The Taste of Death
I have discovered that death leaves a "taste" in me that I don't care for. I was just starting to forget some of that taste when we got the call about Tim last night. One can hear about the death of others that aren't personally known and feel a sort of intellectual sorrow that doesn't really touch the heart. But let it be someone that you know personally, or a close friend or family member, and the flavor seems to overwhelm everything else.
The taste is a mixture of various flavors. One of the flavors of sorrow is that of grief for the eternal destiny of the person lost, particularly if you aren't absolutely sure that they were saved. Tim was a professing Christian, but the fruit of his life was not a testimony of redeeming and sanctifying grace. If one verse of Scripture could sum up Tim's life for me, it would be the one in James that talks about a double-minded man being unstable in all his ways. Tim had a lot of raw talent and potential, but alas, it was all wasted because he never stuck with anything long enough to see it through to completion or to weather the occasional storms of life. He had a habit of running headlong with great enthusiasm down a particular path and burning bridges behind him as he went. This was true of how he dealt with churches and people. He left his wife Marilyn, probably because she didn't appreciate and support him the way he thought he deserved, and he took up with another woman young enough to be his daughter.
Marc commented to me that "at least we can be sure that he was a Christian." Can we? Profession of Christ and confession of Him are two very different things in my mind. When we die, there should not be any doubt in the minds of those who knew and observed us as to where our faith was placed. Tim professed Christ. To my great sorrow, I am not at all confident that he confessed Christ since he was an unrepentant adulterer. When I consider where he likely is at this moment, I weep.
Tim and I had a sort of love-hate relationship. He really was Marc's friend, but I found he could be very enjoyable and entertaining company when he was in a good frame of mind, and it was easy to get caught up in his enthusiams. OTOH, he didn't like me because I tended to put the brakes on more than he liked and he also didn't like it when my opinion of him or his projects didn't coincide with his. He knew that we did not like what he had done to Marilyn or what he was involved in so we saw and heard less and less from him in the past few years.
Tim was a diabetic. I think he had type I diabetes and so insulin was a necessity for him. About 15 years ago, Tim was attending a charismaniac church where he went to a "healing" service. In faith, he decided he had been healed and acted upon that healing by stopping all his insulin. He went into a diabetic coma and almost didn't come out of it. You would think he would have learned, eh? Well he did the precise same thing this time. He attended a healing service, went off his insulin and five days later had a cardiac arrest. They started his heart 4 times altogether but after the last time, there was no brain activity, so they let him go.
Marc spoke with Marilyn, his wife, and he thinks that it is quite possible that Tim knew exactly what he was doing and followed this course knowing what the outcome would be. He always had big dreams, and when he reached the middle to late 50's and none of them were realized, it is quite likely that this was a face-saving way out of the disappointment and humiliation of having wasted most of his life and never making it to where he thought he should have been by now.
The other flavor of sorrow that comes through for me is one of anger. Anger directed at false and blind shepherds who lead blind people into the ditch. These so-called healing services are nothing short of murderous if this is what the effects of them are. I am angry with those who give false comfort to comfortable pew sitters who are on the broad highway to hell -- who sell the truth for popularity in the pulpit and who count mere numbers as evidence of success. When religion is safe to practice, hypocrisy and self-deception grow. Oh that the Lord would cleanse the Church and our hearts! Oh that many would be awakened from their deadly stupor!
I have been grieved by the state of the visible, professing Church for a long time. But when it really hits home when one of the victims of apostacy was a friend.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Thursday, November 27, 2003
"Cheryl Defined"
From a friend in an email sent to me today:
"Cheryl... very colourful and interesting lady...
She makes her own herb capsules...
she's trim, neat, smart and spruce (at least some of the time )...
she sometimes falls asleep at the computer or during family worship...
she likes groovin' music...
she uses EFT on herself and others...
she wants to get a zapper...
and she thinks she has a pretty good road map for figuring out life's perplexities.
Hmmm... you could define her as a dapper capper, mapper, napper, rapper, tapper and zapper.
Just be glad I didn't include "flapper" in that definition... "flapper - a young girl considered bold and unconventional in actions and dress." Unconventional, yes, but bold?..."
From a friend in an email sent to me today:
"Cheryl... very colourful and interesting lady...
She makes her own herb capsules...
she's trim, neat, smart and spruce (at least some of the time )...
she sometimes falls asleep at the computer or during family worship...
she likes groovin' music...
she uses EFT on herself and others...
she wants to get a zapper...
and she thinks she has a pretty good road map for figuring out life's perplexities.
Hmmm... you could define her as a dapper capper, mapper, napper, rapper, tapper and zapper.
Just be glad I didn't include "flapper" in that definition... "flapper - a young girl considered bold and unconventional in actions and dress." Unconventional, yes, but bold?..."
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Monday, October 27, 2003
They're Gone! :-(
I just arrived home from taking my parents to the airport. Who knows when I shall see them again? [sob]
This visit has been the best visit I have ever had with them since leaving home. I think part of the reason for this is the fact that for the first time I haven't felt a need to prove anything to anyone. When I was young, I did (and failed miserably). Life has beat a lot of the baloney out of me and, I hope, humbled me. Humility as a way of living is much more comfortable and less energy consuming than trying to maintain the facade of having your act together. And having nine kids at home who regularly expose my many faults and weaknesses does a lot to prevent me from trying to put on the dog in front of anyone anymore.
Some things I discovered from this visit:
~You are never too old to want your Mommy and Daddy.
~ I am very blessed in having parents that I genuinely like and admire. There are a lot of unlikeable duds out there in the world, and many of them are parents. I am happy to say that neither of my parents are duds. Both of them are personable, sociable beings who live with integrity. Although I have some doctrinal differences with my Dad, his love of the Lord and his desire to share the Gospel is very evident. My mother is one of the classiest ladies that I know. I am so happy that we had time for several good heart-to-hearts.
~I had no idea how much fun it can be to have the whole family together and listen to my older kids share stories and reminisce about the things they used to do when they were really little.
My kitchen table was transformed from an old, battered, piece of junk into a priceless (to us) family heirloom when everyone, including Grammy and Grampy, carved their names and the date into the paint of the tabletop. Grammy and Grampy also had their height measured and recorded on the family measuring wall, and the date duly inscribed in permanent marker for all to see. Thankfully, we were able to buy a digital camera before the end of the visit and record not only some nice photos, but even some video with sound.
It was a good visit.
I just arrived home from taking my parents to the airport. Who knows when I shall see them again? [sob]
This visit has been the best visit I have ever had with them since leaving home. I think part of the reason for this is the fact that for the first time I haven't felt a need to prove anything to anyone. When I was young, I did (and failed miserably). Life has beat a lot of the baloney out of me and, I hope, humbled me. Humility as a way of living is much more comfortable and less energy consuming than trying to maintain the facade of having your act together. And having nine kids at home who regularly expose my many faults and weaknesses does a lot to prevent me from trying to put on the dog in front of anyone anymore.
Some things I discovered from this visit:
~You are never too old to want your Mommy and Daddy.
~ I am very blessed in having parents that I genuinely like and admire. There are a lot of unlikeable duds out there in the world, and many of them are parents. I am happy to say that neither of my parents are duds. Both of them are personable, sociable beings who live with integrity. Although I have some doctrinal differences with my Dad, his love of the Lord and his desire to share the Gospel is very evident. My mother is one of the classiest ladies that I know. I am so happy that we had time for several good heart-to-hearts.
~I had no idea how much fun it can be to have the whole family together and listen to my older kids share stories and reminisce about the things they used to do when they were really little.
My kitchen table was transformed from an old, battered, piece of junk into a priceless (to us) family heirloom when everyone, including Grammy and Grampy, carved their names and the date into the paint of the tabletop. Grammy and Grampy also had their height measured and recorded on the family measuring wall, and the date duly inscribed in permanent marker for all to see. Thankfully, we were able to buy a digital camera before the end of the visit and record not only some nice photos, but even some video with sound.
It was a good visit.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Time Flies!
Wow, I guess it has been a while since I posted. Blame it on my company. I had a very dear friend (Queen Willy) visiting me at the end of September/beginning of October. Then a few weeks later, my parents have arrived for a visit as well, and are currently with me even as I type. I don't even want to think about when they are leaving (sniff)!
It is at times like these that I wish I had the gifts and abilities for writing and chronicling my life's events like Queen Willy. So much has happened or been experienced in the last little while, but I don't have the time or patience to do more than write about the highlights of it.
First of all, thanks to Sora, I have re-visted the Writing Road to Reading and am seeing a dramatic improvement in the spelling/composition skills of my offspring.
My really, really, really big news is the fact that, Lord willing, all my children will be baptized on the Lord's Day, October 26, and I will finally be a communicant member of my church and able to feast upon the Lord at His Table for the first time in about 10 years. I have longed for this day for so long and now that it is here, I can hardly take it all in. This week is being spent in preparing for the Table during private worship time and it has proven to be a time of great enjoyment. I am thrilled beyond measure over the fact that my parents will be here to see their grandchildren added to the membership of the visible church as well.
Speaking of my parents, it has been such a blessing to have them here. I always thought I had very good parents, but I have realized afresh what a blessing it is to have parents who know and love the Lord. Sharing one's life takes on a new depth when you can share not only the details of everyday life, but the deeper levels of faith in Christ, and know it is known, understood, and shared. God has been so merciful to me in this regard and I cannot praise and thank Him enough.
Wow, I guess it has been a while since I posted. Blame it on my company. I had a very dear friend (Queen Willy) visiting me at the end of September/beginning of October. Then a few weeks later, my parents have arrived for a visit as well, and are currently with me even as I type. I don't even want to think about when they are leaving (sniff)!
It is at times like these that I wish I had the gifts and abilities for writing and chronicling my life's events like Queen Willy. So much has happened or been experienced in the last little while, but I don't have the time or patience to do more than write about the highlights of it.
First of all, thanks to Sora, I have re-visted the Writing Road to Reading and am seeing a dramatic improvement in the spelling/composition skills of my offspring.
My really, really, really big news is the fact that, Lord willing, all my children will be baptized on the Lord's Day, October 26, and I will finally be a communicant member of my church and able to feast upon the Lord at His Table for the first time in about 10 years. I have longed for this day for so long and now that it is here, I can hardly take it all in. This week is being spent in preparing for the Table during private worship time and it has proven to be a time of great enjoyment. I am thrilled beyond measure over the fact that my parents will be here to see their grandchildren added to the membership of the visible church as well.
Speaking of my parents, it has been such a blessing to have them here. I always thought I had very good parents, but I have realized afresh what a blessing it is to have parents who know and love the Lord. Sharing one's life takes on a new depth when you can share not only the details of everyday life, but the deeper levels of faith in Christ, and know it is known, understood, and shared. God has been so merciful to me in this regard and I cannot praise and thank Him enough.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
More Hope for Weary Parents
I know that God is doing a work of grace in my life, and the evidence is that even hearing the reading of God's Word in corporate worship is food to my soul, rather than a meaningless excercise now.
To continue in the vein of nurture or nature or neither, we read 2 Chronicles 33 this past Lord's Day for our Old Testament reading.
Manasseh was the son of godly, reforming King Hezekiah who had done much to restore a right worship of God on all levels in the nation of Israel. Yet despite his upbringing in a godly home, he rebels and rebels grossly to the point of re-instituting worship that demanded the sacrificing of his infant sons, as well as witchcraft and sorcery. If you read of his story in II Kings 21, you think that the story ends there with this man dying in his wickedness. But behold the lovingkindness and mercy of God: after time in a prison in Assyria, Manasseh repents and God allows him to return to Jerusalem. He re-institutes the proper worship of God (though the people refused to follow him in repenting), and by all accounts dies reconciled to the Lord.
Here is our encouragement, and here is our rest: It is *God* who works in us to will and do his good pleasure. Left to ourselves, we will fall back into idolatry and all manner of gross sin unless the Lord restrains us. Let us rest in Christ alone for salvation.
I know that God is doing a work of grace in my life, and the evidence is that even hearing the reading of God's Word in corporate worship is food to my soul, rather than a meaningless excercise now.
To continue in the vein of nurture or nature or neither, we read 2 Chronicles 33 this past Lord's Day for our Old Testament reading.
Manasseh was the son of godly, reforming King Hezekiah who had done much to restore a right worship of God on all levels in the nation of Israel. Yet despite his upbringing in a godly home, he rebels and rebels grossly to the point of re-instituting worship that demanded the sacrificing of his infant sons, as well as witchcraft and sorcery. If you read of his story in II Kings 21, you think that the story ends there with this man dying in his wickedness. But behold the lovingkindness and mercy of God: after time in a prison in Assyria, Manasseh repents and God allows him to return to Jerusalem. He re-institutes the proper worship of God (though the people refused to follow him in repenting), and by all accounts dies reconciled to the Lord.
Here is our encouragement, and here is our rest: It is *God* who works in us to will and do his good pleasure. Left to ourselves, we will fall back into idolatry and all manner of gross sin unless the Lord restrains us. Let us rest in Christ alone for salvation.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
The Payoffs of Diligence
One of the most aggravating aspects of child training is the sheer number of times one must call a child back to either complete a job they have started, or have them re-do a job that didn't get done correctly to the proper standard in the first place. I find it extremely trying at times to have to do this. Multiply this tendency with children times 11 and it makes for a lot of aggravation!
There are pay offs for the children in the end, however. I was working in the kitchen the other day and thinking of my three eldest children. My oldest daughter is now 21 and just before her 20th birthday, she was made manager of the shoe store she works at. My second daughter is married, has a two year old, owns her own car and home, and is now a supervisor on her shifts at work (done in the evening so that she is with my dear granddaughter all day) at the ripe old age of 19. My oldest son just turned 17 and he shares the responsibility of finishing off some products with one other man in his division at his workplace. It looks like all that training in diligence is going to stand them in good stead in life.
Last night my eldest girl called and told me some of her experiences in managing the shoe store. Sounds like she is learning quickly. She related how she can tell almost from the beginning what kind of employees she is dealing with based on their work habits. Those who slack off and want breaks in the beginning never change. They continue to slack off and want breaks and never improve. She has learned to cut her losses with these people quickly and let them go asap instead of investing what turns out to be wasted time in them. Man, I wish I knew that much when I was her age!
I relate this information as a source of encouragement to myself and to other parents who get weary with the day in day out aspects of child training. We do reap a reward if we don't faint or become weary in well doing.
One of the most aggravating aspects of child training is the sheer number of times one must call a child back to either complete a job they have started, or have them re-do a job that didn't get done correctly to the proper standard in the first place. I find it extremely trying at times to have to do this. Multiply this tendency with children times 11 and it makes for a lot of aggravation!
There are pay offs for the children in the end, however. I was working in the kitchen the other day and thinking of my three eldest children. My oldest daughter is now 21 and just before her 20th birthday, she was made manager of the shoe store she works at. My second daughter is married, has a two year old, owns her own car and home, and is now a supervisor on her shifts at work (done in the evening so that she is with my dear granddaughter all day) at the ripe old age of 19. My oldest son just turned 17 and he shares the responsibility of finishing off some products with one other man in his division at his workplace. It looks like all that training in diligence is going to stand them in good stead in life.
Last night my eldest girl called and told me some of her experiences in managing the shoe store. Sounds like she is learning quickly. She related how she can tell almost from the beginning what kind of employees she is dealing with based on their work habits. Those who slack off and want breaks in the beginning never change. They continue to slack off and want breaks and never improve. She has learned to cut her losses with these people quickly and let them go asap instead of investing what turns out to be wasted time in them. Man, I wish I knew that much when I was her age!
I relate this information as a source of encouragement to myself and to other parents who get weary with the day in day out aspects of child training. We do reap a reward if we don't faint or become weary in well doing.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
This is Stupid
Still reeling, the Brownlees were just beginning Monday to come to terms with the painful death of their 18-month-old dream home in the Kettle Creek neighbourhood of southern Kelowna.
Painful death of a home? Either someone has a severe problem with grammar, or with investing inanimate objects with feelings.
Still reeling, the Brownlees were just beginning Monday to come to terms with the painful death of their 18-month-old dream home in the Kettle Creek neighbourhood of southern Kelowna.
Painful death of a home? Either someone has a severe problem with grammar, or with investing inanimate objects with feelings.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Monday, August 18, 2003
Nature or Nurture or Neither?
This past Lord's Day I was blessed and encouraged by both the Scripture reading and the sermon. They sermon provided the perfect counterpoint to the OT reading we had in II Chronicles 28. Here we have the sad saga of King Ahaz who burned incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, burned his children in the fire, sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on hills and under green trees, and worshiped the gods of the Syrians because they seemed to be the ones who would help a guy to win a few wars. This is hardly the sort of wholesome atmosphere one would want to subject a covenant child to, and yet his son, King Hezekiah, grew up in this man's home. Moreover, he was faithfull to the Lord God and "did what was right in the sight of the Lord."
The sermon was preached from the text, Mark 14:10-15. What really stuck with me was the beginning part of the sermon which dealt with Judas Iscariot. Here you have a man who spent three years with the Lord of Glory. It doesn't get any better than that. This man was chosen to be an apostle, was commissioned to preach, and even did miracles in Jesus' name and cast out demons (Matt. 10:1). Yet in the end he betrayed the Master to death with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver.
Is it nature or nurture that determines if a child or adult will serve and follow Christ?
Neither.
It is grace alone.
May the Lord make the means effectual to salvation for our children.
This past Lord's Day I was blessed and encouraged by both the Scripture reading and the sermon. They sermon provided the perfect counterpoint to the OT reading we had in II Chronicles 28. Here we have the sad saga of King Ahaz who burned incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, burned his children in the fire, sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on hills and under green trees, and worshiped the gods of the Syrians because they seemed to be the ones who would help a guy to win a few wars. This is hardly the sort of wholesome atmosphere one would want to subject a covenant child to, and yet his son, King Hezekiah, grew up in this man's home. Moreover, he was faithfull to the Lord God and "did what was right in the sight of the Lord."
The sermon was preached from the text, Mark 14:10-15. What really stuck with me was the beginning part of the sermon which dealt with Judas Iscariot. Here you have a man who spent three years with the Lord of Glory. It doesn't get any better than that. This man was chosen to be an apostle, was commissioned to preach, and even did miracles in Jesus' name and cast out demons (Matt. 10:1). Yet in the end he betrayed the Master to death with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver.
Is it nature or nurture that determines if a child or adult will serve and follow Christ?
Neither.
It is grace alone.
May the Lord make the means effectual to salvation for our children.
Friday, August 08, 2003
Why I Do Not Believe Matthew 24 is 70 A.D.
From a post I wrote earlier today:
I would agree that Luke 21:5-24 is speaking of the fall of Jerusalem that took place in 70 A.D.
Luke 21:25-26; Matt. 24:3- end of the chapter, and Mark 13:3-37 all are parallel passages that speak of Armageddon. The key verse to look at is Luke 21:37:
"And in the *daytime* He was teaching in the temple, but at *night* he went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet."
Before you think I have lost my mind, if you look at Luke 211-24, Jesus is outside the temple proper, but still in the vicinity of the temple speaking. But from v. 25 to the end of the chapter, according to Matt. 24 and Mark 13, we are now on the Mount of Olives and he is not answering the same question. The reason it is so confusing is that part of the *pattern* is the same: wars and rumours of wars, earthquakes, etc.
Now carefully compare Luke 21 with Matt. 24.
Luke says v. 10 -- nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom
Matt. 24.v 7 -- nationa against nation; kingdom against kingdom
Luke 21.11 -- great earthquakes in various places and famines and pestilences
Matt. 24.7 -- famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
So far it sounds like the same thing is being spoken of right? But the next verses are what tell us that they are not
Luke 21:12 -- BEFORE all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons.
Matt.24:9 -- THEN they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
IOW, in Luke 21, the famines, pestilences, earthquakes, wars and rumours of wars all happen AFTER they lay hands on and persecute God's people, but in Matt. 24 the persecution happens after the wars, rumours of wars, famine, pestilences, etc.
Luke 21:5-24 *does* tell us about 70 A.D. but then when you compare the rest of the passage, it is pretty well parallel to Matt. 24:29 and onward.
Parallel passages to look for in regard to Armageddon include Psalm 118; Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19.
Another reason why I don't believe Matt. 24 is speaking of 70 A.D. is because of the abomination of desolation spoken of in V. 15. If you go back to Daniel 12:11, the *earliest* that this could happen is about 700 A.D. There is a huge time discrepancy between 70 A.D. and 700. A.D. In actuality, the papacy was set up in 756 A.D. so this corresponds nicely, I would say.
Ok, that was just a snippet to get you started.
From a post I wrote earlier today:
I would agree that Luke 21:5-24 is speaking of the fall of Jerusalem that took place in 70 A.D.
Luke 21:25-26; Matt. 24:3- end of the chapter, and Mark 13:3-37 all are parallel passages that speak of Armageddon. The key verse to look at is Luke 21:37:
"And in the *daytime* He was teaching in the temple, but at *night* he went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet."
Before you think I have lost my mind, if you look at Luke 211-24, Jesus is outside the temple proper, but still in the vicinity of the temple speaking. But from v. 25 to the end of the chapter, according to Matt. 24 and Mark 13, we are now on the Mount of Olives and he is not answering the same question. The reason it is so confusing is that part of the *pattern* is the same: wars and rumours of wars, earthquakes, etc.
Now carefully compare Luke 21 with Matt. 24.
Luke says v. 10 -- nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom
Matt. 24.v 7 -- nationa against nation; kingdom against kingdom
Luke 21.11 -- great earthquakes in various places and famines and pestilences
Matt. 24.7 -- famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
So far it sounds like the same thing is being spoken of right? But the next verses are what tell us that they are not
Luke 21:12 -- BEFORE all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons.
Matt.24:9 -- THEN they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
IOW, in Luke 21, the famines, pestilences, earthquakes, wars and rumours of wars all happen AFTER they lay hands on and persecute God's people, but in Matt. 24 the persecution happens after the wars, rumours of wars, famine, pestilences, etc.
Luke 21:5-24 *does* tell us about 70 A.D. but then when you compare the rest of the passage, it is pretty well parallel to Matt. 24:29 and onward.
Parallel passages to look for in regard to Armageddon include Psalm 118; Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19.
Another reason why I don't believe Matt. 24 is speaking of 70 A.D. is because of the abomination of desolation spoken of in V. 15. If you go back to Daniel 12:11, the *earliest* that this could happen is about 700 A.D. There is a huge time discrepancy between 70 A.D. and 700. A.D. In actuality, the papacy was set up in 756 A.D. so this corresponds nicely, I would say.
Ok, that was just a snippet to get you started.
Sunday, July 27, 2003
A Change is as Good as a Holiday
I return home to recuperate from my vacation in Edmonton. I had a jam-packed time visiting with friends and spent a wonderful afternoon and evening discussing theology with one of my elders. It is wonderful when someone hands you a key that unlocks all sorts of doors that were previously closed to you. And the real thrill comes from knowing that you are able to figure a lot of this stuff out without the use of commentaries or other specialized Bible tools! I'm exhausted from my trip, but eager to get back in my household routine of being Queen of the Mudroom and all the other parts of my domestic kingdom.
This next month will be devoted to painting a few rooms in the house, preparing for Queen Willy's visit, and getting ready for homeschooling in the fall.
I return home to recuperate from my vacation in Edmonton. I had a jam-packed time visiting with friends and spent a wonderful afternoon and evening discussing theology with one of my elders. It is wonderful when someone hands you a key that unlocks all sorts of doors that were previously closed to you. And the real thrill comes from knowing that you are able to figure a lot of this stuff out without the use of commentaries or other specialized Bible tools! I'm exhausted from my trip, but eager to get back in my household routine of being Queen of the Mudroom and all the other parts of my domestic kingdom.
This next month will be devoted to painting a few rooms in the house, preparing for Queen Willy's visit, and getting ready for homeschooling in the fall.
Sunday, July 13, 2003
The Beauty of Libraries
I meant to blog about this the other day, but forgot in the daily rush of things until I read Carmon's blog today.
I got an unusual treat the other day -- some time at the library, free of babies. I love my babies, but having them with me makes it difficult to browse as they are such busy little people who hate being confined to strollers and who are a menace to the books if turned loose.
Being in the library literally causes me to have an endorphin rush. I love books. I could happily live in a library and spend most of my days reading and discovering. The other day I stumbled across a section that contained books on household hints for home management, how to budget properly, cleaning tips and related items. Several of the books there were reprints of old books published back in the 1800's. Looking at these books brought a nostalgic feeling as I remembered reading such things with delight back when I was a young mother and had only one or two babies under foot.
I always take out more books than I can possibly read in a month. This time I came home with one of the few remaining Georgette Heyer novels still in the library. I also got the first Poldark novel, one of Miss Read's books, a book on the HHV6 virus by Nicholas Regush, and one of the home management books. I still have a P.G. Wodehouse book to finish. In addition to all of the above (which I read simultaneously -- I have a book in every room for the few free moments I may get to read it) I have several books on herbs and natural healing that I am reading. Oh, and don't forget my books for the Lord's Day -- one on the martyrs of Bloody Mary's reign, and William Goudge's book, "Domestical Duties."
Does this qualify me as a bona fide bibliophile?
My pet peeve about libraries -- they always sell off the old classics to make way for junky, shallow, trivial new stuff. I can't find a single Elizabeth Goudge novel there any more. And Georgette Heyer has been reduced to only one or two books. Don't even bother looking for anything by Rafael Sabatini. Now THERE is an author who is worthy of reprinting!
I meant to blog about this the other day, but forgot in the daily rush of things until I read Carmon's blog today.
I got an unusual treat the other day -- some time at the library, free of babies. I love my babies, but having them with me makes it difficult to browse as they are such busy little people who hate being confined to strollers and who are a menace to the books if turned loose.
Being in the library literally causes me to have an endorphin rush. I love books. I could happily live in a library and spend most of my days reading and discovering. The other day I stumbled across a section that contained books on household hints for home management, how to budget properly, cleaning tips and related items. Several of the books there were reprints of old books published back in the 1800's. Looking at these books brought a nostalgic feeling as I remembered reading such things with delight back when I was a young mother and had only one or two babies under foot.
I always take out more books than I can possibly read in a month. This time I came home with one of the few remaining Georgette Heyer novels still in the library. I also got the first Poldark novel, one of Miss Read's books, a book on the HHV6 virus by Nicholas Regush, and one of the home management books. I still have a P.G. Wodehouse book to finish. In addition to all of the above (which I read simultaneously -- I have a book in every room for the few free moments I may get to read it) I have several books on herbs and natural healing that I am reading. Oh, and don't forget my books for the Lord's Day -- one on the martyrs of Bloody Mary's reign, and William Goudge's book, "Domestical Duties."
Does this qualify me as a bona fide bibliophile?
My pet peeve about libraries -- they always sell off the old classics to make way for junky, shallow, trivial new stuff. I can't find a single Elizabeth Goudge novel there any more. And Georgette Heyer has been reduced to only one or two books. Don't even bother looking for anything by Rafael Sabatini. Now THERE is an author who is worthy of reprinting!
Thoughts on the Incarnation
Mary, the mother of our Lord-- a young girl who had the derision and infamy of an unmarried pregnancy cast in her face and the face of her son, all of her life. Here was a girl who probably knew what some of the implications for her position would be, and yet who still said, "Yes, Lord."
Did she wonder what it meant when she was told that a sword would enter her heart? When was it that it happened? Was it when she saw her beloved son hanging on the tree dying? I doubt it.
I think the sword entered her heart when she realized that it was her sins that put him there.
Mary, the mother of our Lord-- a young girl who had the derision and infamy of an unmarried pregnancy cast in her face and the face of her son, all of her life. Here was a girl who probably knew what some of the implications for her position would be, and yet who still said, "Yes, Lord."
Did she wonder what it meant when she was told that a sword would enter her heart? When was it that it happened? Was it when she saw her beloved son hanging on the tree dying? I doubt it.
I think the sword entered her heart when she realized that it was her sins that put him there.
Family Reunion
Yesterday was a bittersweet reunion with all my kids together for the first time in about 19 months. My eldest daughter, Patricia, came down from Grande Prairie for a visit and to see the baby sister she has never met. It was interesting to me to see how strong the bonds of blood can be as Patricia delighted in being surrounded by all her little brothers and sisters again and tried to make overtures to Elodie in the hopes that Princess Punkadunk would allow her to have a cuddle. (Nothing doin'.)
Patricia is staying with her sister in town and we went to visit her there. At one point all the children went to the park and I took group photos of them all on the playground equipment. I was so relieved to get those pictures and I pray they turn out well. You never know what life will bring and I would hate to never have a single picture of all the children together.
Last night I brought my granddaughter home for the night while her mother and eldest aunt went out for the evening. I returned Keiannah home to her parents and then guilted Patricia into coming to church with the rest of us. I don't know if it accomplished anything, but hope springs eternal that some part of the ministry would be a means of drawing a wayward child back to the Father.
Even if Trish got nothing out of the sermon, I did. Pastor Greg Price has been preaching a series on baptism and today's text was I Peter 3:21. One point that stuck with me was the illustration in Scripture of the ark that was the outward means of salvation to Noah and his family, yet proved to be only an outward form for Ham. I sat there in the service, at the back of the church nursing my baby and watching my older children in front of me. Grieving. Would this child or that child have only the outward form but fail to look to Christ?
My heart is heavy as I contemplate a daughter who is beautiful on the outside, but who demonstrates a shallow, worldly, and vain view of life. I fear for her eternal destiny. I know that if she is not of the elect, one day I will view her utter destruction with the knowledge that God is just to deliver her over to torment for her sins. But it isn't a prospect that can be faced with equanimity, even as I deliberately place my trust in God, that He does all things well.
Yesterday was a bittersweet reunion with all my kids together for the first time in about 19 months. My eldest daughter, Patricia, came down from Grande Prairie for a visit and to see the baby sister she has never met. It was interesting to me to see how strong the bonds of blood can be as Patricia delighted in being surrounded by all her little brothers and sisters again and tried to make overtures to Elodie in the hopes that Princess Punkadunk would allow her to have a cuddle. (Nothing doin'.)
Patricia is staying with her sister in town and we went to visit her there. At one point all the children went to the park and I took group photos of them all on the playground equipment. I was so relieved to get those pictures and I pray they turn out well. You never know what life will bring and I would hate to never have a single picture of all the children together.
Last night I brought my granddaughter home for the night while her mother and eldest aunt went out for the evening. I returned Keiannah home to her parents and then guilted Patricia into coming to church with the rest of us. I don't know if it accomplished anything, but hope springs eternal that some part of the ministry would be a means of drawing a wayward child back to the Father.
Even if Trish got nothing out of the sermon, I did. Pastor Greg Price has been preaching a series on baptism and today's text was I Peter 3:21. One point that stuck with me was the illustration in Scripture of the ark that was the outward means of salvation to Noah and his family, yet proved to be only an outward form for Ham. I sat there in the service, at the back of the church nursing my baby and watching my older children in front of me. Grieving. Would this child or that child have only the outward form but fail to look to Christ?
My heart is heavy as I contemplate a daughter who is beautiful on the outside, but who demonstrates a shallow, worldly, and vain view of life. I fear for her eternal destiny. I know that if she is not of the elect, one day I will view her utter destruction with the knowledge that God is just to deliver her over to torment for her sins. But it isn't a prospect that can be faced with equanimity, even as I deliberately place my trust in God, that He does all things well.
Saturday, July 05, 2003
Sushi
For the past several weeks my dh has been working in a little town about an hour's drive south of us, called Quesnel. Because he has to be on the job early, and because the company pays out of town expenses, he had taken a motel room there. Last week he brought one of our sons down for a little road trip and son spent an enjoyable two days wandering around the town seeing the sights on his own. I drove down on day two to pick him up and my dh took us both out to eat at a Japanese restaurant that he had discovered.
The restaurant was called the Tokyo restaurant I had this wonderful soup with Udon noodles, veggies, chicken and an egg in it with some slices of yam and potatoe in tempura batter on the side. Marc also suggested that I try some sushi for the first time. Being in an adventurous spirit (but not TOO adventerous -- I couldn't bring myself to try the raw fish sushi) I chose the California rolls with imitation crab meat (pollock), avocado, cucumber, rice and the seaweed stuff they wrap it in. I fell in love! It was absolutely wonderful. I don't know how authentic it was, but it was sure good. I even learned how to manipulate chop sticks without making a mess. BQ and Emeth would be proud of me.
Recently, my second daughter introduced me to a Vietnamese restaurant in Prince George. I have to say that the Oriental people really know how to make good soup! I had the best bowl of soup I have ever had there. It was a hot and sour soup with a clear broth and delicate flavor that I couldn't place, and it had celery, pineapple, bean sprouts, rice noodles, chicken and green onions floating in it.
The soup was too good not to try making it for my family so I went to the library and found several books on Vietnamese cuisine. There was no chicken hot and sour soup, but there were recipes for fish hot and sour soup. I suspect that the addition of chicken was an adaptation for Canadian palates. At any rate, I used the fish soup recipes as the basis for creating my own version of it and I think I came pretty close to what I had at the restaurant. It was a hit with the family. And the secret to the flavorful broth was the addition of tamarind. Mmmmm..... Think I know what to make for supper tonight!
For the past several weeks my dh has been working in a little town about an hour's drive south of us, called Quesnel. Because he has to be on the job early, and because the company pays out of town expenses, he had taken a motel room there. Last week he brought one of our sons down for a little road trip and son spent an enjoyable two days wandering around the town seeing the sights on his own. I drove down on day two to pick him up and my dh took us both out to eat at a Japanese restaurant that he had discovered.
The restaurant was called the Tokyo restaurant I had this wonderful soup with Udon noodles, veggies, chicken and an egg in it with some slices of yam and potatoe in tempura batter on the side. Marc also suggested that I try some sushi for the first time. Being in an adventurous spirit (but not TOO adventerous -- I couldn't bring myself to try the raw fish sushi) I chose the California rolls with imitation crab meat (pollock), avocado, cucumber, rice and the seaweed stuff they wrap it in. I fell in love! It was absolutely wonderful. I don't know how authentic it was, but it was sure good. I even learned how to manipulate chop sticks without making a mess. BQ and Emeth would be proud of me.
Recently, my second daughter introduced me to a Vietnamese restaurant in Prince George. I have to say that the Oriental people really know how to make good soup! I had the best bowl of soup I have ever had there. It was a hot and sour soup with a clear broth and delicate flavor that I couldn't place, and it had celery, pineapple, bean sprouts, rice noodles, chicken and green onions floating in it.
The soup was too good not to try making it for my family so I went to the library and found several books on Vietnamese cuisine. There was no chicken hot and sour soup, but there were recipes for fish hot and sour soup. I suspect that the addition of chicken was an adaptation for Canadian palates. At any rate, I used the fish soup recipes as the basis for creating my own version of it and I think I came pretty close to what I had at the restaurant. It was a hit with the family. And the secret to the flavorful broth was the addition of tamarind. Mmmmm..... Think I know what to make for supper tonight!
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