Like Snow in May

Moving

2012-01-14T13:56:00.001-07:00

a) Relating to or involved in a transfer of furnishings from one location to another.

We are physically moving to be closer to the seminary, although we really have no furniture to move! It will be a wonderful move for us in many ways, the foremost being eliminating the 90 minute commute my beloved has had, each way.

b) Arousing or capable of arousing deep emotion.

We went to London last week. We had had a big day walking about five miles with our children when we decided to go into the National Gallery. It was very busy in the gallery (they currently have the Da Vinci exhibition there) and after a few minutes in the 17th century room, I tired of seeing biblical representations which, although beautiful, were frankly ridiculous. Pharaoh's daughter, in The Finding of Moses, for example. She was a robust, white woman wearing a western gown (that is a nice bit of alliteration isn’t it?)

I guess I was quite tired because I just did not have the reactions and interest that I expected… until I entered the 19th century room and saw this:

Paul DELAROCHE , 1797 - 1856

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

© The National Gallery, London

I can barely describe what happened to me. I walked toward the painting, oblivious to what my children were doing, unaware of anything around me. I approached the small plaque, wondering, “is it…. could it be Lady Jane Grey?” I had hitherto been completely unaware of this painting. I stood there gazing when my son and elder daughter approached me. They saw my apparent interest. I explained to them who she was, gave a brief history of Henry VIII and his potential successors (at this point an older gentleman stood behind my children and started listening in), and told them of her strong faith in our Sovereign God, her courage and her ultimate death.

It was difficult to walk away and I look forward, God-willing, to return and see what other moving experiences I may have there. We moved to the next room with Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Monet, Manet, Renoir. It was very enjoyable and interesting, but none of those paintings moved me.

Has anything ever moved you like that?

If you are unfamiliar with Lady Jane Grey, you can read a previous post I wrote on her here.

y daioni Duw

2011-11-17T08:27:00.001-07:00

The title of this post means “The Goodness of God” in Welsh. I am so humbled, so thankful, so assured of who He is as I reflect on the daily evidences of God’s goodness to me and my family.

Is not the fact that we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into His marvellous light an indescribable miracle and amazing testament to God’s goodness?

Is not the fact that He works all things together for our good, refining us through struggles, conforming us into the image of His beloved Son, transforming us by the renewing of our mind, another incredible promise that testifies to His goodness"?

Is not the fact that He is our comfort, our ever-present help in times of trouble, our refuge an example of His goodness?

Pray for me, that I may be made holier and wiser--less like myself, and more like my heavenly Master; that I may not regard my life, if so be I may finish my course with joy.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Brilliant

2011-11-04T09:12:00.001-06:00

Wow, this is a fantastic example of how to faithfully, calmly answer loaded questions about the Christian faith.

I had heard of the storm that came after Pastor Robert Jeffress called Mormonism a cult, but I did not pay much attention. After reading this post by Paul Levy on the Reformation 21 blog today, I decided to follow the link and watch the clip.

Oh, that I would be so bold and yet so gentle. Pastor Jeffress is a wonderful witness to true, historic Christianity.

I Desire to do Your Will

2011-10-27T07:14:00.001-06:00

We have made wonderful new friends here in Wales. The warmth and generosity that has been shown to us through the hospitality and care of brothers and sisters in Christ has been a precious reminder of our Father’s care.

On couple loaned me a book about farm life in the Welsh mountains. It is written by Mari Jones, the wife of the farmer. This couple created a working farm that also served as a respite/holiday destination for people in ministry. People like Martyn Lloyd-Jones (affectionately known as “Doctor Martyn” in these parts) and people like our friend’s father and his family.

Today I read a chapter about training a new sheep dog, Tim:

Of course it was often disappointing to find that the dog who had seemed to be getting on so well one day should have forgotten so much by the next. The shepherd should show patience, not expecting too much too soon. Also, periods of discipline should never be too long, lest the young dog lose heart. But on the other hand, John had to insist that Tim learnt well what was expected of him, and that the standard never varied. Once he had learnt this he began instinctively to know for himself when he failed.

And so, little by little, a mutual trust and understanding developed between John and Tim, and we like to believe that the reason why Tim works so well for his master today is not that he is afraid of being punished, but rather that he loves to obey John’s commands. The look in his eyes seems to say that he is anxious not to disappoint his master, not to offend him, anxious not to spoil the relationship that exists between them. Delighting to obey his slightest wish, John’s will has become his own. That is why Tim is worth so much to John; for, no matter how good his pedigree, a sheep-dog is of little use unless he has been taught to obey. His obedience is the measure of his worth to his master. p.11

The first paragraph was a timely reminder and encouragement to me as I raise my children. The second paragraph spoke to my heart as a precious admonition that I serve and obey out of love for my Master and delight in His laws, not a legalistic, works-based self-righteousness.

Oh what a kind and good Father we have; always knowing what is best in the manner, length and depth of our training and refining. Oh to be like Jesus.

I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
(Psalm 40:8 ESV)

Reformation Day

2011-10-25T04:58:00.001-06:00

Here is a re-post from last year, with a few changes.

It was a pivotal moment that God used to spark the Reformation. As the 31st was on a Sunday last year, our church in Canada had a Reformation Service in the evening with teaching on John Wycliffe, an early reformer. It ended with a family ice-cream social. It was the first time (since being an adult) I can remember being excited about October 31st approaching!

This is an excellent interview Justin Taylor had with Carl Trueman about Luther and the 95 theses. Here is some more information on Reformation day itself, with audio links if you would like to learn more.

The "five solas" emerged in the Protestant Reformation to summarize the theology of the Reformers. These Latin Phrases are:

Sola scriptura - "by Scripture alone"

Sola fide - "by faith alone"

Sola gratia - "by grace alone"

Solus Christus or Solo Christo - "Christ alone" or "through Christ alone"

Soli Deo gloria - "glory to God alone"

For a more detailed explanation of these, go here.

This October 31st, and all days, let us rejoice in God's grace to us. May all we do bring glory to God alone.

We are in Wales!

2011-09-07T01:52:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. We are settling in here in the UK. I do plan to start blogging here again, but we have also started another blog if you are interested in checking it out. We are so thankful to be here and look forward to the Lord’s refinement in our lives. He has so graciously provided all we need, beyond what we could ask or imagine. Our house in Canada is conditionally sold, so await the closure of that. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement through these past months. They have been precious to us.

A Long Overdue Update

2011-08-13T12:45:00.001-06:00

To say that I am remiss in not writing sooner is an understatement.

“When we last read about Jen, she was grieving not moving to Wales as it seemed unlikely, if not impossible for her and her children to obtain visas to join her husband as he attends seminary.”

So, here we are 11 days to departure and I am finally updating you gracious people who have cared and prayed for us. We were all granted visas. There are so many stories of the Lord’s precious care and provision for us through this crazy time. One example is that I had pretty much had the UK Border Agency’s policies on student visas and their new regulations memorized. I am generally a pretty organized person and thought I had all our bases covered. I had found a random page on the UKBA website that said the new polices on students bringing their dependents would not be enforced until July 4, 2011. Each time the seminary tried to confirm this, they were told by their contact that it was impossible. Brock could not bring us with him. They finally spoke to a more senior official who confirmed this was the case and that lead to the seminary granting us what was necessary to apply for the visas.

A couple weeks before we were due to submit our applications and be fingerprinted, I went on my usual tour of the UKBA website to see if anything had changed. I came across a requirement that I had not seen before (I think it was always there, not a new policy, but I had completely missed it.) It was pretty important. The applicant requires maintenance funds for each member of the family. There was a dollar (pound) amount per person. The applicant must have that amount for a minimum of nine months maintenance upon arrival in the UK. Said amount must have been held, untouched, in a personal bank account for a minimum of 28 days prior to the day of application.

Here we were, less than 14 days before and we had not planned/borrowed that amount of money. If we somehow came up with the funds, we would than have to wait 28 days to apply, which would put us past the July 4 deadline!

Another provision of the Lord was that we sold our small business. The buyer had given us a personal cheque for the amount and because it was a sizeable amount and unknown customer, our bank held the funds for quite a while. I had forgotten about it amidst our busyness.

When we calculated the maintenance funds we needed as a family of five, the amount was exactly what we had sold our business for. The cheque had been deposited 30 days before our finger-printing/application day.

Our gracious God worked silently in the background providing what we didn’t even know we needed. It is a precious memory and was a beautiful confirmation of the direction we were headed.

Also required to be submitted with our applications were the original diplomas, certificates and transcripts Brock had sent to Wales in his application to the seminary.

The seminary put them in the mail with plenty of time to get to us IF Canada Post had not been on strike! We ordered new copies, which arrived by courier on a Friday, at 11am. Our cut-off to couriering our applications was noon that day to ensure they arrived in Ottawa before the July 4th deadline. That is IF couriers were actually on time as they were so back-logged because of the postal strike! We were told we would receive an email when our applications were received by the British High Commission.

Monday, July 4, late in the day, we received an email:

“your visa has been issued.”

The next morning they arrived by courier!

A week after receiving our visas, someone asked for some specific information from it. When I opened our passports to read the visa details, I found both Brock and I had received permission to work. The rule changes denying students and dependents the right to work had already gone into effect, but again, the Lord provided in a way we could not have imagined.

So, we are, God-willing leaving for Wales on August 24th. We plan to pay for our time there with the equity in our home – but our home has not yet sold. So, we are daily casting our cares on Him and trusting Him to, as always, work everything according to His perfect will.

I do plan to blog more regularly once we are settled. So, you are welcome to join us on our adventure in Wales as Brock attends Wales Evangelical School of Theology.

We are still very busy with packing and preparing, but we are very ready to go. Our greatest sadness is that we have only 2 Sundays left with our beloved church family. The fellowship of the redeemed is a sweet, sweet thing.

P.S. For my blogger friends: I have been keeping up with you and praying for you in your times of grief, loss of parents, moves and new beginnings.

Death is Not Dying

2011-06-22T22:54:00.001-06:00

I have been reflecting on suffering lately. Occasionally I have been picking up How Long, O Lord, by D.A. Carson. I have not gotten very far in the book, partially because I am reading another at the same time, partially because it is not an easy read emotionally. However, I do believe reading things like this are a rich experience and something the Lord uses in our lives to prepare us for suffering.

We made some new friends this weekend who have suffered great loss and still live with the grief, while daily seeking to glorify God. Seeing them was a wonderful, though heart-breaking, reminder of God’s goodness and particular care to His people.

As the second anniversary of my dear friend Rachel’s death approaches I have been thinking about her, missing her and praying for her grieving family as they learn to live without her.

I wanted to re-post this link to her testimony, given more than two years ago now, and the link to her website as her talk is timeless, timely, treasured and oh so true. It is very worthwhile watching the whole hour.

Wasn’t she beautiful? I sure miss her. Her hope was in Christ alone and she knew heaven was her home. Watching her talk always gives me perspective on life, eternal perspective.

When Love Waxes Cold

2011-06-14T10:31:00.001-06:00

Whenever lamps burn low in the Church, the love waxes cold, and watchers slumber while the Bridegroom tarries, the Restorer and Sustainer of His people is always standing at the door. He can create fresh witnesses to Himself in the most unlikely quarters, even as He raised up Paul from among the Pharisees, and Luther from the Mendicants. The Gospel of the grace of God has been disproved a great number of times – it has been assailed and wounded and beaten down and left for dead – but it survives by the power of an endless life. Amid fightings within and fears without the modern Church can still say, I know that my Redeemer liveth. Who can guess what swift, incalculable revival Christ has in store for HIs desponding people?

- John Hutton, in the British Weekly, January 7, 1926, as quoted in Iain Murray, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years, 1899-1939.

Me or I?

2011-06-10T23:08:00.001-06:00

The fact that using correct grammar really no longer matters to most people makes me sad. I think there is value in precision in language. I do not try to teach my children proper grammar so they can appear smart or genteel. I teach them proper grammar because there are rules and reasons behind them.

Now, I make grammatical errors often. I also realize that the elements of style and form are constantly changing with the times and technology.

There are, however, a few rules which are really quite simple, yet I find most people do not know.

So, rather than explain that “I” is a subject and “me” is an object, (and they are both first person singular pronouns) let me give you a little trick to figure it out.

“Brock and I went to get ice cream.”

“I went to get ice cream.”

You see – just take out “Brock” and you see that using “I” in this sentence is correct. “I” is the object of the sentence.

However, I find many people say this:

“I am thankful that you prayed for Brock and I.”

(take out “Brock”)

“I am thankful that you prayed for I.”

(wrong.)

“I am thankful that you prayed for Brock and me.”

(yes!)

“I am thankful that you prayed for me.”

(“me” is the subject of the sentence.)

For some reason, people think using “I” is more formal or sounds more elegant. But, it is completely incorrect.

Stand Amazed

2011-06-10T20:50:00.001-06:00

By way of update, we have moved one step closer to gaining access to the United Kingdom! The seminary has granted Brock what was needed to apply for visas. We submitted the first step today and will travel to Edmonton on June 21st to submit our applications and get finger printed. Then we will wait and see.

I am (now) quite at peace with whatever will happen and wherever we will end up.

It has been a roller coaster. I have been anxiously clinging to the sides of the seat, screaming, crying, waiting for the ride to be over. This is fine if I was on a real roller coaster, but I am in the loving hands of a sovereign God and ought to rest and trust.

There are times when we are on the merry-go-round. We are just that – merry. We slowly bob up and down at an enjoyable pace. We look up at the beautiful clouds, smile, wave and wonder at God’s goodness.

Often, however, we need to fight for joy. There is not gentle bobbing, but rather violent jerks and dives. We are on a roller-coaster, or worse yet one of those vomit-inducing rides. We need to not succumb to being self-centered, surly, and miserable. We must think of others, pray for others, serve others. We must thank God in all circumstances. We must remember the beauty of God’s grace, His never-stopping, patient love and we must stand, amazed at His presence:

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!
For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
-Charles H. Gabriel

The Best Blog Title, an Update and a Prayer of Love

2011-05-27T16:11:00.001-06:00

For the many years I have read blogs, I have never seen a better name than Hiraeth. Kim has been blogging for a long time. Hiraeth was one of the first blogs I started reading. I had not heard of the word prior to seeing her blog. I immediately loved it, its meaning and that it came via Lloyd -Jones. Under the title, her header reads:

It is difficult to define Hiraeth, but to me it means the consciousness of man being out of his home area and that which is dear to him. That is why it can be felt even among a host of peoples amidst nature's beauty. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
. . like a Christian yearning for Heaven. . .

In preparation for our move to Wales, I have begun reading the first volume of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones biography by Iain H. Murray (my husband just started volume two.) How delighted I was when I came upon that paragraph on Hiraeth.

Kim’s blog title really resonated with me years ago. It was a precious moment of discovering a word for a feeling I had so long had. The anticipation while walking this road to the Celestial City. Living here, longing for heaven. Hiraeth.

At the moment, in a temporal sense, Hiraeth is what we are feeling for Wales. In limbo between here and there. Working toward getting there, a bit lost in the details. This book, rich in details of the language, people and places of Wales, is a balm for my weary soul at the moment. It keeps my head up.

The only true refuge for my weary soul, is, of course, in Christ alone. The last couple of days have brought the truth of that to light. We have discovered that going to Wales will indeed take a miracle. As I have been reading the exciting news on Rosemary’s blog, I have been reminded that the Lord is in complete control of circumstances and timing. He can indeed “move mountains”.

The UK Border Agency has changed its rules and the majority of students (in which category we fall) cannot bring dependents. We decided that I would apply for an ancestry visa to gain allowance for entry for me and our children. Well, my Grandfather, while his father served in the British Military, was actually born in Hong Kong. Ancestry is only allowed if one was born literally on the land called Britain. My Grandpa was a citizen by descent not a citizen by birth. Alas, as ridiculous as that seems to me, I do not qualify.

We have the faint hope of applying for the student visa with dependents and appealing to the fact that Brock’s acceptance to the school preceded the the new UKBA changes.

The school is deciding whether they will take the risk with us because if we are denied, they cannot invite another international student in Brock’s place.

So we wait. Our whole life for months has been preparing to move to Wales. It is hard for me to switch gears. If it does not work out we will quickly try to get acceptance and make preparations for a school in the United States.

I am thankful for this trial, most truly. It has drawn me to cling to Christ in a way that I have, to my shame, not been doing of late.

This prayer was precious to me this morning:

The Prayer of Love

Gracious Lord,
Thy name is love,
in love receive my prayer.
My sins are more than the wide sea’s sand,
but where sin abounds,
there is grace more abundant.
Look to the cross of thy beloved Son,
and view the preciousness of his atoning blood;
Listen to his never-failing intercession,
and whisper to my heart, ‘Thy sins are forgiven,
be of good cheer, lie down in peace.’
Grace cataracts from heaven and flows for ever,
and mercy never wearies in bestowing benefits.
Grant me more and more
to prize the privilege of prayer,
to come to thee as a sin-soiled sinner,
to find pardon in thee,
to converse with thee;
to know thee in prayer as
the path in which my feet tread,
the latch upon the door of my lips,
the light that shines through my eyes,
the music of my ears,
the marrow of my understanding,
the strength of my will,
the power of my affection,
the sweetness of my memory.
May the matter of my prayer be always
wise, humble, submissive,
obedient, scriptural, Christ-like.
Give me unwavering faith
that supplications are never in vain,
that if I seem not to obtain my petitions
I shall have larger, richer answers,
surpassing all that I ask or think.
Unsought, thou hast given me
the greatest gift, the person of thy Son,
and in him thou wilt give me all I need.

-From The Valley of Vision

I Want to Be “Left Behind”

2011-05-13T16:19:00.001-06:00

I was so thankful to see this post today on Justin Taylor’s blog. This is not something to divide over, but I just do not see the dispensational arguments, particularly with respect to eschatology (end times) as having biblical weight. It is great to see some other views gaining some exposure over the sensationalized novels. Many people just accept the view of books and movies without working it through and studying what the scriptures say. What do you think? (she asks with trepidation.)

Being In Style

2011-04-25T19:18:00.001-06:00

A few months ago I read this article. (not sure where I found it, but likely via Challies.) I read the whole thing. I was aghast! How did I not know this? Why hasn’t anyone told me this? I went through university, (a long time ago in a province far away) majoring in History and English literature, writing essays, essays and more essays – always putting two spaces after punctuation. My husband pointed out how much those double spaces helped in getting enough words or pages to fulfil the essay requirements!

Now I have post after post preserved on this blog – all filled with two spaces after every period! I learned to type on a typewriter, so this double spacing is very natural, almost second nature. So, for three months I have been trying to remember only one space and I am having very little success. I will keep working at it though. I do want to have correct style!

(Although, after a bit more research, I found it is not completely wrong to use two spaces, but one space is preferred.)

How many of you knew about this rule of style?

Ride On!

2011-04-22T07:12:00.000-06:00

(Borrowed from Rosemary)

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
Hark, all the tries hosanna cry;
Thy humble beast pursues his road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
O Christ, thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father on his sapphire throne
Expects his own anointed Son.

Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow thy meed head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, thy power and reign.

-Henry Hart Milman, 1791-1868

“Tomb” Meringues

2011-04-20T20:15:00.001-06:00

On Saturday evening before Resurrection Sunday, these are a fun treat to whip up. I shared with many of you the story of our first year trying this. I didn’t thoroughly read the instructions and left the heat on all night. DON’T DO THAT!

Last year, however, complete, delicious success!

Recipe
1 cup nuts
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place the nuts in a plastic bag and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon or rolling pin to crush them. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave up his life to give us new life.
Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand and let them taste it. Add a pinch to the bowl. Explain that this reminds us of the salty tears cried by Jesus’ friends and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Now add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died to reconcile us to God. He died out of love for us and to give us new life in Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks are formed (12-15 minutes). Explain that the colour white represents purity. In God’s eye, those who know Christ are cleansed of their sins, covered by the blood of Jesus, clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in the nuts. Drop heaping teaspoons of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Explain that each mound reminds us of the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a small piece of tape and “seal” the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the meringues in the oven overnight and that Jesus’ friends were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a meringue. Encourage them to look at the cracked surface and then take a bite. The meringues are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ friends were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Jesus was alive!
Read Matt. 28:1-9

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Resurrection Eggs

2011-04-18T14:37:00.001-06:00

You can purchase these ready made in many places, but we made our own years ago and just keep using them. We just use plastic eggs. We number them 1-12 with a sharpie. Then we choose 12 items from our “acting out, play dough tradition”. So, a palm branch, “30 pieces of silver”, bread from the pass over, a whip, a purple robe, a cross, a crown of thorns, a sponge, a spear, cloves for embalming spices, strips of cloth for grave clothes, etc. You can use anything from the story that you can dig up around your house.

The children hunt for them on Resurrection Sunday morning and when all twelve are found we open them up in numerical order and have them tell us what each item represents.

I searched and found this blog which does a nice job explaining them. There are also the applicable Bible verses listed.

Gotta Love the Doctor

2011-04-15T14:23:00.001-06:00

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. Hebrews 12:5,6

…we must listen to and follow the arguments of the Word of God. ‘Ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children.; Now that word ‘speaketh’ is not wrong but it is not quite strong enough. A better translation would be": ‘Ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you’, ‘reasoneth with you as sons’. That again is something that fascinates and thrills me. You see, the Word of God does not merely give us general comfort, what it gives us always is an argument. There is nothing that I so dislike and abominate as a sentimental way of reading the Scriptures. There are many people who read the Scriptures in a purely sentimental manner. They are in trouble and they do not know what to do. They say, “I will read a Psalm. It is so soothing – “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want”. They make of it a kind of incantation and take the Psalms as another person takes a drug. That is not the way to read the Scriptures. ‘The word of exhortation reasoneth with you’, argues with you. And we must follow the logic of it, and bring intelligence to the Scriptures. We can never bring too much intelligence to our reading of them, they are not merely meant to give general comfort and soothing – follow the argument; let them reason it out with you.

- D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Spiritual Depression, Its Causes and Cures, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1965), p.253.

Coloured Eggs and Paska

2011-04-13T22:43:00.001-06:00

In further preparation to celebrate the resurrection, we also have fun decorating eggs together. Here are some from last year. I know there is great debate about the pagan roots of many of these traditions, but we emphasize the eggs representing new life, which we know is only truly found in Jesus Christ.

And, thanks to Mennonite Girls Can Cook, I have started making paska.

This is a traditional Easter bread with both Greek and Mennonite roots. The word comes from "pascha" which means 'resurrection' in Greek. It is so delicious, so for me this sweet bread also represents the sweetness of union with Christ, the bread of life. Oh what a precious union that as He was raised, so we are also raised to walk in newness of life. Could there be any better holiday to celebrate?

His Mind was Strengthened

2011-04-12T09:14:00.001-06:00

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

Christ would not have been human if he had not experienced extreme aversion to things that were about to happen to him. This expression of his nature, in his mind and will and emotions, which were completely holy in him, our Savior expressed in that conditional prayer. This prayer was answered in the following ways. His mind was strengthened against the terror of the impending events. This enabled him to be perfectly composed to embrace God’s will: “not my will, but your be done.” So Christ was heard to the extent he had wished to be heard. Although, by nature, he desired deliverance, since he was human, yet he did not desire this absolutely, as he was wholly given over to God’s will.

- John Owen, Hebrews, adapted and quoted in, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, Nancy Guthrie, p. 70. (emphasis mine)

We are not always delivered from that which we dread or fear, but we are always given what we need to bear it, endure it, even rest in His arms while we pass through it. May your mind be strengthened today to endure what you must, for your good and His glory. And may you be perfectly composed as you embrace His will.

For my own devotional time preparing for Easter, I read from Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, by Nancy Guthrie.

Anticipating Resurrection Sunday

2011-04-08T08:08:00.001-06:00

Celebrating the resurrection has become a precious tradition in our home. Noel Piper’s book, Treasuring God in our Traditions had been a wonderful resource.

We begin the process with Palm Sunday and work through holy week with what coincided that day in the Biblical account.

We make a baked play dough mountain which acts as both Golgotha and the borrowed tomb.

We begin with the Triumphal entry. We have a city at the other end and Playmobil people lining the streets. Jesus is a pipe cleaner figure on a plastic donkey.

Jesus praying in the garden.

The soldiers come.

We act out the trip to Golgotha, including Simon of Cyrene.

When we all go to bed on Saturday, Jesus is wrapped in his grave clothes and sealed in the tomb.

But when the children run out in the morning, Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Indwelling Sin and True Joy

2011-04-05T12:45:00.001-06:00

Remember, O My Soul,

It is thy duty and privilege to rejoice in God:

He requires it of thee for all his favours of grace.
Rejoice then in the Giver and his goodness,

Be happy in him, O my heart, and in nothing but God,
for whatever a man trusts in,
from that he expects happiness.

He who is the ground of thy faith
should be the substance of thy joy.

Whence then come heaviness and dejection,
    when joy is sown in thee,
       promised by the Father,
       bestowed by the Son,
       inwrought by the Holy Spirit,
       thine by grace,
       thy birthright in believing?

Art thou seeking to rejoice in thyself
    from an evil motive of pride and self-reputation?
Thou hast nothing of thine own but sin,
    nothing to move God to be gracious,
    or to continue his grace towards thee.

If thou forget this thou wilt lose thy joy.
Art thou grieving under a sense of indwelling sin?
Let godly sorrow work repentance,
as the true spirit which the Lord blesses,
and which creates fullest joy;

Sorrow for self opens rejoicing in God,
Self-loathing draws down divine delights.
Hast thou sought joys in some creature comfort?
Look not below God for happiness;
fall not asleep in Delilah’s lap.
Let God be all in all to thee, and joy in the fountain that is always full.

Taken from ‘The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers,’ edited by Arthur Bennett

Fallen off the Radar

2011-03-23T15:42:00.001-06:00

So, clearly I have not been blogging much! Although that has a little to do with my past posts on reading books more and being on the internet less, it is primarily about what has been going on in our lives.

We are selling the farm (we don’t really have a farm) and moving to Wales. My beloved will attend seminary and God-willing pastor a church when we are done in a few years.

The plan is to sell our business and house, my husband will resign from the fire department this summer and we’ll move in August.

So, we are painting, purging, preparing and

….resting, resting in the arms of our Lord.

Have You Seen This Movie?

2011-03-18T21:54:00.001-06:00

You really ought to. With the whole family. Thanks for introducing us Christine.

Symptoms of False Doctrine

2011-03-08T16:43:00.001-07:00

Thought this post on Justin Taylor’s blog was excellent food for thought. They are quotes from J.C. Ryle.

Take Care

2011-03-07T18:01:00.001-07:00

Being disciplined and discerning with blogging is very hard. It is easy to weigh in on things, vent, be too quick to write. It is difficult not to be negative and attack things we disagree with. I (and with my husband’s counsel) often hold back from engaging when I want to.

For a long time, I have wanted to caution people about a certain blogger. I do not want to be unfairly critical because I believe this woman loves the Lord, feels overwhelmed with God’s grace to her and longs for others to know Christ.

Once upon a time, I was often a speaker at Christian events. I saw my popularity grow. My passion and desire for God attracted people. But I cringe at some of things I said. I grieve that although sincere, I was young in my theological understanding and the implications of where I lead people. I started being asked to preach because I could “move” people and quote scripture at length. Thank God that by that time I was a convinced complimentarian and I declined. My point is that when people “resonate” with what we say and want to hear more, it is easy to believe the hype about ourselves.

When I look back, I was not completely off and certainly not heretical. Although reformed in my convictions, I was still influenced by Christian mystics and esoteric writing. We can be leading people down a dangerous path toward bad theology and we can fall down the slippery slope to tickling people’s ears rather than piercing their consciences by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God.

In reading the recent hullaballoo about a certain blogger and her new book, I felt compelled to write this post. It has gone through drafts and some attempts abandoned altogether. I do not want to take this criticism lightly. I have often wanted to write about this, but seeing the angry and emotional comments Everyday Mommy received confirmed what I had feared. I am grateful that she took the risk and wrote what she did. To be honest, I am sad for her about the link from Challies, aka. “the Challies effect”. Normally this would be such an encouragement to a blogger, but I am sure it generated many more comments than usual and she seems to have addressed them all!

But friends, I have read Holy Experience on and off for years and, although I am not imputing any ill motives to Ann, she often takes things too far, beyond sound doctrine and to an esoteric (intelligible only to those with special knowledge) level. I have not read her book and do not plan to, so I will not address specific concerns

We must know God rightly, but we cannot know Him fully. He has not revealed all things to us and we do not have an infinite understanding of who He is. When we extrapolate what we do know of Him beyond what is revealed in scripture, or if we take scripture out of context we enter dangerous territory.

We ought to be grateful. We ought to thank God for His numerous blessings and amazing grace toward us. But we also must be clear, precise and careful in how we describe our God. We must not speculate. We must not impute things to Him that He does not reveal to us. He has attributes and we must study them. We must not make Him into something He is not, or we are making a god in our own image.

We also must not focus more on the blessings than on the One whom we receive them from. I believe God does innumerably more in our lives through one thousand sufferings than through one thousand blessings. What we must focus on is the great suffering of Christ on our behalf and what that accomplished.

Being moved emotionally by pretty words does not mean that what is being said, or where we are being led, is good.

Let us take care. Take great care. And God help us all to not believe hype about ourselves and participate in self-promotion. It is a dangerous place to be.

Come on Get Happy

2011-02-26T22:35:00.001-07:00

If you want to be truly happy and blessed, if you would like to know true joy as a Christian here is the prescription – ‘Blessed (truly happy) are they who do hunger and thirst for righteousness’ – not after happiness. Do not go on seeking thrills; seek righteousness. Turn to yourself, turn to your feelings and say: ‘I have no time to worry about feelings, I am interested in something else. I want to be happy but still more I want to be righteous, I want to be holy. I want to be like my Lord, I want to live in this world as He lived, I want to walk through it as He walked through it’. You are in this world, says John in his First Epistle, even as He was. Set your whole aim upon righteousness and holiness and as certainly as you do so you will be blessed, you will be filled, you will get the happiness you long for. Seek for happiness and you will never find it, seek righteousness and you will discover you are happy – it will be there with out your knowing it, without your seeking it.

Finally, let me put it in this way: Do you want to know supreme joy, do you want to experience a happiness that eludes description? There is only one thing to do, really seek Him, seek Him Himself, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. If you find that your feelings are depressed do not sit down and commiserate with yourself, do not try to work something up but – this is the simple essence of it – go directly to Him and seek His face, as the little child who is miserable and unhappy because somebody else has taken or broken his toy, runs to its father or its mother. So if you and I find ourselves afflicted by this condition, there is only one thing to do, it is to go to Him. If you seek the Lord Jesus Christ and find Him there is no need to worry about your happiness and your joy. He is our joy and our happiness, even as He is our peace. He is life, He is everything. So avoid the incitements and the temptations of Satan to give feelings this great prominence at the centre. Put at the centre the only One who has a right to be there, the Lord of Glory, Who so loved you that He went to the Cross and bore the punishment and the shame of your sins and died for you. Seek Him, Seek His face, and all other things shall be added unto you.

- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression, Its Causes and Cure (Grand Rapids, Mich.:Eerdmans, 1965), 117-118.

Unfettered Hope

2011-02-18T13:18:00.001-07:00

It is always easy to let the age have its head; the difficult thing is to keep one’s own. – G.K. Chesterton

Well, here goes. In this post, I promised an update/review of Marva Dawn’s book, Unfettered Hope. I have procrastinated too long over writing this post. Partially because I could not begin to convey the message of this book in one blog post and I do not have the energy or inclination to do a series of posts and partially because, although I think this is an excellent book, I know I differ in significant ways from many of the convictions of the author.

Although I strongly disagree with Dawn on the role of women in the church, I can not deny how gifted she is. I recently heard that Michael Horton (White Horse Inn) often recommends Marva Dawn’s books! She has many physical challenges that she sees rightly because of her future hope, she lives a simple, generous life and I think, truly practices what she preaches (my problem is that she preaches!) I am not a paedobaptist, so I am also uncomfortable with Dawn’s phrase “baptismal hope” and how she views baptism.

The philosophical side of the book is very good, particularly the points made by Albert Borgmann. (whom I recently listened to on Ken Myers’ Mars Hill Audio). The book is similar, in principle, to Amusing ourselves to Death by Neil Postman. It is a thoughtful, engaging critique of our unthinking attitude toward our culture.

Dawn is not anti-technology. What she does herself, and citing many other thinkers, writers and theologians is point out many of the dangers of technology and how it can pull us from our main focus (which she calls focal concerns) of loving God and loving our neighbour. It is very well done and I heartily agree.

I love that Dawn continually writes of our Trinitarian God. She writes of our future, assured hope and restoration when Christ makes all things new. She is careful to point out that restoration has already begun. It is what many of us would call the “already and the not yet”. It is interesting that throughout the book I agree with much of what she says, but I would prefer she said it differently. There is biblical language that I would find more convincing and Christ-exalting, yet she seems to use more philosophical, dare I say mystical language that makes me a bit uncomfortable.

The one emphasis Dawn continues to put forth that I just can’t reconcile is the notion that, as Christians, one of our main goals should be to fight for justice in this world. I agree that we ought to be helping the orphan and the widow, feeding the hungry, but her emphasis in this doesn’t reconcile with scripture in my opinion. I am convicted and challenged by her challenges of how we in the west, while living in such wealth are directly contributing to the injustice and poverty in the world. I think we ought to evaluate and set our priorities aright. But, it seems that her call for Christians to live this way is more about being faithful to our lives as believers (which of course is very important), but not about reaching the world with the gospel. She calls for peace, but it cannot be true peace without the reconciliation to Christ. Absence of war does not bring peace.

Now, I have gone on with my criticisms, but I must tell you that I think this book is excellent and I highly recommend it. It is thoughtful and faithful at pointing out our foolishness of being lulled to comfort and even to sleep in this affluent society. Dawn points out our lack of thinking and applying the grid of biblical truth and wisdom to our everyday lives. She chastens us for “blindly accepting contemporary fads”. She wrote this book several years ago now, so I can imagine what she thinks of text-messaging and facebook!

I read this on Justin Taylor’s blog a few weeks ago and thought it fit perfectly with this notion. The belief that:

the newer is the truer,
only what is recent is decent,
every shift of ground is a step forward,
and every latest word must be hailed as the last word on its subject.

—J. I. Packer, “Is Systematic Theology a Mirage? An Introductory Discussion,” in Doing Theology in Today’s World: Essays in Honor of Kenneth S. Kantzer, ed. John D. Woodbridge and Thomas Edward McComiskey (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1991), 21.

If you wonder how to apply this to your life, read Unfettered Hope. It is filled with well-grounded arguments that help you think through how to live faithfully in this world. There are practical decisions we can make to do this! Yet, I fully agree with her that our only hope is eschatological:

Hope is possible because of the victorious work of God in Christ, especially on the cross. Death, devil, hell, the overwhelmings of the media and other technologies, the shackles of money, the control of the device paradigm, the burden of accumulated possessions are all reduced to nothing.
In the Gospel’s shining splendor and sheltering forgiveness, we are set free… In that overwhelming and unfettered hope we pick up our own cross and live to the hilt of our focal concerns. (p.199)

This is our eschatological hope: God’s new reign has already broken in in Jesus, and we can be confident that God will fulfill His own purposes for the cosmos. (p. 198)“

As the rate of change and technological advancements in our society continues at a frenetic pace, I think one would do well to read this book. It focuses on preserving what really matters.

Egypt, Democracy and Idols

2011-02-14T12:08:00.001-07:00

This was the pastoral email/blog from my church this week, written by Jeff Jones, who formerly served in the Canadian Forces. I thought it was excellent – a good reminder and perspective. Hope you enjoy it!

Uncovering the Clay Feet of a False God: The False Hope of the Egyptian Street
The big news of the week has unquestionably been the crisis in Egypt. Thousands of protestors have been taking to the streets daily calling for an end to the rule of Hosni Mubarak, who yesterday finally gave in and gave power over to a military council.
What's been interesting has been watching the Western nations squirm, trying to decide what to do about the crisis. On the one hand, words like "democracy" have been on everyone's lips. The media describes the protestors as “pro-democracy”; Obama and Harper and others have spoken in support of seeing a “democracy” in Egypt. The Western position has been, officially, that they favor democracy, but it's more complicated than that. And the hesitation shown particularly by the White House in declaring support for the protestors betrays an idol in our Western culture.
That idol is democracy. Why is it an idol? Because to so many, democracy is the path to a better future, the key to peace and prosperity. Democracy is, we hear, something worth fighting for, dying for – even killing for. In theological terms, it’s taken eschatological overtones in our secular culture. If only Tunisia and Egypt and Algeria and Iran and China and North Korea embraced democracy, many think, humanity would advance to a better age marked by cooperation and peace.
There are a couple ironies in this. First, democracies can’t stand unless they maintain militaries to protect them from other nations that don’t embrace their values – and as I was told repeatedly in my training, “We are here to defend democracy, not to practice it!” It’s been argued that the democratic Greek states lost the Peloponnesian War precisely because their democratic polity prevented the rapid and decisive judgments and responses that their militaristic foes in the Spartan alliance were able to deliver as they were not bound to consult their populations on important decisions. Democracy has its strengths, to be sure, but also its grave weaknesses.
Second, while democracy is surely preferable to many of the alternatives, for people to place their hopes and dreams on a democratic political structure is, at its root, no different than the utopian idealism that drove Karl Marx and the Communists opposed by the Western Democracies for the last century. Both camps (in secular perspective) rest their hope in a human construct, placing their faith in political structures to bring a better world.
This current crisis has betrayed the “feet of clay” belonging to this particular idol: the fact that democracy, in itself, cannot deliver what many think it promises. The decision makers in Western nations, in struggling to respond to this crisis, know this. It’s been Western money and political support that’s maintained Mubarak, who is no democrat, in his position for so long. And they’ve done this because, see, democracy in this case has the very real potential to turn out very badly. In fact, the only democracy in the region, Israel, has been quietly pushing its allies to support the Mubarak regime - because they fear the prospect of a country whose populace overwhelmingly opposes the peace treaty with Israel giving it the opportunity to put that desire into law. Western allies, for their part, fear the influence that the Muslim Brotherhood, with its jihadist theology, terrorist background, and links to Hamas, could wield over the political process. Israel fears a democratic Egypt whose foreign policy reflects the hostility of its people. The West fears an Egypt, without a military strongman, being prone to a popular “Islamic revolution” of the type that has made Iran such a menace and the impact of instability upon the Suez Canal, oil prices, and the global economy. Hence the long-standing support of the West (till now, anyway) of a military dictator like Mubarak - and their current discomfort as they weigh their stated commitment to democracy on the one hand against their national interests on the other.
It’s really a sad situation, but not because of the (potentially disastrous) geopolitical implications. It’s sad because I know the people of Egypt who have been out on the streets are about to find out that this idol, too, shall fail. Perhaps democracy (if they really get it – the departure of Mubarak in favour of an overtly military regime may not actually change anything) will deliver a better life for them, and I sincerely hope so, but even if it does in the short term it will do nothing for their more serious problem. And that more serious problem is the fatal flaw of democracy: human sinfulness. Democracy cannot solve our original sin. Political changes will not change our hearts. And the fears that Israel and the West have in looking at this situation exist precisely because they see the potential of the besetting sins of the Muslim world – anti-Semitism, militancy, hostility towards non-Muslims – will find freer expression and less suppression in the context of democracy.
Christians are not immune from this form of idolatry, and so we must be cautious. Now, this is not a diatribe against democracy in itself, or a discouragement against political activity by Christians. Both are useful within their limitations and have their place. I agree with Winston Churchill: democracy is actually the worst possible political system – except for all the others! My aim is to make plain that it is useful only to a point, and our hopes for it need to be limited. Democracy can do nothing about the root cause of our world’s problems. It cannot change hearts or pay for sin or reconcile us to God. Only our King and Lord, Jesus Christ, can do that. (And it’s worth noting in passing that the polity of the Kingdom of God is decidedly undemocratic, and praise the Lord for that!) Our prayer as we watch the process unfold in Egypt, as we face the possibility of a federal election here in Canada and an impending provincial election in Alberta, is that the glory of God may be seen in the face of Christ and that we would be emboldened to declare to those around us that true hope is found not in political achievement but in the blood and Kingdom rule of our Lord.

Decreasing Ability to Concentrate

2011-02-08T20:31:00.001-07:00

As one who used to devour books and love stealing every spare moment to read, I am saddened by the increasing difficulty I have to really concentrate and discipline myself to read. There are the seasons, such as newborn/infant stage, where it is tough to read because one is so very tired, but that is not the case with me at the moment.

I have been ruminating on this for months and wondering why I am having this problem. Then, last week we listened to a Mars Hill Audio Podcast (journal 105, part 2)* that looked at the brain, distraction, and the technology of blogging and social media. There are direct correlations between our ~~reading~~ skimming blogs etc. and our inability to do the mental work to carefully read books.

I have no doubt that this effect is also because we have become so pathetically addicted to instant gratification and disjointed snippets of information all around us. We tire of having the discipline to read and think through full sentences and paragraphs.

Thus, I have been reading blogs less, which has had the ripple effect of blogging less. However, as I dive into more books, I am sure I will be inspired by the discipline of writing out my thoughts, inspirations and convictions that come from those books. I will still read blogs, but I will limit the number and make sure I actually read them and not just skim for information.

Again, it leaves me frightened for the younger generation who have never learned the patience and discipline of true reading. This all leads in to my review of Marva Dawn’s book, Unfettered Hope, so stayed tuned!

*disclaimer – although I really enjoy Mars Hill Audio, I often do not fully agree with the guests or their theological convictions.

400th Anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible

2011-01-29T14:30:00.001-07:00

I found this article by Leland Ryken fascinating. It looks at what makes the KJV great. It was filled with wonderful information and context that exalts the mighty hand of our God in using a petty, self-centered king to be the impetus in bringing about a monumentally significant event in history. I doubt I will abandon my ESV, but this is certainly an interesting bit of history.

My Front Yard This Morning

2011-01-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

As the Gentle Rain

2011-01-27T11:09:00.001-07:00

May my doctrine (teaching) drop as the rain,

my speech distil as the dew,

as the gentle rain upon the tender grass,

and as showers upon the herb.

Deuteronomy 32:2

Food Around Here

2011-01-21T11:49:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would post some random shots of food. First, this is my husband’s cranberry sauce from Christmas dinner as it was set out to cool. Very cool!

Next, every time we serve rouladen, people ask for the recipe. A couple days ago, I worked in the kitchen all day, so I decided to document the process to share. I was blessed with a wonderful mentor who served this to me for years. When I got married it was one of the first things I wanted to learn to make! I still call Lorraine whenever I have any questions. So here it is: ask the butcher for a rouladen cut from round steak. These ones are the best I have ever had – wide and pretty thick.

Unroll them, sprinkle with seasoning salt.

On each one, put cooked bacon pieces, crushed garlic and chopped onion. You can add mushrooms, tomato or a pickle.

Roll each of them up and fasten with a toothpick.

Brown on all sides.

Bake in a covered dish for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Or, this time, I just put them in containers to freeze and use at another time. Any leftover ingredients I just throw on top.

I also froze a bunch of Rebar’s chocolate chip cookies.

And two kinds of granola bars.

Yesterday we skied. Phew. I am tired today.

One of Our Own

2011-01-19T07:41:00.002-07:00

Here is another excellent post by Carl Trueman. How he (seemingly) so effortlessly writes in such a compelling, intelligent, yet understandable way and expresses much while being brief, I do not know. Clearly, he is gifted and thankfully using it to edify the church and glorify Christ. His thoughts are quite profound. I think we are afraid of learning from people from whom we differ. We are more comfortable if we make them into one of our own rather than acknowledging the differences and humbly accepting that we have been affected by them. It is what I was struggling with with respect to my new book.

Athanasius Contra Mundum

2011-01-18T10:44:00.001-07:00

Athanasius, c. 296-373, is undoubtedly a hero of the Christian faith. Alexander, bishop of Alexandria took a special interest in young Athanasius after observing the boy pretending to do baptisms with his friends! As Athanasius pretended to baptize another young boy, Alexander was amazed at the accuracy of the mock service as he heard Athanasius say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit”.

These words are common and taken for granted by us today, but in the fourth century the full deity of Christ was under attack.

With Alexander’s encouragement, the parents of Athanasius allowed him to come under the care of the bishop and learn the Bible, the writings of the early church fathers, and the Greek and Roman classics. He was a good student and grew to have a deep love for Christ.

During this time, Constantine embraced the Christian faith and much of the persecution Christians had been facing stopped. Although this was a wonderful blessing in many ways, the cessation of the attacks from without lead to the beginnings of attacks from within. False teachers rose in popularity and influence and the damage was severe.

Arius, a priest and also a student of Bishop Alexander became very vocal and influential in teaching that the Son was created by the Father and is therefore lesser. The motto of Arians became, “There was a time when the Son was not.”

The Christian church became divided over the matter, leading to Constantine arranging the gathering of hundreds of priests and bishops – the Council of Nicea, 325 A.D.

After weeks of intense debate, the counsel agreed with Alexander and Athanasius and the Nicene Creed was drafted:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father….

The wonderful thing about the times in early church history where false teaching abounded is that the ensuing debates and councils solidified orthodox Christian beliefs with creeds and confessions that continue to keep the true Christian Church unified on the essentials.

But Arius did not go away after the Council of Nicea. He and his followers continued to teach and have great influence. They petitioned Constantine to reinstate the Arians to their positions in the church. Athanasius, who was now bishop following the death of Alexander, refused. Constantine sent Athanasius into exile and charged him with ludicrous charges the Arians had come up with, such as breaking sacred furniture and torturing people.

After the death of Constantine, Athanasius returned as Bishop of Alexandria for a short time, but the Arians continued to grow in influence and convinced the new emperor to again send Athanasius into exile.

He endured banishment, death threats, living in a tomb for four months to escape murderers and living in the desert. When returning to exile, with his fellow Christians clinging to him, weeping, Athanasius replied, “Be of good cheer. It is only a cloud which will soon pass over.”

He continued to fight, to write, to teach that Jesus was fully God and fully man. Thank God for such a faithful man, who persevered for truth! Shortly after his death, the Arians were finally defeated.

The phrase, “Athanasius contra mundum”, “Athanasius against the world”, became the phrase he was known by.

I have been thinking about this phrase all week, after reading 1 John 5:1-5 in my study time:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

May we be as faithful as Athanasius. We are against the world, truly. Everyday we are assaulted with the pressure to conform, to perform, to reform to the ways of our culture. We must stand firm and live biblically. We will feel alone. We will feel like the whole world is against us. But we will overcome.

“Be of good cheer.

It is only a cloud which will soon pass over.”

*again, I am indebted to Richard Hannula and his information in Trial and Triumph

The Pendulum

2011-01-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

I can wake and pray and praise and meditate, rise and sing and cook and launder, laugh and joke and hug and play - with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. I silently thank God for this life, our home, my role.

In the same hour I can sit and grumble and listen to my sinful heart, yell and chasten and ignore and hide - with a grimace on my face and despair in my heart. I silently plead with God for help in this life, keeping my home, finding joy in my role.

I don't just need daily bread, I need quarter of an hourly bread.

I want to feast, but I must also graze - moment by moment - confess, repent, preach - fill my head with truth, humble my heart before my God - leaning on the everlasting arms - not pulling up my own bootstraps, nose to the grindstone, plowing through.

Home educating our children means they are always around. They see almost everything. It is good to be so transparent and humbled. They hear the gospel almost everyday, often many times a day because I am repenting, seeking their forgiveness and explaining to them how my yelling, my worrying or selfishness are unbelief - a lack of faith in my Father's wise and timely will, His goodness, His mercy. I remind them that it was my sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. That our merciful God forgives me. It is assured and secured. We humbly go on, thankful for His grace and relying on His Spirit.

I tell them heaven is our home and I long for it. I tell them here is where He has us and we must be thankful, faithful, knowing He is making us more like Jesus through every episode of frustration and sadness.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:3-14

This life is a pendulum.

Christ is a plumb line.

Parenting a Child with Autism

2011-01-12T15:36:00.001-07:00

Saw this on Justin Buzzard’s blog today. I thought it was so helpful and beautiful. I have watched a few friends wrestle with how to parent their children with autism, in various forms and degrees. I am sure it is very helpful for them when others have a greater understanding.

CXVI Hymns III

2011-01-11T18:47:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post this for a month, but in case you haven’t heard, CXVI’s third album is available. I finally listened to it today as we drove to the glorious Rockies to go skiing. It was a beautiful companion in praising our King for the majesty of the mountains. I really enjoy these albums! You can purchase any of them here – as a cd, a digital download, or both.

Blogger Stats

2011-01-10T11:16:00.001-07:00

When I started this blog, I deliberately did not sign up for any feature that keeps track of the number of hits, who is reading, where they are from, etc. I just did not want any statistics to affect my motive or lead to disappointment or pride. I also knew many of these services even reveal i.p. addresses and I kind of thought that was none of my business.

Then several months ago, Blogger added a stats feature to its dashboard! It does not reveal who a reader is, but just the country they are in, whether they came directly or through another blog and which posts were read.

The hilarious part of the whole thing for me is that this post has at least one and often many more hits almost every single day. It is by far the most well read post. I guess my blog is one of the only places on the internet that mentions the name Ashurbanipal! There has never been a comment and although the posts about historical figures really excite me, I have never had anyone tell me they enjoyed it or found it interesting!

There are a few countries that are the most regular viewers and the largest audience of this blog, but when the Ashurbanipal post is hit, the countries showing are often from the Middle East. I often hope my comments about Baghdad are not taken as offensive, and just hope their curiosity continues long enough for them to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gender Debate

2011-01-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

John Starke has an excellent post here on complementarianism and how to discuss our views with egalitarians. I really needed to read this. Like Starke, my views were very influenced by the fact that I took a class taught by Wayne Grudem. I thank God’s Providence for that, but must be understanding in what has shaped other people’s views.

Christmas Present From My Husband

2011-01-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

I am not one who enjoys opening gifts, particularly in groups. I find it a bit stressful to manage my reactions, wanting everyone to feel good about the gift. I do not hide my feelings well and I am a plain talker.

Gifts from my husband are usually a safe bet, so this year I was caught off guard. I opened the present, which I knew to be a book and my eyes fixed on the author’s name: Marva Dawn. I was hoping for Philip Doddridge, John Frame or D.A. Carson.

In the few seconds before I spoke, I thought, “Marva Dawn – really?” I am familiar enough with her to know we would differ on beliefs on certain issues and our doctrinal stance. With others looking on, I said, “I know who she is from Regent College…umm…..” My husband, clearly seeing my confusion/disappointment, said, “Read the title.’

“unfettered hope – A Call to Faithful Living in an Affluent Society” Ah – what a man, this husband of mine. Knowing what I need and gently pushing where I need to be challenged.

We are often talking about this subject. We both struggle with how to work out our salvation in this culture. It often weighs heavy on my heart. He heard about the book on a podcast he often listens to called, “Ordinary Means”.

I will reserve complete judgement until I finish the book, but so far I am really enjoying it. She is saying things I long to talk about with people. She is posing the questions I wrestle with. Does technology really free us, or just bind (fetter) us? Is our society and culture, within and without of the church really better for the ease and affluence in which we live? Why, if technology is supposed to make life more efficient, are people busier than ever before? How are relationships suffering as a result? What is the effect on language? Why are so many people in the west so overwhelmed and hopeless?

So far, Dawn looks at philosophical, sociological and economic arguments and data, but after explaining the problems, she is leading to an answer in her last section entitled, “The Only Unfettered Hope is Eschatological”.

She looks at the answers to how we can escape despair – by looking at the work of Christ, the Trinitarian hope and the role of the church.

I have felt a deep conviction about my snobbery and unteachable spirit with respect to learning from others with whom I may differ.

I will keep you posted!

Christmas Presents for my Husband

2010-12-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Prodigal Son

Jacob and Rachel

I love the products at Reformation Art. My husband always had one of their pictures up as his wallpaper on his computer, so I decided to order hard copies.

Christmas Carols 2

2010-12-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

A holy, heavenly chime

Rings fulness in of time,

And on His Mother’s breast

Our Lord God ever-Blest

Is laid a Babe at rest

Stoop, Spirits unused to stoop,

Swoop, Angels, flying swoop,

Adoring as you gaze,

uplifting hymns of praise:-

“Grace to the Full of Grace!”

The cave is cold and strait

To hold the angelic state:

More strait it is, more cold,

To foster and infold

Its Maker one hour old.

Thrilled through with awestruck love,

Meek Angels poised above,

To see their God, look down:

“What, is there never a Crown

For Him in swaddled gown?

“How comes He soft and weak

With such a tender cheek,

With such a soft small hand?-

The very Hand which spann’d

Heaven when its girth was plann’d.

“How comes He with a voice

Which is but baby-noise?-

That Voice which spake with might

--‘Let there be light’ – and light

Sprang out before our sight.

“What need hath He of flesh

Made flawless now afresh?

What need of human heart?-

Heart that must bleed and smart

Choosing the better part.

“But see: His gracious smile

Dismisses us a while

To serve Him in His kin.

Haste we, make haste, begin

To fetch His brethren in.”

Like stars they flash and shoot,

The Shepherds they salute:

“Glory to God” they sing:

“Good news of peace we bring,

For Christ is born a King.”

- Christina Rossetti

Glitter, Garland and Joy

2010-12-22T22:59:00.001-07:00

The Star

Bright spark, shot from a brighter place,

Where beams surround my Saviour’s face,

Canst thou be any where

So well as there?

Yet, if thou wilt from thence depart,

Take a bad lodging in my heart;

For thou canst make a debtor,

And make it better.

First with thy fire-work burn to dust

Folly, and worse than folly, lust:

Then with thy light refine,

And make it shine:

So disengag’d from sin and sickness,

Touch it with thy celestial quickness,

That it may hang and move

After thy love.

Then with our trinity of light,

Motion, and heat, let’s take our flight

Unto the place where thou

Before didst bow.

Get me a standing there, and place

Among the beams which crown the face

Of him, who dy’d to part

Sin and my heart:

That so among the rest I may

Glitter, and curl and wind as they:

That winding is their fashion

Of adoration.

Sure thou wilt joy, by gaining me

To fly home like a laden bee

Unto that hive of beams

And garland-streams.

- George Herbert

The Real Christian Home

2010-12-21T21:59:00.001-07:00

We have been away for an early Christmas with my Mom since last week. We arrived home last night and I am still just exhausted (mostly emotionally) – too exhausted to write anything of value.

The good news for you is this post by Trisha is so good that I want to send you there. I read it last night, then went back today to reread it because it is just excellent.

How to Nurture your Infant

2010-12-16T15:29:00.001-07:00

I recently had a conversation with a pregnant friend who was a little stressed about reading baby books, remembering it all and figuring out what to do. What struck me most however, was when I shared which book I had found most helpful. She looked frustrated and said, “I mentioned that to “Sally” and she said she totally disagrees with that approach.”

So, I am going to set the record straight and tell you all the RIGHT way/approach/style to raising your children.

1. Know the Biblical Mandate:

Do you know what the Bible says about a strict feeding schedule, a flexible feeding schedule or feeding on demand? Nothing! Do you know what the Bible says about naps, where a baby should sleep, how a baby should sleep and whether or not you should use a pacifier? Nothing! Do you know what the Bible says about whether you should have a doctor, a doula, a midwife? Nothing! Do you know what the Bible says about Lamaze, Bradley or McMoyler? Nothing! What does the Bible say about Ferber, Baby Wise or Dr. Spock? Nothing!

OK, so I think I have made my point. These things are your own decisions to make, using what wisdom and information you have. These are methods not principles. The principle is to make the best decisions you can with what you know and who you are and then care for your child. Feed the baby, clothe the baby, change the baby. The method you use is up to you.

2. Know Yourself:

Are you a scheduler? Do you tend to just go with the flow? Does scheduling things stress you out? Does not scheduling things cause you more stress? Do you like to be told what to do and be given practical, concrete instruction? Do you prefer to have a general idea about things, then figure the rest our for yourself?

Make a choice with what will work well for your temperament and personality.

3. Know you Spouse:

Conceiving a baby takes two. So does raising one. Your spouse needs to be on board with what you are doing. Ladies, do not leave your husbands out of the decisions. Men, do not think this is just your wife’s territory. Let me tell you – there will be tough, confusing times and you need to support, encourage and remind each other about what really matters and what you decided to do. (then you need to be willing to try something new if the first thing isn’t working!)

Decide these things together. Talk about it. Reason together. Ladies – listen to your husbands – they are not clueless. Men – look into these things, be helpful and don’t just try to have a quick answer/quick fix for anything!

4. Know your Baby:

Firstly, know that your baby is born with a sinful nature. Yes, they have legitimate needs that must be met, but it won’t take long for them to figure out how to get what they want whether it is best for them or not. You know more than they do.

Secondly, observe your baby. Try to figure out their temperament, physical cues, etc. There is not a “one way fits all” approach that works for every baby.

5. Know your God:

He is good. He is your ever present help in times of trouble. He is in control.

6. Know other people:

They are well meaning (most of the time). Do not be defensive. Do not be offended. Overlook comments that appear to criticise, be judgemental or uncaring. They are probably none of those. Be open to learning, to correction and be confident in the choices you have made despite what others think. Be gracious.

And a few final comments:

Do not push your method on others. Be careful how you talk about it.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
Do read books, but do not get overwhelmed. Do not be afraid of failing and doing the wrong thing – I guarantee you that you will fail, often, and do the wrong thing, often. You are also a sinner.
Remember the gospel. Confess your sins, turn from them and joyfully rejoice in the undeserved forgiveness you receive.
Remember that your children belong to the Lord.
Remember that this is a precious gift from the Lord that will be used for your sanctification. Prepare yourself for seeing sin in yourself like you never have before. Thank God for that and again, remember the gospel.
Preach to yourself. Remind yourself of what is true.
Pray. Pray for wisdom. Pray for yourself and your spouse. Pray for your child.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)

In the bleak mid-winter

2010-12-15T08:35:00.001-07:00

Aha - because this was a re-post, it didn’t go to people’s readers! Sorry about that. For those of you who already read this, scroll down for the newest post, “Precious”.

Thought I would re-post this from last year:

I have been humming this traditional Christmas hymn to myself lately, not only because we enter the season of reflecting on and celebrating Christ's birth, Immanuel, God with us and the wonder of the Incarnation, but also because I am so very thankful for the turn in our weather. I know that sounds crazy. However, chinooks wreak havoc on me; not only headaches, but irritability and a general unwell feeling. Once the cold hit last week I felt like a new person. The unseasonably warm weather had me feeling like I was covered with a blanket and being bashed in the head by a bat and when the temperature dropped the blanket was lifted off.

There are many people in similar circumstances and the blanket is not yet lifted. It may never be. They must live with physical pain or discomfort, fatigue, the pain of searing loss of a child or spouse, living with an unbelieving spouse or living estranged from one. There is so much pain to live through and it is not easy to glorify God in that pain. I know that I almost completely fail when I live through chinooks and the pain is minor and the chinooks are seldom.

But there is hope. Spring is yet to come. Christ will return victorious and our hopes will be realized. This poem says it so beautifully:

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Throng’d the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

Throughout the years I have enjoyed the poetry of Christina Rosetti. Although I appreciated her writing, I knew very little about her life until a few years ago when I read this post by Michael Haykin. It is well worth reading as Haykin of course paints the historical portrait of her life, but also beautifully expounds the meaning of not only "In the bleak mid-winter", but a couple other poems expressing her faith. The vignette of her life helped me understand and appreciate her poetry all the more.

Precious

2010-12-14T15:08:00.023-07:00

Early this morning my time in prayer and reading my Bible was precious. It was dark but the Christmas tree lights were aglow. I had a good night sleep and felt rested even though I stayed up late chatting with my husband. My early bird children were all still sleeping - another precious gift. I had a good cup of coffee, made by my husband before he went to work. I read. I prayed. I meditated on scripture. I pondered my life and treasured the thoughts in my heart. It was one of those intimate times of fellowship with our Triune God. A beautiful foretaste of heaven. It was precious. I kept thinking, "this is precious". My Lord is precious to me. His word is precious to me. But each time these thoughts passed through my brain, I pictured Gollum stroking the ring.

This made me angry. The word "precious" is ruined. My moment was ruined. So, my cozy, by the fire, gazing at the tree lights in the dark, intimate time with God kept bringing me to this gross creature.

Then it hit me. That is the whole point. Our idolatry is ugly. My heart can be just like Gollum, stroking my idolatrous pleasures, seeking fulfilment in things which will never satisfy. If things become more precious to me than my Jesus, I will quickly become a gross creature. The more I give my heart, energy and time to studying the Word of God, seeking His face, looking to Christ - the more precious He will become to me.

I am not saying we do not enjoy the blessings of God's grace in this world. There are wonderful gifts given to us to enjoy, to take pleasure in - and we ought to do that. Those things can be different for each of us - coffee, a nice meal, a walk in nature, reading a good book, playing a game with our children, or going for a run. We just must be careful to not love those gifts more than the Giver, to not pursue finding fulfilment in things, rather than the Creator of all things. We can quickly give things a place of importance in our life that they ought not to have. We can be gluttonous about food, take coffee snobbery to a ridiculous level, read books and ignore our family or responsibilities, be rigid in exercising every day and letting nothing get in the way, or taking every spare moment to head to the mountains to ski because we are afraid to miss out.

This morning, the irritating image of Gollum illustrated for me how worthless the pursuit of pleasures, apart from Christ, truly are. They will never satisfy and they may enslave me. They must be kept in their proper place.

Precious is my Lord.

God Doesn’t Have a Birthday

2010-12-09T12:08:00.004-07:00

We have been reading Long Story Short by Marty Machowski for our family Bible time. It is excellent. Today the devotion was on God creating and what He created. Which lead us to talking about “Jesus’ birthday”.

Guess what? God has no birthday. He has always been, has no beginning and no end. Guess what? Jesus is God.

I think we are remiss to teach our children to simply celebrate Jesus’ birthday. At Christmas we celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. We stand in awe and wonder at the Incarnation, God became man. He dwelt among us. It is an awesome thing. We want our children to view Jesus as God. God the Son.

The Trinity is a divine, beautiful mystery; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They have always dwelt together in perfect unity, perfect relationship. One God. Three persons. It is truly incomprehensible, yet we do well to contemplate it.

It is easier to picture Jesus, but we ought not forget the other two persons of the Trinity and remember we have a Triune God.

   Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

    “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
        or who has been his counselor?”
     “Or who has given a gift to him
        that he might be repaid?”

     For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11:33-36 ESV)

Annual Conference at my Church

2010-12-06T18:21:00.001-07:00

I copied this text (with permission) from my pastor’s blog:

The TRINITY RELATIONSHIP:

Reconnecting with a Mystery

Feb. 4-5. 2011

Calgary, Alberta

Join us for our 3^rd annual conference as we learn about the mystery of the Trinity and its implications in our lives.
Consider this. If doctrine that is assumed becomes doctrine that is denied, then it is important for Christians to reconnect to truths that may be slipping from their grasp. And of all the truths that are threatened by this doctrinal amnesia, the doctrine of the Trinity is chief. Even the mention of the Trinity invites our most agnostic responses. Meanwhile, the march of religious groups from Islam to the Latter Day Saints force us to consider not only the unity of God, but the tri-unity.
With these concerns in mind, our conference theme this year is:
The Trinity Relationship: Reconnecting with a Mystery.
We are delighted to have Dr. Bruce Ware of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary speaking on this relevant topic.
For Conference info see the Conference Blog or the Calvary Grace Church homepage.

Music, Language and Words

2010-12-04T11:16:00.001-07:00

For several months now, we have listened to Ken Myers of Mars Hill Audio (not to be confused with Mark Driscoll’s Mars Hill). I am sure we don’t agree on every issue theologically, but we really appreciate the purpose and emphasis of his programs:

MARS HILL AUDIO is committed to assisting Christians who desire to move from thoughtless consumption of contemporary culture to a vantage point of thoughtful engagement.

We believe that fulfilling the commands to love God and neighbor requires that we pay careful attention to the neighborhood: that is, every sphere of human life where God is either glorified or despised, where neighbors are either edified or undermined. Therefore, living as disciples of Christ pertains not just to prayer, evangelism, and Bible study, but also our enjoyment of literature and music, our use of tools and machines, our eating and drinking, our views on government and economics, and so on.

We endeavor to encourage sensibilities and habits of thoughtful cultural engagement through creative audio resources, produced at our studio in rural central Virginia.

Years ago I read a book that explored cultural or social Darwinism and its effects on our culture. One point that really stayed with me was about music. Music used to be about harmony, but became cacophony. In one Mars Hill Audio episode, Myers talks about music now being about rhythm, rather than melody and harmony. I am no expert on music, but I really enjoy beautiful things. I want to fight the notion that new and novel is always better, that we must (as a church) give the culture what they want and are comfortable with. The tendency of churches to ditch traditional forms of music and hymns for whatever is hip and most digestible to the population is a shame. I am not weighing in on the “worship wars” or taking a stand on how music ought to be. I actually enjoy rap and I am thankful for the wonderful, theologically sound, God-glorifying rappers out there. I am particularly thankful as I have children who like rap. These Christian artists use words to glorify God.

Language is similar to music if we look at its degeneration over the past hundred or more years. So many words have lost their true meaning, people do not communicate in a precise manner, but rather colloquialism abounds. The texting phenomenon has only further damaged people’s ability to communicate. There is a whole new texting language used in order to be more brief and, I am arguing, less precise. Additionally, in this modern/postmodern milieu, the mountains of information available have flooded us with an ocean full of meaningless words.

Myers makes the point that music and language are two things which will be in heaven! We know we will communicate and we know there will be choirs! The Word became flesh, and we will return to the Word for eternity. Therefore, the degradation of these two disciplines is all the more tragic. God has spoken to us. He uses language. Precise language with meaning. He has created us to praise Him: in song, in writing, in everything we do. The music we create and the language we use are worship.

I am thrilled to see people caring, writing about these things and fighting for their place of importance in our society. I am thankful for the beautiful gifts God has given us, precious foretastes of heaven, and opportunities to bring Him glory, with grateful hearts, as we live in this world and enjoy His blessings.

Counterfeit Gospels

2010-12-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

This blog post by Tullian Tchividjian is well worth reading. I certainly recognized which categories I am prone to slip into. Don’t just skim it as we are so prone to do. Read it with a humble heart.

Here is the intro:

In his book How People Change (co-authored with Tim Lane), Paul Tripp identifies seven counterfeit gospels– ways we try and “justify” or “save” ourselves apart from the gospel of grace. I found these unbelievably helpful. Which one (or two, or three) of these do you tend to gravitate towards?

Here is the summation:

The good news of the gospel is that both inside and outside the church, there is only One Savior and Lord, namely Jesus. And he came, not to angrily strip away our freedom, but to affectionately strip away our slavery to lesser things so that we might become truly free!

HT: Frank E.

The Last Day of November

2010-11-30T10:25:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for the fellowship of the saints: the invisible church, His beloved bride, the family of God. I am thankful for the encouragement, love, correction and teaching I receive from my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am thankful that, by His grace, I am a part of this blessed group of the redeemed. Thank you Rebecca for working to cultivate hearts of thanksgiving.

Winner for the Winter Giveaway

2010-11-27T22:44:00.001-07:00

And the winner of the winter giveaway is….

Becky!

Hurray! I will mail it out on Monday.

Skinny; Sinai Style–a guest post by my husband

2010-11-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

Today is our tenth wedding anniversary. I am so very thankful for my husband, who wrote the post today! God has blessed me richly, so much more than I deserve.

Although I’m not much of a writer, I found my beloved wife’s previous post culturally and theologically inspiring. To write out the do’s and don’ts of weight control in the way she has here reminds me of God’s Sinaiatic covenant with His people. The Law as revealed at Mount Sinai placed a weight on Israel that they were unable to carry. It revealed the LORD as a consuming fire, so that the people would not dare to approach the mountain. Israel would go through periods in their history where they would somewhat obey the Law, and then periods of general disobedience to the Law. They were unable to sustain obedience because of their sinful inability to live with the discipline, power and mastery necessary to obey.

You may ask at this point, what does that have to do with weight loss? The similarity is the way in which being skinny absolutely misses the point, much the same way that Israel missed the point of the Law.

The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. (Romans 7:10 ESV)

The thing that is concerning for embodied beings trying to be skinnier or more ‘svelte’ than we were created to be is the triumphalist motivation behind this notion and the discontentment that it reveals.

This triumphalism is something I’ve seen in myself and is apparent in our culture in both men and women. Although I cannot personally speak for women, I can speak for the male psyche’s drive to be alpha. To have an outward appearance that all would look upon with reverence and awe. A physique that expresses power, discipline and mastery. (Could I insert beauty, grace and discipline for women??) Much the same (at least on the surface) as what is required to fulfill the law. This triumphalism sets the body up to be alpha, and seeks to create a counterfeit saviour in the self.

Discontentment seems to be more of an obvious one. We are discontented with the way God has created us and seek to ‘do a bit better’ than the hand we’ve been dealt. It seems fairly innocent on the surface, but actually says, “God, you made a mistake by not making me look like Brad Pitt (or insert your favourite Hollywood god or goddess here)”!

Comparing these ideas of the god-man with the true ideal God-man reveals the futility in body image thinking.

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
(Isaiah 53:2 ESV)

This is a description of the most beautiful person to ever live on the earth. Man looks on the outward, but God looks on the heart. A particularly significant point of the law is found in Deut. 6:4-5. Central to our obligations for obedience is the command to love God with all one’s heart, soul and strength. Which begs the question, do you desire to be seen as beautiful by men, or by God??

Be Thankful

2010-11-24T11:50:00.001-07:00

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15 ESV)

I am thankful that we are commanded to be thankful. It is a precious reminder and when practiced, it cultivates contentedness and joy.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
(Colossians 3:16 ESV)

I am also thankful for Rebecca’s month of thanksgiving.

Here’s The Skinny

2010-11-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

“And thou shalt order your life around being as thin as possible. Thou shalt stay away from carbohydrates, anything glutinous and dairy. Avoid all red meat. Thou shalt never consume cake, pie or ice cream. If thou shouldst consume any of these things, thou shalt calculate the amount of calories and either run on the treadmill for the calculated time to rid yourself of said excess calories or refrain from eating anything for the following two days. Thou must maintain this state of thinness at all costs.

Thou shalt exercise excessively. Upon waking, plan your day around working out, even forsaking your time in My word, in prayer and with your family. Wear the tightest clothes thou possibly can so if thou gainest a pound, thou shalt realign priorities to get back on track.

If thou be single, thou wilt only catch a husband if thou art thin. Thou shalt focus on thyself all the time. When thou meetest someone, thou shalt compare thyself to said person to see who is thinner.

If thou are married and should lie with your husband and conceive, beware of gaining any weight. Appearance and maintaining thinness should take precedent over the health of your child.”

Have you ever read any of this in the Bible? Would any of these tendencies or orientations be found in how we are commanded to live?

All sarcasm aside, I am grieved because I do not think it is very off the mark. I am having more and more conversations with women battling with the desire to be skinny. We are to be healthy, active and take care of ourselves. Should we have allergies or intolerances, we should avoid those foods, obviously. But people, we need food for energy. We need food for immunity and absorption of nutrients to fuel our bodies. Foods providentially work together to enhance absorption of vitamins and minerals. We should not, to be skinny, avoid whole groups of healthy, necessary foods.

God has created each of us with different temperaments, personalities, body-types. We are not all to to be skinny. Some are made that way, others are not.

Do Hollywood celebrities who are skinny seem happy to you? Do their marriages last? Are they content?

Do you think God will ask you for an account of your weight? He just might if you are extreme or unhealthy on either side of the spectrum, but the issue will be your heart.

What do you value? Does how you spend your time reflect a love of Christ? Are you satisfied in Him? Is your heart content? Is He your all in all? Do you care more about the world looking at your outside than God looking at your heart?

I do not like gaining weight. I battle with contentedness and preach to myself about it very, very often. I remember once, in my twenties, a person described me as “svelte”. I did not know what that word meant and thought it meant big! Anyway, chances are, for the rest of my days, with the big 4 0 just around the corner, I will not be described as “svelte” ever again and that is okay.

Each day I seek to be faithful to God and my calling. There are seasons in life where we have more time to do certain things, and there are seasons where we need to leave those things.

We should all have healthy lifestyles – eating well, exercising and taking care of ourselves physically, so we can glorify God through our faithful living. But we should not idolize wellness or being skinny. I say skinny because it seems to have shifted – from not being overweight – to being not just thin, but skinny. As skinny as possible.

For those of you who do not have this body type, you may not look skinny, but perhaps sickly. And it is your heart that I am concerned about much more than your body.

My husband liked this post. So, tomorrow he will be guest-blogging with some more philosophical, gospel-centred thoughts on the issue.

The Adequacy of God

2010-11-22T12:01:00.001-07:00

I am thankful that God supplies all my needs. He is adequate. Oh, that I would continually “launch out wholeheartedly on the deep sea of unconventional living in obedience to the call of Christ…”

We shrink from breaking social conventions in order to serve Christ because we fear that if we did, the established structure of our life would collapse all around us, leaving us without a footing anywhere. It is these half-conscious fears, this dread of insecurity, rather than any deliberate refusal to face the cost of following Christ, which make us hold back. We feel that the risks of our out-and-out discipleship are too great for us to take. In other words, we are not persuaded of the adequacy of God to provide for all the needs of those who launch out wholeheartedly on the deep sea of unconventional living in obedience to the call of Christ… We are afraid to go all the way in accepting the authority of God, because of our secret uncertainty as to his adequacy to look after us if we do…There is no ultimate loss or irreparable impoverishment to be feared; if God denies us something, it is only in order to make room for one or other of the things he has in mind.

- J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Bloggers

2010-11-20T11:14:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for bloggers. It must be six years ago now that I first discovered godly, theologically sound blogs. I didn't even know what a blog was, but I was thrilled to find water to quench my thirst. It was dry and weary ground and my husband and I longed for more. I had been reading great stuff for years by Piper, Sproul and the Puritans, but while the fatigue and busyness of babies set in, I was finding that harder and harder to do in that season of life.

Tim Challies was the first we found and through him, Justin Taylor and Rebecca of the Yukon. The community that grew from there was wonderful. It took many years before I felt I could or should start a blog. I still wrestle with that all the time, as I discussed in this post.

But now rich, beautiful friendships have come from meeting like-minded, kindred bloggers from all over. It has been a precious gift and encouragement to me.

I know I often rant on the negatives of technology, social media and the like, but I do see the benefits and I am grateful for them.

Thankful for Snow

2010-11-17T22:17:00.001-07:00

Joining again in Rebecca’s Thankful November:

I am thankful for the great snow fall we have received. It is a beautiful reminder (and vivid illustration for our children) of being washed whiter than snow by the precious blood of Jesus.

I am also thankful for a very sloped front yard in a cul-de-sac; a great annoyance all summer, but, in winter, a built-in toboggan hill with ring-side seats in the warm living room, so even my preschooler can head out there alone while I watch from indoors!

Winter Giveaway

2010-11-17T11:40:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite calendar/planner. Different things work for different people, of course, but with my stage of life and routine, this is excellent. I can put in all my husband's shifts, plan meals, to-do lists, and put all our general scheduling. I am not a fan of electronic calendars/planners, whether it be on a phone, ipod or computer. I am a "write it down" girl and like it out and visual every day. There are lists in the back for "items loaned", "storage records", "profiles" and tear-out shopping lists. I even use different colours for writing in birthdays, anniversaries, meals, etc. So, for those of you who think I am good at remembering your birthday, now you know I am not - it is my handy, dandy Polestar Family Calendar. If you would like to win one, just leave a comment. For those of you who I do not have contact information for, please leave an email address, so I can contact you if you win. I will choose and post the winner (by using random.org) on Saturday, November 27th. It is open to all, regardless of where you live.

A November of Thanksgiving

2010-11-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

Joining again with Rebecca’s month of thanksgiving, I am thankful to be away for a few days of rest with my dear husband. It has been sweet.

A Wise Caution

2010-11-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for the ministry of John Piper. His books, particularly The Pleasures of God introduced me to a big God. In this video I am thankful for his wise caution. Doctrine is important and we must know God rightly, but there can often be a disconnect with living it out.

HT: Justin Taylor

Thankful for Sleep

2010-11-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Blessed Creator,

Thou has promised thy beloved sleep;
Give me restoring rest needful for tomorrow’s toil.
If dreams be mine,
let them not be tinged with evil.
Let thy Spirit make my time of repose
a blessed temple of his holy presence.

May my frequent lying down make me familiar with death,
the bed I approach remind my of the grave,
the eyes I now close picture to me their final closing.
Keep me always ready, waiting for admittance
to they presence.
Weaken my attachment to earthly things.
May I hold life loosely in my hand,
knowing that I receive it on condition of its surrender;

As pain and suffering betoken transitory health,
may I not shrink from a death that introduces me
to the freshness of eternal youth.
I retire this night in full assurance of one day
awakening with thee.
All glory for this precious hope,
for the gospel of grace,
for thine unspeakable gift of Jesus,
for the fellowship of the Trinity.
Withhold not thy mercies in the night season;
thy hand never wearies,
thy power needs no repose,
thine eye never sleeps.

Help me when I helpless lie,
when my conscience accuses me of sin,
when my mind is harassed by foreboding thoughts,
when my eyes are held awake by personal anxieties.

Show thyself to me as the God of all grace, love and power;
thou hast a balm for every wound,
a solace for all anguish,
a remedy for every pain,
a peace for all disquietude.
Permit me to commit myself to thee
awake or sleep.

The Valley of Vision

Tag, I am it.

2010-11-07T19:06:00.001-07:00

Rosemary has tagged me with a meme:

1. What is your earliest childhood memory?

Moving. I remember packing for one move when I as about 4. I was packing some of my favourite things in the top drawer of my dresser.

2. Do you usually wear an apron when you cook or clean your home?

Yes when I cook, no when I clean.

3. With what do you top your hot cocoa: marshmallows, marshmallow crème, whipped cream, nothing at all?

It would be a rare occasion that I would choose it over coffee (with heavy cream), but if I did I would say whipped cream. What is marshmallow crème?

4. Will you have a fresh or artificial Christmas tree this year?

Fresh. Definitely fresh.

5. Colored lights or clear?

Clear on the tree, coloured on the house.

6. Tell us about your favourite piece of furniture in your home.

Oh, this one is so easy. Any person who has been in my home could answer it. Our big, red chaise lounge. Truth be told, it is hard to get me out of it.

7. If you could spend six months anywhere in the world, expenses paid, where would you choose to go and what would you be doing?

France or Italy. I would be eating. And I would be eating: lots of cheeses with nice red wine.

8. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Just kidding. Couldn’t resist throwing that in…

I recently asked this in jest and got a beautiful answer from a friend:

…like a tree
        planted by streams of water
    that yields its fruit in its season,
        and its leaf does not wither.
    In all that he does, he prospers.

9. If you were given a million dollars, tax free, what would you do with it?

This is a very difficult question – one fraught with worrying about what others would think. I will just be honest. Although I would love to move to France or Italy and plant a church with my beloved (and start eating). (And then hire a personal trainer.) What we would really do is tithe and then some, pay off our mortgage, buy a newer minivan, put on baseboards, replace the siding on our house, and the roof, and maybe go on a vacation. Sadly, in this economy it wouldn’t go much further.

November of Thanksgiving

2010-11-05T11:57:00.001-06:00

My blogging nor my schedule are regular enough, where I feel I could commit to a post each day of the month, but I am really enjoying reading Rebecca and friends posts on what they are thankful for.

Today I want to join in. I am thankful for the living and active Word. By Him the work of the Spirit gives us right minds; the mind of Christ. I cannot imagine the frustration and hopelessness I would feel without a proper, God-ward perspective on this life and this world.

I read this at Rosemary’s blog today. It goes well with my sentiment and explains it beautifully:

Faith will not harbour unworthy thoughts of God in the heart. If your view of God is shaped by Scripture, it is impossible to have anything but holy and loyal thoughts of God. Satan seeks to encourage hard thoughts of God when his providence is hard to understand. Some have questioned God’s justice because he does not judge speedily. Others have questioned his care and faithfulness in not providing better for his servants or in allowing their afflictions. Satan seeks for us to view God though these broken glasses. Job quenched this dart {when responding to Mrs. Job’s “Curse God and die”}: ‘You speak as a foolish woman.’ What God takes from me is less than I owe him, and what he leaves me is more than I deserve. Unbecoming thoughts or words about God are the product of a rash and hasty spirit. It is fitting for Christians to bless God in the saddest condition that can befall them. Faith finds mercy in the greatest affliction and in the saddest mixture of providence. Praise God for past mercies and it will not be long before you have a new song in your mouth for the present mercy. -William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour

A Quote From Carl Trueman on Politics

2010-11-02T08:35:00.001-06:00

Carl Trueman’s new book, Rebulocrat is out and has been the subject of praise and criticism in various reviews. I think Trueman is brilliant. Despite the fact that I do tire of his clever sarcasm and satire, and examples from pop culture, he has a great deal of good to say and I am a big fan. I am always drawn to church historians because I find their arguments, when grounded in scripture, so valuable because they take into consideration where we have been and what has happened before us. His criticisms are usually very true and so necessary to evaluate Christian thought and culture.

In responding to various reviews, he made this statement, which I think is very valuable for each of us to think about:

Yet, as Christians, we need to do better than the world around: we need to demonstrate our Christian commitments not only in our political opinions but also in the intelligent, informed civility of our engagement in the political process, even -- or perhaps especially -- with those with whom we disagree. If it is the case that such intelligence and civility is, in our churches, the norm rather than the exception, then I rejoice and, indeed, will apologize for my unfounded criticisms…

Helpful Notes for a Tough Passage

2010-10-31T11:25:00.001-06:00

[24] Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, [25] of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, [26] the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. [27] To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [28] Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. [29] For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
(Colossians 1:24-29 ESV)

From the ESV Study Bible:

Col. 1:24–28 Paul's Suffering and Stewardship of the Mystery. Paul's sufferings are the means God uses to extend the message of the gospel to others.

Col. 1:24 I am filling up(Gk. antanaplēroō) what is lacking (Gk.hysterēma) in Christ's afflictions does not imply that there is a deficiency in Christ's atoning death and suffering on the cross, which would contradict the central message of this letter and all the rest of Scripture as well (cf. Heb. 9:12, 24–26; 10:14). Christ's sufferings are in fact sufficient, and nothing of one's own can be added to secure salvation. What was “lacking” in Christ's afflictions was the future suffering of all who (like Paul) will experience great affliction for the sake of the gospel, as Paul described, e.g., in 2 Cor. 1:8–10. (Cf. Phil. 2:30, where Paul tells the Philippians that Epaphroditus risked his life “to complete [Gk.anaplēroō] what was lacking [Gk. hysterēma] in your service to me”.)

Col. 1:25 according to the stewardship from God. Paul views himself as a divinely commissioned “steward” or “administrator” (Gk.oikonomos), a word used widely in the Roman world for the administrator of a large household or estate. Paul's responsibility was to make the word of God fully known. The “filling up” (Gk.antanaplēroō, v. 24) of Christ's afflictions takes place as the proclamation of the word is made “fully known” (Gk. plēroō, v. 25). Paul suffers as he proclaims the gospel, and he declares that the basis of forgiveness of sins is Christ's once-for-all suffering and sacrifice.

Col. 1:26–27 The mystery does not refer to something mysterious or to a secret ritual. Rather, Paul is speaking of God's unfolding plan for the world and, above all, his plan of redemption through the Messiah (cf.2:2; 4:3; Eph. 1:9; 3:3–4, 9; 5:32; 6:19). Although elements of God's design were already known through the prophets, key aspects of it were hidden for ages and generations and thus were a mystery, which could only be known and understood when they were revealed by God. This language occurs often in the book of Daniel. After God reveals to Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar's dream foretold four successive kingdoms culminating in the kingdom of God, Daniel tells the king, “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days” (Dan. 2:28). At the heart of the mystery that God is now revealing through Paul is the amazing hallmark of the new covenant, Christ in you, the hope of glory. God himself, in the person of Christ, will be directly and personally present in the lives of his people, and his presence assures them of a future life with him when he returns. Moreover, Christ does not reside only in believing Jews but also in believing Gentiles, so that there is one unified people of God (cf. Eph. 2:11–22; 3:2–6).

Col. 1:28 that we may present everyone mature (Gk. teleios) in Christ. It was not enough for Paul to see people make a profession of faith in Christ, as important as this is. Teleios could be translated as “perfect,” but full perfection will be attained only when Christ returns and believers are fully transformed. Until that time, the maturity Christians are to seek stands in contrast with the immaturity of infancy (cf. Eph. 4:14).

Col. 1:29 Paul is struggling with all his [that is, Christ's] energy to help them grow and mature in Christ.

My Husband, My Hero

2010-10-29T15:24:00.001-06:00

I have been blessed with a godly husband. There has not been one moment in ten years that I wished I was married to anyone else. In the pain and brokenness of marital trouble and divorce so prevalent today, I often thank God, in awe of His grace to me. I long to see people give up their selfishness and work at their marriages. It is hard work. Yet, it is a beautiful picture of Christ and His beloved bride, the church. The work produces fruit. Dying to self leads to beautiful submission. It is a blessed, mysterious union.

I do not take for granted that at any moment the Lord could choose to call my husband home. I surrender that to Him, knowing He is my all in all. Yet, certainly pray for my husband’s protection and long for, God willing, many years with him, should the Lord tarry.

The pictures that follow are from a night a few months ago. Honestly, I am often thankful I do not know about the danger until after the fact. All the people safely got out of the houses. The one house was too far gone when they arrived, but they did enter the two closest houses to search for people. Their tactic was basically to let the one house burn because it was beyond saving and work on rescuing the neighbouring houses. Three houses were lost, but houses four and five were saved. The siding on the houses on the opposite side of the street from the fire melted from the heat. With new home construction today, his Fire Department now has a policy that if the fire has been free burning for more than five minutes, they will only enter for rescue purposes. Modern engineered building materials burn. Fast. They are filled with glues and have minimal substance. Did you know that vinyl siding is a petroleum based product?

It is a devastating thing for someone to go through. The loss is great, although only material if the people escape. Fire is consuming. It is a vivid picture of our obligation to believe in God.

These photos are amazing, but my heart quickens even after the fact of knowing my beloved is safe. I do believe I would be a wreck if I did not trust in a Sovereign, Loving God.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
(Hebrews 12:28, 29 ESV)

A Reformation Day Primer

2010-10-27T20:47:00.000-06:00

On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church at Wittenberg. He was calling for debate and hoping the Roman Catholic Church would do something over the abuse of indulgences, particularly by Johann Tetzel.

It was a pivotal moment that God used to spark the Reformation. As the 31st is on a Sunday this year, our church is having a Reformation Service in the evening with teaching on John Wycliffe, an early reformer. It will end with a family ice-cream social. It is the first time (since being an adult) I can remember being excited about October 31st approaching!

This is an excellent interview Justin Taylor had with Carl Trueman about Luther and the 95 theses. Here is some more information on Reformation day itself, with audio links if you would like to learn more.

The "five solas" emerged in the Protestant Reformation to summarize the theology of the Reformers. These Latin Phrases are:

Sola scriptura - "by Scripture alone"
Sola fide - "by faith alone"
Sola gratia - "by grace alone"
Solus Christus or Solo Christo - "Christ alone" or "through Christ alone"
Soli Deo gloria - "glory to God alone"

For a more detailed explanation of these, go here.

This Sunday, and all days, let us rejoice in God's grace to us. May all we do bring glory to God alone.

Brussels Sprouts

2010-10-25T20:16:00.002-06:00

I have often thought I should post this recipe before a holiday season. It is unconventional, but so delicious. To be honest, I have never been a big brussels spouts fan, but this recipe has won me over. So, with Diane requesting recipes, I thought I would post this one. (on another note, did you know it is brusselS sprouts, not brussel sprouts? Prior to this recipe, I did not.)

1 Pound brussels sprouts
8 strips bacon
2 Tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to season
Cut the cores from the spouts and discard. Peel off the leaves, reserving them, and discard or thinly slice the tight, innermost heads. Heat a saute pan and fry the bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain. Pour all but a tablespoon of fat from the pan. Add the butter, to melt. Toss the leaves in, saute until tender, 15-20 minutes. Season, crumble over the bacon and serve.

Apple Juice and My Christian Heritage (the abridged version)

2010-10-22T09:45:00.001-06:00

I am a poster child for community outreach. When I was eight, I remember lying on a bunk, above my parents, in a trailer. I began to think about God, the Devil, heaven and hell. I remember thinking I was pretty sure I would go to hell and the alternative thought of just not existing terrified me too. I began to weep. It woke my parents who asked what was wrong. I told them. They said, “Don’t worry Jen. We all go to heaven and the devil is not real.” I knew they were wrong and was pretty sure I would never go to them for spiritual guidance again.

Providentially a year or so later, we moved to a small, rural community in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. I was invited to Pioneer Girls and Sunday School at the local Mennonite Brethren Church. I finally received answers to my questions. I heard the gospel and knew I needed Jesus. My “gal pal” from Pioneer Girls is still in my life. Thirty years of modelling a Christian life, praying for me, supporting me, teaching me hospitality, and a love for cooking and baking!

I was baptized in that church, went to Bible school and eventually full-time vocational ministry, largely supported by the people in that church.

Fast forward through singleness, moving to Alberta, marriage, children, being involved in planting a church and here I am blogging. Through the blogging world and our love for cooking, I found Mennonite Girls Can Cook. After reading the blog for a while, trying recipes and snooping around their adjoining blogs, I discovered two of the women were ladies who were at that small MB church where I grew up. They also taught, supported and modelled hospitality to me. Bev gave me two of my first cookbooks that women from that church put together to raise money for missions – much of which went to the ministry I worked for by way of my personal support. I helped with youth group there for a short time and got to know Bev and Kathy’s youngest children and saw the Christian heritage and training that was passed to them.

So, that brings me to the apple juice. Go to Bev’s blog for this interesting post. Isn’t it a wonderful tradition and way to spend a fall day? What an amazing process.

What an amazing, Sovereign God. His hand has always been upon me. It is so much more than I deserve. What a beautiful thing the Body of Christ is – His Church, the fellowship and family of believers everywhere – distance made even smaller by blogging.

The Word and the Spirit are Inseparable

2010-10-21T13:28:00.001-06:00

While my husband was listening to Kent Hughes teaching the first lesson of the Simeon Trust Course (and I was listening in), I was struck by the simplicity of the point he was making, yet realized how imbalanced it actually is in practice. Have you heard people say, “that church needs more of the Holy Spirit” or “this church needs more of the Bible”? Hughes points out that the two are inseparable. The Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma can both be translated as “wind, breath, spirit”. They are inseparable.

He quotes John Woodhouse writing about how in biblical thought, “word” and “spirit” are very closely connected. “Throughout the Bible, the Spirit of God is as closely connected to the Word of God as breath is connected to speech.”

J.I. Packer similarly states that the “word” and the “spirit” are inseparable, as are speech and breath. One cannot separate them.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
        and by the breath of his mouth all their host. (Psalm 33:6 ESV)
Seek and read from the book of the LORD:
        Not one of these shall be missing;
        none shall be without her mate.
    For the mouth of the LORD has commanded,
        and his Spirit has gathered them. (Isaiah 34:16 ESV)

For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
(John 3:34 ESV)

God speaks today through His Word. Therefore we need to open the Word of God and have men faithfully preaching it in an expositional manner if we want the Spirit to speak! (expositional preaching “says what the text says and gets all its developmental features from the text as well.” It takes the point of the text as the point of the sermon. Go here or here for a more detailed explanation)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…
(2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

In your background, current church, or personal walk with God, do you see an emphasis on one over the other? Is it an over-emphasis? Is it the charisma of the preacher that causes the Spirit to move? Do you think we need more of the Bible, or more of the Spirit? The pendulum needs to rest in the middle as we rely on God to teach, speak to and change us by His Spirit, through His Word.

Why I Love Airmiles

2010-10-20T11:10:00.000-06:00

Photographs

2010-10-16T14:18:00.001-06:00

I struggle a bit with posting photos. It is not only the privacy challenge of our virtual world, but also with motive and presentism. Everyone is a photographer these days. We have beautiful photos of our family all coordinated in cool, current clothing. We went to the hairdresser that morning. Everyone looks better than they do in real life. These are the photos we use for profile pics, put on our blog and send out for Christmas. It seems pretentious, altered, and self-promotional. We all like looking at those blogs or on facebook: eye candy, no thought required, escapism, perhaps voyeurism. As I have said before, I am concerned over the motives of our hearts. Are we saying, “look at my perfect, beautiful children and my happy life in my clean house with all the lovely food I prepare, projects I complete and crafts I make for others.” When looking at these photo journals of others do we think, “I wish my life looked like that.”

Sometimes I also wonder if anyone really enjoys a moment anymore. We are always so worried about missing the photo-ops that we fail to participate in the event. Instead of enjoying the here and now with our family we are obsessed with preserving the moment for posterity. We must remember that unlike a fire, when Christ comes, we won’t be running back for our photo albums. The other thought is that all those precious scrapbooks will burn up one day anyway. I am just being facetious – there is nothing wrong with making albums for memories, let’s just keep it in perspective.

As with all things, we must avoid being extreme, we must not read intent or motive into the hearts of others and we must live in freedom, enjoying God’s good gifts. However, we do need to think, evaluate our hearts and apply scripture.

So, I tend to be the extreme-type. I am not on facebook, I rarely post photos, and I have tried to avoid making this blog about me, or being self-promotional. Well, my little pendulum is shifting (slightly). Well-intended loving people would like a glimpse into my life. People can often connect better when they know more about someone.

Alas, here are some recent goings on with our family. Someone got a gun, another turned three, the last of baseball for another year. As I have been pretty incapacitated with my back, I have been a bystander: as my family cleaned out the garden for me, as my husband planted 100 bulbs I bought and had planned to plant myself, as we enjoyed the big, Alberta sky and wind.

Please be aware: we often don’t play baseball with our children when we should, I had to buy my child’s birthday cake this year, my children usually groan and complain when given chores to do and my children ask to fly their kites one hundred times for every time we actually do it. This is real life and we are sinners, but here are some of the blessed, undeserved times of grace and goodness from our Father in heaven.

This Excellent Redeemer

2010-10-14T08:23:00.001-06:00

Very often these people have been calmed by some text of Scripture which speaks of God’s sovereignty; such texts have helped them to trust him. After great agonies of soul, they have been able to submit to the will of a just and sovereign God, even before they have seen the light of the gospel. At these times they may be without much bodily strength, and it seem that their lives were almost at an end – and then God’s light has shone in their darkness. The glorious Redeemer, with his wonderful grace sufficient even for them, has made himself known to them from some passage of Scripture. Sometimes that light has entered their heart suddenly, sometimes more gradually. But it still fills their souls with love, admiration, joy and humility. They have begun to love this excellent Redeemer and longed just to humble themselves before him. They have longed too that others might see him, embrace him and be delivered by him. They have longed to live to his glory, yet know that they can do nothing by themselves; they see themselves as very sinful, and are very suspicious of their own hearts. (Jonathan Edwards, God at Work? p. 54)

Extremism as a Tool of Satan

2010-10-12T21:51:00.002-06:00

When daylight first appears after a night of darkness, we must expect to have darkness and light mixed together for a while, not to have the sun risen at once to its noon-day splendour! As fruit is first green before it is ripe, and comes to its proper perfection only gradually, so it is with the kingdom of God, as Christ tells us. (Mk. 4:26-29)
The examples of lack of wisdom and errors are even less surprising when we remember that it is mostly young people who have been affected by this revival. Naturally they have less experience and, having all the energy of youth, are more liable to run to extremes. Satan will keep men bound as long as he can'; but when he can hold them no longer he will try and drive them to extremes. In this way he hopes to dishonour God and damage true religion. (Jonathan Edwards, God at Work? p. 57)

May this be true of Me

2010-10-11T22:58:00.001-06:00

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and it is well known that those who are affected by this revival have a greater understanding of truth. People are more aware than ever of what really is true in eternal things: that they must die, that life is short and uncertain; that there is a great God who hates sin and to whom they must give an account; that he will judge them eternally; that they are in great need of a Saviour. It makes them more aware of the preciousness of Jesus who was crucified, and more aware too of their great need of him. As a result of this, they seek him earnestly. (Jonathan Edwards, God at Work? p.50)

Is it a Work of God? (with a brief bio of Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening)

2010-10-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

I have been reading “God at Work” by Jonathan Edwards. It is an abridged version of ‘Distinguishing marks of a work of the Spirit of God’. loaned to me by a dear friend. Edwards wrote this treatise, along with ‘A Treatise concerning Religious Affections’ defending the work of God in the lives of the people of Massachusetts. (I love the titles that the men of old used in their writings. You never have to wonder about what the topic is because they are anything but vague!)

Just to give some context, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was an American pastor, brilliant thinker and master theologian. He pastored in Massachusetts during the time of the first Great Awakening. This wave of religious revival occurred about one hundred years after the Puritans arrived in America after fleeing persecution in Britain. George Whitfield travelled from England to preach in America at this time. His sermons were powerful and the conversions were many.

A good study if you are interested, is to look at the genuineness of conversions at this time by looking at the many years following and if these conversions were indeed true and lasting. When comparing the conversions of this Great Awakening with Edwards and Whitefield (both Calvinistic) with the later revival of the Second Great Awakening (more Arminian in its flavour) under men like Charles Finney, the numbers are similar, but the endurance of those conversions was very different. It did not take long for many of the converts under Finney to “fall away”. The fruit, sadly, was not lasting and therefore, we can assume, on a large scale, not genuine.

So, back to Edwards. There were many critics questioning the authenticity of the conversions that Edwards was seeing in his congregation and beyond. Sadly, much criticism was spawned by jealousy and denominationalism. There was also great scepticism due to the emotional and charismatic nature of people’s behaviour. So, Edwards wrote the two aforementioned treatises to defend the work of God in his midst. Both works are based on sermons Edwards gave, which were later published.

To examine the veracity of these conversions, Edwards turns to 1 John chapter 4 to look at the marks of true works of God:

1. When esteem for the true Jesus is raised (v. 2, 3)

2. When Satan’s kingdom is attacked (v. 4, 5)

3. When people come to love the scriptures more (v. 6)

4. When men are led away from falsehood into truth (v. 6)

5. When there is an increase in love to God and man (v. 7-21)

Obviously the book goes into greater detail under each point, but I thought the overview would still be helpful. What wonderful benchmarks for us to test the genuineness of works of God. We can apply these five points to supposed revivals, miracles, and other works. I am overwhelmingly thankful to God as I have seen this work in the past few years in the establishment of our church and the growth of the people involved.

My next few posts will feature some of my favorite quotes from Edwards’ brilliant writing in this book!

More on Psalm 84

2010-10-07T18:32:00.002-06:00

I was thinking I should change the title of my previous post to “Laid up, Longing and Loopy” since muscle relaxants entered the picture! At the moment, however, I am quite lucid, so I wanted to share some insights into this Psalm from the ESV Study Bible:

This is a psalm celebrating the pilgrimage to Jerusalem in order to worship at the temple. The purpose of singing this psalm is to cultivate delight, to open the eyes and hearts of God’s people to the staggering privilege of being a welcome guest in God’s own house, and to write deep into their souls the conviction that wickedness offers no reward that can even remotely compare to the joy and pleasure of God’s own house.

We, like these pilgrims, are on a journey. We have the “staggering privilege” of having Christ reside in us. Unlike the Israelites, we have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to accompany us. The road is long and dangerous, but we have the assurance that we will be welcomed. The joy and pleasure of meeting Him there will not compare to the wickedness and worldliness we could choose to numb ourselves from the pain of the journey.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

(2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)

On this tiresome road, our strength is in God (v.5), not in our health, wealth or anything else that we try to find security in. We go from strength to strength (v.7) – we will be granted new levels of strength for the journey when we need them. If we look ahead to all the troubles and toils, we will be overwhelmed, thinking we cannot make it, but the strength will be granted to us in due time, in His time, the perfect time.

Laid Up and Longing

2010-10-06T13:27:00.002-06:00

My back has seized up and I am barely able to move. Now that I am passed feeling sorry for myself and despairing, now that I have confessed my unbelief, I am trying to walk uprightly (literally and figuratively) through it with joy, perseverance and a thankful heart.
One positive I thought of was that I could read the Bible, books, blogs and write posts as I can do little else, but that isn’t happening either. I am thankful for scripture hidden in my heart (and to Wayne Grudem for making me memorize it for a class):

How lovely is your dwelling place,
        O LORD of hosts!
     My soul longs, yes, faints
        for the courts of the LORD;
    my heart and flesh sing for joy
        to the living God.

    Even the sparrow finds a home,
        and the swallow a nest for herself,
        where she may lay her young,
    at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
        my King and my God.

     Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
        ever singing your praise! Selah
    Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
        in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

     As they go through the Valley of Baca
        they make it a place of springs;
        the early rain also covers it with pools.
     They go from strength to strength;
        each one appears before God in Zion.

    O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
        give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
     Behold our shield, O God;
        look on the face of your anointed!
    For a day in your courts is better
        than a thousand elsewhere.

    I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
        than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
    For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
        the LORD bestows favor and honor.
    No good thing does he withhold
        from those who walk uprightly.

     O LORD of hosts,
        blessed is the one who trusts in you!

(Psalm 84 ESV)

Greg Gilbert Book

2010-10-02T19:12:00.000-06:00

Yeah! Jana finally won a giveaway!

Ode to My Sisters in Christ

2010-09-30T22:17:00.001-06:00

You are not alone.

Along with countless others, I am with you too.

Often crying out to God, wondering what to do.

Feeling like we are failing, doubting as we go;

Worried by the judging looks with children in tow.

Tired, oh so tired.

Longing for more rest, for mental acuity;

Working our way out of the fog, hoping we can see;

The hand of our Lord caring, working for good in me.

Always remember.

His rest is there to enter. He is right and good,

even when things are not going as we think they should.

His Word is precious, ever-true, the food which always fills,

Through the darkened valleys and up upon the hills.

The goodness of the gospel.

The message never changes, His mercy ever-sure,

Only in Jesus Christ, our Lord, will we ever find the cure;

The meaning, wholeness, healing; the blood that makes us pure.

Never Thirsty.

The fountain of life, the River Living, will, through you pour,

If you abide, find rest in Him, feed upon His store.

It is all there to satisfy your every need, desire;

Look not elsewhere, futile searching, trying to avoid the fire.

Precious Peace.

Refining, conforming, transforming His child;

Through pregnancy, barrenness, offspring wild.

Trust Him alone as you become, more meek, more gentle, more mild.

Longing for things eternal.

It is heaven for which we long, the presence of our Saviour.

This weary land and long sojourn will change more than your behaviour;

It is your heart that He will fill, purge of all worldly longing and pride,

Remember God’s wrath He took in your stead and for your sin He died.

Temporal Charms.

Entrusted with these little lives, you are to raise for Him.

Look to Christ, forsake the world and its lures grow strangely dim;

He is your Life, your Delight, nothing else overfills the brim.

Be Not Dismayed.

Worry not, precious sister, He’s always in control;

Our daily bread, our all in all, as through this life we roll.

Remember He did not die so that you could be thin,

Have a successful career, a pretty house, or busyness to drown out the din.

Treasure.

Jesus Christ, the Sovereign King, the God-man who came down.

To this King be our allegiance, to Him let us fly at every sound,

Or circumstance that scares us, overwhelms us or confounds.

Unity

We are on this journey together, let us encourage and judge not,

Kind words, prayers, offence not taken, for bitterness leads to rot.

The sisterhood of the blessed redeemed, by grace each of us rests;

Assured of forgiveness undeserved, let us offer it freely, promptly;

Reminding one another through the trials, persevering through the tests.

Boys Who Read

2010-09-28T21:21:00.001-06:00

I read this great Wall St. Journal article today on how to raise boys who read:

According to a recent report from the Center on Education Policy, for example, substantially more boys than girls score below the proficiency level on the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test. This disparity goes back to 1992, and in some states the percentage of boys proficient in reading is now more than ten points below that of girls. The male-female reading gap is found in every socio-economic and ethnic category, including the children of white, college-educated parents.

The sad thing is that to deal with the problem, authors and publishers are coming up with books about the gross and vulgar things that boys think are funny:

Everyone agrees that if boys don't read well, it's because they don't read enough. But why don't they read? A considerable number of teachers and librarians believe that boys are simply bored by the "stuffy" literature they encounter in school. According to a revealing Associated Press story in July these experts insist that we must "meet them where they are"—that is, pander to boys' untutored tastes.

For elementary- and middle-school boys, that means "books that exploit [their] love of bodily functions and gross-out humor." AP reported that one school librarian treats her pupils to "grossology" parties. "Just get 'em reading," she counsels cheerily. "Worry about what they're reading later."

In my opinion, this is a very sad way to deal with this problem. One big reason we educate our children at home is because we want them to read good literature, classic literature, to learn to think and reason. But perhaps the expert publishers and librarians are wrong! Here is what SCIENCE has shown:

The appearance of the boy-girl literacy gap happens to coincide with the proliferation of video games and other electronic forms of entertainment over the last decade or two. Boys spend far more time "plugged in" than girls do. Could the reading gap have more to do with competition for boys' attention than with their supposed inability to focus on anything other than outhouse humor?
Dr. Robert Weis, a psychology professor at Denison University, confirmed this suspicion in a randomized controlled trial of the effect of video games on academic ability. Boys with video games at home, he found, spend more time playing them than reading, and their academic performance suffers substantially. Hard to believe, isn't it, but Science has spoken.
The secret to raising boys who read, I submit, is pretty simple—keep electronic media, especially video games and recreational Internet, under control (that is to say, almost completely absent). Then fill your shelves with good books.
…Most importantly, a boy raised on great literature is more likely to grow up to think, to speak, and to write like a civilized man. Whom would you prefer to have shaped the boyhood imagination of your daughter's husband—Raymond Bean or Robert Louis Stevenson?
I offer a final piece of evidence that is perhaps unanswerable: There is no literacy gap between home-schooled boys and girls. How many of these families, do you suppose, have thrown grossology parties?

It is worth reading the whole thing. Our society and schools expect very little from our children. Many parents and teachers, out of apathy, laziness or sheer foolishness, think that all the video games, base-humoured books and shows are harmless. Recently, we were generously given a whole library of books from a grade 2 classroom. Sadly, the vast majority of the books were nonsense and poorly written. They were, most definitely, NOT what we encourage our children to read.

This WSJ article was really encouraging to me, however, because there are still people and institutions out there who want to preserve higher learning and not just accept our casual, lazy, vulgar culture. By the way, for the record, although my eight year old son loves to read and reads great books, I am pretty confident he would love it if we hosted a grossology party. Nothing is funnier around here these days than bodily function jokes and sounds. Sigh.

HT: Justin Taylor

Calvin said That?

2010-09-25T12:58:00.001-06:00

I am an unabashed fan of John Calvin. What a theologian. What a godly man. “The best of men are men at best” of course, and he was certainly not without sin. It really grieves me, however, how misunderstood and misrepresented Calvin is. The caricatures of him, the generalizations (which are usually hyper-Calvinism), and the falsehood that I hear and see written about him, I find heart-breaking. As I was reading his commentary on the Psalms this week, I read the following bit and thought, “many, many people would just not believe John Calvin said this”:

God, while he passed by all the rest of the world, was graciously pleased to bring the posterity of Abraham, a peculiar and exclusive privilege, into a special relation to himself. At the present day, I admit this distinction has been abolished and the message of the gospel, by which God reconciles the world to himself, is common to all men….God, in coming down to us by his word, and addressing his invitations to all men without exception, disappoints nobody. All who sincerely come to him are received, and find from actual experience that they were not called in vain. At the same time, we are to trace to the fountain of the secret electing purpose of God this difference, that the word enters into the heart of some, while others only hear the sound of it. (1845, commentary on Psalm 81:12)

-from the introduction of Calvin’s commentary on the Psalms, page xiii, xiv, edited by David C. Searle.

Yoga

2010-09-22T20:08:00.001-06:00

Those of you who know me well have, for years, heard me rant about yoga, its dangers and my frustration with its acceptance within Christianity. The two are incompatible to say the least. Albert Mohler recently posted on the same topic. I could not come close to being as clear and comprehensive as Dr. Mohler, so I will just send you there to read more.

Joy

2010-09-21T10:11:00.001-06:00

Joy. It’s what makes us stand out from the world around us. Along with the gift of Christ himself comes everything we will ever really need. Our security is guaranteed. Our provision is sure. Our path is guided. Undoubtedly we pass through seasons of difficulty and sorrow and uncertainty, but real joy isn’t conditioned upon our circumstances. So why are we so gloomy much of the time? We don’t have to be gloomy. We should most certainly not be gloomy! But all too often our thoughts and words are punctuated by grumbling and bad moods. We get caught up in looking at what we lack rather than all we have.

Most of us are privileged, not only spiritually but temporally. That is part of our problem. We are over-privileged. Available to us is a pill for every ailment, government aid for financial difficulty, and eighteen permutations of our preferred Starbucks beverage. On top of that we have free access to the Word and the people of God. Because those things are so easily had, we have come to see our privileges as rights, but such an outlook is a joy crusher. Everything we have – health, freedom, friendship, family, job, government protection – is a gift, not a right. Remembering that, when things go wrong, keeps joy alive. Joy is always available to those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which is why gloominess is a copout.

…Joy and Christ-centeredness go hand-in-hand, so if we lack joy more often than we have it, might the truth be that we aren’t Christ-centered? Surely, for some of us, it is. Even those of us going through a season of darkness can pursue joy, trusting that God designed us for it. Sooner or later, in Christ, we will find it. The trick for some of us is to change our self-oriented, worldly focus to Christ, and for others it is to take fresh hold of God’s promises that no matter how dark life seems, he is going to push you out into the light.

First and foremost, we have to want joy. Some of us find a perverse satisfaction in our gloom, much like a baby pitching a tantrum to get what she wants. But God doesn’t respond to tantrums. Our moodiness dishonors God and robs us of that happiness that lies right at our fingertips. If we want to change – to live with perpetual joy – we must pursue it, and in Christ we are guaranteed to find it.

- Lydia Brownback, joy, a godly woman’s adornment, introduction

What is the Gospel?

2010-09-18T00:28:00.001-06:00

Would you like a copy of this book?

Just leave a comment on this post. Only one comment each. It doesn’t matter where you live or who you are. Like the Gospel, this giveaway is offered to everyone! If I don’t know you, however, you will need to leave an email address so I can contact you. Random.org will choose a winner in two weeks.

My Big Brother Browser

2010-09-16T23:17:00.001-06:00

Lately at the top of my browser there are little, colouful, rectangular ads that appear. It is scaring me. Whenever people invite me to join facebook, the message comes with 12 people who I may know. I always know all of them, even if it is some crazy seven degrees of separation thing. It is creepy. Well, now my browser knows all about me. There are two ads that continually appear. How do they know me? Do these ads appeal to everyone? Do they come up with this because of the blogs I read? I just don't know. Maybe one of these days I will click and see what happens. How do they know my desires? How do they know what I look like?

"Learn Biblical Hebrew"

"Lose Belly Fat"

But Sweet will be the Flower

2010-09-15T20:58:00.002-06:00

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

- William Cowper

In His Presence

2010-09-14T14:00:00.003-06:00

To wrap up these posts on poverty, simplicity and suffering, I want to focus on Psalm 16. I believe that within it are the guidelines, wisdom, and mindset we ought to have.

    [16:1] Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
     [2] I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
        I have no good apart from you.”
    [3] As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
        in whom is all my delight.
    [4] The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
        their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
        or take their names on my lips.
    [5] The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
        you hold my lot.
     [6] The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
        indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
    [7] I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
        in the night also my heart instructs me.
     [8] I have set the LORD always before me;
        because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
    [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
        my flesh also dwells secure.
     [10] For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
        or let your holy one see corruption.
    [11] You make known to me the path of life;
        in your presence there is fullness of joy;
        at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalm 16 ESV)

Running after other gods; be it money, poverty, achievement, etc. will only bring sorrow (v.4). It is the LORD who must be our chosen portion and cup. He has our lot. He has decided where the boundary lines fall for us (where we live, our financial state, employment, health, children or no children, etc.) They are pleasant because we trust in His goodness. We look to the future – our promised beautiful inheritance (v.6). Our heart is glad and our whole being rejoices (v.9) because He is our treasure. Verse 11 sums it up:

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

You see, our life circumstances have been appointed by our Sovereign God. To sell all and pursue poverty thinking we will find greater intimacy is foolish, as is pursuing wealth. Nothing else will satisfy. Therefore, our greatest pursuit ought to be Christ..."that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Col. 1:9b & 10)

To live as a Christian in this world, suffering will come. The Bible assures us of that, but beautifully promises that suffering is always used for our good and to make us more like Christ. Our suffering will also bring glory to God if we handle it with dependence on Him and confidence in His goodness. We ought to rejoice in our suffering, but I see no point in scripture that would encourage us to seek suffering.

In terms of simplicity, I think we ought to pursue it. We can find that in scripture

He has told you, O man, what is good;
        and what does the LORD require of you
    but to do justice, and to love kindness,
        and to walk humbly with your God?
(Micah 6:8 ESV)
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
(2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV)
…that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
(1 Timothy 2:2 ESV)

It is not easy to live simple lives in our society. We are drowning in excess and busyness. It will be a fight to lead a simple and quiet life. We must constantly be evaluating how we spend our time. Are we too busy? Is our family suffering? Is our devotional life suffering? Are we serving within the body? Are we doing enough? Are we doing too much? We must prayerfully consider these things and assess whether we are pursuing worldly things which will vanish, or things for eternity? If our pursuits are eternal in nature, are they for God’s glory or our own?

So much to think about. We need discernment – which will be the outflow of intimacy with our Saviour through time in the Word and the counsel of godly people. May God give you discernment as you labour to live faithfully.

Satisfaction

2010-09-11T06:07:00.002-06:00

In considering poverty, simplicity and suffering in our world, I think our longings for things other than Christ are linked to satisfaction. We pursue wealth, achievements, wellness and posessions thinking they will satisfy us. We do not really believe that all our needs and longings (and our children's) will be fulifilled in Christ alone. Jesus gives us the answer:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

A simple faith is not enough for most people. They want to fill it up with more service, more of an experience. By simple, I do not mean ignorant. I mean it is all about Christ, the gospel and knowing Him and His Word rightly. I read this quote by Tozer today. It was written in 1948. Our evangelical world has not gotten much better, that is for certain. Ruminate on this:

I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. This stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.

Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all.

...The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever.

A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, pages 17 and 19

Don’t Love Your Stuff

2010-09-09T07:29:00.000-06:00

The title is pretty straightforward, but oh so difficult to live. This is the second post following this one about poverty, simplicity and suffering. Here is John Piper to bring the point home.

Activities for Your Child

2010-09-07T05:24:00.000-06:00

So, back to our regularly scheduled programming. In this post, I said I would post wisdom I have gleaned from different sources lately with respect to simplicity in life. The following quote deals with weighing the pros and cons before registering your child in any program, sport or activity:

Use a simple decision tree before enrolling your child in an activity. What will it cost? What is the commitment required? How many hours each week will we be "on call"? Does this activity conflict with things of higher priority (i.e. family worship, family meals, corporate worship at church)? What is the worldview of the coaches (i.e. language, values, view of the family)? How will this impact the rest of the family? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Tedd and Margy Tripp, Instructing a Child's Heart

Preserving the Harvest

2010-09-06T11:10:00.000-06:00

We have been inspired by Moira's Harrow Fair Cookbook around here. It is a fantastic, well written, informative book! You know those beautiful blogs where the author displays stunning photos of all their hobbies, adventures, family and cooking? Well, this isn't one of those, but I sure like looking at them. So, as we set out to do some canning, etc. I thought, "If I was a serious blogger, I would be capturing this process on film." So, I did.

Making pies with Okanagan peaches (we used both the pastry recipe and the peaches and cream pie recipe from the cookbook):

I have good help!

The children were kept busy making their own pies with the crust remnants:

Then we made "One Stop Tomato Sauce" from the cookbook and we followed the "Back to Basics Canning" instructions:

During the canning, the children flew a kite:

And untangled the string from trees:

Food for Thought

2010-09-01T22:38:00.000-06:00

Here is an article that throws a little more into "the conversation" from my previous post.
It deals specifically with choosing poverty and money not being the root of all evil.

HT: Tim Challies

Poverty, Simplicity and Suffering

2010-09-01T10:18:00.003-06:00

We have been thinking, talking a lot about money lately around here. I posted some wise counsel on it last week. Biblically there seems to be a clear way of thinking about it and yet culturally things are very different from the times of the apostles. The God who appoints our times, places of dwellings and all things, has placed me in prosperous, materialistic North America. The solution that often comes to my mind (and I usually throw it out to my husband) is, "let's sell everything and move to some remote place" (in Europe where we can have little picnics with good wine, cheese and bread.)

This week I watched a video clip of a pastor who is kind of "forsaking all" to move to a poor area and serve the people there. His decision to leave his church, etc has caused quite a hubbub in the reformed blogging community (partially because of the subjective way he announced and explained his decision). Another pastor, challenging him, pointed out that viewing poverty, simplicity and suffering as the way of sanctification and way to holiness is biblical, but what if that is not what God has given you? What if you are not poor, your life is complicated and you are healthy and not suffering?

There is certainly a big movement within the church these days to prioritize social justice, serving the poor, etc. Yesterday, I read James 1:27:

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

This is certainly important, but Jesus also said, " For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. (Matthew 26:11 ESV) Many people seem to think we can end poverty and bring peace to this world, when clearly that is not biblical. There are trends in the church where people are pursuing these good works far more than the knowledge of God. It is the poor in spirit who inherit the kingdom of heaven, not necessarily the poor financially.

It is very clear biblically that suffering is used to transform us, sanctify us, conform us to the image of Christ. But who defines what suffering is? Is the poor, afflicted widow in India (who CLEARLY suffers - I am not diminishing the atrocity of such treatment) suffering more than the wealthy woman in North America who is in a loveless marriage, depressed, addicted to pills and wine and gets up each day with no purpose or hope?

I received a magazine yesterday from a big, warehouse store of which we are members. The main article is a rags to riches story. It seems that nothing is more esteemed or viewed as success as someone who is wealthy, especially if they are "self-made" (what do you have that the Lord has not given you?). It really saddened me. But that is the world I live in and the Lord has ordained that for me.

Of poverty, simplicity and suffering, it seems to me that simplicity is the one we have the most control over. We may have lots of money, but the more we own, the more complicated it becomes - we must manage it. Buying one thing leads to buying the seven other things we need to effectively use the first thing. The more we own the more we have to take care of. Having much often leads to wanting more. It seems the problem of contentment is harder.

However, simplicity is not just connected to money. In my estimation simplicity is very related to time and busyness. We can choose to have very complicated, busy lives that steal time from our devotional life, our family, etc. The more I feel my children need to be involved in (to develop all the areas of their potential so they can be the best and pursue these things to their utmost and be "successful" is this world...) the busier I am. The more I am running around and managing the schedule the less time I actually talk to, interact with, teach and correct my children. It is harder to keep my home, prepare meals, serve my husband, talk to my husband, be available to help others in need.

It makes the battle to be faithful hard. Is it wise for me to belong to a club or a gym? Should I pay money to get my hair coloured when children are starving overseas? Is it OK to buy a new outfit when I have a full closet? Is it OK to eat out when I have fridge and cupboards full of food? Is it OK to put my children in programs and sports that cost so much time and money? Many Christians are insecure about the way they spend their time and their purchases. We feel the need to tell everyone that we didn't pay full price, as a matter of fact it was 70% off, or better yet it is from a thrift store. We haven't eaten out for months, so we decided to splurge, etc, etc. We need to be in shape to have more energy for life. Clearly there is discomfort felt with the way we spend. It is ridiculous really. Christ is our judge. It is to Him we give an account, no one else.

It is easy to think this culture is all bad and want to run away. My husband continually reminds me that this will not solve the problem. We must live faithfully with wisdom and discernment. There is no doubt that many are foolishly pursuing wealth, fearing illness, obsessed with health, ordering their lives to avoid any suffering, caught up in this world and its values. I do think simplicity is something rarely pursued today. I say pursued because we must work at it and be very intentional in our decision making.

In my next few posts, I am going to share some wise and biblical counsel I have either read or received lately in my mulling over these topics. Feel free to join in. To sound like a trend in the church that drives me bananas, "enter the conversation". I welcome your thoughts.

Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

2010-08-27T19:21:00.001-06:00

Hopefully my post on Samuel Rutherford's earliest memory piqued your curiosity about the man. Rutherford, a Scottish puritan, was a man who loved Jesus Christ. He lived at a time in Scotland where episcopacy was the state-ordained church. The church of Scotland broke away from the King's General Assembly, which chose to ally itself with the Church of England.

Rutherford is most famous for his time pastoring at Anwoth. He was a true pastor. He, although certainly not perfect, is said to be the ideal of Richard Baxter's (his contemporary) Reformed Pastor or George Herberts's (his predecessor) Country Parson. Praise indeed. His congregants said he caused them to love and treasure Jesus. His love and passion for Christ burst forth in all he did, particularly from the pulpit.

He suffered a great deal personally, while in Anwoth. His wife, all his children, save one and his mother all died there. In 1636 Rutherford published a book defending God's grace and sovereign choice in election. The official church was Arminian in its doctrine and Samuel's book clearly pointed out the problems with that view. He was summoned before the High Court and exiled to Aberdeen. Aberdeen was largely Arminian, very committed to the state church and very opposed to Scottish Presbyterianism. It was also a long way from Anwoth and his beloved congregation.

This banishment was a precious instrument of God's grace. For from Aberdeen, while longing for his congregation on the Solway coast, Samuel wrote letters. Precious letters to individuals addressing their individual needs and sin and offering biblical counsel.

In 1638, with the signing of the National Covenant, Rutherford was able to slip out of Aberdeen amidst the confusion and return to Anwoth. His return was not long though, because when the Church of Scotland broke free from the General Assembly, Rutherford was appointed as a Professor at St. Andrews University.

In 1643 the Westminster Assembly began in London and Rutherford was one of the men invited to attend. It was there that what is now known as the Westminster Confession of Faith, as well as the Larger and Shorter Catechisms were forged.

After returning to Scotland, Rutherford continued to write. Lex Rex dealt with the role of a King and limitations to their divine right, as well as natural rights, civil law, and Christian obedience and ethics. When things again became volatile in Scotland (because of splits within the Church of Scotland as well as the restoration of the monarchy in England after the English Civil War). Rutherford was charged with treason and ordered to appear before the Council. Rutherford's health was failing and anticipating meeting His Saviour face to face, he entrusted his charges to His faithful Creator and did not go before the Council.

Throughout the 17th-century, the Scottish Covenanters fought for Jesus as the head of the church and the true King. Rutherford was a fore-bearer of these men and the ruthless "killing times" in Scotland. Apart from the Bible, many people turned to the Letters of Samuel Rutherford for comfort and guidance.

These are the words on Samuel Rutherford's tombstone:

What tongue or pen or skill of men

Can Famous Rutherford commend?

His learning justly raised his Fame,

True godliness adorned his name.

He did converse with Immanuel's love.

Most orthodox he was and sound

And many errors did confound.

For Zion's king and Zion's cause

And Scotland's covenantal laws

Most constantly he did contend

Until his time was at an end.

Then he won to the full fruition

Of that what he had seen in vision.

* I am indebted to both Irene Howat and Joel Beeke's writings on Rutherford for much of my information.

Advice on Money

2010-08-27T09:08:00.001-06:00

Over at Paul Martin's blog, there is an excellent post on money. Well worth the read. I didn't want to forget to post this, so the Samuel Rutherford bio will come next! The man who wrote the letter on money has some wisdom - I have to admit when I tell my husband, "let's just look in this one store.." it always turns into more.