Work or Play?

"Just remember, writers are the only adults who get to spend all day in their pajamas playing with imaginary friends."
-Paul Bishop-

What do Writers Do?

"What no wife of a writer can ever understand is that a writer is working when he's staring out of the window."
-Burton Rascoe-

The Brevity of Life

"Farrah Fawcett (62), Michael Jackson (50) and 150,000 others:
"A flower of the field; the wind passes, and it is gone."

-John Piper

Pride

"Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong.
Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak."

-John Piper-

Who Is Your God?

"When you follow the trail of your time, money and effort you find a throne. Whomever or whatever is there is what you worship."

-Giglio-

Liar, Lunatic, or LORD?

"Liar, lunatic, or LORD?
Yes. And let your jaw drop at his wildly over-the-top claim: Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58)."

-John Piper-

Strike Prep

June 20, 2009

Outside my window...a rainy day. With all the rain we've had this week, and the amazing forecast for next week, it makes me wonder if I chose the wrong week to take a holiday.
I am thinking...that I hope there's not a city workers' strike at midnight on Sunday. Since my husband is in management, he has to get locked in for the duration, to ensure we still have water supplied in Toronto. He had to do all of the Strike Prep shopping; purchasing cots and food for the dozen people who will be locked in to cover shifts.
I am thankful...that my youngest daughter got the job she applied for at a day camp at the church where she attends youth group.
From the kitchen...stuffed mushroom caps, steak from the bbq, parmesan and herb roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, salad, and chocolate layer cake with pudding in the middle.
I am wearing...jean capri pants, a brown and white top.
I am reading...God's Gift by Dee Henderson, about a missionary on furlough.
I am hoping...my mom's angiogram is rescheduled for sometime soon. They had quite a few emergencies and had to cancel her at the end of the day on Wednesday.
I am hearing...a previously recorded TFC game that I already know the outcome of. Toronto beats Montreal 6:1. I'm still watching it though, because soccer games are scarce in summer, and they win this game and consequently, the Champions' League.
Around the house...we're just waiting for friends to visit to share some cake. Our friend, Leah (our Pastor's daughter) just became a full-time college professor today. She's been part-time for nine years, so we're all happy for the answer to prayer.
One of my favourite things...freshly shelled peas in summer. I just picked some up from the farm. I prefer to eat them raw. It's like eating candy, and it reminds me of my childhood.
A few plans for the week...a busy Saturday,cleaning the church, then cooking and baking for the providential dinner at church tomorrow. I wish it wouldn't have been planned for Father's Day, but hey, I'm coping. I'm bringing homemade macaroni and cheese, a layered salad, (see recipe and photo below), and marble cupcakes. We always have more than enough food, and a good variety. Because of the cultural makeup of our congregation, all of our dinners are International. Sunday evening I have to drop my husband off at work and keep the van, in case the strike is on and lasts a long time. I'll be a strike widow. Monday night, our niece is graduating from highschool. Hopefully, my husband can make it. Tuesday night I go back to work for three nights. My eleven nights off went by so quickly. At least we got my daughter's room in Hamilton painted this week. Having two other people to help me paint made a big difference. I'll post pictures once we've decorated the room.

Layered Salad

This is a layered salad that is like a trifle in appearance, but of course, it's healthy.
I list the ingredients from top to bottom, but, of course, do the reverse when you're making it.

Bacon bits (optional)
Dried cranberries
Blanched, sliced almonds
Layer of baby spinach
Concentric circles of creamy cucumber dressing, or a layer of Greek Feta dressing
Sliced radishes
Broccoli florets diced very small
3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
Shredded ice berg lettuce
Freshly shelled summer peas
1 carrot, finely shredded
1/2 cucumber, peeled, sliced and chopped
2 vine ripened tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 shredded romaine lettuce leaves
Sliced button mushrooms
1 scallion
Baby spinach

A Working Holiday

June 14, 2009

Outside my window...one of the first really, really warm days this year. I even worked on my tan on the deck this afternoon.
I am thinking...it was shocking to hear that my husband's director was diagnosed with leukemia. I really wonder how this alpha-male will cope with this complete loss of control.
I am thankful...for my job. I am now off for eleven days!
From the kitchen...jumbo hot dogs on the BBQ, pasta salad.
I am wearing...p.j.'s.
I am reading...Tides of Hope by Irene Hannon. It's a Christian romance.
I am hoping...that my mom's angiogram on Wednesday reveals why she's still been having chest pain.
I am hearing...The Bourne Supremacy, even though I've seen it before.
Around the house...my husband's cousin has gone back to Florida, my eldest was at camp getting free training to be a lifeguard, my youngest is writing eight exams in seven days, my husband is doing strike preparations in case city workers go on strike, which will mean he'll be locked in to run the city's water supply. I hope they don't strike. I'll miss him.
One of my favourite things...reading.
A few plans for the week...I'm going to Hamilton to paint the room my daughter will occupy in the fall. It's a house with 6 other Christian girls. It needs to be done, but I hate painting, mostly because I'm a perfectionist. If I'm going to do it, I do it right, which is not fun for me or anyone forced to paint with me. Then on Wednesday, my mom has her angiogram. The rest of the week is still unplanned.

Hillsong Concert

So I went to the first concert of my life last weekend. Why didn't anyone tell me they were this much fun?
I know all concerts wouldn't be like this, since this was a Christian concert. Being a Praise and Worship band, they had the words to the songs up on the big screens and everyone sang along. There were thousands of people praising God. The place was packed. Plus, halfway through, they stopped to preach a gospel message, which was pretty good. They only did a semi-altar-call, of which I'm glad, praying for people instead of asking them to go anywhere, which essentially, was logistically impossible anyway.
I took my youngest daughter, her school friend, my two nieces, and my husband's cousin from Florida. My eldest was there as part of a college and careers retreat which included the concert, and we saw her in passing. I knew many of the songs, and the rest I picked up pretty fast. I did my share of clapping, but I'm not a "hands-in-the-air" type of person, like 95% of the people who were there, but I did enjoy it.
I don't expect that I'll suddenly start attending a few concerts a year, but I would probably go again, if I chose wisely. Hillsong United was there as the highlight of Christian Heritage Day at Ontario Place. There were other smaller bands, preaching, and Christian businesses outside of the Amphitheatre.

Man's Ignorance of God

"O my God, how does it happen in this poor world that you are so great and yet nobody finds you, that you call so loudly and yet nobody hears you, that you are so near and yet nobody feels you, that you give yourself to everybody and yet nobody knows your name? Men flee from you and say they cannot find you; they turn their backs and say they cannot see you; they stop their ears and say they cannot hear you."

~Hans Denck

Concert

June 6th, 2009.

Outside my window...sunny, warm, 22 C, a perfect day for an outdoor concert.
I am thinking...today is the 65th anniversary of D-Day. They really were "the best generation". I think, sadly, that their grandchildren (myself included) are too selfish to have done what those brave soldiers/sailors/airmen did.
I am thankful for...a free, safe country and peace during my lifetime.
From the kitchen...whatever we find at Ontario Place.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a black and white sleeveless top.
I am reading...The Guy I'm Not Dating, by Trish Perry. It's hilarious, Christian chick lit. It explores the issue of dating vs. courtship.
I am hoping...my friend, Kathy has a great time on her missions trip to Brazil. That's the privilege of being single.
I am hearing...It Feels Like Home, by Chantal Kreviazuk.
Around the house...my husband is picking up his cousin from the west end. My eldest is on a retreat and will also be at the concert today, although she'll be with her friends somewhere else. The house is in a rare moment of spotlessness. The calm before the storm.
One of my favourite things...concerts, I hope. I'll let you know.
A few plans for the week...Hillsong concert today, church tomorrow, work Monday night, family bbq on Tuesday since Kelli's here, work Wednesday and Thursday night.

Praise God for Health

June 5, 2009

Outside my window...we have a beautiful view of the city lights from the patient lounge at PMH. It faces west, and you can see all the way to Hamilton, but you can also see south a bit, and at night the CN Tower is lit up in different colours. In the day time, during the summer, you can see sailboats on Lake Ontario. We also have beautiful sunsets. I had worked the night of that blackout a few years ago, and it was so strange to look out and see only darkness, and stars over Toronto.
I am thinking...that this latest plane crash (Air France from Brazil to Paris) was so sad. What a horrible, terrifying way to die. See why I hate flying?
I am thankful for...the fact that my husband celebrated eleven years cancer free on June 3rd. Praise God, he's been able to see the girls grow up, get saved, and baptized. Our marriage got even better after his illness, too.
From the kitchen...beef stroganoff and carrots.
I am wearing...my uniform. I'm at work tonight.
I am reading...Danger's Hour by James Francis. It's a submarine techno thriller about two subs that collide; the rescue attempt, the cover-up, and the politics. It's been a while since I've read a sub book.
I am hoping...for good weather for the outdoor concert on Saturday.
I am hearing...a patient snoring very loudly. They're the best ones to check on rounds, because you hardly have to go into the room to know they're breathing. His roommate is complaining, though.
Around the house...my daughter offered to plant some annuals in the flower bed in the front yard. It's later than I usually do it, but life has been busy. I let her choose whatever flowers she wanted since she was doing the work. I usually plant pink impatiens, but she chose marigolds. I woke up today and it was all done. She did a great job.
One of my favourite things...when I get a brainstorm of an idea when I'm writing. The words fly onto the page. I had such a moment last night and was able to write a funny scene based on one of my more embarrassing moments. My social awkwardness is fodder for my stories.
A few plans for the week...work this fourth night, attend the first concert of my life on Saturday: Hillsong United. They are a praise and worship band from Australia. One of their more famous songs that is sung in churches is Shout to the Lord. Saturday is Christian Heritage Day at Ontario Place. Also we'll be bringing along my husband's cousin, Kelli who is here from Florida. She'll be staying with us for a few days. She's the same age as our oldest daughter.

What is a Christian?

This is a synopsis of the messages given by Steve West at the Sovereign Grace Youth Retreat last weekend. He preached from the book of Ephesians. Of course, he had many illustrations to flesh this out, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

What is a Christian?
Often to define something we need to define what it is NOT.
A Christian is not just someone who is raised in a Christian home.
A Christian is not just someone who feels bad about wrong things they've done--that just means you have a conscience.
A Christian is not just someone who is afraid of hell.
A Christian is someone who knows that, if not for Jesus, he would have no hope.
A Christian has repented of his sin and has faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith is not "hope so", or believing in something you don't believe to be true, or believing something in spite of evidence to the contrary.
Faith includes believing the right things about God and ourselves, and trusting (resting) in the finished work of Christ. He was our Substitute.
We recognize that God will never punish us for our sin, which we deserve, because He has punished Christ.
We have moved from death to life.

Prayer Life
Some words to describe your prayer life: inconsistent, humbling, selfish, strong.
If you wanted to learn to pray, go to Scripture. Model prayers in John 17, the Lord's Prayer, the book of Acts.
Paul tells the Ephesians how he prays for them.
Distractions and Daydreams during prayer: try talking out loud. It's not common to carry on a sustained monologue. Also keep your eyes open, have a passage open before you.
He gives thanks for the Ephesians faith in God and love for each other.
He prays regularly and consistently that they may know God better.
He prays that they'll understand how precious the church is to God. It is the inheritance of Jesus.
Churches this side of glory are not perfect.
Paul's prayer-life was radically "other-centred".
Do you pray like that for anyone other than yourself?
Do you only pray for God to make your life more comfortable?

The Old Life vs. The New Life
In the first century, you were either a Jew or a Gentile.
Gentile was a non-Jew, and a pagan.
Paul commands them not to live as they used to live.
"In the futility of their thinking." All self-centred thinking that rejects God is futile.
You are missing all the facts that make it all make sense--Who God is, who you are--You miss the main point of the whole universe.
"The ignorance in them"--culpable for their sin.
Hard hearts.
Lost sensitivity--the idea of calloused skin.
When you don't feel your need of Jesus, it proves you do need Him.
Leprosy is a picture of sin. In leprosy you lose your sensitivity to things.
Put on the new self, created to be like God.
We are moved from death to life.
Paul gives specifics of what that life looks like:
Put off lying. That includes leaving things out, making excuses and spinning the story.
Lying can start out small.
Don't stay angry--find a forgiving spirit.
Not controlling your anger gives Satan an avenue into your life.
Stop stealing. Instead, work honestly, share with those in need.
Old self--it hurts you to get what I want.
New self--I'll work hard to help you if you need it.
A radical change.
No unwholesome talk: cursing, blasphemy, gossip, slander, boasting, criticizing.
Rather, build others up with your words.
Do not grieve the Spirit--related to your words.
The Spirit speaks to build up the church. He lives in you--He doesn't want to hear your lives and slander.
Forgive, as you've been forgiven. They can't do anything to you that compares with what you've done to God.


Lifestyle
Sexual immorality should be far removed from the church.
Our society has changed so that what was formerly wrong, is right, or at least, morally neutral.
Sexual immorality is self-centred.
50% of engagements are broken off, so the idea that "we're going to be married" is not valid.
Such a person has no inheritance in the kingdom of God.
People will trade their souls for foolish things.
Let no one deceive you with vain words. Don't be partners with them. If you are partners in the act, you'll be partners in the wrath.
Expose these things to the light.
Pay attention to how you live.
Don't entertain yourself to death.
Make the most of the short life you have.
Don't be foolish, but discerning.
Don't be drunk. Rather, thanksgiving, control by God's Spirit.
Your life should be characterized as worship to God.
God takes great interest in our singing.

Retreats and Reality

May 29,2009

Outside my window...the day started out foggy and cool, turned sunny and warm, and now is rainy.
I am thinking...that it was very rude and low class that those comments were made in jest in Canada about assassinating Obama, but I wonder where those same people were when a movie was made about assassinating George Bush. Seems like a double standard happening here.
I am thankful for...a good weekend at the youth retreat. Steve West preached from Ephesians, the food was good, the weather was great, the games were fun, and there were no significant problems.
From the kitchen...fresh Atlantic salmon, potato salad, corn on the cob, strawberries and mangoes. Yummmmmm.
I am wearing...jeans and a new black and white print sleeveless top.
I am reading...The Longing Season by Christine Schaub about the love story between John Newton and Mary Catlett.
I am hoping...that they find little Tory Stafford's body. What a tragic end to that kidnapping.
I am hearing...a movie about diving for buried treasure. It's pretty lame.
Around the house...I shopped with my eldest today, and bought her a jacket and a waffle iron.
One of my favourite things...a clean house.
A few plans for the week...I'm planning to go to the Science Centre tomorrow morning, with my daughters. It's featuring the Science of Spying, and I'm hoping to learn some new things that I can use in my stories.

Ten Things I Love About My Husband's Character

1. He is level-headed and makes wise decisions. I trust him. I tend to make decisions based on emotions.
2. He works hard. He could probably find an easier job, but he keeps it to provide well for our family.
3. He is kind to everyone in our family. He wins over everyone who meets him. He has been this way consistently for 25 years.
4. He is a good counsellor. I'm not the only one who turns to him for advice.
5. He is good with small talk and sets people at ease. That was one of the first things that attracted me to him.
6. He is a good spiritual leader, at home and at church. Whenever he teaches or preaches, I learn something, even though I think I've heard his opinions on everything. That surprises me, even though it shouldn't. I like his preaching style.
7. He is faithful to stay with something for the long haul, like being a deacon or youth leader, or Sunday School teacher, or doing Carey Admin., or working at a stressful job, or being married to someone like me. That's rare, nowadays.
8. He is selfless and kind. He will do without something for himself, in order for one of us to have it, i.e. new clothes or the opportunity to take a course.
9. He believes in me. He seems to see some hidden potential there. He thinks I can do things I'm sure I can't, and then he ends up being right. Like when our church needed a Treasurer, I said, "No way, no how. Can't do it." He convinced me to try, I did it for five years, and learned and grew by the experience. How does he do that?
10. He treats me like a princess. That's not necessarily a good thing, but I'm not really complaining. For example, he gives me massages a few times a week, but only gets a few a year, himself. He buys me roses every Friday. He will watch anything I want to on T.V. You get the idea. He's more than I deserve. See why I love him!