Tonight, the temperature is a balmy 16 degrees, very pleasant for the last day of September. Not only was it warm, but the skies were clear. The night called to me, and I borrowed a pair of binoculars, called on a friend, and we went out stargazing once again.
Armed with the latest edition of Sky News, the Canadian backyard astronomy magazine, a small flashlight, a drawing of the Ursa major constellation, of which the Big Dipper, well-known to many, is only a part, we set out at about 10 p.m.
We were well-rewarded. The wide-sky country of this area does not disappoint. Constellations (and asterisms!) that had eluded me at other times jumped out like diamonds on black velvet: Auriga, lying close to the northeastern horizon; Draco, the dragon, twisting its way between the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper; Ursa Major; Pegasus, with its great square high in the southern sky; Aquila, the eagle; Delphinus, the dolphin, and, of course, the others that are already our friends—Cassiopeia, the Big Dipper, Polaris, the Summer Triangle, the Pleiades, and Cygnus, for example.
And yes, the Coat Hanger! I knew where it should be, and by scanning the area with the binoculars for several minutes, I found it! It’s formal name is Brocchi’s Cluster, but, really, it does look like a coat hanger.
Appreciating the natural world around us doesn’t have to be expensive, even though the ads in the magazines would convince us otherwise. There is so much to see even with the unaided eye. One thing that does make it more enjoyable: a friend to share it with.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Looking for the Coat Hanger
I went out last night around 9:30 and drove five minutes north of town to a dark area where the light pollution from the city was minimal. I pulled off the road and let my eyes become accustomed to the dark for a few minutes. Then I looked up at the heavens.
It was a breath-taking, glorious sight. The Milky Way meandered across the sky with such a dense cloud of stars that it was difficult to pick out the constellations against that backdrop. The stars of the Summer Triangle, easily visible from my back deck in town as the brightest stars in the southern sky, were lost among the dazzling array of other stars. I was looking for Brocchi's Cluster, commonly called the Coat Hanger because its ten stars are arranged in the shape of an upside-down coat hanger. It's found about a third of the way along a line joining Altair and Vega, two of the stars of the Summer Triangle.
I looked but couldn't isolate the cluster because of the brilliant mass of stars vying for my attention. I'm going to look again, this time with binoculars.
The best thing about last night's outing was that I was with two international students, both from Colombia. They were amazed at the sight of the Milky Way, which they had never seen before. They spotted Jupiter, bright in the southern sky, dipping below the horizon during the hour we were out. They found the Pleiades, which in Spanish is called the Rosario because of its resemblance to a string of rosary beads. Each of the students saw a "falling star." In addition, we saw a satellite plodding its path through the dark night sky.
Most enjoyable to me was the excitement in their voices. Viviana pointed out to Andrea the double star in the handle of the Big Dipper. They giggled and laughed and exclaimed. A rush of words in Spanish from one or the other clarified or asked a question.
They marvelled when I told them that God calls each star by name: "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names" (Psalm 147:4). It is a demonstration of God's greatness and His infinite wisdom.
I just enjoyed their enjoying.
It was a breath-taking, glorious sight. The Milky Way meandered across the sky with such a dense cloud of stars that it was difficult to pick out the constellations against that backdrop. The stars of the Summer Triangle, easily visible from my back deck in town as the brightest stars in the southern sky, were lost among the dazzling array of other stars. I was looking for Brocchi's Cluster, commonly called the Coat Hanger because its ten stars are arranged in the shape of an upside-down coat hanger. It's found about a third of the way along a line joining Altair and Vega, two of the stars of the Summer Triangle.I looked but couldn't isolate the cluster because of the brilliant mass of stars vying for my attention. I'm going to look again, this time with binoculars.
The best thing about last night's outing was that I was with two international students, both from Colombia. They were amazed at the sight of the Milky Way, which they had never seen before. They spotted Jupiter, bright in the southern sky, dipping below the horizon during the hour we were out. They found the Pleiades, which in Spanish is called the Rosario because of its resemblance to a string of rosary beads. Each of the students saw a "falling star." In addition, we saw a satellite plodding its path through the dark night sky.
Most enjoyable to me was the excitement in their voices. Viviana pointed out to Andrea the double star in the handle of the Big Dipper. They giggled and laughed and exclaimed. A rush of words in Spanish from one or the other clarified or asked a question.
They marvelled when I told them that God calls each star by name: "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names" (Psalm 147:4). It is a demonstration of God's greatness and His infinite wisdom.
I just enjoyed their enjoying.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I Already Knew This About Myself
Today, at lunch time, I attended a time management seminar and found out many things I already knew about myself, as well as some things I didn't know and wasn't happy to find out!
First of all, the "P" word. That's Procrastination and all the cousins: procrastinate, procrastinator, procrastinated, procrastinting, procrastinatively, procrastinatingly, procrastinative, procrastinatory, and procrastinativeness. Whew! Who knew there were so many ways to put things off till tomorrow!?
In fact, that's the origin of this word: tomorrow; that's cras in Latin. Or, as my Spanish friend would say, "Manana!" The root idea is putting something off till tomorrow. Or maybe the next day. Why put off till tomorrow what you can put off till the next day? I believe this has been my motto of late.
For example, I had an assignment to do. I'd known about this assignment since the middle of August. I knew the deadline was September 19. Did I work on that assignment during those six weeks? Not one bit! I hadn't even chosen the topic that I would write on, so really, I wasn't even thinking about it.
True to my own inimitable pattern, however, I did finish and submit the assignment on time. Thursday night, September 18, I put aside all other projects that had arisen since and devoted myself to the assignment. When I finished, the essay had many marks of a desperate writer: introduction was a bit top-heavy, body paragraphs were a wee bit thin, and I was ready for the conclusion by the top of page 3.
So I asked myself today, "Why do I do this to myself?" If it were just once, I might put it down to some quirk of personality or schedule, but it is an oft-repeated pattern. I tell myself that it's because I do my best work under pressure, backed right up against a firm deadline.
The other possibility, looming large in my thoughts right now, is that, for as hard as I seem to be working all the time, I'm actually quite a lazy person. It's part of the human condition. (There! That makes me feel better!)
This brings me to my point: I have never considered procrastination to be a sin, but it is. That's the truth. We always tell those with whom we share the gospel not to put off surrendering their lives to Christ. If they hear the Holy Spirit speaking to them, don't put off being obedient; don't procrastinate.
This counsel is useful even after we have obeyed that first time. I myself need to heed this sound advice.
First of all, the "P" word. That's Procrastination and all the cousins: procrastinate, procrastinator, procrastinated, procrastinting, procrastinatively, procrastinatingly, procrastinative, procrastinatory, and procrastinativeness. Whew! Who knew there were so many ways to put things off till tomorrow!?
In fact, that's the origin of this word: tomorrow; that's cras in Latin. Or, as my Spanish friend would say, "Manana!" The root idea is putting something off till tomorrow. Or maybe the next day. Why put off till tomorrow what you can put off till the next day? I believe this has been my motto of late.
For example, I had an assignment to do. I'd known about this assignment since the middle of August. I knew the deadline was September 19. Did I work on that assignment during those six weeks? Not one bit! I hadn't even chosen the topic that I would write on, so really, I wasn't even thinking about it.
True to my own inimitable pattern, however, I did finish and submit the assignment on time. Thursday night, September 18, I put aside all other projects that had arisen since and devoted myself to the assignment. When I finished, the essay had many marks of a desperate writer: introduction was a bit top-heavy, body paragraphs were a wee bit thin, and I was ready for the conclusion by the top of page 3.
So I asked myself today, "Why do I do this to myself?" If it were just once, I might put it down to some quirk of personality or schedule, but it is an oft-repeated pattern. I tell myself that it's because I do my best work under pressure, backed right up against a firm deadline.
The other possibility, looming large in my thoughts right now, is that, for as hard as I seem to be working all the time, I'm actually quite a lazy person. It's part of the human condition. (There! That makes me feel better!)
This brings me to my point: I have never considered procrastination to be a sin, but it is. That's the truth. We always tell those with whom we share the gospel not to put off surrendering their lives to Christ. If they hear the Holy Spirit speaking to them, don't put off being obedient; don't procrastinate.
This counsel is useful even after we have obeyed that first time. I myself need to heed this sound advice.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Christian dandies
A dandy is a man who is overly concerned about his clothes and appearance. The origin is uncertain, but it's almost 250 years old, first coming into use around 1770. It's sort of an old-fashioned word, one we might expect to find in a play by Oscar Wilde. An up-to-date choice might be metrosexual. Regardless of which word we choose to express this idea, the point is the overconcern about externals.
Ephesians 6: 10-18 gives us a picture of a soldier ready to do battle:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(Click on the picture above to make it larger so you can read the description.)
In church on Sunday, we heard about this soldier. He knows how to use what he has. Both he and his armour are battle-ready and battle-tested. This is no Christian dandy soldier standing around looking sharp in his uniform. This is a man dressed to kill, so to speak. He's ready to do battle in the spiritual high places.
It's not enough to be dressed like soldiers--Christian dandies, just looking the part. We must battle-hardened. The only way to get that way is to fight like soldiers.
1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
For sure, our enemy is no "dandy lion"!
Ephesians 6: 10-18 gives us a picture of a soldier ready to do battle:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(Click on the picture above to make it larger so you can read the description.)
In church on Sunday, we heard about this soldier. He knows how to use what he has. Both he and his armour are battle-ready and battle-tested. This is no Christian dandy soldier standing around looking sharp in his uniform. This is a man dressed to kill, so to speak. He's ready to do battle in the spiritual high places.
It's not enough to be dressed like soldiers--Christian dandies, just looking the part. We must battle-hardened. The only way to get that way is to fight like soldiers.
1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
For sure, our enemy is no "dandy lion"!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Keeping Short Accounts
When someone owes us money, we all know how anxiously we wait for payment. It might be from someone who's borrowed money from us or maybe it's from a business that we've done some work for. If we've done the work, then we expect to be paid in a timely fashion. If our ledgers are filled with too many accounts "over 30 days" or "over 60 days," then it's hard to run our own business. Business people know, too, that their chance of collecting goes down as the time increases.
On the other hand, if we're the ones who owe money to someone else, then we need to be sure to pay promptly! We need to keep short accounts.
This applies not only to money, but also in the area of friendships. If we feel hurt over something, we should go to the person who has offended us and tell him or her how we feel. We should do this in a humble and kind way, but not let a small thing grieve us and grow out of proportion to the original incident. This way, friendships are preserved and stress is avoided.
We also need to keep short accounts with God. When we sin, we need to confess it, repent of it, and move on through the power of the Holy Spirit, praying that He will keep us from that sin the next time we are tempted.
We cannot hide our sin from God. He knows. We don't confess it because He needs to know and if we don't, He'll be in the dark about what we've done. God is never in the dark. He doesn't need to learn because He already knows everything. The value in our confessing and repenting is for us. It's for our benefit.
Daily come to the Father and ask Him to search your heart. When He points something out, confess it. Keep short accounts with God.
On the other hand, if we're the ones who owe money to someone else, then we need to be sure to pay promptly! We need to keep short accounts.
This applies not only to money, but also in the area of friendships. If we feel hurt over something, we should go to the person who has offended us and tell him or her how we feel. We should do this in a humble and kind way, but not let a small thing grieve us and grow out of proportion to the original incident. This way, friendships are preserved and stress is avoided.
We also need to keep short accounts with God. When we sin, we need to confess it, repent of it, and move on through the power of the Holy Spirit, praying that He will keep us from that sin the next time we are tempted.
We cannot hide our sin from God. He knows. We don't confess it because He needs to know and if we don't, He'll be in the dark about what we've done. God is never in the dark. He doesn't need to learn because He already knows everything. The value in our confessing and repenting is for us. It's for our benefit.
Daily come to the Father and ask Him to search your heart. When He points something out, confess it. Keep short accounts with God.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hard to believe!
I came home from work the other day, and as I rounded my house to go through the back gate, two different things came to my attention. One I heard. The other I saw. First, a man's voice. He was talking, having a conversation. Then, I saw him. He was jumping on the neighbour's trampoline. Talking on his cell phone.
This seemed to me to be the height of something. I suppose some would call it multitasking. Redeeming the time. Making the best and most use of every second. He couldn't just enjoy the sensation of jumping on the trampoline by itself.
In my view, this represented some small obsession with being in contact with others at every moment of the day and, probably, night. We have given ourselves over to the idea that we can't be out of touch with others at any time.
Hubert Dreyfus, professor of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, has theorized and predicted that a life lived in cyberspace will strip human life of meaning, relevance, and the ability to distinguish the relevant and important from the nonrelevant and the trivial. His short book, On the Internet, contains dire predictions about human life lived online. On the air waves.
We used to joke about the guy at the office who spent so much time on the phone that he'd have to have the phone surgically removed from his ear. I think that day is coming closer for a lot of people. Only it won't be elective surgery--it will be a necessity.
This seemed to me to be the height of something. I suppose some would call it multitasking. Redeeming the time. Making the best and most use of every second. He couldn't just enjoy the sensation of jumping on the trampoline by itself.
In my view, this represented some small obsession with being in contact with others at every moment of the day and, probably, night. We have given ourselves over to the idea that we can't be out of touch with others at any time.
Hubert Dreyfus, professor of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, has theorized and predicted that a life lived in cyberspace will strip human life of meaning, relevance, and the ability to distinguish the relevant and important from the nonrelevant and the trivial. His short book, On the Internet, contains dire predictions about human life lived online. On the air waves. We used to joke about the guy at the office who spent so much time on the phone that he'd have to have the phone surgically removed from his ear. I think that day is coming closer for a lot of people. Only it won't be elective surgery--it will be a necessity.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Summer's Over! (sigh!)
Life is busy for most people. We have jobs, family, friends, plus things to do, places to go, and people to see. We want to take time to deepen those relationships that are important to us, as well as find time to be healthy--eat well, reduce stress, and exercise physically and mentally.
One of the ways I like to exercise my mind is by reading. I always have a long list of books that I can't seem to get to--books that are waiting for me. They are patient! Reflecting on what I've read takes a bit of extra time, but I think it's time well spent.
One of my friends is a voracious reader. She takes stacks of books from the public library and wolfs them down like she's starving. I envy her (in a good way, of course!) Perhaps it's closer to the truth to say I am really happy for her that she has--and makes--the time to do something that she loves doing. She inspires me to put aside other things that can wait in order to enrich my life through the words of others.
I don't have a lot of time for reading, and I don't read a lot of fiction, but one book that totally stole me away from other duties was Year of Wonders, by Geraldine Brooks. It tells the story of an English village during 1665-1666, a year in which the plague struck the village. Under the guidance of the local pastor, the village quarantines itself from the outside world. The story is told through the voice of 18-year-old Anna Frith, a widow with two small sons, both of whom die of the plague. Her life is hard, her burdens are many . . . and the ending is . . . fantastical! I read this book in two sittings, staying up way past my bedtime to do it! I found new words, lots of history, and a solid sense that my life looks pretty good.
This is why I like reading: I invariably learn something about myself, my place in the world, and how to be. How to relate to those around me. How to have compassion on those who suffer. How to make room for those who need a voice.
Each book is a new adventure, a way to set sail on the sea of life. Bon voyage!
One of the ways I like to exercise my mind is by reading. I always have a long list of books that I can't seem to get to--books that are waiting for me. They are patient! Reflecting on what I've read takes a bit of extra time, but I think it's time well spent.
One of my friends is a voracious reader. She takes stacks of books from the public library and wolfs them down like she's starving. I envy her (in a good way, of course!) Perhaps it's closer to the truth to say I am really happy for her that she has--and makes--the time to do something that she loves doing. She inspires me to put aside other things that can wait in order to enrich my life through the words of others.
I don't have a lot of time for reading, and I don't read a lot of fiction, but one book that totally stole me away from other duties was Year of Wonders, by Geraldine Brooks. It tells the story of an English village during 1665-1666, a year in which the plague struck the village. Under the guidance of the local pastor, the village quarantines itself from the outside world. The story is told through the voice of 18-year-old Anna Frith, a widow with two small sons, both of whom die of the plague. Her life is hard, her burdens are many . . . and the ending is . . . fantastical! I read this book in two sittings, staying up way past my bedtime to do it! I found new words, lots of history, and a solid sense that my life looks pretty good. This is why I like reading: I invariably learn something about myself, my place in the world, and how to be. How to relate to those around me. How to have compassion on those who suffer. How to make room for those who need a voice.
Each book is a new adventure, a way to set sail on the sea of life. Bon voyage!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Finishing Grade 2
At the end of June, my grandson finished grade two in the French Immersion program at one of the local elementary schools. Just as thousands of school kids all over, he brought home his report card, and we all read it with interest and many comments on his progress and success.
Then, from my treasure trove of Kept Items, I pulled out my grade two report card from exactly 50 years ago. My grandson was interested in everything about it, from the envelope it came in--with advertising from the Montreal City and District Savings Bank--to the different grading system used back them. I explained to him that for each subject we received two marks, one for achievement and one for effort. This meant that if you tried really hard but still didn't get everything right, you could get an A for effort and a B, for instance, in spelling or reading.
It's difficult for children to imagine their parents and grandparents as children, but here was tangible proof that I, too, had once been in grade two. I, too, had been eight years old. Having my report card to show my grandson made me happy that I'd had a mother who kept things for me, who didn't just look at my grade two report card and throw it out. It's a material part of our family history.
Thanks, Mom.
Then, from my treasure trove of Kept Items, I pulled out my grade two report card from exactly 50 years ago. My grandson was interested in everything about it, from the envelope it came in--with advertising from the Montreal City and District Savings Bank--to the different grading system used back them. I explained to him that for each subject we received two marks, one for achievement and one for effort. This meant that if you tried really hard but still didn't get everything right, you could get an A for effort and a B, for instance, in spelling or reading.
It's difficult for children to imagine their parents and grandparents as children, but here was tangible proof that I, too, had once been in grade two. I, too, had been eight years old. Having my report card to show my grandson made me happy that I'd had a mother who kept things for me, who didn't just look at my grade two report card and throw it out. It's a material part of our family history.
Thanks, Mom.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Hero or Fool?
Tonight, I watched a film about a young man who went into the wilderness of Alaska unprepared, and, as a result of mistakenly eating a poisonous plant, died of starvation. Based on a true story, the film plays up the freedom of the road that the young man experiences as he travels throughout the western States for more than a year and a half.
The film focuses on him, but others are brought into the story, those whose lives he "touched" as he traveled. Not too much is made of the situation of his parents and sister, all of whom he left behind.
Was he a saint, some kind of cult hero? Or was he a foolish, selfish, self-indulgent young man who couldn't get over certain incidents in his family background?
I would have to go with the latter choice. His family didn't know where he was for almost two years. He rejected their values, possessions, and, ultimately, them.
Yes, he had a kind side, and perhaps, in a certain way, a maturity beyond his years, but this doesn't give him sway to destroy the lives of his family. Many people have baggage that they bring with them from their family situations. Families today are combined and recombined, and it's not all good, but spreading the anguish doesn't help.
Christ is the answer for those who are hurting, for those with anguished hearts. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. We have a great High Priest who intercedes on our behalf with the Father. Let us bring our griefs to Him and be comforted by Him.
The film focuses on him, but others are brought into the story, those whose lives he "touched" as he traveled. Not too much is made of the situation of his parents and sister, all of whom he left behind.
Was he a saint, some kind of cult hero? Or was he a foolish, selfish, self-indulgent young man who couldn't get over certain incidents in his family background?
I would have to go with the latter choice. His family didn't know where he was for almost two years. He rejected their values, possessions, and, ultimately, them.
Yes, he had a kind side, and perhaps, in a certain way, a maturity beyond his years, but this doesn't give him sway to destroy the lives of his family. Many people have baggage that they bring with them from their family situations. Families today are combined and recombined, and it's not all good, but spreading the anguish doesn't help.
Christ is the answer for those who are hurting, for those with anguished hearts. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. We have a great High Priest who intercedes on our behalf with the Father. Let us bring our griefs to Him and be comforted by Him.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Spring is almost here!
I've turned the calendar page, and it's already three days into May! Today, I saw robins! Not right here in my yard, but their flight is unmistakeable. What a cheery sight. I also saw wild flowers--white crocuses, I think--peeking out from the dried grasses of last year. Two ducks and some geese winged their way overhead on their way to summer nesting grounds. Here, we're still waiting for that first flush of green, that tender, soft green of the first buds unfolding. That won't happen for another couple of weeks, and then, all along the highway, in every field, along every stream, the sight will be glorious!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Another Week Flies By!
This past week has been very busy for me. I've been doing a lot of reading, a lot of walking on my treadmill, and generally, just trying to keep up with things or catch up with things.
I'm listening to the Bible on CD. I can do this at night before I go to bed, or when I'm doing the dishes after supper. If I'm folding or putting away laundry, it's an excellent way to make use of my mind while doing activities that are a bit mindless.
Here is a very useful link with solid teaching. I enjoy the ministry of R.C. Sproul; I am currently also watching several of his teaching series. Here's the link to TableTalk:
www.ligonier.org/tabletalk
Enjoy the reading; enjoy the teaching; may God bless you through it.
I'm listening to the Bible on CD. I can do this at night before I go to bed, or when I'm doing the dishes after supper. If I'm folding or putting away laundry, it's an excellent way to make use of my mind while doing activities that are a bit mindless.
Here is a very useful link with solid teaching. I enjoy the ministry of R.C. Sproul; I am currently also watching several of his teaching series. Here's the link to TableTalk:
www.ligonier.org/tabletalk
Enjoy the reading; enjoy the teaching; may God bless you through it.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Future is Now!
Recently, it was announced that Virgin Galactic, a division of the Virgin group of companies, owned by Sir Richard Branson, will offer tourist flights into space. The flights, which will launch from a special base in New Mexico, will last about two and a half hours and will provide about five minutes of weightlessness to the participants. Most than 150 people (mostly the rich and the famous) have already signed up to go. These include soap opera star Victoria Principal and physicist Stephen Hawking.
The reason the rich and the famous have signed up (well, at least it's the reason the rich have signed up) is because these flights cost $200,000 U.S. That's $80,000 an hour. At that rate, those five minutes of weightlessness will cost $6,666.66.
Although this price seems pretty high--more than $1,000 a minute--(who makes this kind of money? Maybe consultants?) I've experienced another kind of weightlessness the price of which far exceeds what Virgin Galactic will charge. When I stood at the Cross, and the burden of my heart rolled away, when my sins were lifted off me and placed on Jesus, when that happened, I felt weightless. I was no longer under the crushing weight and burden of my sin.
The price for this freedome was far greater than can be reckoned in dollars and cents. It was nothing less than the death of the Son of God. He gave His life that I might live.
This forgiveness yields the kind of weightlessness we all need to feel.
The reason the rich and the famous have signed up (well, at least it's the reason the rich have signed up) is because these flights cost $200,000 U.S. That's $80,000 an hour. At that rate, those five minutes of weightlessness will cost $6,666.66.
Although this price seems pretty high--more than $1,000 a minute--(who makes this kind of money? Maybe consultants?) I've experienced another kind of weightlessness the price of which far exceeds what Virgin Galactic will charge. When I stood at the Cross, and the burden of my heart rolled away, when my sins were lifted off me and placed on Jesus, when that happened, I felt weightless. I was no longer under the crushing weight and burden of my sin.
The price for this freedome was far greater than can be reckoned in dollars and cents. It was nothing less than the death of the Son of God. He gave His life that I might live.
This forgiveness yields the kind of weightlessness we all need to feel.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Dealing with Discouragement
Today, I saw two people who were discouraged about some things in their day. I felt for both of them because sometimes I'm discouraged, too. I feel as if my heart has been taken away, and that idea is pretty close to the original meaning of discourage. This word comes from the French for heart (coeur), and so to be discouraged is to lose heart; to be encouraged is to be enheartened.
As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about those two people because today I am a little discouraged after talking with a friend. I tried to give the best advice I could but I couldn't make my friend see what I was saying. That person didn't want to let go of one way of thinking to move on to another.
We can take heart from the scriptures, and God has a lot to say about the heart. Although my heart may be deceitful, God has given me a new heart and that heart is a heart after Him. It follows after Him and rejoices in His ways, His laws, His commandments.
Lord, help us to take heart and be encouraged in You.
As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about those two people because today I am a little discouraged after talking with a friend. I tried to give the best advice I could but I couldn't make my friend see what I was saying. That person didn't want to let go of one way of thinking to move on to another.
We can take heart from the scriptures, and God has a lot to say about the heart. Although my heart may be deceitful, God has given me a new heart and that heart is a heart after Him. It follows after Him and rejoices in His ways, His laws, His commandments.
Lord, help us to take heart and be encouraged in You.
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Day Away!
Today, we went skiing at Worsley, Alberta. It's not the Swiss Alps, as one student from Switzerland said, but I think everyone had a very good time. Some of the students skied and some snowboarded, but all of the students came in with high colour in their cheeks after a day on the hill.
I spent the day in the chalet, chatting with people as they came in for a rest and reading a book. I'd say it was more of a day of apres-ski, for me. I'm still recovering from the tobogganing incident back in November!
The fresh air was exhilarating and the during the drive, we saw many moose and deer and one wolf that dashed across the road in front of the bus. For the students, seeing wildlife is always a thrill.
It was lots of fun today, but judging from the number of tumbles those students took, especially the snowboarders, I think that when they go to get up in the morning, there will be some moans over the aching muscles.
I'm glad I sat this one out!
I spent the day in the chalet, chatting with people as they came in for a rest and reading a book. I'd say it was more of a day of apres-ski, for me. I'm still recovering from the tobogganing incident back in November!
The fresh air was exhilarating and the during the drive, we saw many moose and deer and one wolf that dashed across the road in front of the bus. For the students, seeing wildlife is always a thrill.
It was lots of fun today, but judging from the number of tumbles those students took, especially the snowboarders, I think that when they go to get up in the morning, there will be some moans over the aching muscles.
I'm glad I sat this one out!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Remembering Marilyn Monroe
On January 14, 1954, Marilyn Monroe married baseball great Joe DiMaggio, who was known as "the Yankee Clipper." For two years, their courtship had played to the romantic in American hearts everywhere, but, after January 14, they remained married for only nine months. Monroe went on to marry playwright Arthur Miller, and, then, in 1961, she died of an overdose of barbituates. I remember hearing that news, and being incredulous--it couldn't be! She was so beautiful; she was so rich; she was so famous.
Of course, that was the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Yet many around us have hidden wounds of the soul that even their close friends or family do not know about. Some have pressures in their lives that make them despair of ever getting out from under them.
Our calling, as friends, neighbours, sisters, wives, husbands, partners, brothers, parents--whatever relationships we find ourselves in--is to be kind, encouraging, and sensitive to those around us. We need to listen to what's being said and to what's not being said. Sometimes silences can speak louder than words. We need to make the chance to speak kindly often to each other. Pay a compliment to someone. Write a note to cheer someone. Stop and really listen after you ask, How are you?
. . . Love one another, for love is of God.
Of course, that was the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Yet many around us have hidden wounds of the soul that even their close friends or family do not know about. Some have pressures in their lives that make them despair of ever getting out from under them.
Our calling, as friends, neighbours, sisters, wives, husbands, partners, brothers, parents--whatever relationships we find ourselves in--is to be kind, encouraging, and sensitive to those around us. We need to listen to what's being said and to what's not being said. Sometimes silences can speak louder than words. We need to make the chance to speak kindly often to each other. Pay a compliment to someone. Write a note to cheer someone. Stop and really listen after you ask, How are you?
. . . Love one another, for love is of God.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Let It Go!
Sometimes, someone says something to us that offends us. It doesn't really matter what it is. It might be something about the way we look, the way our children look, or the way our house looks. Once those words fall on our ears, we take offense. Our feelings are hurt. Our pride is wounded. And that's the problem right there.
It's a matter of pride. That original sin in the original sin. The sin that keeps on rearing its head. As humans, we are so full of our own goodness and our own self-importance that when someone dares to say something against us or ours, we are ready to play that for all its worth.
We may talk it over with a friend, sounding them out about the situation. He or she in turn will probably feed our own feelings about the situation, fanning the flames instead of dousing the fire with water.
This year, starting today, we should let those things go. Give them up. Let go and let God deal with us about our own pride. Of course, we would rather that He deal with the other person who said the words that injured us. And He may do just that. But first, He may wish to deal with us.
Let's welcome the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the dealings of a merciful and gracious Father, and the blood of His Son that covers sin, even our pride.
It's a matter of pride. That original sin in the original sin. The sin that keeps on rearing its head. As humans, we are so full of our own goodness and our own self-importance that when someone dares to say something against us or ours, we are ready to play that for all its worth.
We may talk it over with a friend, sounding them out about the situation. He or she in turn will probably feed our own feelings about the situation, fanning the flames instead of dousing the fire with water.
This year, starting today, we should let those things go. Give them up. Let go and let God deal with us about our own pride. Of course, we would rather that He deal with the other person who said the words that injured us. And He may do just that. But first, He may wish to deal with us.
Let's welcome the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the dealings of a merciful and gracious Father, and the blood of His Son that covers sin, even our pride.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
It's Christmas All Over Again!
I know Christmas is over for another year (although driving past a friend's house this morning on the way to work, I noticed their Christmas tree still lighting up their living room window!), but a delivery card in my mailbox let me know that a parcel for me was waiting to be picked up at the post office. I went down after supper and yes, it was Christmas all over again! A box of books. Can there be anything better!
This delivery brought a treasure trove: The Geneva Bible, 1560 edition. Advertised as "the Bible of the Reformation," this Bible is a bit different from what we used to. Who knew that the letter "s" used to look like the letter "f" or that "v" looked like "u"? What this means is that "love" is "loue" and "bless" is "bleff." So it will take us a bit longer to get through this than perhaps we anticipated. The interesting thing about this edition, though, it that it contains notes in the margins by various Reformers. We think these annotations will be precious and revealing. (This book really was a Christmas present that didn't arrive in time!)
The other book was The Reformation: A History by Diarmid McCullough. I'm looking forward to reading this. It's quite hefty, but I want to make more time this year for reading.
The last thing I uncovered in the box was a five-set DVD on the history of the Bible and of the Reformation. These I plan on watching while walking on the treadmill. Talk about redeeming the time! The minutes and miles just flash by!
Although I receive lots of e-mail everyday at both my work e-mail and personal e-mail addresses, I'm still excited to receive a box of books from the post office!
This delivery brought a treasure trove: The Geneva Bible, 1560 edition. Advertised as "the Bible of the Reformation," this Bible is a bit different from what we used to. Who knew that the letter "s" used to look like the letter "f" or that "v" looked like "u"? What this means is that "love" is "loue" and "bless" is "bleff." So it will take us a bit longer to get through this than perhaps we anticipated. The interesting thing about this edition, though, it that it contains notes in the margins by various Reformers. We think these annotations will be precious and revealing. (This book really was a Christmas present that didn't arrive in time!)
The other book was The Reformation: A History by Diarmid McCullough. I'm looking forward to reading this. It's quite hefty, but I want to make more time this year for reading.
The last thing I uncovered in the box was a five-set DVD on the history of the Bible and of the Reformation. These I plan on watching while walking on the treadmill. Talk about redeeming the time! The minutes and miles just flash by!
Although I receive lots of e-mail everyday at both my work e-mail and personal e-mail addresses, I'm still excited to receive a box of books from the post office!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Our Conscience, A Good Friend
God has given everyone a good friend. I'm not talking about Jesus, although He is a good and true friend, the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18: 24). I'm talking about our conscience. Often we see this depicted in cartoons as two little beings on our shoulders, whispering in our ear. One is an angel, telling us to do something that we should, or not to do something that we shouldn't. The other is depicted as a little devil, complete with the red face, the little horns, the pointy tail, and a three-pronged pitchfork. This being is telling us, Go ahead! Do it! It won't matter! Satisfy yourself! . . . or whatever other words we want to hear.
The very fact that people have consciences is "proof" for God. People who don't have the law of God do by nature what is codified in the law of God. Why? Because of the conscience that God has given to us. Every society has ideas of what is right and wrong. Most agree, for instance, that murder is wrong. Most agree that incest is wrong. The Apostle Paul talks about this in the book of Romans.
When we hear the "still small voice," we need to heed it carefully. It's a friend that can keep us from sin. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through a tender conscience. We're warned in 1 Tim. 4: 2 about those who have their conscience seared. Burned over. It becomes unresponsive. In Rom. 1: 24, we read about people whom God "gave . . . up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts" because they didn't listen when He spoke.
I want to be found always with a tender heart and a tender conscience toward the Lord. When the Holy Spirit speaks to me, I want to have ears to hear.
The very fact that people have consciences is "proof" for God. People who don't have the law of God do by nature what is codified in the law of God. Why? Because of the conscience that God has given to us. Every society has ideas of what is right and wrong. Most agree, for instance, that murder is wrong. Most agree that incest is wrong. The Apostle Paul talks about this in the book of Romans.
When we hear the "still small voice," we need to heed it carefully. It's a friend that can keep us from sin. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through a tender conscience. We're warned in 1 Tim. 4: 2 about those who have their conscience seared. Burned over. It becomes unresponsive. In Rom. 1: 24, we read about people whom God "gave . . . up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts" because they didn't listen when He spoke.
I want to be found always with a tender heart and a tender conscience toward the Lord. When the Holy Spirit speaks to me, I want to have ears to hear.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
What's on your reading list for this year?
I always have several books on the go. They are stashed at various places around my house: the bedside table, the small table beside the couch in the living room, the bookshelf in the dining room--all these places are ports of call in my reading voyage.
One of the books I'm reading now is Bury the Chains: Prophets and Revels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves. This is the story of the main personalities in the movement in Britain and America in the 1700s and 1800s to abolish the slave trade. This book was loaned to me by a friend after we watched the film, Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce, also a major name in the abolitionist movement. The volume is a hefty 430 pages, and I wish I could just stay up all night to finish it, but I'm only on page 99, and even staying up all night, if that were possible, might not do it. So I'll fit in a chapter or two a day, here and there, and prolong the experience.
What's on your reading wish list for this coming year?
One of the books I'm reading now is Bury the Chains: Prophets and Revels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves. This is the story of the main personalities in the movement in Britain and America in the 1700s and 1800s to abolish the slave trade. This book was loaned to me by a friend after we watched the film, Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce, also a major name in the abolitionist movement. The volume is a hefty 430 pages, and I wish I could just stay up all night to finish it, but I'm only on page 99, and even staying up all night, if that were possible, might not do it. So I'll fit in a chapter or two a day, here and there, and prolong the experience.
What's on your reading wish list for this coming year?
Friday, January 4, 2008
It's a new year, and I'm set to blog!
I'm set on a great path for the year, and I feel very optimistic. I have a list of things that I'm going to accomplish in 2008, and I am going to be steady in my resolve to keep my eyes on the goal. Writing is one of my goals and blogs are a great way to do this. Those who know me and saw my list for 2007 will probably note that some of the items from that list have been forwarded on to my 2008 list. That's right! If at first I don't succeed, I keep trying!
Over the holidays, we had some wonderful times with family and friends. Of course, there was lots of "stuff," too. Stuff for the little kids and stuff for the big kids. We want to remember the reason for the season. Giving gifts is a way to show our love and care for each other. God gave us the gift of His Son. It was His way of showing His love for us. Christ came, and then, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5: 8). This was also God's way of showing His love toward us.
I'm excited about the opportunities that are before me as the new year starts off. One of the things on my to-do list is to memorize a verse a week. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in my selection and memorization of these verses.
Set yourself some goals. Aim high. Take courage!
Over the holidays, we had some wonderful times with family and friends. Of course, there was lots of "stuff," too. Stuff for the little kids and stuff for the big kids. We want to remember the reason for the season. Giving gifts is a way to show our love and care for each other. God gave us the gift of His Son. It was His way of showing His love for us. Christ came, and then, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5: 8). This was also God's way of showing His love toward us.
I'm excited about the opportunities that are before me as the new year starts off. One of the things on my to-do list is to memorize a verse a week. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in my selection and memorization of these verses.
Set yourself some goals. Aim high. Take courage!
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