I think it's safe to say that all I did was read this year. I read an insane number of books, but there was a large number of fiction (almost half), and of those, there were a lot of youth fiction, which generally makes for quicker reading.
And here you have my favourite fiction from 2018 (in the order that I read them):
1. C.J. Hedgcock: The Baker Family Adventures. Just to be clear, they only make the list because I read #3-7, and not the first two (which I read last year). They get better around number 4. I only made it that far because there were several children at the church urging me to read them, and assuring me that they get better.
2. Agatha Christie: The Man in the Brown Suit; Three Act Tragedy; Lord Edgware Dies; Poirot Investigates; Curtains: Poirot's Last Case; Murder on the Orient Express; Nemesis. What can I say: I'm a huge fan Agatha Christie fan.
3. Jeanne Birdsall: The Penderwick series. I really enjoyed these; they're just nice books for kids. I read the first one in 2017, and the rest this year. The fourth one is the saddest and probably the weakest of the lot, but I still enjoyed it.
4. Robert C. O'Brien: Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I have no idea how I missed this my entire life (it's older than I am). Friends insisted that I read it, and it's so good. The only problem is: I want to know what happens next!
5. Joan M. Wolf: Someone Named Eva. Although this is fiction, it is based on actual events in Czechoslovakia during WWII. It reminded me of how much history I don't know.
6. Brandon Sanderson: Arcanum Unbounded. This is a book of short stories, and I really enjoyed them. It may have helped to have read more of his longer fiction first, but for the most part what I have read was enough to follow the stories.
7. Sarah McCoy: Marilla of Green Gables. Okay, I'm not quite done this, but I anticipate finishing it tonight (or tomorrow morning at the latest, which is close enough). The author started with the bit of story in Anne of Green Gables when Marilla talks about John Blythe once being her beau. I'm really enjoying it; it's very well-written.
Although the rest were also good, those were my favourites.
Monday, 31 December 2018
Friday, 16 November 2018
Friday, 2 November 2018
About Love
Pastor James has been preaching through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 lately. You can go and listen to them here. You should be warned, though, that they can be tough to hear. Not because of James (he's a very good preacher (and a very good pastor)), but because they are very hard-hitting sermons. As I listened to what love requires, I was hugely convicted by how far short I fall in loving others, and how much I need to grow in this area.
It's been tough to hear, but it's also been really, really good. I've spent a lot of time praying about how I'm not loving people, and confessing the sin I saw in my life, and being forgiven. In every sermon, James reminded us of the cross, and that we can go before God in repentance because He has already promised forgiveness.
One Sunday, all of our hymns were about God's love for us, and that was a great reminder as well. God is love, and when He tells us how to love, He's telling us how to be like Himself. Love is patient and kind and does not take into account a wrong suffered, and endures to the end, and all the other things in this section of Scripture... because that's exactly what God is. That was the greatest encouragement: I fall so far short of the mark, but God is perfectly loving, and He loves me perfectly.
Already I can sense changes in me as a result of the love sermons. Having dealt with a lot of unloving attitude in my heart, I feel more relaxed, happier, and free. It's easier to deal with the stuff of life when my goal is to love people. Of course, I'm not perfect yet. I still get upset about things; I just remember more quickly that love is patient and kind, and I remember that I am not supposed to dwell on (real or imaginary) hurts or insults, and I pray more for help to love people in the moment.
It's been a good series, and I'd encourage you to listen to it. As much as it has hurt in the moment, I have been very, very thankful for it.
It's been tough to hear, but it's also been really, really good. I've spent a lot of time praying about how I'm not loving people, and confessing the sin I saw in my life, and being forgiven. In every sermon, James reminded us of the cross, and that we can go before God in repentance because He has already promised forgiveness.
One Sunday, all of our hymns were about God's love for us, and that was a great reminder as well. God is love, and when He tells us how to love, He's telling us how to be like Himself. Love is patient and kind and does not take into account a wrong suffered, and endures to the end, and all the other things in this section of Scripture... because that's exactly what God is. That was the greatest encouragement: I fall so far short of the mark, but God is perfectly loving, and He loves me perfectly.
Already I can sense changes in me as a result of the love sermons. Having dealt with a lot of unloving attitude in my heart, I feel more relaxed, happier, and free. It's easier to deal with the stuff of life when my goal is to love people. Of course, I'm not perfect yet. I still get upset about things; I just remember more quickly that love is patient and kind, and I remember that I am not supposed to dwell on (real or imaginary) hurts or insults, and I pray more for help to love people in the moment.
It's been a good series, and I'd encourage you to listen to it. As much as it has hurt in the moment, I have been very, very thankful for it.
Monday, 2 July 2018
For a Friend
A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine died.
He was one of the elders in my church. He could make anything we needed (and had the parts for it in his garage somewhere; everything was in there somewhere and he knew exactly where everything was). He helped me win a Scrabble game once by looking at the letters, looking at the board, and telling me where to place my letters for the most points (generally in places that I would never notice). He laughed a lot, and laughed big, with his entire self. When I picture him in my head, he's always laughing, and even now I'm smiling.
He was a good man. He was solid and reliable and I always felt safe with him, like I could trust him completely. He loved God with his whole being and that love flowed out to everyone around him.
He had been battling cancer for 2 years, and one day his body stopped. From outward appearances, it looked like the cancer won, but that's not really true. God was always in control and decided that it was time to take him home. I'm happy for my friend; I'm sad for the rest of us.
At the memorial service, the pastor talked about 1 Thessalonians 4, about not mourning as the world, as those without hope. He said that it's okay to grieve, but to remember the hope that we have in Christ (and not "I hope this will happen", but the hope that is completely confident in the promises of God).
He was one of the elders in my church. He could make anything we needed (and had the parts for it in his garage somewhere; everything was in there somewhere and he knew exactly where everything was). He helped me win a Scrabble game once by looking at the letters, looking at the board, and telling me where to place my letters for the most points (generally in places that I would never notice). He laughed a lot, and laughed big, with his entire self. When I picture him in my head, he's always laughing, and even now I'm smiling.
He was a good man. He was solid and reliable and I always felt safe with him, like I could trust him completely. He loved God with his whole being and that love flowed out to everyone around him.
He had been battling cancer for 2 years, and one day his body stopped. From outward appearances, it looked like the cancer won, but that's not really true. God was always in control and decided that it was time to take him home. I'm happy for my friend; I'm sad for the rest of us.
At the memorial service, the pastor talked about 1 Thessalonians 4, about not mourning as the world, as those without hope. He said that it's okay to grieve, but to remember the hope that we have in Christ (and not "I hope this will happen", but the hope that is completely confident in the promises of God).
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
Mid-Week Hymn
This morning I was reading Psalm 87, and verse 3 says, "Glorious things are said of you, O city of God". And I started humming the hymn "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" (thanks to years of the Psalter Hymnal). I had to look it up to get all of the lyrics.
Here is is for you to enjoy:
Here is is for you to enjoy:
Sunday, 24 June 2018
Sunday Stuff
Pastor Mike started preaching on the armor of God today. I liked what he had to say, especially about it being an analogy and not reading too much into each part. I've heard a lot of talk about why salvation is a helmet and righteousness is a breastplate. He said that it's like a parable: take the main ideas and don't worry a lot about the details. The main focus is on: how does righteousness and truth and the rest enable you to stand firm against the enemy. He only got through the first three pieces, and next week Pastor James is back, so we'll have to wait for the rest. It will be nice to have James back, though; he just started 1 Corinthians 13 last week, so we're also waiting for the next bit of that!
We welcomed several new members into the church today, and said good-bye to the family who is going back to India. It was a bit of a mix there!
I had friends over for supper. They don't attend my church, but the mom attends the ladies' study and the kids are in my home school rooms. This was the first time I'd met the dad, although I know two of his brothers. We ordered pizza (since it's too hot to cook) and talked and laughed and played cards. It was fun, and nice to get to know them.
Next week will be crazy busy at work. It's the last week of school, report cards are going home, and people are looking into getting help over the summer. I'm relaxing this evening in preparation for craziness.
We welcomed several new members into the church today, and said good-bye to the family who is going back to India. It was a bit of a mix there!
I had friends over for supper. They don't attend my church, but the mom attends the ladies' study and the kids are in my home school rooms. This was the first time I'd met the dad, although I know two of his brothers. We ordered pizza (since it's too hot to cook) and talked and laughed and played cards. It was fun, and nice to get to know them.
Next week will be crazy busy at work. It's the last week of school, report cards are going home, and people are looking into getting help over the summer. I'm relaxing this evening in preparation for craziness.
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Last Night's Walk
It is too hot out this week. I don't like too hot, and this is "how are we even alive, a person could die out here" hot. It's been in the very high 20s (or mid-80s, depending on how you measure temperature). I know some people like this much heat, but I do not.
As such, my evening walk last night started around 10:00 when it was no longer insanely hot and was nicely cooled off. By then the sun was just a red streak in the west, but it wasn't actually dark. Even when I got home 45 minutes later, it was only getting dark, but not fully dark. It's a nice time to walk.
As a side note for any readers who are wondering about the "light at 10:00" part (I know there are places where that's not a thing): I live rather far north (although not quite "midnight sun" far north). Right now the sun rises at 5:04 am and sets at 10:06 pm. And it's light for a while after sunset.
There are walking paths all over my neighbourhood, between and behind housing complexes, and through green spaces. There's a pond that I often walk past because it's usually peaceful and I can feel myself slowing down and relaxing when I reach it. Last night as I turned onto the path leading to the pond there was a lady coming up the path with her dogs. She stopped to tell me how still the pond was, and how peaceful it was, and there were no other people there. We both smiled at that last point; it's always nicest to be alone at the pond to enjoy the peace. She was right: it was still and peaceful and there were birds singing and it was nice. I saw the beaver swimming by, so that was an added bonus.
On the way home it was quiet and dusky and I could feel the world settling down for the night. The playground was deserted and there were only a few other people out walking. I got home relaxed and ready to sleep well.
As such, my evening walk last night started around 10:00 when it was no longer insanely hot and was nicely cooled off. By then the sun was just a red streak in the west, but it wasn't actually dark. Even when I got home 45 minutes later, it was only getting dark, but not fully dark. It's a nice time to walk.
As a side note for any readers who are wondering about the "light at 10:00" part (I know there are places where that's not a thing): I live rather far north (although not quite "midnight sun" far north). Right now the sun rises at 5:04 am and sets at 10:06 pm. And it's light for a while after sunset.
There are walking paths all over my neighbourhood, between and behind housing complexes, and through green spaces. There's a pond that I often walk past because it's usually peaceful and I can feel myself slowing down and relaxing when I reach it. Last night as I turned onto the path leading to the pond there was a lady coming up the path with her dogs. She stopped to tell me how still the pond was, and how peaceful it was, and there were no other people there. We both smiled at that last point; it's always nicest to be alone at the pond to enjoy the peace. She was right: it was still and peaceful and there were birds singing and it was nice. I saw the beaver swimming by, so that was an added bonus.
On the way home it was quiet and dusky and I could feel the world settling down for the night. The playground was deserted and there were only a few other people out walking. I got home relaxed and ready to sleep well.
Monday, 18 June 2018
Sunday Stuff
Yesterday was good.
Pastor James started on 1 Corinthians 13 and the primacy of love. You can listen to that here.
We had a potluck lunch. There is a family from India who has been attending the church for a couple years. They are moving back to India to be part of a church plant and minister to their people. They made us a delicious meal and everyone else brought something to share. I had butter chicken, a samosa, and an egg salad sandwich (among other food), so I was happy.
Six people were baptized. Listening to their testimonies reminded me of how God works in people's lives in different ways to bring them to Himself.
A family from the church came over for the afternoon. We ordered pizza for supper and talked and laughed a lot.
It's been a while, so here's a hymn for you:
Pastor James started on 1 Corinthians 13 and the primacy of love. You can listen to that here.
We had a potluck lunch. There is a family from India who has been attending the church for a couple years. They are moving back to India to be part of a church plant and minister to their people. They made us a delicious meal and everyone else brought something to share. I had butter chicken, a samosa, and an egg salad sandwich (among other food), so I was happy.
Six people were baptized. Listening to their testimonies reminded me of how God works in people's lives in different ways to bring them to Himself.
A family from the church came over for the afternoon. We ordered pizza for supper and talked and laughed a lot.
It's been a while, so here's a hymn for you:
Saturday, 16 June 2018
Grocery Shopping
When I go to the grocery store, it seems to be a mark of pride for some of the cashiers/baggers to fit as many items into one bag as possible. I understand that when they charge for bags, people will want their items in fewer bags, but even when I bring my own bags, and hand them all three bags, they seem impressed with their ability to fit everything in one bag. I am less impressed, as I have to walk home and it's easier with more bags (at least 2 to balance things out).
Earlier this week I ordered groceries on-line for delivery. You need to understand that when I get groceries delivered, they don't charge for the bags. You'd think they would use fewer bags, right? Not a chance. I do not know what goes on in the store, but I image it goes something like this:
"One small package of deli meat? It's special; it deserves its own bag!"
"Let's put the bread in its own bag. That way, it won't get squished."
"Great plan! Hey, I'm going to put these frozen perogies in their own bag as well."
"No, wait: we're using too many bags. I know: you put the bag with the perogies into the bag with the bread. Then it we're using fewer bags, right?"
"Okay, this is getting out of hand. We'll put all three types of cheese into their own bag. Just don't let them into the bag with the one small package of deli meat or there'll be trouble."
"The rest is all big stuff. It doesn't get bags."
I'm glad someone came to their senses and realized that the 3-pack of tissues, the 24-pack of toilet paper, and the 24-pack of yogurt didn't need bags (they have everything in bins when they deliver it, so it wasn't a problem for the delivery guy). I'm concerned about how many bags they would have used otherwise.
Earlier this week I ordered groceries on-line for delivery. You need to understand that when I get groceries delivered, they don't charge for the bags. You'd think they would use fewer bags, right? Not a chance. I do not know what goes on in the store, but I image it goes something like this:
"One small package of deli meat? It's special; it deserves its own bag!"
"Let's put the bread in its own bag. That way, it won't get squished."
"Great plan! Hey, I'm going to put these frozen perogies in their own bag as well."
"No, wait: we're using too many bags. I know: you put the bag with the perogies into the bag with the bread. Then it we're using fewer bags, right?"
"Okay, this is getting out of hand. We'll put all three types of cheese into their own bag. Just don't let them into the bag with the one small package of deli meat or there'll be trouble."
"The rest is all big stuff. It doesn't get bags."
I'm glad someone came to their senses and realized that the 3-pack of tissues, the 24-pack of toilet paper, and the 24-pack of yogurt didn't need bags (they have everything in bins when they deliver it, so it wasn't a problem for the delivery guy). I'm concerned about how many bags they would have used otherwise.
Friday, 16 March 2018
Life as it is
Vacation was lovely. I saw new places, enjoyed some sunshine and warmth, and renewed my love of Caribbean coffee. Then I came home to cold and a cold. Still, I love being home, sleeping in my own bed, and being in routine.
Of course, routine was ruined with the changing-of-the-clocks last weekend. I had (mostly) defeated insomnia through a sleep routine, and going to sleep an hour earlier does not seem to be an option. I am waiting until my body adjusts; until then, I'm just tired a lot.
The day after I got home, I had a phone call from my landlord. They want to sell the condo, and they were offering it to me first. After a couple days to think, pray, and talk with my parents, I told them that I am interested in buying if the numbers work and I can get approved for a mortgage. We started the mortgage paperwork, and so far it looks good. I may be a homeowner in the not-too-distant future. The best part is not having to move.
I had friends over on Sunday. We had pizza and the kids played, mostly with Lego. When they build something they really like, I agree to leave it together until the next kids come over, which is why I have a house (with a person lying on a bed, a person at a sink, and a small motorcycle in it), an airplane, and a basketball game on a table. Since the little guy (who wasn't building with Lego) also wanted to leave something until the next people came, there is also a small knight on a horse.
There's not much else going on right now. It's March, so it's busy at work, but so far it's manageable. Spring Break will be crazier, but that's just one week followed by Easter weekend. So it's all good.
Of course, routine was ruined with the changing-of-the-clocks last weekend. I had (mostly) defeated insomnia through a sleep routine, and going to sleep an hour earlier does not seem to be an option. I am waiting until my body adjusts; until then, I'm just tired a lot.
The day after I got home, I had a phone call from my landlord. They want to sell the condo, and they were offering it to me first. After a couple days to think, pray, and talk with my parents, I told them that I am interested in buying if the numbers work and I can get approved for a mortgage. We started the mortgage paperwork, and so far it looks good. I may be a homeowner in the not-too-distant future. The best part is not having to move.
I had friends over on Sunday. We had pizza and the kids played, mostly with Lego. When they build something they really like, I agree to leave it together until the next kids come over, which is why I have a house (with a person lying on a bed, a person at a sink, and a small motorcycle in it), an airplane, and a basketball game on a table. Since the little guy (who wasn't building with Lego) also wanted to leave something until the next people came, there is also a small knight on a horse.
There's not much else going on right now. It's March, so it's busy at work, but so far it's manageable. Spring Break will be crazier, but that's just one week followed by Easter weekend. So it's all good.
Thursday, 15 February 2018
Vacation Prep Checklist
Laundry is done.
Suitcase is packed.
Books are selected.
Garbage is taken out.
Dishes are washed.
Library books are renewed.
Phone is charged.
Flights are confirmed.
Paperwork is gathered.
Plants are watered.
I think I'm ready to go.
Suitcase is packed.
Books are selected.
Garbage is taken out.
Dishes are washed.
Library books are renewed.
Phone is charged.
Flights are confirmed.
Paperwork is gathered.
Plants are watered.
I think I'm ready to go.
Monday, 12 February 2018
On Being Thankful
I've been thinking a lot lately about being thankful. There are a couple Scriptures that keep coming to mind:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It's easy to give thanks when things are going well, and it's easy to give thanks for the good things. What I've been thinking about and praying about is the other stuff: about giving thanks in the bad times and for the bad stuff.
It's not that I like the bad times or the bad stuff, but if I trust God's sovereignty, and if I believe Scripture, then I have to believe that there's a purpose for all of it (even when I can't see it). Romans 8 says that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, and that this "good" is being conformed to His Son (even when the "good" looks really "bad").
Sometimes I can see the good that is coming from the bad stuff of life. I can see how it's changing me and conforming me to be more like Christ; I can see how down the road it's working out to be better than what I had planned. Sometimes I can't see that right away, but in retrospect it becomes clear.
What I'm working on is giving thanks in the moment for the things that seem bad to me, the things that I don't like or understand. That's harder. It's also what God commands: don't be anxious, but pray with thanksgiving; give thanks in everything.
It doesn't change the circumstances, but I find that it changes me. I get a better perspective on things and remember that God is ultimately in control. I lose that anxiety and worry that would otherwise plague me and I'm more relaxed. Even if I don't understand why things are happening the way they are, I am more able to trust God for the outcome. And when I pray with thanksgiving, I find that there are things in every situation to be thankful for, things that I would have overlooked otherwise.
So I'm trying to be thankful in all circumstances. It isn't always easy, but it is an act of obedience and I have discovered that God blesses even feeble attempts to obey Him.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It's easy to give thanks when things are going well, and it's easy to give thanks for the good things. What I've been thinking about and praying about is the other stuff: about giving thanks in the bad times and for the bad stuff.
It's not that I like the bad times or the bad stuff, but if I trust God's sovereignty, and if I believe Scripture, then I have to believe that there's a purpose for all of it (even when I can't see it). Romans 8 says that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, and that this "good" is being conformed to His Son (even when the "good" looks really "bad").
Sometimes I can see the good that is coming from the bad stuff of life. I can see how it's changing me and conforming me to be more like Christ; I can see how down the road it's working out to be better than what I had planned. Sometimes I can't see that right away, but in retrospect it becomes clear.
What I'm working on is giving thanks in the moment for the things that seem bad to me, the things that I don't like or understand. That's harder. It's also what God commands: don't be anxious, but pray with thanksgiving; give thanks in everything.
It doesn't change the circumstances, but I find that it changes me. I get a better perspective on things and remember that God is ultimately in control. I lose that anxiety and worry that would otherwise plague me and I'm more relaxed. Even if I don't understand why things are happening the way they are, I am more able to trust God for the outcome. And when I pray with thanksgiving, I find that there are things in every situation to be thankful for, things that I would have overlooked otherwise.
So I'm trying to be thankful in all circumstances. It isn't always easy, but it is an act of obedience and I have discovered that God blesses even feeble attempts to obey Him.
Monday, 5 February 2018
Just Life
I've been trying to have one of the families from the church over for some time now. We've booked twice, and each time one of the kids got sick. Yesterday we were talking about it and decided that since we were all free they would just come home with me and we would order pizza and spend the afternoon together. It was so much fun! Of course the apartment wasn't quite as tidy as I would have liked it to be, but they have four children; they didn't care about neatness. We just cared about fellowship and food and fun.
It's so cold outside, and it's been so cold for so long! I know, I know: it's winter in central Alberta; it's supposed to be cold. It's not even the cold so much as it is the very, very dry hands. I don't think there's enough lotion in the world to keep my hands moisturized when it's cold out.
It has also been snowing. It's so pretty and peaceful looking. I love the look of snow on evergreen trees.
I will be on vacation in 11 days. Mum and I are heading south on a cruise. For a week, I'll be warm. It's going to be so much fun! Mum and I travel well together; we can hang out together or do our own thing and arrange to meet up later. We have 4 ports of call. In two of them, we're doing an excursion together (although one is a short excursion and we may go our separate ways after since I'm heading for the beach at that point; Mum may or may not join me there). We have separate excursions booked for Puerto Rico: I'm doing a walking tour and learning history; Mum is doing a tour and shopping trip. The fourth port didn't have anything that we really wanted to do, so we're just going to wander around, maybe do some shopping, and just relax.
I know it's not Sunday, but it's been a while since I shared a hymn, so here's one for you:
It's so cold outside, and it's been so cold for so long! I know, I know: it's winter in central Alberta; it's supposed to be cold. It's not even the cold so much as it is the very, very dry hands. I don't think there's enough lotion in the world to keep my hands moisturized when it's cold out.
It has also been snowing. It's so pretty and peaceful looking. I love the look of snow on evergreen trees.
I will be on vacation in 11 days. Mum and I are heading south on a cruise. For a week, I'll be warm. It's going to be so much fun! Mum and I travel well together; we can hang out together or do our own thing and arrange to meet up later. We have 4 ports of call. In two of them, we're doing an excursion together (although one is a short excursion and we may go our separate ways after since I'm heading for the beach at that point; Mum may or may not join me there). We have separate excursions booked for Puerto Rico: I'm doing a walking tour and learning history; Mum is doing a tour and shopping trip. The fourth port didn't have anything that we really wanted to do, so we're just going to wander around, maybe do some shopping, and just relax.
I know it's not Sunday, but it's been a while since I shared a hymn, so here's one for you:
Friday, 26 January 2018
The Ramblings of an Aunt
Small Nephew is my sister's oldest child. He is 19 years old and towers over me, so I suppose I should have accepted by now that he's not my small nephew. Still...
He was such a nice small nephew. I lived with them for a couple months when he was 2 (and his brother was only a baby). I slept on the pull-out couch in the living room, and he used to come and join me in the early mornings to watch some television on the big comfy couch. After I moved out, he came to church with me; I picked him up in the morning and we took the bus to church. Generally we would get a ride home with the pastor's family (I was living with them at the time). Once his mom asked how he got home and he said, "God gave me a ride in his van."
After I moved to Edmonton, he waited eagerly for my visits home. He tried to come up with plans so that I could stay ("If your boss in Edmonton says you don't have to come to work anymore and your boss here says you can come back to work, then you could live with me."). One evening when I was over he was snuggling with me and sighed deeply. I asked if he was sleepy, and he said, "No. I've just been waiting so long for this moment."
We had fun together, with or without his siblings. He was so much fun and interesting and always my small nephew, even as he got taller and taller.
Today, Small Nephew is grown up. He has planned to join the Air Force for years, and today he was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Forces. He looks so happy and proud and young in the pictures, and somehow at the same time so grown up.
I'm very, very proud of Small Nephew. I'm also a bit teary-eyed at the thought of him being old enough to defend his country. I prayed for him a bit longer this morning.
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
First Lines
Here are the first lines of the books that I've been reading lately (side note: I've looked at some of the older "first lines" posts and while I can remember most of the books, I can't remember all of them):
"You can ask my family and co-workers and all of them will tell you that I hate surprises."
"The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home."
"I flipped through the CT scan images, the diagnosis obvious: the lungs were mated with innumerable tumors, the spine deformed, a full lobe of the liver obliterated."
"There were no other survivors."
"Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God."
"The problem of defining what produces laughter involves a degree of wrestling with language."
"After arriving at the port city of Alexandrian Troas on the western coast of the province of Asia, the apostle Paul saw a night vision."
"The saga of Paul's Thessalonian experience and the continuing spread of the gospel from Asia to Europe begins in Acts 17, after Paul has traveled from Philippi on his second missionary journey."
"At first I was impressed."
"You can ask my family and co-workers and all of them will tell you that I hate surprises."
"The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home."
"I flipped through the CT scan images, the diagnosis obvious: the lungs were mated with innumerable tumors, the spine deformed, a full lobe of the liver obliterated."
"There were no other survivors."
"Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God."
"The problem of defining what produces laughter involves a degree of wrestling with language."
"After arriving at the port city of Alexandrian Troas on the western coast of the province of Asia, the apostle Paul saw a night vision."
"The saga of Paul's Thessalonian experience and the continuing spread of the gospel from Asia to Europe begins in Acts 17, after Paul has traveled from Philippi on his second missionary journey."
"At first I was impressed."
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
I Thought I'd Share This....
I was listening to a playlist on YouTube. It was one of those "based on this song that you like" lists that started with "Highland Hymn: Glory to the Holy One Concert" at St.Andrew's (R.C. Sproul's church). Suddenly I was listening to this:
According to Wikipedia, Tacurong is a "4th class city in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines" and it has a population of 98, 316 people (or at least it did in 2015). It has 9 private schools, 48 public schools, and 1 university. Further research indicates that it has good food and inexpensive accommodations (in case the hymn inspires you to visit).
According to Wikipedia, Tacurong is a "4th class city in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines" and it has a population of 98, 316 people (or at least it did in 2015). It has 9 private schools, 48 public schools, and 1 university. Further research indicates that it has good food and inexpensive accommodations (in case the hymn inspires you to visit).
Sunday, 7 January 2018
The First Week of the New Year
It was a good week. Nothing exciting happened, which I figure is a good sign (I'd like a nice, peaceful year). Work was pretty normal given that it's still Christmas break. A lot of kids were off, a few forgot to come, and the rest were fairly well focused.
This morning, Pastor Mike was preaching in Ephesians 5. I learned all about how to be a Spirit-filled husband. It was actually quite good, since "love as Christ loved the church" is required of all believers (it's just that not all of us have to love a wife). Also, I love when he talks about how Christ loves the church; he did the same a couple weeks ago when he talked about the "wives submit to husbands" verses. It's both joy and motivation.
Life starts up properly tomorrow. The kids go back to school and they come back to the centre; women's study at the church starts on Wednesday, which means I'll be back running the home school room; Sunday School starts again next Sunday. It's all good stuff, and I think we all feel better for this bit of a rest.
We sang this hymn this morning at church. It was new to me (and a lot of other people), and I really like it. Here is "The Secret Place" by R.C. Sproul:
This morning, Pastor Mike was preaching in Ephesians 5. I learned all about how to be a Spirit-filled husband. It was actually quite good, since "love as Christ loved the church" is required of all believers (it's just that not all of us have to love a wife). Also, I love when he talks about how Christ loves the church; he did the same a couple weeks ago when he talked about the "wives submit to husbands" verses. It's both joy and motivation.
Life starts up properly tomorrow. The kids go back to school and they come back to the centre; women's study at the church starts on Wednesday, which means I'll be back running the home school room; Sunday School starts again next Sunday. It's all good stuff, and I think we all feel better for this bit of a rest.
We sang this hymn this morning at church. It was new to me (and a lot of other people), and I really like it. Here is "The Secret Place" by R.C. Sproul:
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
The Year in Books, Part 3: Nonfiction
And here it is: my favourite nonfiction books from last year's reading. They come in no particular order (and with limited commentary):
- Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson
- The End for Which God Created the World by Jonathan Edwards: This one took more work to get through, but was worth it.
- The Vanishing Conscience; At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers; and The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur
- God Took Me by the Hand; True Community; Growing Your Faith; 31 Days Towards Trusting God; and Trusting God by Jerry Bridges: I will never not love a Jerry Bridges book.
- Philippians by James Montgomery Boice: It's a very long commentary given that Philippians is a very short book.
- A Camaraderie of Confidence and Contending for Our All by John Piper: I really love The Swans Are Not Silent series.
- Counseling the Hard Cases by Stuart Scott and Heath Lambert
- The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson: At some point, I need to read it again. I think there's so much in there, and one reading won't pull it all out.
- 8 Women of Faith by Michael A.G. Haykin: I'd like to read more about a lot of these women. It included Sarah Edwards (wife of Jonathan Edwards) because I'm pretty sure there's a law that she has to be in any book about women of faith.
- None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
- Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper: Mostly different from the women of book #9, but of course it includes Sarah Edwards.
- Gospel Treason by Brad Bigney
- Brand Luther by Andrew Pettegree: The good and bad of Martin Luther.
- Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan
- The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh by Kathryn Aalto: Part biography, part geography
- Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung: I'd read pretty much anything by Kevin DeYoung.
- Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose; John Flynn: Into the Never Never; and Elizabeth Fry: Angel of Newgate by Janet and Geoff Benge: I enjoy the Christian Heroes Then and Now series.
- Amillennialism and the Age to Come by Matt Waymeyer
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- Word-Filled Women's Ministry by Gloria Gurman and Kathleen B. Nielson
- Goodbye Christopher Robin by Ann Thwaite
- Fighting Satan by Joel Beeke
I know that the list leans to towards theology and Christian books. There are 2 reasons for that: First, a lot of my reading leans in that direction. Second, while I read have read several secular nonfiction books, many of them weren't as good. They tended to take a very self-centered view of life and left me feeling like they came so close to the truth, but didn't quite make it.
There are also a dozen biographies in that list. I love biographies.
I don't think I'm going to try Tim Challies' 2018 reading challenge. I've looked over it, and it looks good, but not really what I want. I have a friend putting together a 52-book reading challenge that I might try (I haven't seen it yet), but mostly I want to just read. I'd like to read more history this year (either straight history, historical fiction, or biographies), as well as focusing on reading the books that have been sitting on my shelves just waiting to be read.
Monday, 1 January 2018
The Year in Books, Part 2: Fiction
Here is my list of favourite fiction books from 2017. These are books that I read in the past year, not books that were published last year (some of them were much older). They show up, for the most part, in the order they appear on my reading challenge list.
- Ben Hur by Lew Wallace: This is a classic, and it starts slowly (chapter 1: A man on a camel walks into the desert). It was actually relaxing at first, so I didn't mind it; eventually, more action started. My friend's son read it as well; I can still make him laugh with the words "a man on a camel walks into the desert". Spoiler alert: Eventually there is a man on a horse instead of a camel.
- I'm going to put all the Lamplighter books together. Some of the children (and their moms) at church introduced me to these books and kept handing me more to read. They have been pretty good so far. They are:
- Ishmael and Self-Raised (they go together) by E.D.E.N. Southwood. These were the more intense books, and probably better for older teen and adults.
- Prisoners of the Sea by Florence M. Kingsley. I liked this one a lot.
- The Hidden Hand by E.D.E.N. Southwood. This was also very good.
- The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald: This is a classic, and while I'm sure I've read it before, it was long enough ago to enjoy it again.
- A Witness for the Persecution, The Seven Dials Mystery, The Dumb Witness, and Third Girl by Agatha Christie: What can I say: I enjoy a nice mystery once in a while.
- A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett: It was a nice story, a sequel to The Wee Free Men. I liked it for some lighter reading.
- Weight of a Flame by Simonetta Carr: I never really know how to classify this one; it's one of the Chosen Daughters series. I usually call them "biographical fiction". They're a little more than historical fiction, and a little less than standard biographies. Anyway, this one was good.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio: The kids at work recommended this one. It was pretty good.
- The Thunder by Douglas Bond: This is about John Knox, and I learned a lot about his life while enjoying a pretty good story.
- The Little Silver House by Jennie D. Lindquist: I read this to see if it lived up to my memories from childhood. It did. It's a sequel to The Golden Name Day (which is also still a good story).
- A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich: This is an older book about a pioneer family (focusing on the mother) and her life watching Nebraska grow into a state. The story takes place over her lifetime from the 1840s through the 1920s. A lot happened in those years.
- The Secret World of Og by Pierre Burton: A friend recommended it. It's a nice story about children and an underground world. It's just fun to read.
There were others that I read, but these are the best. Of the rest, most of them were good, and some were mediocre at best. Basically, I'll try just about any book, especially if the kids ask me to (I'm a sucker in that regard, and they know it). There were also a few that I read the first few pages (or first 2 pages in the case of one book) and then toss it aside.
Some time in the next week, I'll post my top nonfiction. That list will likely be longer.
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