Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life is a riveting read on one of the most consequential figures of history. George Washington was an amazing leader in a pivotal time in history. He was truly "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Washington's leadership was marked by an overriding desire to do what was good for the country and to administer his role within the boundaries of the Constitution. As Chernow writes, "again and again the American people had entrusted him with power, secure in the knowledge that he would exercise it fairly and ably and surrender it … [Read more...] about George Washington
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Beautiful Poem on Psalm 23
I've been really enjoying The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson. It's a series of sermons Gibson preached on Psalm 23 which explore how Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, Companion, and Host. As a Shepherd, Christ provides for and leads His people. As a Companion, Christ is with us in our trials, our sufferings, and the valley of the shadow of death. As our Host, He invites us, and welcomes us, and "prepares us a table in the presence of our enemies." Here's a beautiful poem Gibson quotes in his book: The Lord my shepherd rules my lifeand gives me all I need;He leads me by refreshing … [Read more...] about Beautiful Poem on Psalm 23
Making standardized tests easier won’t increase their value
Making standardized tests easier won't increase their value: The previous version of the SAT featured reading passages that ranged from 500 to 750 words with multiple questions following each passage. But the new version has reading passages ranging from only 25 to 150 words, with just one question tied to each passage. The ACT has made similar changes: 44 fewer questions overall, a shorter test (125 minutes versus the previous 195 minutes), and more time per question. The ACT’s reading section is now 40 minutes long (previously 35 minutes) and has 36 questions (previously 40). It’s … [Read more...] about Making standardized tests easier won’t increase their value
Capitalizing on College?
Author Josh Brown has written a fascinating book on how higher education in the United States has shifted from "mission driven" to "margin obsessed." I recently had the chance to interact with him about his book. You outline four different strategies that private Christian colleges employ. Briefly, what are they? Each school creates different combinations of endowments and enrollment markets to financially sustain the school and its mission. I found four different approaches and a fifth that was starting to emerge. Briefly they were: Traditional – a college that expects students “to come” to … [Read more...] about Capitalizing on College?
Mary’s Heroism in “It’s a Wonderful Life”
George Bailey and Mary Hatch For those who enjoy the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life": Have you ever wondered about how Mary is portrayed in the alternate world in which George Bailey never existed? Bizarrely perhaps, she winds up an "old maid" - closing the library on Christmas Eve. Wouldn't she have married someone else and lived a great life? This essay examines that question, showing that Mary is the greatest hero in this story. Intentional, purposeful, and wise throughout, she makes George into the man he becomes. In his darkest moment, she’s what makes him want to live again. … [Read more...] about Mary’s Heroism in “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Zechariah, Mary, and Trust
For those of us following the Christmas story, we see an amazing pair of dialogues in Luke 1. Zechariah and Mary are each visited by the angel Gabriel. Each is told of a miraculous birth to occur. One will be John the Baptist, the other Jesus Christ. Each asks what sounds like a similar question. But Zechariah receives a rebuke and Mary sings a Magnificat. What's the difference? Z's question stems from a posture of distrust and Mary's from a posture of trust. There's a world of difference between How shall I know this? (Zechariah) and How will this be? (Mary). One says "I don't believe … [Read more...] about Zechariah, Mary, and Trust