Prof. Horner’s Bible Reading Plan Spreadsheet

Prof. Horner’s Bible-reading Plan

Ray Stevens – We The People

A Praying Life by Paul Miller

In my effort to improve my prayer life I have begun to read A Praying Life by Paul Miller.  So far I have read the forward, Introduction, and the first two chapters.  I was not really sure what to expect with this book but I have been pleasantly surprised so far.

What is interesting is that in the first two chapters, Miller sets the scene by very accurately describing the problems people have when they pray.  A couple times I actually felt like I was the one he was writing about.   At one point in Chapter 1 (page 14) he says:

The most common frustration is the activity of praying itself.  We last for about fifteen seconds, and then out of nowhere the day’s to-do list pops up and our minds are off on a tangent.  We catch ourselves and, by sheer force of the will, go back to praying.  Before we know it, it has happened again.

This happens to me all the time and it always makes me feel inadequate.  It is very frustrating.  I feel like I am spinning my wheels and I can’t understand why I have such a hard time concentrating.  Am I the only one this happens to?  As a result, my prayer time gets easier and easier to skip.  I know I need to pray I have a resistance to actually doing it.  On page 15, Miller says :

Praying exposes how self-preoccupied we are and uncovers our doubts.  It was easier on our faith not to pray.

This is shocking but exactly true.  I had not considered this but as soon as I read it I thought how much sense it makes.  This is a true description of what I have experienced.

I am looking forward to reading more of this book.  The next section of the book is entitled “Learning to Pray Like A Child”.  It appears to be a book that will be very helpful to me personally in my prayer life.  I bet it could be for you also.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment and share your thoughts.  I would be interested in reading what your impressions are and if the book helped you improve your prayer life.

The Socialization Myth Again Proven False

I just read this story published at the Home School Legal Defense Association website that addresses the socialization critique of homeschooling. Another study has been done and it completely destroys the myth the home schooled children suffer from not being “socialized” and will not be able to function in society once they become adults.

In my personal experience this is still the number one comment we get when people find out that we home school our children.  It may take different forms but it is still the same objection.  My response is always the same.  It is our responsibility as part of our homeschooling to make sure that our children know how to function in society.  The academics are just one part of homeschooling.  I also like to point out that most of the “socialization” that kids get in the public school setting is negative and that most parents have to spend time trying to correct it.  This is a battle that they will lose in most instances.  When kids spend that much time with their “peers” their parents cease to be the primary influences in their lives.   So we then have to ask the question:  Do we really want our children to be “socialized” according to society’s standards?

Think about it………

WHAT IS GOD’S GLORY?

Have you ever been asked this question or have you wondered yourself?  We all talk about God’s glory but it is hard to define or explain.  No longer.  John Piper has addressed this issue.  Click here to read his explanation.  The short answer is

So God’s glory is the radiance of his holiness, the radiance of his manifold, infinitely worthy and valuable perfections.

It will only take a couple minutes to read his whole explanation so I would encourage you to check it out.  It is my guess that many of you will have the same reaction that I had.  After I read Piper’s explanation my thought was “Yea, that is it.  Now why didn’t I think of that myself.“  Now the next time the question comes up I will have the answer.

Do you have a different explanation to the question?  Share it with us and we will discuss it.

John Piper On “Why We Love The Doctrines Of Grace”

In this short post Piper gives us a great deal to contemplate.  If you hold to the Doctrines of Grace (Reformed Theology or Calvinism, if you prefer) then this post really helps put what we believe in perspective and does it in a succinct manner.  If you do not hold to the Doctrines of Grace, this post should give you some things to ponder or contemplate.  As you consider this, turn to the Word of God and see what it says.  I encourage you to do so.  It will be time well spent.

2009-2010 TN Vols Basketball Schedule

Here is a link to a printable schedule.

Click Here

2009-2010 Lady Vols Basketball Schedule

Here is a link to a printable schedule.

Click Here

I Have Been Interviewed

I have been interviewed by my friend Brett concerning my use of Prof. Horner’s Bible Reading System.  You can read part 1 here and part 2 here.  I have been using the system for a little over 100 days now.  If you are interested, go and read the interview and let me know what you think.

Comparing Presidents

A picture is worth a thousand words!!