Why?

I have been studying Hebrews this summer. Hebrews has always been a book that I don’t really get. Well, that is slowly changing. Yesterday I was reading in Hebrew 5:1-10.

1Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

4No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. 5So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.[a]"[b] 6And he says in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."[c]

7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The Bible study had us look up when Jesus cried and prayed in Matthew. In Matthew 26:39 Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.' ".His Father’s answer was no, you won’t have this cup (your impending death by torture) removed. But, you will rise again. Jesus who was with His Father in the Creation of the earth, who is capable of destroying the earth, let a mob of people take Him from His disciples, abuse Him, falsely accuse Him, and murder him slowly all the while choosing to be obedient to His Father’s will. He had the power to wipe out mankind, yet He chose not to. Just think about that for a moment. Jesus had the power to do as He pleased, yet He chose to be submissive to His Father. Jesus knew what was coming, yet He didn’t fight back. He could have called down legions of angels, yet He didn’t. Why?
I have my own ideas, but I want to know yours.

More Photos from Vacation

These are some flowers at Aunt Marcie's.

Aunt Marcie took Sherry and I for a walk. My goodness it sure is gorgous there with all of those trees everywhere. I do know why it is so green there. We had a couple of thunder storms. They were cool to be in, but I wouldn't want to teach in them:)

This tree is called a Tri-Color Beech Tree. It was donated on Arbor day 2008.

Aunt Marcie took Kyle, Sherry, Perry, and I on a train trip that began in Essex. We got a wonderful history lesson and then when on a steam boat on the Conn. River. Later we went to Gillette's Castle. He played Sherlock Holmes for 33 years.
link to the castle

When we first got to Connecticut I noticed the train station ceiling. I wonder how many people have missed this beauty because they were so focused on going some place.

The Love Dare

Kyle and I watched Fireproof some months ago. Since then we picked up two copies of the book The Love Dare. I'd highly recommend both. Kyle and I each have our own copy since there is space to journal after each of the forty days. Each day has a couple pages with food for thought and then there is a love dare for each day tied to the food for thought.

So, on day 3 I read about selfishness. To work on not being selfish you are to go and buy something for your spouse. In premarital counseling I read The Five Love Languages. They are quality time, touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, and gifts. My least was to feel loved is by gifts. Yes, I do like them. In fact they can make quite an impression on my when I'm not expecting them. Say, for example, the meals that the Bahers and Whites have shared with me when they knew I was having a hard time. That speaks volumes. Anyway, it is hard for me to buy something for someone when there isn't a purpose. Okay, so I know that I was to buy out of love, but the practical side of me had a hard time. I wondered through Target for quite some time looking at shirts, cds, aisles of crafts, pictures, party favors, coffee, cards, and finally success with the inspiration to search for black licorish. I didn't find said licorish, but I did find some fabulous trail mix on the way. I also picked up a card to tell of my Target journey, because there was a lot of love in wondering for that long in search of a perfect gift.

As it turns out, the trail mix was truly a tummy savor. With our flights the way they were to New Jersey, we would have been starving had it not been for Chunky Monkey trail mix!

On my mind

I have a math conference next week. I am to read this book called The Teaching Gap as a prereading activity. I'm still in the preface. I'm having a hard time with it because so far it has done nothing to encourage the current teacher. So far I get the feeling that no matter what is going on in your classroom, it doesn't compare to what is going on in Germany and Japan.
I'm reminded of the something my dad says, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." Which means I'm having a hard time "enjoying" this book since I feel like I'm being washed in vinegar. They are trying to make a comparison between teaching and the teacher and that it is the teaching that needs to change. They realize it is hard for US teachers to decipher between the teacher and the teaching. I'd have to say that I agree. A lot of teaching is tied to the teacher.


Update:
I'm done with the first chapter. It is getting a little better.

From our vacation

Where the light is located is where the Boston Massacre happened.

Sherry really liked this flowers.

Isn't this building cool looking!!! I think it is currently a hotel if I remember right.

Here we are at Yale.

Kyle and I in the Central Market in Boston. It was created in August of 1826.