Sok is dead

Sok was a wary soul.
Spending time amongst those of previous generations, he witnessed an acting out of the faith. It disturbed him, and he cautioned against becoming as they were: functioning Christians who partake in the activity of the faith but do not live in a manner of the faithful.

"My prayer, O Lord, is that I never become as they are..."

The foolishness of Sok was to misunderstand the path leading from one who is laying down before the living God Jehovah to one who does as Christians do (when in Rome...). It is not the path of overt decisions against faith; rather, it is the path of daily living, of small decisions unnoticed and the rare large decision rationalized. We end up where we are walking, even in this occasion, without realizing we were on the journey.

"...if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?"
[matthew]

Sok is dead. Alan, who is Sok, is a bit shocked to realize it.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love... even when we were dead in our sins, made us alive with Christ"
[ephesians]

Maybe God will see fit to perform one of those acts He seems so very dedicated to: the resurrection of who He made me to be.

Abide in Me, and I in you... he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit... by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples."
[john]

We talk big, and walk small, and the world has found us out.

death of a niceman

As I have opened up to realizing and acknowledging the 'spot' that I am residing in at this moment in life, with a general pervading of unhappiness not common in my nature, I see how seeds of cynicism have taken root - I am wholeheartedly halfhearted about it.
I was not then as I am now.
October last we had friends of the past six years over for lunch - a group who have known and traveled with me in my adult-adult years. An honest, unpretentious comment casually forwarded in response to me cavorting in favor of my gentleman nature: I am not a nice guy. Cutting me 'to the quick', I did not know how to respond. My friends were honestly assessing me: I was not who I fancied I was. More accurately, who I remembered myself to be.
I was once one of the nicest guys people knew. A ridiculous statement, to be sure, but factually accurate. Maggie married him, not me.
The observations were not made with venomous intent, but I was shamed. The little Jesuses of my daily life, my wife, my children, my friends, neighbors, coworkers... they share space with one who has lost his generous smile and humble nature. Maggie says that my actions were still right by God, but my eyes were opened to the wake of my words and tones heaved upon others. The quick-witted leader may have followers and evoke laughter, but does not honor God or His creation with the enormous respect they both deserve. Plead to God, plead for His forgiveness. 'Restore us, Elohey Tzebaoth, make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved' (psalm80).
It is dangerous folly to rest ourselves in the knowledge that any particular aspect of our Character is complete. Rather, we continuously remake ourselves through our daily living. It may be that I learned that in October, and that God began something in me that day which has stripped me of my pretense and replanted a Christian tenderness towards others once in bloom within me. With God's help, I may yet be saved from the curmudgeon.

Fifty Years of Math in the USA

1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it is ok.)

6. Teaching Math In 2009
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?