me as the peddler of sweet youthful falsehoods. I want them to get a world vision that can grow and mature and age with them until, like all exoskeletons, it must be cast aside—not as false, but as a shallow introduction to things even deeper and stranger and more wonderful (and involving more dragonflies).
It is because I try to write this way that I use so much darkness. Evil is more than a prop. True sacrifice is not a sleight of hand. Laughter in the face of adversity is the first step to profound joy in triumph.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday Ten
Thank you, God:
1. For the Schweitzer twins, healthy and beautiful, born today,
2. for God's sovereignty in Kristin's affliction,
3. for His great love for Mark and Kristin,
4. for their love and care for each other,
5. for His promise that the prayers of His people availeth much.
6. For all the promises we are finding and recording in I Peter
7. That my husband humbles and inspires me
8. For October 25th - the day John proposed to me.
9. That Leah's voice teacher quickly agreed to our request to sing a Christ-centered hymn after first saying that the recital could be secular songs only
10. For building godly character as John Jr. is forced to make close calls as an umpire
11. That my failing eyesight is a reminder that outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
12. That He has shown me so much grace.
13. For the upcoming Reformation Day Party
14. For two surprises: a home school discount on music lessons and an account credit from our dentist because the kids helped him make a video
15. For leaks and drips and so many things that need repaired -- reminding me that decay reigns on this earth, but that the One who changeth not abides with me.
JANUARY 22, 2010
I thank God:
1. That I still have 7 months with my son before he leaves for college and our family changes in ways I can only imagine. (Also that He promises that His grace is sufficient)
2. That my husband cares about the approval of God more than the approval of man
3. For Sewing Thursdays and how much they minister to me
4. For a pastor who has always had the heart of my children because they know he loves them
5. For my "strong oak" friends who challenge me to think beyond my own immediate circle
6. For the sweet and difficult questions that the children decided to ask during Children's Church, and for Leah's clear answers
7. For my mom who rescued another dog from the pound to give to my Dad for Christmas
8. For that exercising "high"
9. For a certain sense of completion and satisfaction regarding John's homeschooling and character, even though there are so many more things I want to read and learn with my son.
10. For providing the upcoming trip to NYC for our whole family to make a college visit and to celebrate Leah's 16th birthday. Praying for unforgettable vacation memories and discernment about the school.
11. The Schweitzer baby network, which led me to new friends whom I greatly admire and stirred fresh appreciation for the faithful, loving and reliable women of our church.
1. For the Schweitzer twins, healthy and beautiful, born today,
2. for God's sovereignty in Kristin's affliction,
3. for His great love for Mark and Kristin,
4. for their love and care for each other,
5. for His promise that the prayers of His people availeth much.
6. For all the promises we are finding and recording in I Peter
7. That my husband humbles and inspires me
8. For October 25th - the day John proposed to me.
9. That Leah's voice teacher quickly agreed to our request to sing a Christ-centered hymn after first saying that the recital could be secular songs only
10. For building godly character as John Jr. is forced to make close calls as an umpire
11. That my failing eyesight is a reminder that outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
12. That He has shown me so much grace.
13. For the upcoming Reformation Day Party
14. For two surprises: a home school discount on music lessons and an account credit from our dentist because the kids helped him make a video
15. For leaks and drips and so many things that need repaired -- reminding me that decay reigns on this earth, but that the One who changeth not abides with me.
JANUARY 22, 2010
I thank God:
1. That I still have 7 months with my son before he leaves for college and our family changes in ways I can only imagine. (Also that He promises that His grace is sufficient)
2. That my husband cares about the approval of God more than the approval of man
3. For Sewing Thursdays and how much they minister to me
4. For a pastor who has always had the heart of my children because they know he loves them
5. For my "strong oak" friends who challenge me to think beyond my own immediate circle
6. For the sweet and difficult questions that the children decided to ask during Children's Church, and for Leah's clear answers
7. For my mom who rescued another dog from the pound to give to my Dad for Christmas
8. For that exercising "high"
9. For a certain sense of completion and satisfaction regarding John's homeschooling and character, even though there are so many more things I want to read and learn with my son.
10. For providing the upcoming trip to NYC for our whole family to make a college visit and to celebrate Leah's 16th birthday. Praying for unforgettable vacation memories and discernment about the school.
11. The Schweitzer baby network, which led me to new friends whom I greatly admire and stirred fresh appreciation for the faithful, loving and reliable women of our church.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday Ten
I thank God, the Overflowing Fountain:
1. For the 5-year-old girl whose whole face was transformed with joy when I ended our Bible story by telling her about Jesus, our Rescuer. She then threw herself at me saying, "Oh,THAT was a beautiful story." Now that is the correct response to the Gospel!
2. For times when our children shine to the glory of God and we realize what a sacred trust God has given us.
3. Getting to see Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, who played the lead in the 1971 movie -- and, best of all, getting to watch Leah watch it.
4. For limited time and money because it forces us to prioritize what fills our days
5. For the horrible sinking feeling of a letter from the IRS and the wonderful feeling of an H & R Block tax preparer taking total responsibility for her error and making it right.
6. For God's protective hand over our finances. I noticed several unfamiliar charges on hold in our account. (A charge of .01 cent and then several random charges of $9.95 for things we would never order.) After talking with a friend who had encountered a similar scam, I cancelled the card and the charges were never taken out of our account.
7. For the Veritas Press Author's Study with Gene Edward Veith
8. For the refreshing power of sleep and laughter
9. That "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (Isaiah 40:29)
10. For coffee Thursday, or Saturday, or Sunday with my dearest friend
1. For the 5-year-old girl whose whole face was transformed with joy when I ended our Bible story by telling her about Jesus, our Rescuer. She then threw herself at me saying, "Oh,THAT was a beautiful story." Now that is the correct response to the Gospel!
2. For times when our children shine to the glory of God and we realize what a sacred trust God has given us.
3. Getting to see Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, who played the lead in the 1971 movie -- and, best of all, getting to watch Leah watch it.
4. For limited time and money because it forces us to prioritize what fills our days
5. For the horrible sinking feeling of a letter from the IRS and the wonderful feeling of an H & R Block tax preparer taking total responsibility for her error and making it right.
6. For God's protective hand over our finances. I noticed several unfamiliar charges on hold in our account. (A charge of .01 cent and then several random charges of $9.95 for things we would never order.) After talking with a friend who had encountered a similar scam, I cancelled the card and the charges were never taken out of our account.
7. For the Veritas Press Author's Study with Gene Edward Veith
8. For the refreshing power of sleep and laughter
9. That "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (Isaiah 40:29)
10. For coffee Thursday, or Saturday, or Sunday with my dearest friend
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