Friday, 17 December 2010
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
This is sung by the group Selah, from the album Ultimate Christmas Hits, Vol. 2. The starting music is Hatikvah (The Hope), the national anthem of Israel.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Christmas concert
We're preparing for the Christmas concert in Sunday School. I don't know how the other classes are doing, but I'm finally starting to have hope for mine. This is the third Sunday we've been rehearsing, and for the first time everyone showed up, and almost on time! Next week is the big rehearsal (with all the classes, on stage, so we can fix all the errors due to never practicing in a space the same dimensions as the stage).
My class (grades 4-6) is doing the Nativity play. The narrator is reading from Luke 2, with the angels and shepherds chiming in at the correct places. I've managed to teach the narrator how to read slowly and clearly, and how to read the words that are actually on the page with no changes, no matter how small. Everyone comes on at the right time and stands in the right places. Further, I had someone come in and help with the singing (they're all singing "What Child is This" at the end) and she got them to all start on the same note (although they have trouble with the second verse, when everyone starts at a different place, but she said we'd practice more next week with the piano).
There are, however, still some issues. The main angel can speak too fast or word-by-word; she seems to have no in between speed! We're also working on speaking LOUDLY so people can hear her word-by-word rendition. The other angels do better, and finally sound happy when they join in! The smallest angel, though, seems intent on hiding behind the rest. The shepherds are the funniest. I told them to slow down when they come in so they walk very sloooooowly (picture a wedding processional: step-stop-step-stop). They also over-act when it comes to being afraid and worshiping the baby. It's...interesting!
So we've been working on this for 3 weeks, with one week to go...and our part lasts about 10 minutes. It's a lot of work for a little bit of a play!
The thing is, as I've been telling the kids every week, it's to tell others about what happened, about the joy of Christ coming into the world. And it's to bring glory to God, not us. Now if they remember that...and I remember that...the rest won't matter.
My class (grades 4-6) is doing the Nativity play. The narrator is reading from Luke 2, with the angels and shepherds chiming in at the correct places. I've managed to teach the narrator how to read slowly and clearly, and how to read the words that are actually on the page with no changes, no matter how small. Everyone comes on at the right time and stands in the right places. Further, I had someone come in and help with the singing (they're all singing "What Child is This" at the end) and she got them to all start on the same note (although they have trouble with the second verse, when everyone starts at a different place, but she said we'd practice more next week with the piano).
There are, however, still some issues. The main angel can speak too fast or word-by-word; she seems to have no in between speed! We're also working on speaking LOUDLY so people can hear her word-by-word rendition. The other angels do better, and finally sound happy when they join in! The smallest angel, though, seems intent on hiding behind the rest. The shepherds are the funniest. I told them to slow down when they come in so they walk very sloooooowly (picture a wedding processional: step-stop-step-stop). They also over-act when it comes to being afraid and worshiping the baby. It's...interesting!
So we've been working on this for 3 weeks, with one week to go...and our part lasts about 10 minutes. It's a lot of work for a little bit of a play!
The thing is, as I've been telling the kids every week, it's to tell others about what happened, about the joy of Christ coming into the world. And it's to bring glory to God, not us. Now if they remember that...and I remember that...the rest won't matter.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Christmas is Coming!
The Christmas tree is up and well lit with coloured lights. It doesn't have any ornaments on it, but there are 8 strings of lights on a 5 foot tree; ornaments are not necessary for beauty! I may add ornaments at some point, but I really like it this way.
The gingerbread men have been decorated (and eaten). Hmmm...I may need more cookies! There is a cookie exchange at church on Saturday, but I have a wedding to attend that day and it's about a 3 hour drive so the two events may not be compatible (although they may be; we will have to see).
The Christmas shopping is done and the Christmas parcel has been mailed home. A lot of the stuff I bought on line and had shipped directly to my sister. There are a couple things she and Mum will pick up for me as well.
I'm ready for Christmas....with three weeks yet to wait!
The gingerbread men have been decorated (and eaten). Hmmm...I may need more cookies! There is a cookie exchange at church on Saturday, but I have a wedding to attend that day and it's about a 3 hour drive so the two events may not be compatible (although they may be; we will have to see).
The Christmas shopping is done and the Christmas parcel has been mailed home. A lot of the stuff I bought on line and had shipped directly to my sister. There are a couple things she and Mum will pick up for me as well.
I'm ready for Christmas....with three weeks yet to wait!
Saturday, 13 November 2010
A Tale of Two Sleepovers
Wednesday night I had 6 girls, ranging from grades 7-10, over for the night. They watched Letters to Juliet, Karate Kid, and Sidney White. When they weren't watching movies, they were shrieking, pantsing each other, and asking me about boys and dating. They went to bed at about 3:00 and some of them were reluctant to get up at 9:00. They ate cereal and drank tea and hot chocolate and talked more about boys.
Right now my younger girls are over. There are 5 of them, grades 4-6. Last night we watched Aquamarine, Happily Never After 2, and Ramona and Beezus. They ate a lot and were all asleep by 1:00 and up by 8:30. They ate cereal and hot chocolate for breakfast. Right now they're watching Marmaduke... and colouring and playing with magnetix and the magna-doodle. When they talk, it's about the movies and school.
The older girls are loud and wild (for the most part), and want to know all about boy-stuff. The little girls think they're all grown up, but...well...you can see the difference!
Oh...as a side note...the big girls are not quite as mature as they think they are...they want to know about "it" and "you know" and will never actually say "the s-word!"
Right now my younger girls are over. There are 5 of them, grades 4-6. Last night we watched Aquamarine, Happily Never After 2, and Ramona and Beezus. They ate a lot and were all asleep by 1:00 and up by 8:30. They ate cereal and hot chocolate for breakfast. Right now they're watching Marmaduke... and colouring and playing with magnetix and the magna-doodle. When they talk, it's about the movies and school.
The older girls are loud and wild (for the most part), and want to know all about boy-stuff. The little girls think they're all grown up, but...well...you can see the difference!
Oh...as a side note...the big girls are not quite as mature as they think they are...they want to know about "it" and "you know" and will never actually say "the s-word!"
Sunday, 7 November 2010
5th Anniversary
Today is my church's fifth anniversary. Five years ago we gathered in a meeting room in a hotel and then went to the house of one of the members for lunch. At the time, we averaged 48 people each week.
This week we gathered in the school that we lease and spread out over four rooms for lunch. We average 150 people each week.
We sang and we shared what God has been doing in out lives. We talked about how much the church family has meant to everyone. We laughed and we cried.
It's been a good five years. God has blessed us so much.
This week we gathered in the school that we lease and spread out over four rooms for lunch. We average 150 people each week.
We sang and we shared what God has been doing in out lives. We talked about how much the church family has meant to everyone. We laughed and we cried.
It's been a good five years. God has blessed us so much.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Later...
I was going to be all disciplined and stuff and post regularly but school got in the way so forget it.
Here's all I have to say: the New Covenant stuff is complicated (because everyone says something different, although I don't feel bad about disagreeing with them because all sorts of scholars do) but at least I'm learning stuff and enjoying it, and Sailhamer has written the most boring book on the Pentateuch I have ever read and I'm not learning anything from him.
Also, this is my 200th post and I'm using it to explain why I'm not posting more. There's probably something significant about that.
I'll be back after essay season (5 days, 8 hours, 17 minutes until it's all due)
Here's all I have to say: the New Covenant stuff is complicated (because everyone says something different, although I don't feel bad about disagreeing with them because all sorts of scholars do) but at least I'm learning stuff and enjoying it, and Sailhamer has written the most boring book on the Pentateuch I have ever read and I'm not learning anything from him.
Also, this is my 200th post and I'm using it to explain why I'm not posting more. There's probably something significant about that.
I'll be back after essay season (5 days, 8 hours, 17 minutes until it's all due)
Friday, 22 October 2010
Overheard
I went for a walk this evening and passed a group of 4 boys, probably around 6-12 years old. They had been bike riding and were having some sort of disagreement.
All I caught was the youngest one sounding very put out with one of the older ones....
"You always do it and we never do it and we bike until we're tuckered out and then you say you have to keep going and get home and then you come back and say 'Ha, ha!'"
All I caught was the youngest one sounding very put out with one of the older ones....
"You always do it and we never do it and we bike until we're tuckered out and then you say you have to keep going and get home and then you come back and say 'Ha, ha!'"
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
Almost Done...
I have only 2 more papers to write (three if I want to do the bonus paper).
One is a research paper. I'm writing about the New Covenant in Jeremiah. I did a paper last year that covered it some, but from a different angle; last year's was about general covenants in the Ancient Near East, then all the covenants in the Old Testament and then narrowing to the New Covenant, while this year I'm just writing about the fulfillment of the New Covenant. The good news is, I have all the articles I used for last year's paper, so at least some of the research is done.
The other paper is a book review. It should be easy, but the book is 612 pages long and so far not all that interesting (of course, I'm only about 25 pages into it). Ah, well, I'll plug away and see how fast I can skim and then write.
There is also the bonus project. For that I need to watch Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments and write a movie review. I watched it already once, but I'll need to watch it again and take notes. The thing is, the movie is about 3 1/2 hours long, and I'm not sure I have the time to watch it and write about it. What bothers me is that the prof hasn't marked any of our other papers (we just got marks for the chapter summaries we handed in at the end of June), so I don't know how I'm doing and if I should take the time to get the bonus marks.
Everything is due October 31. 2 weeks and 2 days, and 2 more classes will be done.
One is a research paper. I'm writing about the New Covenant in Jeremiah. I did a paper last year that covered it some, but from a different angle; last year's was about general covenants in the Ancient Near East, then all the covenants in the Old Testament and then narrowing to the New Covenant, while this year I'm just writing about the fulfillment of the New Covenant. The good news is, I have all the articles I used for last year's paper, so at least some of the research is done.
The other paper is a book review. It should be easy, but the book is 612 pages long and so far not all that interesting (of course, I'm only about 25 pages into it). Ah, well, I'll plug away and see how fast I can skim and then write.
There is also the bonus project. For that I need to watch Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments and write a movie review. I watched it already once, but I'll need to watch it again and take notes. The thing is, the movie is about 3 1/2 hours long, and I'm not sure I have the time to watch it and write about it. What bothers me is that the prof hasn't marked any of our other papers (we just got marks for the chapter summaries we handed in at the end of June), so I don't know how I'm doing and if I should take the time to get the bonus marks.
Everything is due October 31. 2 weeks and 2 days, and 2 more classes will be done.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Various Things to be Thankful For....
Bringing ice cream and olives to Thanksgiving dinner and leaving with apple pie, enough leftovers for two meals, and extra ham.
Spending time being silly with one child, learning about lego kingdoms and reading books with another child, and laughing with the adults while we "played" the Worst Case Scenario game.
Knowing how to: survive a kidnapping, recognize when a ship is coming to rescue me (and not kidnap me), eat a frog or a lizard, and recognize a harvest ant bite.
Keeping bulletins in my bible cover so that I am able to hand them over, one by one, to a little imp sitting next to me in church to keep her busy drawing all over the back.
A certain little imp who sits with me in church and draws pictures of Miss Dorothy and Miss Dorothy's house (which looks nothing like my house, given that I live in an apartment).
Having an apartment of my own so that I can have books stacked wherever I want....which is most of everywhere.
That in Edmonton, Criminal Minds is on peasant vision, so I can indulge every Wednesday evening (which is what I'm doing right now).
Spending time being silly with one child, learning about lego kingdoms and reading books with another child, and laughing with the adults while we "played" the Worst Case Scenario game.
Knowing how to: survive a kidnapping, recognize when a ship is coming to rescue me (and not kidnap me), eat a frog or a lizard, and recognize a harvest ant bite.
Keeping bulletins in my bible cover so that I am able to hand them over, one by one, to a little imp sitting next to me in church to keep her busy drawing all over the back.
A certain little imp who sits with me in church and draws pictures of Miss Dorothy and Miss Dorothy's house (which looks nothing like my house, given that I live in an apartment).
Having an apartment of my own so that I can have books stacked wherever I want....which is most of everywhere.
That in Edmonton, Criminal Minds is on peasant vision, so I can indulge every Wednesday evening (which is what I'm doing right now).
Monday, 11 October 2010
The Last Line on Both Makes Me Laugh
Okay, this first one I got from Biblical Christianity
I would have simply linked to him, but I prefer this Old Spice ad (but go watch the one he posted, too):
I would have simply linked to him, but I prefer this Old Spice ad (but go watch the one he posted, too):
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Friday, 8 October 2010
From the Kids...
When the boys were over last week, I was trying to do school work and other stuff that needed to be done while they played. Since I wasn't paying too much attention, I only overheard bits of conversations....
Boy 1: You can't have a force field! That's cheating!
Boy 2: It's not cheating. It's an invisible force field.
Later....
You can't get through. You're not powerful enough. No one has enough power. (slight pause) Well, except God's power could.
Boy 1: You can't have a force field! That's cheating!
Boy 2: It's not cheating. It's an invisible force field.
Later....
You can't get through. You're not powerful enough. No one has enough power. (slight pause) Well, except God's power could.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Happy, Happy, Happy!
My church has been around for almost 5 years (to be exact, 4 years and 11 months). Yesterday morning we moved into another building.
Allow me to trace our movements: when we started, there was some talk about having to meet in someone's house (and we were small enough to do it; our first pot luck was in someone's house) but we found space at a hotel. I don't remember how long we were there (2 years, maybe? or 3?), but eventually we moved next door to....another hotel! Here we had a more rooms and a more enclosed space so we didn't have to worry about children running down the hall and getting lost. As we grew, we needed to rearrange rooms and change how things were set up and double up on Sunday School rooms.
Yesterday we moved again. We're leasing a school (well, not all of the school, but most of it) so it's actually our own space. And....for the first time....every Sunday School class is in its own room. So, for the first time since I became a teacher, I have my own classroom. We're using it for my Sunday School class and the Children's Church class, since they don't need it at the same time. For the most part I can decorate how I want (as opposed to how the kids want, which included throwing paint at the walls). It has a small whiteboard that I ignored and a large chalkboard that I wrote all over (I love chalkboards). I think the lady who helps with my class laughed at me for the entire hour!
It worked out well, too, in that I was teaching my class about how God provides for us, and we had our own class in a building we've been praying for as an example!
Allow me to trace our movements: when we started, there was some talk about having to meet in someone's house (and we were small enough to do it; our first pot luck was in someone's house) but we found space at a hotel. I don't remember how long we were there (2 years, maybe? or 3?), but eventually we moved next door to....another hotel! Here we had a more rooms and a more enclosed space so we didn't have to worry about children running down the hall and getting lost. As we grew, we needed to rearrange rooms and change how things were set up and double up on Sunday School rooms.
Yesterday we moved again. We're leasing a school (well, not all of the school, but most of it) so it's actually our own space. And....for the first time....every Sunday School class is in its own room. So, for the first time since I became a teacher, I have my own classroom. We're using it for my Sunday School class and the Children's Church class, since they don't need it at the same time. For the most part I can decorate how I want (as opposed to how the kids want, which included throwing paint at the walls). It has a small whiteboard that I ignored and a large chalkboard that I wrote all over (I love chalkboards). I think the lady who helps with my class laughed at me for the entire hour!
It worked out well, too, in that I was teaching my class about how God provides for us, and we had our own class in a building we've been praying for as an example!
Saturday, 2 October 2010
I am Cow
My friend's young sons were over yesterday and we ended up on the computer; I was watching a YouTube clip and as soon as they heard it they came over (it was a Piper clip on not wasting your life; they thought it was strange but stayed to watch/listen).
They seem like such good boys; they even told me that they aren't allowed on YouTube unless Mommy says it's okay and she's there. I assured them that it was okay if I was with them. Then they had me watch "I am Cow" three times (well, mostly I listened while I made lunch; they kept hitting replay). And I was stuck with it running through my head the rest of the day.
And so, for your viewing enjoyment......
They seem like such good boys; they even told me that they aren't allowed on YouTube unless Mommy says it's okay and she's there. I assured them that it was okay if I was with them. Then they had me watch "I am Cow" three times (well, mostly I listened while I made lunch; they kept hitting replay). And I was stuck with it running through my head the rest of the day.
And so, for your viewing enjoyment......
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
From the Kids
In Sunday School we're learning about the providence of God. Last Sunday we read Proverbs 15:3 "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good."
My question: What does this verse tell us about God?
The student's answer: He's watching us and the evil people!
I don't know if the student ever really understood why we all paused for a second to absorb what he had just said and then laughed.
My question: What does this verse tell us about God?
The student's answer: He's watching us and the evil people!
I don't know if the student ever really understood why we all paused for a second to absorb what he had just said and then laughed.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
An Everlasing Rock
Here is my look at the final phrase.
"Everlasting" means "time out of mind." I love that way of saying "eternity." We cannot comprehend how long "eternity" is with our little, mortal minds.
Finally, "Rock." The King James translates it "strength" which is a good translation as well; however, the word also includes the idea of "refuge."
So....we can trust God and we must trust God, because He is our strength and refuge for an eternity, for "time out of mind."
"Everlasting" means "time out of mind." I love that way of saying "eternity." We cannot comprehend how long "eternity" is with our little, mortal minds.
Finally, "Rock." The King James translates it "strength" which is a good translation as well; however, the word also includes the idea of "refuge."
So....we can trust God and we must trust God, because He is our strength and refuge for an eternity, for "time out of mind."
Friday, 24 September 2010
Trust...forever
To trust: to hie for refuge; to trust, be confident, or sure.
Also translated: be bold, confident,sure, secure.
Forever: duration, in the sense of perpetuity.
Also translated: eternity, perpetually, evermore.
There you go: perpetually go to God for refuge, and be confident and sure in Him.
Also translated: be bold, confident,sure, secure.
Forever: duration, in the sense of perpetuity.
Also translated: eternity, perpetually, evermore.
There you go: perpetually go to God for refuge, and be confident and sure in Him.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Perfect Peace
Interesting finding.....it seems that it's the same word in Hebrew used here, translated both "perfect" and "peace."
So here's what I have:
completeness, soundness
safe, well, happy, quiet, tranquility
So....if we are steadfast of mind, we will have complete and sound safety, wellness, and happiness.
So here's what I have:
completeness, soundness
safe, well, happy, quiet, tranquility
So....if we are steadfast of mind, we will have complete and sound safety, wellness, and happiness.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
"steadfast of mind"
The first challenge was this: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary are based on the KJV, where the wording is different. This means that instead of "steadfast" I needed to look up "stayed" (as in: "whose mind is stayed on you"). Here is what I learned.....
stayed: lean upon; take hold of; rest upon; supported by....also translated sustained and established
mind: form; framing; purpose; framework
So, from the best I can figure, the idea is that we need our entire being to be taking hold of and resting upon God.
We cannot be steadfast sometimes or partly; it needs to be a full commitment for all times.
stayed: lean upon; take hold of; rest upon; supported by....also translated sustained and established
mind: form; framing; purpose; framework
So, from the best I can figure, the idea is that we need our entire being to be taking hold of and resting upon God.
We cannot be steadfast sometimes or partly; it needs to be a full commitment for all times.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
More on Isaiah
I plan to look a bit more into some of the words in the verses below. Specifically, I want to think about:
steadfast
perfect
peace
trust
forever
everlasting
Rock
I think they are very key words (well, you try reading the verses without them!) and I want to understand them more fully.
If I have time and energy and such, I'll post more thoughts as I study more.
steadfast
perfect
peace
trust
forever
everlasting
Rock
I think they are very key words (well, you try reading the verses without them!) and I want to understand them more fully.
If I have time and energy and such, I'll post more thoughts as I study more.
Friday, 10 September 2010
From Isaiah
This is what I was reading today, and the questions that struck me as important as I read it. I'll let you answer them.
Isaiah 26:3-4
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.
Questions.....
Who is the promise for?
How long do we need to trust?
Why should we trust God?
Finally....why is this important for any of us?
(Hint: The first three are answered in the verses. The last question is for you to think about, but note the assumption in the question.)
Isaiah 26:3-4
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.
Questions.....
Who is the promise for?
How long do we need to trust?
Why should we trust God?
Finally....why is this important for any of us?
(Hint: The first three are answered in the verses. The last question is for you to think about, but note the assumption in the question.)
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Friendships
Today I was downloading a lot of books, chapters, whatever from a friend from school. Another friend scanned them when we were down in California (he was only taking the morning class and we were quite happy to have him do some of our research for us in the afternoons!). After I downloaded the files, I decided to save the emails as well as a sort of back up, and also to make the research accessible when I'm not at home. To do this I created another file in my hotmail account. When I did that, I noticed the files that were there and started glancing through them at the emails I thought were worth saving.
Some of the files had emails from many years back, from in and around my university days. I saw names I had almost forgotten from friends that are mostly just memories now. I haven't seen some of them since those days and haven't heard from them in almost as long. Even the ones I've reconnected with on facebook are not really friends; they are friendships based on shared memories only. Yet, once upon a time, we were friends for a season. It seemed a bit sad at first, that we could be friends and then become little more than memories. Then I kept looking and found other names: people I knew that far back and still know today, and it set me to thinking more.
Here's what I think: God gives us friends at different times and for different purposes. Some friends are only ever intended to be for a season, whether for their sake or for ours or both. And when that time is over, we move on and become memories. It isn't a bad thing; it's just the way life is. Other people stay in our lives, sometimes coming and going, but always based on more than just memories: we share today with them. Either way, God has a reason and we need to enjoy and cherish and love our friends while we have them.
Some of the files had emails from many years back, from in and around my university days. I saw names I had almost forgotten from friends that are mostly just memories now. I haven't seen some of them since those days and haven't heard from them in almost as long. Even the ones I've reconnected with on facebook are not really friends; they are friendships based on shared memories only. Yet, once upon a time, we were friends for a season. It seemed a bit sad at first, that we could be friends and then become little more than memories. Then I kept looking and found other names: people I knew that far back and still know today, and it set me to thinking more.
Here's what I think: God gives us friends at different times and for different purposes. Some friends are only ever intended to be for a season, whether for their sake or for ours or both. And when that time is over, we move on and become memories. It isn't a bad thing; it's just the way life is. Other people stay in our lives, sometimes coming and going, but always based on more than just memories: we share today with them. Either way, God has a reason and we need to enjoy and cherish and love our friends while we have them.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Exams
Yay, exams are done! I only had to write two of them this year, which isn't so bad (one year I had 4).
The first one took me 7 1/2 hours. Actually, 7 hours of exam writing and reading (it was open book) and trying to remember stuff and staring at the screen hoping words would appear. The other 1/2 hour was lunch time. I have a very good proctor: he set me up at the computer and then left me alone until it was time to feed me! The exam was on creation and covenant and covered most of the Pentateuch ("most of" because the only questions on Numbers and Deuteronomy,which we didn't really cover in class, were with other choices so I wrote on something else). It wasn't a bad exam. There were a couple really easy questions, like "what are the essential qualities of an Old Testament theology?" which, granted, doesn't seem easy, but right in my notes was the title "essential qualities of an Old Testament theology" with a list underneath it!
The other exam was a nice, normal 2 1/2 hour exam. It was on prophets and prophecy and had 10 questions that the prof had already given us; he had also gone over the components of a good answer for each question. Really, it was a matter of remembering all the points! Some questions only needed 2 sentences to answer; others needed 3-6 points to prove the answer. I did the first 6 questions in 45 minutes and then needed another 45 minutes for questions 7 and 8! I finished with time to go back over my answers, correcting the grammar, clarifying points and adding details; then I had time to skim through Psalms to find a reference I wanted to use (it was in Psalm 110), and still had 9 minutes to spare. Not a bad exam, really. Then the elder (aka proctor) helped me go through his library to find anything I might need for my research papers and then fed me supper (you see why he's a good proctor?).
Next week I start writing papers. The first one is due September 6, then every 2 weeks after that (actually, there's only a week between papers 3 and 4 and three weeks between papers 4 and 5), plus 2 papers for the other class. Everything will be done by the end of October.
The first one took me 7 1/2 hours. Actually, 7 hours of exam writing and reading (it was open book) and trying to remember stuff and staring at the screen hoping words would appear. The other 1/2 hour was lunch time. I have a very good proctor: he set me up at the computer and then left me alone until it was time to feed me! The exam was on creation and covenant and covered most of the Pentateuch ("most of" because the only questions on Numbers and Deuteronomy,which we didn't really cover in class, were with other choices so I wrote on something else). It wasn't a bad exam. There were a couple really easy questions, like "what are the essential qualities of an Old Testament theology?" which, granted, doesn't seem easy, but right in my notes was the title "essential qualities of an Old Testament theology" with a list underneath it!
The other exam was a nice, normal 2 1/2 hour exam. It was on prophets and prophecy and had 10 questions that the prof had already given us; he had also gone over the components of a good answer for each question. Really, it was a matter of remembering all the points! Some questions only needed 2 sentences to answer; others needed 3-6 points to prove the answer. I did the first 6 questions in 45 minutes and then needed another 45 minutes for questions 7 and 8! I finished with time to go back over my answers, correcting the grammar, clarifying points and adding details; then I had time to skim through Psalms to find a reference I wanted to use (it was in Psalm 110), and still had 9 minutes to spare. Not a bad exam, really. Then the elder (aka proctor) helped me go through his library to find anything I might need for my research papers and then fed me supper (you see why he's a good proctor?).
Next week I start writing papers. The first one is due September 6, then every 2 weeks after that (actually, there's only a week between papers 3 and 4 and three weeks between papers 4 and 5), plus 2 papers for the other class. Everything will be done by the end of October.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Other Thoughts from the Week at School
A history of covenant people = a history of covenant failure
Beware of extreme allegorical interpretations and extreme pragmatic explanations
Question: why am I even trying to understand the 70 7’s in Daniel? It’s Friday afternoon at the end of a long week of learning (that oddly enough seemed to fly by) and I’m trying to understand numbers….yeah, it’s not going to happen. Actually, I’m okay with “they refer to years” and “they start at 444 or 445 B.C.” but now we’re getting into “how do the years carry down to Christ” and I’ve actually avoided this question 3 times and certainly don’t intend to try puzzling through it today.
The advantage to a small class is that I can use 3 desks if I decide I need them…and I decided that I need them!
Beware of extreme allegorical interpretations and extreme pragmatic explanations
Question: why am I even trying to understand the 70 7’s in Daniel? It’s Friday afternoon at the end of a long week of learning (that oddly enough seemed to fly by) and I’m trying to understand numbers….yeah, it’s not going to happen. Actually, I’m okay with “they refer to years” and “they start at 444 or 445 B.C.” but now we’re getting into “how do the years carry down to Christ” and I’ve actually avoided this question 3 times and certainly don’t intend to try puzzling through it today.
The advantage to a small class is that I can use 3 desks if I decide I need them…and I decided that I need them!
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Global Warming
You know, normally I don't care what celebrities say about the issues of the day. In my world, celebrity does not equal expert.
Today I will make an exception. Pat Sajak has a very good solution for man-made global warming. Go read it.
Today I will make an exception. Pat Sajak has a very good solution for man-made global warming. Go read it.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Random Thoughts from Today's Classes
As copied and pasted directly from my file marked "thoughts" where I add things I want to remember, bits of stuff to think about, or stuff that pops into my head that doesn't really belong in my notes....
Sounds: the typing of a dozen laptops; whispered conversations; people shifting; pages being turned; the AC blowing away (but not too cold today; it must have used up all its cold on Tuesday when we all nearly froze to death)
Abraham was accustomed to believe….shows a pattern of belief….and it is counted as righteousness
Why does he not plug the computer in at the start instead of waiting until the battery is about dead?
Know the sources of the Scriptures you use and you will need to use to explain things to people.
We come here to learn how to communicate to people who don’t know.
By Thursday afternoon, my brain is too tired to understand Ezekiel, and Daniel may do me in.
Every class needs a bit of a know-it-all, although ours is actually a really nice guy; he just answers questions rather verbosely!
Sometimes, when we read someone, we need to let the person speak to explain what he really means.
Based on conversations during the break, I don’t think many of us are focusing well today. The disadvantage of taking notes on the computer is the wealth of distractions right in front of us.
Sounds: the typing of a dozen laptops; whispered conversations; people shifting; pages being turned; the AC blowing away (but not too cold today; it must have used up all its cold on Tuesday when we all nearly froze to death)
Abraham was accustomed to believe….shows a pattern of belief….and it is counted as righteousness
Why does he not plug the computer in at the start instead of waiting until the battery is about dead?
Know the sources of the Scriptures you use and you will need to use to explain things to people.
We come here to learn how to communicate to people who don’t know.
By Thursday afternoon, my brain is too tired to understand Ezekiel, and Daniel may do me in.
Every class needs a bit of a know-it-all, although ours is actually a really nice guy; he just answers questions rather verbosely!
Sometimes, when we read someone, we need to let the person speak to explain what he really means.
Based on conversations during the break, I don’t think many of us are focusing well today. The disadvantage of taking notes on the computer is the wealth of distractions right in front of us.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Further Notes from School
Today we got through Genesis 1-11. We have two days to finish the Pentateuch. We're part way through Ezekiel; we may finish the major prophets by Friday, but the minor prophets are not going to happen. On the other hand, we learned about making proper Chinese food, so it's all good.
Studying at night after a day of classes may not be the best idea...I don't think the sacrificial system was meant to be funny, but when you talk about scooping out the innards of the animals...and add sound effects...and have to explain to one of the guys that the bull is, by definition, a male...
We found a way to teach everyone the plagues in order:
2 with water: blood and frogs
2 to annoy people: gnats (or lice) and flies
2 to affect living creatures: dead cattle and boils
2 to destroy the land: hail and locusts
1 for the greatest gods, the sun and moon: darkness
and then death of the first born
We're also working on the Day of Atonement, which seems to include a lot of sacrifices and baths.
We learned the 10 commands forward and backward:
The first 5 we know forward: no other Gods, no idols, no taking God's name in vain, Sabbath, honor your parents.
The last 5 we know backwards, because of David who....
coveted his neighbor's wife, lied about everything, stole her, committed adultery, and had her husband murdered.
Finally, there is the Tabernacle: gold inside, bronze outside, blue and purple linen, goat hair coverings.
And now you, too, are ready for tomorrow's quiz.
Studying at night after a day of classes may not be the best idea...I don't think the sacrificial system was meant to be funny, but when you talk about scooping out the innards of the animals...and add sound effects...and have to explain to one of the guys that the bull is, by definition, a male...
We found a way to teach everyone the plagues in order:
2 with water: blood and frogs
2 to annoy people: gnats (or lice) and flies
2 to affect living creatures: dead cattle and boils
2 to destroy the land: hail and locusts
1 for the greatest gods, the sun and moon: darkness
and then death of the first born
We're also working on the Day of Atonement, which seems to include a lot of sacrifices and baths.
We learned the 10 commands forward and backward:
The first 5 we know forward: no other Gods, no idols, no taking God's name in vain, Sabbath, honor your parents.
The last 5 we know backwards, because of David who....
coveted his neighbor's wife, lied about everything, stole her, committed adultery, and had her husband murdered.
Finally, there is the Tabernacle: gold inside, bronze outside, blue and purple linen, goat hair coverings.
And now you, too, are ready for tomorrow's quiz.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Further to "But" as the Happiest Conjunction
Ephesians 2:1-7:
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Do you see that? We were dead, and children of wrath, and if you read the first three verses, there was no hope for us.
But God….the most beautiful words! But God….for no reason of our own, only because of His great love and mercy, made us alive, and He gives not only life but grace and kindness and everything that we don’t deserve.
Everywhere: we are sinners deserving wrath and eternal judgment….but God saves us anyway.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Do you see that? We were dead, and children of wrath, and if you read the first three verses, there was no hope for us.
But God….the most beautiful words! But God….for no reason of our own, only because of His great love and mercy, made us alive, and He gives not only life but grace and kindness and everything that we don’t deserve.
Everywhere: we are sinners deserving wrath and eternal judgment….but God saves us anyway.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Notes from School
1. There are 13 people in each of my classes: 12 guys and me. To be exact (and to squelch any comments from people who still want to marry me off): 8 married guys, 1 guy from Ukraine, and 3 guys who are at least 10 years younger than me (actually, so is the guy from Ukraine).
2. Dr. Boyd's quizzes are not too bad (at least the first one wasn't). They are just basic content quizzes, which is easy for the first 2 chapter of Genesis, but might be more challenging for later books.
3. Dr. Wong is my new favourite person because he decided not to give us the quizzes on Rosscup's book, but to just have us read it (we all already read it) and he'll tell the Biblical Studies office we all get 100%.
4. Most of Dr. Wong's class was about the papers and how to do research and what he wants. We really didn't do much on the prophets. He did, however, give us all 10 questions that will be on the final and started giving us notes on them. I think he wants everyone to pass the class! He takes his role as teacher very seriously, and is determined to give us the skills and tools we need to be successful.
5. It's really nice being back in school, surrounded by students who want to learn. It's also nice seeing everyone again.
2. Dr. Boyd's quizzes are not too bad (at least the first one wasn't). They are just basic content quizzes, which is easy for the first 2 chapter of Genesis, but might be more challenging for later books.
3. Dr. Wong is my new favourite person because he decided not to give us the quizzes on Rosscup's book, but to just have us read it (we all already read it) and he'll tell the Biblical Studies office we all get 100%.
4. Most of Dr. Wong's class was about the papers and how to do research and what he wants. We really didn't do much on the prophets. He did, however, give us all 10 questions that will be on the final and started giving us notes on them. I think he wants everyone to pass the class! He takes his role as teacher very seriously, and is determined to give us the skills and tools we need to be successful.
5. It's really nice being back in school, surrounded by students who want to learn. It's also nice seeing everyone again.
A Comparison
Yesterday I was at Grace Community Church (aka John MacArthur's Church, also GCC). I was thinking about how it compares to my home church, Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton (GRBC).
First, size:
If we had the same sized choir, with the orchestra, music minister, and pastor at home as they do here, there would be about 30 people, max, left in the pews...and they would all be children. I have no idea how many people attend GCC. You need to consider that only half the people are in the service at once; the rest are in Sunday School classes. They switch for second service (well, some of them do for sure; I don't know about all of them). The Sunday School class we attended seemed to be about as large as our congregation on a regular Sunday, although again minus the children. Plus, we meet in a few rooms in the basement of a hotel; GCC has a whole complex with a sanctuary, chapel, information booth, gym, Sunday School building, courtyard, and book store, plus whatever else I've never seen.
Next, music:
In the service, the choir sings alone about as much as the congregation sings. It's straight hymns, which is okay by me. I would prefer to sing more, though. In Sunday School we sing a bit more (Sunday School is more of a service, but more informal) and there are more modern hymns (like praise choruses only with better lyrics). Between the two services, then, we get a lot of what I hear (and sing) at home. It's nice.
Most importantly, the message:
The sermon in the big service could have been preached by a certain elder at my church: it was about God's wrath and justice. It was very, very good. He talked about sin and how God doesn't mark on a curve but on a pass/fail, and about hell. He tied it into our need to reach the lost because God's wrath is real and hell is a real place. He also talked about 1 John 2:1-2, about how we have an intercessor who bore God's wrath for us, so we have reason to rejoice. In Sunday School they are going though the requirements of an elder in 2 Timothy, which we have also done a year or so ago.
Conclusions:
I like GCC; it's interesting to see how a very big church runs and see how much is the same as our small church, just on a larger scale; plus, they have a bookstore! Still, I love my own church best, probably because I belong there and I know and love the people.
First, size:
If we had the same sized choir, with the orchestra, music minister, and pastor at home as they do here, there would be about 30 people, max, left in the pews...and they would all be children. I have no idea how many people attend GCC. You need to consider that only half the people are in the service at once; the rest are in Sunday School classes. They switch for second service (well, some of them do for sure; I don't know about all of them). The Sunday School class we attended seemed to be about as large as our congregation on a regular Sunday, although again minus the children. Plus, we meet in a few rooms in the basement of a hotel; GCC has a whole complex with a sanctuary, chapel, information booth, gym, Sunday School building, courtyard, and book store, plus whatever else I've never seen.
Next, music:
In the service, the choir sings alone about as much as the congregation sings. It's straight hymns, which is okay by me. I would prefer to sing more, though. In Sunday School we sing a bit more (Sunday School is more of a service, but more informal) and there are more modern hymns (like praise choruses only with better lyrics). Between the two services, then, we get a lot of what I hear (and sing) at home. It's nice.
Most importantly, the message:
The sermon in the big service could have been preached by a certain elder at my church: it was about God's wrath and justice. It was very, very good. He talked about sin and how God doesn't mark on a curve but on a pass/fail, and about hell. He tied it into our need to reach the lost because God's wrath is real and hell is a real place. He also talked about 1 John 2:1-2, about how we have an intercessor who bore God's wrath for us, so we have reason to rejoice. In Sunday School they are going though the requirements of an elder in 2 Timothy, which we have also done a year or so ago.
Conclusions:
I like GCC; it's interesting to see how a very big church runs and see how much is the same as our small church, just on a larger scale; plus, they have a bookstore! Still, I love my own church best, probably because I belong there and I know and love the people.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
From the Kids
Here is today's story, courtesy of my students:
One of my grade 4 boys was working with a multiplication wrap-up for fun (he actually does reading with us but prefers math). For the uninitiated: wrap-ups have a row of questions on one side and a row of answers on the other and you wrap a string around them, matching questions and answers; there are lines of the back and if the string covers the lines properly, you got them all right. Got it? Good.
Back to the student: he was cheating by wrapping it from the back, simply matching the lines. When I told him he was cheating, he said, "That's how we do it in my country." From there we get the following conversation:
Me: Dude, you're from Canada. This is your country.
Student 2: Maybe his country is India [a reasonable guess].
Student 1: No, my country is Australia.
Student 2: Oh yeah? Well speak Australi-ish.
Student 1: I bet you can't speak Australi-ish.
Student 2: Well I'm not from there.
Student 1: Well I'm the president of Australia.
Of course you are, dear. In your own little world.
One of my grade 4 boys was working with a multiplication wrap-up for fun (he actually does reading with us but prefers math). For the uninitiated: wrap-ups have a row of questions on one side and a row of answers on the other and you wrap a string around them, matching questions and answers; there are lines of the back and if the string covers the lines properly, you got them all right. Got it? Good.
Back to the student: he was cheating by wrapping it from the back, simply matching the lines. When I told him he was cheating, he said, "That's how we do it in my country." From there we get the following conversation:
Me: Dude, you're from Canada. This is your country.
Student 2: Maybe his country is India [a reasonable guess].
Student 1: No, my country is Australia.
Student 2: Oh yeah? Well speak Australi-ish.
Student 1: I bet you can't speak Australi-ish.
Student 2: Well I'm not from there.
Student 1: Well I'm the president of Australia.
Of course you are, dear. In your own little world.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
To Think About
In reading Matthew Henry's commentary (on Jonah 3:1-4), I came upon this:
"We should be alarmed if we were sure not to live a month, yet we are careless, though we are not sure to live a day."
"We should be alarmed if we were sure not to live a month, yet we are careless, though we are not sure to live a day."
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Canada Day
Today is July 1st, so I am supposed to be posting about Canada and how wonderful it is and how much I love it.
Canada is a wonderful country.
I love Canada.
Good enough? Okay, some details: I love that it's so big, and that there are oceans and mountains and forests and prairies (I think God did a very good job when He made Canada), and that our colours are red and white (I love red).
That's it. I'm very busy with the minor prophets right now. Furthermore, I am in Alberta and Alberta did not become a province and officially join confederation until September 1, 2005. Someone remind me at the end of August, and I'll give you the official, patriotic, I-love-my-country post then.
Canada is a wonderful country.
I love Canada.
Good enough? Okay, some details: I love that it's so big, and that there are oceans and mountains and forests and prairies (I think God did a very good job when He made Canada), and that our colours are red and white (I love red).
That's it. I'm very busy with the minor prophets right now. Furthermore, I am in Alberta and Alberta did not become a province and officially join confederation until September 1, 2005. Someone remind me at the end of August, and I'll give you the official, patriotic, I-love-my-country post then.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Should They Like Us?
I'm preparing Junior Church lessons today (the first sign that work is very, very quiet is that I have time to do that at work; the second sign, of course, is that I also have time to write this). We're in the book of Acts, and in July will learn about the stoning of Stephen, Philip and the Ethiopian, Saul's conversion, and Saul's escape in the basket. We've already learned about two of the apostles being arrested, and Peter will be arrested again before the summer is over. There seem to be a lot of people in Acts trying to kill the followers of The Way (they won't be called Christians until the middle of August) (as an aside, I know no one is getting persecuted in Philip and the Ethiopian; it just happens to be one of the lessons).
Which led me to thinking....a lot of "how to do church" and "why we're doing church wrong" books and blogs seem to focus on "unbelievers don't like the church so we're doing something wrong and need to change." But I don't see that in Acts. They didn't change or soften their message and they didn't keep quiet and try to be "tolerant" of everyone's beliefs.
They preached the gospel, plain and simple, from the Old Testament through the death and resurrection of Christ. And they were arrested and stoned and beheaded and hounded and cast out....and they kept preaching the gospel, plain and simple.
Now, if we're so caught up in our little "christian" world that we ignore or look down on nonbelievers, or if we forget that they're people and not numbers to convert so we look good, or being jerks in general, then of course they don't like us, and we need to change.
But if we're preaching the truth and loving people and not compromising and they don't like us....well, from reading Acts, that makes a lot of sense, and maybe it means we're doing something right.
Which led me to thinking....a lot of "how to do church" and "why we're doing church wrong" books and blogs seem to focus on "unbelievers don't like the church so we're doing something wrong and need to change." But I don't see that in Acts. They didn't change or soften their message and they didn't keep quiet and try to be "tolerant" of everyone's beliefs.
They preached the gospel, plain and simple, from the Old Testament through the death and resurrection of Christ. And they were arrested and stoned and beheaded and hounded and cast out....and they kept preaching the gospel, plain and simple.
Now, if we're so caught up in our little "christian" world that we ignore or look down on nonbelievers, or if we forget that they're people and not numbers to convert so we look good, or being jerks in general, then of course they don't like us, and we need to change.
But if we're preaching the truth and loving people and not compromising and they don't like us....well, from reading Acts, that makes a lot of sense, and maybe it means we're doing something right.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
School
It's about all I think about right now. It seems to be all I do right now (although there's also work, Bible study, church, Sunday School, bits of socializing....). Sometimes I dream about it (very strange dreams about commentaries).
At the end of October I will be done 1/2 of the summer classes and 6/15 of the independent study classes (did I mention I passed last winter's classes? I finally got the final marks). The current classes (Creation and Covenant and Prophets and Prophecy in Context) are said by those who have completed the program to be the toughest with the most work. I believe it. I also take comfort in knowing that when I'm finished them, the rest should be less stressful!
The thing is, except for some of the reading, I'm enjoying all of it. I don't understand all of it, of course; in fact, in Dr. Wong's "minor research project" of 206 questions on the prophets, I tend to look at the questions and think "I have no idea!" Then I research and learn stuff and have fun...but there isn't time to learn and understand all of it (nor does he intend us to; it's just to get an overview; later we will write a full paper on one of the questions). I do know some of the arguments used to defend different views of different passages, and in some cases I know which ones I think are correct.
So....back to work. I'll try to check in once in a while, but until this research project is finished, I'm doing so much writing already that I don't always want to write in my spare time (such as it is).
At the end of October I will be done 1/2 of the summer classes and 6/15 of the independent study classes (did I mention I passed last winter's classes? I finally got the final marks). The current classes (Creation and Covenant and Prophets and Prophecy in Context) are said by those who have completed the program to be the toughest with the most work. I believe it. I also take comfort in knowing that when I'm finished them, the rest should be less stressful!
The thing is, except for some of the reading, I'm enjoying all of it. I don't understand all of it, of course; in fact, in Dr. Wong's "minor research project" of 206 questions on the prophets, I tend to look at the questions and think "I have no idea!" Then I research and learn stuff and have fun...but there isn't time to learn and understand all of it (nor does he intend us to; it's just to get an overview; later we will write a full paper on one of the questions). I do know some of the arguments used to defend different views of different passages, and in some cases I know which ones I think are correct.
So....back to work. I'll try to check in once in a while, but until this research project is finished, I'm doing so much writing already that I don't always want to write in my spare time (such as it is).
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Not a Good Argument
I'm in a long-running argument with the kids about cell phones and MP3 players. They want to use them at work and at sleepovers and once in Sunday School, and I want them to put them away (or leave them at home).
My argument goes like this: No. You aren't allowed to have them here; it's against the rules. You need to be doing your work, not texting or listening to music, and you do not need the music to do your work; I've seen you do it with out the music. (That would be at work; at the sleepover it was: You're with a group of friends and you do not need to be texting each other or anyone else and you are certainly not going to be calling or texting boys tonight, not on my watch.)
Their argument: It's mine and you can't take it away, that's not fair, I need it.
My question: Why do you need it?
Their response: Because it's mine and you can't take it, that's mean!
They always seem so surprised when I don't give in to their astounding logic!
Side story: Last night I told one of my teenage girls to take those things out of her ears and put her iPod away while she's here. When she was going to argue I got up to take the iPod from her so she tried to shove it in her bra (although it ended up in her shirt). Her (male) teacher turned somewhat pink and was suddenly busy teaching another student!
My argument goes like this: No. You aren't allowed to have them here; it's against the rules. You need to be doing your work, not texting or listening to music, and you do not need the music to do your work; I've seen you do it with out the music. (That would be at work; at the sleepover it was: You're with a group of friends and you do not need to be texting each other or anyone else and you are certainly not going to be calling or texting boys tonight, not on my watch.)
Their argument: It's mine and you can't take it away, that's not fair, I need it.
My question: Why do you need it?
Their response: Because it's mine and you can't take it, that's mean!
They always seem so surprised when I don't give in to their astounding logic!
Side story: Last night I told one of my teenage girls to take those things out of her ears and put her iPod away while she's here. When she was going to argue I got up to take the iPod from her so she tried to shove it in her bra (although it ended up in her shirt). Her (male) teacher turned somewhat pink and was suddenly busy teaching another student!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Notes from Teaching Junior Church
Alternate title: Why I Teach the Big Kids Now
Yesterday I taught the babies again, my 3-6 year olds. I love my babies, one or two at a time, or even three, but not that many! For the most part they aren't bad, except the one who yells everything (not just answers, either). The rest are just young....and squirmy....and easily distracted....
I tried to review last week. Last week they learned that Jesus went to heaven but that He will come back. Once I got through "Jesus went to heaven" the lesson went something like this:
What did the men say Jesus would do?
Die on the cross!
No, this is after He died on the cross. What will happen later?
Um....Jesus will die on the cross?
No, no, no.....later....after He went to heaven....
Oh! I know! Rise from the dead!
Seriously, I ended up drawing a timeline so they could see that Jesus had already died and rose, and eventually they got to "He will come back." Then we could go on to this week's lesson: the coming of the Holy Spirit. Things got better then (except for the yeller). They liked to fire (but were a bit disappointed when I told them no one was actually on fire) and sort of understood the different languages. The coloring part went well (complete with multi-colored flames, and the yeller scribbling over and over his page in different colors, but quietly so it was all good). Then we got to "Tell me what the story was about and I'll give you a treat."
Most of them did well. Then there was the youngest, who has just turned three. Her answer?
"Jesus died on the cross!"
I think it's the only Sunday School answer she has. The others tried to prompt her but she wasn't getting it. I told her to just say, "The Holy Spirit came," but she looked a bit lost. It ended like this:
Say "The"
The
"Holy"
Holy
"Spirit"
Spirit
"Came."
Came.
Good, have a cookie.
Yeah, so I'm sticking with my big kids. They're a little bit more aware.
Yesterday I taught the babies again, my 3-6 year olds. I love my babies, one or two at a time, or even three, but not that many! For the most part they aren't bad, except the one who yells everything (not just answers, either). The rest are just young....and squirmy....and easily distracted....
I tried to review last week. Last week they learned that Jesus went to heaven but that He will come back. Once I got through "Jesus went to heaven" the lesson went something like this:
What did the men say Jesus would do?
Die on the cross!
No, this is after He died on the cross. What will happen later?
Um....Jesus will die on the cross?
No, no, no.....later....after He went to heaven....
Oh! I know! Rise from the dead!
Seriously, I ended up drawing a timeline so they could see that Jesus had already died and rose, and eventually they got to "He will come back." Then we could go on to this week's lesson: the coming of the Holy Spirit. Things got better then (except for the yeller). They liked to fire (but were a bit disappointed when I told them no one was actually on fire) and sort of understood the different languages. The coloring part went well (complete with multi-colored flames, and the yeller scribbling over and over his page in different colors, but quietly so it was all good). Then we got to "Tell me what the story was about and I'll give you a treat."
Most of them did well. Then there was the youngest, who has just turned three. Her answer?
"Jesus died on the cross!"
I think it's the only Sunday School answer she has. The others tried to prompt her but she wasn't getting it. I told her to just say, "The Holy Spirit came," but she looked a bit lost. It ended like this:
Say "The"
The
"Holy"
Holy
"Spirit"
Spirit
"Came."
Came.
Good, have a cookie.
Yeah, so I'm sticking with my big kids. They're a little bit more aware.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
The Sleepover
I have survived another sleepover with my girls. There were 10 of us sleeping in my living room last night (and for the record, it isn't a big room). We had a great time, watching movies, playing games, talking, and eating. They ate, among other stuff, 16 bags of microwave popcorn (although given the amount of popcorn I vacuumed up this morning, "ate" might not be the right word).
They're good girls and they make me laugh. The youngest is 9 and the oldest is 12 or 13, which doesn't sound like a big gap, but at their age is a really big difference. This is usually seen in their choice of movies. See, normally at the beginning of the sleepover we walk to Blockbuster to rent movies. I pair them up so we usually get 4 movies and there will be something for the little ones and the older ones. We spend a lot of time negotiating since the older girls don't want "baby" movies, but they tend to try choosing movies that I won't approve. This year I told them before the sleepover that if there were any arguments I would call their parents and ask if the movie was appropriate (I can accept the I may be more cautious than their parents although I doubt it). This decision already made them agree not to argue, so I thought it would be easier this year.
It turned out to be a moot point. It was windy and cold and threatening to rain yesterday evening so I didn't want to go out. Instead I went through my movies and pulled out the ones I thought they could watch.
The end result? My very grown up girls (who don't want to watch baby movies) choose, and sang along with, VeggieTales, including "Larry's Wonderful World of Autotainment," "Gideon, Tuba Warrior," and "Jonah." They also choose Shrek 2. They rejected E.T. five minutes in because it was "boring" (read: none of them stopped talking long enough to follow it and it wasn't animated) and only one of them wanted to watch "Narnia." My very big, so grown up girls!
They're good girls and they make me laugh. The youngest is 9 and the oldest is 12 or 13, which doesn't sound like a big gap, but at their age is a really big difference. This is usually seen in their choice of movies. See, normally at the beginning of the sleepover we walk to Blockbuster to rent movies. I pair them up so we usually get 4 movies and there will be something for the little ones and the older ones. We spend a lot of time negotiating since the older girls don't want "baby" movies, but they tend to try choosing movies that I won't approve. This year I told them before the sleepover that if there were any arguments I would call their parents and ask if the movie was appropriate (I can accept the I may be more cautious than their parents although I doubt it). This decision already made them agree not to argue, so I thought it would be easier this year.
It turned out to be a moot point. It was windy and cold and threatening to rain yesterday evening so I didn't want to go out. Instead I went through my movies and pulled out the ones I thought they could watch.
The end result? My very grown up girls (who don't want to watch baby movies) choose, and sang along with, VeggieTales, including "Larry's Wonderful World of Autotainment," "Gideon, Tuba Warrior," and "Jonah." They also choose Shrek 2. They rejected E.T. five minutes in because it was "boring" (read: none of them stopped talking long enough to follow it and it wasn't animated) and only one of them wanted to watch "Narnia." My very big, so grown up girls!
Monday, 24 May 2010
What I'm Reading
Along with piles of school-related stuff, I'm also reading Why We Love the Church by Kevin De Young and Ted Kluck. I've only just started so I don't have a lot to say about the book itself (except that so far I'm enjoying it). They have said something, though, that I've thought about before.
To start, though: I love the church. I know it isn't perfect, but I strongly believe that we are supposed to be a part of a local church, and to belong rather than just attend sporadically or church hop or even attend services regularly without any commitment. I think that it is important for fellowship and accountability, as well as for being taught and for serving.
So, here's the part that most resonated with me so far, and seemed to sum up a lot of people I've spoken with who will not join a church for whatever reasons: "People seem to want fellowship without commitment; they want to learn from each other, without being taught by anyone" (p.21).
I think it's a desire for freedom, first: freedom from commitment that may require work or service on their part, freedom to walk away if they disagree, and freedom from possible accountability from those who may see sin in their lives.
Further, I see an element of pride: they want everyone equal, teaching each other, with no one above anyone because then there is no one above them. No one is allowed to assume that he knows more than the rest or to offer more than an opinion, and thus no one is ever wrong.
Guess what? There are people who know more than others, and not everything is a matter of opinion; in fact, truth cannot be determined by opinion. And I, for one, am very thankful for men who study God's word and who know more than I, and who teach me truths, not just opinions.
To start, though: I love the church. I know it isn't perfect, but I strongly believe that we are supposed to be a part of a local church, and to belong rather than just attend sporadically or church hop or even attend services regularly without any commitment. I think that it is important for fellowship and accountability, as well as for being taught and for serving.
So, here's the part that most resonated with me so far, and seemed to sum up a lot of people I've spoken with who will not join a church for whatever reasons: "People seem to want fellowship without commitment; they want to learn from each other, without being taught by anyone" (p.21).
I think it's a desire for freedom, first: freedom from commitment that may require work or service on their part, freedom to walk away if they disagree, and freedom from possible accountability from those who may see sin in their lives.
Further, I see an element of pride: they want everyone equal, teaching each other, with no one above anyone because then there is no one above them. No one is allowed to assume that he knows more than the rest or to offer more than an opinion, and thus no one is ever wrong.
Guess what? There are people who know more than others, and not everything is a matter of opinion; in fact, truth cannot be determined by opinion. And I, for one, am very thankful for men who study God's word and who know more than I, and who teach me truths, not just opinions.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
But: The Happiest Conjunction
Usually "but" is a maligned conjunction. It can be unhappy: "I love you, but..." or "You're doing a good job, but...." Plus, all the management books say not to use it. Today, though, I've decided that "but" is the happiest conjunction. Allow me to explain:
First, look at Romans 3. Paul spends verses 9-20 explaining how we are all sinful. Really, really sinful; if you read it, you'll find that we are all condemned as unrighteous and useless, having turned away from God. It's not a happy passage; in fact, much Romans up to then is condemning people. Further, we are all accountable to God and will not be justified through the Law; "for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin."
Then you hit Romans 3:21 and on: "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...being justified as a gift by His grace..."
Did you hear that? We're all sinful, not seeking God, not able to become righteous ...but... He made a way, through Christ, as a gift.
Second, there is today's sermon. The elder was preaching on Psalm 5 (the pastor and his wife are on vacation). This his third sermon on Psalm 5 and for the most part he was talking about verses 4-6: "For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit."
The elder called his sermon "The Hatred of God" and talked about how much God abhors sin and all who do iniquity. He pointed out that none of us lives up to God's perfect standard and we don't find all sin to be an abomination as we should. It was a very heavy, convicting sermon (and a very good sermon; go listen to it here). And then he reached verse 7:
"But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You."
Do you see that? God hates sin and all who do iniquity ...but... His love for His people is abundant.
It's all over the Bible: we are sinful, God hates sin, there is no way for us to save ourselves ...but... Romans 6:22-23 and Romans 10:8-10.
And that is why "but" is the happiest conjunction.
First, look at Romans 3. Paul spends verses 9-20 explaining how we are all sinful. Really, really sinful; if you read it, you'll find that we are all condemned as unrighteous and useless, having turned away from God. It's not a happy passage; in fact, much Romans up to then is condemning people. Further, we are all accountable to God and will not be justified through the Law; "for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin."
Then you hit Romans 3:21 and on: "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...being justified as a gift by His grace..."
Did you hear that? We're all sinful, not seeking God, not able to become righteous ...but... He made a way, through Christ, as a gift.
Second, there is today's sermon. The elder was preaching on Psalm 5 (the pastor and his wife are on vacation). This his third sermon on Psalm 5 and for the most part he was talking about verses 4-6: "For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit."
The elder called his sermon "The Hatred of God" and talked about how much God abhors sin and all who do iniquity. He pointed out that none of us lives up to God's perfect standard and we don't find all sin to be an abomination as we should. It was a very heavy, convicting sermon (and a very good sermon; go listen to it here). And then he reached verse 7:
"But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You."
Do you see that? God hates sin and all who do iniquity ...but... His love for His people is abundant.
It's all over the Bible: we are sinful, God hates sin, there is no way for us to save ourselves ...but... Romans 6:22-23 and Romans 10:8-10.
And that is why "but" is the happiest conjunction.
Friday, 7 May 2010
A Stolen Story
Sorry, sorry, sorry! I totally mean to post more often! All I have for you today is a story I'm stealing from Baby Sister's facebook update.
It seems my small nephew is having a birthday soon. Timothy will be 4 on the long weekend and Patty is having his party early. Keona, most beloved niece (who is only 7 1/2), made him a card that said, "Happy Birthday, Timothy. I hope you enjoy your new dick."
After getting Keona to read it to her, Patty explained to her how "bike" is spelled and what way a "d" faces!
It seems my small nephew is having a birthday soon. Timothy will be 4 on the long weekend and Patty is having his party early. Keona, most beloved niece (who is only 7 1/2), made him a card that said, "Happy Birthday, Timothy. I hope you enjoy your new dick."
After getting Keona to read it to her, Patty explained to her how "bike" is spelled and what way a "d" faces!
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Children's Church Question
I'm preparing lessons for next month's children's church teacher. We're just finishing up the gospels and, by the end of the month, we'll be starting Acts. I write the lessons myself, then find and photocopy colouring pages, and finally I look for illustrations (and this month I'm also going to get the flannel board stuff ready, but usually someone else does that for me). On the last Sunday of each month I get the stuff back from that month's teacher, replace the old lessons with new ones, check supplies, and turn it all over to the next teacher. Then, unless there are problems, I ignore the whole thing for a month (well, sometimes I ask the teacher how things are going, but mostly I can let them handle things themselves).
Today I've been finding illustrations for next month. I have the "Ultimate Bible Picture Collection!" with "8000 royalty-free Bible pictures in 375 folders on DVD" to help me, so it's pretty easy to find whatever we need (although sometimes I need to wade through some bad pictures (like the pictures of God, a lot of wimpy, baby angels, and one where it looks like Jesus is wearing glasses)). Some of the pictures are also freaky and might give my kids nightmares. Still, there's usually something good (although I used a picture from the file labeled "Amos" once for Jeremiah).
When it comes to pictures of Jesus, I have some hesitations. I don't want them getting into their heads, "That's what Jesus looks like," when there's no real way to know, especially since they can go from there to "That's what God looks like," and that can't be right. I actually talked to one of the elders about the problems of using pictures of Jesus. What we agreed was that they already see pictures that claim to be Jesus, so not using them is pointless. It's also very hard to find illustrations for the Gospels that don't have Jesus! What I've been doing (and the elder agrees with this) is using many different pictures of Jesus (the makers of the DVD pulled pictures from a lot of sources, like old story Bibles) so there is no actual "Jesus" being portrayed and they have less chance to form set mental images. So Jesus has different clothes and different hair, he changes sizes, his beard gets longer and shorter....you get the picture.
Here's my question: I use three different pictures that obviously came from three different sources for the lesson about the Road to Emmaus. Do you think the kids will notice that not only is Jesus different in every picture, but so are the two men?
Today I've been finding illustrations for next month. I have the "Ultimate Bible Picture Collection!" with "8000 royalty-free Bible pictures in 375 folders on DVD" to help me, so it's pretty easy to find whatever we need (although sometimes I need to wade through some bad pictures (like the pictures of God, a lot of wimpy, baby angels, and one where it looks like Jesus is wearing glasses)). Some of the pictures are also freaky and might give my kids nightmares. Still, there's usually something good (although I used a picture from the file labeled "Amos" once for Jeremiah).
When it comes to pictures of Jesus, I have some hesitations. I don't want them getting into their heads, "That's what Jesus looks like," when there's no real way to know, especially since they can go from there to "That's what God looks like," and that can't be right. I actually talked to one of the elders about the problems of using pictures of Jesus. What we agreed was that they already see pictures that claim to be Jesus, so not using them is pointless. It's also very hard to find illustrations for the Gospels that don't have Jesus! What I've been doing (and the elder agrees with this) is using many different pictures of Jesus (the makers of the DVD pulled pictures from a lot of sources, like old story Bibles) so there is no actual "Jesus" being portrayed and they have less chance to form set mental images. So Jesus has different clothes and different hair, he changes sizes, his beard gets longer and shorter....you get the picture.
Here's my question: I use three different pictures that obviously came from three different sources for the lesson about the Road to Emmaus. Do you think the kids will notice that not only is Jesus different in every picture, but so are the two men?
Monday, 19 April 2010
A Conversation in Sunday School
Teacher: What are the "flaming arrows" that we face?
Student 1: Trials!
Teacher: Okay, but be specific; what type of trials?
Student 2: Oh...being stoned!
Student 1: No on gets stoned anymore.
Student 2: Oh yeah, it's illegal to get stoned now.
Teacher: You remember that when you're older.
They still don't know why I was laughing.
Student 1: Trials!
Teacher: Okay, but be specific; what type of trials?
Student 2: Oh...being stoned!
Student 1: No on gets stoned anymore.
Student 2: Oh yeah, it's illegal to get stoned now.
Teacher: You remember that when you're older.
They still don't know why I was laughing.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Written in Sidewalk Chalk
Dear Abbey
I will play
I have to go home now.
bye bye
(past some coloured squares and surrounded by pink hearts)
Dear Colton
I am sad you cud not play with me.
Love, Abbey
I will play
I have to go home now.
bye bye
(past some coloured squares and surrounded by pink hearts)
Dear Colton
I am sad you cud not play with me.
Love, Abbey
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
The Meeting
Today was day one of my work's annual "gather in all the directors and have a meeting/training time." It was the challenging, growth, out of our comfort zone day (tomorrow is 8 hours of meetings, and the main challenge will be staying awake and not dying from boredom).
Today was not as bad as I thought it might be. In fact, it had nothing on other training sessions, including last year's amazing race (a full day of things I'm not good at). All we had to do was sell water. Each team of 4 had 18 bottles of water to sell: 9 cheap brand and 9 premium brand. First we had to make a 1-minute commercial for each brand. They were filmed at the local TV station (and no, they won't be aired; in fact, they need to be destroyed to avoid ever being seen outside our company because we showed the brand names in the ads). Then we had to sell the water.
Selling was easy. One of the guys in the group called a friend at a comic book shop (the friend gives out water at some group gathering thing) and got him to buy the lot. In fact, it was a bit disappointing and slightly annoying because he did this without consulting the rest of us, so we had no input or chance to talk about different selling ideas; further, the guy went with the suggested retail price and rounded up; I was ready to sell for much more. Ah, well; it was easy and we made the second largest amount of money.
The commercials were fun. I did the cheap water commercial for our group. We decided to aim at families, so I was the tired, stressed, thirsty mom with a purse full of stuff that I had to pull out to get to the water. The guy in our group sold the premium brand water; he played the part of a Norwegian dragon slayer.
Back at head office we watched all the commercials (and laughed a lot) and then voted on which one we thought was the best for each brand. To brag a little (hey, it's my blog), I not only received the majority of the votes for the cheap brand commercials (and the vote of the boss, his wife, and the director at the studio), but I also had the most votes overall. Our premium brand commercial also scored the most votes in its category, so we won the competition (did I mention that it was a competition? And there was a cash prize?).
Not a bad day at all!
Today was not as bad as I thought it might be. In fact, it had nothing on other training sessions, including last year's amazing race (a full day of things I'm not good at). All we had to do was sell water. Each team of 4 had 18 bottles of water to sell: 9 cheap brand and 9 premium brand. First we had to make a 1-minute commercial for each brand. They were filmed at the local TV station (and no, they won't be aired; in fact, they need to be destroyed to avoid ever being seen outside our company because we showed the brand names in the ads). Then we had to sell the water.
Selling was easy. One of the guys in the group called a friend at a comic book shop (the friend gives out water at some group gathering thing) and got him to buy the lot. In fact, it was a bit disappointing and slightly annoying because he did this without consulting the rest of us, so we had no input or chance to talk about different selling ideas; further, the guy went with the suggested retail price and rounded up; I was ready to sell for much more. Ah, well; it was easy and we made the second largest amount of money.
The commercials were fun. I did the cheap water commercial for our group. We decided to aim at families, so I was the tired, stressed, thirsty mom with a purse full of stuff that I had to pull out to get to the water. The guy in our group sold the premium brand water; he played the part of a Norwegian dragon slayer.
Back at head office we watched all the commercials (and laughed a lot) and then voted on which one we thought was the best for each brand. To brag a little (hey, it's my blog), I not only received the majority of the votes for the cheap brand commercials (and the vote of the boss, his wife, and the director at the studio), but I also had the most votes overall. Our premium brand commercial also scored the most votes in its category, so we won the competition (did I mention that it was a competition? And there was a cash prize?).
Not a bad day at all!
Sunday, 11 April 2010
A Visit to the Synagogue
Today I bring you another World Religions field trip update, this time to the Synagogue. The day we went there was a bar mitzvah going on, which made it more interesting.
The service was primarily in Hebrew, and although the prayer book had both Hebrew and English, it was difficult to follow along as there was no way to track the Hebrew. Also, the Rabbi read (or recited) very quickly, although things were slower when the congregation joined in. For the most part, the readings and prayers were done in a sing-song type chant, sometimes more “sing” and sometimes more “chant.” The Rabbi did explain what was happening and what page to turn to in English; also, some of the prayers were in English, although they switched back to Hebrew for the prayers for Israel and the Israeli Liberation Federation. Matan, who was doing his Bar Mitzvah, also did a speech in English about his Mitzvah project as well as an explanation his Haftorah (since it was right before Purim, he read Samuel 15:2-34, about the Amalekites; he explained that the story means that we all need to kill the Amalekite within each of us “not all Amalekites are bullies, but all bullies are Amalekites”).
There was great respect shown for the Torah. It is kept in an ark behind a curtain and is covered in a velvet cloth. When it was brought out, it was carried down one side of the congregation and up the middle; when it was put away, it was carried down the other side and back up the middle. As the Torah passed, people reached out and touched it with their prayer books or the tassels of their prayer shawls (only a very few people touched with their fingertips); afterwards, the people kissed whatever had touched the Torah. After the reading, they held the scroll up and turned around; then certain people from the congregation came up to help cover it again. The reverence shown for the Torah made it seem like an idol, like they worshiped the object itself, to the point of not actually touching it. It is God’s words, but it is the words that are important rather than the scrolls.
After Matan read the first portion from the Torah, there was great joy in the congregation, with singing and clapping; the singing seemed to consist primarily of “Mazel Tov!” The Rabbi also threw candies at Matan to wish him a sweet life. After the reading of the Torah, Matan and the others from his Mitzvah class in some of the prayers.
The Shabbat service at the Synagogue was interesting, although sometimes hard to follow (some of the readings were transliterated so it was possible to follow along; for the rest, it helped to watch someone else to know when to turn the page). Many of the readings were familiar, especially the ones from the Psalms and the Levitical blessing. In form, it is much like a service at my own church, except with more Scripture being read and without hymns (although they do sing a lot of the readings). It is much longer, however; we left after two hours, when they started the announcements.
The service was primarily in Hebrew, and although the prayer book had both Hebrew and English, it was difficult to follow along as there was no way to track the Hebrew. Also, the Rabbi read (or recited) very quickly, although things were slower when the congregation joined in. For the most part, the readings and prayers were done in a sing-song type chant, sometimes more “sing” and sometimes more “chant.” The Rabbi did explain what was happening and what page to turn to in English; also, some of the prayers were in English, although they switched back to Hebrew for the prayers for Israel and the Israeli Liberation Federation. Matan, who was doing his Bar Mitzvah, also did a speech in English about his Mitzvah project as well as an explanation his Haftorah (since it was right before Purim, he read Samuel 15:2-34, about the Amalekites; he explained that the story means that we all need to kill the Amalekite within each of us “not all Amalekites are bullies, but all bullies are Amalekites”).
There was great respect shown for the Torah. It is kept in an ark behind a curtain and is covered in a velvet cloth. When it was brought out, it was carried down one side of the congregation and up the middle; when it was put away, it was carried down the other side and back up the middle. As the Torah passed, people reached out and touched it with their prayer books or the tassels of their prayer shawls (only a very few people touched with their fingertips); afterwards, the people kissed whatever had touched the Torah. After the reading, they held the scroll up and turned around; then certain people from the congregation came up to help cover it again. The reverence shown for the Torah made it seem like an idol, like they worshiped the object itself, to the point of not actually touching it. It is God’s words, but it is the words that are important rather than the scrolls.
After Matan read the first portion from the Torah, there was great joy in the congregation, with singing and clapping; the singing seemed to consist primarily of “Mazel Tov!” The Rabbi also threw candies at Matan to wish him a sweet life. After the reading of the Torah, Matan and the others from his Mitzvah class in some of the prayers.
The Shabbat service at the Synagogue was interesting, although sometimes hard to follow (some of the readings were transliterated so it was possible to follow along; for the rest, it helped to watch someone else to know when to turn the page). Many of the readings were familiar, especially the ones from the Psalms and the Levitical blessing. In form, it is much like a service at my own church, except with more Scripture being read and without hymns (although they do sing a lot of the readings). It is much longer, however; we left after two hours, when they started the announcements.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
He Is Risen!
LYRICS:
See what a morning gloriously bright
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem
Folded the grave-clothes tomb filled with light
As the angels announce Christ is risen
See God's salvation plan
Wrought in love borne in pain paid in sacrifice
Fullfilled in Christ the Man
For He lives Christ is risen from the dead
See Mary weeping 'Where is He laid?'
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb
Hears a voice speaking calling her name
It's the Master the Lord raised to life again
The voice that spans the years
Speaking life stirring hope bringing peace to us
Will sound till He appears
For He lives Christ is risen from the dead
One with the Father Ancient of Days
Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty
Honour and blessing glory and praise
To the King crowned with power and authority
And we are raised with Him
Death is dead love has won Christ has conquered
And we shall reign with Him
For He lives Christ is risen from the dead
Keith Getty; Stuart Townend
Saturday, 3 April 2010
A Conversation at Work
Student A: Is today Easter? Wait, what happened today?
Me: Today's Saturday. Nothing happened today.
Student A: Yeah, but didn't Jesus....oh, no, that's yesterday. Today He's dead.
Student B: He's not dead. He's alive.
Student A: Yeah, but He was dead today.
Student B: That was a long time ago. He's alive today.
Student A: No, I mean....
Me (to Student B): Yes, He's alive. (to Student A): You're confusing him. (to both students): Back to work.
Me: Today's Saturday. Nothing happened today.
Student A: Yeah, but didn't Jesus....oh, no, that's yesterday. Today He's dead.
Student B: He's not dead. He's alive.
Student A: Yeah, but He was dead today.
Student B: That was a long time ago. He's alive today.
Student A: No, I mean....
Me (to Student B): Yes, He's alive. (to Student A): You're confusing him. (to both students): Back to work.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Minor Frustrations
This is spring break week in Edmonton. It messes things up at work because some people assume that we're closed. I'd just like to point out that when we're closed, I tell people. If we close for a day, I post a sign. If we close for a week, I send home letters. If you don't hear from me, WE'RE OPEN!!!
Second issue.....If you are turning right, and you're at a crosswalk, and you've been watching for traffic from the left, please look to the right again (or even straight ahead) before you turn just in case someone has stepped into the crosswalk.
If you are one of those drivers who do check and you see a pedestrian on the sidewalk waiting to see if you are going to notice her, don't give her an impatient look for not crossing already....some of us have been almost hit twice in this situation and don't trust drivers to check anymore.
Okay, that's all. I feel better now.
Second issue.....If you are turning right, and you're at a crosswalk, and you've been watching for traffic from the left, please look to the right again (or even straight ahead) before you turn just in case someone has stepped into the crosswalk.
If you are one of those drivers who do check and you see a pedestrian on the sidewalk waiting to see if you are going to notice her, don't give her an impatient look for not crossing already....some of us have been almost hit twice in this situation and don't trust drivers to check anymore.
Okay, that's all. I feel better now.
Friday, 26 March 2010
A Bit of Happiness
Today I went to Northern Reflections to buy black dress pants. I don't like having to go shopping, but it was time for new pants. I thought that as long as I was there I would at least look at long sleeved t-shirts of some type as well. I go to Northern Reflections because they have good stuff and usually I can walk in, find my size in the right colour and style, and leave.
Not today. Today there's a sale at Northern Reflections, which changed everything. There were no black dress pants in my size. There were larger and smaller sizes (seriously, half a size either way), but the only black ones my size had pink pinstripes. I liked them, but the stripes limit my options for tops.
So why the happiness? Well, I found a lovely pair of grey pants which will do very nicely (although someday I need to go back for the black pants). Further, the pants were regularly $69.99 and I got them for $9.99. I also bought a couple tops for $5.99 each. According to the sales lady, I saved $102.00 today. That seems to be a reason for happiness. (Although it isn't quite accurate since I wouldn't have bought the shirts if I'd had to pay full price for everything).
So....I have a white top, a pink top, and grey pants, and all for under $25.00. It was a good shopping trip and I'm happy.
Not today. Today there's a sale at Northern Reflections, which changed everything. There were no black dress pants in my size. There were larger and smaller sizes (seriously, half a size either way), but the only black ones my size had pink pinstripes. I liked them, but the stripes limit my options for tops.
So why the happiness? Well, I found a lovely pair of grey pants which will do very nicely (although someday I need to go back for the black pants). Further, the pants were regularly $69.99 and I got them for $9.99. I also bought a couple tops for $5.99 each. According to the sales lady, I saved $102.00 today. That seems to be a reason for happiness. (Although it isn't quite accurate since I wouldn't have bought the shirts if I'd had to pay full price for everything).
So....I have a white top, a pink top, and grey pants, and all for under $25.00. It was a good shopping trip and I'm happy.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
The Mosque
For World Religions, I was supposed to visit 3 different religious services. One of my first choices was a mosque. I'm interested in learning about Islam as I'd like to one day be a missionary in a country like Pakistan.
It's a very good thing that the prof was willing to accept visiting a place of worship outside of a service if that was all we could do, since visiting the mosque had a lot of complications. First, I was told by a friend (who talked to a friend) that we wouldn't be allowed to attend a service at a mosque because we aren't Muslim. I later learned, however, that this restriction only applies to certain types of Muslims. Two of my teachers are Muslims and they said that of course we would be welcome at the mosque close to where I work. The ladies would all be happy to see us, and would ask questions, and when they found out why I came, they would tell me all about everything.
They also told me that Friday prayers were they best time to visit; Friday is their holy day and before prayers there is a sermon. Unfortunately, they also said that Friday prayers start at 11:30, which is when my friend and I were waiting outside the mosque. Alone. Finally someone showed up and went inside, so we followed.
Here is what we learned that day: first, that we went in the men's door (we knew there were separate doors, but we didn't know what one to use); second, that prayers start at 1:00 (they were there early to get a good seat). We went home then, and weren't able to visit the mosque either later that day or any other Friday due to other obligations (like work).
I did talk to one of my teachers about the mosque and the service and how things are done. She said the men especially like to be early because the seats nearest to the front are also nearest to Mecca. There are lines on the floor so when you kneel to pray, you can line yourself up to face Mecca. The men and women are separated to keep the men from being distracted by the women as they pray. They used to have the men at the front and the women at the back, but when any men were late they had to step over and around the women and that didn't work so well. Now they are on different sides with a solid barrier (or a window with blinds); this is also nice for the women who can sit more comfortably if the sermon is long.
And that's my tale of visiting the mosque.
It's a very good thing that the prof was willing to accept visiting a place of worship outside of a service if that was all we could do, since visiting the mosque had a lot of complications. First, I was told by a friend (who talked to a friend) that we wouldn't be allowed to attend a service at a mosque because we aren't Muslim. I later learned, however, that this restriction only applies to certain types of Muslims. Two of my teachers are Muslims and they said that of course we would be welcome at the mosque close to where I work. The ladies would all be happy to see us, and would ask questions, and when they found out why I came, they would tell me all about everything.
They also told me that Friday prayers were they best time to visit; Friday is their holy day and before prayers there is a sermon. Unfortunately, they also said that Friday prayers start at 11:30, which is when my friend and I were waiting outside the mosque. Alone. Finally someone showed up and went inside, so we followed.
Here is what we learned that day: first, that we went in the men's door (we knew there were separate doors, but we didn't know what one to use); second, that prayers start at 1:00 (they were there early to get a good seat). We went home then, and weren't able to visit the mosque either later that day or any other Friday due to other obligations (like work).
I did talk to one of my teachers about the mosque and the service and how things are done. She said the men especially like to be early because the seats nearest to the front are also nearest to Mecca. There are lines on the floor so when you kneel to pray, you can line yourself up to face Mecca. The men and women are separated to keep the men from being distracted by the women as they pray. They used to have the men at the front and the women at the back, but when any men were late they had to step over and around the women and that didn't work so well. Now they are on different sides with a solid barrier (or a window with blinds); this is also nice for the women who can sit more comfortably if the sermon is long.
And that's my tale of visiting the mosque.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Words
Yes, yes, I know, it's been over a month, and probably my loyal readers have abandoned me by now. I really meant to write. In fact, I've written and written and written this month -- I wrote over 3000 words today alone. The problem is, they've all been for school. The other problem is, they left me really not wanting to write any extra words.
Those two classes are over now; I handed in the last of the assignments this evening. Which does not mean that I'll write here instead; I have started 2 more classes already. Still, I'll try to be more faithful. At some point soon I'll tell you about my experiences visiting a Synagogue and a Christian Science testimony meeting for World Religions (I tried to attend Friday prayers at the Mosque as well, but there was a time issue and it didn't quite happen). But all that will be later; right now I'm glad the classes are done and there's no need to write any more words.
Those two classes are over now; I handed in the last of the assignments this evening. Which does not mean that I'll write here instead; I have started 2 more classes already. Still, I'll try to be more faithful. At some point soon I'll tell you about my experiences visiting a Synagogue and a Christian Science testimony meeting for World Religions (I tried to attend Friday prayers at the Mosque as well, but there was a time issue and it didn't quite happen). But all that will be later; right now I'm glad the classes are done and there's no need to write any more words.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
On Being Loved
I've been very tired lately. There's a lot of stuff to do for work and church and Bible studies and I've been very overwhelmed and wanting to stop all of it. And I saw the amount of work of the summer classes and it's a scary amount of stuff (and I needed to order books from 4 places to get all of them). At the same time, everything I do is necessary stuff and I want to do it; I just need more hours in the day (or to give up sleep). Anyway, it's been one of those weeks where everything just seemed like too much.
Thursday evening when I got home there was a parcel pick-up slip in my mailbox. I knew I hadn't ordered anything lately and I wasn't expecting any parcels, so I spent Thursday night and Friday wondering what was waiting for me. Friday after work I was able to pick up the parcel.
Baby Sister, who has been going through her own stuff, sent me a Valentine's parcel. She found a pretty heart-shaped tin and filled it with Valentine's Day stuff. On top were cards from the kids (on a side note: I know who the characters on two of the cards were and I can guess that the one from Keona is a Hannah Montana character, but I have no clue who the guys on Zachary's card are). Under them was a bag of M&M's and a pretty red-and-gold bag of chocloate hearts and a heart-shaped squishy stress ball. Under them was a heart-shaped pad of paper and under that was a light-up Valentine's pen (and it lights up well; the light is red and it's bright enough to write by in case I must make notes in a dark place). The real wonder is how she fit it all into the tin! Also, Zachary added some pictures he had drawn to the parcel (of Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and a North Pole sign, oddly enough) and Keona decided that Auntie Dorothy needed two plastic rings that had come off the cupcakes (one in the shape of a football and one with a picture of a racecar).
I sat there surrounded by Valentine's Day (and Christmas) items and felt very loved. Not only by Baby Sister and the kidlets, but also by God who knew that I needed to be loved this week and who has given me a baby sister who puts aside her own busyness and stuff to send a parcel of love my way. And suddenly it's gone from being a Very Long Week to being a Very Good Week.
Thursday evening when I got home there was a parcel pick-up slip in my mailbox. I knew I hadn't ordered anything lately and I wasn't expecting any parcels, so I spent Thursday night and Friday wondering what was waiting for me. Friday after work I was able to pick up the parcel.
Baby Sister, who has been going through her own stuff, sent me a Valentine's parcel. She found a pretty heart-shaped tin and filled it with Valentine's Day stuff. On top were cards from the kids (on a side note: I know who the characters on two of the cards were and I can guess that the one from Keona is a Hannah Montana character, but I have no clue who the guys on Zachary's card are). Under them was a bag of M&M's and a pretty red-and-gold bag of chocloate hearts and a heart-shaped squishy stress ball. Under them was a heart-shaped pad of paper and under that was a light-up Valentine's pen (and it lights up well; the light is red and it's bright enough to write by in case I must make notes in a dark place). The real wonder is how she fit it all into the tin! Also, Zachary added some pictures he had drawn to the parcel (of Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and a North Pole sign, oddly enough) and Keona decided that Auntie Dorothy needed two plastic rings that had come off the cupcakes (one in the shape of a football and one with a picture of a racecar).
I sat there surrounded by Valentine's Day (and Christmas) items and felt very loved. Not only by Baby Sister and the kidlets, but also by God who knew that I needed to be loved this week and who has given me a baby sister who puts aside her own busyness and stuff to send a parcel of love my way. And suddenly it's gone from being a Very Long Week to being a Very Good Week.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Why It Can't Be Done
I'm working on my World Religions course, and in the reading I've run into one particular author who seems to hold the view that all religions are valid, no one religion should claim to be the one right way, and we should all get along. The religions she speaks of most favourably are the ones that promote unity and that claim that essentially, in their core beliefs, all religions are really the same. She seems to want us to focus on what we have in common and confirm all beliefs as equally good and valid.
This why it can't be done: some religions say there's one God, some say there are many gods, and some say there is no God. When three people say three contradicting things, they can't all be right. Someone has to be wrong, and to say otherwise is to deny basic reality and to fool yourself; no properly thinking person can say that someone can exist and not exist at the same time.
Further, there seems to be a mistaken belief that the underlying principle that drives Christianity is love for all people. While love is important, it is not what makes Christianity what it is. Rather, it is this: that there is one God and one mediator between God and man, and that no one comes to God except through Christ.
And yes, there's a lot more that's important, including the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. All of which only confirms my point: we cannot say that all religions are basically alike in their core beliefs. It can't be done.
This why it can't be done: some religions say there's one God, some say there are many gods, and some say there is no God. When three people say three contradicting things, they can't all be right. Someone has to be wrong, and to say otherwise is to deny basic reality and to fool yourself; no properly thinking person can say that someone can exist and not exist at the same time.
Further, there seems to be a mistaken belief that the underlying principle that drives Christianity is love for all people. While love is important, it is not what makes Christianity what it is. Rather, it is this: that there is one God and one mediator between God and man, and that no one comes to God except through Christ.
And yes, there's a lot more that's important, including the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. All of which only confirms my point: we cannot say that all religions are basically alike in their core beliefs. It can't be done.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
What I'm Overhearing Right Now
Someone in the waiting room is waiting for either the lawyer or the accountant. He's also talking on his phone. These are the most interesting sentences.
"I called the bank but I can't reach a live person."
Because at that bank they only hire dead people?
"I left a voice mail on her."
Seriously: the sentence ended there. I don't know how you would do that.
"I called the bank but I can't reach a live person."
Because at that bank they only hire dead people?
"I left a voice mail on her."
Seriously: the sentence ended there. I don't know how you would do that.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Study Clutter
See, this is why I have to live alone: when I'm in the depths of trying to finish course work, I spread everything out everywhere, and I don't like cleaning it all up until I'm done. I'd rather have everything in place so that when I get home or when I have a few spare moments, I can just get to work. Since my kitchen/dining room/living room is really all one big room (well, there is a counter dividing the kitchen from the living room, but it's still an open area) you can see all the clutter at once!
Right now, my dining room table is covered in World Religions books, including an open binder and textbook, ready for me to return to work. There's also a pencil case spilling pencils and pens out onto the table, a roll of tape, and an open pencil box with pencil crayons. On the wall behind the table is a New Testament timeline that I'm slowly filling in.
The coffee table in the living room has all the books for the two Bible studies I'm involved in, which means there are three notebooks, a Bible study book and study guide, and a commentary on Romans (and usually there's a Bible there as well).
The desk (which is between the dining room table and the couch, in that space I call the office) usually has the laptop on it along with various bits of paper that need my attention; however, often enough the computer ends up on the desk chair (okay, the dining room chair that I use as a desk chair) so that I can use it when I'm sitting on the floor.
The floor is the worst. All the other places you would at least expect to see books (well, you would if you know me at all!). The thing is, I like working on the floor; in fact, that's where I am now as I type this. I was researching feasts in the gospels and Acts for NT Chronology until I decided I'd found enough of them. Anyway, NT Chronology requires a lot of research in a lot of different books to answer the questions (and fill in the timeline), and that's the course I work on in the middle of the floor. I am currently surrounded by: one open binder, 2 stacks of notes printed off the computer, 11 books, one pencil (no wait, that's actually behind my ear right now), one pencil sharpener, and, somewhere in there, I know there's a pen. Oh, and there's a bag of goldfish crackers.
Yeah...so, if you want to visit, all I ask for is fair warning so I can at least stack up the books and make it look tidier!
Right now, my dining room table is covered in World Religions books, including an open binder and textbook, ready for me to return to work. There's also a pencil case spilling pencils and pens out onto the table, a roll of tape, and an open pencil box with pencil crayons. On the wall behind the table is a New Testament timeline that I'm slowly filling in.
The coffee table in the living room has all the books for the two Bible studies I'm involved in, which means there are three notebooks, a Bible study book and study guide, and a commentary on Romans (and usually there's a Bible there as well).
The desk (which is between the dining room table and the couch, in that space I call the office) usually has the laptop on it along with various bits of paper that need my attention; however, often enough the computer ends up on the desk chair (okay, the dining room chair that I use as a desk chair) so that I can use it when I'm sitting on the floor.
The floor is the worst. All the other places you would at least expect to see books (well, you would if you know me at all!). The thing is, I like working on the floor; in fact, that's where I am now as I type this. I was researching feasts in the gospels and Acts for NT Chronology until I decided I'd found enough of them. Anyway, NT Chronology requires a lot of research in a lot of different books to answer the questions (and fill in the timeline), and that's the course I work on in the middle of the floor. I am currently surrounded by: one open binder, 2 stacks of notes printed off the computer, 11 books, one pencil (no wait, that's actually behind my ear right now), one pencil sharpener, and, somewhere in there, I know there's a pen. Oh, and there's a bag of goldfish crackers.
Yeah...so, if you want to visit, all I ask for is fair warning so I can at least stack up the books and make it look tidier!
Sunday, 24 January 2010
A Round-up of Thoughts
First, thank you to everyone who voted for Emily. She made it into the final 6; from there all we know for sure is that she was the runner-up (she got the gift card for Chapters, not the computer), so I've declared her to have come in second!
I've been exchanging emails with a couple guys in my classes at Masters. Most of our talk is about what courses we're taking this winter and what we want to take in the summer (the winter talk is encouragement and advice; the summer is an attempt to be at the school at the same time). Some of it slips into weather talk, though; one guy is from California, so when it's around freezing there he's adding layers and longing for spring. I'm trying to explain how when it's around freezing here we're shedding layers and it feels like spring!
Life has been busy, with work and school. Work has settled down some, despite losing a teacher to the lure of the south, warmth, and school. I'm actually working fairly normal lengthed days and I can finally take the days off that I'm owed! School just goes on and on and on....
My Bible Study is starting in on Romans this week. I've been asking for Romans for a couple years, whenever we were ready to start a new study, and until now the teachers have said no. I'm very, very happy now; plus, it gave me a reason to buy MacArthur's Romans commentaries! It's a good life.
Finally, may I recommend that you all head over to read Linde's blog. Granted, most of you don't know Linde, but she's one of the college studens in my church and she's studying in Israel for the semester, lucky girl!
I've been exchanging emails with a couple guys in my classes at Masters. Most of our talk is about what courses we're taking this winter and what we want to take in the summer (the winter talk is encouragement and advice; the summer is an attempt to be at the school at the same time). Some of it slips into weather talk, though; one guy is from California, so when it's around freezing there he's adding layers and longing for spring. I'm trying to explain how when it's around freezing here we're shedding layers and it feels like spring!
Life has been busy, with work and school. Work has settled down some, despite losing a teacher to the lure of the south, warmth, and school. I'm actually working fairly normal lengthed days and I can finally take the days off that I'm owed! School just goes on and on and on....
My Bible Study is starting in on Romans this week. I've been asking for Romans for a couple years, whenever we were ready to start a new study, and until now the teachers have said no. I'm very, very happy now; plus, it gave me a reason to buy MacArthur's Romans commentaries! It's a good life.
Finally, may I recommend that you all head over to read Linde's blog. Granted, most of you don't know Linde, but she's one of the college studens in my church and she's studying in Israel for the semester, lucky girl!
Thursday, 14 January 2010
As If They Haven't Been Through Enough
A couple years ago, my brother-in-law Brad was injured, leaving him off work for a long time. My sister Patty eventually had to find a job outside the home (for the first time since she became a mom), leaving the kids in daycare for the first time ever. Eventually Brad was able to go back to work, although not to his old job in a nursing home. Instead, they both work at a call centre. They adjusted and coped and things were getting better.
All through December they had furnace troubles, with the furnace going off regularly and the house getting cold and the company not helping much. And then, just when that seemed fixed, they woke up to the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm going off. They got out of the house and everyone recovered nicely and they got a new furnace. And things seemed to be going well.
And now... they just learned that on March 31 the call centre is closing and both Patty and Brad will be unemployed. Please, pray for them and for new jobs. And for the kids, since this may be another big adjustment for them (it may not; if Patty and Brad get jobs right away, they may not even notice). God is good, always, and He has a plan, always, even if we don't see it, and He will see them through this too. I know that as sure as I know anything. Still, while I sit here far away from them writing this, my heart is hurting for them and I wish I could make it all okay. But all I can do is pray, and ask you to pray too.
And, baby sister, in case you haven't figured it out: I love you, and if I could be there, I would.
All through December they had furnace troubles, with the furnace going off regularly and the house getting cold and the company not helping much. And then, just when that seemed fixed, they woke up to the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm going off. They got out of the house and everyone recovered nicely and they got a new furnace. And things seemed to be going well.
And now... they just learned that on March 31 the call centre is closing and both Patty and Brad will be unemployed. Please, pray for them and for new jobs. And for the kids, since this may be another big adjustment for them (it may not; if Patty and Brad get jobs right away, they may not even notice). God is good, always, and He has a plan, always, even if we don't see it, and He will see them through this too. I know that as sure as I know anything. Still, while I sit here far away from them writing this, my heart is hurting for them and I wish I could make it all okay. But all I can do is pray, and ask you to pray too.
And, baby sister, in case you haven't figured it out: I love you, and if I could be there, I would.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
I'm Not Quite Sure How it Happened....
...but it seems I'm hooked on SciFi classics. A co-worker has mentioned that great SciFi Christmas classic: "Santa Conquors the Martians" and I was able to borrow it this year. It came in a set of 50 classic SciFi movies, so I've been watching some of them over the holidays while studying. They combine generally bad acting, impossible story plots, less scientific knowledge than even I possess (although in their defense, most of the movies are 40-50 years old, and the newest are from the '80s), and spaceships and martian outfits that look like a group of high school students made them. It sounds terrible, right? Ah, but they're so bad, they tend to be great viewing! Although the women tend to be either cruel despots or wimps who scream and swoon a lot (or both, in some cases).
Let me give you an example of one of the movie descriptions. This is from "The Sons of Hercules: The Land of Darkness." The sons of Hercules were, according to the theme song, "men as men should be," which I think means that they rescued beautiful damsels, fought lions bare-handed, and defeated entire armies on their own. At no time, however, did they manage to find where they had left their shirts. Anyway, here it is:
"Hercules falls for the daughter of a deposed king whose kingdom is held in thrall by an evil queen. The Queen captures our hero and orders him torn apart like a wishbone by wild elephants. He survives and the queen falls for him, but he is true to his love. The queen's subjects rise up in arms and her realm is engulfed in a volcanic eruption. Somewhere along the way Hercules and his chubby comic companion fight off lions, bears and an angry dragon."
Seriously, people, how could you resist? It's 81 minutes of pure entertainment!
Let me give you an example of one of the movie descriptions. This is from "The Sons of Hercules: The Land of Darkness." The sons of Hercules were, according to the theme song, "men as men should be," which I think means that they rescued beautiful damsels, fought lions bare-handed, and defeated entire armies on their own. At no time, however, did they manage to find where they had left their shirts. Anyway, here it is:
"Hercules falls for the daughter of a deposed king whose kingdom is held in thrall by an evil queen. The Queen captures our hero and orders him torn apart like a wishbone by wild elephants. He survives and the queen falls for him, but he is true to his love. The queen's subjects rise up in arms and her realm is engulfed in a volcanic eruption. Somewhere along the way Hercules and his chubby comic companion fight off lions, bears and an angry dragon."
Seriously, people, how could you resist? It's 81 minutes of pure entertainment!
Friday, 1 January 2010
The New Year
And so another year is over. It's been an interesting year all around, and many people are happy it's over. It's funny; January 1st is a rather arbitrary time to start the new year (and as a teacher I always feel that the year starts in September), and today looks much like yesterday, but it for many people it feels like a new start and maybe this year will be different, better somehow. I don't know. The old year wasn't all that bad for me and yet I too was tired and ready for it to be over. Maybe it's just the feeling of starting over, getting another chance to do things right or at least better, combined with the wonder of what this year will bring.
Lately I've been learning about finding more joy in the Lord, about how amazing it is that He has chosen me and forgiven me and that I belong to Him forever. That God looks upon me with love, with mercy and compassion, always. And it makes me want to know Him more and serve Him fully and rejoice.
The Bible study I belong to has been memorizing scripture together and over the holidays we've been learning Psalm 4. I'll leave you with the last 3 verses, the ones that have been bringing me the most amazement and joy lately:
"Many are saying, 'Who will show us any good?'
Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, mane me to dwell in safety."
Lately I've been learning about finding more joy in the Lord, about how amazing it is that He has chosen me and forgiven me and that I belong to Him forever. That God looks upon me with love, with mercy and compassion, always. And it makes me want to know Him more and serve Him fully and rejoice.
The Bible study I belong to has been memorizing scripture together and over the holidays we've been learning Psalm 4. I'll leave you with the last 3 verses, the ones that have been bringing me the most amazement and joy lately:
"Many are saying, 'Who will show us any good?'
Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, mane me to dwell in safety."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
