Jan. 31, 2011.
Outside my window...dark and very cold. We're supposed to get a foot of snow in the next few days. I hate winter. One day I hope to live in a tropical climate.
I am thinking...on Sunday we had four Pastors from Malawi visiting our church. They ministered in both services and the adult class. They also did a presentation on the work in Malawi. I was shocked to learn the poverty line there is $1.25/day. Between services, we had two of them over to our home for a rest and a snack. We must seem extremely rich by comparison, and I know we are blessed. I know we've been given much, but much will be required. My husband and I talked about what to do with it. We learned a bicycle costs $125 and is a sole means of transportation for a Pastor. Also a metal roof for a church costs $500.00
I am thankful for...the opportunity to be a part of the work of Christ throughout the world, and the sweet fellowship with believers from all over the world.
From the kitchen...boring. Chicken legs and carrots. I'm still hungry.
I am wearing...black yoga pants (and long johns), a print top and a black sweater.
I am reading...Discovering Christ in the Song of Solomon by Don Fortner. It's so beautiful. How did I never see these things before?
I am hoping...my shifts this week won't be as busy as last week.
I am hearing...the train. I arrived in time for the early train so I could visit my sister's fiance before work, but it was delayed twenty minutes due to a medical emergency. Maybe tomorrow.
Around the house...there's a rabbit under our deck. He probably feels safe there, from coyotes, and warm next to the hot tub. I wouldn't mind, but he ate our rose bush, the varmint!
One of my favourite things...a hot sauna, in my own home. Still amazed by that, and thankful.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, hopefully have a quiet weekend catching up on work around the house. I still haven't even tried the sports and dance games for our Kinect. Maybe we'll have guests on Sunday.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Women in the Genealogy of Christ: Part Three: Ruth
Ruth
Read Ruth 1-4.
Sources:
Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
Her Name is Woman Book Two by Gien Karssen
Faithful God by Sinclair Ferguson
The book of Ruth is short, only four chapters, but there is much in little. On the surface, it is a love story of an unlikely woman,a poor widow from Moab, with a wealthy, honorable Israelite, named Boaz.
Sinclair Ferguson describes how a personal ad would have appeared in the Bethlehem Star:
"Single Moabite woman, widowed, childless, with mother-in-law, seeks well-to-do Bethlehem businessman with view to marriage; must love mother-in-law."
The story is about the themes of returning/conversion, loving-kindness, loyalty and faithfulness. It shows how Ruth and her meddling mother-in-law, Naomi are saved by their Kinsman-Redeemer. It has an overarching theme of the Providence of God in difficult circumstances to advance his kingdom. It was written a few generations after the fact to show how God used an unlikely foreign woman to be the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth is also listed in the Gospel genealogy in Matthew to show that she is also in the family line of Christ. It shows the inclusion of the Gentiles (non-Jews) in the great plan of Redemption.
Ferguson also contrasts Boaz with Adam. They both seemed to have it all, but they were both alone, and that was "not good". They both went to sleep, and when they woke up, the woman of their dreams was there.
Ruth is always used as an example of loyalty and faithfulness. Her famous words (spoken to her mother-in-law) are often quoted at wedding ceremonies to show devotion. I don’t know if that means you’re pledging your love to your Mother-in-law...
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die.
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”
The Bible has a bit of everything in it. There is history, biography, poetry, prose, apocalyptic and even romance. The book of Ruth is a romance novella which plays an important part in redemptive history. God could have just thrown a couple together in an arranged marriage and the family line of Christ would have continued on. Yet he chose to give us a glimpse into the character of a young Gentile woman, in order to give hope to those of us outside of the nation of Israel.
Who are the players in this story?
Boaz
-A wealthy businessman in Bethlehem; he was powerful and important in society.
-Older than Ruth by at least twenty years.
-Parents were Salmon and Rahab, the harlot. (Remember them from our last study?)
-Would he have grown up with any stigma due to his mother’s history? Perhaps. It would have made him more sensitive to the feelings of an outsider.
-He is impressed by Ruth as she works in the field, hearing a good report of her by his foreman.
-He has heard of her actions in following Naomi to a strange country. He may have thought of his mother, Rahab, who did the same thing.
-Although he is impressed by her and may even be attracted to her, he doesn’t pursue her as he probably feels their age difference is too great.
-If it were not for Naomi’s meddling and Ruth’s willingness to do as Naomi instructed her, Boaz may never have made a move.
-When she approaches him the night on the threshing floor and basically proposes to him, he is very humble, not even acknowledging that he is quite an eligible bachelor. Instead, he commends her for not running after the young men.
-He guards her reputation the night on the threshing floor by sending her away while it is still dark, lest someone assume something happened between them, and then he gives her grain to take with her in case someone was to inquire where she was at that hour.
-He remembers that there is another relative who is closer than he. This is the conflict, or complicating factor you see in all great romances. How will they overcome it? Will our hero and heroine find true love?
-He also tells her he’ll approach the other relative, so she doesn’t have to humble herself by proposing to someone else.
-He also indirectly promises to care for Naomi as well.
-He may have worried that the other relative would be greedy for the land, but was pleased that the man did not want to have a wife whose son would bear another man’s name. He would also have to share his inheritance. Similar idea to the story of Tamar, where Onan did not want to father a son for another man or share the inheritance.
-This transaction, done at the “city gates” where all business was transacted before witnesses,was done properly, so there would be no question as to the legitimacy of Boaz’s claim to Ruth and the inheritance of Elimelech.
-Although it sounds like Ruth is ‘purchased’ in a business transaction, you see from the interaction between them, that Ruth and Boaz do really love each other.
Naomi
-Left home with her husband and two sons during a famine, and settled in Moab.
-Was she disappointed that her sons married foreign wives? Not ultimately.
-Her husband dies, then both her sons. A true tragedy. Now she is alone and destitute. There was no social assistance or life insurance plans. As a woman in that culture, she would have had no way to earn a living. A widow with no sons was truly destitute, as we learned from Tamar.
-She tells her daughters-in-law to return to their families and their gods, as she would return to Bethlehem. Orpah goes, but Ruth clings to Naomi.
-When they return to Bethlehem, Naomi is welcomed by friends, but she complains about her lot in life and feels God has dealt harshly with her. She is bitter. Much like Jacob after he thought Joseph died, when he said, “everything is against me.”
-They begin to glean. This was a practice put in place by God as a way for foreigners and the poor in Israel to have enough to eat.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 19:9, 10
“When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your god may bless you in all the work of your hands....And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.” Deut. 24: 19, 22
-Things begin to change when she sees God’s providence in leading Ruth to glean in Boaz’s field. Although it seems like it was just a coincidence that Ruth ended up in Boaz’s field, we know nothing happens by accident. Naomi knows he is a near relative. Could this key from their past may also be a bridge to their future?
-She is a bit of a meddling mother-in-law, but she does what she does out of love for Ruth and a desire to see her looked after.
-She catches on that there is some interest on Boaz’s part towards Ruth, based on his treatment of her: he makes sure the workers don’t abuse her, he offers her the protection of staying in his field, he lets her eat with them, she can drink water drawn by the servants, he makes sure she can
gather enough food for her and Naomi, and he comments favourably about her character and conduct.
-Naomi hatches a plan based on the right to a levirate marriage. She doesn’t know if Boaz will go for it, but she instructs Ruth to prepare herself as if she was going on a date.
-Ruth trusts Naomi and follows her instructions, since she is unaware of the customs of the Jews.
-I’m sure she was aware that she was to entice Boaz in some way and seek out his protection in marriage. It just seemed like a strange way to go about it.
-When the story ends, the friends and relatives say, “...your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”
Ruth
-A young woman, from the country of Moab.
-The Moabites were enemies of Israel.
-They are descended from the incestuous union of Lot and one of his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
-Unlike Orpah, Naomi’s other daughter-in-law, Ruth came to love her new family and trust in their God.
-Ruth’s pledge of undying faithfulness is commendable. Naomi probably doesn’t realize at this point just how much Ruth will mean to her future happiness.
-Ruth is very brave to leave everything familiar and stable and secure to go with Naomi to a new country and unknown circumstances. She is probably aware they will be poor, yet she trusts in God far more than Naomi at this point.
-Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions each day, as she is trying to adapt to this new culture as a foreigner.
-She understands that in spite of God’s commands to look after the foreigner, it was not always done.
-She appreciates the kindness shown to her by Boaz.
-They marry, and now Ruth has two mothers-in-law: Naomi, who is a proud grandmother to their son, Obed, and Rahab, who would have been a very understanding mother-in-law.
-Obed would have been considered to be Naomi’s son, because he would carry the name of her son, Mahlon. Yet, he would have been raised by Ruth and Boaz, and not handed over to Naomi in that sense.
-I love how this story relates back to our study of Rahab, and also farther back to Tamar, because when the townspeople bless their marriage, they say,
“May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this woman.” Ruth 4:12
-Like Tamar, Ruth is an ancestor of David, and of Christ, in an unexpected way.
-The idea of the Kinsman-Redeemer is that a near relative can redeem the property of an impoverished relative. These laws were in place to ensure that family members are looked after and the land stays in the family.
-A mile east of Bethlehem stands the “field of Boaz” which is where Ruth gleaned. The field next to it is called the “field of the shepherds”. Tradition holds that the angels first proclaimed the birth of Christ over a thousand years later. I love how the stories of these women in the
genealogy all tie together.
Read Ruth 1-4.
Sources:
Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
Her Name is Woman Book Two by Gien Karssen
Faithful God by Sinclair Ferguson
The book of Ruth is short, only four chapters, but there is much in little. On the surface, it is a love story of an unlikely woman,a poor widow from Moab, with a wealthy, honorable Israelite, named Boaz.
Sinclair Ferguson describes how a personal ad would have appeared in the Bethlehem Star:
"Single Moabite woman, widowed, childless, with mother-in-law, seeks well-to-do Bethlehem businessman with view to marriage; must love mother-in-law."
The story is about the themes of returning/conversion, loving-kindness, loyalty and faithfulness. It shows how Ruth and her meddling mother-in-law, Naomi are saved by their Kinsman-Redeemer. It has an overarching theme of the Providence of God in difficult circumstances to advance his kingdom. It was written a few generations after the fact to show how God used an unlikely foreign woman to be the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth is also listed in the Gospel genealogy in Matthew to show that she is also in the family line of Christ. It shows the inclusion of the Gentiles (non-Jews) in the great plan of Redemption.
Ferguson also contrasts Boaz with Adam. They both seemed to have it all, but they were both alone, and that was "not good". They both went to sleep, and when they woke up, the woman of their dreams was there.
Ruth is always used as an example of loyalty and faithfulness. Her famous words (spoken to her mother-in-law) are often quoted at wedding ceremonies to show devotion. I don’t know if that means you’re pledging your love to your Mother-in-law...
“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die.
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”
The Bible has a bit of everything in it. There is history, biography, poetry, prose, apocalyptic and even romance. The book of Ruth is a romance novella which plays an important part in redemptive history. God could have just thrown a couple together in an arranged marriage and the family line of Christ would have continued on. Yet he chose to give us a glimpse into the character of a young Gentile woman, in order to give hope to those of us outside of the nation of Israel.
Who are the players in this story?
Boaz
-A wealthy businessman in Bethlehem; he was powerful and important in society.
-Older than Ruth by at least twenty years.
-Parents were Salmon and Rahab, the harlot. (Remember them from our last study?)
-Would he have grown up with any stigma due to his mother’s history? Perhaps. It would have made him more sensitive to the feelings of an outsider.
-He is impressed by Ruth as she works in the field, hearing a good report of her by his foreman.
-He has heard of her actions in following Naomi to a strange country. He may have thought of his mother, Rahab, who did the same thing.
-Although he is impressed by her and may even be attracted to her, he doesn’t pursue her as he probably feels their age difference is too great.
-If it were not for Naomi’s meddling and Ruth’s willingness to do as Naomi instructed her, Boaz may never have made a move.
-When she approaches him the night on the threshing floor and basically proposes to him, he is very humble, not even acknowledging that he is quite an eligible bachelor. Instead, he commends her for not running after the young men.
-He guards her reputation the night on the threshing floor by sending her away while it is still dark, lest someone assume something happened between them, and then he gives her grain to take with her in case someone was to inquire where she was at that hour.
-He remembers that there is another relative who is closer than he. This is the conflict, or complicating factor you see in all great romances. How will they overcome it? Will our hero and heroine find true love?
-He also tells her he’ll approach the other relative, so she doesn’t have to humble herself by proposing to someone else.
-He also indirectly promises to care for Naomi as well.
-He may have worried that the other relative would be greedy for the land, but was pleased that the man did not want to have a wife whose son would bear another man’s name. He would also have to share his inheritance. Similar idea to the story of Tamar, where Onan did not want to father a son for another man or share the inheritance.
-This transaction, done at the “city gates” where all business was transacted before witnesses,was done properly, so there would be no question as to the legitimacy of Boaz’s claim to Ruth and the inheritance of Elimelech.
-Although it sounds like Ruth is ‘purchased’ in a business transaction, you see from the interaction between them, that Ruth and Boaz do really love each other.
Naomi
-Left home with her husband and two sons during a famine, and settled in Moab.
-Was she disappointed that her sons married foreign wives? Not ultimately.
-Her husband dies, then both her sons. A true tragedy. Now she is alone and destitute. There was no social assistance or life insurance plans. As a woman in that culture, she would have had no way to earn a living. A widow with no sons was truly destitute, as we learned from Tamar.
-She tells her daughters-in-law to return to their families and their gods, as she would return to Bethlehem. Orpah goes, but Ruth clings to Naomi.
-When they return to Bethlehem, Naomi is welcomed by friends, but she complains about her lot in life and feels God has dealt harshly with her. She is bitter. Much like Jacob after he thought Joseph died, when he said, “everything is against me.”
-They begin to glean. This was a practice put in place by God as a way for foreigners and the poor in Israel to have enough to eat.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 19:9, 10
“When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your god may bless you in all the work of your hands....And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.” Deut. 24: 19, 22
-Things begin to change when she sees God’s providence in leading Ruth to glean in Boaz’s field. Although it seems like it was just a coincidence that Ruth ended up in Boaz’s field, we know nothing happens by accident. Naomi knows he is a near relative. Could this key from their past may also be a bridge to their future?
-She is a bit of a meddling mother-in-law, but she does what she does out of love for Ruth and a desire to see her looked after.
-She catches on that there is some interest on Boaz’s part towards Ruth, based on his treatment of her: he makes sure the workers don’t abuse her, he offers her the protection of staying in his field, he lets her eat with them, she can drink water drawn by the servants, he makes sure she can
gather enough food for her and Naomi, and he comments favourably about her character and conduct.
-Naomi hatches a plan based on the right to a levirate marriage. She doesn’t know if Boaz will go for it, but she instructs Ruth to prepare herself as if she was going on a date.
-Ruth trusts Naomi and follows her instructions, since she is unaware of the customs of the Jews.
-I’m sure she was aware that she was to entice Boaz in some way and seek out his protection in marriage. It just seemed like a strange way to go about it.
-When the story ends, the friends and relatives say, “...your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”
Ruth
-A young woman, from the country of Moab.
-The Moabites were enemies of Israel.
-They are descended from the incestuous union of Lot and one of his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
-Unlike Orpah, Naomi’s other daughter-in-law, Ruth came to love her new family and trust in their God.
-Ruth’s pledge of undying faithfulness is commendable. Naomi probably doesn’t realize at this point just how much Ruth will mean to her future happiness.
-Ruth is very brave to leave everything familiar and stable and secure to go with Naomi to a new country and unknown circumstances. She is probably aware they will be poor, yet she trusts in God far more than Naomi at this point.
-Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions each day, as she is trying to adapt to this new culture as a foreigner.
-She understands that in spite of God’s commands to look after the foreigner, it was not always done.
-She appreciates the kindness shown to her by Boaz.
-They marry, and now Ruth has two mothers-in-law: Naomi, who is a proud grandmother to their son, Obed, and Rahab, who would have been a very understanding mother-in-law.
-Obed would have been considered to be Naomi’s son, because he would carry the name of her son, Mahlon. Yet, he would have been raised by Ruth and Boaz, and not handed over to Naomi in that sense.
-I love how this story relates back to our study of Rahab, and also farther back to Tamar, because when the townspeople bless their marriage, they say,
“May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this woman.” Ruth 4:12
-Like Tamar, Ruth is an ancestor of David, and of Christ, in an unexpected way.
-The idea of the Kinsman-Redeemer is that a near relative can redeem the property of an impoverished relative. These laws were in place to ensure that family members are looked after and the land stays in the family.
-A mile east of Bethlehem stands the “field of Boaz” which is where Ruth gleaned. The field next to it is called the “field of the shepherds”. Tradition holds that the angels first proclaimed the birth of Christ over a thousand years later. I love how the stories of these women in the
genealogy all tie together.
Monday, January 24, 2011
C-c-c-cold!
January 24, 2011.
Outside my window...dark, but lighter than last week. We're in the middle of a cold snap. Minus 26 C.
I am thinking...this week in Toronto there was a funeral for a police officer killed while on duty. He was run over by a stolen snow plow. He leaves a wife and two year old son. Very impressive turnout by those in uniform. Over 14,000 people attended. Twelve thousand men in uniform marched past my work, but I was at home asleep. Times like that, I hate shift work.
I am thankful for...a heated home.
From the kitchen...pork chops and broccoli.
I am wearing...jeans and a purple 'mom' sweater.
I am reading...Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon.
I am hoping...my sister's fiance won't have any complications with his radiation. He is finally at my hospital. I'm on my way to see him before my shift starts.
I am hearing...the train. I love my commute.
Around the house...I saw The King's Speech with my daughter. You wouldn't think a movie about speech impediments would be so good, but it was. They also brought out some of the politics of the day. On Saturday, me, my mom and my youngest daughter went down to the Convention Centre to watch an International Rhythmic Gymnastics competition. My cousin's daughter was here from Finland. We saw her for two minutes. The Finnish women's group performance won first place for both Juniors and Seniors. It was interesting to watch, but a long afternoon.
One of my favourite things...free books. I got one at church Sunday, by our friend, Roger Fellows.
Some plans for the week...I went to the dentist today, but had to reschedule because their pipes were frozen. Now I'm working four nights. Saturday, I'm speaking on the Book of Ruth at the Ladies' Meeting. Then I'll cook and clean for Sunday. We're having four Pastors from Malawi at church, then a church supper. We may have one or two of them over between services if they want a nap.
Outside my window...dark, but lighter than last week. We're in the middle of a cold snap. Minus 26 C.
I am thinking...this week in Toronto there was a funeral for a police officer killed while on duty. He was run over by a stolen snow plow. He leaves a wife and two year old son. Very impressive turnout by those in uniform. Over 14,000 people attended. Twelve thousand men in uniform marched past my work, but I was at home asleep. Times like that, I hate shift work.
I am thankful for...a heated home.
From the kitchen...pork chops and broccoli.
I am wearing...jeans and a purple 'mom' sweater.
I am reading...Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon.
I am hoping...my sister's fiance won't have any complications with his radiation. He is finally at my hospital. I'm on my way to see him before my shift starts.
I am hearing...the train. I love my commute.
Around the house...I saw The King's Speech with my daughter. You wouldn't think a movie about speech impediments would be so good, but it was. They also brought out some of the politics of the day. On Saturday, me, my mom and my youngest daughter went down to the Convention Centre to watch an International Rhythmic Gymnastics competition. My cousin's daughter was here from Finland. We saw her for two minutes. The Finnish women's group performance won first place for both Juniors and Seniors. It was interesting to watch, but a long afternoon.
One of my favourite things...free books. I got one at church Sunday, by our friend, Roger Fellows.
Some plans for the week...I went to the dentist today, but had to reschedule because their pipes were frozen. Now I'm working four nights. Saturday, I'm speaking on the Book of Ruth at the Ladies' Meeting. Then I'll cook and clean for Sunday. We're having four Pastors from Malawi at church, then a church supper. We may have one or two of them over between services if they want a nap.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Death Bed Conversions
I've been thinking about death bed conversions, lately...probably because that's what I would love to see for my sister's fiance who has terminal brain cancer.
I've personally heard of two cases of death bed conversions. While that's not many, if it's your relative, that's the one that matters.
The only instance of a death bed conversion in Scripture is the thief on the cross. While not literally on a bed, it was still done a few hours before his death and with a knowledge that he'd soon be facing the Judge of the earth in his guilty state.
"One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!'
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, 'Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.'
And he was saying, 'Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!'
And He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.'"
Luke 23:39-43
What does this teach us?
One: No one is beyond hope. Even a condemned criminal with no redeeming qualities inherits eternal life simply by believing in Christ.
Two: We are not saved by baptism or works. They follow salvation, but do not merit it. This man had no opportunity to get down from his cross and do good works or be baptized. Again, he was saved by faith in Christ.
Three: There is no such place as purgatory. If anyone would have needed to go there, it would have been he. Jesus didn't say, "After you've suffered and paid for your sins a while, you can join me in Heaven." He said, "Today, you'll be with me in Paradise." An immediate reward for his faith.
Four: There is no soul sleep until the resurrection, but we are "absent from the body, present with the Lord." It happens 'today', when we die.
Five: Heaven means to be in the presence of God. He would be with Jesus.
The overall lesson from this is that faith alone in Christ alone is the only means of securing a place in Heaven, safe with Jesus and protected from the wrath of God.
Why is there only one example of a death bed conversion in Scripture?
There is only one, so we do not presume to have time, and yet there is one, so that we do not despair.
While there is life, there is hope.
Oh Lord, do it again!
I've personally heard of two cases of death bed conversions. While that's not many, if it's your relative, that's the one that matters.
The only instance of a death bed conversion in Scripture is the thief on the cross. While not literally on a bed, it was still done a few hours before his death and with a knowledge that he'd soon be facing the Judge of the earth in his guilty state.
"One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!'
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, 'Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.'
And he was saying, 'Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!'
And He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.'"
Luke 23:39-43
What does this teach us?
One: No one is beyond hope. Even a condemned criminal with no redeeming qualities inherits eternal life simply by believing in Christ.
Two: We are not saved by baptism or works. They follow salvation, but do not merit it. This man had no opportunity to get down from his cross and do good works or be baptized. Again, he was saved by faith in Christ.
Three: There is no such place as purgatory. If anyone would have needed to go there, it would have been he. Jesus didn't say, "After you've suffered and paid for your sins a while, you can join me in Heaven." He said, "Today, you'll be with me in Paradise." An immediate reward for his faith.
Four: There is no soul sleep until the resurrection, but we are "absent from the body, present with the Lord." It happens 'today', when we die.
Five: Heaven means to be in the presence of God. He would be with Jesus.
The overall lesson from this is that faith alone in Christ alone is the only means of securing a place in Heaven, safe with Jesus and protected from the wrath of God.
Why is there only one example of a death bed conversion in Scripture?
There is only one, so we do not presume to have time, and yet there is one, so that we do not despair.
While there is life, there is hope.
Oh Lord, do it again!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Europe!
January 17, 2011.
Outside my window...dark, cold, lots of snow.
I am thinking...I'm soooooooo excited. We booked our trip to Europe for this July, to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It'll be 21 days, ten countries, 27 cities. We'll be doing a bus tour, but going by train in the Chunnel to the continent. We have a direct flight to London and also from Paris when we return. The cities we'll be travelling to are London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Strasbourg,Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Isle of Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Monte Cassino, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Nice, Cannes, St. Paul de Vence, Avignon,Lyon, Beaune,Paris, Vimy Ridge, Dover. I know it'll be exhausting, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we might as well do it while we have the energy to do so. If we calculated correctly, we'll be in Venice, Italy on our actual anniversary. So romantic.
I am thankful for...being able to keep up with my Bible reading of five chapters a day, thus far. I'm really enjoying it, too.
From the kitchen...chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.
I am wearing...purple work out pants, a blue top. I know they don't match but, hey, I'm just heading to work where I'll wear a uniform.
I am reading...Blind Dates Can Be Murder by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...my husband and I will get an opportunity to visit John this week. He was supposed to be transferred to my hospital yesterday, but then he had to have another brain surgery to insert a shunt to drain fluid from off his brain. After a week of healing, they hope to send him to us for radiation.
I am hearing...the train. Have I mentioned before how much I enjoy the GO train?
Around the house...I finished my message on Ruth for the Ladies' Meeting, and then I kept going and finished the one on Bathsheba as well. Last night I did the crazy Finn thing: I heated up in the sauna, rolled in the snow in my bathing suit, and then warmed up in the hot tub. I had witnesses and this morning there was still evidence of my snow angel.
One of my favourite things...pajama days. I had one on Saturday and ended up being very productive. Everyone needs one of those once in a while.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Work out again on Friday. My eldest is home this weekend. I may go downtown to see my cousin's daughter, who is here from Finland for a gymnastics competition.
Outside my window...dark, cold, lots of snow.
I am thinking...I'm soooooooo excited. We booked our trip to Europe for this July, to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It'll be 21 days, ten countries, 27 cities. We'll be doing a bus tour, but going by train in the Chunnel to the continent. We have a direct flight to London and also from Paris when we return. The cities we'll be travelling to are London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Strasbourg,Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Isle of Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Monte Cassino, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Nice, Cannes, St. Paul de Vence, Avignon,Lyon, Beaune,Paris, Vimy Ridge, Dover. I know it'll be exhausting, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we might as well do it while we have the energy to do so. If we calculated correctly, we'll be in Venice, Italy on our actual anniversary. So romantic.
I am thankful for...being able to keep up with my Bible reading of five chapters a day, thus far. I'm really enjoying it, too.
From the kitchen...chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.
I am wearing...purple work out pants, a blue top. I know they don't match but, hey, I'm just heading to work where I'll wear a uniform.
I am reading...Blind Dates Can Be Murder by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...my husband and I will get an opportunity to visit John this week. He was supposed to be transferred to my hospital yesterday, but then he had to have another brain surgery to insert a shunt to drain fluid from off his brain. After a week of healing, they hope to send him to us for radiation.
I am hearing...the train. Have I mentioned before how much I enjoy the GO train?
Around the house...I finished my message on Ruth for the Ladies' Meeting, and then I kept going and finished the one on Bathsheba as well. Last night I did the crazy Finn thing: I heated up in the sauna, rolled in the snow in my bathing suit, and then warmed up in the hot tub. I had witnesses and this morning there was still evidence of my snow angel.
One of my favourite things...pajama days. I had one on Saturday and ended up being very productive. Everyone needs one of those once in a while.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Work out again on Friday. My eldest is home this weekend. I may go downtown to see my cousin's daughter, who is here from Finland for a gymnastics competition.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Goals for 2011
The beginning of a new year always brings about the inevitable questions about New Years’ Resolutions. Because most people are notorious for not keeping them, present company included, I’ve long since given up on even making any.
However, I do set goals for myself. I find if they are realistic and measurable, I can usually attain them.
I break them down into categories: physical/health, spiritual, professional/intellectual, relationships, household/financial, and hobbies. Then I think about what I’m currently doing that’s worth keeping, plan to continue that and improve in some small way in each category, so I’ll grow. New for this year, I’ll have a separate category for writing.
For example, when my daughters were still very young, I didn’t have much time for reading. So, back then my reading goal was for four books per year, because I figured I could manage one every three months if I worked at it slowly. It seems laughable to me now, since I usually read over 60 books a year. But, as I said, I made my goals realistic for how my life was at the time.
So, I think 70 books is a reasonable goal for next year.
As a Christian, I don’t think it’s unspiritual to set goals. I still need God’s help to reach them. But I do think that if your goal is to be a spiritually mature person, you’ve got to take steps to get there. It’s like saying, “I want to be a world-class pianist”, and then never practicing the piano. It doesn’t work that way.
So, that being said, I’ll share my goals, partly to make me accountable. I can check back at the end of 2011 and see how I did.
My Bible verse for this year is: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
Physical/Health:-Lose spare tire.
-Go to Curves 1-3 times a week.
-Dentist 4 times a year, Doctor once a year. Yearly screening mammogram.
Spiritual:
-Attend church twice a week
-Increase weekly tithing amount.
-Bible reading: Five chapters a day. Let’s try again.
-Attend at least one Christian conference.
-Continue with nursery, kitchen, lead College and Careers group, speak at Ladies’ Meeting occasionally.
-Take on support of a new ministry.
Professional/Intellectual:
-Work full time.
-Obtain at least 20 hours of oncology nursing continuing education hours to keep up my C.O.N.(C) certification.
-Do the College of Nurses quality assurance requirements.
-Hospital on-line inservice and continuing education as required.
-Read at least two books on current events/social issues.
-Watch the news. Stay current on world events.
Relationships:
-Marriage—continue weekly dates.
-Travel with my husband to Europe for 21 days for our 25th Anniversary in July.
Daughters—girls only trips, shopping trips, mani-pedi dates. Family photo shoot at Thanksgiving.
-Extended family—keep up socially, with facebook
-Attend social events.
-Send Christmas letter update.
-Friends—facebook, twitter,blog.
-Entertain friends at least twice a month.
Household/Financial:
-Save for half of trip to Europe.
-Continue to support other charities.
-Set aside money for daughters’ university fees.
Hobbies:
-Read 70 books in total
-Watch as much soccer as possible. (I love goals like this. Everything isn’t about work.) Take in a TFC soccer game, if possible.
-Write book reviews as I read.
Writing:
-Complete first draft of one of my works-in-progress, work on the others.
-Continue to blog at least twice a week.
--Read three books on the craft of writing.
--Attend ACFW writer’s conference in September, if possible.
--Find a critique group or partner.
--Read blogs and articles about writing.
--Continue to journal once a week.
Well, that’s me. I know that equals a busy life. Sure, I could sit around and watch mindless t.v. instead, but what is there to show for it at the end of the year? I hope this inspired you to make your own goals, instead of resolutions.
However, I do set goals for myself. I find if they are realistic and measurable, I can usually attain them.
I break them down into categories: physical/health, spiritual, professional/intellectual, relationships, household/financial, and hobbies. Then I think about what I’m currently doing that’s worth keeping, plan to continue that and improve in some small way in each category, so I’ll grow. New for this year, I’ll have a separate category for writing.
For example, when my daughters were still very young, I didn’t have much time for reading. So, back then my reading goal was for four books per year, because I figured I could manage one every three months if I worked at it slowly. It seems laughable to me now, since I usually read over 60 books a year. But, as I said, I made my goals realistic for how my life was at the time.
So, I think 70 books is a reasonable goal for next year.
As a Christian, I don’t think it’s unspiritual to set goals. I still need God’s help to reach them. But I do think that if your goal is to be a spiritually mature person, you’ve got to take steps to get there. It’s like saying, “I want to be a world-class pianist”, and then never practicing the piano. It doesn’t work that way.
So, that being said, I’ll share my goals, partly to make me accountable. I can check back at the end of 2011 and see how I did.
My Bible verse for this year is: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
Physical/Health:-Lose spare tire.
-Go to Curves 1-3 times a week.
-Dentist 4 times a year, Doctor once a year. Yearly screening mammogram.
Spiritual:
-Attend church twice a week
-Increase weekly tithing amount.
-Bible reading: Five chapters a day. Let’s try again.
-Attend at least one Christian conference.
-Continue with nursery, kitchen, lead College and Careers group, speak at Ladies’ Meeting occasionally.
-Take on support of a new ministry.
Professional/Intellectual:
-Work full time.
-Obtain at least 20 hours of oncology nursing continuing education hours to keep up my C.O.N.(C) certification.
-Do the College of Nurses quality assurance requirements.
-Hospital on-line inservice and continuing education as required.
-Read at least two books on current events/social issues.
-Watch the news. Stay current on world events.
Relationships:
-Marriage—continue weekly dates.
-Travel with my husband to Europe for 21 days for our 25th Anniversary in July.
Daughters—girls only trips, shopping trips, mani-pedi dates. Family photo shoot at Thanksgiving.
-Extended family—keep up socially, with facebook
-Attend social events.
-Send Christmas letter update.
-Friends—facebook, twitter,blog.
-Entertain friends at least twice a month.
Household/Financial:
-Save for half of trip to Europe.
-Continue to support other charities.
-Set aside money for daughters’ university fees.
Hobbies:
-Read 70 books in total
-Watch as much soccer as possible. (I love goals like this. Everything isn’t about work.) Take in a TFC soccer game, if possible.
-Write book reviews as I read.
Writing:
-Complete first draft of one of my works-in-progress, work on the others.
-Continue to blog at least twice a week.
--Read three books on the craft of writing.
--Attend ACFW writer’s conference in September, if possible.
--Find a critique group or partner.
--Read blogs and articles about writing.
--Continue to journal once a week.
Well, that’s me. I know that equals a busy life. Sure, I could sit around and watch mindless t.v. instead, but what is there to show for it at the end of the year? I hope this inspired you to make your own goals, instead of resolutions.
Review of Last Year's Goals
Review of Resolutions/Shmesolutions 2010
Before I set new goals for the year, I like to asses how successful I was in the previous year, or if I was way off the mark. I put my evaluation in CAPS after each sentence. Later today, I'll write new goals.
The beginning of a new year always brings about the inevitable questions about New Years’ Resolutions. Because most people are notorious for not keeping them, present company included, I’ve long since given up on even making any.
However, I do set goals for myself. I find if they are realistic and measurable, I can usually attain them.
I break them down into categories: physical/health, spiritual, professional/intellectual, relationships, household/financial, and hobbies. Then I think about what I’m currently doing that’s worth keeping, plan to continue that and improve in some small way in each category, so I’ll grow.
For example, when my daughters were still very young, I didn’t have much time for reading. So, back then my reading goal was for four books per year, because I figured I could manage one every three months if I worked at it slowly. It seems laughable to me now, since I usually read over 60 books a year. But, as I said, I made my goals realistic for how my life was at the time.
So, I think 70 books is a reasonable goal for next year.
As a Christian, I don’t think it’s unspiritual to set goals. I still need God’s help to reach them. But I do think that if your goal is to be a spiritually mature person, you’ve got to take steps to get there. It’s like saying, “I want to be a world-class pianist”, and then never practicing the piano. It doesn’t work that way.
So, that being said, I’ll share my goals, partly to make me accountable. I can check back at the end of 2010 and see how I did.
Physical/Health:
-Maintain my weight loss from last year within five pounds.—NOT.
-Dentist 4 times a year, Doctor once a year. Yearly screening mammogram.—MISSED MY MAMMO. OOPSIE.
Spiritual:
-Attend church twice a week.—YES.
-Increase weekly tithing amount.—YES.
-Bible reading: The New Testament within 90 days.—NO, I’M A FAILURE.
-Attend Carey Conference and other conferences, if able.—YES, TWO.
-Continue with nursery, kitchen, cleaning at church. Begin a new ministry at church—College and Careers group. Speak at Ladies’ Meeting occasionally.—YES, EXCEPT THE CLEANING. ANOTHER COUPLE GRACIOUSLY TOOK OVER FOR US.
Professional/Intellectual:
-Work full time.—YES.
-Obtain at least 20 hours of oncology nursing continuing education hours to keep up my C.O.N.(C) certification.—ABOUT 15 HOURS.
-Do the College of Nurses quality assurance requirements.—YES.
-Hospital on-line inservice and continuing education as required.—YES.
-Read at least two books on current events/social issues.—DOES STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE, COUNT?
-Watch the news. Stay current on world events.—YES.
Relationships:
-Marriage—continue weekly dates.—MOSTLY.
-Travel with my husband: south in the winter and away for a few days for our anniversary in July.—DIDN’T GO SOUTH AS WE BOUGHT A NEW HOUSE, BUT WENT TO KINGSTON FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY.
-Daughters—family trip in summer, Carey conference, possible trip to Florida in December.—TOOK YOUNGEST DAUGHTER WITH ME TO SAN DIEGO. NO FAMILY TRIP, THOUGH.
-Extended family—keep up socially, with facebook.—YES.
-Attend family reunions, events, weddings.—YES.
-Send Christmas letter update.—YES.
-Friends—facebook, twitter,blog.—YES.
-Entertain friends at least once a month.—YES, AND THEN SOME.
Household/Financial:
-Move to new house, renovate basement.—YES, RENO TOOK FOUR MONTHS.
-Continue to support other charities.—YES.
-Set aside money for daughters’ university fees.—PAID IN FULL.
Hobbies:
-Read 70 books in total.—NO, ONLY 54.
-Watch as much soccer as possible. (I love goals like this. Everything isn’t about work.). Take in a TFC soccer game, if possible.—ATTENDED TWO TFC GAMES, ONE IN THE POURING RAIN. THAT’S DEDICATION.
-Complete one of my inspirational romances, work on the others.—NO, INSTEAD I STARTED ANOTHER PROJECT DURING NANOWRIMO.
-Continue to blog at least twice a week.—YES.
-Write book reviews as I read.—YES.
-Attempt another month of the 100 words a day challenge.—TOO BUSY, BUT I DID A WEEK OF NANO.
Well, that’s me. I know that equals a busy life. Sure, I could sit around and watch mindless t.v. instead, but what is there to show for it at the end of the year? I hope this inspired you to make your own goals, instead of resolutions.
Before I set new goals for the year, I like to asses how successful I was in the previous year, or if I was way off the mark. I put my evaluation in CAPS after each sentence. Later today, I'll write new goals.
The beginning of a new year always brings about the inevitable questions about New Years’ Resolutions. Because most people are notorious for not keeping them, present company included, I’ve long since given up on even making any.
However, I do set goals for myself. I find if they are realistic and measurable, I can usually attain them.
I break them down into categories: physical/health, spiritual, professional/intellectual, relationships, household/financial, and hobbies. Then I think about what I’m currently doing that’s worth keeping, plan to continue that and improve in some small way in each category, so I’ll grow.
For example, when my daughters were still very young, I didn’t have much time for reading. So, back then my reading goal was for four books per year, because I figured I could manage one every three months if I worked at it slowly. It seems laughable to me now, since I usually read over 60 books a year. But, as I said, I made my goals realistic for how my life was at the time.
So, I think 70 books is a reasonable goal for next year.
As a Christian, I don’t think it’s unspiritual to set goals. I still need God’s help to reach them. But I do think that if your goal is to be a spiritually mature person, you’ve got to take steps to get there. It’s like saying, “I want to be a world-class pianist”, and then never practicing the piano. It doesn’t work that way.
So, that being said, I’ll share my goals, partly to make me accountable. I can check back at the end of 2010 and see how I did.
Physical/Health:
-Maintain my weight loss from last year within five pounds.—NOT.
-Dentist 4 times a year, Doctor once a year. Yearly screening mammogram.—MISSED MY MAMMO. OOPSIE.
Spiritual:
-Attend church twice a week.—YES.
-Increase weekly tithing amount.—YES.
-Bible reading: The New Testament within 90 days.—NO, I’M A FAILURE.
-Attend Carey Conference and other conferences, if able.—YES, TWO.
-Continue with nursery, kitchen, cleaning at church. Begin a new ministry at church—College and Careers group. Speak at Ladies’ Meeting occasionally.—YES, EXCEPT THE CLEANING. ANOTHER COUPLE GRACIOUSLY TOOK OVER FOR US.
Professional/Intellectual:
-Work full time.—YES.
-Obtain at least 20 hours of oncology nursing continuing education hours to keep up my C.O.N.(C) certification.—ABOUT 15 HOURS.
-Do the College of Nurses quality assurance requirements.—YES.
-Hospital on-line inservice and continuing education as required.—YES.
-Read at least two books on current events/social issues.—DOES STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE, COUNT?
-Watch the news. Stay current on world events.—YES.
Relationships:
-Marriage—continue weekly dates.—MOSTLY.
-Travel with my husband: south in the winter and away for a few days for our anniversary in July.—DIDN’T GO SOUTH AS WE BOUGHT A NEW HOUSE, BUT WENT TO KINGSTON FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY.
-Daughters—family trip in summer, Carey conference, possible trip to Florida in December.—TOOK YOUNGEST DAUGHTER WITH ME TO SAN DIEGO. NO FAMILY TRIP, THOUGH.
-Extended family—keep up socially, with facebook.—YES.
-Attend family reunions, events, weddings.—YES.
-Send Christmas letter update.—YES.
-Friends—facebook, twitter,blog.—YES.
-Entertain friends at least once a month.—YES, AND THEN SOME.
Household/Financial:
-Move to new house, renovate basement.—YES, RENO TOOK FOUR MONTHS.
-Continue to support other charities.—YES.
-Set aside money for daughters’ university fees.—PAID IN FULL.
Hobbies:
-Read 70 books in total.—NO, ONLY 54.
-Watch as much soccer as possible. (I love goals like this. Everything isn’t about work.). Take in a TFC soccer game, if possible.—ATTENDED TWO TFC GAMES, ONE IN THE POURING RAIN. THAT’S DEDICATION.
-Complete one of my inspirational romances, work on the others.—NO, INSTEAD I STARTED ANOTHER PROJECT DURING NANOWRIMO.
-Continue to blog at least twice a week.—YES.
-Write book reviews as I read.—YES.
-Attempt another month of the 100 words a day challenge.—TOO BUSY, BUT I DID A WEEK OF NANO.
Well, that’s me. I know that equals a busy life. Sure, I could sit around and watch mindless t.v. instead, but what is there to show for it at the end of the year? I hope this inspired you to make your own goals, instead of resolutions.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Forbidden Fruit
Read Genesis 1:9,16,17 and 3:6,22-24 and Rev. 22:2,14.
The forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden, spoken of in the Scriptures, was not an apple. Sorry to burst your bubble. You may have seen artist's pictures of red fruit, learned about Adam's apple, (supposedly stuck in every man's throat) and heard lyrics like, "Eve tempted Adam with an apple", and may even have heard it from Sunday school teachers, but it's not true. How do we know? Go to the Scriptures.
First of all, Adam and Eve could eat of every tree in the Garden, except one. It wasn't the apple tree. It was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was one of two unique trees in the Garden of Eden, and it was the only one of its kind, and located only in Eden, which is now hidden from us.
Further, once they ate of it, were judged by God and banished from Eden forever, its fruit was never eaten again, unlike the apple tree.
Also, the fruit is not decribed for us, except to say that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise.
Notice that the Tree of Life, also another unique tree in the midst of the garden, was not forbidden to Adam and Eve. Ever wonder why they didn't eat from that one, instead? We'll never know.
But at least we know that in the New Jerusalem we will have access to the Tree of Life, forbidden to our first parents because of their disobedience.
The forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden, spoken of in the Scriptures, was not an apple. Sorry to burst your bubble. You may have seen artist's pictures of red fruit, learned about Adam's apple, (supposedly stuck in every man's throat) and heard lyrics like, "Eve tempted Adam with an apple", and may even have heard it from Sunday school teachers, but it's not true. How do we know? Go to the Scriptures.
First of all, Adam and Eve could eat of every tree in the Garden, except one. It wasn't the apple tree. It was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was one of two unique trees in the Garden of Eden, and it was the only one of its kind, and located only in Eden, which is now hidden from us.
Further, once they ate of it, were judged by God and banished from Eden forever, its fruit was never eaten again, unlike the apple tree.
Also, the fruit is not decribed for us, except to say that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise.
Notice that the Tree of Life, also another unique tree in the midst of the garden, was not forbidden to Adam and Eve. Ever wonder why they didn't eat from that one, instead? We'll never know.
But at least we know that in the New Jerusalem we will have access to the Tree of Life, forbidden to our first parents because of their disobedience.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Poor Prognosis
Jan. 10, 2011.
Outside my window...cold, with snow on the ground.
I am thinking...my sister's fiance was given a poor prognosis. He has glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive type of brain tumour. The doctor told him without treatment he has about four months to live; with focused radiation (gamma-knife) he may have another four. They don't recommend chemo since he still has left sided paralysis so he's not going into it very strong. They're going to give him a few weeks to recover from the surgery, then they'll begin treatment. For the radiation, he will be an inpatient in my hospital, a floor below me. They're also talking with social work and palliative care.
I am thankful for...having stimulating conversations with my daughters about politics, history, theology or ethics. They're smart girls.
I am wearing...jeans, a grey Henley top and a blue sweater.
I am reading...Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...to see good out of this ordeal. I pray that John will use the time remaining to get his spiritual affairs in order. He knows he will die this year. Many people don't get any notice. I always say, if there's one good thing about cancer, and this is probably the only good thing, is it usually gives you time to say what you need to say, if you take the opportunity to do it. He is a Catholic, and no fan of Christians, yet illness has a way of stopping you in your tracks, and humbling you. I also hope my mom and sister would be saved. My mom is very shaken by this, as it reminds her of my father's slow demise after a car accident in 1967
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...Christmas is fully packed away. We are beginning to plan our events for the new year at church. I'm 95% done my message on Ruth for the end of the month Ladies' meeting.
One of my favourite things...a cold, snowy night + a hot tub = awesome.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, book our 25th anniversary trip to Europe (July), and accompany my mom to a procedure on Friday. My husband is doing the same for his mom. I guess they're getting older. My husband is going to a men's breakfast on Saturday while I hopefully have a pajama day, and then church on Sunday. We're having a friend over on Sunday night. If there is fresh, soft snow on the ground, we plan to heat up in the sauna, roll in the snow like a crazy Finn, and then warm up in the hot tub.
Outside my window...cold, with snow on the ground.
I am thinking...my sister's fiance was given a poor prognosis. He has glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive type of brain tumour. The doctor told him without treatment he has about four months to live; with focused radiation (gamma-knife) he may have another four. They don't recommend chemo since he still has left sided paralysis so he's not going into it very strong. They're going to give him a few weeks to recover from the surgery, then they'll begin treatment. For the radiation, he will be an inpatient in my hospital, a floor below me. They're also talking with social work and palliative care.
I am thankful for...having stimulating conversations with my daughters about politics, history, theology or ethics. They're smart girls.
I am wearing...jeans, a grey Henley top and a blue sweater.
I am reading...Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...to see good out of this ordeal. I pray that John will use the time remaining to get his spiritual affairs in order. He knows he will die this year. Many people don't get any notice. I always say, if there's one good thing about cancer, and this is probably the only good thing, is it usually gives you time to say what you need to say, if you take the opportunity to do it. He is a Catholic, and no fan of Christians, yet illness has a way of stopping you in your tracks, and humbling you. I also hope my mom and sister would be saved. My mom is very shaken by this, as it reminds her of my father's slow demise after a car accident in 1967
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...Christmas is fully packed away. We are beginning to plan our events for the new year at church. I'm 95% done my message on Ruth for the end of the month Ladies' meeting.
One of my favourite things...a cold, snowy night + a hot tub = awesome.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, book our 25th anniversary trip to Europe (July), and accompany my mom to a procedure on Friday. My husband is doing the same for his mom. I guess they're getting older. My husband is going to a men's breakfast on Saturday while I hopefully have a pajama day, and then church on Sunday. We're having a friend over on Sunday night. If there is fresh, soft snow on the ground, we plan to heat up in the sauna, roll in the snow like a crazy Finn, and then warm up in the hot tub.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Am I Living in a Soap Opera?
January 4, 2011.
Outside my window...a mild winter day. No snow.
I am thinking...we've had so much drama in our lives over the past three weeks. Although Christmas was good in many ways, my sister-in-law's emergency surgery, my future brother-in-law's brain tumour, and our neighbour's arrest for the attempted murder of his wife while on vacation in Jamaica has just been a little bit too soap opera for my routine life. Give me monotony any day! Or every day! In addition to all that, we've been entertaining and even hosted an open house on New Year's Day, and had seventeen people drop in. Now I'm tired.
I am thankful for...the good things in our lives. A good marriage, children I am proud of, health, a beautiful home, a job I love, a great church to worship and serve in, and many friends.
From the kitchen...tacos.
I am wearing...my uniform since I'm at work.
I am reading...As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers.
I am hoping...my sister's fiance (he proposed today) recovers fully. He has had brain surgery three times in a week, once for the biopsy, which showed it was malignant, then emergency surgery a day later when he had a seizure, and they were able to remove half the tumour which they had originally said was inoperable because of its location, and then two days after that since he wasn't waking up. They were able to get another 40% of the tumour. He's awake off and on and is aware of where he is and what's happened, and took that opportunity to propose to her.
I am hearing...a quiet unit. The O.R. is closed one more day. There are seven patients for two nurses. I didn't blog on the train today because my husband gave me a ride in to work tonight. It was too dark to write in the van. We stopped at another hospital first to visit my sister's fiance and then we visited a friend of my mother-in-law's who is in my hospital.
Around the house...our eldest returned from Kansas City safe and sound, then went back to Hamilton. We hardly had a chance to see her. Our youngest has a friend visiting from a small town near St. Catherines for the week. She doesn't start back to university till next week. I took down half our Christmas decorations today. I'm worn out from all the parties of the last two months, and from the over-eating, as well. I went back to Curves this morning and will try to eat healthier. I feel gross.
One of my favourite things...undecorating from Christmas. It was nice while it lasted, but the tree is dropping needles like crazy and I'd like to get my house back in order again.
Some plans for the week...work four nights, visit friends on Friday night, no plans yet for the weekend, thankfully. I'd like a pajama day and a chance to catch up on stuff around the house, like unpacking. We've been here since February and we still have a half garage full of boxes to unpack. See, I'm not as organized as I pretend to be.
Outside my window...a mild winter day. No snow.
I am thinking...we've had so much drama in our lives over the past three weeks. Although Christmas was good in many ways, my sister-in-law's emergency surgery, my future brother-in-law's brain tumour, and our neighbour's arrest for the attempted murder of his wife while on vacation in Jamaica has just been a little bit too soap opera for my routine life. Give me monotony any day! Or every day! In addition to all that, we've been entertaining and even hosted an open house on New Year's Day, and had seventeen people drop in. Now I'm tired.
I am thankful for...the good things in our lives. A good marriage, children I am proud of, health, a beautiful home, a job I love, a great church to worship and serve in, and many friends.
From the kitchen...tacos.
I am wearing...my uniform since I'm at work.
I am reading...As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers.
I am hoping...my sister's fiance (he proposed today) recovers fully. He has had brain surgery three times in a week, once for the biopsy, which showed it was malignant, then emergency surgery a day later when he had a seizure, and they were able to remove half the tumour which they had originally said was inoperable because of its location, and then two days after that since he wasn't waking up. They were able to get another 40% of the tumour. He's awake off and on and is aware of where he is and what's happened, and took that opportunity to propose to her.
I am hearing...a quiet unit. The O.R. is closed one more day. There are seven patients for two nurses. I didn't blog on the train today because my husband gave me a ride in to work tonight. It was too dark to write in the van. We stopped at another hospital first to visit my sister's fiance and then we visited a friend of my mother-in-law's who is in my hospital.
Around the house...our eldest returned from Kansas City safe and sound, then went back to Hamilton. We hardly had a chance to see her. Our youngest has a friend visiting from a small town near St. Catherines for the week. She doesn't start back to university till next week. I took down half our Christmas decorations today. I'm worn out from all the parties of the last two months, and from the over-eating, as well. I went back to Curves this morning and will try to eat healthier. I feel gross.
One of my favourite things...undecorating from Christmas. It was nice while it lasted, but the tree is dropping needles like crazy and I'd like to get my house back in order again.
Some plans for the week...work four nights, visit friends on Friday night, no plans yet for the weekend, thankfully. I'd like a pajama day and a chance to catch up on stuff around the house, like unpacking. We've been here since February and we still have a half garage full of boxes to unpack. See, I'm not as organized as I pretend to be.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2010 Reading List
1. The Trouble with Tulip by Mindy Starns-Clark
2. Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin
3. The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
4. Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
5. A Novel Idea by ChiLibris
6. Be Sweet by Diann Hunt
7. One Fell Swoop by Virginia Boyd
8. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
9. Plague Maker by Tim Downs
10. Beguiled by Deeanne Gist
11. Captives of Minara by Eric Wright
12. In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon
13. Adrenaline by John B. Olson
14. When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher
15. In His Arms by Robin Lee Hatcher
16. Promised to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
17. Elementary, my dear Watkins by Mindy Starns-Clark
18. The Last Lieutenant by John J. Gobbell
19. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
20. The Sexually Confident Wife by Shannon Ethridge
21. Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns-Clark
22. Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns-Clark
23. Hot Tropics and Cold Feet by Diann Hunt
24. Under a Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns-Clark
25. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann
26. Eats, Shoots and Leaves by L.Truss
27. How Not to Write a Novel by Mittelmark& Newman
28. A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns-Clark
29. Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns-Clark
30. Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson
31. Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson
32. Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
33. Havah by Tosca Lee
34. A Dime a Dozen by Mindy Starns-Clark
35. A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns-Clark
36. The Buck Stops Here by Mindy Starns-Clark
37. How Do I Love Thee? By Nancy Moser
38. Playing God by Michelle M. Hammond
39. Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble
40. The Peacemakers by Jack Cavanaugh
41. The Guardians by Jack Cavanaugh
42. The Dawn of Heaven Breaks by Sharon James
43. Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee
44. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page-Davis
45. No Plot? No Problem by Chris Baty
46. A Memory Between us by Sarah Sundin
47. Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns-Clark
48. Lonestar Homecoming by Colleen Coble
49. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
50. An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers
51. Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff
52. Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady
53. The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble
54. What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert
2. Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin
3. The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
4. Patterns of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
5. A Novel Idea by ChiLibris
6. Be Sweet by Diann Hunt
7. One Fell Swoop by Virginia Boyd
8. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
9. Plague Maker by Tim Downs
10. Beguiled by Deeanne Gist
11. Captives of Minara by Eric Wright
12. In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon
13. Adrenaline by John B. Olson
14. When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher
15. In His Arms by Robin Lee Hatcher
16. Promised to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
17. Elementary, my dear Watkins by Mindy Starns-Clark
18. The Last Lieutenant by John J. Gobbell
19. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
20. The Sexually Confident Wife by Shannon Ethridge
21. Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns-Clark
22. Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns-Clark
23. Hot Tropics and Cold Feet by Diann Hunt
24. Under a Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns-Clark
25. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann
26. Eats, Shoots and Leaves by L.Truss
27. How Not to Write a Novel by Mittelmark& Newman
28. A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns-Clark
29. Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns-Clark
30. Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson
31. Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson
32. Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
33. Havah by Tosca Lee
34. A Dime a Dozen by Mindy Starns-Clark
35. A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns-Clark
36. The Buck Stops Here by Mindy Starns-Clark
37. How Do I Love Thee? By Nancy Moser
38. Playing God by Michelle M. Hammond
39. Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble
40. The Peacemakers by Jack Cavanaugh
41. The Guardians by Jack Cavanaugh
42. The Dawn of Heaven Breaks by Sharon James
43. Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee
44. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page-Davis
45. No Plot? No Problem by Chris Baty
46. A Memory Between us by Sarah Sundin
47. Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns-Clark
48. Lonestar Homecoming by Colleen Coble
49. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
50. An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers
51. Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff
52. Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady
53. The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble
54. What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert
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