Thursday, July 31, 2008
My Father's Death
Since I was only three years old when my father died, my memories of him are a combination of the few photographs we have of him, along with a few mini-video clips in my mind. I can't recall the sound of his voice, and that makes me sad. I wish I had more to work with.
The memories take place on the farm we lived on until he died. I recall a time we were in the sauna. I would have been about two. I was sitting in a small tub, splashing water and he was singing a silly song in Finnish, called "Ukko Noah", which means, "Old Man Noah". I also remember a ride out to the garbage dump in the woods behind our farm. Our German Shepherd, Wolf, went down into the valley and I was afraid for him, and my dad called him back.
I remember when a mangy old stray tomcat came to our property and tormented our barn cats. My Dad shot it off the barn (they did things like that back then), and my sister, who was five, took it by the tail, swung it over her head like a lasso, and tossed it into a puddle. This made me and all the kids in the neighbourhood laugh hysterically, for some reason.
The other vignette occurred when our dog, Wolf was hit by a car. He was badly injured and in the ditch. It was a hot summer morning, and I remember walking on the gravel driveway in my barefeet, wearing only my pajama bottoms (I was three). I remember he sent me in the house. Then he shot Wolf. (You'd think he always walked around with a rifle).
The final memory I have is of his funeral. I don't recall the moment when my Mom told us he had been in a car accident, although she did. I don't remember visiting him in the hospital for the month before he died. They had to tell my mom through an interpreter that he had died, we were such new immigrants. At the funeral, I remember touching his face in the casket. It was so cold.
That's sad, isn't it? Only a handful of memories of someone I should know so well.
I think children should go to funerals, even if they're very young, because it helps them to understand death.
This may seem like a strange custom, but Finnish people take pictures at funerals. I'm actually glad of that because it helped me have closure about his death. At around age nine, I was having a few dreams that my Dad was still alive. I wanted it to be true. I didn't care if he had left us, I just wanted him to be alive. At that age you start to understand the permanence of death.
The fact that I remembered touching him, and that we had a picture of me in my Mother's arms, with my sister standing beside my Father's open casket (in a sense, our last family photo), helped me accept the truth and finality of his death.
The memories take place on the farm we lived on until he died. I recall a time we were in the sauna. I would have been about two. I was sitting in a small tub, splashing water and he was singing a silly song in Finnish, called "Ukko Noah", which means, "Old Man Noah". I also remember a ride out to the garbage dump in the woods behind our farm. Our German Shepherd, Wolf, went down into the valley and I was afraid for him, and my dad called him back.
I remember when a mangy old stray tomcat came to our property and tormented our barn cats. My Dad shot it off the barn (they did things like that back then), and my sister, who was five, took it by the tail, swung it over her head like a lasso, and tossed it into a puddle. This made me and all the kids in the neighbourhood laugh hysterically, for some reason.
The other vignette occurred when our dog, Wolf was hit by a car. He was badly injured and in the ditch. It was a hot summer morning, and I remember walking on the gravel driveway in my barefeet, wearing only my pajama bottoms (I was three). I remember he sent me in the house. Then he shot Wolf. (You'd think he always walked around with a rifle).
The final memory I have is of his funeral. I don't recall the moment when my Mom told us he had been in a car accident, although she did. I don't remember visiting him in the hospital for the month before he died. They had to tell my mom through an interpreter that he had died, we were such new immigrants. At the funeral, I remember touching his face in the casket. It was so cold.
That's sad, isn't it? Only a handful of memories of someone I should know so well.
I think children should go to funerals, even if they're very young, because it helps them to understand death.
This may seem like a strange custom, but Finnish people take pictures at funerals. I'm actually glad of that because it helped me have closure about his death. At around age nine, I was having a few dreams that my Dad was still alive. I wanted it to be true. I didn't care if he had left us, I just wanted him to be alive. At that age you start to understand the permanence of death.
The fact that I remembered touching him, and that we had a picture of me in my Mother's arms, with my sister standing beside my Father's open casket (in a sense, our last family photo), helped me accept the truth and finality of his death.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Anti-War Poet
The 1997 movie, Regeneration, (sometimes called Behind Enemy Lines), is set in a psychiatric hospital for shell-shocked and insane soldiers during WW1. It's also about two famous anti-war poets, Sigfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. Wilfred Owen admired Sassoon almost to the point of hero-worship, but the focus of this movie is mostly on the life of Wilfred Owen and the development of his poetry and its' encouragement by Sassoon. Owen is generally considered a greater poet than Sassoon. Owen is in the hospital for shell-shock. Sassoon is sane and brave, having received the iron cross for bravery, but because he wrote a pamphlet criticizing the war, he is hospitalized and encouraged to recant or stay in the sanitarium for the entire war. Neither Sassoon nor Owen is particularly opposed to all wars, since they both enlisted, but they feel this one is hopeless and needlessly prolonged.
We are so accustomed to people protesting against issues, that it's hard for us to really understand how controversial it was for these men to speak out against war during these times, even in free countries. This was at a time when according to Owen, the thinking was "It is great and glorious to die for one's country."
Owen, as a soldier, was not a pacifist, but he did see the horrors of war and wanted the world to wake up. He wrote about trench and gas warfare. At one point in the movie, as the men are arguing about whether they should even be fighting at all, Dr. William Rivers challenges them angrily, "And what if everyone believed like you? Do you think the Germans will just go home?"
Owen wrote a poem from the perspective of a recently killed soldier, and another where he talks to an enemy soldier, that in other circumstances, they may have had a beer together.
Sadly, Wilfred Owen was killed in the war, at age 25, one week before the armistice. The news of his death reached his hometown just as the bells where ringing in celebration of the end of the Great War.
The most poignant scene in the movie is at the end, when news of Owen's death reaches Dr. Rivers. In the letter is a poem of Owen's, which he reads aloud. It is based on the Biblical narrative of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac.
The Parable of the Old Man and the Young
So Abram rose, and clave the wood, and went,
And took the fire with him, and a knife.
And as they sojourned both of them together,
Isaac, the first-born spake and said, 'My Father,
Behold the preparations, fire and iron,
But where the lamb for this burnt offering?'
Then Abram bound the youth with belts and straps,
and builded parapets and trenches there,
And stretched forth the knife to slay his son,
When lo! an angel called him out of heaven,
Saying, Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
Neither do anything to him, thy son.
Behold! Caught in a thicket by it's horns,
A Ram. Offer the Ram of Pride instead.
But the old man would not so, but slew his son,
And half the seed of Europe, one by one.
You can also google Wilfred Owen, and hear his poems narrated to music and pictures. The above poem is very powerful heard this way.
We are so accustomed to people protesting against issues, that it's hard for us to really understand how controversial it was for these men to speak out against war during these times, even in free countries. This was at a time when according to Owen, the thinking was "It is great and glorious to die for one's country."
Owen, as a soldier, was not a pacifist, but he did see the horrors of war and wanted the world to wake up. He wrote about trench and gas warfare. At one point in the movie, as the men are arguing about whether they should even be fighting at all, Dr. William Rivers challenges them angrily, "And what if everyone believed like you? Do you think the Germans will just go home?"
Owen wrote a poem from the perspective of a recently killed soldier, and another where he talks to an enemy soldier, that in other circumstances, they may have had a beer together.
Sadly, Wilfred Owen was killed in the war, at age 25, one week before the armistice. The news of his death reached his hometown just as the bells where ringing in celebration of the end of the Great War.
The most poignant scene in the movie is at the end, when news of Owen's death reaches Dr. Rivers. In the letter is a poem of Owen's, which he reads aloud. It is based on the Biblical narrative of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac.
The Parable of the Old Man and the Young
So Abram rose, and clave the wood, and went,
And took the fire with him, and a knife.
And as they sojourned both of them together,
Isaac, the first-born spake and said, 'My Father,
Behold the preparations, fire and iron,
But where the lamb for this burnt offering?'
Then Abram bound the youth with belts and straps,
and builded parapets and trenches there,
And stretched forth the knife to slay his son,
When lo! an angel called him out of heaven,
Saying, Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
Neither do anything to him, thy son.
Behold! Caught in a thicket by it's horns,
A Ram. Offer the Ram of Pride instead.
But the old man would not so, but slew his son,
And half the seed of Europe, one by one.
You can also google Wilfred Owen, and hear his poems narrated to music and pictures. The above poem is very powerful heard this way.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Terrorists in Canada
I bought the book, The Lightning File, by Eric Wright, because I know the author personally and have enjoyed reading his non-fiction books. I was pleasantly surprised at his first attempt at fiction. I read it in 24 hours. I know that a lot of work goes into writing a novel, but the fact that I couldn't put it down was meant as a compliment. It is fast-paced, intriguing and intricate. You wonder if they'll be able to foil the terrorist plot and make the connection to drug-money laundering. Josh needs to break a code to solve the mystery. His marriage problems and the femme fatale with whom he has a mutual attraction play into the story as well. The fact that it's set in Toronto with familiar landmarks makes it more interesting. The potential and actual terrorist scenarios he proposes in the book seem plausible and terrifying. His research of Welland Canal and the Darlington Nuclear Plant is well done. I'm sure 'someone' else has already considered these things as well.
John Paton
The book John Paton, by Benjamin Unseth is a missionary adventure. He lived from 1824 to 1907. I know he's admired in many circles for bringing the gospel to many islands in the South Pacific, but the impression I got from this book was that he seemed to be satisfied with "conducting worship", and was pleased if the natives simply behaved during it. Then he was surprised when they continued their headhunting and cannibalism. It doesn't seem to me that he actually preached the gospel, so there was no real change in their hearts, and therefore, in their lives.
No doubt, the missionaries who went to those islands first, were brave, and many gave their lives. Paton himself was threatened and hounded and cursed by a particular chief.
When Paton dug a well and provided water, the men saw this as a miracle. They had been trying to talk him out of it, telling him that no one ever heard of anyone digging a hole to get rain. They were afraid they'd be in trouble when a man-of-war arrived and they'd have to explain that he was buried in the ground trying to find rain. They knew they wouldn't be believed. They were also impressed when a death curse placed on him failed. Over time, many were converted and went to their former enemies to share the gospel.
One funny thing: He was in Tanna first, where the cannibals ate the bones of those they killed. When he went to Vanuatu and found mounds of human bones, he asked how they got there. The men were offended and said, "We are not Tanna men! We don't eat the bones!"
Captain Cook always said that when he went to a new island, he always hoped the missionaries had been there first. Understandable since he was bludgeoned to death by the natives on the island of Hawaii.
No doubt, the missionaries who went to those islands first, were brave, and many gave their lives. Paton himself was threatened and hounded and cursed by a particular chief.
When Paton dug a well and provided water, the men saw this as a miracle. They had been trying to talk him out of it, telling him that no one ever heard of anyone digging a hole to get rain. They were afraid they'd be in trouble when a man-of-war arrived and they'd have to explain that he was buried in the ground trying to find rain. They knew they wouldn't be believed. They were also impressed when a death curse placed on him failed. Over time, many were converted and went to their former enemies to share the gospel.
One funny thing: He was in Tanna first, where the cannibals ate the bones of those they killed. When he went to Vanuatu and found mounds of human bones, he asked how they got there. The men were offended and said, "We are not Tanna men! We don't eat the bones!"
Captain Cook always said that when he went to a new island, he always hoped the missionaries had been there first. Understandable since he was bludgeoned to death by the natives on the island of Hawaii.
Exploring Infant Baptism
The novel, "Is it Well With the Child?" by William Oosterman, explores the issue of what happens to children who die before they know right from wrong. It does this by telling the story of a four year old boy who died, never having been baptized. The small community is shattered and hardly knows how to comfort the parents, who most feel, were wrong not to have baptized him. With the give and take of dialogue, Oosterman examines this theological issue from several viewpoints. Their Catholic housekeeper admits she took the child and had had him secretly baptized in the Catholic church, which then asks the question, "Is it the outward act itself, however it was done, that matters?" This family was not Catholic.
Although I agree with the reasoning and appreciate the Scriptural arguments he puts forth in defense of the idea that all babies who die go to Heaven, I disagree with his ultimate conclusion. The Scriptural arguments are rather vague, and where Scripture stops, we must stop. I don't believe we can know, and must instead leave it with God. As Abraham said, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" It's not my idea of right that matters, but God's, who has all wisdom. Think for a moment: even Adolf Hitler could have been a cute baby and sweet little boy, but God knows all things, even the future of cute little babies.
The reason I must disagree with his conclusion, is that the ramifications are not logical. If it was automatic that every baby who died before birth, or children who died before they could repent, went to Heaven automatically, then the logical conlcusion would be for Christians not to be opposed to abortion, because the babies would go to Heaven, whereas if they lived, they may or may not. I cannot see the logic in that. "Shall we do evil, that good may come?"
Is there no advantage then, to children of believers? Of course. They have the opportunity to hear the gospel in many ways and can see it lived out in their parents' lives. But it must be their own faith, not their parents. When we stand before the Judgment Seat, we will not be hanging onto our mother's apron strings. It's like a turnstyle, you go through one at a time. God has sons and daughters, He doesn't say He has grandchildren. Yet, parents often feel they have to "do" something for their children, but they cannot. Even the concept of Child Dedication is, to me, just a holdover from infant baptism. It makes the parents feel good. Who are they dedicating? Are they not dedicating themselves to raise this child in a Christian home? Would they not have done that without a ceremony with the child in a fancy lace gown? Of course, any true Christian would. Yet, I know many who stand up in front of a congregation and promise to do just that, but then they never actually do it. We made no such public proclamation, and yet we did it. What's better? Jesus asked the same thing. He said one son said, "Yes, Father I'll do it, but didn't do it, and the other son said he wouldn't do it, but then repented and did it." It's better to obey than sacrifice. (But I digress).
I know the author, and I generally agree with him on most things, but not this time. Sorry, Willy.
Although I agree with the reasoning and appreciate the Scriptural arguments he puts forth in defense of the idea that all babies who die go to Heaven, I disagree with his ultimate conclusion. The Scriptural arguments are rather vague, and where Scripture stops, we must stop. I don't believe we can know, and must instead leave it with God. As Abraham said, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" It's not my idea of right that matters, but God's, who has all wisdom. Think for a moment: even Adolf Hitler could have been a cute baby and sweet little boy, but God knows all things, even the future of cute little babies.
The reason I must disagree with his conclusion, is that the ramifications are not logical. If it was automatic that every baby who died before birth, or children who died before they could repent, went to Heaven automatically, then the logical conlcusion would be for Christians not to be opposed to abortion, because the babies would go to Heaven, whereas if they lived, they may or may not. I cannot see the logic in that. "Shall we do evil, that good may come?"
Is there no advantage then, to children of believers? Of course. They have the opportunity to hear the gospel in many ways and can see it lived out in their parents' lives. But it must be their own faith, not their parents. When we stand before the Judgment Seat, we will not be hanging onto our mother's apron strings. It's like a turnstyle, you go through one at a time. God has sons and daughters, He doesn't say He has grandchildren. Yet, parents often feel they have to "do" something for their children, but they cannot. Even the concept of Child Dedication is, to me, just a holdover from infant baptism. It makes the parents feel good. Who are they dedicating? Are they not dedicating themselves to raise this child in a Christian home? Would they not have done that without a ceremony with the child in a fancy lace gown? Of course, any true Christian would. Yet, I know many who stand up in front of a congregation and promise to do just that, but then they never actually do it. We made no such public proclamation, and yet we did it. What's better? Jesus asked the same thing. He said one son said, "Yes, Father I'll do it, but didn't do it, and the other son said he wouldn't do it, but then repented and did it." It's better to obey than sacrifice. (But I digress).
I know the author, and I generally agree with him on most things, but not this time. Sorry, Willy.
He Spoke in Parables
This book by Gordon Keddie is a very helpful book in preparing Sunday School lessons. After explaining the purpose of parables, Keddie explains and applies twenty-six parables. They are very powerful ways of teaching profound truths, and Jesus was the Master. They talk about things common to most cultures, like farming, or weddings. They are earthly stories with a heavenly message. He also warns against looking for more in them than there is. Unless it says specifically that this=that, it's best to be watching for just one main lesson. Some parables use contrast to teach, i.e. the Unjust Judge, while others use comparable ideas, like the prodigal son.
Our problem is rarely that we don't understand parables. Our problem is accepting what is being taught. For example, in the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Jesus is teaching that as the owner of the Vineyard, He can pay the workers whatever He likes, because it's His to give. The implication is that even if a person is saved right before they die, like the thief on the cross next to Jesus, they are promised Heaven, just like the people who have served God their whole lives. We rebel against it only because we forget that we don't work for our salvation; it is all of grace.
Our problem is rarely that we don't understand parables. Our problem is accepting what is being taught. For example, in the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Jesus is teaching that as the owner of the Vineyard, He can pay the workers whatever He likes, because it's His to give. The implication is that even if a person is saved right before they die, like the thief on the cross next to Jesus, they are promised Heaven, just like the people who have served God their whole lives. We rebel against it only because we forget that we don't work for our salvation; it is all of grace.
Submarine Ride
When we were on a Caribbean Cruise, on our stop in St. Thomas, I went on a two-hour submarine ride. My youngest daughter is claustrophobic, so my husband took the girls on an aerial car tour (not my cup of tea, since I'm afraid of heights).
Of course, my camera took that moment to break, so I have no pictures, but if you go to www.atlantisadventures.com/virtualsub.cfm you can get an idea of what the sub looks like and the kinds of things you see.
I know that most people would be more interested in the fish and coral, because they are beautiful, but for me, the submarine was the attraction. Being able to see the underside of the surface of the water as we submerged, and resurfaced, with the varying degrees of light, was amazing. We descended to 80 feet.
The crew consisted of the Captain (sub-driver) and another sailor who was the tour guide. He said, "The first thing they taught us in sub-school was to close the hatches before we dive. If I have to open them again while we're down here, I'm not coming back. That thing about 'women and children first' only applies to surface vessels."
If I wouldn't have looked like a fool being by myself and grinning, I would have done it. I was so happy. But instead I just looked out the window and jumped for joy on the inside. If I had a 'bucket list' of things to do before I die, a submarine ride would be on it. Of course, if someone could arrange a tour in a nuclear submarine, I'd be forever grateful.
Of course, my camera took that moment to break, so I have no pictures, but if you go to www.atlantisadventures.com/virtualsub.cfm you can get an idea of what the sub looks like and the kinds of things you see.
I know that most people would be more interested in the fish and coral, because they are beautiful, but for me, the submarine was the attraction. Being able to see the underside of the surface of the water as we submerged, and resurfaced, with the varying degrees of light, was amazing. We descended to 80 feet.
The crew consisted of the Captain (sub-driver) and another sailor who was the tour guide. He said, "The first thing they taught us in sub-school was to close the hatches before we dive. If I have to open them again while we're down here, I'm not coming back. That thing about 'women and children first' only applies to surface vessels."
If I wouldn't have looked like a fool being by myself and grinning, I would have done it. I was so happy. But instead I just looked out the window and jumped for joy on the inside. If I had a 'bucket list' of things to do before I die, a submarine ride would be on it. Of course, if someone could arrange a tour in a nuclear submarine, I'd be forever grateful.
Ten Things You Didn't Know About Me
1. I'm a book addict.
2. I eat an egg every day.
3. I'm fluent in English and Finnish.
4. I'm afraid of heights, and bees.
5. I took a ride in a submarine.
6. I once stowed away on a ferry.
7. I'm good at target games (archery, laser quest, arcade shooting games).
8. One day, I hope to go to Papua New Guinea.
9. I've had coffee every day since I was five (except when I was pregnant).
10. I'm working on seven inspirational romance stories at once.
2. I eat an egg every day.
3. I'm fluent in English and Finnish.
4. I'm afraid of heights, and bees.
5. I took a ride in a submarine.
6. I once stowed away on a ferry.
7. I'm good at target games (archery, laser quest, arcade shooting games).
8. One day, I hope to go to Papua New Guinea.
9. I've had coffee every day since I was five (except when I was pregnant).
10. I'm working on seven inspirational romance stories at once.
Dreaming is Free
If money was no object, I would build a personal library, modelled after the one in the House of Commons, in Ottawa. It has two levels that line a circular room, with bookshelves that come into the centre of the room like spokes. The centre is a sitting area. Directly above the central area is a domed, stained glass ceiling. It has beautiful woodwork. If it was filled with my favourite books, as well, I'd be in my happy place.
SuperHero Attribute
If I could have any attribute of a superhero, I'd choose to be able to breathe underwater, so I could explore the ocean's mysteries.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A Taste of Eternity
Richard Baxter was a Puritan Pastor in England from 1615-1691. He wrote many books, which were, essentially, a collection of his sermons. The little paperback, Aim High, is a paraphrase and serious abridgment of his much larger book, The Saints' Everlasting Rest. He writes, as most Puritans do, with headings, sub-headings, and about 10 points under each sub-heading, so that by the time you get to the last point, you almost forget what he was trying to prove.
Although it is verbose, even this abridged version gives you perspective about the brevity of this life in the light of eternity. No one could doubt the pastoral heart of Baxter, or his own love for the Saviour. An eleven year old boy who was dying, asked to have some of Mr. Baxter's book, so that he could "read a little more of eternity before I go to it."
The first five paragraphs of Chapter One are so moving, I've copied them and want them read at my funeral, whenever that may be. (It follows this blog).
They are written from the perspective of a soul newly arrived in glory and reflecting on the journey and the destination he almost missed out on. I can't read it without crying. Sadly, in this day of spiritual illiteracy, few will take the time and energy required to read any of the Puritans, especially the more intellectual writers, like John Owen. But this little volume is well worth the effort. Believers are missing out on great comfort by avoiding their rich heritage.
"From heaven's height the soul surveys the Promised Land. Looking back on earth, the soul views the dreary wilderness through which it passed. To stand on Mount Memory, comparing heaven with earth, fills the soul with unimaginable gratitude, and makes it exclaim:
'Is this the inheritance that cost so much as the blood of Christ? No wonder! O blessed price! Is this the result of believing? Have the gales of grace blown me into such a harbour? Is this where Christ was so eager to bring me? O praise the Lord! Is this the glory of which the Scriptures spoke, and of which ministers preached so much? I see the Gospel is indeed good news!
Are all my troubles, Satan's temptations, the world's scorns and jeers, come to this? O vile, nature, that resisted so much, and so long, such a blessing! Unworthy soul, is this the place you came to so unwillingly? Was duty tiresome? Was the world too good to lose? Could you not leave all, deny all, and suffer anything for THIS? Were you loathe to die to come to this? O false heart, you had almost betrayed me to eternal flames and lost me this glory! Are you not ashamed now, my soul, that you ever questioned that Love which brought you here? Are you not sorry that you ever quenched His Spirit's prompting or misinterpreted His providence, or complained about the narrow road that brought you to such a destination?
Now you are sufficiently convinced that your blessed Redeemer was saving you, as well when he crossed your desires, as when he granted them; when he broke your heart, as when he bound it up. No thanks to you, unworthy self, for this crown; but to God be the glory for ever!'"
Although it is verbose, even this abridged version gives you perspective about the brevity of this life in the light of eternity. No one could doubt the pastoral heart of Baxter, or his own love for the Saviour. An eleven year old boy who was dying, asked to have some of Mr. Baxter's book, so that he could "read a little more of eternity before I go to it."
The first five paragraphs of Chapter One are so moving, I've copied them and want them read at my funeral, whenever that may be. (It follows this blog).
They are written from the perspective of a soul newly arrived in glory and reflecting on the journey and the destination he almost missed out on. I can't read it without crying. Sadly, in this day of spiritual illiteracy, few will take the time and energy required to read any of the Puritans, especially the more intellectual writers, like John Owen. But this little volume is well worth the effort. Believers are missing out on great comfort by avoiding their rich heritage.
"From heaven's height the soul surveys the Promised Land. Looking back on earth, the soul views the dreary wilderness through which it passed. To stand on Mount Memory, comparing heaven with earth, fills the soul with unimaginable gratitude, and makes it exclaim:
'Is this the inheritance that cost so much as the blood of Christ? No wonder! O blessed price! Is this the result of believing? Have the gales of grace blown me into such a harbour? Is this where Christ was so eager to bring me? O praise the Lord! Is this the glory of which the Scriptures spoke, and of which ministers preached so much? I see the Gospel is indeed good news!
Are all my troubles, Satan's temptations, the world's scorns and jeers, come to this? O vile, nature, that resisted so much, and so long, such a blessing! Unworthy soul, is this the place you came to so unwillingly? Was duty tiresome? Was the world too good to lose? Could you not leave all, deny all, and suffer anything for THIS? Were you loathe to die to come to this? O false heart, you had almost betrayed me to eternal flames and lost me this glory! Are you not ashamed now, my soul, that you ever questioned that Love which brought you here? Are you not sorry that you ever quenched His Spirit's prompting or misinterpreted His providence, or complained about the narrow road that brought you to such a destination?
Now you are sufficiently convinced that your blessed Redeemer was saving you, as well when he crossed your desires, as when he granted them; when he broke your heart, as when he bound it up. No thanks to you, unworthy self, for this crown; but to God be the glory for ever!'"
Anniversary Trip
My husband and I usually like to get away without the kids once a year around our anniversary. This year we stayed in downtown Toronto for three nights. Our hotel room had been recently renovated with modern brown and white furnishings, a bowl sink and large shower stall in place of a tub, a 42" plasma T.V. and an I-POD docking station on the clock radio (not that either one of us has an I-POD).
It also had a king sized bed. The good thing about sleeping in a king sized bed is that you can sleep all night and never touch anyone. And the bad thing about sleeping in a king sized bed is that you can sleep all night and never touch anyone. My husband says we'll never get a king-sized bed for our house.
We ate at a variety of places, including a hot dog vendor, Dunn's Famous Deli, Shawarma King, for falafel and tabouli, Big Daddy's Crab Shack for crabcakes,lobster, king crab, scallops, shrimp and catfish,(Yum) and Bistro 333 for steak and salmon.
We attended a Toronto FC soccer game against Montreal Impact. This was my second game and his third. It's impossible to get regular season tickets. It's incredibly popular, more than they anticipated. It was an exciting game and we had great seats, but the game ended in a tie, which meant that Montreal advanced in the Champions League. It was the only time in all our 22 years that my husband and I wore matching clothes, but then, we matched most of the people in BMO field as well.
The fans who sit on the south side are known as the Red Patch Boys and they stand throughout the game. They chant,"This is our house!" They are very loyal, but they're not very good sports. They throw things on the field, like a shower of streamers on the opposing side player when he's trying to take a corner kick. They shouldn't allow that. They don't allow it in the English or German leagues. The longer they let them get away with stuff like that, it will just embolden them to be even rowdier, and there'll soon be Hooliganism, and people won't want to bring their families there.
If a player from the other team goes down, they chant, "Dig a hole, and bury him."
One funny thing that happened: in the first few minutes of the game, a player from Montreal kicked the ball and his shoe came off. They began chanting, "Tie your shoe up."
The weather wasn't great, lots of rain, thunder and lightning, so we didn't go to Shakespeare in the Park as planned. We would have gone the next night, but the MLS All-stars were playing against West Ham United, and soccer trumps Shakespeare every time. We couldn't get tickets to that (I love West Ham almost as much as Aston Villa) so we stayed in and watched the game on the big screen and then went out for dinner afterwards. The All-Stars won 3-2 and a Scarborough native, DeRosario scored the winning goal.
We shopped at the Eaton Centre, and of course, spent a few hours in the World's Biggest Bookstore, feeding my addiction with 2, no 4, okay, 6 new books. My husband even bought one and read it while we were away.
It was nice to sleep in and spend time together as a couple. We love our kids, and we like them, too, but we plan on being a happily married couple long after they've moved out.
It also had a king sized bed. The good thing about sleeping in a king sized bed is that you can sleep all night and never touch anyone. And the bad thing about sleeping in a king sized bed is that you can sleep all night and never touch anyone. My husband says we'll never get a king-sized bed for our house.
We ate at a variety of places, including a hot dog vendor, Dunn's Famous Deli, Shawarma King, for falafel and tabouli, Big Daddy's Crab Shack for crabcakes,lobster, king crab, scallops, shrimp and catfish,(Yum) and Bistro 333 for steak and salmon.
We attended a Toronto FC soccer game against Montreal Impact. This was my second game and his third. It's impossible to get regular season tickets. It's incredibly popular, more than they anticipated. It was an exciting game and we had great seats, but the game ended in a tie, which meant that Montreal advanced in the Champions League. It was the only time in all our 22 years that my husband and I wore matching clothes, but then, we matched most of the people in BMO field as well.
The fans who sit on the south side are known as the Red Patch Boys and they stand throughout the game. They chant,"This is our house!" They are very loyal, but they're not very good sports. They throw things on the field, like a shower of streamers on the opposing side player when he's trying to take a corner kick. They shouldn't allow that. They don't allow it in the English or German leagues. The longer they let them get away with stuff like that, it will just embolden them to be even rowdier, and there'll soon be Hooliganism, and people won't want to bring their families there.
If a player from the other team goes down, they chant, "Dig a hole, and bury him."
One funny thing that happened: in the first few minutes of the game, a player from Montreal kicked the ball and his shoe came off. They began chanting, "Tie your shoe up."
The weather wasn't great, lots of rain, thunder and lightning, so we didn't go to Shakespeare in the Park as planned. We would have gone the next night, but the MLS All-stars were playing against West Ham United, and soccer trumps Shakespeare every time. We couldn't get tickets to that (I love West Ham almost as much as Aston Villa) so we stayed in and watched the game on the big screen and then went out for dinner afterwards. The All-Stars won 3-2 and a Scarborough native, DeRosario scored the winning goal.
We shopped at the Eaton Centre, and of course, spent a few hours in the World's Biggest Bookstore, feeding my addiction with 2, no 4, okay, 6 new books. My husband even bought one and read it while we were away.
It was nice to sleep in and spend time together as a couple. We love our kids, and we like them, too, but we plan on being a happily married couple long after they've moved out.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Husband Store
This was a funny e-mail about what women look for in a husband. Does such a place really exist?
A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . ... you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband . .
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.
The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.
The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!" Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:
Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.
Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!
A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . ... you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband . .
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.
The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.
The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!" Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:
Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.
Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!
My Jonah Moment
"Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him you have plans." Anonymous
The Old Testament Prophet, Jonah was told by God to go to Nineveh to preach. He refused and fled by ship to Tarshish. You know the rest of the story. A storm came up, they discovered it was because of him, he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish for three days. After he was expelled, he went where he was supposed to go.
Seventeen years ago, we were looking to buy a house. There were some things I wanted in a house, but one thing I didn't want was to live near our church, because the area is a little rough. I said, "I WILL NOT live near that mall or have my kids go to that school."
Never say never. I think God said, "Oh, really?"
Guess where we ended up finding a home? Guess which mall I shop at and which school our children attended for a few years? Yep, on a quiet street right near our church, where I said I'd never live. We've been here since. Is this my dream house? No, but it is our home. I'm content with my life, and happy to be living near the church where we serve.
I haven't always been content. I think I went through my mid-life crisis early, at age 30, but I've since settled into the place I'm called to be.
God didn't put me where I wanted to be, only where I needed to be.
The Old Testament Prophet, Jonah was told by God to go to Nineveh to preach. He refused and fled by ship to Tarshish. You know the rest of the story. A storm came up, they discovered it was because of him, he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish for three days. After he was expelled, he went where he was supposed to go.
Seventeen years ago, we were looking to buy a house. There were some things I wanted in a house, but one thing I didn't want was to live near our church, because the area is a little rough. I said, "I WILL NOT live near that mall or have my kids go to that school."
Never say never. I think God said, "Oh, really?"
Guess where we ended up finding a home? Guess which mall I shop at and which school our children attended for a few years? Yep, on a quiet street right near our church, where I said I'd never live. We've been here since. Is this my dream house? No, but it is our home. I'm content with my life, and happy to be living near the church where we serve.
I haven't always been content. I think I went through my mid-life crisis early, at age 30, but I've since settled into the place I'm called to be.
God didn't put me where I wanted to be, only where I needed to be.
Monday, July 21, 2008
CarolynT Band
My sister-in-law has her own band where she is the soloist. She is very good and has played in many venues, including the Jazz Festival. She sings R&B, Funk, and jazz as well. Here are some pictures of her, as well as her website and you tube videos. She was on Breakfast Television and sang two songs.
Her website is www.CarolynTband.com
Her youtube videos are found at http://www.youtube.com/CarolynTBand
It's nice to have someone famous in the family.
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