Friday, February 01, 2008
It's February...
And you know what that means...a new blogger. That's right, someone fresh and new to add content to this site. Can you feel the excitement welling up inside of you? I certainly can't.
In any case, you're probably wondering who will be rambling to you about his problems this month. That would be me.
Random Biographical Information:
Name: Ben Cohen
Location: Delaware (the state...you know, between Maryland and New Jersey...)
Occupation: Making Fun of People
What I get paid for: Web Development/Design, and now Application and Database Administration
What I do for fun: see occupation
Education: MA, International Politics, University of Delaware
Age: 24
What I'm going to talk about:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben_Cohen/11306271
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bencohen
The Web (defunct): http://copland.udel.edu/~bencohen/
Normally I would rant about Microsoft/Yahoo, or maybe Exxon-Mobil, possibly the presidential primaries, but right now I'm just concerned with dinner...
Questions, comments, concerns? Reply to this post. If you have trouble with that, then E-mail!
In any case, you're probably wondering who will be rambling to you about his problems this month. That would be me.
Random Biographical Information:
Name: Ben Cohen
Location: Delaware (the state...you know, between Maryland and New Jersey...)
Occupation: Making Fun of People
What I get paid for: Web Development/Design, and now Application and Database Administration
What I do for fun: see occupation
Education: MA, International Politics, University of Delaware
Age: 24
What I'm going to talk about:
- Technology/the Tech industry
- Politics
- Grad School
- Ministry
- Working for Attorneys
- taking care of idgets
- random software problems that I run into
- other random things that pop into my head...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben_Cohen/11306271
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bencohen
The Web (defunct): http://copland.udel.edu/~bencohen/
Normally I would rant about Microsoft/Yahoo, or maybe Exxon-Mobil, possibly the presidential primaries, but right now I'm just concerned with dinner...
Questions, comments, concerns? Reply to this post. If you have trouble with that, then E-mail!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Snowy Farewell
My wish came true! A few inches of snow now covers the ground with more to come and school is cancelled for tomorrow! I'll be doing a little bit of housework and then trudging outside to a place called Serendipity for my favorite--ice cream. I've never been there before, but my best friend heard about the place and apparently, you can make your own ice cream flavors!
The month has come to an end. Thanks for keeping up with my life. February is now here and I'm looking forward to youth week, winterbreak, hosting a quiz tournament, and hopefully a trip home. Oh, and I did finally make a resolution...in the future, I will not become irritated when someone does not blog everyday--it's not as easy as it seems! It's been fun, and hey, everytime you see a bus of some sort, say a prayer in remembrance of me--we need one of those!!! Bon Voyage!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
The month has come to an end. Thanks for keeping up with my life. February is now here and I'm looking forward to youth week, winterbreak, hosting a quiz tournament, and hopefully a trip home. Oh, and I did finally make a resolution...in the future, I will not become irritated when someone does not blog everyday--it's not as easy as it seems! It's been fun, and hey, everytime you see a bus of some sort, say a prayer in remembrance of me--we need one of those!!! Bon Voyage!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
What Are We Teaching Them?
One of my students has lost his Bible (at home of all places). So today, I made the comment that he probably wasn't doing his daily Bible reading at home. He had a guilty face, but I also noticed that there were a lot of other faces in the class going, "We should be doing that?" So I asked the kids how many of them read their Bible each day at home and was shocked when only 4 out of the 13 said they did (only 2 out of my 6 UPC kids raised their hand). This brought about a big discussion of why we need to read our Bible outside of school and why it is important for the family to spend time studying the Bible together. Only 1 of my kids has daily devotions with their parent; 2 others said they get together usually once a week. He and his mom read their Bibles together every night and discuss it. I was in shock. I guess I just assumed that more people did this. I know my family didn't do them when I was growing up, but my parents weren't godly examples at the time either.
I guess it shouldn't be surprising considering that some would take the approach that I'm sending my kid to a Christian school so they should study the Bible while they are there. I wonder though how much of a difference it would make if those kids saw their parents reading their Bibles. I've always been intrigued by the people whose Bibles are well worn from use, have all kinds of markings in them...it shows me that they've built a relationship with their Creator. I've always been jealous of families that did have devotions together or of kids who could discuss spiritual things with their parents. I can only remember one time growing up that my mom got us together to pray and it was when my parents were talking about getting a divorce. I, being the smart aleck teenager that I was, replied, "Isn't it a little too late to pray now?" Of course, I knew it wasn't, but I still got up and walked out of the room. Because I kept all my thoughts inside in those days, I still have a hard time opening up when it comes to telling someone what I'm thinking in relation to God or His Word. It's strange how that little thing really impacted me.
All this to say, we should not be depending on a school, Sunday School, youth pastor, or the church to teach our kids the Truth. Those avenues should be supplementing what they are already learning at home.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
I guess it shouldn't be surprising considering that some would take the approach that I'm sending my kid to a Christian school so they should study the Bible while they are there. I wonder though how much of a difference it would make if those kids saw their parents reading their Bibles. I've always been intrigued by the people whose Bibles are well worn from use, have all kinds of markings in them...it shows me that they've built a relationship with their Creator. I've always been jealous of families that did have devotions together or of kids who could discuss spiritual things with their parents. I can only remember one time growing up that my mom got us together to pray and it was when my parents were talking about getting a divorce. I, being the smart aleck teenager that I was, replied, "Isn't it a little too late to pray now?" Of course, I knew it wasn't, but I still got up and walked out of the room. Because I kept all my thoughts inside in those days, I still have a hard time opening up when it comes to telling someone what I'm thinking in relation to God or His Word. It's strange how that little thing really impacted me.
All this to say, we should not be depending on a school, Sunday School, youth pastor, or the church to teach our kids the Truth. Those avenues should be supplementing what they are already learning at home.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Would You Like French Fries With Your Ministry?
I've often seen the argument on here of a Bible college education vs. a secular education, so I thought I would just add my 2 cents worth before my month is up.
I made the choice to attend Bible college after graduating high school. It was not an easy choice, but I knew it was the right choice for me. I say it was not an easy choice because I had a full ride to any other college I wanted to attend and knew that I was giving up some of what I had worked so hard for by making this choice. I also knew that my daddy was not happy with my choice (oh, how he changed over the next few years...he ended up loving the school and was excited when my brother came here). I also heard the standard statements, such as "You won't make any money. You won't get anywhere in life. You will get married. Your wasting your time, money, and education..." Blah, blah, blah!
First off, it needs to be realized that Bible college is not for everyone (just as Harvard, Wash U, Princetion, etc. are not for everyone). It also needs to be realized that the students who attend Bible college are still humans. Just because they decide to attend Bible college does not mean they are perfect and super spiritual. Many come for various reasons. There are those with a calling that they desire to fulfill and feel that this is the best avenue. There are those whose pastors and/or parents are worried because their kid is backslidden and/or doing things they shouldn't do, and they think Bible college will save them (oh, by the way, people who backslide in Bible college, my assumption is they would have backslidden in a secular school as well--it's not a reflection of where they choose to go to school, but rather where their heart is). There are some who come because parents are alumni (oh, sounds like a lot of other college students out there). There are a few that come to get married, but they aren't as plentiful as one might think. There are others who come because they are not sure what they want to do and are seeking direction. There are others who come because they want a biblical foundation. There are some who come because they met someone from the college who really impacted their life or they think the music is amazing or they want a good education. There are a plethora of reasons!
It also needs to be realized that a Bible college education is not an "end-all, be-all" to life. The quality of our education and our instructors is bar none. As Bible colleges push for accreditation, more and more colleges are accepting transfers from Bible colleges and/or placing Bible college graduates directly into their Masters programs. Also, you want to know what our students say when they go to other colleges..."It's so much easier (at the new school)." That's because we're not just giving some patty cake education. We're teaching many of the same courses that are necessary at every college in the country and we expect the best out of our students. We expect them to put forth effort. We expect them to write, use their brains, communicate effectively, research, and all the other things that other colleges expect. We set high expectations and work with each student to see them succeed in every aspect. Our students are going on to further their education. Some students choose to be involved in full time ministry; others do not. Either way is okay as long as you are doing what God has called you to do and you give it your best.
Some say that you won't make any money by going to Bible college. To this, I can't necessarily disagree. If you decide to go into fulltime ministry, you may not make as much as some others. I decided to teach in a Christian school the next couple of years and as a result, make half of what I would make in a public school. But I also choose to weigh the balances...I have half the number of students, nowhere near the amount of paperwork, less behavior problems, can talk about God in my classroom, can teach the Bible, pray, watch kids get the Holy Ghost...I'd rather have half the pay. I have everything I need in life and then some. Most of what we think we can't live without, we can, and a lot of times, you can have the stuff you just want even on a small budget. It's about setting priorities. There are others though who have only their Bible college degree and have done well (management positions, businesses, etc.). I think we often measure success by dollars and material goods and so we do not consider those who work fulltime in the ministry as successes. I think we forget that these men and women have taken time out to prepare themselves for the job/ministry that God has given them and that they are just as successful as the lawyers, doctors, insurance salesperson, business exec, etc. who have prepared themselves for their job.
"Time spent sharpening the sickle is never wasted." I will never look back on my Bible school years as a waste. I spent time studying the word of God in depth. I met friends that will last a lifetime. I went through trials that shaped me. I sat through classes that I loved and others that were just the opposite. Through it all, I learned about trust. I learned that if you are not strong before you get here, you will struggle. You need to be rooted and grounded before you arrive because it doesn't get any easier. In the words of our college President, "You only think you're tired now. It gets worse." I learned that I detest mixed vegetables, but I now like burritos, barbecue, various chickens, and even biscuits and gravy not made by mom. I think that no matter what you do in life or where you go to school, you should give it 100%. For some, God has placed them in Bible college. For others, God has placed you in secular college (and by golly, some of you will even be full time ministers--don't get me started on what I think of people who think you shouldn't be in full time ministry unless you have a Bible school education--I don't like that anymore than I like hearing that I've wasted my time at Bible school). Wherever God has placed you in life, fulfill that calling. Ministry isn't about what school you went to or who your daddy is. It's about giving yourself completely to God, letting Him take control and lead your steps, and being willing to follow Him. "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." Lean on Him and give it your best no matter what it is!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
I made the choice to attend Bible college after graduating high school. It was not an easy choice, but I knew it was the right choice for me. I say it was not an easy choice because I had a full ride to any other college I wanted to attend and knew that I was giving up some of what I had worked so hard for by making this choice. I also knew that my daddy was not happy with my choice (oh, how he changed over the next few years...he ended up loving the school and was excited when my brother came here). I also heard the standard statements, such as "You won't make any money. You won't get anywhere in life. You will get married. Your wasting your time, money, and education..." Blah, blah, blah!
First off, it needs to be realized that Bible college is not for everyone (just as Harvard, Wash U, Princetion, etc. are not for everyone). It also needs to be realized that the students who attend Bible college are still humans. Just because they decide to attend Bible college does not mean they are perfect and super spiritual. Many come for various reasons. There are those with a calling that they desire to fulfill and feel that this is the best avenue. There are those whose pastors and/or parents are worried because their kid is backslidden and/or doing things they shouldn't do, and they think Bible college will save them (oh, by the way, people who backslide in Bible college, my assumption is they would have backslidden in a secular school as well--it's not a reflection of where they choose to go to school, but rather where their heart is). There are some who come because parents are alumni (oh, sounds like a lot of other college students out there). There are a few that come to get married, but they aren't as plentiful as one might think. There are others who come because they are not sure what they want to do and are seeking direction. There are others who come because they want a biblical foundation. There are some who come because they met someone from the college who really impacted their life or they think the music is amazing or they want a good education. There are a plethora of reasons!
It also needs to be realized that a Bible college education is not an "end-all, be-all" to life. The quality of our education and our instructors is bar none. As Bible colleges push for accreditation, more and more colleges are accepting transfers from Bible colleges and/or placing Bible college graduates directly into their Masters programs. Also, you want to know what our students say when they go to other colleges..."It's so much easier (at the new school)." That's because we're not just giving some patty cake education. We're teaching many of the same courses that are necessary at every college in the country and we expect the best out of our students. We expect them to put forth effort. We expect them to write, use their brains, communicate effectively, research, and all the other things that other colleges expect. We set high expectations and work with each student to see them succeed in every aspect. Our students are going on to further their education. Some students choose to be involved in full time ministry; others do not. Either way is okay as long as you are doing what God has called you to do and you give it your best.
Some say that you won't make any money by going to Bible college. To this, I can't necessarily disagree. If you decide to go into fulltime ministry, you may not make as much as some others. I decided to teach in a Christian school the next couple of years and as a result, make half of what I would make in a public school. But I also choose to weigh the balances...I have half the number of students, nowhere near the amount of paperwork, less behavior problems, can talk about God in my classroom, can teach the Bible, pray, watch kids get the Holy Ghost...I'd rather have half the pay. I have everything I need in life and then some. Most of what we think we can't live without, we can, and a lot of times, you can have the stuff you just want even on a small budget. It's about setting priorities. There are others though who have only their Bible college degree and have done well (management positions, businesses, etc.). I think we often measure success by dollars and material goods and so we do not consider those who work fulltime in the ministry as successes. I think we forget that these men and women have taken time out to prepare themselves for the job/ministry that God has given them and that they are just as successful as the lawyers, doctors, insurance salesperson, business exec, etc. who have prepared themselves for their job.
"Time spent sharpening the sickle is never wasted." I will never look back on my Bible school years as a waste. I spent time studying the word of God in depth. I met friends that will last a lifetime. I went through trials that shaped me. I sat through classes that I loved and others that were just the opposite. Through it all, I learned about trust. I learned that if you are not strong before you get here, you will struggle. You need to be rooted and grounded before you arrive because it doesn't get any easier. In the words of our college President, "You only think you're tired now. It gets worse." I learned that I detest mixed vegetables, but I now like burritos, barbecue, various chickens, and even biscuits and gravy not made by mom. I think that no matter what you do in life or where you go to school, you should give it 100%. For some, God has placed them in Bible college. For others, God has placed you in secular college (and by golly, some of you will even be full time ministers--don't get me started on what I think of people who think you shouldn't be in full time ministry unless you have a Bible school education--I don't like that anymore than I like hearing that I've wasted my time at Bible school). Wherever God has placed you in life, fulfill that calling. Ministry isn't about what school you went to or who your daddy is. It's about giving yourself completely to God, letting Him take control and lead your steps, and being willing to follow Him. "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." Lean on Him and give it your best no matter what it is!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
"Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful"
We have had some crazy weather around here this week. Yesterday morning, it was 60 degrees outside. In the afternoon, we had thunderstorm and tornado watches out, hail falling, and then the weather dropped to the 20s and we had snow falling. Now, we're supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow evening. I'm dreaming of a white birthday with no school on Friday!
At work, we all joke about doing the snow dance. We've done it every time they even hint at snow, but as of yet, we have not been able to accomplish all of us doing the dance correctly which is one of the rules of the snow dance. Rule #268 is my favorite "you must wear Chicago Cubs paraphenalia while doing the dance...if you wear anything with the Cardinals insignia, it shall ruin the dance and you will not receive the desired snow". Since I work with mostly Cardinals fans, this is the reason for our failure to have a single snow day thus far. Some people out there need to change their allegiance tonight!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
At work, we all joke about doing the snow dance. We've done it every time they even hint at snow, but as of yet, we have not been able to accomplish all of us doing the dance correctly which is one of the rules of the snow dance. Rule #268 is my favorite "you must wear Chicago Cubs paraphenalia while doing the dance...if you wear anything with the Cardinals insignia, it shall ruin the dance and you will not receive the desired snow". Since I work with mostly Cardinals fans, this is the reason for our failure to have a single snow day thus far. Some people out there need to change their allegiance tonight!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Canadians' Revenge
So I get an e-mail Friday saying that everyone is going ice skating at the local mall that night since our Canadian friend is in town. Now, I don't skate. The nearest ice skating rink to my house when I was growing up was over an hour away. I have only been ice skating once in my life. I was 19 and was being escorted around the rink by an 8-year old and 9-year old. I made it around once before pride set in and I went to sit down! So when I received that e-mail, I automatically thought this is the Canadian's way of getting back at us for making fun of the way they talk. They don't know how to say "pasta" among other things and we have mocked them for the last couple of weeks (or the last however many years we have known the) and so now they are getting revenge by choosing to go ice skating. This just doesn't work with my plan and since ten years later, I still have some pride in me, I was just too tired to go and be made fun of!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Bible Teaching Challenges
Making the Bible come alive and be relevant to my students is always a challenge. Many of them find the Bible boring. They love acting out stories, but I don't want them growing up and thinking that the Bible is just a big game either. So instead of using the various curriculums that I've accumulated over the years, we started reading books of the Bible a chapter at a time to give the students the whole picture of what is happening. We started with the book of Esther and the kids really enjoyed that. We are now making our way through the book of Judges. The kids are amazed that the Bible uses some of the same language they use (i.e. Eglan is called a "fat man") and that people didn't go to jail for some of the things (i.e. Jael pounding the nail through Sisera's head). We are learning about some of the customs of that time to give us a deeper understanding of what we are studying. I've had the opportunity to work with several Jewish families baby-sitting (even at some synagogues) and learned quite a bit about their beliefs as a result. The kids seem to enjoy this and I enjoy listening to their discussions of why they think something happened and how it's relevant to their lives today. And now, we don't just get to the end of a story and we're done with it. They actually want to keep reading!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
