Update

My first semester has just finished and I have returned from a two week break. During my two week break I visited YWAM Salem, OR with one of my faculty tutors. He spoke on biblical worldview while I had the privilege of some great downtime and fun with YWAM DTS students! Also, I got to visit my family in california. Woohoo!!!

Now, the mathematics module has begun and I am excited to say that I am not overwhelmed yet. The area of mathematics has a long history within my family. My dad's side were all mechanically inclined. My aunt was actually a math professor. That particular trait is not as, shall we say, cultivated in my particular case. In other words, its hard!

This module is broken into two concurrently running classes. One is a philosophy of mathematics. The other is a self-study of mathematical skill sets: essentially, "traditional" math - algebra, geometry, etc..

Philosophy of math! You may think, "what does that mean?" Fundamentally it is a look under the hood of mathematics. When was the last time you asked yourself the question, "WHY does 2+2=4?" Typically, we just assume that it does and that is enough. Some folks may dive a little deeper and say that 2+2=4 because in real life two of something placed beside another two of the same thing makes four of that thing. These are true statements but do not answer the question WHY, they simply repeat that they do.

If this is confusing don't worry, it was for me too. But bare with me a little longer and it will all be worth it.

So, if the proof that 2+2=4 in real life is not enough what is? This is where we move from math to philosophy. What is two-ness? What does it mean to "equal" something? Why does 2+2=4 and not 5 or 8? At face value you may say to me, "Joey, who the flip cares?" But follow me. Why not 2+2=5? Because it just doesn't? Or is there something deeper? We instinctively know that it doesn't, don't we? Many languages call it different things; cuatro, quatre, vier. But we all have a sense of four-ness. This then smacks of design. Why does 2+2=4 everywhere in the world? Where could this come from? This is where we dance around in philosophy until we cross from philosophy to theology. Just like complex systems within biological systems, this design comes from the same origin. Having effectively crossed from mathematics to philosophy to theology we reach a staggering point.

If math is grounded in the infinite personal God and all "good" math or "well-done" math comes from Him then, by doing math well we actually perform an act of worship. Additionally, by doing math perfectly, we actually follow God's thoughts after Him.

Do you now see why philosophy of math?

To conclude, this is what I get to do for the next 6 weeks. Pray for me? :-)

1st Semester Coming to A Close

Been 2 months since my last update. I have gone through 6 weeks of theology, and am about to finish a 6 week module on philosophy. This particular module will culminate in a 3 day lecture hosted by J.P. Moreland. Mr. Moreland is a prominent christian philosopher and apologist.

All that to say, my life is truly being impacted by the vivacious and robust material I have been encountering here at Rivendell. Our daily discussion are rich with content of both edifying and controversial material. With such topics as, the trinity, natural theology, Christian ethics and responsibility, meal conversations are VERY lively!

Originally I came with the goal of furthering my understanding of a truly Biblical Christian worldview. Being here has been every bit a blessing as I had hoped that it would be. My worldview is being stretched and bolstered by the great men of the past. More importantly, God has been impressing upon me the simple profundity of the gospel.

The deeper I go, the more I read, and the farther I travel with this "Jesus," I find that the answers to my questions become so personal that they could almost be said to be a person. As I stretch my small mind to search out the edges of ideas, seeking to find where God has been hidden amongst the lies and garbage I find not a perfect answer, but a perfect person. It could be misconstrued that this is but a fanciful way of saying that the answers are beyond reach, but I would disagree. I am saying this because everywhere I turn, each place I look and at the bottom of every mystery I find this man "Jesus."

I find myself more in love with God everyday. I love Him not only in feeling but also in mind. I think about it all the time now. He is in everything. I see His touch on everything. Each time, I remember what He did and what He has said. Perhaps to make this more poetic,

"He has wooed me, every where I go I see His love notes. I cannot go a day without being reminded of His love. That love that went to death on the tree for the joy that He found in me. How can I not but love Him? How can I not love thee my God, my king? I give all of me to thee."

In sum and in short, it is going really well out here in the great white north.

Something new amongst the Old

I have been learning so much in this school. But, I don't know how successful I would be in an attempt to list it all here. Instead, I want to share something more personal.

I have been surprised by the love for others in my heart. In the midst of opening up the fire hydrant of truth and drinking deep, my love for people is genuinly growing. Now, you may say, "well duh Joey, that is what it is suppose to do!" To which I would heartily agree. However, it is one thing to know in theory and totally another thing to experience sincerely.

In the bible we are told to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. This, although simple, can be - as some of us know - simply the death of us. In the faithfullness of God, or the reliability of His decrees - otherwise known as truth, is the source of this love we are asked to give to our neighbor. This roots my love in God, not myself.

If God is faithful and my love is rooted in him, then my love can be faithful. This is what I am experiencing: not in theory but in experience. The Love of God made manifest in my life.

Perhaps the rubber is finally hitting the road. Ha! Who knew?

Updated Photo

SNOW!!!

Photos from Campus

Here is the Cafeteria

The Gazebo

My Bedroom

The Living Room

The Guys Hall

In Case you Forgot: God really is Faithful

Well, here is the news. As of one month ago I owed 48,000 dollars for my 2 year program at Rivendell Sanctuary. As of 3 weeks ago I owed 33,000 dollars. As of one week ago I owe only 11,000 dollars. And of that 11,000 I need 800 by January 3rd and of that 800 I have 200, leaving a whopping total of $600 dollars needed by January 3rd 2011. In case you forgot: God really is Faithful.

Please E-mail any thing you might have in mind or prayers for me.
Please mail any contributions to:

Joey Brunette
c/o Rivendell Sanctuary
6820 Auto Club Road, Suite T
Bloomington, MN 55438

You can also contribute online by card any amount you wish for the next 30 days by clicking
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