mathetes|μαθητής

I'm taking a class right now on the Pentateuch [first five books of the Bible] and I came across something in my reading that was so profound. To me, it fully captures the beautiful relationship that God wants with His people. It comes from a book called Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction by Lawrence Boadt.

"Berit [covenant] is a term so rich it captures the heart of Israel's religous befliefs: (1) they are bound to an unbreakable covenant-union with their God; (2) he has made known his love and his mercy to them; (3) he has given them commandments to guide their daily life; (4) they owe him worship, fidelity and obedience; (5) they are marked by the sign of that covenant-bond. The covenant created the unity of the nation Israel, based not on blood relationship but on submission to the divine will and the confession that he alone is God. In turn, God pledges himself to be Israel's personal protector and helper, not only against foreign enemies, but against sickness, disease, and chaos as well. Most of all, he will be present whether it is a time of prosperity or of failure, for he has laid claim to his people as his own. Yahweh is a personal God who demands personal loyalty. He gives no guarantee that his protective love and help always involves victory in battle, wealth in possessions, or increase of territory; it may at times include such gifts, but more often it describes the blessing that trust in the Lord will bring: freedom from fear in the promised land, the fruitfulness of children and crops, permanent peace and the joy of knowing God is near."

"A disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do."

- Dallas Willard

This is pretty stinkin' cool! If you like history, you will really like this. It is a map of who controlled the Middle East from 3000 BC to 2006 AD. You can find more timeline maps at http://www.mapsofwar.com

Well, I thought it was about time for a new look. This isn't exactly the look I was going for, but it is a change. After trying for a couple of hours to get the theme I wanted to work, I finally gave up and added this one.

It somehow erased my blogroll so I am going to have to add that soon. Too much work right now and I have already wasted enough time on it.

I promise to post soon! Life is busy...

I have never met anyone who actually enjoys going to the doctor. In fact, it is the exact opposite - we do everything we can to stay away. At least that's what I do. Despite this, I went to a Chiropractor today because I was experiencing severe neck/back pain. I found out that I have a pinched nerve and will not be able to compete in Sunday's triathlon, of which I have been training 3 months for. Though this is rather depressing, it is not the reason for this post.

I wanted to share my experience at the Chiropractor's office. Hands down it was the very best experience I have ever had at a doctor's office. A friend referred me to it and built it up quite a bit. Not that I was skeptical, but I didn't go into it thinking I was going to have such a positive experience.

So why was it so amazing? Here are a few reasons:

- When I walked in, the receptionist enthusiastically said "Hi, are you Jared?" (it was a nice personal touch and made a great first impression)
- After filling out my paper work, the receptionist then took me on a quick tour and introduced me to everyone who worked there - all were extremely friendly
- When it was time to meet with the doctor, he was interested in my back problem and was very thorough, inquisitive, and personable (I really got the sense that he actually cared about me and wanted me to get better ASAP)
- The doctor spent a lot of time with me taking x-rays, other tests, answering my questions, and giving me a plan to get me healthy (He left me feeling confident in that)

But that's not all. Just a little while ago the doctor left me a personal voicemail saying, "Hey Jared, this is Dr. Boch. I just wanted to make sure that you had a good experience with our facility today and that you felt cared for. I want to make sure that you are able to resolve your condition...We expect good things from you and hope nothing but the best. If you have any concerns please give us a call." I have NEVER received this from a doctor before. As far as I'm concerned, this doctor office is knocking it out of the park! It is so refreshing to know that there is incredible customer service and care out there. I actually can't wait for Friday - my next appointment :-)

If you need a Chiropractor you live in Mesa/Gilbert area, then I highly recommend you go here!

American Family Chiropractic and Rehab
Dr. Boch
3011 S Lindsay Rd, Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 726-2131
www.amfamchiro.com

"No matter how discouraged we get, God has not asked us to do the impossible."
- George Grace