Cha-cha-cha-cha-changes...

UPDATED BELOW

Okay now Rebecca's gone and done it too! Every time I turn around, someone else is either moving their blog or redesigning the layout. I wish I had time to redesign mine, I'm tired of the way it looks and want something cleaner. Grrr.

I may just have to find the time. Somewhere.

Okay, I had a few minutes to mess around with some things. Go here, and tell me what you think. Be kind, I cry easily these days. (You can leave a comment there or leave your comment here, or email me, send smoke signals, whatever.

Just Like Mom Used To Make more or less

These are pretty easy to make, and I assure you, there will be no leftovers to clog up the fridge. Perfect for Sunday dinner, or even a holiday - like Easter! :-)

Sunday Scalloped Potatoes

½ c. chopped, sweet onions
4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 ½ c. milk
salt & pepper
8 potatoes, peeled & thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350. Fry the onion in the butter until soft, then stir in flour & whisk for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until thick and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Layer half the potatoes in a baking dish and sprinkle with salt & pepper, and half of the creamed onion sauce. Place the remaining potatoes on top of that, season with salt & pepper and the remaining sauce.

Cover and bake for 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Convenient do-aheads & add-ins:

1. Peel & slice the potatoes when you have a few free minutes. Rinse them in cold water then cover with water & stick in the fridge. When you're ready to create your masterpiece, the taters are ready to go!

2. chop your onions ahead of time & drop into a ziplock sandwich bag.

3. For a cheesy version, mix 2 c. grated cheddar into the sauce before you pour it over the taters. mmm... cheese!

ENJOY!

LETS GIVE 'EM SOMETHIN' TO TALK ABOUT!

Friday BlogFodder will return next Friday. Until then, I hope someone finds this useful, in it's place:

Internet language, text messaging shorthand, 'net lingo, etc. so on and so forth. No two ways about it, the Internet has in fact changed the way we communicate. For some it's been a huge change, and for others not so significant, but if you've been online longer than a day, no doubt you've seen some pretty strange looking language and you have no idea what it all means.

Many of us who have been online for a while (and especially in chat & forum communities) tend to take it for granted that everyone knows what we mean when say "bbiaf" or "ttyl". Well, there are still some folks out there that might not know what it means, and don't particularly want to feel like a baby-geek for asking. I have a baby-geek friend and they suggested posting such a cheat sheet like this might be a good idea, so this is for all the baby-geeks out there. :-)

There's a HUGE (and I do mean huge) list of this lingo here, and you can go take a peek at it if you like. Standard language disclaimers & all that apply.

I thought it might be helpful to list here, just the ones I use (although some I use less often than others, and some are pretty obvious, this is my own list, all the same):

^5 - High Five
AFK - Away From Keyboard
BBFN - Bye Bye For Now
BBIAB - Be Back In A Bit
BBIAF - Be Back In A Few
BBL - Be Back Later
BBS - Be Back Soon
BRB - Be Right Back
BTW - By The Way
DL or D/L - Download
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
FWIW - For What It's Worth
FYI - For Your Information
GMTA - Great Minds Think Alike
IIRC - If I Remember Correctly
IM - Instant Message
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
IOW - In Other Words
IRC - Internet Relay Chat
ISP - Internet Service Provider
J/K - Just Kidding
LOL - Laughing Out Loud
LTNS - Long Time No See
NM - Never Mind
NP - No Problem
OIC - Oh, I see
OTOH - On The Other Hand
PC - Politically Correct
PM - Private Message
REHI - Hello Again
ROFL - Rolling On Floor Laughing
ROTF - Rolling On The Floor
ROTFL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing
ROTFLOL - Rolling on the floor laughing out loud
TTFN - Ta Ta For Now
TTYL - Talk To You Later
TTYS - Talk To You Soon
TX - Thanks
TYVM - Thank You Very Much
WB - Welcome Back
WTG - Way To Go!
YVW - You're Very Welcome
YW - You're Welcome

In addition, in situations where you're communicating with someone and they need one, there's the common (((( hug )))) where you generally insert that person's name. Mine usually look like this {{{{you}}}}.

One I made up years ago that I've seen from time to time used by others is:

ASMCOMN - Almost Shot My Coffee Out My Nose (for those times you've read something at your screen that was so funny, you almost... well, you get the idea).

There's also UGH, PFFT, ACK & GACK. They all mean the same thing, more or less. Expressions of dislike, disappointment and/or surprised frustration. (Some of us even say these things in real life, believe it or not!)

I was a little surprised to go through that list at the link above, and copy all the shorties I really do use. I didn't realize I was so modern, relevant and all that sort of dopey stuff. Oh well, there you have it, I hope this helps someone figure out what in the world I'm talking about, when I tend to slip into lingo-mode.

:-)

Humble Pie

"If I believed 10% of what I can read about myself on the Internet, I would have nothing to do with me!" - James White

I read that the other day and couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement. If you're someone who regularly speaks out against something wrong, you're going to be under fire by those who are willing to defend the wrong. It's just the way it is.

Case in point: "You favor detached information.The emergents favor personal encounter.You are boring and your boring movement of Greco-Roman ideology is going extinct.The Emerging Church is much more biblical, as it is a much more Hebrew approach and the Bible was written by Hebrews to be experience by Hebrews. Greek it up all you want, but you are unbiblical in doing so. - signed "disinterested bystander" - a comment left at ENo in response to this post.

This is quite tame in comparison to other things that have been said about me in critique, yet according to disinterested bystander (who clearly isn't, or the comment would have never been posted) I'm boring, going extinct and Greeking it up (whatever that means) rendering me unbiblical. Honestly, I had to laugh about the boring and going extinct part, although I'm sure it wasn't intended to induce a humorous response.

I wanted to take a pause and look at what happens sometimes when we're under fire, either from a fair & honest point of view or from a false accusation point of view. In many ways, it doesn't matter which kind of fire it is, the result can be the same. How we handle ourselves in these situations is important, not only for our own peace of mind but if our goal is to glorify the Lord in all that we say and do, then we'll want to give such responses plenty of room for prayer for guidance and wisdom.

Self Exam & Second Guessing

Where one is certainly a biblical practice we should be busy with anyway, the other is nothing but an anxiety inducing rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions that can cause an unbalanced amount of self-focus. As believers we should be seeking the Lord daily for direction and clarity in all sorts of matters. When we're under fire for something we've stood for, it's even more important to walk carefully and remain teachable through the process.

It might be more common among women, since we're wired to be prone to emotional reaction, but a very real result of being accused or critiqued about something, is that we find ourselves second guessing almost everything. Our choices, our words, our friends and our alliances - nothing is really off limits because when you're deeply shaken up, you're sometimes not so sure about much of anything anymore. Part of that is letting our imagination get away from us, and another part of that is reacting with emotion rather than reason. It can be very easy sometimes to lose focus and react this way but the warning is there for us that we need to remain focused on the bigger picture and not give in to this kind of second guessing & doubt. When our minds are so busy second guessing all sorts of things we're not really focused on remaining teachable, we're focused on self-suspicion, often brought on by harsh words from another. It's a tricky place to be in, to be sure.

Taking Criticism

I've written about this before on this blog but because it's such an important part of remaining teachable, I'm going to repeat myself. Some years back I was in one of those sticky, tricky, difficult situations where the criticism and accusation was flying fast & loose. While my first inclination was to respond in anger (always a bad plan!) I knew that wasn't right and I wanted some good advice. I spoke with a pastor friend about it and what he said to me was the best advice I've ever heard on the subject. Essentially his advice was to really listen carefully to every word of critique, and own what's true, and dismiss the rest.

In dismissing what's not true, and I mean literally not giving it any room for thought whatsoever, we free oursleves up for learning from critique that we may not like to hear, but is something we needed to hear all the same. We don't really like to do that, as we'd much rather focus on the part that wasn't true and make ourselves feel better by defending ourselves against a false charge. It's a handy little dodge & weave thing that we're all guilty of at times, but all it really does is delay the inevitable. Sooner or later you're going to have to deal with the accuracy of the critique and it's better to humble your heart and do it sooner, rather than later.

That's not an easy thing to do, since we all battle pride and want to think we've arrived & need no further instruction. Horsefeathers, I say. None of us have arrived and each of us have something to learn about responding in a Godly way to an accusation or criticism.

By owning what is true in critique or accusation, it's then a matter of confessing to ourselves that "yes, that's true of me" and then making it a matter of diligent prayer that the Lord might be pleased to give you wisdom and strength to grow in that area. Sometimes that even involves a verbal acknowledgment to someone that you were indeed wrong, and that you're truly sorry. That can be even harder to do, especially if that person is someone you don't get along with too well. This also is part of our ongoing sanctification - humbling ourselves and confessing an apology when we're wrong. The flesh cries out against doing this, but you know it's the right thing to do.

Finding the Balance

For me personally, it has been and will continue to be I'm sure, a difficult thing to find the balance between owning what's true and dismissing the rest. Sometimes I can do it successfully on the first try, but other times I'm so prone to dismissing the whole thing and find myself desperately wanting to expend time and energy defending myself against what was false. I want to react with emotion, I want to defend my name, and I want to always be right & never be wrong about anything. Ever! Does that sound familiar in any way? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels like this.

Being truly humble is not a natural desire for fallen men. Some people may possess a meek or mild personality, but as for spiritual matters, our natural desire is to look out for #1 and let the chips fall where they may. Our natural inclination is to speak out loud and clear to make sure we know everyone knows just how right we are! While there are certainly times that responding and correcting the false charge or critique is the wise thing to do (if done in a gracious and factual manner), there are also times where the old saying "I will not dignify that with a response" is the best option.

How do you know when to do that, and when to respond? That's not always easy either, but Biblical guidance shines much light on this in that there is wisdom in a multitude of counsellors. Find Godly, mature, gracious believers that you know and trust, and appeal to them for advice. Go to your husband or wife, go to your pastor and elders, go to your friends. Sometimes we can't see the answer when we're so close to the situation, but it's often much easier for a third party to see it clearly, give you perspective that you hadn't thought of, and give you wise counsel. If you've gone to 3 or 4 Godly people that you trust and they all say the same thing, listen to them. Do not disregard what they have to say, especially if they've all said the same thing! The reason you went to them in the first place was for guidance, so take it and learn from it. You'll be better for it.

By writing this today I hope that no one assumes I think myself any kind of expert in this subject. While I certainly do have a lot of experience in it, I'm still growing and learning myself, and very recently found myself in the very situation I described of going to mature believers for Godly advice. I knew how I wanted to respond but I wasn't convinced that my idea was the best way. I wanted input, and I wanted to learn from those who know what they're talking about. I cannot express just how glad I am, that I did that. It made all the difference in the world. For the record, my first inclination in my own situation in how to respond, was not the collective advice on how to respond, from the folks I went to. Be assured I still have a lot to learn, myself.

Someone might be reading this and think to themselves how uncanny it is to define a situation in their own life that might be going on right this very moment. Please know that it's not at all uncanny, it happens to every one of us in a variety of ways over a wide variety of issues. I quoted James White at the top of the post, then gave an example of my own criticism. Right this moment I know at least 5 or 6 people that are going through very similar situations and feel that they have been wronged somehow, and want very much to defend their name & reputation. It's a condition that is common to man because it's a heart issue that is common to man. The circumstances might vary from person to person, but the core issue is always the same. Learning how to Biblically deal with it is something we all need.

If this does address a situation you're currently dealing with, I hope it's helped in some way. In addition, if you've noticed something I've missed that you find would be an additional help, please feel welcome to post it in the comments - as I'm sure it would go a long in way in blessing someone.

Stop the presses, blogger goes beserko!

Well here we go. Conservative blogger gets on the last nerve of some guy with propriety (and other, apparently) issues and he pays her back by being a creep. Gee, there's a shocker: bad internet conduct. You can read the full article here if you really want to get the meat behind this one.

I read this last night as I was about to shut down for the night and thought to myself, "1994, anyone?"

The more things change (online communication) the more things stay the same. Back in '94 when Senator Exon got the idea to draft the Communications Decency Act and put laws into place to give law enforcement the teeth of the law they needed to nail 'net perverts & lunatics for the crimes they were committing, I'll give you ONE guess who the loudest voices were that opposed the legislation.

Give up? Okay, it was the perverts and lunatics that had themselves in a perfect tizzy over the idea of such laws. How DARE the US government put laws into place to restrict perverted, demented, depraved and sociopathic conduct online!!

Fast forward to 2007. Some folks are now bantering around the idea to regulate blogging, or put in place some kind of a code of conduct for bloggers. My question is, why re-invent the wheel? In case no one noticed, thanks to the initial efforts of Senator Exon in 1994 (and numerous others) we do now have laws in place to address numerous kinds of criminal conduct online, and it does apply to bloggers as well. You probably didn't know that, did you?

Sure there are loopholes that the creepiest of the creeps will find the backdoor for, but that applies in every situation with law & order, doesn't it?

As a Christian blogger, I can't help but wonder how (if, and a big if) someone were to draft legislation how this might affect what we say and how we say it. I can't help but wonder also if the Holy Spirit actively working in our lives is so easily ignored that we don't already have blogging guidelines in place? I'm not even sure that question made sense, but I knew what I meant, lol.

I wonder...

If anyone really sits around and thinks about how online communication in 2007 has drastically changed the way we communicate globally for the cause of Christ, and how THAT should really be our primary focus as Christian bloggers.

I'm going to guess yes, they do. I'm also going to guess that for those that do this, the idea of regulating or legislating blogging wouldn't negatively impact most of us anyway. It might for some, who routinely take on such things as Islam, but truly... cannot God make a way when their seems to be no way? Can He not thoroughly equip those He has called, to do the very thing He's called them to do? Indeed He can, and does.

I guess I'm idealistic, but I really don't see an issue here. I might though, if I was a pervert, lunatic or some other kind of whacko that felt restricted by laws that forced me into being responsible and a good internet neighbor.

Funny thing that, I don't feel forced to conduct myself that way at all. I prefer it.

I AM NOT CANADIAN!

You know, I have some seriously smart alec friends & aquaintances. No really, I do. There are a few of them that know I'm not Canadian, but think they're very clever and drop it in our conversations from time to time, just to get a rise out of me. The thing is, it works every time! I'm such a predictable American.

One such friend did this to me tonight and it made me think. It's sorta strange, but the whole Canadian/American tension-thing has been going on, online, for as long as I've been online. I'm not sure what it is about Americans bashing Canadians & vice versa, but it seems to be worthy of Olympic sport, sometimes. What I'm referring to however, is not the malicious type of stuff that goes on but the poking fun, all in fun, between Canoodles & Yankees.

So in that spirit, I'd like to offer up just a little bit of proof, on why I couldn't possibly be a Canadian.

1. I hate hockey. Okay hate is a strong word, I'll give you that. Let me be more accurate and simply say hockey is just dumb and boring to me. Maybe it's because I can't ice skate, and maybe it's because I like teeth? Either way, I don't like hockey and don't care about who's playing or why, or where. Hockey Night in Canada? Please, give me a large break. Saturday night is for getting the laundry done & making sure everyone's church clothes are ironed. Or, walking your Moose, or something like that.

2. I can't ice skate. It's a rule that if you're Canadian you can ice skate, even if you never actually do it. This is true I checked with Stats Canada (or, made it up, I can't remember which).

3. I can't speak French. Okay that's only partly true. I can fake it, but I have no idea what I'm saying, for the most part. I can also speak French in a simply delightful Jeff Foxworthy redneck accent that would truly annoy every French-Canadian alive. I do it often, it's a hoot.

4. I don't like poutine. This is an evil dish of some type of simulated, liquid-cheese product mixed with nasty gravy and poured over limp, luke-cold french fries. I think I read once it was invented by a mad scientist hired by the Canadian military to feed to enemies in an effort to overtake them while they slept it off. Judging by historical stats of Canadian led military battles, you can see how well it worked. Ahem. "I'm just sayin..." (*snort)

5. I love baseball and I don't care that basketball was invented by a Canadian. Baseball is it for me and a New Yorker named Cartwright invented the baseball diamond and fellow New Yorker named Adams wrote the first official rules for the All American game of Baseball in 1845. My logic says therefore, I'm a New Yorker... er... American. Besides, Cartwright was the family name of the folks on Bonanza. Did they look Canadian to you? Do you ever recall Little Joe asking Hoss "fetch me that saddle, eh"??? I didn't think so. Wild American West.

6. I like wearing my birks ALL year round, even in the rain. You cannot do that in Canada, unless you're insane and like hypothermia and black toes.

7. I do not live for the next trip to Tim Hortons. Sure, they make a great mocha and sure, the honey cruellers are the best, but come ON already. Besides, I rolled up the rim to win and it said (in French) ("you're a loser and a sucker, please try again"). In French it looks even worse to be told what a goon you really are for thinking you're actually going to win something better than a free donut.

8. You cannot buy Jiffy Corn Muffin mix or Malt-o-meal in Canada. I grew up on Jiffy, and Malt-o-meal is the best hot cereal in the universe. For a real shocker (get ready, this is REALLY bad)... Captain Crunch in Canada does NOT come with Crunchberries. I know, it's unthinkable. Canadians don't even know what a Crunchberry is. No wonder they eat poutine.

9. I didn't know what a Newfie or a Butter Tart were until I moved here. If were a real Canadian, I would have been eating butter tarts in the cradle, and as soon as I could speak, I'd be mocking the Newfie accent. It's what Canadians do. That's also at Stats Canada, I think.

10. I still don't know the socially acceptable protocol for observing Boxing Day. Where I come from (America!) it's just called "the day after Christmas" and that's the day you lay around in your baggy pants & eat fudge, cookies and cold turkey sandwiches. Some people go shopping but most people opt for the baggy pant look, on the couch with leftovers.

So there you have it, the first 10 reasons I could think of that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that I cannot possibly be Canadian. If any Canadians respond and say stuff like "well, I am Canadian and I don't like hockey either" please just ignore them, it's all a grand conspiracy to confuse everyone. They're probably typing that while they tape up their sticks or whatever it is that you do with hockey tape, and getting ready to ice skate through the Tim Horton's drive through to order a Double Double for their pet Moose.

Store Stuff

Redesign on the SuperKid Ts for boys AND girls.

Do you hear what I hear?

Reading the comments at Frank's post at TeamPyro, one of the things Adrian said really stood out to me:

"I have to say I am looking for more than a mere acknowledgement of the theory that the Spirit interprets scripture to us. I want to EXPERIENCE personally the Spirit doing this much more frequently in a way that is as thrilling as the way in which Piper describes it. "

Rather than take an hour giving the background of this statement, I'm going to just assume you've read Frank's post and know why Adrian has responded this way.

The reason it stood out to me was due to my own background in a charismatic church, many years ago. While it was never formally taught (that I am aware of and/or that I ever recall hearing) the basic view of that church was that knowing what the Bible said (and believing it) wasn't really the central focus. The focus of that church (and everything taught and discussed) was the personal experience of the Holy Spirit in your life.

How this manifested itself was in members focusing on visions, a word of knowledge, speaking in tongues, highly charged emotional/spiritual experiences that were almost always attributed to the Holy Spirit and a persistant focus on whether or not the Holy Spirit was actively working in your life, and how He was doing that.

In other words, it was all about the frequency and the thrilling experiences, just like Adrian referred to in his comment.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Adrian. We've had a few really nice chats on google talk and he's got some decent stuff at his blog. Obviously I don't agree with everything Adrian posts or links to, but this is not about me tearing down Adrian. I just thought it best to offer up that disclaimer right away. (Just in case someone gets a wild idea that I'm picking on him or something).

When I read Adrian's comment I think I understood what he meant. With a show of hands, how many Christians genuinely do not want to experience the humbling, deeply moving, overwhelmingly blessed experience of knowing the Holy Spirit revealed something in God's word to us - and did it personally (the way John Piper recently wrote about)? I can't say I know a single Christian that wouldn't joyfully welcome that kind of experience with our Heavenly Father.

The problem is, however (and you knew this was coming), what I think we overlook, when this is our focus, or what's driving us, what we yearn for or feel like we're missing out on:

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:26-29)

Have you ever wondered where the saying "seeing is believing" came from? Have you ever thought to yourself that you'd really like to be a Doubting Thomas? Thomas had a hard time believing that Jesus was raised from the dead. In fact Thomas said in verse 25 of this passage, unless he were able to see for himself, he would not believe it.

It's not as though Thomas hadn't heard, and it's not as if Thomas was ignorant of the teachings of Jesus. Thomas was a disciple - he was in one of the most interesting positions of the first men ever to hear the teachings of our Lord. Still, Thomas heard Jesus had raised from the dead and he responded with "unless I see it for myself, I will not believe". While that may sound somewhat self-centered, I'm going to assume we all understand a bit of what Thomas was saying there. Sometimes it's hard to just believe without something that we can process and experience with one of the five senses like Thomas felt he needed to do (see and touch). This is potentially dangerous ground when we make our own experiences the final arbiter of what is true and what isn't, especially when it comes to matters of faith.

How did Jesus respond to Thomas, once he was able to determine by sight and touch that Jesus was in fact standing there in front of him?

"Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (emphasis mine)

I can't help but think of the lesson there in that passage for all of us Christians when it comes to seeking these larger than life personal experiences, like John Piper wrote about, that Adrian wrote about, that Frank wrote about (you'll have to follow that rabbit trail on your own).

While it is certainly a wonderful thing to have such experiences in our Christian life, and while I'll assume most all of us have had one or two (or a few) that definitely stand out to us over the years of serving Him, this should never (ever!) be our focus or what we yearn for. We shouldn't be a people seeking after a personal experience when we already have this to instruct us:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Tim. 3:16-17)

I do not know a single Christian that would denies this passage (but it's generally used to defend the suffiency of Scripture anyway, and the rest of it seems to be often ignored), but I know several who don't seem to think it's enough, for a joyful, fruitful and God-honoring Christian life. Much like Thomas, some people want to see it, touch it and/or have a personal experience to re-tell before they will let it settle in their hearts that it's true. Yet, the very passage itself clearly tells us that inspired Scripture is enough for our doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness that we might be 100% equipped to live a life that is pleasing to God.

I know some who have been taught (and believe) that if they do not have such profound and emotional spiritual experiences, that they're somehow "missing" the voice of God in their lives. (I was one of those people in the beginning of my Christian life). Then I know others who simply cross the line and put such credence into their own subjective experiences that even when these experiences contradict Scripture, they are fiercely defended even to the point that you might be written off from further fellowship with that person.

This is only part of why I say that it's potential dangerous ground to seek after or focus on these kinds of experiences.

Another reason I say that is because Proverbs is filled with warnings about putting too much stock into our own personal experiences - we can be foolish at times and prone to melodrama, making more of a thing than it really was, or digging our heels in with such an attitude of defense, that we only end up blinding ourselves or deceiving ourselves due to our "experiences". The more profound and emotional the experience might have been, the more we're prone to do that very thing.

It should be a wake up call to any Christian that while the message of the world is "trust in your own heart" or "follow your heart" - the Bible actually tells us that the man who does this, is a fool. (Proverbs 28:26). Why? Because our hearts (feelings, emotions) are corrupt, and can often lead us down a path far away from truth, and straight into serious error. When we lean on our own wisdom, our own understanding and our own interpretations (especially when it pertains to something emotionally charged) we effectively remove God's wisdom and guidance from leading us. Experience and emotion is a powerful thing, and when we let it lead us, we've departed from sound teaching.

Indeed there is a balance here. While our emotions are given to us by God, part the very nature of how we were created in His image, we have to be very careful with them. While experiences are also at times very wonderful things, again we have to be careful to be a Berean and genuinely and honestly set that experience to the test of the written word. Asking ourselves the hard questions such as "does it line up?" "did I make that out to be more than it really was?" and even "is the written word really enough for me, or am I thrill-seeking?". These aren't easy questions to ask, but if we're serious about regular self-examining like the Bible tells us we need to be, these are questions we'll be open to.

Finally, I want to ask a few serious questions of those who do seek after such experiences. I wonder if hearing your child say he's sorry (and really mean it) to his sibling when he's wronged him, doesn't flood your heart the same way? I wonder if when you're humbled and shown from the word a correction in your thinking, that isn't something to rejoice over? I wonder if the honor of praying for people who are in desperate need, doesn't bring you great joy?

I could easily go on with questions like these. Aspects of our Christian life that come out in any given situation. When you're cut off in traffic and you don't respond in anger (or you do, and then are immediately convicted of it). When you're in a situation where once jealousy would have reared it's ugly head but is now no longer a part of your life. If you're in a position to share wisdom from His word with someone who is confused, and they understand what you're saying.

There are so many instances like this that happen in our private lives every single day, that indeed qualify for the miraculous and astounding grace filled "experiences" of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and yet we don't get all excited about them. Shouldn't we? Are they not cause for much rejoicing and gratitude to the Lord?

God forbid that we should miss the forest for the trees, because we're a people looking for the fireworks, the BIG stuff, and the emotional highs that we hear about other people having.

Just some things to think about.

Summer Breeze in March

Dateline Summer, 1973:

At a ripe old age of 9, this was the summer of a lifetime. Vivid memories such as walking barefoot the to Dairy Queen for a pineapple milkshake, putting up the tire swing in the pear tree and my best friend moving away.

The other day as I drove into town to run errands, I turned on the radio and hit scan. All the way through the FM dial, the radio looked for stations that had a clear signal. There are several stations we get here that have what's called "classic rock" and I almost always stop the scan on those stations. I'm not sure what it is about that era of music, but it takes me back to a time of wide-eyed innocence and naive hope. I guess it's just fun to go back and recall songs like this one:

See the curtains hangin' in the window, in the evenin' on a Friday night.
A little light a-shinin' through the window, lets me know everything is alright.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

When I was a little girl, this song said to me: "this is what it will be like when you're all grown up". Now that I'm all grown up, this song says to me: "remember this?"

Sometimes, life is exactly like this song. Most of the time it's nothing like this song.

I have 2 girls that are the same age right now that I was when this Seals & Crofts song was a huge hit. I wonder what song they'll remember from this slice of their life, when they're all grown up? I also wonder what it is about that era of music that had my 16 year old in the kitchen the other day singing along with Roy Orbison and then Lynyrd Skynyrd. She would have made a great hippie (minus all the immoral junk - I'm referring to fashion sense & musical taste).

Can you tell I'm suffering from cabin fever? I think I'll go track down my Birks today. It never hurts to be prepared, right?

Snakes and snails and... basketballs?

Inspired and approved by Samuel, age 6

Allstar Player in various sizes & colors for little basketball stars in training.

Get yours here.

The Nativity Story - a review

For a lot of people this might be a few months late, but since we're one of those families that simply cannot afford a movie theater, we wait until a movie comes out on dvd before we see it. For that reason, I almost never read theatrical release reviews from fellow bloggers. Not only do I not want to be exposed to surprise plots & endings, but I don't want to be swayed by strong personal opinion (usually, that's a toss up at times).

We did see a few previews of this movie at the beginning of other dvds we'd rented last fall, and we immediately agreed this was one of those movies we had to see, when the dvd release came out. So that's what we did this past weekend.

A couple of things that took me by surprise and generated conversation after the movie:

1. The Wise men's interaction with each other.

Even though artistic liberty was taken here (said only because the Bible does not record any kind of conversations these men had with one another in this manner), sometimes that's not a bad thing, in and of itself. Now let me explain what I mean by that.

I think we have this tendency to forget that the people we read about in the Bible were in fact flesh and blood people like you and I. I think we might read of them and think of them in a one dimensional aspect and forget that they were in fact just like we are. There were clearly among them varying personality types from one extreme to the other - just like in our own families, churches and communities. Surely there were men and women among them that were funny, or quirky. People who were more serious than anything most of the time, and people who were given to melodramatic emotional reaction. No doubt at all that when they had interaction with one another about the things of God and the promise of the coming Messiah (and Scripture proves this to be true) they were quite serious and reverential, probably in the same way we are when we discuss the very same things. But were they like this all the time? Some folks were I'm sure, as some folks I know in my world are quite serious nearly all the time. In general sense though I can only suppose there were among the people a wide variety of personalities just like there are now. This is not to say that the wise men interacted with one another the way the movie portrayed, just a reminder that (in my opinion), in some contexts it's okay to take a little bit of liberty and speculate what the people were like in that culture, in that time frame.

2. Joseph's Expressions

I'm not really sure why, but until I watched this movie I never really gave Joseph the kind of thought I wish I would have. Of course I've considered Joseph and what he must have dealt with in that culture, being engaged to a pregnant woman. In our time it's no longer a cultural taboo (unfortunately) but in that day it was much different.

In much the same way the movie takes liberties with the wise men, it also takes liberties with speculative conversations between Joseph and Mary. Mary was about to become a mother to our King, and Joseph about to become a step-father. If you're in a step-family, you already know where I'm going and immediately understood. There are conversations that engaged and/or newly married couples have when there are children already there - that childless couples just don't have. Did Mary and Joseph have such conversations? Granting the obvious that they both knew who Mary was carrying, maybe they never needed to have those conversations, or just maybe they had conversations that no married couple ever had before, or will ever have again? It's impossible to know what kinds of things they really discussed with each other, considering their most unique position in all of human history. Which is enough to motivate some pretty interesting conversations, all by itself.

The one thing that truly struck me (and yes, made me cry) was the portrayal of Joseph's role during the moment Jesus was delivered. Many of you I'm sure have heard the song Mary Did You Know written by Mark Lowry and performed by just about everyone. Yes, Mary did know, and yes Joseph knew too - but did they really know it the way we look back and know it? Did Joseph hold God in the flesh and really understand this was his deliverer, his King, the Lord of Glory?

I'm a mother, and us mothers have one predominant thought the moment our babies are born and we look into their faces for the first time. Not it's not "whew, glad thats over!" although that one is a close second. That one thought is a sense of wonder and amazement at looking at that precious little person, that little miracle of life in such a tiny package. Instantly we shift into protector and provider mode. As the baby's mother, we know there is one person in the world that this baby will look to, to give it all it will need to be healthy, happy and provided for in every way. We don't even really think it through, it's just a sensation we have, a natural affection if you will, for that little person, and our role in their life. The fact that Mary did know who she delivered and what His role in our lives would be, simply boggles the mind as a mother to even consider what was going through her mind, at that moment right after He was born and she looked into His beautiful face for the first time. Did it even cross her mind at all that everything she would do to provide for Him, that He would one day give so much more, for her?

What of Joseph's thoughts though? He had gladly accepted the role as a step father to the Prince of Peace. Let that sink in for a few minutes. Joseph had never been a father before so this would be new to him to raise a child but even with that aside, what must have been going through his mind, as he saw our Lord for the first time? For you dads reading this, have you ever wondered what Joseph must have thought during the years he raised up Jesus as his son, knowing who He was? The movie portrayal of the expression on Joseph's face speaks volumes on how he might have felt. I watched and wept tears of joy, wondering if this might of been what it really felt like for both Mary and Joseph, the two most unique parents this world has ever known.

I'm not a movie reviewer nor do I play one on the web, but I am a mom and a Christian. For that reason I want to heartily recommend this movie to any other mom, or Christian, or anyone else for that matter.

These are the kinds of movies that for some of us (your results may vary), become family favorites. Kev and I have already decided we're buying this, and will make it a family tradition to watch it Christmas night, every year. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone, indeed. (Yes I know Christmas is 9 months from today, but early shoppers are smart shoppers).

Grab your copy here: The Nativity Story

Matching frequency? I don't think so!

Okay, it's Saturday, so I'm going to assume I can get away with a little venting. Ready? Good, here we go:

People who latch onto modern lingo and begin to use it so much you just want to grab them by the ears and shake them until they quit using the lingo. Okay, now that I got that out of my system I have a serious question about this, and about one of the most over-used (and in my ever so humble opinion) misused word going:

RESONATE

Mere words cannot paint the picture I'd like to paint, to display how much I can't stand how often I hear this word. However, if you have a box of crayons handy (doesn't everyone?) get out the black one, grab a piece of printer paper (you know you have that) and scribble all over the paper as hard as you can with the black crayon. Mash the crayon as hard as you can and scribble until it's all gone. There, that was very theraputic was it not? Now, look at your picture: that's how much I can't stand the over-use of the word resonate.

So here's my questions (and yes I'm serious): If you use this word, before you began to use this word (500 times a day, both orally and written), what word did you formerly use to express the same thing you're expressing now, with resonate? Secondly, what was so wrong about the word you previously used, and why do you no longer use it? Have you completely retired that word or do you bring it out only on special occaisions and/or with people that would look at you like you had 11 heads if you used the word resonate? And third, have you noticed that everyone else uses this word too, when previous to maybe just about a year ago, very (VERY) few people used this word, and even just 5 years ago there was NO ONE who used this word unless, they meant the literal definition of it?

Now I know someone's going to come along and get all defensive because they use this word and like this word, but I'm not trying to offend anyone here so don't get snarky okay? It IS an overused word and it's incredibly annoying. Sorta like when people started saying "sick" for good, and "phat" for attractive. It sounded ludicrous and still does. I have no issue with slang in general, and yes we all use it so don't go thinking I'm some kind of a hypocrite or anything, okay? The thing is, this is like a runaway train that just keeps plowing over people in every direction. It bugs me to no end!

Here's the most common example of how I see and hear this word used:

"I really like what you said, that resonates with me". Now here's the way I read that or hear it when I see people say it:

"I really like what you said, upon saying what you just said I magically transformed into an electronic or musical device and your words matched the same frequency as my own frequency, then I suddenly had the urge to respond with words like authentic and relational".

I'm sorry, I just can't help it. I wasn't even alive during the beatnick phase of the 50's but I know enough about the hep cats in the performance art cafes that used the same kind of flowery (no doubt hashish/opiate induced) language that made the entire generation of parents in that day wonder if their kid's brains had in fact been removed by alien pod people.

Am I overreacting? Probably. It's just one of those words I can't stand to hear. Like "liberry" for library, or "ax" for ask, or "aight" for allright. We've slaughtered the language and the pod people have arrived.

There oughta be a law...

(Now watch how many people go through this post and point out my own slaughter of proper English and grammar, lol. I know I'm guilty of it to in some ways, but if I ever use the word resonate to refer to anything other that electronic or audio tones, you may feel free to grab me by the ears and shake me until all the lame-lingo falls out of my head).

Whew... vent over. Boy do I ever feel better!

Good Kitty on Friday BlogFodder

WE INTERRUPT THE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED BLOG POST TO MAKE THIS URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT:

First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kitty. You may be wondering why the expression on my face. I get that a lot. No, really I do. Well you see, at one time in my life I looked like every other cat. Until one day I started reading the Friday BlogFodder at this blog. Need I say more?

Look, Carla might be a nice lady and everything, but she's a bit of a slacker when it comes to keeping a schedule. She's missed too many Friday BlogFodders and I was at the end of my rope. She's off doing some trivial thing like laundry or cleaning up the mess I made in the dining room. Truly I don't know why she does that, I'm just going to do it again, and I'm probably going to do it while she's cooking supper. I think she likes it when I do that.

So allow me to pick up the slack here and bring you this week's installment of Friday BlogFodder:

• The coolest news of the week: Dr. James White, in no less than 16 days has finished his book From Toronto to Emmaus: the Empty Tomb and the Journey from Skepticism to Faith. You can get the book here, and get the Empty Tomb t-shirt right here. Way to go, Doc!!

• Darrin Brooker at The Old
Paths is bringing his blog to a screeching halt. Sure it's like telling you all about a great show after the show is over, but the good news is (at least for now) you can still get on over thereand read the archives. Excellent blog and Darrin's voice will be missed. (The added sound affects to his last post was a brilliant addition.)

• David Kjos at The Thirsty Theologian, is one clever guy. If you're not reading his blog, you're missing something good. Go there, add him to your bloglines. You'll be glad you did.

• For irc users, you'll get a kick out of this, at Taught and Stable.

• Everyone's favorite firestarter posts a 4 part series based on his seminar from the Shepherds Conference, on why he (and you too, whether you like it or not) is a Calvinist. You were predestined to read this. See, you're clicking the link right now. Told ya.

I would have posted more but the thing is, I'm a cat. As a rule, cats don't usually type, and when we do, it tires us out pretty good. I think now it's time for me to find a clean pile of laundry to sleep on. Click the links, you'll be better for it.

(Kitty gives a huge HT to Jen for making Carla laugh until coffee shot out of her nose. Kitty thinks it's very funny when humans do that.)

The Whatsoevers

Every year at this time of year, as Resurrection Day approaches, I can't help but recall the period in my life when my own conversion to Christ happened. It is because it took place not long after Resurrection Day, 1994. Probably about two weeks after my late husband was converted to Christ.

For long time readers here, you've read some things here about him before - but for the new folks I'll be brief but give you a little background so you know where I come from, a little bit.

When Ben was diagnosed (on our 5th anniversary), the news was terminal, and neither of us were saved. He was 29 and I was 26, and we had 4 little kids in the house. Our youngest was only 6 months old, and the oldest was 8. For the next 3 years and 2 months, we struggled through a hopeless cycle of every possible emotion you can imagine, as we faced all his surgeries, treatments, recovery times and monumental medical & pharmacuetical bills. I say hopeless because it was in fact hopeless. He was terminal and even though the original diagnosis only gave him 8 weeks maximum, the Lord clearly had a different time table than the doctor did. We clung tightly to every single positive lab report, and when he had a good day without any side affects or pain, it was like a Christmas, birthday and trip to Disneyland all rolled into one. When he had bad days it was indeed a black cloud over the house and family and we suffered through it with him through plenty of tears. Even thinking about it now so many years later it really does feel like I'm writing about someone else's life, instead of my own. The further time takes me away from that segment of my life, the more it feels like that. Odd how time does that.

Minus all the details, Ben was saved on Resurrection Day 1994, and I was saved 2 weeks later. His cancer wasn't gone, but the black cloud departed and never did return. Absolutely everything changed in April of 1994, and the most profound hope filled our hearts that it's almost (if not literally) impossible to explain just how different we both saw life, after that time.

Even though everything changed inwardly, that had a significant impact on the way we both handled things outwardly, some things obviously did not change, except to get worse. His cancer became more and more aggressive, and the various treatments (traditional and clinical trials), surgeries & medications weren't working anymore the way the doctors had hoped. Add to that, the levels of medications he was taking for pain control began to cause numerous severe side affects, both physical and psychological. One of those side affects that was extreme, was his sleep patterns. Some days he'd sleep all day & all night. Only waking up briefly & maybe going out in the back yard for a few minutes with a cup of coffee, or sitting in the dining room to chat for a few - then going right back to bed. Other days (and nights) he couldn't sleep at all, and had so much anxiety and energy that when my own insomnia started about that same time, and I'd be up at 2 am - I knew where he'd be. Same place, every time: sitting in the living room with just one lamp turned on, Kenny G playing on the stereo, with his Bible open and deep in study/prayer and thought.

I'd walk into the room and he'd often look up and say "did you know that in Matthew 5 it says...." and then go on to tell me what he'd just been reading. Or he'd ask if I knew where a verse was that addressed children, or being content, or some other subject. I didn't, because as a baby Christian I knew next to nothing about the Bible and where to find pretty much anything except John 3:16 and Genesis 1:1. Those were the easy ones. But on numerous occaisions I'd walk into the room and he'd be crying, in prayer. He was constantly overwhelmed with both God's grace and the depth of his own sinfulness, and this expressed itself in weeping and prayer. Those sleepless nights were the only time he ever had clarity of mind to focus on these issues and study his Bible, and pray - and he took advantage of them every time.

At this time, neither one of us had ever heard a word about Calvinism, the five points or anything relating to that. We were in a charismatic, free will church, and to the best of my recollection never once heard any kind of preaching on the sovereignty of God in all things - but somehow Ben knew it anyway. He would say things like "if I wasn't supposed to have cancer, I wouldn't have it" and "I'm glad I have this cancer because this is what God used to bring me to Christ". Neither of us ever believed in fate or coincidence but at the time were never able to explain why. We both knew that somehow, in a way that was far beyond our ability to articulate or even really understand, that this was all God's plan, or God's design for our lives. Those Word of Faithers we knew at the time became highly annoyed that we thought that way, but that's the way it was.

The reason all of this came to mind this morning was because of this passage:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Yesterday while I was busy with chores I tried to recite this to myself from memory, and I couldn't do it. That bothered me in part, because it was one of the many passages that Ben was able to memorize, and sort of adopt as his own. It always (and still does) impressed me greatly that with all the things that were going through his mind as he battled cancer, faced his own death, and all that goes along with that -as a young husband and father - that he not only set aside time to memorize this passage but genuinely tried to live it out. He found great comfort in the Word of God and held onto it for dear life, literally.

We talked a lot about what his funeral was going to be like, what life was going to be like after he was gone, and all that sort of thing - and yes, it was and remains to this day the hardest conversations I've ever had in my life. Sometimes though we even laughed about things (like his stupid suggestion that I call everyone and say "great news! Ben's cancer is gone!!! by the way, so is he" - I told him he wasn't funny but he thought that would be a cool way to announce that the battle was over). He did have a most demented sense of humor.

One of the things he insisted on, was that for his memorial service that we use Philippians 4:8-9 for the (what are they called, those little announcement things you get at someone's funeral??). He was adamant that when people would be sad as anyone is when someone dies, he wanted them to find comfort in the things he found comfort in. His one focus was that people who were grieving would find solace in the promises of God.

To this day, this blesses my heart. Ben was a baby Christian in every sense of the word. He struggled big time with his temper, his addictions, his language and his cancer. He knew almost nothing of "sound doctrine" that we all discuss and never had the opportunity to get into the way so many of us do. What he did know in the limited time he was permitted to learn it, that no matter what we deal in life (and he knew this first hand) that there is great joy and comfort to be found in dwelling on the word of God and letting it dwell richly in our hearts.

Ben had a ton of faults that never got all worked out before he left to go meet the Lord. He knew that and I knew that, and that's just the way it was. But the one legacy he left with me was this example to remind me that no matter what, the hope, the joy, and the comfort found in the word of God is something we neglect only to our own detriment. In other words, if we let the circumstance we face become the focus and central point of our lives, we will drift toward the tendency to neglect the truths found in the word.

He wouldn't have said it that way. He would have said "only an idiot would ignore this". In some odd way, that gives new meaning to "from the mouths of babes".

To quote a phrase...

UPDATED BELOW

First day of spring my eye. How in the world was I supposed to work in my flower beds when the rake was frozen to the ground? Not that the rake was supposed to be outside in the first place, but that is not the point. It was supposed to warm up to nearly 50 today but that didn't happen until much later in the day so flower beds will be on hold until a warmer day.

One of the things I love so much about spring, summer and fall, is that it allows me to be outside, and often. I really don't know what it is about being outside for me, communing with nature and all that fluff-bag sounding stuff, but it's truly where I prefer to be. Whether it's working on a garden project, fixing a bike, mowing the lawn or just kicking back and enjoying the sound of birds chirping. I'm itching to grab my morning cup of coffee and camera (yes, it goes everywhere with me, I even take it to the fairy garden and put it on the bench while I'm mowing the lawn, in case a very cool hawk flies overhead. How obsessed can one person be, you ask? There are no ends to the depths of this...) and stroll out onto the deck, first thing in the morning. It's pretty amazing the bird and sunrise shots you can get from my deck. Not to mention the sound of early morning silence. Oh boy do I ever long for warmer weather!

One of the other reasons I love to be busy outside is that it affords me quality time to meditate on the things of God, while I work. I can think through issues and apply Biblical solutions - or I recall the last sermon my pastor preached and consider the message there. Sometimes I can sort of challenge myself to see if I can recall some of the Scripture memory verses we've gone through. It's just a good way to make time during the busy day, to dwell on His truths.

I received an email today from someone who shall remain nameless but who's first name starts with "M" and ends with "om", telling me I should reveal the source of the quote I posted the other day. I'm glad no one guessed it (and no one would have anyway) since I'd have to make good on my promise to eat my own keyboard and youtube it, if they did. Here's the quote again:

"Where it is true that you certainly cannot control what other men say about your character, what your character says about you speaks volumes over the voices of men."

The source? My overactive-sometimes-very-strange-imagination. No doubt it came from years and years of hearing my mom tell me not to put much stock into what other people say, since you can't control that anyway - and also from a dear friend who just recently made the comment that by His grace, a Godly man or woman's character can withstand whatever is thrown at them. It was interestingly enough when I was busy, and alone, and attempting to think through a difficult issue and apply a Biblical solution, when this just sort of popped into my head in that particular wording. It was so incredibly encouraging to me that I wrote it down the first opportunity that I had. See mom, I was too listening when I was a teenager! (Okay no I wasn't, but this is proof that your kids do hear you even when they aren't listening. This is something I remind myself of all the time. My own mom's advice comes back to me on a regular basis, and has for many many years).

Part of the reason it was so encouraging, is that in this life we are constantly bombarded with sinful things such a slander, or gossip. Sometimes we listen to such things (and shouldn't) and sometimes we even believe what we hear (and that's a shame).

I was having a conversation with my 16 year old tonight about this very topic and she shared with me some of things she deals with in her world, that pertain to this. One of the things she mentioned was that her immediate impulse is to want to clear her name by telling the truth when someone says something about her that isn't true. She's brand new to this aspect of "socializing", being homeschooled since the 3rd grade she's never really had any experience with such things until recently when she got involved a situation she's in, with a mixed group of saved and unsaved kids. She's learning how to to respond Biblically, and I assured her that while it's not always easy doing the right thing (and sometimes NOT responding to outrageous accusations or slander is the right thing), doing the right thing before the Lord, is the most important thing. It was a good talk and I'm glad we had it. It's the same talk I've had with her two older sisters, and Lord willing, the same talk I'll have with Jordan, Rachel, Samuel and Ruth. One of the beautiful things about truth, is that it's timeless and always relevant to the heart issues we all deal with.

When we strive to live to please the Lord first and foremost, people know that. They see it, and they know us for who we are. Of course that doesn't mean we don't all have weaknesses and struggles of our own, but the genuine servant of Christ is also honest about those and doesn't pretend they don't exist. We seek humility and accountability and we don't pretend we're already there. If you think about it for longer than 2 seconds, there are people you know that you thought of when you read that just now. That's what I mean when I say when we live this way, people know who we really are and what we're all about, no matter what other people may sometimes say.

Dealing with gossip isn't easy for many of us. Some of us even have a weak spot and like to entertain it and encourage it by listening to it. I wanted to be careful tonight when talking to my daughter and not say "well, that's how teenagers are" because that's how people of any age really are. I gave her a couple of real life, very recent examples of this that have happened to a couple of people she knows, that are well out of the teen years. I did that so that she would understand that this is a heart issue, and not an age issue. It's a sin issue that affects people no matter of age, social standing, or any other category. This is something we'll all have to deal with for the rest of our lives if we plan to be around other people for that long, so it's wise to learn to deal with it Biblically, and walk accordingly so that your Godly character defends your name, even when men may chose to defile it.

I was advising her, and at the same time advising myself. Funny how being a mom puts you in that situation, time and time again. Unlike me at 16, she really was listening and I'm quite pleased about that.

UPDATE:

In an almost uncanny coincidence (not that I believe in those anyway), this relatively unknown blogger here, put up a re-post today on this ever-relevant, ever-timely topic. I assure you there was no synchronizing of watches going on here, or even any discussion on posting about it, beforehand. I only wish I had that kind of influence on other bloggers. If I did, they'd all be nice all the time and only post great stuff that would bless our socks off every day.

Oh, and they'd all send me dark Belgian chocolate too.

TIWIARN - you've been warned

In case you were wondering if I had nothing more to post than ads for my work, the answer is yes, I have numerous things on my mind that I'd dearly love to write about. Such things like, "am I my brother's keeper?" in regards to how we raise our little boys to be men of God and how that manifests in how they treat Christian sisters and women in general when they grow up. Other topics like "suffering silently" for those who do suffer through all sorts of physical, emotional or spiritual pains & afflictions, the goodness of spring, who is reformed (and what makes them 'reformed'?), where did Sola Scriptura go, the astounding ability to put your foot in your mouth at the wrong moment (or the right moment?), people who do the right thing and make you cry tears of thankfulness, why is the resurrection of Jesus central to the gospel message, people who tell you what you need to hear as opposed to what they think you want to hear (and the discernment they possess to know the difference), people who say funny things and lighten your load... and people who do the wrong thing and make you cry tears of grief, and don't care. And bloggers you love to read, who decide to quit blogging. I don't like saying goodbye, it makes me cry & takes a little slice of goodness away.

Yep, all of that and more, has been on my mind the last few days or more. Problem is, lack of time and lack of clarity of thought on most of it to really take any of it on, and make it useful to anyone. A dear friend advised me today to set aside such things in my life that bring nothing but tension and stress and focus on those things which edify and exhort. It's brilliant advise, and while it's not always so easy to do that, it's advise we should all try our best to follow. Another friend was so funny today I just laughed and laughed at nearly ever comment he made. I love being around funny people and laughing. Another friend took time out of their very busy life to give me an hour of chit chat about everything from ice cream to Biblical apologetics.

And yet, my heart is heavy. Various reasons I suppose, but it's just the way it works from time to time. I call my blog Reflections of the times, and this is one of those. Some bloggers like to joke and poke fun at these kinds of entries and call them "this is where I am right now" posts that no one really cares about. Well, to those bloggers (and you know who you are, you goofballs) I express a hearty PFFFFT. These might not be the kinds of posts you like to read, but these are the posts that some of us girl bloggers like to get out, because it's useful to write it out and deal with "stuff" this way.

Good sleep has been elusive for weeks, and that might also be a contributing factor. We're also (all of us) just coming out of the worst winter for sicknesses that we've EVER had, and it's been very hard to get back into a normal routine. It hurt my heart tonight to tell the girls they'd have to miss their weekly girl's club at church tonight, because I wasn't prepared in time to get them ready, make dinner be out the door in time to get there. My energy level is hovering right around the place of a brick these days, so rushing off on a Tuesday night after dinner, to the church, wasn't something I felt like doing. I made blueberry muffins instead.

All sorts of other stuff going on lately that make me sort of feel like the juggler that someone keeps tripping. Struggling to keep the balls in the air and balance at the same time.

Some folks wonder "how you do it" when they hear of a mom with so many kids. Well, this is how you do it. Most of the time it's just routine & scheduling. Every once in a while though, it all piles up like that marathon laundry weekend where you have so much laundry to fold you're half tempted to throw it all away and hit the Goodwill. This is one of those pile ups. I don't consider the Goodwill an option though. A good night's sleep would sure be a blessing, however.

So... that's where I'm headed. Maybe tomorrow will be different. It's the first day of Spring, and though we have rain in the forecast, I'm so grateful that it IS rain, and not snow. I think cabin fever is part of all this as well.

It's the perfect time for a new season, in more ways than one.

Store Stuff

CLICK HERE FOR A LARGER VIEW OF THE IMAGE

And He said unto me
my grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect
in weakness
Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities
that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Available in dark Ts only - get yours here.

Who said this?

"Where it is true that you certainly cannot control what other men say about your character, what your character says about you speaks volumes over the voices of men."

This is sort of a trick question, since you'll never be able to guess who said this. And if you do, I'll eat my own keyboard and youtube it.

I am curious though, if you'd agree with that statement? Why, or why not?

The Hall of Faith: Enoch

I was SO blessed today. Before I tell you why though, I want to take a minute and give credit where credit is due, and publicly thank this brother who put us in touch with this brother, who recommended the church that our family began attending last July, after our last church fell apart at the seems and left us (and several other families) churchless. As a result of that sequence of recommendations, our family has been blessed time and time again by the preaching of our pastor, the fellowship and newfound friendships at this church.

This is a direct benefit and tangible evidence of the blessings of the Christian blogging community, even when it seems like the more "controversial" junk gets all the attention. I sure wish we'd give as much attention to the blessings and the friendships formed. Don't you?

In any case...

My pastor has been preaching through Hebrews, and today he began Hebrews 11, the hall of faith. His text today:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

He never made it to verse 7, as he spent so much time on Abel and Enoch. He could have easily kept right on preaching until dinner time, I would have loved that. I doubt most folks would have enjoyed missing lunch but it would have made up all those Sundays we've missed in the last few months due to viruses and being snowed in.

What stuck with me the most today was the way the pastor went into what it was about Enoch that landed him in the hall of faith to begin with. It doesn't really say much about him there in the text except "for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God". In contrast with so many other men and women in history, you might wonder what it was about Enoch that was so much more, or deeper, or more pleasing to God, than any other believer.

Turning back to Genesis 5, it's most interesting to notice something:

21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

I remember the first time I ever read through that line in Genesis 5, I was fascinated with the wording, the names and the lifespans. Geneaology is very interesting to me, so unlike many people I don't find such things boring or tedius at all, it's exciting! (yes okay I'm weird, we all knew that anyway). It stuck out to me like a sore thumb though, that every other name listed also has listed after the lifespan, that they died. Look:

Mahalaleel - eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
Jared - nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Methuselah - nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Lamech - seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.

I realize this is elementary Bible teaching, but it's great stuff to revisit again and again. Right there in the middle of these verses: Enoch didn't die like all the others listed. He simply went into glory without tasting death. But why?

The one thing about this passage of Scripture that I never noticed before the pastor pointed it out today, was that Enoch is also the only one listed in this line that is described not once, but twice, as someone who walked with God. Clearly just like the text in Hebrews states, Enoch was someone who pleased God with his life.

In Hebrews 11, right after it says that Enoch pleased God in verse 5, it says in verse 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

No mistake at all that Enoch not only believed God is who He is (not just believed in some sort of a generic "power up there" that some called 'God'), but that this same God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. Enoch lived according to a desire to be held accountable to the one true God, to offer Him reverential fear and worship, and live purely according to His standards, and in no other way.

While quickly taking notes during the pastor's sermon (and yes, drawing smiley faces on my little one's hand, it keeps her occupied and lets me listen at the same time), it was the 'desire to be held accountable' comment that my pastor made that really jumped at me. If you are a person who is diligently seeking to live according to God's ways, you're a person who willingly places yourself into accountability settings. You want to be held accountable and you would go out of your way to humble yourself to others and have it understood that you're not flying solo but someone who desires to be on the straight and narrow path. I absolutely loved hearing this affirmation of what it means to live a humble Christian life this way. I wonder what it would have been like to meet Enoch face to face? Can you imagine knowing a man who was so devout to our Lord that He was pleased to simply take him, without allowing him to suffer through physical death?

Contrast this with what is so incredibly common for most of us: excuses.

Yep, every excuse under the sun from our bad childhood, introverted (or extroverted) personality types, bad teaching, authority issues, yada yada yada and blah blah blah. No matter what the issue we always seem to be so quick to find a scapegoat for ourselves. (Yep, I am ashamed to admit that do it too, so don't think I'm sitting here like some sort of pious windbag pointing at you, I'm no different than anyone else).

- "Well, I have a hard time trusting my pastor because he has red hair and when I was 9 a red haired teenager but a bug in my Dairy Queen milkshake". It sounds ridiculous and petty but that's a realistic type of excuse that you might hear.

- If we sin with anger (or a variety of other issues) we're quick to blame our upbringing and say things like "well I come from a family that has a lot of short tempered people". Well, many of us have backgrounds in childhood that are less than stellar in a wide variety of areas, but we don't blame our sinful conduct on them, we own it and we repent of it and seek His grace to no longer participate in it.

- "I don't ask people to pray for me because I did that once and the church gossip told everyone my most embarassing secret". Ever been there? I have, and I assure you it's no walk in the park. It is embarassing to have something about yourself or your past that grieves your heart, revealed and made the gossip of the day. However, we spend far too much time (in my opinion) dwelling on self and making martyrs of ourselves. Sure it hurts, but our allegiance is to God and following after Him, so we pull up our socks, as it were and we obey Him. When we are weak and where we are weak, we seek out those that will give us wise counsel, pray for us, and help keep us accountable before the Lord. We don't retreat into Lone Ranger mode because someone, at one time, way back when, had a sin issue of their own with being a gossip.

We walk like Enoch did. We take a lesson from someone listed in the Hall of Faith, and we diligently seek Him, in every area of our lives.

I can't wait for next Sunday. This trip through the Hall of Faith is going to be such a blessing to me.

Store Stuff

Inspired by the most snuggable grand-daughter (mine!), this adorable T would be perfect for anyone's most snuggable grand-daughter.

Available in various soft colors & styles.

Get yours here.

Life & stuff

You know sometimes when you wake up and even before your first cup of Joe you know it's going to be one of those days? Well, that's the kind of day I had today.

So, I did what any self-respecting person would do, and I ran off to my daughter's house to play with my grand-daughter. I mean look at that face! She's my squishy-muffin-plum. (Even though I did scare her once and make her cry real live tears, poor baby).

Sometimes just unplugging from *stuff* and enjoying the people around you, is just the medicine the doctor ordered. Praise God for family and good friends that encourage you toward doing the good and Godly thing, and lift your spirits when you feel run down. How refreshing that is.

Oh, I also had a little fun over here today too. I think you'll enjoy this.

If at all possible, spend the morning in the Lord's house, praising His holy name.

Clarifying, correcting and further pondering...

Earlier today after reading Dr. Mohler's clarification post concerning his statements from two weeks ago, I asked this question:

"what is the difference between finding a biological basis & "treatment", and genetic therapies?"

It didn't occur to me that there would be much of a difference, if any real difference at all. It also appeared to me that Dr. Mohler's statements posted today contradicted his statement from 2 weeks ago since then he said he would support testing and treatment if a biological basis could be determined to isolate a gay gene in a baby in utero, but today he said that he would not support genetic therapy or any other treatment of this kind.

Clearly, there must be a difference between the prenatal testing & treatment Dr. Mohler says he would advocate, and the genetic therapies he says he would not advocate. He did mention a type of hormonal patch worn by the mother, so I'm going to speculate that it would only be some type of non-invasive treatment Dr. Mohler would advocate.

Okay then, we've got that all cleared up, more or less.

Of course, this does open up a wide field of speculative scenarios that I do think it's important to consider. Some might write this off as one of those waste of time subjects full of what ifs, but I propose that this is just the very edge of where our medical & scientific communities are headed, and will be working diligently by the time our children and their children after them, are old enough to have children of their own, and be in the position to make decisions about prenatal health care. In conversation with a friend about this last night, I mentioned that I do believe where we stand in our time on this issue, will make a difference in how the generation coming after us, will make the decisions they're faced with. I think it's critically important that we seriously consider the possible implications of such a potential Pandora's Box, when it comes to any kind of genetic or biological testing and treatment of the unborn.

Ultimately however, I believe it's crucial that we line up all of these speculative theories and opinions (yep, mine included) with the sovereignty of God. We've all heard the old saying that "God doesn't make mistakes" but I honestly don't think many people believe that - even the ones who say it. The proof in that is the lengths that people will go to, to "correct" or improve (in their opinions) babies who are born that aren't "normal", or with an illness, or some kind of handicap. If God doesn't make mistakes, and we we are each born exactly as He created us, then why go to such lengths to improve His work? This is a tough question that is incredibly personal for each believer. I'm not even prepared to answer it.

I was born with a hernia, and with severe nerve & muscle damage in one side of my face that causes uncontrollable "winking" when I move my jaw a certain way (or even say certain words) and what also appears to be a "lazy eye". My mom has told me that the hernia caused me so much pain that all I did for the first 18 months of my life was cry and moan from the pain. For whatever reason God has been pleased with, I can remember bits and pieces of my life from that age, and do remember little flashes of feelings of anxiety and pain, and the sense of wanting my mommy to make the pain go away - but knowing somehow that she couldn't. I remember parts of the day of the surgery and while far too little to understand most of what was happening, understanding very clearly that I was going to a place where they would make the pain stop. The hernia was surgically corrected when I was 18 months old, and to celebrate I routinely pulled up my shirt and showed off my 6 inch abdominal scar to people at Safeway (and anywhere else my mom took me) and informed them that "doctor fixit my tummy!" (Yes I'm sure my mom told me to stop it, but I was so excited I thought everyone else wanted to be excited too.)

The hernia and the pain with it were gone but the nerve damage was inoperable, as far as I understand. It would be with me for the rest of my life (but has become less noticable the older I get). As a child growing up, I dealt with constant teasing and mockery due to the nerve damage. Children are brutal when it comes to this. I was angry for a very long time as a result, but one day (somewhere in my late teens) it occured to me that it was an opportunity to simply explain why my eye is the way it is, and answer questions if folks really wanted to know more. With each one of my children, right around the age of 3 for each of them, they've all asked "mom, why does your eye do that?". It's been an opportunity for me to give them a lesson on how God made us all different, even if in little ways, but also in big ways. But that each of us is His creation, and should never be made fun of or teased due to those differences. It's an opportunity for me to tell them how when I was a little girl and other boys and girls made faces and mocked me, how much it hurt my feelings to be treated that way. Because I lived through it, it gave me a compassionate viewpoint to share with them in hopes that they would never treat others in that way.

So what then, if my nerve damage had been repairable by surgery or even detected in utero and treated somehow, prior to my birth? I can only speculate that such an opportunity would be lost to me. I can only speculate that I wouldn't really have the understanding of what it means to say "this IS the way God made me". It took me a long time to come to that place but eventually I did get there, and have since becoming a Christian, made every effort to point back to God's sovereignty in all things, including handicapped babies. Since I was one. It's a very delicate and personal issue, but it's one we have to really take the time to think through.

I am certainly not without compassion toward those who's children are born with illnesses or deformities, or some type of mild to severe handicap. I have two family members that are in that very situation, so I understand it at least a little bit. I was one of those babies, so I understand it from that perspective as well.

There are so many variables that play into this, and also so much emotional reaction. Ultimately however, we have to find a place where God's sovereignty over these things helps us to think through them, rather than relying on speculation or emotion, or subjective personal experiences - and that's NOT easy to do.

Just a few more thoughts on this topic. It's a hard one, no mistake about that.

Why look, there's the bus now

All this talk about eschatology recently brought to mind last night a situation I was in about a year or so ago.

In a very casual setting where maybe 10 or so people were all just sitting and chatting, a lady whom I'd known for a couple of years brought up eschatology. I'm not sure why, but for some reason she wanted to discuss it so she brought it up. She mentioned what her position is, and then went on to say of another, specific position (I'll let you guess which one), that people who hold to that position, are idiots, stupid, arrogant, full of themselves, deniers of the Scriptures, aligned with heretical teachings, have no idea what the Bible really says, and on and on she went. It was nothing short of brutal. What was worse, if possible, was that the majority of people sitting there were in 100% agreement with her, and added their own opinions of the stupidity of such people who hold to that position.

Not one of them sitting there knew that the idiotic, moronic, heretical person that they were describing, was me. Not one of them knew that I do in fact hold to the eschatological position they were throwing under the bus. And I didn't tell them.

I simply excused myself, and made sure in the future that if that topic ever came up again among that group of folks, that I was long out of dodge before I had to hear just what a moron I am. Bear in mind, ALL of that came from people who profess to love the Lord.

With the recent blog discussions that have sprung up lately, I've read this very same description (in some places not so bad, in others, much worse) of myself and the position I hold, from various bloggers & commenters (and no, I'm not naming names, and I have my reasons and I'm at peace with them). To be perfectly honest and blunt, it hurts and offends to see yourself and others that hold the same position you do, dismissed as complete fools, not worthy of anyone's time, or be thought of as idiots who don't really believe the Bible, or worse. It especially offends to see it from people you like. Think about that for a minute and pretend it's you being described in such a way, and then you'll get it.

All that to say this:

Be careful who you're throwing under the bus and shredding with your words. You might be surprised who it is you're really talking about. And with that, I will defer you back to yesterday's post about Christlike blogging. If it doesn't apply to you, then ignore it. If it does, then apply it, as I have been convicted to do as well.

That is all.

Color me confused

It happens. Someone says something then they say something else and I go "huh?" Sometimes folks just say things that I don't get, and I need them to elaborate. Since I can't just dial up Dr. Albert Mohler on the phone and say "brother Al, how does this work?" I'm going to bare my confusion right here and hope one of my readers can help me figure out how these two statements fit together. Okay? Okay.

Brief background:

March 2 Dr. Mohler posted a piece on his blog about Gay Babies. No, I'm not kidding. Toward the end of that piece he listed 10 things Christians should take serious thought to. Here is number 8 (I'm, going to use bold to emphasis where my confusion comes in):

"If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use as we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin." (source)

Okay, over the last 2 weeks the mainstream media picked up on this piece and had a field day with it, apparently (all I read was one piece at FOX news, and they did quote him exactly, from what I recall). So, Dr. Mohler promised to clarify today and he has. But... and you knew there was a but coming, didn't you?

In today's clarification Dr. Mohler says this:

"Research into the human genome and the possibility of germ-line therapies raises all kinds of moral concerns, ranging from the creation of designer babies to the redefinition of humanity. In one article, I was said to advocate genetic therapies. I never said that, and I resolutely oppose such proposals. I would not advocate the use of genetic therapies to create heterosexual babies -- or any other therapy of this type. The hypothetical question I addressed had nothing to do with genetic factors at all. Furthermore, genetic factors are likely to be so complex and inter-related that no single genetic factor or set of factors is likely to be found to cause anything as complex as sexual attraction." (source)

Okay? Now go back and re-read what he said on March 2. I can see how easy it would be for the media to say that he's advocating genetic therapies, since two weeks ago he clearly said that he would indeed support "treatment" if all the elements were in place to support a successful effort to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin.

Didn't he? See why I'm confused? I'm not a scientist (but I do own a very cool microscope kit, I'm a homeschool mom, it's required), but it seems to me that the first statement of Dr. Mohler's was based on finding a biological basis to then determine the course of action which would include testing and treatment. The second statement of Dr. Mohler's was to deny that he ever advocated using genetic therapies.

So then, what is the difference between finding a biological basis & "treatment", and genetic therapies?

I know someone who is brilliant in science is going to come along any second now and clear this right up. Right?

More fun than I should be having at almost midnight on a Thursday...

I honestly had nothing whatsoever in mind to post tonight, until I saw Spinny Head Guy at Campi's blog.

I had to have him for my own!

I love him, isn't he cool?

Well, since I'm here...

I might as well tell you the store's weekly newsletter is up, for those who prefer the web version as opposed to the email version.

It's all your fault

It's official. Due directly to YOU fine folks voting faithfully, Reflections Apparel and Giftware is now the #1 "Fun Tshirt Shop" at this t-shirt directory. It does my heart real good to know that a Christian t-shirt designer (that would be me), with clean, witty and non-offensive funny slogans and sayings, ranks higher than the worldly versions of "fun t-shirts".

Now, to KEEP us #1, I'm grovelling on bended knees for your continued to support and telling you, that you have to keep voting! If I could somehow get uber-exposure and get like 500 votes in a single day to push the shop WAY ahead of the pagan shop, that would be incredible, wouldn't it?

So, thank you thank you thank you for propelling my little ole store to the #1 spot. You people ROCK!

Now click the blue VOTE button in the sidebar (and feel more than welcome to snag it and pop it on your own blog!) and let's keep the Christian shop at #1.

Christlike Blogging

Part of the usefulness of Christian blogging, in my opinion, is to put forth your thoughts and convictions about doctrinal, theological and practical issues in such a way that it clicks (no, I will not use the word resonate, it's a trendy-lingo word that is on my personal ban list) with your readers, reveals something to them they might not have considered before, or just blessed their heart in some way. I cannot begin to count the number of times I've been blessed in such a way like this, from bloggers such as Kim, James, Rebecca, Steve, Phil, and so many others I don't have time to list.

It didn't escape me that the folks I just named there are folks I've been blessed by for a fairly good chunk of time. Rebecca was the first blogger ever to go on my blogroll, and Kim came very shortly after that. I was pleased to find two women bloggers who weren't afraid to take on deep theological issues and write about them in such a way that it served to sharpen me. In my experience it's not a common thing to find women who dig deep into doctrinal matters and can carry on a conversation about them. Phil and James are two brothers I've been reading and been challenged and blessed by, long before Phil ever publicly confessed to his fondness for matches, and long before James could be teased about his outdated website format. I remember when James' site was considered cool (I know, don't faint), and Phil's bookmark page went flashy-cool with the animated siren light graphics (now it's just annoying, but we still love Phil anyway). Steve first blessed me in song (like countless others to be sure) not long after I was saved in 1994 and continues to be a blessing and encouragement to this very day. I mean that literally, since we just chatted a little bit ago. I wish I knew Rebecca better, but as for the rest of these fine feathered folks, I can honestly say I am blessed to call them friends, and quite grateful for their presence in my life over the years. Blogging, has only served to augment this impact and mere words can't really define how much I appreciate it.

Going on about these bloggers wasn't really my intention for this post, but I couldn't help it. They rock, and that's all there is to it. Yes I know that's trendy-lingo, but whatever.

The real intention of this post was to exhort those who have been following the recent blog-hoo-haa over Pastor John MacArthur's message at the Shepherd's Conference. You all know what he said, and you all know how it's been received in various eschatological camps. Make no mistake dear readers, I love and appreciate Pastor John's contribution to the family of believers - he's another who has been a blessing to me from the very beginning of my walk with Christ, even when I disagree with him on a particular position. He said what he said and that's that. This isn't about Pastor John at all.

This is about the conversations that have sprung up as a result of his message.

In many cases, from what I have read and heard, they are insulting, condescending, mocking, arrogant and full of snobbery and so caustic that it makes you wonder where humility went, and when you might expect it to return. In a word, it hurts to see it and hear it.

I don't know what it is about eschatology that brings this out in people, but it DOES, and from day one of my conversion to Christ, I've heard it played out time and time again. I'm right, you're wrong, and you're an idiot, uneducated, a moron, etc., so forth and so on, if you don't agree with me 100% on all points. Yeah, THAT's Christlike, eh?

For the record, just in case anyone was wondering, even the subtle insults to folk's intelligence are usually not missed, even when dressed up to look like scholastic points of reference. If you've got a snarky attitude about something, it almost always comes through even when you try to mask it with something else. True colors & all that.

I'd really like to participate in some of the discussions that have sprung up as a result of all this, but I don't dare. I'd love to ask some questions for clarification, but I know better. I'd love to have a conversation with some of these folks that are far more insightful than I am on eschatological matters, but there is NO WAY on God's green earth I'm going to set myself up for the zingers that I know will come. Maybe I'm just not brave enough, maybe I just don't have a thick enough skin to deal with being called names because I don't understand this point or that point.

What comes to mind here:

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (2Tim.
2:24,25)

How convicting is that?

- Am I a servant of the Lord?
Yes I am, in the context that I serve to bring Him glory in what I say, what I write and how I influence others.
- Do I ever strive (engage in a war of words)?
Yep, I sure do.
- Am I gentle to all?
Nope, not always.
- Am I apt to teach?
Only if I do so with His wisdom and in humility.
- Am I patient?
Nope, most of the time I'm definitely not patient.
- Am I operating in meekness, exhibiting a mild, peaceable spirit?
Most of the time no, I do not conduct myself this way.

I know some might read that passage and say "but wait, the context here is for a pastor". Read the first part of that again though - if you are a servant of the Lord, how are you to conduct yourself toward others? Does that apply to you, or not? Of course it applies, it applies to me, and to you and to anyone else who claims the name of Christ, and trusts in His finished work on the cross to secure their eternal lives. Indeed in principle it does apply to all.

Of course I realize that there are times when you want to be blunt. Times when you become exasperrated, fed up, short fused and all that. Some conversations will leave you that way, and sometimes people say things that just push those buttons in a great big way. How often have we all wanted to blast someone clear out of the water with our response? The thing is, is that if self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, then shouldn't we be trying a bit harder to practice more of that, in any conversation we're having, about any topic?

I know someone is bound to assume I'm talking about them personally. I also know that someone else is going to assume I'm pointing fingers in some self-righteous way. Truth is, every word I just wrote applies to me as much as it does to you. Further, I honestly don't have one particular person in mind right now, but this applies to anyone who's recently jumped into this heated conversation over what Pastor John had to say last week, and hasn't used self-control but instead been just plain mean toward those that don't see your point - no matter WHICH side of the camp you're in, on eschatology.

No, I haven't read every word or every post that everyone has written. I have however read enough posts and comments that this is the impression I've come away with, and I know I'm not the only one. Many others have seen it and come away with the same reluctant feeling and have chosen not to get into this conversation.

It's a real shame when we can't discuss something as important as eschatology, without this sort of thing rearing it's ugly head. Part of the "fruit" of this kind of exchange is that it becomes a stumblingblock of sorts, for a lot people to really take an interest in studying eschatology. Folks become gun shy as a result of these types of conversations, and it leaves them avoiding this study, for lack of much grace. It shouldn't be this way, but it is.

It's my hope that in the future maybe this topic wont be so high-voltage, and more fellow bloggers would try a little harder to be patient, gentle, and serve the Lord with meekness.

Myself included.

A Tale of Two Bloggers

It's often rather interesting how 2 people can be at the same place, at the same time, and witness the same events and yet have 2 completely different viewpoints or perspectives of how those events played out. I thought of this when I read Kim's blog tonight. The thing is, is that this doesn't apply at all to today's events.

Fooled ya, didn't I?

The thing is, Kim and I had a great visit today, just like we always do. I'm blessed to have her as a friend & sister in the Lord.

Now, to the business at hand - if you wondered if we talked about you, the answer is probably yes. Since Kim and I first met through this goofy ole thing we call the blogosphere, and since we still read each other's blogs every day, and many of the same blogs appear on our blogrolls, it's inevitable that some of what you folks post, would filter into our conversations. It's fun to discuss face to face rather than be limited to comment boxes only. Even if Kim did witness me lose my cool when that evil Beagle refused to listen to me. She was very kind to omit that from her account of the visit.

We meant to solve the world's problems, but Darlene's ginger cookies were so good we couldn't stay focused long enough to do that. (And for Marie - no, I didn't forget - and yes - you have a package coming!) So, to not break a promise to those who left a comment for us to solve your issues, here we go:

Marie: the missing socks are in a top secret, highly classified location. We are not at liberty to disclose any further information at this time. Should the situation change at any time, you will be contacted.

Connie: I have come up with a simple, effective and highly versatile tool for you or anyone else to use, to explain what it is you believe. You'll have to go here, to find out what that method is. It'll come in handy in just about any location.

Any further world issues will have to wait until Kim and I get together again.

For Kim: If you'd stop living on the fringe, you might actually get something accomplished with your life.

(*snort, *snicker, *guffaw)

Team Apologian

I have at least 10 different things I'd like to write about this morning, but none that I've really thought through the way I should, and not nearly enough time for any of them. So instead I'm going to tell you about a new store that I hope you'll be interested in:

This is the store for the brothers that make up Team Apologian, at www.aomin.org. Angel Contreras (an absolutely amazing artist) designed the logo, and I recreated it for the product graphics you'll find in the store.

Team Apologian is Colin Smith, Mike Porter, Alan Kurschner, James White, Jeff Downs and James Swan.

I'd like you to head on over there, and check it out. All proceeds from this shop go directly to support Alpha and Omega Ministries. In other words, I don't make a dime off the sales at this store, but you may feel free to buy one of my products while you there, and AFTER you buy a very cool Team Apologian product & support a great ministry.

Yes, I do custom orders.

And now, I have cookies to bake & world issues to consider solving. Now get on over there and do some shopping.

March Break Indeed...

Well it's official. I've finally caved into Canadian pressure after 8 years of a firm standoff. I am weak and spineless and I want everyone to know it.

Instead of forcing my poor, tormented half-American children to wait and have their SPRING break the first week of April like REAL American kids do and have done for millions of years (okay maybe not that long), I've buckled under the pressure of Canadian culture and allowed them to take their March break along with all of the other Canadian kids.

They deserve it though, they work hard in school and last week knocked them all off their feet with this virus. We're still only about 80-90% recovered, but the worst is over and this is a week of goofing off for them (and cleaning projects for me). I'm starting with cleaning the deck. Most of the snow is gone from the deck now, and so I get to go pick up all the junk that blew around all winter and got buried in the snow out there. Can't complain when the weatherfolk say it's supposed to be almost 60f today and tomorrow. Yes sirree Bob, I'll be outside without a coat.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, one of my favorite people in the world is coming for a visit and we're going to eat cookies and solve the world's problems, right from my kitchen table. If you have any problems you need solved, let me know in the comments and we'll work on those while we eat our cookies.

And now... off to make a vat of oatmeal for a small army of oatmeal mongers. Have a great day!

Thanks, Doc :-)

See this guy right here? For those of you that don't know him, this is James White, uber-blogger and apologist extraordinaire. For those of you that do know him, this is Doc. Last night he was kind enough to blog about a t-shirt design of mine, so the only right and proper thing to do is return the favor and tell you about his upcoming book that you really ought to buy.

The book will be a point by point, Biblically (and historically & scientifically) precise refutation of the claims made by the people behind the "Lost Tomb" of Jesus. In James' own words:

"It is my intention to once again take the offensive and use this attack upon our faith as a means of presenting its truth. But to do this properly we must do our homework and engage the topic without giving in to the temptation to simply "mock" it. So I ask for your continued prayer and support while I seek to put all this information into a readable, usable form."

This book should be out by Easter. So bookmark Alpha & Omega Ministries (if you haven't already) and be watching for that. While you're waiting, be sure to read what he's already written on it, in Tomb Issues.

James has been a blessing to us for many years, and I've linked to his site numerous times before. I know that my little ole blog wont generate nearly as many hits to his blog as his linking to my store will, but that's okay. You go on over there and get some good reading in, all the same. Be prepared to give an answer.

UPDATED 2007: Our Mission pt.3

When I originally wrote the following in August of 2005, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the emerging/emergent/resurging/missional/"Jesus follower" movement. I'm not even sure what to call this movement anymore, it seems to morph rather quickly and the names morph right along with it.

This post (and the whole series) had everything to do with the mission God puts us on, once He regenerates us and brings us to faith in Christ. In a simple sense, once you're saved: then what? Brand new believers have it down pat - you can't stop them from talking about the grace of God in their lives! They talk about Him to everyone, everywhere they go, even when others are tired of hearing about Him, they've just gotten started. Sometimes us older believers (older in the faith) would do well to make a note of that.

In light of the recent increase however, of many groups within the evangelical camp adopting the word 'missional' and proclaiming to be such, I thought that it might not be such a bad idea to lay out in a more common language, what 'missional' really looks like.

Ed Stetzer gave a rather thorough treatment on this word here in this paper written in 2006, and has a considerable amount of insight on this topic here in an ongoing series. I would highly recommend you take the time to read the material at those links as it will help you considerably to understand what "missional" is all about.

Over the last couple of years since this word has become more a part of our vocabulary to describe a lifestyle of a Christian, what I personally find so striking is that we even needed a word for such a lifestyle. You cannot turn around these days without seeing this word plastered all over books, articles, blogs and more. With an increasing frequency you'll hear people using this word, when they never used it before, almost as if Christianity now means something new, or something different than it meant in generations before ours.

Once upon a time all one had to do is say "I am a Christian" and folks understood what kind of life you lived and what that meant. You worshipped the Lord and took every opportunity to share your faith with those around you, for the glory of God. Thats what a Christian is, and what a Christian does. However, for reasons that include an entire generation of people who are unfamiliar with the Christian life as opposed to just one generation before them, we now live in a time when Christian is a word that has little or no meaning to people, so we needed new and more precise terminology to define who we are and what we do.

I have no intention of adopting the word missional, to personally define who I am and what I do. The word Christian does that for me, and if it means I have to define my terms when I say that, then that's okay too. What follows is the (updated and expanded) last of a three part series of Bible studies that a pastor friend of mine did online entitled Our Mission.
---------------------------------------------------

You can read part 1 (Our Mission - Prayer) here
and part 2 (Our Mission - Living It) here .

Part 3 of this study is Telling It.

Scriptural Direction

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom 10:13-15)

Before I even address these verses, which I honestly believe speak loudly and clearly, without any comment needed, I would like to address an issue that is inherant with all people. Among any group of people, large or small, you will find diverse and even extreme personalities. Among those people, you will also find a wide variety of gifts, talents, weeknesses, strengths, and abilities. It's just the way it is, and its the way it is by God's providence and design.

Not too long ago I had an odd experience with a self-professed 'street evangelist' who out of frustration I'm sure, chided everyone present who didn't routinely do the same things he said he did. In essence, all those who call themselves Christians were being disobedient to the command of the great commission if they didn't also take to the streets and deliver the gospel to strangers in the same way this street evangelist was doing. I'm honestly not sure if he really believes this, or just said that out of some sort of tension or weariness he was feeling at the time. Bottom line is, God does not gift each person the same way, and therefore its obviously not every believer's calling to get involved in the same exact ministry, as every other believer.

In addition to this, there are such varying personality types among believers, that certain types of evangelistic ministries would be not be suited for all believers. For example, some men and women are gifted with the ability to communicate orally, with large groups of people. No one would expect a man or a woman without this gift, to do the same kind of work. I would hope also that no one would expect those believers who are highly uncomfortable being the center of attention, so to speak, to take center stage and expound on a topic, or deliver a seminar lecture.

This is not to say that God cannot enable such people to do this kind of work, because He certainly can. But it is to say, that He has clearly and obviously enabled people already, with gifts and talents, and we should all be using them as He has given them to us - instead of trying (out of misplaced obligation?) to be super-ministry-person.

With that said, I will list some ways that believers can live the mission of brining glory to God, and sharing the gospel. I believe all are equally valid - since He's the one who bestows these gifts to His people in the first place. This is by no means a comprehensive list - just a very short list of realistic life situations. In a very real sense, where you "go" in your life and how you live out your faith should be based on how He's gifted you, and where He's led you.

Speaking - this covers a lot of ground. There are many who are called to this type of ministry for seminar speaking engagements, workshops, conferences, etc. If this is where your talents lie, this is where you need to be. Not everyone in attendance is a believer, and this is a most amazing opportunity to keep that in mind as you deliver your message. For those in attendance at such events, hearing the gospel affirmed and the doctrines of Scripture expounded on, is a tremendous blessing and edification for them.

Pastoring - men of all ages are called into the ministry in this capacity, and they are a great blessing to their local congregations. I believe with all my heart that the office of pastor IS a calling, and those not called of God, ought not be there. I think it might be safe to say we've all heard a pastor preach that clearly was not called of God, to be in the pulpit. Obviously, much more could be said about this, but for the sake of space, I'll simply leave it with this. When I asked a pastor friend whether or not he agreed with this statement he responded with "agreed - too many men looking for a vocation, and they're not called of God".

Outreach Missions – Not long ago I was in a conversation about the various types of missions work. One friend was talking about the experience and the exposure to poverty and real physical need in poor countries - and another friend was talking about the devastating spiritual poverty right here in north America. Both had great points to bring up, and both fields are also something that is a calling, and those called, equipped by God. Is your heart in local or overseas missions?

Local Community Programs - this is also a very broad category and technically falls into the local outreach missions category, but I wanted to narrow it down just a little. This would include the local food bank, homeless shelter, abuse/crisis shelters, abortion alternatives clinics, AIDS volunteer workers, or any number of other community programs available in your area. Those who devote their lives and have the opportunity to serve the (literal) hungry, the homeless, and the sick, are gifted in this area and make an incredible impact in the lives of many people throughout the community.

Medical/Law Enforcement field - doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, ambulance drivers, dispatch operators, patrol officers, detectives, PD chaplains, counsellors... the list is huge. This is a one on one, day in and day out opportunity to minister Christ, in word and in deed, to people who are in great and urgent need. I know quite a few Christian cops, and the stories they can tell you about doing just that, will melt your heart with joy. Likewise, men and women in the nursing field who not only minister to the physical needs of their patients but commit to praying for them as well, and praying with them, are the best nurses you could ever hope to have.

Financial/Law field - this is without a doubt, a calling, and a field where one must be gifted. There are quite a few Christian attorneys and financial advisors, credit counselors, etc., - and the work they do, like the medical & law enforcement field brings them into personal, one on one contact with people already in great need in this area. Managing money and dealing with legal affairs for the glory of God, is something we could all greatly benefit from and those led into this field are done so by the orchestration of God's sovereign hand placing them there.

Children's Services - Sunday school teachers, day care workers, afterschool clinics, Child Protective Services workers, etc. Anyone who's been around kids for longer than 5 minutes knows some people are gifted to interact with kids, and some are just not. I have a friend Tom, who is a fairly big guy, with a bald head and long grey beard. The very image of Tom has sent more than a few kids screaming for their mommy or daddy. Funny thing is, Tom is about as scary as a bunny rabbit. Kids who get to know him realize this, but at first glance, some kids just immediately fear him. Kids react differently to different people - and when they meet someone who is well-gifted with the ability to interact with them they just sense it, right away. What an amazing evangelistic opportunity there is within a group of children. The impact that believing adults have on the generation to come after us, is immeasurable and absolutely critical.

Writers - yet another very broad area. Just 10 years ago this would be confined (for the most part) to bookstores. With the increase in technology, this now includes the internet and all it has to offer in the way of web pages, discussion forums, email lists, and of course, the Christian blogging community. There are so many unbelievably great evangelical blogs out there, it's nearly impossible to list them all. These days, it seems almost everyone thinks of themself as a writer. Some just write because it's what they do - others write because everyone else is. We all have our favorite authors, whether in book form or web-form, and it's a fantastic way to express your love for Christ, and reach out to whoever is reading. Anyone who's been writing on the internet for more than a few months, might understand the impact of this when that email comes in that says "I didn't know the Bible said this, can you help me understand...". There is an amazing ministry field online. Using it for His glory is imperative.

Singers - this is an area people will just disagree on, it's a given. When I thought of singers I thought of groups, and individuals that put out the most stirring, convicting songs that the heart can bear to hear. I wasn't thinking about the different styles (bluegrass, contemporary, praise, hymns, etc.) within the field, but moreso the gifted singers themselves. I know of a little girl in Tyler Texas, who has melted the hearts of everyone who hears her, by the angelic voice God has blessed her with. Her name is Whitney - and I hope one day you all will know who she is too. She is blessed with a beautiful voice and she's using it for the glory of God (with the wise direction of her mom & dad - Rudy and Glenda). If you have a vocal gift, use it for His glory. He didn't give it to you for any other reason than to do just that. To honor Him with it will in turn bless more people than you can imagine.

Artists - another area people might be prone disagree, but that's okay too. Photographers, sketch artists, painters, computer graphics designers, sculptors, etc. There are quite a good number of Christians well gifted in this area, and they use their talents for the Lord. Their works are incredible conversation pieces and almost always, a door to open for questions.

Various Skilled Trades - carpenters, telephone, cable & satellite installers, plumbers, electricians, computer techs, hair stylists, bank tellers - this list is a mile long. Not everyone can do these things - and if they could - we wouldn't need these people. These folks, men and women, are just flat out good at what they do. Those working in these areas have an abundant opportunity to share the gospel in word, and also in deed, with those around them, every day. Take the opportunties given you, and use your gift for His glory.

Educational - teachers, principles, administrators, etc. This area seems rather obvious, but I think sometimes we might overlook the impact these people have not only on children, but the impact they have on those children as they grow into adults, and begin to raise their own children. Almost everyone I know, including myself, remembers the great teachers, the so-so teachers, and the horrible teachers they've had in life, that impacted the way they think. Teaching is indeed a gift - one to be used for the Lord. The educational field is clearly not limited to teaching children, but adults as well in various fields. Those who are gifted to teach have an avenue into people's lives that others simply do not have, and this is an open door to be an example of Christ to those that do not know Him.

Homemakers/parents - I saved this one for last. Not because it's least, but because it's the hardest job in the whole world. While you certainly don't have to have any special talent to have children, to raise them you better believe you sure do need the grace and wisdom of God to do so in an effective way. Parents who send their children to public/private schools need to rely heavily on the wisdom and direction of the Lord for choices they are presented with in that area. For those parents who choose to educate their children at home, it's a double load of responsibility - one that requires even more time in prayer for guidance, wisdom, managing time effectively, and grace to do it all. Every homeschooling parent knows exactly what I mean by that. While I do believe teaching is a gift, and to be an effective teacher you must have this gift, I also believe that if the Lord burdens your heart to educate your kids at home in a Christ centered atmosphere, He will also equip you to do the job He's called you to do. Even if you're not homeschooling, but a stay at home parent with your kids that first 5 years before they go off to kindergarten - you better know you have the most important evangelistic mission field, right in your own house. What you sow into their hearts and minds that first 5 years, will make all the difference in their lives, for the rest OF their lives. It is by no means an easy task (although somedays it sure can be, and praise God for those carefree days), and it is by all means a full time endeavor.

While I'm sure I've left a few things out that maybe you've thought of as you read this, I hope this has given you some pause for thought, in the area of ways we can fulfill our mission (and truly be missional) by 'telling it'. Wherever you are, wherever you go, you have a unique opportunity in your field, to bring a message of hope to those that do not have it. You have an opportunity to give people reasons to ask you, why you believe what you do, and/or why you have a peace that the world simply cannot offer.


Conclusion

I am so thankful to pastor John for sharing this study with us last week. It touched me more than he likely thought it would matter to anyone. I hope this small series on Our Mission has been a blessing to someone - but even if it hasn't, it's redirected my own thoughts, and blessed me in big ways, and I'm just so glad about that.

In proofreading this, I realized I never even addressed the text at the beginning. In looking again at the text, I believe that if we live our lives with the discernment of the gifts and talents He's given us, and frequently reading those verses to do a little self-examination, we will see to it that we are living those very verses, in our one on one contact with those around us.

Originally posted 8/21/05 - UPDATED 10/07

DNA, anyone?

I saw this over here, and thought it was so cool I couldn't resist (then had to go back and edit it because I messed up in a couple of places!). If you really wanted to know more about me, you can click on the Read My Visual DNA link at the bottom there. Generally, these things are about as hokey pokey as the day is long, but this one is so accurate it's almost scary.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

You Irish book junkie!

Two thoughts at once this morning, so instead of 2 posts I'll do one and include them both. First, this is for Rebecca:

Your Irish Name Is...

Aislin Murphy

What's your Irish Name?

Now that we know I'm Aislin Murphy, this next one's for Kim, at Bookworm Bookmarks who has a great bookworm meme. Since I'm an easy target for all things... well... book, I'm playing along:

Bookworm Meme

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback?

I'm pretty flexible on this. I actually prefer hardback, but if it's not available I'm okay with other forms, as long as the binding & typeset is done well. Bad binding & printing makes it annoying to really enjoy the book (and I've run across only a few in all the years of reading, but they were bad enough to remember).

Online purchase or brick and mortar?

These days, brick and mortar bookstores only cause me grief. Far too much liberal garbage in every category.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?

Neither, I shop almost exclusively at CBD

Bookmark or dog-ear?

It doesn't really matter to me, if I have one I use it, if not I turn the corner of the page back.

Mark or not mark?

Yes, I write in books! So there.

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?

Well... our shelves are primarily set up by subject. However, I'm the worst librarian in the world, Kev is the second worst, and we have 900 kids that take books off shelves and never (and I do mean never) put them back where they got them. Therefore, it's mostly categorized by "not quite so disorganized" through "stop what you're doing and straighten this up".

Keep, throw away, or sell?

It depends. Books we know or hope will be helpful to the kids as they get older, we keep. Books we read and went "there is just no way" we toss into the burn bin (yes, we live in the country and burn stuff). Books that fell into the middle category we sell.

Keep dustjacket or toss it?

I toss them, Kev keeps them.

Read with dustjacket or remove it?

We both remove them.

Short story or novel?

Both, depends on what I'm interested in at the time.

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?

I prefer the short stories by the same author, there's a continuity there in writer style that I get comfortable with. Like a good pair of jeans, you know?

Lord of the Rings or Narnia

I like both, and appreciate both for different reasons.

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?

Well let's see if this sounds familiar to anyone: 12:30 am, make a note to read until the next chapter. 1:15 am, make a note to only keep reading until 1:30. 1:55 am, determine to read only until the end of this chapter. 2:25 am, decide at 2:30 I'm going to bed no matter where I am, and turn the corner of the page back & stumble up the stairs.

“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”?

Both. One places you into the setting immediately, the other slowly takes you to a time frame.

Buy or Borrow?

I prefer to buy since I turn pages back, make notes in the margins and if coffee gets spilled on it, I don't have to replace it.

New or used?

Doesn't matter, as long as it's in decent shape by the time I get ahold of it.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse?

The biggest part of the time I buy books based on recommendations from friends who've read them already, and were enriched in some way by what they read.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?

Tidy ending. I like my books to end in a nice wrapped package with a pretty bow on top.

Morning reading, afternoon reading or night time reading?

Afternoon if it's pouring down rain, but otherwise evening after kids are in bed.

Standalone or series?

Both are good.

Favorite series?

I don't have a favorite.

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?

I'm not really sure this falls into the category of my personal favorite, or if it falls into the category of book no one else has heard - although - it was a very moving book and very few people I've ever known have ever heard of it. A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy - One Child's Courage to Survive. Not for the squeamish, this book is written from the viewpoint of an adult survivor of horrific child abuse. It will make you cry and it will make you hug your kids & pray, a lot.

Favorite books read last year?

How about we do "within" the last year?

Favorite book of all time?

Outside of the Scriptures, hands down, no questions asked, that would have to be Arthur Pink's The Sovereignty of God. This is the book that opened my eyes to the doctrines of grace. Need I say more?

So there you have it.

In the time it took me to compose this post, my 9 yr old threw something out the window, the downstairs toilet flooded, I had a brief coughing fit, and everyone began demanding that I make breakfast. For some reason, these people in my house think they are supposed to eat, on Saturday morning.

Sigh...

Wake up, this is GOOD stuff

Just FYI:

ROLFECAST (see the pretty dark pink BOX over yonder in the sidebar) has been updated with COT BlogCast. You need to listen to this. Carefully.

Happy Anniversary to my house

Yes I know it's Friday. Yes, Friday BlogFodder is supposed to be here. No, it's not here, and I'm not sure if it will be by the day's end. We'll see.

You know, my mom yelled at me yesterday. Raised her voice, even. At the top of her lungs, typed in ALL CAPS, to me! She yelled at me because I removed my profile pic. "I like seeing you every day" she says. Oh sure, easy for her to say, she's the mom! The thing is, I don't like staring at my face every day when I login here. I know what I look like, I don't need to be reminded every day, fer cryin' out loud.

Fine, since I'm in complete denial that it's winter, I went & dug up a picture from a day last summer when Kim & Buggy & all the assorted Shayettes were here. We had lots of fun that day.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, I'd like to tell you a story about God's providence. This'll be really good, get a coffee and relax now, we're going down memory lane on the RolfeWagon. I'll try to avoid potholes & such, but I can't promise anything.

Winter of 2001 - nothing special or outstanding about the time of year, except to say there was tons of snow just like always. It had been a really good year for us. That spring we'd stashed away our tax refund and added a little to it each payday. By 5 am on July1 we had more than enough to pack all 6 very sleepy kids in the van and head out on the open road for a cross country trip to Mom's house (yes, the one that yells at me!). We took our time getting out there, and 4.5 days later, on the 4th of July, I was home again in my United States of America (for those few smartie pants people I know that insist I'm Canadian). Oh, was I ever glad to be home! Three weeks of perfect summer weather, then we packed everyone up again and made the trip back to Ontario. It was THE best vacation I've ever had, and wish I could do it again.

Fall arrived sooner than it should have, but it was uneventful. Soon winter was on us, and on us big time with massive amounts of snow, early in the season. The day after Christmas we got some really bad news. The 5 bedroom townhouse we were renting (in the city, where I had high speed internet cable access!), was going to be sold, and we had until March 15th to be out.

Well, that wasn't exactly the news we wanted to hear, but things work out that way sometimes and you roll with it, right? So we started looking for a place to rent. Every day that Kev was off, we took our list of potentials from the classifieds, and hopped in the van with our Tim Hortons (no, you cannot house hunt without a coffee, what are you, nuts?) and headed around the area looking at possibilities. January came, and we hadn't found anything big enough, affordable enough, and clean enough - with a yard. We didn't have that many requirements, but it had to have a yard or I'd go postal. If you cannot walk barefoot in your own grass, you need to move.

February came, and still nothing. The first week of February I was starting to feel like I was coming down with something, but that never stops me when things need to be done. I suppose that comes from my gpa's Scottish roots or something. Maybe it's the coffee? In any event, by almost the middle of February we still hadn't found anything, had 30 days left to go before we were sleeping in the van and taking showers at the YMCA, and that's when it hit me.

MONONUCLEOSIS... aka "mono" or "the kissing disease". Not a clue where I got it, since no one I'd kissed had it, but there it was all the same. It happened so fast I never had time to prepare. I'd taken Kev to work one day so that I could have the van to run errands. I dropped him off at 6:45 am, came home and barely made it to the couch before I (literally) passed out. Thankfully one of the older girls was home that day & took care of the little ones. Ruth wasn't here yet, and Jordan, Rachel and Samuel were only 4, 3 and 1. Had I been alone that day, they'd have been eating soap and blowing up the gas powered water heater.

For the next 2 weeks I could barely move. I couldn't eat, didn't eat, and couldn't do much of anything else either. I hurt from every possible place you could hurt, and the blood work came back and said "mono". The doc said it might be 6-8 weeks before I'd be back to normal. Fine timing, this mono-bug. We were now down to 2 weeks before we had to be moved out. I don't have a clue how I did it, but I had the whole place packed, except for what we used every day. It must have been the coffee, but I don't even remember doing it.

Kev brought the paper home that night and I flopped around on the couch getting in a halfway decent position to look at the classifieds. I saw 2, that looked like they had potential, so I circled them both and asked someone to bring me the phone. One didn't answer, and the other one did but said they couldn't show it that night, how about the next night? I said sure, whatever, and hung up. I had about as much common courtesy and energy as a salted slug in a bad mood. I was already preparing myself mentally for the idea of sleeping in the van.

The next night I forced myself off the couch and made sure I was presentable to real people (family doesn't count, you get to be a wreck around them and they don't care). The rental house was about a 40 minute drive, so on the way out, Kev and I talked about how many times we'd been out birding over the years and found ourselves driving around in the country admiring the old fieldstone and brick farmhouses. Many of them have been around for 100+ years, and have been added onto several times over by each passing generation that lives in the house and farms the land. We both loved the idea of living in the country and letting the kids be country bumpkins, free to play and enjoy the fresh air without the fear that goes along with living in the city.

So we drove, and drove, and drove... and finally got to the dirt road where the house was. We both perked up, it was a dirt road. Dirt roads mean country, and country means lots of room. We pulled into the driveway (which they call a laneway, and I have no idea why) and I immediately said to Kev "when can we move in?" I didn't need to see the house, I didn't care - I saw the yard and it was HUGE.

Well, we got to the house, took the tour and I was in love with it. The kitchen was bigger than the last small town we drove through, and there was plenty of room for everyone, and then some. The rent was $200 bucks less than what we were currently paying, and it was all good, nothing bad, we loved it and when can we move in, thank you very much? The owner said there was another couple coming to look at it the next night, and that he would get back to us re: our rental application.

We went home and prayed, big time. Both of us knowing full well that God will provide, and that God's timing is perfect, we just gave ourselves over to that fact, and had real peace about it.

Well, we waited, and waited, and waited. We looked at another place while we waited, and applied for that place too. We really wanted the place in the country but we didn't have the luxury of time, so we tried to play it smart. One week before we had to be out, we got a phone call.

I was laying on the couch (because that was my new home, for the time being) and Kev answered the phone. "Oh, hi.... okay.... yeah.... I understand.... sure.... I appreciate that... yes.... okay, thanks for calling." I started holding my breath, on the verge of crying. I knew it was the owner of the country house (not sure how I knew, I just did) and I was so afraid he was saying our rental application had been denied.

He hung up the phone and told me what the owner said. The second couple came to look at it the following night, and after both apps cleared, he thought it was only fair to give us the first right of refusal, since we saw it first and loved it and I insisted on moving in that night. In other words, it was OURS, Kev said YES, and we had a house!! And we had 6 days to pack up and be out.

The house search was over, we got the one we wanted, and in my overwhelming sense of relief I turned and shouted for joy (literally) into my pillow. Then I thanked the Lord for His goodness, providence, timing, and faithfulness, when I'm often so unfaithful to remember this and take comfort in it. After that I think I passed out again, the next week is still a blur. Somehow I got off the couch (I had to, big, burly men with scowls flipped the cushions off and took my couch away!) packed boxes and furniture into a moving van and our family van, and we moved.

That phone call happened, 5 years ago, today.

Since then, the Lord has shown us time and time again how He provides for us well ahead of what we ever realize. Since we moved, we've had a few pretty significant financial setbacks, and while it's not nearly as affordable to live in the country now, as it was then, due to the circumstances we're in, it would cost almost twice as much for us to live in the city and be on city water (we have a well, water is free, kids, use all you like!), city heat (sell the furniture to pay for the electric bill? I don't think so...) and have a place big enough for all our 900 kids (or 800, or however many there are, I lost track after the 5th kid). So... we are right where we are because this is where He put us, and for now anyway, keeps us.

It's not easy, it's a big place and it gets awfully cold when we run out of wood every February (and we do, every year) but we muddle through and the Lord provides every time. Every time. Shame on us when we forget that He does, and that He will.

It's been a good 5 years in the country. Now if this dratted snow would melt, I could get out there and plant stuff & get all messy in my garden.

Speaking of gardens, I thought of my mom & my gma who have always had the most lovely and fragrant roses in their yards, when I created this at 6 am this morning. Yes, having a fever can make you do strange things. Oh well. Maybe this year I'll plant some rose bushes?

In the meantime...

Bunch O Roses

Have a great Friday!

Funny, that

It's interesting how the Lord works things out in our lives sometimes. Last week I started getting sick. I thought I had the worst of it and that the worst had passed. Then Kev got it, then all the kids, each one coming down with it a couple days apart from each other, with today being Jordan's worst day. I thought I was long past the worse part and glad to be so, so that I could take care of everyone else.

Well, I was wrong. The worst has hit and now I understand just a little better why Kev took 2 days off a the beginning of the week. Everything hurts, from head to toe. My house is a disaster area, and I haven't seen a hand towel in a week. I'm just glad everyone else is getting better now. My turn to make the couch my home base.

Store Stuff

It's snowing again. I've launched a full scale DENIAL attack campaign.

I spent the morning toptoeing through my tulip garden of pictures to design this line.

I've wasted the whole morning, just to play with tulips.

I feel no sense of guilt whatsoever.

If you're in denial too, this is your shirt.

Come see the garden here.

Commenting on Commenters

Well imagine that. I post about blogging and commenting and get some pretty nifty comments. And no, I was not trolling for comments, in case you were wondering, but since they were so good, I'm going to front page them & answer them here:

Rebekah said: "I just need to write what is on my own heart, and if God chooses to bless anyone else with it - great! But those posts that I am just sure God laid on my heart, they are the most personally fulfilling to write, even if it's a little discouraging when no one else seems to care about them."

Rebekah gets it - how writing out a work of God in your heart is such a joy to do.

Tom writes: "How do you feel when people pick up on one small aside in your post and comment on that?" And then he goes down early bbs memory lane. Truth is Tom, that was fun! Yes I do remember sysops & 300 baud. Do you remember when modems upgraded from 1200 to 2400 and it was such an incredible jump in speed?

Re: the small asides & commenting on that, I actually find it rather interesting what stands out to people when I do write. Did I ever think that would be what would get anyone's attention in that post? Nope, sure didn't, but that's part of how intricate and fun interaction can be.

Carmen in sunny Phoenix says: "Reading through your archives and getting to know you makes me want you for a next-door neighbor. You live too far away, girl! I'd even bring you chicken soup when you all are sick."

Awwwwwwwww! How nice was that?! I love chicken soup, do you have crackers too?

Rebecca writes (get it, nyuck nyuck): "I'm thinking I should at least leave something that says "This post made me think. Thank you."

Yep, this Rebecca gets it too.

Rabbit from The Hutch said: "I love long, chewy, meaty posts; I sometimes don't know what to say in response but you're right, "thank you" is often just enough".

'Zactly! It's also encouraging to me personally to see others say the same thing. I'll go back and re-read these comments when I've become lax in my own commenting. And by the way Rabbit, I was on P* from '93 to '97. I wonder if we ever ran into each other? Homelife BB & Religion BB? I even remember my account # there, how weird is that?

Connie and Jen both admit they're stalkers. Well at least now we know!

Believe it or not, I do understand about the feeling like being a blog-groupie sort of thing. But you know what? I don't really think folks see it that way if you're the first one to comment or a consistant commenter at someone's blog. I post at this blog all the time, and she knows I'm not a stalker! (She's been in my house, she knows I'm too lazy to be a stalker).

David, following a link from another blog to get here, says: "my own experience has proved that something you post can also (in the providence of God) be "stumbled upon" by another brother or sister, and be a real blessing or challenge or prayer focus to them. So - keep posting!"

That's so true, and happens quite frequently, by the very orchestration of God. Great encouraging reminder there. (And while you're at David's blog, check out his profile pic. Look familiar? Mmm hmmm... I thought so. I think being a reformed baptist means essentially, you can count on being in constant need of shelf space)

Christa wrote: "I really liked this entry, I'm so glad that I read it. I think it changed my whole perspective of my blogging."

Uh oh, what have I done!?

Gramma Mack goes deep when she says: "Thank you, I appreciated that."

That actually did make lol for real.

And I for one, appreciate the thoughts you've all shared on this. It made me think, made me remember what I already knew, and made me laugh. So thank you.

Would you like some cheese with that?

Referral keyword searches. They're fun, useless (most of the time) and pointless. Unless of course they end up being blog fodder, like this.

Funniest keyword search that directed someone here to Reflections lately:

"scriptures about whiners"

Now, here's the fun part. Google lists the top results from that specific search string:

1. Fred Phelps at God hates [slur omitted] dot com. No link from me, you don't want to go there anyway.
2. Blog I don't know
3. Frank
4. Chalcedon.edu
5. Me

I guess I should be glad the others came before me.

I guess that means they whine more than I do?

Store Stuff - by request

Now available:

In mens, womens, black, white and a wide variety of colors in between.

GET YOURS HERE

Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I First Started Blogging

Alternately Titled: Stuff Happens & People are Weird

Do you ever read something in a book, on the web or in a magazine, and find yourself so absolutely captured by what you just read, that you go back and read it again, and maybe even a third time as well, or fourth - then just sit and really chew on it for a few minutes? I'm purposely omitting the way the Scriptures do this because I'm referring to modern works of men, that sometimes have this astounding ability to knock us off our feet.

This happens to me quite a bit, and either it means I'm incredibly dense and therefore prone to frequent bursts of illumination from a variety of writers, or it means that there are just some incredibly gifted writers out there that I'm blessed to come across. I'm going to go with the latter on this one.

Oftentimes I find myself reading something (like this, or this) and I have to read it carefully, and slowly, because I know it's going to really open my eyes and either bless me, convict me, challenge me or in some way equip me. When you begin to read something that falls into that category, you just know at the very beginning, that it's in that category, and you're in for a treat. For me (and this may differ for you) when I read something that has this sort of affect on me, I always want to thank the writer. I cannot tell you how many books I've read that I've tried to locate a postal or email address for the author, just for that reason.

The title of this post isn't really all that accurate for one simple reason. Blogging isn't really much different than participation on bulletin boards, and I've been a BBS'er since 1993. For the geeks in the audience, you'll remember local bbs systems & 2400 baud. Yeah, I've been around that long. I'm ancient.

Blogging, like BB participation can be a most bizarre thing sometimes.

Let's say you wake up one day and you've been so overwhelmingly blessed by something, that you sit down to write about it. The more you write the more you want to explain what the Lord has shown you in His word, how that connects to YOU and your local church, or how it plays out in the life of your children, or various relationships. The more you explore this in your writing the longer your piece becomes and you end up investing a good chunk of time on it. You proofread it, edit it, add to it, and polish it up before publishing because you want nothing more than for this same blessing in your heart to have the same kind of impact on your blog or BB readers.

Finally it's done and you publish. You're pumped up about it and you just know it's going to be such a treasure for others as well, that you walk around that day in an uber-content mode. Later in the day you return to your pc and find that not one person has left a reply. Not one. No one, nada, zip, zilch. Next day rolls around, and still nothing. And the next, and the next, and the next: nothing. Why, you ask yourself? Did no one read this? Did no one care? Was it that bad that people just skimmed right over it? Was it too long? Was it too wordy?

Then a few days later you see a post from someone else that says something along these lines:

"My cat ate a mouse today and I watched and it was really gross!" - with 143 comments by the end of the first day.

Obviously you're sitting at your desk scratching your head and asking yourself why was that information so comment-worthy, and what I had to post, so ignored?

Truth is, you're never going to figure it out because people are strange. There are a wide variety of reasons why people don't comment on more in-depth, doctrinal or hard hitting topical posts.

- Maybe you've said all there is to say about it, and folks just don't feel like they have anything to add. (I've recommended simply leaving a comment that says "thank you, I appreciated that" in such cases).

- Maybe it was too long and folks bookmarked it to come back and read when they have more time. (And often they will, and leave a comment later that will bless you back.)

- Maybe it was so long that folks just skipped right past it. (It's not a general rule of thumb, but many online readers prefer short & pithy over long & deep. Some of us do like the longer posts though, so it's a toss up.)

- Maybe it's because it simply wasn't controversial enough, and didn't have enough points in it that a wide audience could tear up and get a blog/forum hoo-haa going over. (Sadly, we all know how controversial postings garner far more attention than anything else. Try it yourself if you don't believe me, and write a blog post about an Emergent Church having "clothing optional" gathering at the local park, with the guest speaker being a lesbian pastor that stands on pro-choice - and Tim Challies liveblogged it.) If you really want tons of comments, go for the tabloidish and you'll get them.

Maybe it has nothing to do with any of those reasons at all, but some other reason. It's impossible to know for sure because people who aren't commenting aren't commenting to let you know why. Yes I know, that part is obvious.

Here's the thing though...

It doesn't matter. Really, it doesn't matter. Read that again in case you missed it the first time.

If the Lord has laid something on your heart, write until your fingers fall off. Make it as long as you want it. Go into as much detail as you want to - go for it! Don't write for the sake of getting comments, but write for the Lord.

Sure, feedback and discussion is nice sometimes, and sure iron sharpens iron and all that, and yes we are by design social critters that prefer the interaction with fellow social critters, but that shouldn't be a focus or a motivator for you. If it is, you only set yourself up for frequent disappointment, and really... why go there?

Of course there are some online personalities that could write just about anything, shallow or deep, captivating or just plain boring - and they're going to get a boatload of comments. Truly, that has much more to do with web-celeb shoulder-rubbing, than the content of the posts and we all know it. We all see this in chat (for those of you that use chat), if there's a famous amos in the room or channel, folks will fall all over themselves to talk to the celeb. Often, they embarass themselves by doing it and they're the last ones to notice it. Don't go there either, you'll look like Barney Fife.

The part that you might miss, is that it's entirely possible that the Lord has laid this thing on your heart to bless JUST you. Years ago I read (on a bb, no less) someone say something along the lines of "some of the best sermons I've ever preached to others, were the ones I most needed to hear for myself". Sometimes blogging or forum posting is the same way. If it blessed or uplifted or convicted you, then hang onto that and let that be the blessing in and of itself, without being discouraged that no one else responded.

I was talking to a dear friend last night about this, and told them that I was going to post about this today. I said "wont it be ironic if no one comments?". I suppose it would be, but I would have to laugh about it. This is stuff I wish I would have been able to read when I first started coming online and participating in forums years ago, that also applies to the blogging community. Yes they're called discussion forums, and the first part of that is often quite enjoyable (that would be the discussion part), but it's not always what you get, and you really should take an "oh well" attitude about it.

In truth, I'm just as guilty as anyone else when it comes to not leaving a comment. I might read something that I thoroughly enjoyed, and nodded my head the whole way through - then just click away to something else. I've been convicted myself of this over the last year or so, because it really is just a matter of common courtesy to thank someone if they've helped you in some way. It shouldn't matter if you don't feel like you have anything to add, and maybe you don't, but a simple "thanks, that helped" is often appreciated by the writer.

So there ya go. Random thoughts from an almost-not-sick-anymore blogger. Leave a comment if you like, but remember if you're new to blogging and/or don't seem to get many comments, don't beat yourself up over it. Stuff happens and people are weird.

And that, is not news.

Store Stuff

Two more from the "I'm too sick to move so I might as well be productive while I sit here and do nothing of any value" files:

There's a story behind this design, just like there's a reason behind every design I create. This one however, is a bit of a neat coincidence.

Some years ago I was reading something, somewhere. It might have been a book, magazine or a web page, I don't really recall what it was, but the topic was Christian liberty, and how so many Christians really have no idea what it means. So many assume it has to do with the license to act however you like since you're saved. They'd be wrong. Others take great liberty with liberty, and shove that freedom in the faces of others as if it's some sort of badge of honor. They'd also be wrong.

The more I read about this subject, the more I saw how confusing the subject can actually be. I'd heard sermons, read the Scriptures and still, even I wasn't 100% confident that I understood the phrase in the most simplistic way. Then one day I read the preface (what, you mean you don't read the preface in text books???) in a homeschooling textbook that laid it out so clearly. I don't recall the exact wording, but it said that Christian liberty is not the license to live however you like, it's the power to live to please God. BINGO! There it was, in the most easy to understand sentence. I was glad to finally understand it this way.

I've never heard anyone else say it that way. Of course I also live in a cave and don't pay much attention to the world at large so that doesn't mean much. Just recently though, I heard someone speaking of Christian liberty, and they defined it exactly the same way! It was really good to hear that. After a bit of discussion, that person and I decided this would make a great t-shirt. Several rough drafts discarded later, there it is. I'm quite pleased with the way this turned out. If, when you think of freedom, you tend to think in political ideals, take a closer look at the flag on this T. Genuine freedom is defined by the Word, and the way to Freedom is through Christ's finished work on the cross. I hope you enjoy this T as much as I did creating it. And a big thank you to my friend for his help in putting it all together.

The tulip might be might theological flower, but the scent of the Carnation is probably my most favorite flower, ever. Ranked right up there also would be Lily of the Valley and French Lilac (and yes, those are coming very soon, as well).

Carnations remind me of innocence in childhood. When I was a little girl, there was a house a few blocks away from mine that had a flower bed right at the edge of the sidewalk. In that flowerbed were the most fragrant Carnations I've ever smelled. Every day when I'd walk past that house on my way home from school, I'd stop and bend down, to smell them close up. No one ever needed to remind me to stop and smell the roses, I did it every day. And the Carnations, Lilacs, and Japanese Cherry Blossoms, too!

I'm very much looking forward to spring, when the flowers begin to bloom. Until then, I have several floral designs in mind to keep me busy & add to Simply Flora. I hope you enjoy these new additions to the store.

One final note on Christian T-shirts. Someone asked (not of me, but someone else that creates Christian t-shirts) "why do you make those?"

I know that everyone has different tastes, and not all brothers and sisters would ever wear these kinds of shirts. I'm good with that. I also know that some have real issues with what they call "selling the gospel" or making "merchandise" of the faith. I'd have to agree that fleecing the flock is a sinful thing to be doing. Back to the question though of "why do you do this?"

I do it because I like Christian t-shirts, and so do lots and lots of other people. I'm most comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans and if my t-shirt can have something cool or profound on it, then all the better. I do it because when I wear a Christian T in public, people see it while I'm standing at the grocery checkout or the bank, or pumping gas. They do read them. Sometimes they ask "what does that mean?" I do it because I'm a mean, nasty rotten Calvinist and I want 5pointer and tulip and 5 solas t-shirts, and I'm not going to find those at CBD. So, there's a lot of reasons I do it, but the ultimate goal is to glorify the Lord with every Christian graphic I design & give folks a great product in the process.

So, there ya go. That's why.

Praise Him

weary adjective: physically or mentally exhausted by hard work, exertion, strain, etc.; fatigued; tired

In a very brief chat with a dear friend tonight, this word was mentioned. It very accurately sums up my day today, and the last several days. Having a house full of sick people, and being sick myself has just about drained me in every way a person can be drained.

But... even when I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, there is always one thing that tends to set my mind back at rest. Remembering God's sovereign care and protection. If I didn't have that in my life, I'd be a mess. Praise Him for His grace, He deserves our praise - even if it's in tears after a particularly brutal and exhaustive day. Sometimes, that's when it's the sweetest.

Freedom

Since I wasn't doing much of anything this weekend but a lot of sitting and contemplating, the ole creative mode kicked in and I whipped out 3 new designs for the store.

I really enjoy doing this, but sometimes I enjoy creating certain designs, more than others.

This one is one of those that I thoroughly enjoyed creating. Maybe it has something to do with being stuck in a body that's prone to illness and decay. Maybe it had something to do with being stuck in a house while the snow and bitter wind rage outside. Maybe it had something to do with the promise of freedom in Christ being a joy to my heart?

Probably a combination of all three. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Yes, we're still sick

Nasty Virus Update:

• Kev: can't function, got up at 11:30, went back to bed at 12:15. I haven't seen him since. He's now in day 1 of the really bad part. He's used all his vacation time for 2007 already, due to treacherous weather conditions. He'll be sleeping all day, I'm sure.
• Jessica: the first one to get this, last weekend, and the first one to start feeling better as of yesterday. Still blowing her nose & sounding sick and unable to perform for church today.
• Jordan: stuffed up & lethargic.
• Rachel: coughing like mad but more energetic than anyone else.
• Samuel: came out of day 1 of the really bad part (aches, pains, fever, lethargy, stuffed head) late last night.
• Ruth: heading into day 1 of the bad part, this afternoon.
• Me: completely in auto-pilot doing the best I can to make meals & do laundry. Head still the size of Iowa, still hurt everywhere, still sounding like a man trying to do an impression of Brenda Vacarro. If you don't know who that is, it doesn't matter. I'm hoarse, really bad.

I have no idea what this is, but it feels a lot like it did when I came down with mono 5 years ago this month. I don't think it's mono, we'd all be much worse.

Prayers greatly appreciated, along with friends who call at 9am and make me laugh. You know who you are, and why snorting is funny.

I hope you all had a blessed day in the Lord's house this morning.

Store Stuff

Bible Promises: Satisfaction

Looking over the news headlines last night I couldn't help but notice one of the most alluring lines of text:

UberBucks Lottery JackPot at $275 Million!

It wasn't exactly worded that way, but that's close enough. I looked at the headline and thought to myself for a few seconds what does 275 million dollars look like? I don't have the slightest idea, but I suppose it to be rather overwhelming.

I'm not so unlike others that when I see something like this I don't entertain the idea of what it might be like to come into such a large amount of money. There is no question that a windfall like this wouldn't be a sigh of relief. Bills would be paid, needs would be met, and there would be plenty left over to do an amazing amount of good things, in places where good things now lack. After all that was done, there'd still be plenty left to comfortably take care of kids, and their kids after them, and their kids after that. No question at all that this wouldn't be a good thing, in that regard.

It occured to me however, that when you take the time (even if it's just a few seconds) to entertain the question "what would I do if I won...?" that your very first thought after that, is setting your sights on things of this world. Immediately you think of ways to make your life (in this world) and your family's lives better by such things as paying off debts or buying things to make life easier or just more enjoyable. While I don't think there is anything wrong with those things in and of themselves (we'd all like to be debt free and take a vacation once in a while, wouldn't we?) I do think it lends to a potentially dangerous and sinful practice for the Christian if these are things that tend to consume your thoughts.

The Scripture tells us that we're not to be about laying up our treasures on earth, where they will deteriorate and decay, but investing our time and our thoughts toward laying up treasures in Heaven where they will remain eternally. The warning that comes with this exhortation is pretty stark in that where our treasure is, there also will be our heart. Put another way, where our precious and valuable things are, that's where our affections, emotions, desires, appetites & passions will be. If we are so focused on our dissatisfaction with the circumstances that define our lives, we're primed and posed for jumping at any opportunity to become passionate towards such worldly things that we place our hope in, to improve our lives. In so doing, we head into very dangerous ground.

In this world that we live in, it's very easy to become dissatisfied with our lives, and the circumstances that make our lives the way that they are. Along with joyous times and wonderful moments, life is also filled with discouraging events, distressing circumstances, and depressing situations that sometimes feel so overwhelming that its easy to lose focus of the good, and dwell on the bad. Failed relationships, job loss, illness, death and injustice are everywhere we look. For some of us, many if not all of those are things we deal with every single day. This is the reality for countless numbers of people everywhere you look.

So then how are we to be satisfied in this life when such painful and discouraging things seem at times to define the very life we're living?

First, I believe it's critically important to remember that as James said, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) As well as what Paul said when we are reminded that our light affliction is but for a moment (2Cor. 4:17). It's so important that we keep a right perspective on these things and remember that this life is just a very temporary situation. There is a life to come and that life is eternal, and for those in Christ it's eternally filled with joy, praise, glory in the Father, where all the former things are wiped away. The suffering and discouragement we deal with in this life is incomparable to the joy to come. When we understand this it makes it quite a bit easier to deal with the hard times.

Even with that in mind, it's also very important to focus your minds and hearts on living each day in satisfaction. That's not easy to do for a lot of us, as we battle with the temptations of the flesh and tend to carry ourselves off with a moment's emotional reaction to a circumstance that sets us back. How can we live in a satisfied state when the terminal diagnosis comes, the spouse walks out, the child dies, or the bank takes the house? How do we settle our hearts in satisfaction when the job loss comes, the excrutiating pain flares up again, we're subject to lies and slander and friends walk away? All of these are things we all deal with to one degree or another, every day. While these may indeed be all temporary things, they are the kinds of things in life that can shatter our hearts, leave us despondant and filled with sorrow, questioning what we thought we knew and believed. How then do we find satisfation, or a sense of having our hearts and minds filled without want or need, in any way?

The answer of course, is the promise of God through His word, and to know it, study it, meditate on it, and trust it to reform your thoughts, your emotions, your heart, and your reactions when life gets hard:

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. (Proverbs 19:23)

Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:5-10)

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:8-9)

I hope these words serve to encourage you today, lift you up, and compel you to dig just a little deeper into His word. I hope that when the sense of discontentment and dissatisfaction comes, you might remember that not only is this life so very temporary, but that as you walk through this life that you're so busy laying up your treasures in Heaven that you simply don't have time for laying them up anywhere else.

May He bless you richly today with His great comfort.

It's a Day Off

We interrupt our regularly scheduled installment of Friday BlogFodder to bring you a refreshing episode of Why-Me-Whiner.

Just kidding, I'm not really whining, because if I were, both my mom and Jen would charge me for it! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, that's okay, join the ranks.

As I sit here typing, it's snowing so hard I can't even see the yard. Not only is it snowing, we just had an intensly bright flash of lightning followed immediately by a loud clap of thunder. Mmmm hmmmm, it's March. The month of every kind of weather imaginable, and sometimes, all at once. In the time it took me to type that, the sun is shining brightly through the trees and it's still snowing. You figure that one out.

On a completely unrelated note... did you ever find yourself suddenly thinking of something that someone said that made you laugh so hard at the time that you nearly wept, and then every time you think about it again, you can't help but laugh all over again? Even if you're all by yourself or in a crowded place? That happened to me this morning, and took all the rough edges clean off of the way I feel today. I wont tell you what she said (even wild monkeys with Belgian chocolate couldn't drag it out of me) but the person who said it was Kim, one day while we were chatting at her dining room table. Kim thinks she's not funny, I SO beg to differ. She's one of the most witty people I know, and she doesn't even realize it! I need to make a t-shirt graphic for her that sums up her comedic timing. People who make me laugh are THE coolest people in the world.

Now, here is a pic of my world today, and yes, my feet are cold. Thank you for asking:

This gives a whole new meaning to "swinging through the trees". The part of the tree on the right, used to be the top of the tree to the left of the swingset. You can't make it out very well, but there is actually a swingset there in the left hand side of the picture, to give an idea of how big these trees really are. If anyone would have been out there (not that we generally let the kids play outside at 2 am, but you know what I mean) there would have been some serious injury.

I was going to go outside and take pics, but when I looked out on my balcony and saw the layer of ice on everything, I changed my mind.

If anyone has a chainsaw, please meet us at the swingset in about 6 weeks, when it's decent weather to work outside. I'll make cookies & coffee.

Happy March 2nd

Was it a horrible dream, or a virus-induced hallucination swirling around in my head last night?

- Was I really up in the middle of the night?
- Did I hear the sound of a frightened child screaming?
- Was that wind making the dreadful sound of a freight train?
- Did I hear the sound of breaking glass and more screaming?
- Did I watch as Kev tried to seal up the broken window?
- Was that me pulling broken glass out of my feet?
- Did we hear the thundering crack, and look out the window just in time to watch a 100 year old pine, fall to the ground, barely missing the kids swingset?
- Was the sky really flashing the weirdest shade of bright green, at 2 am?

After awaking and heading straight for the coffee pot, then looking out the window, I realized it wasn't a horrible dream at all. I did have a fever last night, but I wasn't that sick.

We have a huge mess to clean up, a window to replace & a chainsaw to borrow from someone.

I'm just glad none of the downed trees hit the house. Or we'd have to move in with Kim and Buggy. :-)

Oh... I need more coffee.

Sola Scriptura - what it does, and what it does not mean

UPDATED BELOW - NOW IT'S EVEN LONGER :-)

THIS WILL BE LONG - MAKE COFFEE NOW

I know there has been much written on this subject, and written in a more accurate and hard-hitting way than I could ever begin to hope for in my own writings. While I have no intention of attempting to reinvent the wheel, I would like to take some time out to clarify what I mean, when I say I am Sola Scriptura. Due to the fact that we live in a time where redefining things is commonplace, I think it's a good practice and good advice to define your terms when making bold statements, so that there is no room for confusion.

When I was first exposed to the doctrines of grace in the fall of 1996, I had never heard this phrase Sola Scriptura before. A brief look into history allowed me to understand that this was the hallmark cry from the time of the Reformation said to mean and declare that regardless of the traditions and writings of men, the Bible and the Bible alone, is man's final source of truth by which we measure everything else. That made perfect sense to me, and I have affirmed Sola Scriptura from that day on.

Not long after that I discovered the Cambridge Declaration, also drafted and signed in 1996. I'm going to quote the preface and section 1 in it's entirety, because I think it's important (you can read the document in full, here):

The Cambridge Declarationof the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
April 20, 1996

Evangelical churches today are increasingly dominated by the spirit of this age rather than by the Spirit of Christ. As evangelicals, we call ourselves to repent of this sin and to recover the historic Christian faith.

In the course of history words change. In our day this has happened to the word "evangelical." In the past it served as a bond of unity between Christians from a wide diversity of church traditions. Historic evangelicalism was confessional. It embraced the essential truths of Christianity as those were defined by the great ecumenical councils of the church. In addition, evangelicals also shared a common heritage in the "solas" of the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation.

Today the light of the Reformation has been significantly dimmed. The consequence is that the word "evangelical" has become so inclusive as to have lost its meaning. We face the peril of losing the unity it has taken centuries to achieve. Because of this crisis and because of our love of Christ, his gospel and his church, we endeavor to assert anew our commitment to the central truths of the Reformation and of historic evangelicalism. These truths we affirm not because of their role in our traditions, but because we believe that they are central to the Bible.

Sola Scriptura: The Erosion of Authority

Scripture alone is the inerrant rule of the church's life, but the evangelical church today has separated Scripture from its authoritative function. In practice, the church is guided, far too often, by the culture. Therapeutic technique, marketing strategies, and the beat of the entertainment world often have far more to say about what the church wants, how it functions and what it offers, than does the Word of God. Pastors have neglected their rightful oversight of worship, including the doctrinal content of the music. As biblical authority has been abandoned in practice, as its truths have faded from Christian consciousness, and as its doctrines have lost their saliency, the church has been increasingly emptied of its integrity, moral authority and direction.

Rather than adapting Christian faith to satisfy the felt needs of consumers, we must proclaim the law as the only measure of true righteousness and the gospel as the only announcement of saving truth. Biblical truth is indispensable to the church's understanding, nurture and discipline.

Scripture must take us beyond our perceived needs to our real needs and liberate us from seeing ourselves through the seductive images, cliches, promises and priorities of mass culture. It is only in the light of God's truth that we understand ourselves aright and see God's provision for our need. The Bible, therefore, must be taught and preached in the church. Sermons must be expositions of the Bible and its teachings, not expressions of the preacher's opinions or the ideas of the age. We must settle for nothing less than what God has given.

The work of the Holy Spirit in personal experience cannot be disengaged from Scripture. The Spirit does not speak in ways that are independent of Scripture. Apart from Scripture we would never have known of God's grace in Christ. The biblical Word, rather than spiritual experience, is the test of truth.

THESIS ONE: SOLA SCRIPTURA

We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation,which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured. We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.

When I first read the CD's definition of Thesis One - Sola Scriptura, I was most grateful to have a concise, well worded presentation to speak for me, as it were, when asked why I believed this. Sure, I could have defined it myself, but I'm rather long-winded and tend to over-analyze everything, so having something well put and short, was a good thing.

It has recently come to my attention however, that being long-winded is probably not such a bad thing after all, if it helps in understanding what you mean when you say something.

Over the years when asked, I have often said that my definition of Sola Scriptura is this:

"The Bible alone is the final authority in the Christian's life, for all matters of faith and practice"

While I certainly know what I mean, it's become clear to me that I could have and should have been more accurate in that statement. I'll do that now, and do it with the hope that any misunderstanding might be cleared away and put to rest about where I really do stand.

• When I say the Bible alone, I do not mean that I never read, listen to or learn from any source other than the Bible. I read quite a bit, and the more meaty and doctrinal the topic, the closer I pay attention to what I'm reading. I listen to sermons, podcasts, blogcasts, lectures & Bible studies online. I listen intently (and take notes!) to my pastor, and have lengthy conversations with friends on doctrinal/theological topics. Saying "the Bible alone" does not mean that we cut ourselves off from the wisdom, insight and fellowship of other believers. To do so would not only contradict what the Bible has to say on this subject (Hebrews 10:25, Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 5:22, 19:20 27:9) but would render in error these very examples in Scripture where others did that very thing:

- While the Ethiopian Eunuch read from Isaiah, Philip came to him asking if he understood what he was reading. He confessed that he didn't understand it and didn't know who Isaiah was referring to. He desired that Philip come along side him and help him understand. The KJV says it this way "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus". Philip was ready, willing and able to help him understand what he was reading and who he was reading about. The eunuch was desirous of someone to help him understand. (Acts 8:26-39)

- Apollos, a man mighty in the Scriptures and fervent in the spirit but knowing only the baptism of John, was heard by Aquila and Priscilla and they took him aside and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:24-26)

A couple other examples of this very same thing would be Nehemiah 8:6-8, and Acts 11.

Affirming Sola Scriptura does not mean that we neglect the gift of teaching and preaching given by God to some, but that we do exactly as the Bereans did when they received the word with readiness of mind (prothumia = eagerness) but then searched the Scriptures to see if these things be so. (Acts 17:11)

• When I say that the Bible alone is the final authority, what I probably should say to be more accurate is that the Bible alone is the sole, or ultimate or the only inspired authority to measure all other sources against. Whether it be a sermon from my pastor, an audio teaching online, book, blog, commentary, article, essay - whatever the source - I read or listen intently with every intention of measuring it up with the Scripture, exactly like the Bereans did.

I recently learned that some believe that the original/historical definition of Sola Scriptura was worded to include support of creeds and/or confessions in such a way that it read that such works of men were thought to be on the same level as divinely inspired Scripture. I've looked and asked a friend who knows more about church history and Sola Scriptura than I'll ever know, and cannot find any support for this claim (which doesn't mean it doesn't exist, nor does it mean that if it exists, it's not in error, it just means I can't find any support for the claim). If in fact this claim is true, then I would have to say that not only do I deny this claim, but the 1996 Cambridge Declaration also denies this claim since it clearly reads "We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience... We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience...". (emphasis mine). This may in fact expose my ignorance of historical church documents and teachings, and I'm okay with that. I have never pretended to be an authority on this subject. If in fact this claim is true about the historical wording of Sola Scriptura, I'd appreciate a link to a source document, if anyone has one.

• When I say "The Bible alone is the final authority in the Christian's life, for all matters of faith and practice" what I mean is exactly that. To be more accurate however, I mean that for anything a believer will ever need to know about why we believe, what we believe, who we believe and how we believe, there is one and only one divinely inspired source for that information. Likewise, for everything a believer will ever need to know about themselves, their struggle with sin, conduct in thought, word, deed and worship, realationships and every other topic that pertains to living a Christian life, there is one and only one divinely inspired source for that information.

This is not to say that there will not be nor has there ever been an abundance of great sermons, great books, and great teachings out there. This is also not to say that we elevate such things to any level other than the works of men that happened to bless us along the way because they affirmed to the letter, the very same message found in Scripture! It is however to say, that no matter what else is out there, our measuring rod for it all, is the Bible. If it lines up, we can hold onto it and dearly appreciate the insight and wisdom that God gave the writer or speaker to produce such a resource. If it doesn't line up (and there are more of these kinds of so-called Christian resources and documents than we'll ever be able to count), it's useless and needful of disposing of, immediately.

I truly hope that this serves to clarify what I mean when I say I hold to Sola Scriptura. I know I still have a lot to learn, and I pray I remain humble and teachable so that this will happen.

------------------------------

UPDATE

This evening I had the opportunity to speak with respected author David T. King, on this very subject. I specifically asked him about the claim regarding the historical definition of Sola Scriptura, including creeds and/or confessions being on par in any way with Scripture itself. His response:

"The historical meaning of the term sola Scripture, which served as the principle of the Reformers (and the watchword of the Post-Reformation Reformers), is that Scripture alone is the only certain, infallible norm by which all theology, doctrine, creeds (beliefs), practice and morality of the Christian Church are to be regulated, in accordance with that which is "either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture." Furthermore, Scripture alone is the only extant body of special divine revelation sufficient to communicate clearly all truths necessary for man’s salvation and conduct of life; and that the inscripturated Word of God is the final bar of judgment before which all theological and ecclesiastical controversies of the same are to be adjudicated, because what Scripture says, God says." (This was from his original draft for the definition of Sola Scriptura, for the book Holy Scripture, The Ground and Pillar of Our Faith - Volume 1 )

I would only ask again, that if anyone might have a source document to support the claim I mentioned, that they might post a link for that in the comments, so I can see it for myself.

In a word... EWW

Last weekend my beautiful and talented 16 yr old Jessica went to SnoCamp, a Christian youth retreat held every winter and attended by several church youth groups. She had a blast and came home with stories and all kinds of great gems of wisdom that she picked up in conversations with other girls and leaders.

She also came home with a raging virus that has left her immobile on the couch, well hidden by the mountain of used tissues that she has pretty much no strength to get up, and dispose of. We've all been so sick this winter that I've lost track of how many of these wicked viruses have swept through the family. We're beat up, to be sure. Last night, Rachel started feeling it. Not long after, I started feeling it. This morning, my head is the size of Texas and in a vice grip. We may be down for the count, and real soon.

Add to all that, the nasty storm warning we're under for today. Heavy snow, wind, extended periods of freezing rains with a potetntial ice accumulation of a ludicrous 10 millimeters (that's close to 1/2 inch of ice), followed by heavy rains, thunder, lightening and likely at this point a plague of frogs & lice. 'Tis the time of year when these kinds of storms begin, and they're UGLY. This is when the sky turns black in the middle of the day, then green, and you all go "hey, how about that basement, let's go there!".

Oh yes, I am ready for spring. BIG TIME ready for spring.