Council For Canon

I have always wanted to revisit my college Bible Introduction notes and book, but I never seemed to have the time. The course I took was incredible, taught by the man who wrote the book, Peter Wegner. I had questions about the Bible and how it got to us that actually were bothering my faith enough. Those questions were settled in that BI class. Well, as my prof. Guenter used to say, "The best way to learn something is to teach it." Now it is my job to teach the 6th graders how the Bible came to us, so I finally get to take the time to review my BI notes and book!

I decided to create a "Council For Canon" in which we as a class would examine all the books of the (Protestant) Bible and also the Apocrypha (because of some Roman Catholic background students in my class) and some Psudepigrapha (False Writings--like Book of Jubilee, 1 Enoch, 2 Baruch). We will even examine the "Gospel of Thomas" and ask why some of these books are not under the covers of "our" Bibles.

After one session of council with my 6th grade, I began to wonder if that was such a good idea. They all affirmed the 5 books of Law, but when we got to the Prophets (using the Hebrew order), four students put their thumbs down or to the side when we voted to affirm or deny. "OK, let's find out why you had your thumbs down. What evidence did not meet the criteria?" (I gave them the 5 points of criteria that the early church fathers used in their council). "Do you have additional questions?" Four students genuinely were not convinced by the evidence I had worked so hard to collect for them.


Last night I tossed and turned about the council. I had dreams about the class and even woke up at 1 am to pray about it. "Am I shaking their faith? Am I shattering their confidence in the Bible as God's Inspired Word?" Of course this was what I originally wanted--a challenge to their naieve acceptance of everything and a chance to teach them to think and evaluate evidence. Finally, during my prayers, God's Spirit quietly reminded me: "It is MY Word, and I will not let it return to me void." Yes! God is Sovereign over His Word! What was I taking the responsibility for?

Day 2 Council: I brought more evidence to the four young 6th grade men (and to the rest of the class). One of the four became convinced beyond doubt when I had them look up Matthew 5.17-18. One of the four would not vote and chose to pass. One of them finally conceded a piece of evidence that I could not bring, but he trusted me about. The fourth one just followed his friend in passing a vote.

I am GLAD they will not just vote like their friends! I am GLAD they chose to think about the documents. Now I just ask your PRAYERS that God will use the council to strengthen the faith of my students, and even bring some of the unbelieving to faith. If this is how they treat the prophets, what will they say about the General Epistles?! Oh, Lord, we claim your promise: "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and acheive the purpose for which I sent it." Is. 55.11

God Is My Strength

"O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress,
my loving God."
~Psalm 59.17

"The righteous cry out,
and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles."
~Psalm 34.17

Yes, I was sick the last couple days. It was not fun, but Nate has been true to his vows "in sickness and in health!" What a sweet husband he has been!

God has been so gracious to me and has restored my soul and my body. While I layed in bed sick and away from the classroom with my students I had a lot of time to pray and ponder. The above verses ministered to me as I asked God for healing in my weak body.

Sometimes you wonder why we get sick, but yesterday as God encouraged me from His word I actually reached the point where I could thank Him for the extra time I had to spend in prayer and in His Word. Now, granted, there were also times when I wanted to return to America and see my Mommy, but there were times of solitude and peace too.

That is what this waterfall symbolizes (also because I am thinking of my brother Daniel in South America!). God's peace is flowing through my soul like a river and waterfall. His joy gushes out of my heart and He has brought healing to my body. "O my Strength, I sing praise to you!"

Get well soon Honey Jessica!

Yes, it is true. My wonderful wife Jessica (who has written the majority of these blog entries so far) has been sick the past couple of days. Today, she is staying home sick, resting and on medication, mostly fighting a virus. She has been very weak the past few days and we pray that she will get better soon. I love my Jessica!
-Nate

Archeology Scavenger Hunt

"Class, I have hidden 16 items that represent the ancient writing materials the Bible was written on. You job as young archeologists is to go out to find them and then bring them back, sign your name and post it here on the board. But don't dig up any of the school's plants! GO!"

My 6th grade students excitedly ran out the two classroom doors to see if they could be the first one to find some stone, parchment, ostraca, papyrus, leather, parchment or other. I, as their teacher, had even more fun watching them search and discover my hiding spots! I did not make this easy but caused them to search for clues like true archeologists need to do.

As I was making this fun lesson plan I remembered how my mom once gave me a teddy bear scavenger hunt for my birthday, and I still remember it to this day. I thought, "Perhaps if I create a learning experience like that, they will remember what it is like to be an archeologist discovering important Biblical documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls!"

"I found the last one, Mrs. Becker!" Luke shouted from across the field as he ran back to the classroom. We took a crazy group photo as most archeology teams do after an important dig. Then I was most rewarded when Luke said, "Can we do this again tomorrow? That was fun!" I hope it was not only fun but a wonderful learning experience for them that we will continue to build upon in the coming days.

Christ Is Alive For Ever and Ever!

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter is my favorite holiday of the year. We get to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and his victory over sin and death. We get to sing His praises and read all the wonderful passages in the Bible that are miraculous eyewitness accounts of God’s power. One verse I never associated with Easter before really stood out to me today. Revelation 1.18 “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!”

It is hard to realize truly that Jesus was dead. In the Philippines on Good Friday it is eerily silent because most Roman Catholics believe that God is actually dead. Some even have a statue of Jesus that they put in a casket and proceed into church like a funeral. But we know that it is written, “Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again…but now he has appeared ONCE FOR ALL…to do away with sin” (Heb.9). He is alive forever and ever and He is coming soon!

Nate and I sang a special music in church today that I just loved to sing! It was “The Easter Song”—Hear the bells ringing. My favorite line is “The angel up on the tombstone said he is risen, just as he said. Quickly, now, go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!” Then as a postlude I was able to play the same melody on the violin as Nate accompanied me. I wish my mom could have been here to enjoy!

It was so precious after the service to hear a mother tell me: “My five year old daughter wants to learn the violin. She was outside playing on the swings, but when she heard you playing the violin she ran in to listen and just stood still watching you as you played for the Lord!” What a joy to share music with the little children and show them how they can worship Him too with instruments! Joy to the World!

Filipinos Crucified For Good Friday

I'm so grieved and shocked at the annual tradition here in the Philippines during Holy Week. Thousands of Filipinos celebrate Easter every year, with some penitents following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ even up to the point of being nailed to a cross. They do it to atone for their sin, but what they do not understand is that Jesus Christ already paid for their sin ONCE FOR ALL when He defeated sin and death and rose from the grave.

Following are some pictures and info from the BBC to give you a better idea what this tradition is like. Please pray that more will choose to celebrate Easter instead and put their faith in Jesus for salvation.

Real nails are used for the crucifixions though the devotees generally stay on the cross for minutes, not days.

Hooded flagellants mimic the crucifixion before whipping themselves with chains to absolve them of their sins.

A flagellant aims to share the pain of Jesus as he is beaten by a man with glass fragments embedded in a piece of wood. Being the hot, dry, summer season, the tropical heat of the sun relects the sweat and blood as they beat their backs to a bloody pulp with bamboo "cat-of-nine tails" whips. These whips are made from bamboo. They make barely visible slices across each other's backs with homemade glass disks made from coke bottles imbedded in wooden mallots.

Nine Month Anniversary

Yesterday, April 10th, was our 9 month anniversary! It has been the best nine months of my life! I praise God for Nate and I love him so much! People say it just gets better, so I can't even imagine!

I remember the year 2003 when I was a nomad wandering around the planet trying to find out where I was supposed to live and what I was supposed to do. God encouraged me at that time with the message from Habakkuk and even gave me a song:

Just wait and you'll be amazed
For I'm about to do
Something that you won't believe
Even if I told you
So just wait for it though it linger
Live by faith

I really felt I was in a valley and I didn't have any idea how God was going to answer the promise to that song in my life.

Then, as I was about to marry Nate on July 10th in the best year of my life (2005), I remembered the song suddenly. I thought about how God had brought me to the Philippines, given me a ministry of teaching that was perfectly suited to me and my gifts and education, given me joy and music to praise Him with, and given me a man better than I had even dreamed of. I thought about all this and suddenly the song came to me again:

"Something that you won't believe even if I told you."

Yes! Truly the Lord fulfilled His promise to me! My waiting has been fulfilled in the greatest joy of my life: ministering with and being married to my wonderful husband Nate. Thank You LORD! You have truly amazed me!

Students Write Their Own Psalm

My 9th grade OT students just handed in their Psalms project in which the last page was a Psalm they had written of their own. I was really impressed with how hard they worked on the project and I wanted to share one of my student's Psalms with you!

PSALM 151
A Psalm of Andrea. A lament.

God, you know how I am struggling.
I need you to carry me through this time.

Every time I have cried out to you, you have rescued me,
delivering me from my trouble.

You have never forgotten me.
Now, as I enter a new and uncertain time in my life,
I need you to be my comfort and my guide.

I know that you won't leave me,
and that I can always count on you to be my friend.

Please hear me and help me to feel your presence
every minute of my life.

You are my God, and I will be faithful to you
even when I face difficulties.

Thank you for being the most consistent friend I could ever have.
You are my Jesus!

HOMEWORK FOR MRS. BECKER'S BLOG CLASS: TRY WRITING YOUR OWN PSALM OF LAMENT OR PRAISE! YOU CAN POST IT IN THE COMMENTS SPACE FOR ALL TO ENJOY.

Are We Cheating Our Gifted Students?

As Jessica just wrote, we had a fubulous experience at the Teachers' Conference we attended in Manila. Several of the sessions I attended were related to music and/or dance, which were helpful. Two of the sessions, however, discussed the needs (emotional, social, academic...) of our gifted students. The arguments of the speaker were that gifted students are falling through the cracks in our schools and are not given the attention they deserve. We put lots of energy into the special needs' students (for good reason, of course, since they surely deserve all the love and help we can give them). But, in our focus and attention of the special needs students, we often forget about the needs of our academically gifted ones.

These two sessions on gifted students (one was called, "Why give 'more' to those who already 'have it already'?") greatly intrugued me and caused me to think back to my childhood and upbringing years. I thought about the factors, whether they were environmental or intra-personal, that caused me to pursue certain talents and academic subjects.

You see, we are all gifted in certain areas with the potential to do enormous things with that gift. But, it is only if/when we go through certain processes and developments that the gift evolves into a talent. Why did I pursue some gifts that I had the potential for but did not pursue others? Some gifts never ever became a talent for me--why?! It is very fascinating! Maybe it was environmental, outside conditions, like people in my life who either encouraged me or discouraged me to develop a gift. Maybe some resources and facilities/money were more available for me to hone/develop a certain talent where in other areas the resources were not available so the gift was never developed into a talent. Maybe it was the environment at home (whether negative or positive) that motivated me or discouraged me to develop the talent.

Perhaps the developmental factors in my upbringing years were more intra-personal. Was I internally embarrassed to develop a certain gift? Was I disciplined and motivated in one area more than another? Were there certain fears/anxieties in my heart that blocked me from developing the gift? Did I feel pride (in the positive sense) when I was able to accomplish and develop a certain gift? Did that motivate me to run to the limits and go all out? Or did I over-analyze what others might think and enslave myself to fear?


We know that many gifted students (students with high IQ's or with exceptional potential) often under-achieve and "dumb-down" in their education because they are not challenged enough and can get away with mediocrity. These gifted and naturally intelligent students are our possible future leaders and world-changers, so why do we not better invest in their individual needs to excel to their fullest potential?! Instead, we often allow them to slide through school as average students never ever to realize their full potential. We probably do this because we can get away with it--they won't fall behind, but though won't excel to the heights either.

The speaker also discussed emotional and social issues that gifted students experience because of their differences--we need to meet those needs as well.


A huge argument of the session was for acceleration and/or enhancement of academically gifted students--this is, of course, a major issue in educational circles. The speaker argued that if we accelerate and give special attention to naturally gifted athletes and musicians (by putting them on the varsity teams and having them start in the varsity games, playing them against teams of equal ability, teaching them private music lessons and providing extra music contests and clinics for the talented musicians), why don't we do the same thing with those who are gifted in academics, like the Maths, Sciences, languages, humanities (I realize that we already do this a little but perhaps not enough). These could be our future Einsteins and Ronald Reagans but instead might fall through the cracks if we don't seek them out and meet their needs.

Of course, sports and music seem to be more accepted areas of excellence in the peer-culture of our students (you are practically worshipped if you are a sports star in your school), whereas excellence in academics such as poetry, writing, the Maths and Sciences, and logic are sometimes viewed in a negative light (a students risks being called a nerd or a brain if he excel academically). We as teachers, parents, and adults need to praise academic excellence as much as we do in the sport and music worlds.


Allow me to close with the end of a paper that our Keynote Speaker had written: "If we deny gifted children the right to optimal development of their potential we are not only violating the principles of equity by denying them what Beazley (1984) called 'the courtesy and grace of an appropriate education', but we are failing to provide, for the generation following, the national resource of developed intellectual talent which is essential if our nations are to survive, and grow."

Fabulous Teachers Conference In Manila

We just returned from a fabulous four days in Manila, where we attended a teachers’ conference for international schools. There were about 1200 teachers and administrators attending the conference from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. It was incredible to learn from our fellow international teachers and hear about their experiences in other countries.

We learned so much, we cannot even remember all of it, let alone share it with you. We sharpened our teaching skills through ten workshops, sessions and three keynote speakers. Nate took some classes on music and dance in the classroom, so I couldn’t pass up joining him for the social dancing 101 class! I also learned a ton about technology in the classroom, drama, social behaviors of girls and learning issues for the gifted student.

In addition to all this wonderful learning, we enjoyed many cultural dances put on by the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Bayanihan. Our eyes were glued to the stage as we watched the beautiful cultural dances and costumes and listened to the live Filipino music. They may be coming to the U.S., so check out their website for events and shows.

My final favorite part of this conference was the dates Nate and I enjoyed while we were in Manila. I had been missing America, so we of course had to stop at the California Pizza Kitchen for a Friday night date. Nate bought me a rose for our outing and we just talked excitedly for hours about all we had been learning.

We also were invited to a fancy dinner on the last night of the conference in the beautiful five-star hotel where it was hosted. We enjoyed dressing up and feasting followed by a lovely dance, where we put into practice the steps we had learned in class.

Our last date was this morning at Starbucks with our friends, Dan and Ellen. We finally got together with them for a double-date after having met them at training in the summer of 2004. In Manila there are 47 Starbucks Cafés whereas in our city there are none. We enjoyed our fellowship and frappuccinos until finally I got America out of my system and I was ready to fly home. What wonderful blessings the Lord has lavished on us!

Nate Places Third in 3K--Track & Field Day

We’ve got to get to the airport in about 30 minutes to fly to a teacher’s conference in the big city. Before we go I have to tell you about track and field day! If you look at the previous posts you will see that we had the last one cancelled due to a tropical depression and loads of rain! Today was sunny and hot, a great day for this community and school event.

Nate and I decided to join the yellow team and run the 3K first thing in the morning. We had to run through the gate, down the road, past the Filipinos in their neighborhood, into the cemetery, up the hill, around the bend, up the hill again and back down to return the way we came. Then as people cheered us on we had to run through the hands giving us “five” and to the track where we would complete one lap and finish.

Nate was competing with the young guys and came in a great third place with a time of 11:19. I, on the other hand, actually finished in 20:25 because I had not trained. I thought I was last with the two fourth graders, but I later heard there were some little kids behind me. So at least Mrs. Becker didn’t get beat by ALL the kids. I ran just to get some exercise and a wake up call for how hard it is to run up hill in the heat! Whew!

My goal was to finish even if I had to walk. My inspiration was my sister who, when living on the Arctic circle in Alaska, raced on the arctic tundra. She was taken by helicopter out to a random place and then told that there would be money for the first three places. She had her feet sticking in the mud and she was exhausted. She didn’t think anyone was behind her. Sarah had to walk or run to get there, but she was determined to finish. Little did she know she ended up getting third place and $100! Sarah, thanks to your inspiration and determination I was able to finish this 3K race today! Congratulations to Nate who placed 3rd in the 3K! Yay, Honey!

Tame Your Tongue

Just yesterday two of my sixth grade girls got in a big (middle school size) fight because they were calling each other names. I was there to mediate and talk one-on-one to the leader, and I have been praying that they will continue to grow in character and in Christ.

It just so happened that Nate would be speaking this morning about James 3, where it talks about the deadly poison the tongue can spread. I decided to re-write a song I once learned about the tongue to try to teach my girls to watch their words, which can harm the other person. Here’s a sample of the verse I dramatized during chapel with the girls in mind:

“What’s that you called me? At my feelings you’re pokin’?
Well, you’re just dumb, and you’re too outspoken.”
Now she’s crying and her heart is broken,
But I said I was only jokin’
Then someone with the love of Christ
Stood in front of my face
She said, “Watch your mouth, preserve your life”
And she put me in my place….
You’ve got to tame your tongue…(the song goes on)

Nate did such a great job of dramatizing from memory James 3 and then preaching a great message about the tongue. We just pray that the students (and us!) will continue to follow God’s Word in being careful with words.

Proverbs 13.3 “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Creation of Contrasts

Here we are in the Philippines! It is hot, sometimes rainy, but usually sunny. It is green and blossoming. In just a few weeks (around Easter to be exact) the sun will be directly over our heads at a 90 degree angle.

Here is my Grandpa's photo from today in Nebraska. What a contrast! What a white world of snow that I miss! I think of the Psalm 147.16 "He spreads his snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes." What a creation of contrasts God has made! I called my mom today at 10:30 am and for her it was 8:30 pm. Wow, God is creative.

I put these photos on here partly so I could look at them anytime I want (since I know many of you have already seen these photos), but I also want to compliment the wonderful photography of my Grandpa and my uncle Keith (see link to left). Truly we have quite a talented family! Well, I'm off to my Cebuano lessons (Maayong Gabii-good night...or for you it is day now!)

Happy Birthday, Micah!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICAH!

Today is my brother, Micah’s, golden birthday. That means he is 19 on the 19th! I miss him lots and want to attribute a blog in honor of his birthday!

At our church we have a special offering for people whose birthdays are in that month. The birthday celebrants can give an extra thanksgiving offering to the Lord in gratitude for their life. Today I gave an offering to celebrate Micah and to give thanks to the Lord for him.

Here is a picture when Micah and Nate first met this summer before our wedding. Micah was so welcoming of Nate into our family! We got to hang out a lot this summer playing games and going to Daniel’s baseball games. Wow, I miss those mems!

I wonder when the last time I was there to celebrate your birthday with you, Micah. I was in Canada for most of your recent birthdays and in the Philippines these last two birthdays. If I were with you and Kimberly (who I think you are now celebrating with) I know that we would have a big party for you and we would probably go out to eat at one of your favorite restaurants.

Here is a photo for you to imagine it--all of us together for your birthday! I praise God for you and I love you, Micah! Happy Birthday!

All-Day Bike Ride In the Rain

We woke up at 5am to get a good start for our all-day bike ride, but when I listened to the sound on the roof I said, “What is that sound?!”

Nate said, “It’s rain, Babes.”

I asked my adventurous husband, “What do you want to do about that rain, Honey?”

He gave a witty reply, “Well, neither of us is the wicked witch of the west, so we probably won't melt!”

I was going to show my husband just what a trooper his lovely wife could be! I got out the blue emergency ponchos and decided not to worry about my favorite pair of running shoes. I wrapped everything, including the camera, in plastic ziplock baggies, and off we rode on our bikes into the pouring rain at about 7:05am.

At first I thought, “Wow, this rain actually cools us off a bit. I guess it’s better than being in the hot sun.”

We raced tricicabs, jeepneys and busses through the wet streets of the city for over an hour. At about 8:30am we stopped in a small local bakery for a snack. When the owner found out where we had just ridden our bikes from he was surprised at these crazy foreigners who were riding so far in the rain!

After another hour of riding, my bum had become bricks and my thighs were pillars. My soggy jogging shoes each held about 1 2/3 cups of rainwater. My cold bare legs were no longer cheerful about the non-stop tropical rain. Would I be able to keep up with my strong, athletic husband?

Every kilometer my knees grew weaker. I didn’t think I could turn the pedals one more time. The gap between me and Nate increased, and my speed decreased. Soon we had to make another stop inside a half-completed barn where the animals kept dry from the rain. Again the locals peeked out their windows and smiled at us wondering what we were doing out in the rain!

Finally we rolled into the next city after riding in the constant rain for a total of 50 kilometers. We ate lunch at Chow King, where I actually got to use a hot hand-dryer to warm up my pickled feet. I didn’t want to leave, and I didn’t think I could ever make it back home the same way we came, but I knew I would at least try.

I tried, and I failed. Actually my knees failed. I had the cardiovascular endurance to go home, but my knees would not take me one more kilometer. As we rested under a shelter we decided that we would try to flag down a truck to take us back home. It was our first time hitchhiking, but we knew it would work in this culture.

Eventually some guys, who had been watching us nearby, approached us to help. I’ve learned that is the key to doing things—ask the locals to help. They flagged down a bus for us, loaded our bikes, and waved us goodbye as Nate tipped them.

I was so glad we took that bus home! I know I whimped out on Nate, but I didn’t think that I could stick it out just “for fun.” Nate was so loving and understanding as he gave up his plans to care for my weak body. I was glad to know that I was able to keep up with him for 66 kilometers (about 45 miles?), but I don’t think I will be going on any all-day bike rides again anytime soon, especially in the rain!