September 27, 2010.
Outside my window...a rainy day.
I am thinking...didn't I say that the next thing to be promoted as normal would be polygamy? I did, when they brought in 'gay marriage'. Now there's a show on TLC called Sister Wives, where a man married three sisters and had many children with them. This incestuous and polygamous situation is being presented as normal, so people will get used to the idea. Soon you'll hear, 'It's okay, as long as they love each other.' Then anyone who speaks against it will be labelled as an intolerant, hateful bigot. I'm sure they'll come up with a a name for it,too, like they did with homophobia, as if we're the ones with the problem. Next it will be pedophilia that will be promoted. I've already heard an 'expert' on the news say that it can't be treated because it's a sexual orientation. I couldn't believe they didn't ask the obvious questions. "Will their rights be protected so they can't be discriminated against because of sexual orientation?" "Can they work in daycares and schools?" "Can they adopt children?" Mark my words. It's next.
I am thankful for...an opportunity to see old friends again. We had a nice surprise on the weekend. A friend from twenty years ago was visiting from France. We originally met when she was doing her M. Div. at TBS. She used to play the piano for us at church. We saw her a few times over the years. She's currently working on her PhD in music. She's an amazing woman, totally dedicated to God. It's great to have the type of friendship where you can just pick up where you left off.
From the kitchen...roast chicken and steamed asparagus. I've noticed a difference in just one week on this diet.
I am wearing...jeans, a white t-shirt, a red hoodie and my beige windbreaker.
I am reading...Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble.
I am hoping...that one day my husband may have a slightly different job with the city. It seems his bosses are making a position with him in mind. He wouldn't have the stresses of day-to-day operations or the responsibilities of so many staff.
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...my husband was at an ordination this past weekend. I would have liked to go. I enjoy those things. Instead I went shopping with my youngest on Friday and cleaned all day Saturday. I even washed windows, and was reminded that I didn't care for heights. My mom is still getting settled into her place in the basement. I bought paint for my eldest daughter's room. Now I need to find time to paint. They we have a few rooms to redecorate.
One of my favourite things...my commute. Generally stress-free and comfortable. So nice to not have to fight traffic.
Some plans for the week...work four nights. Shop and clean for out of town guests arriving on Saturday. My husband won't be available to help prep due to meetings, so I'm a little stressed about that.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Another Jonah Moment
September 21, 2010.
Outside my window...a sunny, fall day with a cool breeze. The leaves are already beginning to change.
I am thinking...it's funny that when they introduced the Ladies' meetings, I specifically didn't go to the first one, because I didn't want to get 'roped in' to leading it. Then I offered to do a class, and then another. Now, I'm going to do a five part series on the women in the genealogy of Christ. Funny, eh? I think that was another Jonah moment. (See My Jonah Moment under the Faith section).I plan to go in one direction, and God makes me go in the other, and he makes me willing to do it. Anyway, I'm really excited about this series. I've been researching and have got Tamar done, and part of Rahab. I don't start till November so I should have plenty of time. I am also surprised because if I could pick and choose which of the women to study, I would have probably left Tamar out. I always found that story kind of disturbing and awkward, and couldn't imagine talking about the details of it in church, or finding anything praiseworthy in her actions. Which just goes to show why we need to study these things. I have a whole new appreciation for her, now. I'll post the messages on my blog once I'm done. I think you'll be surprised, too.
I am thankful for...the renovation finally being done. It has taken two months. Our contractor did a great job. And yes, a Jamaican CAN build a Finnish sauna. We tested it for the first time last night and it was perfect. I've never lived in a house with a sauna in it. Now I feel like a real Finn.
From the kitchen...broccoli and chicken sautee, salad. We started back on the same lower carb diet that worked for me last year. My husband and I have both gained weight over the summer. We never felt as healthy as we did when we were eating that way. It also helps that he and my daughters are happy to eat that way, and that my mom is settled into her apartment downstairs. She tended to cook rather heavy meals.
I am wearing...jeans and an olive green sweater, and a beige windbreaker.
I am reading...A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers, in preparation for my messages.
I am hoping...God keeps working on my Mom's heart. The other day she said she started to pray for our Pastor's wife, after her surgery, and she said, "I know you don't know me..." and then started to cry. I told her to keep talking to Him and she'd get to know Him and He'd get to know her. She said, "I've done so many things." She often says that, feeling she's too bad to be saved. I told her we all have a before and after story. I've known people who were alcoholics, drug addicts, adulterers, bank robbers...to which she then said, "I've never killed anyone." Which then takes her to her other excuse, which is that she's not as bad as other people, so she doesn't need to be saved. She's so close to the Kingdom, but Satan isn't letting go without a fight. Please pray for her if you think of it. Her name is Leena.
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...I was sick with a cold since last Thursday. I missed a night of work. Also, this weekend we had planned to clean and organize the basement since my Mom moved her stuff downstairs, but I had no energy. Now her upstairs room will be painted and my eldest will move there, because it faces south and has a better view than the brick wall of our neighbour's house. That room will become a guest room and we'll re-furnish the office are in the upstairs hallway as a writing nook for me. Our girls are busy with school. My eldest has her placement working with people who have mental illness and abuse issues. She likes it. My Mom loves her place. She hugged me and cried, saying we take such good care of her.
One of my favourite things...having a sauna in my house. We'll use it twice a week.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, shop for a tv for downstairs, a mini-fridge, floor coverings, a coffee table and other furnishings, and some fixtures for my Mom's bathroom. My husband has church business out of town, so I may purchase the paint for my daughter's room and get it started if I have time this weekend. Church on Sunday; I'm in the nursery. Not my favourite thing to do, but I'd better be careful or that'll turn into another Jonah moment.
Outside my window...a sunny, fall day with a cool breeze. The leaves are already beginning to change.
I am thinking...it's funny that when they introduced the Ladies' meetings, I specifically didn't go to the first one, because I didn't want to get 'roped in' to leading it. Then I offered to do a class, and then another. Now, I'm going to do a five part series on the women in the genealogy of Christ. Funny, eh? I think that was another Jonah moment. (See My Jonah Moment under the Faith section).I plan to go in one direction, and God makes me go in the other, and he makes me willing to do it. Anyway, I'm really excited about this series. I've been researching and have got Tamar done, and part of Rahab. I don't start till November so I should have plenty of time. I am also surprised because if I could pick and choose which of the women to study, I would have probably left Tamar out. I always found that story kind of disturbing and awkward, and couldn't imagine talking about the details of it in church, or finding anything praiseworthy in her actions. Which just goes to show why we need to study these things. I have a whole new appreciation for her, now. I'll post the messages on my blog once I'm done. I think you'll be surprised, too.
I am thankful for...the renovation finally being done. It has taken two months. Our contractor did a great job. And yes, a Jamaican CAN build a Finnish sauna. We tested it for the first time last night and it was perfect. I've never lived in a house with a sauna in it. Now I feel like a real Finn.
From the kitchen...broccoli and chicken sautee, salad. We started back on the same lower carb diet that worked for me last year. My husband and I have both gained weight over the summer. We never felt as healthy as we did when we were eating that way. It also helps that he and my daughters are happy to eat that way, and that my mom is settled into her apartment downstairs. She tended to cook rather heavy meals.
I am wearing...jeans and an olive green sweater, and a beige windbreaker.
I am reading...A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers, in preparation for my messages.
I am hoping...God keeps working on my Mom's heart. The other day she said she started to pray for our Pastor's wife, after her surgery, and she said, "I know you don't know me..." and then started to cry. I told her to keep talking to Him and she'd get to know Him and He'd get to know her. She said, "I've done so many things." She often says that, feeling she's too bad to be saved. I told her we all have a before and after story. I've known people who were alcoholics, drug addicts, adulterers, bank robbers...to which she then said, "I've never killed anyone." Which then takes her to her other excuse, which is that she's not as bad as other people, so she doesn't need to be saved. She's so close to the Kingdom, but Satan isn't letting go without a fight. Please pray for her if you think of it. Her name is Leena.
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...I was sick with a cold since last Thursday. I missed a night of work. Also, this weekend we had planned to clean and organize the basement since my Mom moved her stuff downstairs, but I had no energy. Now her upstairs room will be painted and my eldest will move there, because it faces south and has a better view than the brick wall of our neighbour's house. That room will become a guest room and we'll re-furnish the office are in the upstairs hallway as a writing nook for me. Our girls are busy with school. My eldest has her placement working with people who have mental illness and abuse issues. She likes it. My Mom loves her place. She hugged me and cried, saying we take such good care of her.
One of my favourite things...having a sauna in my house. We'll use it twice a week.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, shop for a tv for downstairs, a mini-fridge, floor coverings, a coffee table and other furnishings, and some fixtures for my Mom's bathroom. My husband has church business out of town, so I may purchase the paint for my daughter's room and get it started if I have time this weekend. Church on Sunday; I'm in the nursery. Not my favourite thing to do, but I'd better be careful or that'll turn into another Jonah moment.
Monday, September 13, 2010
What's Your Tag?
Whether it's good to do this or not, I find that the longer you know someone, eventually it becomes easier to add a personality tag next to their name. Of course, you wouldn't say it out loud, but it's the characteristic that tends to define a person overall. It may not be fair. I've had a label on someone that I wouldn't give to them today, because they've grown and matured. But these tags do come from somewhere.
For example, there's a lady at our church. I would see her name and think, 'faithful prayer warrior' beside it. That's how I see her overall. Some tags aren't so flattering: fair weather friends, uncommitted, argumentative. You get the idea.
The thing I was thinking about (and I'm not sure i want to hear the answer to this), is, 'What's my tag?' What's the phrase or sentence that appears beside my name when people think of me? I ask that because we don't often have insight into our own faults and shortcomings, nor our attributes. Would I have an attribute or a shortcoming after my name? After a post like this, it may well be, judgmental.
As I said, I don't want to know. That would require soul-searching and humility to change, if it's something negative.
The idea of a tag is not original to me. God used it when he spoke about Job to Satan. He said, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
Praise indeed.
What's your tag?
For example, there's a lady at our church. I would see her name and think, 'faithful prayer warrior' beside it. That's how I see her overall. Some tags aren't so flattering: fair weather friends, uncommitted, argumentative. You get the idea.
The thing I was thinking about (and I'm not sure i want to hear the answer to this), is, 'What's my tag?' What's the phrase or sentence that appears beside my name when people think of me? I ask that because we don't often have insight into our own faults and shortcomings, nor our attributes. Would I have an attribute or a shortcoming after my name? After a post like this, it may well be, judgmental.
As I said, I don't want to know. That would require soul-searching and humility to change, if it's something negative.
The idea of a tag is not original to me. God used it when he spoke about Job to Satan. He said, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
Praise indeed.
What's your tag?
Nonsense begets Nonsense
September 13, 2010.
Outside my window...a refreshing fall day. Sunny after the overnight rain. I went to Curves and then walked home.
I am thinking...while I disagree with the proposed Qu-ran burning this past weekend, I think some churches went overboard by planning to read portions of the Qu-ran in their church service. They've just shown what they really believe and have undermined the authority of Scripture. The original stunt was just that, and it was wrong because we are not to offend for the sake of offending, but if someone is offended by the gospel, that we'll bear. Both acts are non-sensical and neither one promotes the gospel, but instead gives the enemies of the gospel more ammunition. It's one thing for this pastor to risk his own life because of his actions, it's another to do something that will endanger fellow believers in countries where they are the minority. It's true that they don't need an excuse, but they'll still jump on this as an example of how Muslims are victims, which they're not.
I am thankful for...my Mom's safe return from Finland and the uncomplicated surgery of our Pastor's wife.
From the kitchen...chicken souvlaki, rice and baby carrots.
I am wearing...jeans, a purple long-sleeved top, and a beige jacket.
I am reading...Playing God by Michelle McKinney Hammond.
I am hoping...that we will have a smooth transition to move my Mom's stuff downstairs. They're almost done and we started cleaning up yesterday.
I am hearing...the ticking clock. I went to the audiology appointment about my hearing loss. They said my hearing was within normal range. Maybe so, but it may have been exceptional before. There's a definite change, my family notices it, too. My husband thinks it's stress. I've had dull headaches and hearing loss for two months, which is as long as the reno has been going on. I don't feel like I'm under stress, but then I internalize it and maybe that's all there is. Anyway, I have an MRI of the brain on Saturday morning, so they can tell me if there's any concern there.
Around the house...we had the garage doors, front door and pillars painted. The doors are a greyish blue and the pillars are beige. I like it. Our daughters are getting into the routine of university life.
One of my favourite things...the smell of cedar. When the electrician came this weekend to set up the sauna heater, he tested it. We could smell the cedar upstairs. Lovely.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, work out three times, clean the basement, move my Mom in, sort through all the junk in storage, attend the Providential dinner at church.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labour Day Weekend
Sept. 6, 2010.
Outside my window...a cool, grey, rainy day. Summer's over, it seems.
I am thinking...a nurse went missing in Orangeville. They found remains today. So sad, obviously a violent death. People in small towns don't seem to look their doors, even at night.
I am thankful for...my job. It's Labour Day, and while I'm in a union only by default, I do appreciate my job. It pays well and I love going there.
From the kitchen...ribs, chicken, fettuccine Alfredo, cold rice salad, corn on the cob, carrots, corn bread with apple butter, and peach pie.
I am wearing...purple workout pants, a grey shirt and sweater.
I am reading...The Buck Stops Here by Mindy Starns Clark. It's the fifth in a series. I love her mysteries.
I am hoping...to get our church's facebook page up and running this week.
I am hearing...a t.v. show about old movies. Hundreds of channels and nothing on. We watched Date Night the other day. It had potential as a concept, but just ended up being crude.
Around the house...the family room in the basement was repainted, and looks much better. We walked around the neighbourhood today to choose a new colour for our front door and garage doors. They need repainting. We've been in the hot tub a few times this weekend, including this morning, to drink our coffee in the rain.
One of my favourite things...a day when we don't have to do anything.
Some plans for the week...both girls start university this week. They grew up so fast. My daughter's friend Sarah is here for a few days. I'm trying to organize our fall. There are fishing trips, friends coming to visit, conferences, Thanksgiving dinner to host, moving my mom into the basement, College and Careers meeting, Ladies' Meeting, apple picking and a dinner party. I'm working three nights, then I have my audiology appointment. Our Pastor's wife has her surgery this week, so I'll make a meal for them. My mom returns from Finland on Thursday.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Outlive Your Life
"You want to do good. You want your life to matter. You want to live in such a way that the world will be glad you did."
-Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado-
-Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado-
Monday, August 30, 2010
R.I.P. Oleks
August 30, 2010.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid all week.
I am thinking...my daughter's goldfish, Oleksandr died this week. We've had him 2-1/2 years. She had to bring him up to work with her while we were on vacation. I think he met with foul play from one of the campers, but we can't be sure. Poor Oleks. He loved me best; I could see it in his eyes.
I am thankful for...the past week at the Carey Conference. Such good preaching.
From the kitchen...meatballs, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...beige long shorts, and a cream and taupe top.
I am reading...A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...to get some answers to my health concerns, this month. I have a brain MRI on Sept. 18th and an audiology appointment on Sept. 10th Within the last month or so, I've noticed a big change in my hearing. It seems everyone is speaking so quietly. I mis-hear what people say or don't hear them at all. It's noticeable to my family. It concerns me because it seems so sudden. I haven't had any exposure to loud noises. My grandmother was very hard of hearing. I feel I'm too young to be losing my hearing already. I also can't read lips, so I'd be lost. Of course, working where I do, I've already imagined the worst case scenario, which would be some kind of tumour. I guess the MRI would show that. My husband says to hold off burying myself until I know for sure. He's a patient man, isn't he?
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...my mom's still in Finland for two weeks. Our girls are finished work and are home until school starts. We returned from vacation to a freshly painted basement. The main room is too yellow, so we'll have to have that re-painted. We were without our t.v. for two weeks, because the bulb blew. It's a rear-projection big screen. We had anticipated it, and ordered a spare bulb before World Cup, in case it happened then. It turned out to be a dud. We got the replacement bulb today.
One of my favourite things...having the speaker over for a meal at the Carey. It's nice to get to know them better.
Some plans for the week...my eleven days off are over. Working four nights. The girls are having friends over this week, even though dry-wall dust coats everything. My youngest is at the EX today. My husband and I were at a soccer game on Saturday, next to the CNE. The last time we were at the EX was on our first date 26 years ago. When our kids were little, we couldn't afford to go, and when they were older, they went with friends. I'm planning a facebook page for our church as a supplement to the web page. It's more accessible to the members.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid all week.
I am thinking...my daughter's goldfish, Oleksandr died this week. We've had him 2-1/2 years. She had to bring him up to work with her while we were on vacation. I think he met with foul play from one of the campers, but we can't be sure. Poor Oleks. He loved me best; I could see it in his eyes.
I am thankful for...the past week at the Carey Conference. Such good preaching.
From the kitchen...meatballs, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...beige long shorts, and a cream and taupe top.
I am reading...A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...to get some answers to my health concerns, this month. I have a brain MRI on Sept. 18th and an audiology appointment on Sept. 10th Within the last month or so, I've noticed a big change in my hearing. It seems everyone is speaking so quietly. I mis-hear what people say or don't hear them at all. It's noticeable to my family. It concerns me because it seems so sudden. I haven't had any exposure to loud noises. My grandmother was very hard of hearing. I feel I'm too young to be losing my hearing already. I also can't read lips, so I'd be lost. Of course, working where I do, I've already imagined the worst case scenario, which would be some kind of tumour. I guess the MRI would show that. My husband says to hold off burying myself until I know for sure. He's a patient man, isn't he?
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...my mom's still in Finland for two weeks. Our girls are finished work and are home until school starts. We returned from vacation to a freshly painted basement. The main room is too yellow, so we'll have to have that re-painted. We were without our t.v. for two weeks, because the bulb blew. It's a rear-projection big screen. We had anticipated it, and ordered a spare bulb before World Cup, in case it happened then. It turned out to be a dud. We got the replacement bulb today.
One of my favourite things...having the speaker over for a meal at the Carey. It's nice to get to know them better.
Some plans for the week...my eleven days off are over. Working four nights. The girls are having friends over this week, even though dry-wall dust coats everything. My youngest is at the EX today. My husband and I were at a soccer game on Saturday, next to the CNE. The last time we were at the EX was on our first date 26 years ago. When our kids were little, we couldn't afford to go, and when they were older, they went with friends. I'm planning a facebook page for our church as a supplement to the web page. It's more accessible to the members.
Monday, August 23, 2010
No More Children in the House
August 23, 2010.
Outside my window...rain for the third day in a row. So far this is turning into a rainy Carey Conference. At least we got wifi hooked up today and have been having friends in. The preaching and singing are great, as usual.
I am thinking...we just paid tuition for both girls in full. It was hard to do, but I'm so thankful if they could get through school without any loans to pay at the end of it.
I am thankful for...the Carey Conference. It's our 18th year. The main speaker is Bill James from England. He's very good. You can hear the sermons on-line at careyconference.net The singing is phenomenal. Coming from a small church where we only have a musician a few times a month, to hearing hundreds of people who really know how to sing is a little foretaste of heaven. It gives me goosebumps. I close my eyes and just drink it in. The theme song for the Carey is O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing with a tune where men and women sing different parts. It was taught to everyone years ago by the late Pastor Bill Payne. We also sang And Can it Be? which is my favourite hymn. Lovely.
From the kitchen...soup, BLT's, greek pasta salad, blueberry pie with ice cream.
I am wearing..jeans, a long sleeved purple top, and a black jacket. It's cold out.
I am reading...The Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. My youngest wants to work with them, one day.
I am hoping...this will be a restful, spiritual week.
I am hearing...people passing by outside the cabin.
Around the house...my eldest just texted that Oleksandr, the Ukrainian goldfish, has died. She's had him for two years. He was currently with her up at camp, since we're away from home. She didn't seem too distraught. I think I loved him best, since I overfed him all the time. My youngest will be 18 on Thursday. She wanted to buy a blender to make her own lattes. I can't believe my babies have grown up. The painters arrived the day we left for Carey. They'll have to do it without my micro-managing. It'll be like being on a design show, coming back home to see the transformation. My mom left for Finland. This is our last full week of vacation for the year, except for Christmas, I guess.
One of my favourite things...campfires. The smell of the smoke, the taste of hot dogs, the stories, and the familiar bad jokes.
Some plans for the week...listen to twelve sermons this week, read, catch up with friends, have the speaker over on Wednesday, go home Friday, unpack, go to a soccer game on Saturday. I heard my favourite band, Casting Crowns, is in Toronto on Saturday, but we already had tickets to this game, and it's in the evening, which is a surprise. I guess I have to wait till the next time.
Outside my window...rain for the third day in a row. So far this is turning into a rainy Carey Conference. At least we got wifi hooked up today and have been having friends in. The preaching and singing are great, as usual.
I am thinking...we just paid tuition for both girls in full. It was hard to do, but I'm so thankful if they could get through school without any loans to pay at the end of it.
I am thankful for...the Carey Conference. It's our 18th year. The main speaker is Bill James from England. He's very good. You can hear the sermons on-line at careyconference.net The singing is phenomenal. Coming from a small church where we only have a musician a few times a month, to hearing hundreds of people who really know how to sing is a little foretaste of heaven. It gives me goosebumps. I close my eyes and just drink it in. The theme song for the Carey is O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing with a tune where men and women sing different parts. It was taught to everyone years ago by the late Pastor Bill Payne. We also sang And Can it Be? which is my favourite hymn. Lovely.
From the kitchen...soup, BLT's, greek pasta salad, blueberry pie with ice cream.
I am wearing..jeans, a long sleeved purple top, and a black jacket. It's cold out.
I am reading...The Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. My youngest wants to work with them, one day.
I am hoping...this will be a restful, spiritual week.
I am hearing...people passing by outside the cabin.
Around the house...my eldest just texted that Oleksandr, the Ukrainian goldfish, has died. She's had him for two years. He was currently with her up at camp, since we're away from home. She didn't seem too distraught. I think I loved him best, since I overfed him all the time. My youngest will be 18 on Thursday. She wanted to buy a blender to make her own lattes. I can't believe my babies have grown up. The painters arrived the day we left for Carey. They'll have to do it without my micro-managing. It'll be like being on a design show, coming back home to see the transformation. My mom left for Finland. This is our last full week of vacation for the year, except for Christmas, I guess.
One of my favourite things...campfires. The smell of the smoke, the taste of hot dogs, the stories, and the familiar bad jokes.
Some plans for the week...listen to twelve sermons this week, read, catch up with friends, have the speaker over on Wednesday, go home Friday, unpack, go to a soccer game on Saturday. I heard my favourite band, Casting Crowns, is in Toronto on Saturday, but we already had tickets to this game, and it's in the evening, which is a surprise. I guess I have to wait till the next time.
Havah, the Story of Eve by Tosca Lee
"This was a fictionalized story of the Biblical character, Eve. In favour of the book, I found it gave you a good idea of what life could have been like for Adam and Eve, both before and after the fall, in particular with the effects of sin and the drastic change in their relationship with God and with each other. It also showed the gradual introduction of idolatry with the descendants of Cain. It was told beautifully, from the first person point of view of Eve, with colourful writing imagery. I also liked that she didn’t present the fruit as an apple, which is incorrect. Sunday School 101, it was a tree unlike any other tree in the garden and it is not accessible to us now, nor is the tree of life. Artist’s rendering of a red fruit are not in line with the basic description of the fruit, which only says it was “good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom.” Gen. 3:6
I did find several things I took issue with. Writing historical fiction is challenging in itself, if you want to stay true to history for the most part. The standard for writing Biblical historical fiction, I think, is higher. While there’s enough to speculate about with the things that aren’t told to us, I don’t think it’s wise or safe to stray on things that are told to us, like the creation account, or the content of actual conversations. When the Bible says that in the pre-flood world it didn’t rain, or they didn’t eat meat, it can be believed. If God told Adam and Eve about creation, it’s not necessary for Eve to have dreams about what it was like, especially if it differs from the Biblical record. I feel the author catered to theistic evolutionists by including the idea of creation exploding into existence, instead of being spoken into being, in an orderly manner, as God said, and she even included a dream of a primordial mud pit with a creature arising out of it and taking form. Very disappointing. Also, the ‘no rain before the flood ‘was important because the “waters above the earth” formed a canopy that kept the whole world tropical, and the dew watered the earth. It was also one of the sources of the water for the Deluge and one of the reasons people lived longer.
Another disagreement I have with it relates to the punishment for the woman. When she is cursed, God increases her pain in childbearing, and then He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Gen 3:16 I think when English speakers hear the word, ‘desire’ they automatically think ‘sexual desire’. But that isn’t a curse. It also doesn’t make any sense with the rest of the sentence. However, the word translated, ‘desire’ is the same one used by God in Gen. 4:7 when God addresses Cain. He says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The desire is for control. Since Eve made the decision to eat the forbidden fruit, she would lose the harmony they once had in their marriage, and her desire to control would be fought against by her husband who would rule over her. The battle of the sexes is the curse and it began in the garden. The author did a good job of showing that throughout the book, but missed the cause of it at the beginning.
I think she was too sympathetic with Cain. Although I’m sure that Eve’s heart would ache for him as any mother would, the author made it seem like Cain didn’t mean to kill Abel. In Scripture, it shows that he lured him to the field to kill him. Gen. 4:8 Then she has Cain apologizing for the murder, while Scripture shows him only being upset about his punishment. And later on, they have a reunion, while Scripture doesn’t record that. She also seems to think that Cain would be in heaven, along with all her children, even though many worshipped false gods.
There were many other things that made me scratch my head, or shake it. I guess this book made me realize that I know what I believe. It does matter whether it was a real garden, with a real couple named Adam and Eve, who lived in a real Paradise, until they disobeyed. If there was no real sin, we have no need of a real Saviour. But it was real, and we do need a Saviour. The effects of the fall are in evidence all around us."
I did find several things I took issue with. Writing historical fiction is challenging in itself, if you want to stay true to history for the most part. The standard for writing Biblical historical fiction, I think, is higher. While there’s enough to speculate about with the things that aren’t told to us, I don’t think it’s wise or safe to stray on things that are told to us, like the creation account, or the content of actual conversations. When the Bible says that in the pre-flood world it didn’t rain, or they didn’t eat meat, it can be believed. If God told Adam and Eve about creation, it’s not necessary for Eve to have dreams about what it was like, especially if it differs from the Biblical record. I feel the author catered to theistic evolutionists by including the idea of creation exploding into existence, instead of being spoken into being, in an orderly manner, as God said, and she even included a dream of a primordial mud pit with a creature arising out of it and taking form. Very disappointing. Also, the ‘no rain before the flood ‘was important because the “waters above the earth” formed a canopy that kept the whole world tropical, and the dew watered the earth. It was also one of the sources of the water for the Deluge and one of the reasons people lived longer.
Another disagreement I have with it relates to the punishment for the woman. When she is cursed, God increases her pain in childbearing, and then He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Gen 3:16 I think when English speakers hear the word, ‘desire’ they automatically think ‘sexual desire’. But that isn’t a curse. It also doesn’t make any sense with the rest of the sentence. However, the word translated, ‘desire’ is the same one used by God in Gen. 4:7 when God addresses Cain. He says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The desire is for control. Since Eve made the decision to eat the forbidden fruit, she would lose the harmony they once had in their marriage, and her desire to control would be fought against by her husband who would rule over her. The battle of the sexes is the curse and it began in the garden. The author did a good job of showing that throughout the book, but missed the cause of it at the beginning.
I think she was too sympathetic with Cain. Although I’m sure that Eve’s heart would ache for him as any mother would, the author made it seem like Cain didn’t mean to kill Abel. In Scripture, it shows that he lured him to the field to kill him. Gen. 4:8 Then she has Cain apologizing for the murder, while Scripture shows him only being upset about his punishment. And later on, they have a reunion, while Scripture doesn’t record that. She also seems to think that Cain would be in heaven, along with all her children, even though many worshipped false gods.
There were many other things that made me scratch my head, or shake it. I guess this book made me realize that I know what I believe. It does matter whether it was a real garden, with a real couple named Adam and Eve, who lived in a real Paradise, until they disobeyed. If there was no real sin, we have no need of a real Saviour. But it was real, and we do need a Saviour. The effects of the fall are in evidence all around us."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Almost Vacation, Again
Date: August 16, 2010.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, with a slight breeze and no humidity.
I am thinking...I don't know who decides these things, but I think it's stupid to just welcome 500 Tamils into Canada just because they got on a boat and headed here. The message we're sending is clear: no questions asked. Meanwhile, the legal immigrants who have been trying to bring their family members here, are still waiting. I have nothing against immigrants; I'm one myself. Most of our country is made up of immigrants. But I don't like illegal immigrants, especially ones that may be terrorists (Tamil Tigers) or human traffickers. By the time they investigate, they'll be absorbed into the system and living in Scarborough.
I am thankful for...my job. I like it when I'm there, but I also like that I get about eight weeks off per year.
From the kitchen...burgers,fries, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants, a light blue eyelet top.
I am reading...Havah, the story of Eve, by Tosca Lee. It gives you a real sense of what life was like for them before and after the fall, but I feel the author is catering to the theistic evolutionists with some of her descriptions.
I am hoping...our Pastor's wife will get better. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She'll have surgery next month. She's still in shock, as are we all.
I am hearing...the GO train and traffic.
Around the house...my husband and youngest daughter have two weeks off. My mom leaves for Finland on Thursday for three weeks. My eldest is at camp and had to be quarantined due to illness for a day and a half. There's also a lice problem there. Ewwww. My kids have managed to avoid it until now. I told her not to bring her 'little friends' home with her. The contractor was installing the cedar planks on the walls of the sauna today. It smells wonderful.
One of my favourite things...the Canadian Carey Family Conference. This is our 18th year. Such good preaching and fellowship. It will be more relaxing this year. We've done the admin. and finances for five years now, so we've passed the torch. If you need to find me, I'll be reading by the pool.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for the Carey conference, bake blueberry pies to take with us. We'll be gone six nights. The work will continue in our absence. The contractor can be trusted with a key.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, with a slight breeze and no humidity.
I am thinking...I don't know who decides these things, but I think it's stupid to just welcome 500 Tamils into Canada just because they got on a boat and headed here. The message we're sending is clear: no questions asked. Meanwhile, the legal immigrants who have been trying to bring their family members here, are still waiting. I have nothing against immigrants; I'm one myself. Most of our country is made up of immigrants. But I don't like illegal immigrants, especially ones that may be terrorists (Tamil Tigers) or human traffickers. By the time they investigate, they'll be absorbed into the system and living in Scarborough.
I am thankful for...my job. I like it when I'm there, but I also like that I get about eight weeks off per year.
From the kitchen...burgers,fries, and yep, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants, a light blue eyelet top.
I am reading...Havah, the story of Eve, by Tosca Lee. It gives you a real sense of what life was like for them before and after the fall, but I feel the author is catering to the theistic evolutionists with some of her descriptions.
I am hoping...our Pastor's wife will get better. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She'll have surgery next month. She's still in shock, as are we all.
I am hearing...the GO train and traffic.
Around the house...my husband and youngest daughter have two weeks off. My mom leaves for Finland on Thursday for three weeks. My eldest is at camp and had to be quarantined due to illness for a day and a half. There's also a lice problem there. Ewwww. My kids have managed to avoid it until now. I told her not to bring her 'little friends' home with her. The contractor was installing the cedar planks on the walls of the sauna today. It smells wonderful.
One of my favourite things...the Canadian Carey Family Conference. This is our 18th year. Such good preaching and fellowship. It will be more relaxing this year. We've done the admin. and finances for five years now, so we've passed the torch. If you need to find me, I'll be reading by the pool.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for the Carey conference, bake blueberry pies to take with us. We'll be gone six nights. The work will continue in our absence. The contractor can be trusted with a key.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Summertime Living
August 9, 2010.
Outside my window...a rainy day, but we needed it.
I am thinking...we had a nice weekend. We went to a cottage in Huntsville. It belongs to the parents of my daughter's roommate. They live in Bermuda and spend summers in Canada. We only recently met them, so it was nice to get to know them better. He's a pediatrician and she's a writer. It was nice to talk shop with someone who is farther along in the journey than I am. She has an agent, and a completed manuscript with several publishers. I am still working on seven unfinished first drafts. Anyway, the kids went boating and swimming. We ate well and had a campfire. The trip home, which should have taken four hours, took seven, because of traffic, rain, and a detour to drop off our daughter at camp.
I am thankful for...making new friends.
From the kitchen...lemon and herb haddock, rice and corn on the cob. Yes, we've been eating a lot of corn, but then, it's summer. We picked some up from a roadside farmer's market, along with some northern blueberries to get us through winter.
I am wearing...jeans and a beige and brown top.
I am reading...Under the Northern Lights and Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...the strike by the GO train maintenance workers at Union Station will be averted, so the GO won't STOP.
I am hearing...conversations on the train.
Around the house...steady progress on the renovations. Electrical is done, base boards and crown moulding, flooring, and the paint colours have been chosen. The girls are working hard. My youngest has one week left, as does my husband, I have two weeks, my eldest has three. Then we're going to the Carey Conference. My eldest can't make it this year.
One of my favourite things...signs in rural Ontario. Hillbilly Camp, Varmint Control, and Do-it-yourself pig roasts.
Some plans for the week...I didn't have a very productive day. I slept in, didn't work out, took a nap, and made dinner. I'm working four nights this week. We plan to do some cleaning and organizing on Saturday, haul stuff to the dump and start packing for the Carey. I need to plan my menu for that week, but I've already made my packing list. This is our 18th year so I know what to take. I'm so looking forward to not having any responsibilities this year. If people need me, they'll find me reading by the pool. Sunday we'll be back at our church after three weekends away in a row. It feels like we've been away forever.
Outside my window...a rainy day, but we needed it.
I am thinking...we had a nice weekend. We went to a cottage in Huntsville. It belongs to the parents of my daughter's roommate. They live in Bermuda and spend summers in Canada. We only recently met them, so it was nice to get to know them better. He's a pediatrician and she's a writer. It was nice to talk shop with someone who is farther along in the journey than I am. She has an agent, and a completed manuscript with several publishers. I am still working on seven unfinished first drafts. Anyway, the kids went boating and swimming. We ate well and had a campfire. The trip home, which should have taken four hours, took seven, because of traffic, rain, and a detour to drop off our daughter at camp.
I am thankful for...making new friends.
From the kitchen...lemon and herb haddock, rice and corn on the cob. Yes, we've been eating a lot of corn, but then, it's summer. We picked some up from a roadside farmer's market, along with some northern blueberries to get us through winter.
I am wearing...jeans and a beige and brown top.
I am reading...Under the Northern Lights and Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...the strike by the GO train maintenance workers at Union Station will be averted, so the GO won't STOP.
I am hearing...conversations on the train.
Around the house...steady progress on the renovations. Electrical is done, base boards and crown moulding, flooring, and the paint colours have been chosen. The girls are working hard. My youngest has one week left, as does my husband, I have two weeks, my eldest has three. Then we're going to the Carey Conference. My eldest can't make it this year.
One of my favourite things...signs in rural Ontario. Hillbilly Camp, Varmint Control, and Do-it-yourself pig roasts.
Some plans for the week...I didn't have a very productive day. I slept in, didn't work out, took a nap, and made dinner. I'm working four nights this week. We plan to do some cleaning and organizing on Saturday, haul stuff to the dump and start packing for the Carey. I need to plan my menu for that week, but I've already made my packing list. This is our 18th year so I know what to take. I'm so looking forward to not having any responsibilities this year. If people need me, they'll find me reading by the pool. Sunday we'll be back at our church after three weekends away in a row. It feels like we've been away forever.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Stay-cation is Over
August 3, 2010.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid. Feels like 40C. The a.c. has been running all day at home.
I am thinking...it should be quiet at work this week since the O.R. is closed. A nice week to ease back into work. It's amazing, but I think we spent more on our stay-cation than we would have spent on a little excursion out of the country.
I am thankful for...the three weeks' vacation I just finished. So relaxing. Back to work tonight. When I was at CURVES, most of the women were talking about their ideal vacation not including their husbands. Am I the only one who enjoys her husband's company?
From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs, veggies and dip, raspberry pie.
I am wearing...black capri pants, a red tank top and a black and white printed top.
I am reading...Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...that the painting done by my friend, Anneli arrives safely from Alberta this week.
I am hearing...the train. Back to the real world, although I would happily give up work if we could afford it, much as I love my job.
Around the house...they were laying the flooring in the basement today. It's beautiful. This past weekend we went to visit the churches our daughters are attending. I'm so thankful for the work of grace in their lives, that saved them, and keeps them. I'm glad they want to go to church and that they've chosen well. My mom is going to Finland in a few weeks. She couldn't locate her passport since the move and renovation, so today she had to re-apply. It's a good thing she didn't discover the problem the night before here trip.
One of my favourite things...grilled bananas with brown sugar.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, go to a friend's cottage on Saturday and to church with them on Sunday, up in cottage country.
Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid. Feels like 40C. The a.c. has been running all day at home.
I am thinking...it should be quiet at work this week since the O.R. is closed. A nice week to ease back into work. It's amazing, but I think we spent more on our stay-cation than we would have spent on a little excursion out of the country.
I am thankful for...the three weeks' vacation I just finished. So relaxing. Back to work tonight. When I was at CURVES, most of the women were talking about their ideal vacation not including their husbands. Am I the only one who enjoys her husband's company?
From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs, veggies and dip, raspberry pie.
I am wearing...black capri pants, a red tank top and a black and white printed top.
I am reading...Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson.
I am hoping...that the painting done by my friend, Anneli arrives safely from Alberta this week.
I am hearing...the train. Back to the real world, although I would happily give up work if we could afford it, much as I love my job.
Around the house...they were laying the flooring in the basement today. It's beautiful. This past weekend we went to visit the churches our daughters are attending. I'm so thankful for the work of grace in their lives, that saved them, and keeps them. I'm glad they want to go to church and that they've chosen well. My mom is going to Finland in a few weeks. She couldn't locate her passport since the move and renovation, so today she had to re-apply. It's a good thing she didn't discover the problem the night before here trip.
One of my favourite things...grilled bananas with brown sugar.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, go to a friend's cottage on Saturday and to church with them on Sunday, up in cottage country.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
There are Tattoos and then there are Tattoos
July 28, 2010.
Outside my window...a humid summer day. Supposed to reach 40C with humidity. Possible thunderstorm. Yesterday was a beach day. So relaxing.
I am thinking...I just found out my niece got a tattoo. She's 18. So disappointing, since she is a Christian. What is the attraction of tattoos? I just don't get it. It's permanent. The whole thing is so short-sighted and she will soon regret getting it, as most people do. Here is an example of one of her first independent decisions. See my blog on tattoos under the heading, Much Ado About Nothing. "You are not your own. You are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies."
I am thankful for...24 years of marriage. Significant in itself these days, but more so because we're actually happily married, not just co-existing. I have a husband who loves me sacrificially, and shows his love to me every day, not just on anniversaries and on Valentine's Day. I'm so thankful to God for him.
From the kitchen...grilled steak, Greek salad, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and my TFC team shirt.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...for at least one more beach day this week.
I am hearing...the sounds of the renovation in the basement.
Around the house...drywall dust everywhere. We really should have the a.c. on because of the humidity, but we need to air the house out. It's hard to breathe with the dust. Generally, life is good, and at least we're not at work. Still one week left of our stay-cation.
One of my favourite things...beach days.
Some plans for the week...don't know. We're making it up as we go along. Today we're doing stuff around the house, but we may go to the beach tomorrow or Friday, then we're going to check out the churches our children attend, this weekend, and then friends will come over on the civic holiday, Monday. We just had a romantic weekend in Kingston, Ontario. We went on a dinner cruise and saw a Military Tattoo (show) celebrating 100 years of the Canadian Navy (go NAVY!) We also saw the burial site of Sir John A. MacDonald (Canada's first Prime Minister), and we ate out a lot. I'd like to get some writing done this week, and some cleaning and organizing.
Outside my window...a humid summer day. Supposed to reach 40C with humidity. Possible thunderstorm. Yesterday was a beach day. So relaxing.
I am thinking...I just found out my niece got a tattoo. She's 18. So disappointing, since she is a Christian. What is the attraction of tattoos? I just don't get it. It's permanent. The whole thing is so short-sighted and she will soon regret getting it, as most people do. Here is an example of one of her first independent decisions. See my blog on tattoos under the heading, Much Ado About Nothing. "You are not your own. You are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies."
I am thankful for...24 years of marriage. Significant in itself these days, but more so because we're actually happily married, not just co-existing. I have a husband who loves me sacrificially, and shows his love to me every day, not just on anniversaries and on Valentine's Day. I'm so thankful to God for him.
From the kitchen...grilled steak, Greek salad, corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and my TFC team shirt.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...for at least one more beach day this week.
I am hearing...the sounds of the renovation in the basement.
Around the house...drywall dust everywhere. We really should have the a.c. on because of the humidity, but we need to air the house out. It's hard to breathe with the dust. Generally, life is good, and at least we're not at work. Still one week left of our stay-cation.
One of my favourite things...beach days.
Some plans for the week...don't know. We're making it up as we go along. Today we're doing stuff around the house, but we may go to the beach tomorrow or Friday, then we're going to check out the churches our children attend, this weekend, and then friends will come over on the civic holiday, Monday. We just had a romantic weekend in Kingston, Ontario. We went on a dinner cruise and saw a Military Tattoo (show) celebrating 100 years of the Canadian Navy (go NAVY!) We also saw the burial site of Sir John A. MacDonald (Canada's first Prime Minister), and we ate out a lot. I'd like to get some writing done this week, and some cleaning and organizing.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Stay-Cation
July 21, 2010.
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, after a thunderstorm this morning.
I am thinking...our stay-cation is going well. Yesterday we went to the ROM to see the Chinese Terracotta Warriors exhibit. Then we ate at Big Daddy's crab shack for an amazing seafood dinner. Then we went for a walk along the Toronto boardwalk.
I am thankful for...the fact that we can actually, seriously consider planning a European vacation for our 25th anniversary next year. To think that we can afford it, first of all, and that we can see places we've only heard about, like London, Paris, Rome, Nice, Pisa, and Amsterdam, among others, is amazing. I feel so blessed.
From the kitchen...honey garlic chicken breasts, grilled veggies, scalloped white and sweet potatoes, wild blueberry pie and ice cream.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a navy floral tank top. I bought some new summer clothes and shoes this week.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...we can accomplish all that we planned in these few weeks.
I am hearing...a dumb movie. Our friends had to cancel their dinner plans.
Around the house...the renovations are coming along. We ordered a sauna heater this week. Our girls are busy working and choosing their courses for university. My husband and I are enjoying our stay-cation. Last Saturday we had a beach day with my husband's side of the family.
One of my favourite things...spending time with my husband. We've had breakfast dates, dinners out and movie nights.
Some plans for the week...clean out junk, clean the house, go to Kingston for the weekend. We have tickets to a Military Tattoo. Then, on Sunday, we'll visit our sister church in Belleville and then take their Pastor and his wife out for dinner
Outside my window...a beautiful summer day, after a thunderstorm this morning.
I am thinking...our stay-cation is going well. Yesterday we went to the ROM to see the Chinese Terracotta Warriors exhibit. Then we ate at Big Daddy's crab shack for an amazing seafood dinner. Then we went for a walk along the Toronto boardwalk.
I am thankful for...the fact that we can actually, seriously consider planning a European vacation for our 25th anniversary next year. To think that we can afford it, first of all, and that we can see places we've only heard about, like London, Paris, Rome, Nice, Pisa, and Amsterdam, among others, is amazing. I feel so blessed.
From the kitchen...honey garlic chicken breasts, grilled veggies, scalloped white and sweet potatoes, wild blueberry pie and ice cream.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a navy floral tank top. I bought some new summer clothes and shoes this week.
I am reading...Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, by Mindy Starns Clark.
I am hoping...we can accomplish all that we planned in these few weeks.
I am hearing...a dumb movie. Our friends had to cancel their dinner plans.
Around the house...the renovations are coming along. We ordered a sauna heater this week. Our girls are busy working and choosing their courses for university. My husband and I are enjoying our stay-cation. Last Saturday we had a beach day with my husband's side of the family.
One of my favourite things...spending time with my husband. We've had breakfast dates, dinners out and movie nights.
Some plans for the week...clean out junk, clean the house, go to Kingston for the weekend. We have tickets to a Military Tattoo. Then, on Sunday, we'll visit our sister church in Belleville and then take their Pastor and his wife out for dinner
Monday, July 12, 2010
Campout
July 12, 2010.
Outside my window...overcast, humid day with showers off and on.
I am thinking...my youngest daughter was upset because the father of one of her school friends was murdered this week at a car wash, shot over nothing, and now her friend is fatherless. So sad.
I am thankful for...the great weekend we just had at the camp out with the youth group from Trinity Baptist Church. The weather was perfect; the food and fellowship were good, the teens were a good bunch, and my husband's messages were well received. He spoke about not being conformed to this world, using the example of Daniel in Babylon, in a culture whose sole purpose was to assimilate the conquered people.
From the kitchen...black pepper chicken and corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and a navy blue tank top.
I am reading...A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns Clark. It's a Christian mystery.
I am hoping...the messages my husband preached stay with the teens.
I am hearing...the train, currently stopped.
Around the house...the first week of basement renovations are done. They've framed the rooms, insulated, and done the electrical. Our contractor is good and has a lot of creative ideas. He took the french doors we gave him as the entrance to my mom's apartment, and recessed them into walls, so they slide in and out, instead of opening up into the room and taking up space. There is also a storage area, workshop and a huge family/games room. He also made her apartment quite large, closed off the furnace area, and is breaking through the concrete to make the drain for the washroom and sauna. I'm so excited about the sauna. This week we'll be buying the sauna heater. We'll probably get a wall-mounted one. My youngest has been driving a lot and is gaining confidence. She said, "You were right, I needed to get my license." Words parents love to hear. I went to the dollar store before my dentist appointment today. I admit, I have poor impulse control there, but you should see the loot I got!
One of my favourite things...the taste of hot dogs and smores over a campfire.
Some plans for the week...work two nights, then I'm off for 20 days! Stay-cation only, since we bought the house this year, plus we have the reno, but it should be fun. We've planned some smaller trips to the beach, Kingston, maybe Stratford, downtown Toronto, and time with family and friends. We're hoping to go to the beach at a nearby Provincial Park with family on Saturday.
Outside my window...overcast, humid day with showers off and on.
I am thinking...my youngest daughter was upset because the father of one of her school friends was murdered this week at a car wash, shot over nothing, and now her friend is fatherless. So sad.
I am thankful for...the great weekend we just had at the camp out with the youth group from Trinity Baptist Church. The weather was perfect; the food and fellowship were good, the teens were a good bunch, and my husband's messages were well received. He spoke about not being conformed to this world, using the example of Daniel in Babylon, in a culture whose sole purpose was to assimilate the conquered people.
From the kitchen...black pepper chicken and corn on the cob.
I am wearing...jean capri pants and a navy blue tank top.
I am reading...A Penny for Your Thoughts by Mindy Starns Clark. It's a Christian mystery.
I am hoping...the messages my husband preached stay with the teens.
I am hearing...the train, currently stopped.
Around the house...the first week of basement renovations are done. They've framed the rooms, insulated, and done the electrical. Our contractor is good and has a lot of creative ideas. He took the french doors we gave him as the entrance to my mom's apartment, and recessed them into walls, so they slide in and out, instead of opening up into the room and taking up space. There is also a storage area, workshop and a huge family/games room. He also made her apartment quite large, closed off the furnace area, and is breaking through the concrete to make the drain for the washroom and sauna. I'm so excited about the sauna. This week we'll be buying the sauna heater. We'll probably get a wall-mounted one. My youngest has been driving a lot and is gaining confidence. She said, "You were right, I needed to get my license." Words parents love to hear. I went to the dollar store before my dentist appointment today. I admit, I have poor impulse control there, but you should see the loot I got!
One of my favourite things...the taste of hot dogs and smores over a campfire.
Some plans for the week...work two nights, then I'm off for 20 days! Stay-cation only, since we bought the house this year, plus we have the reno, but it should be fun. We've planned some smaller trips to the beach, Kingston, maybe Stratford, downtown Toronto, and time with family and friends. We're hoping to go to the beach at a nearby Provincial Park with family on Saturday.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Shame Week
July 5, 2010.
Outside my window...typical Toronto summer weather. 3-h's. Hot, hazy and humid. Mid 30's but feeling like mid 40's C with the humidex. Also a poor air quality index. I wouldn't mind if I was on vacation, I'd just go to the beach. Instead, I stayed indoors with the a.c. on.
I am thinking...I prefer to call Pride Week, Shame Week, for the following reasons: I think it's a shame that our country will recognize those who have died for our country on only one day a year, whereas these 'festivities' go on for a whole week. I think it's a shame that it falls on Canada Day weekend and that in Toronto, their parade takes the place of a Canada Day parade. This is the impression we want to give to visitors to our city and country? I think it's a shame that they've hijacked the rainbow, a symbol of the promises of our covenant-keeping God, and have taken it to represent their diversity of behaviour. I think it's a shame that people are being silenced if they disagree with their agenda. They don't want to merely be tolerated; they want acceptance, society's blessing, and the freedom to promote their agenda and proselytize our children. It's a shame that our freedom of speech is eroded, and that anyone who has a contrary opinion is labelled. I see that they dropped the original name of the parade, probably because they know most Canadians want nothing to do with it. They couldn't seem to control some of the more radical political elements, who even referred to Canada as an apartheid regime. Really? If it was, they wouldn't be occupying some of the highest paying, prestigious jobs in the country. Not typical of most oppressed minorities throughout history. If they are a segregated, oppressed group, I'm a boiled egg. Shame, shame, shame.
I am thankful for...air conditioning on a day like this, both at home and at work. Apparently the west end of Toronto had a major power failure due to a fire at a transformer station. We may have some friends stay over this week because it's so hot and they have no a.c. I am also thankful that someone at church offered to take over our spot on the cleaning roster. We've been cleaning every month for over twenty years, and were just thinking this on Saturday when we were there, then on Sunday, we got the offer. They thought we could use a sabbatical. We were so pleasantly surprised. I guess we're hanging up our feather duster for at least a year. Wasn't that a kind thing to do?
From the kitchen...honey garlic meatballs, veggies and dip.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a brown tank top, and a white and beige sleeveless top.
I am reading...Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It's a book about punctuation, of all things, and it's hilarious. But then, that's my kind of humour.
I am hoping...that there won't be any hitches this weekend for our camping trip. If my friend can't make it, due to her daughter's health, I may be left to cook for two dozen people. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
I am hearing...the train. Our Customer Service Ambassador says the same thing every day. "We're currently stopped due to a signal. When it changes to a more favourable colour, we'll be on our way."
Around the house...we had the driveway sealed today. It looks good. They also started our basement renovations. They've framed in my mom's apartment. It's going to be a good size. Both girls were home for the weekend. My eldest is back at camp for two weeks. My youngest passed her driving test. Yay! We saw Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday. I wish there was an alternate ending, but when you label it a tragedy, what can you do? My husband and I are counting down our shifts till vacation! Two more weeks, then three weeks off!
One of my favourite things...camping. We're going this weekend with another couple and the twenty or so teens from their church. My husband is the speaker. I hope we have good weather.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for camping and go! My team (Germany) is doing well in World Cup, although the Dutch and Spanish are good, too.
Outside my window...typical Toronto summer weather. 3-h's. Hot, hazy and humid. Mid 30's but feeling like mid 40's C with the humidex. Also a poor air quality index. I wouldn't mind if I was on vacation, I'd just go to the beach. Instead, I stayed indoors with the a.c. on.
I am thinking...I prefer to call Pride Week, Shame Week, for the following reasons: I think it's a shame that our country will recognize those who have died for our country on only one day a year, whereas these 'festivities' go on for a whole week. I think it's a shame that it falls on Canada Day weekend and that in Toronto, their parade takes the place of a Canada Day parade. This is the impression we want to give to visitors to our city and country? I think it's a shame that they've hijacked the rainbow, a symbol of the promises of our covenant-keeping God, and have taken it to represent their diversity of behaviour. I think it's a shame that people are being silenced if they disagree with their agenda. They don't want to merely be tolerated; they want acceptance, society's blessing, and the freedom to promote their agenda and proselytize our children. It's a shame that our freedom of speech is eroded, and that anyone who has a contrary opinion is labelled. I see that they dropped the original name of the parade, probably because they know most Canadians want nothing to do with it. They couldn't seem to control some of the more radical political elements, who even referred to Canada as an apartheid regime. Really? If it was, they wouldn't be occupying some of the highest paying, prestigious jobs in the country. Not typical of most oppressed minorities throughout history. If they are a segregated, oppressed group, I'm a boiled egg. Shame, shame, shame.
I am thankful for...air conditioning on a day like this, both at home and at work. Apparently the west end of Toronto had a major power failure due to a fire at a transformer station. We may have some friends stay over this week because it's so hot and they have no a.c. I am also thankful that someone at church offered to take over our spot on the cleaning roster. We've been cleaning every month for over twenty years, and were just thinking this on Saturday when we were there, then on Sunday, we got the offer. They thought we could use a sabbatical. We were so pleasantly surprised. I guess we're hanging up our feather duster for at least a year. Wasn't that a kind thing to do?
From the kitchen...honey garlic meatballs, veggies and dip.
I am wearing...white capri pants, a brown tank top, and a white and beige sleeveless top.
I am reading...Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It's a book about punctuation, of all things, and it's hilarious. But then, that's my kind of humour.
I am hoping...that there won't be any hitches this weekend for our camping trip. If my friend can't make it, due to her daughter's health, I may be left to cook for two dozen people. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
I am hearing...the train. Our Customer Service Ambassador says the same thing every day. "We're currently stopped due to a signal. When it changes to a more favourable colour, we'll be on our way."
Around the house...we had the driveway sealed today. It looks good. They also started our basement renovations. They've framed in my mom's apartment. It's going to be a good size. Both girls were home for the weekend. My eldest is back at camp for two weeks. My youngest passed her driving test. Yay! We saw Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park on Friday. I wish there was an alternate ending, but when you label it a tragedy, what can you do? My husband and I are counting down our shifts till vacation! Two more weeks, then three weeks off!
One of my favourite things...camping. We're going this weekend with another couple and the twenty or so teens from their church. My husband is the speaker. I hope we have good weather.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, pack for camping and go! My team (Germany) is doing well in World Cup, although the Dutch and Spanish are good, too.
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