well, well, well.
If there's anybody left following this blog, that's quite something. I should give you a sticker, for finding this and reading it - perhaps my favourite kind, a butterfly sticker! (let me know, maybe I'll mail you one....) Perhaps there's some grace in cyberspace for people who have graduated, bought a house, moved in, went on a fabulous 2 week vacation in BC with friends and family, and started a new pastoral position.
After about 4 weeks on the job, I'd say I feel like a soaked sponge. I'm soaking it up - people, places, structures, systems... and I haven't yet truly started squeezing it out and distilling what's there. There's still time yet for that. I'm absorbing a lot, and learning a lot, and I know that the learning is just beginning.
That said, I am confident that K and I are where God wants us to be, and that's enough for me right now.
I can't promise when I'll be back on here, but I have a premonition that life is starting to fall into a rhythm that might become more normal, so I'm hopeful. That's all I can say, I'm hopeful.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
a roller coaster ride... or a quick european tour?
You may have noticed it's been a while since I posted. Sorry about that - but perhaps you found other lovely summer activities to fill the time that you might have been spending reading my blog. I know I've been busy doing just that!
When people ask me how my summer is going, a common answer goes something like this this:
"It feels like a roller coaster ride - very fast, very exciting, but I hope it's over soon because if it goes on much longer like this I might get a little nauseous...
"Or perhaps one of those Europe-in-seven days bus or train tours. You know the kind when you board a bus and see the sites of a new country every day. It's Monday so this must be Venice... it's Paris so it must be Friday... When we get home we'll figure out what we saw.
I'm looking forward to getting home and looking at the pictures so I can process all that I'm seeing and experiencing."
I am looking forward to the slow down. (if it ever comes...)
Perhaps you know how I feel.
We graduated with M.Div. degrees in late May.
We candidated at Valleyview Mennonite Church in London.
We were called as pastors.
We accepted the call. (We start mid September)
Kendall started interning as a chaplain at Goshen Hospital.
Kendall's dad retired from over 40 years of pastoring. (Congratulations!)
We went to a big gala to celebrate this in Toronto.
We bought a house in London. (pictures will come later)
Good friends are moving away, and we're making time to see them before they go.
I have had another birthday.
My mother retired from 30 years of teaching.
I wrote two papers to complete requirements from the semester.
I took my final course of my seminary career (Medical Ethics)
We had a big family reunion in Ontario.
We camped with family in Algonquin.
We visited friends and my Little Sister in Toronto
I am writing one final paper for Medical Ethics this week.
I am also writing a sermon for Kern Road, preaching this Sunday.
Then we pack, and move to our new house.
Then we settle in for a few weeks.
Then we go to BC for two weeks to visit Kendall's 94-yr-old Grandma and several friends and family members - and hopefully climb a mountain and visit Pender Island in the midst of it all.
Then we start in our new role as pastors in London.
Whew! But in the midst of it all, the tomatoes are ripening, the zuchinni are coming in faster than we can snap our fingers, the green beans are heavy on the plants, the peppers are ready and the basil is ready for one big batch of pesto. The sun has been shining, memories of camping with family - spending time on the water, in the water, by the water and around the fire - these memories are fresh and wonderful. New songs learned around that campfire are running through my head, and life is rich and wonderful.
If only the paper would write itself and the boxes pack themselves, then that would be lovely, wouldn't it?
When people ask me how my summer is going, a common answer goes something like this this:
"It feels like a roller coaster ride - very fast, very exciting, but I hope it's over soon because if it goes on much longer like this I might get a little nauseous...
"Or perhaps one of those Europe-in-seven days bus or train tours. You know the kind when you board a bus and see the sites of a new country every day. It's Monday so this must be Venice... it's Paris so it must be Friday... When we get home we'll figure out what we saw.
I'm looking forward to getting home and looking at the pictures so I can process all that I'm seeing and experiencing."
I am looking forward to the slow down. (if it ever comes...)
Perhaps you know how I feel.
We graduated with M.Div. degrees in late May.
We candidated at Valleyview Mennonite Church in London.
We were called as pastors.
We accepted the call. (We start mid September)
Kendall started interning as a chaplain at Goshen Hospital.
Kendall's dad retired from over 40 years of pastoring. (Congratulations!)
We went to a big gala to celebrate this in Toronto.
We bought a house in London. (pictures will come later)
Good friends are moving away, and we're making time to see them before they go.
I have had another birthday.
My mother retired from 30 years of teaching.
I wrote two papers to complete requirements from the semester.
I took my final course of my seminary career (Medical Ethics)
We had a big family reunion in Ontario.
We camped with family in Algonquin.
We visited friends and my Little Sister in Toronto
I am writing one final paper for Medical Ethics this week.
I am also writing a sermon for Kern Road, preaching this Sunday.
Then we pack, and move to our new house.
Then we settle in for a few weeks.
Then we go to BC for two weeks to visit Kendall's 94-yr-old Grandma and several friends and family members - and hopefully climb a mountain and visit Pender Island in the midst of it all.
Then we start in our new role as pastors in London.
Whew! But in the midst of it all, the tomatoes are ripening, the zuchinni are coming in faster than we can snap our fingers, the green beans are heavy on the plants, the peppers are ready and the basil is ready for one big batch of pesto. The sun has been shining, memories of camping with family - spending time on the water, in the water, by the water and around the fire - these memories are fresh and wonderful. New songs learned around that campfire are running through my head, and life is rich and wonderful.
If only the paper would write itself and the boxes pack themselves, then that would be lovely, wouldn't it?
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
letting go of screen time
It's a funny thing to decide to write about on a blog - letting go of screen time. But here goes:
When I was growing up, there were strong boundaries around the television. For many years we didn't have a television. When we got a television, we weren't given many hours to watch tv. Not that I pushed much on that account, I loved playing outside and reading and so many other activities I didn't think much about the t.v. The computer was introduced into my household when I was in high school, but it was an instrument for homework. There were some games, but I never got drawn into that scene.
In College, I met e-mail. I loved it!!!! I spent hours corresponding with friends, drafting long letters outlining philosophical and theological quandaries, social happenings, stories, dreams, and the like. I was hooked. Soon on its heels, the internet with windows-based search engines. Netscape. A whole new world. But it was limited by dial-up.
In my community household in Toronto, we had dialup for a while. Five women, one phone, dialup internet. It was a tricky situation. Then approximately 5 years ago, Lisa, our resident 'field marshall' took it upon herself to get us unlimited high speed internet which would allow the telephone calls to come in at the same time. A whole new world.
Internet surfing.
Chatting.
E-mail.
Solitaire.
Internet surfing.
It started slowly. It seeped into the cracks. It became the first thing I checked in the morning, the first detail to attend to upon returning from work. The last activity of the evening before bed. An evening's activity. I can't imagine life without my computer, without high speed internet. It's a part of my life.
But - I realize that I have not developed limits for internet/computer time in the way that I have continued to maintain boundaries for the television. Why the double standard? Should Kendall and I be blessed with kids, we want to limit t.v. time, and I hear more and more about broadening the label to 'screen time'. That concept makes a whole lot of sense to me. It's the same concept as limiting television in my childhood - encouraging active and imaginative play.
I am pledging to let go of screen time. I would like to get down to 5 hours a week of screen time (non-work related). I've got a long way to go.
But I think that life will open up for me in active and imaginative ways when I do.
A few weeks ago I deliberately didn't turn on the computer when I came home from class, and committed to not turning it on until 8 p.m. I was restless for a bit, then got out a picnic blanket, a novel, and my journal and went outside. It was absolutely lovely. My friend Rachel came home from work and we spent time chatting before she went in. Her husband Sam and my husband Kendall came in from Ultimate Frisbee and joined us on the blanket. It was a glorious hour, opened up by letting go of screen time.
As I enter into a time of transition, I tend to fall back into old habits. I will need extra will-power to let go of screen time right now. But I think that the energy will be worth it. A more active and imaginative life awaits.
When I was growing up, there were strong boundaries around the television. For many years we didn't have a television. When we got a television, we weren't given many hours to watch tv. Not that I pushed much on that account, I loved playing outside and reading and so many other activities I didn't think much about the t.v. The computer was introduced into my household when I was in high school, but it was an instrument for homework. There were some games, but I never got drawn into that scene.
In College, I met e-mail. I loved it!!!! I spent hours corresponding with friends, drafting long letters outlining philosophical and theological quandaries, social happenings, stories, dreams, and the like. I was hooked. Soon on its heels, the internet with windows-based search engines. Netscape. A whole new world. But it was limited by dial-up.
In my community household in Toronto, we had dialup for a while. Five women, one phone, dialup internet. It was a tricky situation. Then approximately 5 years ago, Lisa, our resident 'field marshall' took it upon herself to get us unlimited high speed internet which would allow the telephone calls to come in at the same time. A whole new world.
Internet surfing.
Chatting.
E-mail.
Solitaire.
Internet surfing.
It started slowly. It seeped into the cracks. It became the first thing I checked in the morning, the first detail to attend to upon returning from work. The last activity of the evening before bed. An evening's activity. I can't imagine life without my computer, without high speed internet. It's a part of my life.
But - I realize that I have not developed limits for internet/computer time in the way that I have continued to maintain boundaries for the television. Why the double standard? Should Kendall and I be blessed with kids, we want to limit t.v. time, and I hear more and more about broadening the label to 'screen time'. That concept makes a whole lot of sense to me. It's the same concept as limiting television in my childhood - encouraging active and imaginative play.
I am pledging to let go of screen time. I would like to get down to 5 hours a week of screen time (non-work related). I've got a long way to go.
But I think that life will open up for me in active and imaginative ways when I do.
A few weeks ago I deliberately didn't turn on the computer when I came home from class, and committed to not turning it on until 8 p.m. I was restless for a bit, then got out a picnic blanket, a novel, and my journal and went outside. It was absolutely lovely. My friend Rachel came home from work and we spent time chatting before she went in. Her husband Sam and my husband Kendall came in from Ultimate Frisbee and joined us on the blanket. It was a glorious hour, opened up by letting go of screen time.
As I enter into a time of transition, I tend to fall back into old habits. I will need extra will-power to let go of screen time right now. But I think that the energy will be worth it. A more active and imaginative life awaits.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Almost there...
Well, I finished my last 2-page paper today, and tomorrow I have a one hour class and that's it for the semester. I mean, not including the two papers I have extensions for. But it feels tremendous to be at this spot. I'm going to take it easy, do some shopping, and rest up. The summer's going to be busy, and I want to be ready for it!
I'm anticipating a new role as 'domestic goddess' (a.k.a. full-time housewife) this summer, while Kendall interns at Goshen hospital. He'll be working full-time with a half hour commute each way, and I'll mostly be studying at home, so.... the cooking and cleaning and stuff will mostly be mine. That way we'll have evenings together without so much hassle. I'm not really complaining, but I admit I'm not used to it. I'm clearly spoiled.
This weekend is graduation. My mom and Dad, and Kendall's Mom and Aunt Martha are coming, as well as Kendall's brother Mark and Rachel. Should be fun.... Woo hoo!
I'm anticipating a new role as 'domestic goddess' (a.k.a. full-time housewife) this summer, while Kendall interns at Goshen hospital. He'll be working full-time with a half hour commute each way, and I'll mostly be studying at home, so.... the cooking and cleaning and stuff will mostly be mine. That way we'll have evenings together without so much hassle. I'm not really complaining, but I admit I'm not used to it. I'm clearly spoiled.
This weekend is graduation. My mom and Dad, and Kendall's Mom and Aunt Martha are coming, as well as Kendall's brother Mark and Rachel. Should be fun.... Woo hoo!
Monday, May 7, 2007
one doozy of a cold
I'm on the recovering end of one doozy of a cold (fingers crossed now) Wow. I'm weak just thinking about it. Last Tuesday I had a tickle in my throat and a useless kind of cough that didn't do anything about it. By Wednesday my voice was hoarse and quiet, and I still had that useless cough. By Thursday I was mute and I stayed home from classes, sleeping all afternoon and generally feeling under the weather. Still the useless cough. Friday morning I made it to class, with a little bit of a cough and some sneezing, but was so utterly exhausted by the afternoon I slept it all away. Friday night the coughing and sneezing started in earnest, and Kendall said I coughed/sneezed every 30 sec until 3:30 a.m. when I retreated to the living room to allow Kendall to rest. I myself didn't sleep. At noon on Saturday, Kendall got home from his weekend class and I still hadn't slept and was still coughing and fitfully sneezing. He went to CVS and brought home the equivalent of Dayquill/Nyquill. I took some of that, and was promptly asleep for 5 hours that afternoon. I called off my commitments for Sunday, slept 11 hours Saturday night, then 2.5 hours Sunday morning, another 2.5 Sunday afternoon, and a full 8.5 last night.
I don't like depending on pharmaceuticals to become better; I like to think I generally maintain my health with preventative action. I like to exercise, eat healthy, take my vitamins and act on first symptoms with rest. I prefer herbal supplements most of the time - I swear by oil of oregano to take on my ailments, and echinacea or ginseng to boost my immune system. I tried a mustard plaster to loosen up the phlegm in my throat (which it did, it did bring on the serious real coughs) But with this cold, it seems, once the cough came, I couldn't sleep without medicine masking the symptoms. And now I'm still on symptom-masking meds. For which I'm very grateful.
There's always a balance, isn't there? I don't want to medicate every problem; I want to give my body the chance to heal. I want to build up my immune system, I want to prevent illness as much as possible with healthy diet and lifestyle. But when it comes to a cold like this one, I am firmly grateful for whatever's in this Dayquill/Nyquill stuff.
I don't like depending on pharmaceuticals to become better; I like to think I generally maintain my health with preventative action. I like to exercise, eat healthy, take my vitamins and act on first symptoms with rest. I prefer herbal supplements most of the time - I swear by oil of oregano to take on my ailments, and echinacea or ginseng to boost my immune system. I tried a mustard plaster to loosen up the phlegm in my throat (which it did, it did bring on the serious real coughs) But with this cold, it seems, once the cough came, I couldn't sleep without medicine masking the symptoms. And now I'm still on symptom-masking meds. For which I'm very grateful.
There's always a balance, isn't there? I don't want to medicate every problem; I want to give my body the chance to heal. I want to build up my immune system, I want to prevent illness as much as possible with healthy diet and lifestyle. But when it comes to a cold like this one, I am firmly grateful for whatever's in this Dayquill/Nyquill stuff.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thinking about thinking about moving on
It's nearing the end of the semester. We're graduating at the end of May! It seems phenomenal to me that the end of our seminary studies is approaching so quickly. I have so much more to learn! I have more questions to ask! We do have coursework to complete over the summer, though, so we will be able to pack a little bit more in 'under the wire' before we move on from here. But that date is fast approaching. And what's happening after that point is at yet unknown.
I find it an exercise in trust - day after day - to be confident that there will be a good life for us after the summer. That a position will open up for us, that we will have a good place to live again, we'll make new friends, that we'll have rich and fulfilling work... it's so much easier to trust when there's something definite in place. Which kind of defeats the purpose of faith, doesn't it?
I'm also noticing that I'm starting to 'shut down' in some ways emotionally and socially in this place already. It's a defense mechanism I have - if I start shutting down now, it might not hurt so much later to say good-bye. So I invite fewer people over, go home earlier, get less emotionally involved in a conversation or committee... and I make fewer social plans. Do you know what I mean?
It's not a good plan, really. We're still here for four more months! I need these people! I have a good life here!
So.... I need to be intentional about living in the present. The present is good. The present is accessible. And the present has many gifts to offer; I need not put all my well-being into the future.
I find it an exercise in trust - day after day - to be confident that there will be a good life for us after the summer. That a position will open up for us, that we will have a good place to live again, we'll make new friends, that we'll have rich and fulfilling work... it's so much easier to trust when there's something definite in place. Which kind of defeats the purpose of faith, doesn't it?
I'm also noticing that I'm starting to 'shut down' in some ways emotionally and socially in this place already. It's a defense mechanism I have - if I start shutting down now, it might not hurt so much later to say good-bye. So I invite fewer people over, go home earlier, get less emotionally involved in a conversation or committee... and I make fewer social plans. Do you know what I mean?
It's not a good plan, really. We're still here for four more months! I need these people! I have a good life here!
So.... I need to be intentional about living in the present. The present is good. The present is accessible. And the present has many gifts to offer; I need not put all my well-being into the future.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Emmaus Road Days
Sunday was all about encountering Jesus on the Emmaus Road. We heard the story, we sang the story, we participated in a dramatic contemporary rendition of the story, we meditated on the story. And it was good. The sanctuary was all set up in tables; like we were at a banquet or something. I was at one of the youth tables, and one of them commented that in ordinary worship, we're directing our attention and focus on God; in this set up we're directing our attention at each other. Now, it's not that simple (and he didn't mean it to be that simple) but there are those dimensions. The vertical and the horizontal. And something about facing each other, talking to each other about the text and singing side by side around the table gives a solid experience of church as a community of folks discerning together what the will of God is.
I had fun leading the congregation in Bryan's Emmaus Road song. The kids were dancing. I don't have Bryan's facility with the guitar, but had two guitars and an electric bass jamming with me. Ah, it's fun. I guess there's more of a 'performer' in me than I generally give myself credit for. Kendall said that when we were rehearsing before the service, I seemed awkward, wouldn't sing into the mike, and it seemed tense. But when the kids were up front, the congregation was standing and singing, I was just having a great time. I was relaxed, enjoying the song and the experience. And celebrating the chance to bring this great story to life in another way.
It seems as though I'm in a bit of a 'troubadour' phase, since I'm bringing in another song for worship next week. I'm preaching next week on Acts 9:1-19, the story of Paul's call and his encounter with Ananias. And I am bringing in a song I remember well from my childhood, written by Ken Medema. The song's called 'Sittin' by the Window Prayin'" and tells that story from the perspective of Ananias. It's a fun song, refreshing in its outlook. I won't be singing that one (I hope). If it all works out, it will be sung/played by two other members of the congregation. :)
I'm looking forward to preaching; it's been a while since I've praught. (shouldn't that be the past tense? teach, taught; preach....)
The sun is out today, the trees are blooming, and life is just good. So I'm sending out my general well-wishes to the world. :)
I had fun leading the congregation in Bryan's Emmaus Road song. The kids were dancing. I don't have Bryan's facility with the guitar, but had two guitars and an electric bass jamming with me. Ah, it's fun. I guess there's more of a 'performer' in me than I generally give myself credit for. Kendall said that when we were rehearsing before the service, I seemed awkward, wouldn't sing into the mike, and it seemed tense. But when the kids were up front, the congregation was standing and singing, I was just having a great time. I was relaxed, enjoying the song and the experience. And celebrating the chance to bring this great story to life in another way.
It seems as though I'm in a bit of a 'troubadour' phase, since I'm bringing in another song for worship next week. I'm preaching next week on Acts 9:1-19, the story of Paul's call and his encounter with Ananias. And I am bringing in a song I remember well from my childhood, written by Ken Medema. The song's called 'Sittin' by the Window Prayin'" and tells that story from the perspective of Ananias. It's a fun song, refreshing in its outlook. I won't be singing that one (I hope). If it all works out, it will be sung/played by two other members of the congregation. :)
I'm looking forward to preaching; it's been a while since I've praught. (shouldn't that be the past tense? teach, taught; preach....)
The sun is out today, the trees are blooming, and life is just good. So I'm sending out my general well-wishes to the world. :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Imagining Jesus
Here’s what I imagine. If you were in
In his introduction to a special issue of Theology Today on the historical
I just finished writing a short paper surveying a variety or perspectives on the relationship between history and faith in the "Jesus quest". This was the introduction. Fascinating, really, how tangled up this question can be. I used some of the findings in leading worship over the Easter week, particularly during the Maundy Thursday service. It was helpful to start naming the different ways we approach the person of Jesus. Do we start from above (i.e. Jesus as a divine figure, the second person of the trinity) or from below (Jesus as historical person, born in Nazareth, etc). How do we hold these together?
Fascinating.
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Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Six Imposssible Things Before Breakfast
It hardly seems fair that it's already Tuesday. My precious Spring Break is slipping away from me, and I've hardly gotten started on my 'list'! I was going to have the house cleaned from top to bottom by now! I was going to have written a paper and started a sermon and baked bread and called my brother and gone shopping for new running shoes and taken the car in for some repairs and ... I guess it's only been two days. And I've been tired. But I do long a bit for the impossible... sometimes.
I'm thinking about 'impossible' right now, trying to give shape to the children's story this upcoming Sunday - Easter Sunday. I want to talk about faith - that the Christian faith is rooted in something that is technically 'impossible' but that we believe to be 'possible'. I'd love some help in this endeavour....
I've got some lines from Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella bouncing about in my head:
dewey eyed dopes keep building up impossible hopes impossible things are happening every day!
And also this African American proverb: God makes a way where there ain't no way!
But I want to have more than just words... perhaps a song.... perhaps an action... or a story, or an example, or.... (help me, please?)
I'm thinking about 'impossible' right now, trying to give shape to the children's story this upcoming Sunday - Easter Sunday. I want to talk about faith - that the Christian faith is rooted in something that is technically 'impossible' but that we believe to be 'possible'. I'd love some help in this endeavour....
I've got some lines from Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella bouncing about in my head:
and CINDERELLA (the Disney version):
Godmother (singing): Impossible! But the world is full of zanies and fools who don't believe in sensible rules and won't believe what sensible people say..
and because these daft andAnd also this African American proverb: God makes a way where there ain't no way!
But I want to have more than just words... perhaps a song.... perhaps an action... or a story, or an example, or.... (help me, please?)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Over The Rhine
Tonight I had the great joy to be at an Over The Rhine concert in Goshen, at the gorgeous Goshen Theater. Ah, life is good. They were jamming just beautifully and they played some new stuff from an upcoming album (due August '07)... my favourite of these is an eschatological piece, mulling over the idea that when the world is reborn, the music shall be with the sound of the trumpet. The lyrics went: "The trumpet child shall play... " and expanded from there. You had to be there, I guess. But it was a good concert, that's what I can say.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Lessons from Third Isaiah
Third Isaiah, (which/who represents chapters 55-66) is a phenomenal bit of Scripture. We were studying passages from Third Isaiah this afternoon in Hebrew class; and what I am so excited about is the way that these passages relate with, expand and re-interpret other parts of the Bible.
Take Isaiah 56:1-8 - one of my favourite texts. The eunuchs and the children of foreigners are clearly invited into the covenant people. Not only that - they're invited into the Temple. Not only that - they're invited to serve in the Temple, like the Levites do. That service or ministry that they are called to join in on, it's from the same root as the Levites.
This is pretty deep stuff, because Deuteronomy 23 clearly says that eunuchs and foreigners are excluded from the Temple, and they're clearly excluded from Levitical (priestly) service.
But here's third Isaiah, opening it all up. Other folks disagree, my prof notes, for example that in Ezekiel 40-48 there's a denouncement of foreigners serving among the Levites; in fact, those particular texts emphasize that only Levites should serve - in fact, only Zadokites should serve, a particular clan within a particular tribe. There's a discussion going on here - who is in and who is out?
And Jesus takes up the refrain from Third Isaiah- "my house shall be a house for prayer for all peoples" - remember that? from, um, the Temple clearing bonanza? Jesus takes the line of opening it up.
Fascinating.
These days, when we're in tense discussions in the church, it's helpful to remember that these discussions exist in the Bible too. The Bible is constantly in conversation with itself; shifting and adapting a position from here to there. That's one reason why it's so dangerous to take one singular text and from that say, "The Bible clearly says...." without having a larger canonical read on the question. What's the larger trajectory that the passage comes in? And if it can be discerned, we need to ask where Jesus lands on the question...
Well, that's your Hebrew lesson for today, boys and girls. :)
Take Isaiah 56:1-8 - one of my favourite texts. The eunuchs and the children of foreigners are clearly invited into the covenant people. Not only that - they're invited into the Temple. Not only that - they're invited to serve in the Temple, like the Levites do. That service or ministry that they are called to join in on, it's from the same root as the Levites.
This is pretty deep stuff, because Deuteronomy 23 clearly says that eunuchs and foreigners are excluded from the Temple, and they're clearly excluded from Levitical (priestly) service.
But here's third Isaiah, opening it all up. Other folks disagree, my prof notes, for example that in Ezekiel 40-48 there's a denouncement of foreigners serving among the Levites; in fact, those particular texts emphasize that only Levites should serve - in fact, only Zadokites should serve, a particular clan within a particular tribe. There's a discussion going on here - who is in and who is out?
And Jesus takes up the refrain from Third Isaiah- "my house shall be a house for prayer for all peoples" - remember that? from, um, the Temple clearing bonanza? Jesus takes the line of opening it up.
Fascinating.
These days, when we're in tense discussions in the church, it's helpful to remember that these discussions exist in the Bible too. The Bible is constantly in conversation with itself; shifting and adapting a position from here to there. That's one reason why it's so dangerous to take one singular text and from that say, "The Bible clearly says...." without having a larger canonical read on the question. What's the larger trajectory that the passage comes in? And if it can be discerned, we need to ask where Jesus lands on the question...
Well, that's your Hebrew lesson for today, boys and girls. :)
Monday, March 26, 2007
sorry for the silence
It's nice to know I've been missed. I had a number of folks let me know that they missed reading my posts. I'm sorry that this one won't be too long, but I thought I'd drop a note so that people know I didn't just drop off the face of the planet.
It's been a busy couple of weeks. Good, but busy.
Two weeks ago Kendall and I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Ontario. We saw my cousin Caroline and her family, and spent time with family in Toronto for Saturday night-Sunday. We wanted to particularly spend quality time with the kids - and we did. We went bowling one night, swimming the next afternoon, and had time with Kendall's sister and the kids' dad, and Kendall's mom and dad, and oh, it was so good to be together. I really don't like being far apart. I couldn't look up Toronto friends though, because time was actually pretty tight. But it's so tough to be IN Toronto and not get together and chat with everyone. Next year, I say to myself. Next year. (isn't that what the Jews say at Passover? 'next year in Jerusalem...')
On Monday I went to the Dutch consulate office to renew my Dutch passport - and I said to Kendall on the way there, "I always meet someone I know at the Dutch consulate". I go once every 5 years, what are the odds? But sure enough, I met Eric, who I knew from ICS days in Toronto. He was representing his bike store and his new Dutch import bicycles. Very cool.
That Monday (March 12th) was our 2 year anniversary - and we celebrated with lunch at the Middle Eastern restaurant, who catered our wedding two years ago. It seemed a fine opportunity to us. :) (TWO YEARS! How delightful. It's been a good two years)
The following week, on Monday I was part of hosting Bryan Moyer Suderman in concert at my church, Kern Road Mennonite Church... and that was so much fun. Check out his post on his recent tour to find out more. That was a great deal of fun. I could go on for a while about how much I appreciate what he does with music, church, theology and kids. But perhaps that's another post for another time.
And then on Tuesday I had my senior interview, which is a dialogue with three professors regarding an integration paper on a topic that I am passionate about. I wrote about Sabbath (a huge surprise to those who know me even a little bit). It was a good paper, and I felt good about the interview. They affirmed me as prepared for graduation and said lovely things to me. It was a good experience, but I'm very glad to be able to check that off the 'list' when all's said and done.
This past weekend the sun came out. Ah, Spring. Spring is here at last!!!!! Sunday we played baseball! And we had a BBQ picnic, and stayed outside chatting well into the evening! And we didn't get that cold!
I like winter, but I am ready for spring. Hopefully soon I'll be able to post some beautiful spring blooms from the campus. This campus is gorgeous in springtime.
Well that's the scoop for now. I'll try to avoid a three-week hiatus in the future. CHEERS!
It's been a busy couple of weeks. Good, but busy.
Two weeks ago Kendall and I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Ontario. We saw my cousin Caroline and her family, and spent time with family in Toronto for Saturday night-Sunday. We wanted to particularly spend quality time with the kids - and we did. We went bowling one night, swimming the next afternoon, and had time with Kendall's sister and the kids' dad, and Kendall's mom and dad, and oh, it was so good to be together. I really don't like being far apart. I couldn't look up Toronto friends though, because time was actually pretty tight. But it's so tough to be IN Toronto and not get together and chat with everyone. Next year, I say to myself. Next year. (isn't that what the Jews say at Passover? 'next year in Jerusalem...')
On Monday I went to the Dutch consulate office to renew my Dutch passport - and I said to Kendall on the way there, "I always meet someone I know at the Dutch consulate". I go once every 5 years, what are the odds? But sure enough, I met Eric, who I knew from ICS days in Toronto. He was representing his bike store and his new Dutch import bicycles. Very cool.
That Monday (March 12th) was our 2 year anniversary - and we celebrated with lunch at the Middle Eastern restaurant, who catered our wedding two years ago. It seemed a fine opportunity to us. :) (TWO YEARS! How delightful. It's been a good two years)
The following week, on Monday I was part of hosting Bryan Moyer Suderman in concert at my church, Kern Road Mennonite Church... and that was so much fun. Check out his post on his recent tour to find out more. That was a great deal of fun. I could go on for a while about how much I appreciate what he does with music, church, theology and kids. But perhaps that's another post for another time.
And then on Tuesday I had my senior interview, which is a dialogue with three professors regarding an integration paper on a topic that I am passionate about. I wrote about Sabbath (a huge surprise to those who know me even a little bit). It was a good paper, and I felt good about the interview. They affirmed me as prepared for graduation and said lovely things to me. It was a good experience, but I'm very glad to be able to check that off the 'list' when all's said and done.
This past weekend the sun came out. Ah, Spring. Spring is here at last!!!!! Sunday we played baseball! And we had a BBQ picnic, and stayed outside chatting well into the evening! And we didn't get that cold!
I like winter, but I am ready for spring. Hopefully soon I'll be able to post some beautiful spring blooms from the campus. This campus is gorgeous in springtime.
Well that's the scoop for now. I'll try to avoid a three-week hiatus in the future. CHEERS!
Saturday, March 3, 2007
busy dreams
I've been having busy dreams lately. Ordinarily, I don't recall my dreams, so I tend to pay attention when the details stick with me. I'm not a dream expert by any means, but I understand that our dreams are where our psyche process what's going on in our lives. Images, scenes, characters - all these represent various parts of myself, and my efforts to come to wholeness and healing. At least, that's how I understand it.
So - I've had two interesting dreams in the last few nights. Well, I think they're interesting anyway.
Thursday night I dreamed that I was heading to Hamilton District Christian High School with my mother and my cousins Caroline and Cheryl ( from each side of my family) in order to work on a service project there. On the way there, we had to turn around. We had news that the project had shifted location. We were now headed to work on a cruise ship in Chicago - the cruise ship was going to be on its way to Milwaukee. Our job would be to sift and crush the garbage. Half the garbage was American and half was Canadian. We would be crushing the Canadian half, and an American team was caring for the other half of the garbage.
(since when do Christian work teams sift garbage on cruise ships between Chicago and Milwaukee? since when do cruise ships cruise between Chicago and Milwaukee? bi-national garbage sifting?)
Then last night I was on a train with the same folks - Caroline, Cheryl and my mother. The train had no engine, must have been propelled from behind. It had lovely glass windows and we could see in every direction. We were at a small town train station, and folks were crossing the tracks in order to board the train and disembark. Suddenly, around the bend came another train. It was on our track and headed for us. The light got very bright, and then it hit us. But we didn't crash, we just got sent back a ways, like we were in a bumper car ride. We got out of the train and walked back to the station to change trains.
I'm in the middle of some significant transitions in life; anticipating graduation and the beginning of my career as a pastor. We will be moving back to Canada from the US. I'm sure that's all part of this..
So - I've had two interesting dreams in the last few nights. Well, I think they're interesting anyway.
Thursday night I dreamed that I was heading to Hamilton District Christian High School with my mother and my cousins Caroline and Cheryl ( from each side of my family) in order to work on a service project there. On the way there, we had to turn around. We had news that the project had shifted location. We were now headed to work on a cruise ship in Chicago - the cruise ship was going to be on its way to Milwaukee. Our job would be to sift and crush the garbage. Half the garbage was American and half was Canadian. We would be crushing the Canadian half, and an American team was caring for the other half of the garbage.
(since when do Christian work teams sift garbage on cruise ships between Chicago and Milwaukee? since when do cruise ships cruise between Chicago and Milwaukee? bi-national garbage sifting?)
Then last night I was on a train with the same folks - Caroline, Cheryl and my mother. The train had no engine, must have been propelled from behind. It had lovely glass windows and we could see in every direction. We were at a small town train station, and folks were crossing the tracks in order to board the train and disembark. Suddenly, around the bend came another train. It was on our track and headed for us. The light got very bright, and then it hit us. But we didn't crash, we just got sent back a ways, like we were in a bumper car ride. We got out of the train and walked back to the station to change trains.
I'm in the middle of some significant transitions in life; anticipating graduation and the beginning of my career as a pastor. We will be moving back to Canada from the US. I'm sure that's all part of this..
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Well, we cooked up a lot of pancakes this evening! We had about 15 folks in our home over the evening and had a rich variety of toppings.... mmmmmm! I think I've had enough sugar to last me till Easter! We had a chicken-broccoli cream sauce, applesauce, peaches, strawberries, real maple syrup and more...
It was also Lucca's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Lucca!
It was a lot of fun spending the evening with friends, even in the midst of a busy student schedule. Celebrations keep me going. I wonder who we'll spend Pancake Tuesday with next year?
Winter Fun
Yesterday was a school holiday. President's Day, I think. Faculty, staff and students were invited to bring their families to Camp Friedenswald for a Winter Fun afternoon. We went tubing and tobogganing, and Kendall and I went cross country skiing for an hour. Ah, life is good.
The snow is starting to melt, so we probably squeezed the Winter Fun day on the perfect day. :)
Janeen took these pictures of the tubing... doesn't it look fun?
The snow is starting to melt, so we probably squeezed the Winter Fun day on the perfect day. :)
Janeen took these pictures of the tubing... doesn't it look fun?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Love and pancakes, Faith and doubt
We celebrated a special all-campus break yesterday with creative renditions of 'I Corinthians 13'. Lots of fun. Kendall and I won 'the most romantic' rendition - hmmmm..... It probably fit best the category "most interactive" since we encouraged folks to hug each other each time they heard the word "love". From the front of the room, the view was enjoyable. People lined up to 'catch' someone in a hug at the next moment, and at one moment of silence I heard one professor say to another, "You're next, Jake!". Ah, good fun.
I enjoy celebrations so much. They're truly the stuff life's made of. The next celebration I anticipate is Pancake Tuesday. That's coming up next week! I've never really fallen for the Mardi Gras celebrations, probably because in my experience the pancakes came first. I grew up in a small town in Ontario with British roots, Dorchester. And in the fog of my memory, I recall an outdoor celebration of Pancake Tuesday at the community centre. Somehow in my memory, we were even eating the pancakes out side Looking out at the snow right now, it seems hard to believe that memory.... I recall people flipping pancakes on huge griddles, and eating pancakes, sausage and syrop outside on paper plates. Probably we were inside the hall.
The point is, I remember eating pancakes in the larger Dorchester community. What's more, I remember that my family picked up the habit, and most years we had pancakes. I don't know if my mom and dad have kept up that tradition, but somehow it stuck with me.
At Calvin, I hosted a pancake open house - I flipped dozens of pancakes for my friends. I've probably served pancakes every year since I left home.... and next week will be no exception. If you live locally, you're welcome to our apartment sometime after 6:30 for some pancakes!
___________________
Thinking biblically: This evening after supper, Kendall and I read from the letter of James, chapter 1 and I was struck by a number of things in the passage.
I had a bit of a revelation about this passage, which has quite frankly bothered me for a long time. I noticed the context. Allow me to explain.
In our day and age, we still read the language of faith and doubt through lenses tinted by Luther and by rationalism/modernism. We read 'faith' and a concept of rational/mental assent to intellectual doctrine and/or dogma... with certainty! We correlate 'belief'. Consequently, 'doubt' means the lack of assent, or lack of certainty regarding these doctrines and dogmas. Having questions about God, the church, the nature of salvation, (etc.) is equated with lack of faith - and sometimes this passage is thrown up as dis-incentive for asking such questions.
Doubters are double-minded, unstable, and outside the generosity of God. (outside of grace?)
Having a long (and I think healthy) history of doubt, I dislike this interpretation. I am certain that doubt is a healthy part of an active faith life - questioning is frequently a sincere and authentic part of the search for truth in discipleship.
But tonight, as I said, I had a revelation. This verse is not in Galatians, or Romans. This verse is in the letter to James! James is so perfectly clear that faith is not mental assent, but faith is lived out in a life of justice. Faith is lived out in action!
When James is talking about doubt - James is talking about those whose actions do not match their words (or their mental assertions?). He's talking more about hypocrisy or empty living than about questioning. If we look further at verses 22ff we see that's where he's going even in this chapter
And that, my friends, is the heart of the matter.
Thanks for hearing me out on this one....
I enjoy celebrations so much. They're truly the stuff life's made of. The next celebration I anticipate is Pancake Tuesday. That's coming up next week! I've never really fallen for the Mardi Gras celebrations, probably because in my experience the pancakes came first. I grew up in a small town in Ontario with British roots, Dorchester. And in the fog of my memory, I recall an outdoor celebration of Pancake Tuesday at the community centre. Somehow in my memory, we were even eating the pancakes out side Looking out at the snow right now, it seems hard to believe that memory.... I recall people flipping pancakes on huge griddles, and eating pancakes, sausage and syrop outside on paper plates. Probably we were inside the hall.
The point is, I remember eating pancakes in the larger Dorchester community. What's more, I remember that my family picked up the habit, and most years we had pancakes. I don't know if my mom and dad have kept up that tradition, but somehow it stuck with me.
At Calvin, I hosted a pancake open house - I flipped dozens of pancakes for my friends. I've probably served pancakes every year since I left home.... and next week will be no exception. If you live locally, you're welcome to our apartment sometime after 6:30 for some pancakes!
___________________
Thinking biblically: This evening after supper, Kendall and I read from the letter of James, chapter 1 and I was struck by a number of things in the passage.
James 1:6-7 But ask in faith, never doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,
driven and tossed by the wind;
for the doubter,
being double-minded and unstable in every way,
must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,
driven and tossed by the wind;
for the doubter,
being double-minded and unstable in every way,
must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
I had a bit of a revelation about this passage, which has quite frankly bothered me for a long time. I noticed the context. Allow me to explain.
In our day and age, we still read the language of faith and doubt through lenses tinted by Luther and by rationalism/modernism. We read 'faith' and a concept of rational/mental assent to intellectual doctrine and/or dogma... with certainty! We correlate 'belief'. Consequently, 'doubt' means the lack of assent, or lack of certainty regarding these doctrines and dogmas. Having questions about God, the church, the nature of salvation, (etc.) is equated with lack of faith - and sometimes this passage is thrown up as dis-incentive for asking such questions.
Doubters are double-minded, unstable, and outside the generosity of God. (outside of grace?)
Having a long (and I think healthy) history of doubt, I dislike this interpretation. I am certain that doubt is a healthy part of an active faith life - questioning is frequently a sincere and authentic part of the search for truth in discipleship.
But tonight, as I said, I had a revelation. This verse is not in Galatians, or Romans. This verse is in the letter to James! James is so perfectly clear that faith is not mental assent, but faith is lived out in a life of justice. Faith is lived out in action!
When James is talking about doubt - James is talking about those whose actions do not match their words (or their mental assertions?). He's talking more about hypocrisy or empty living than about questioning. If we look further at verses 22ff we see that's where he's going even in this chapter
James 1:22-27 But be doers of the word,
and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
For if any are hearers of the word and not doers,
they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror;
for they look at themselves and, on going away,
immediately forget what they were like.
But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere,
being not hearers who forget but doers who act
-- they will be blessed in their doing.
If any think they are religious,
and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts,
their religion is worthless.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their distress,
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
For if any are hearers of the word and not doers,
they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror;
for they look at themselves and, on going away,
immediately forget what they were like.
But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere,
being not hearers who forget but doers who act
-- they will be blessed in their doing.
If any think they are religious,
and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts,
their religion is worthless.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their distress,
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
And that, my friends, is the heart of the matter.
Thanks for hearing me out on this one....
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Windchill Days...
The kids in this part of the world get 'Windchill Days'. It's not snowing or blizzarding, but they stay home because it's too cold outside (with the windchill factor). They've been home for two days now. The logic is that it's too cold for kids to wait for the bus or walk to school. Maybe I sound like a Canadian small-town kid who 'don't know nothin'... but I don't get it. It seems to me that this doesn't happen in Ontario (or anywhere in Canada). If someone can tell me differently, I'd like to hear about it.
It seems to me that the weather here in northern Indiana is pretty much identical to the weather in southern Ontario; what's different is the attitude. People in Ontario expect the cold, prepare for it, and 'tough it out'. Kids get bundled up and sent outside. sometimes recess gets cut short. Isn't it so, Canadians? Here, they stay in from recess if it's -5 celcius. That means they've been inside for recess over 2 weeks! (poor teachers, they must be going crazy...)
Now, the logic is that poorer kids don't have the warm hats, mitts and coats. Perhaps. But the issue isn't that clear. First off, let's get hats, mitts and coats for the kids...
But those same kids might be staying home on these days in under-heated houses. There's a possibility that if they can't afford hats, mitts and scarves, perhaps they can't afford heat. It's a very common problem. So they're sent home from school to stay in an underheated apartment.
And then - their parents have to wrestle with child care arrangements, possibly jeapordizing their employment (should they have employment). Are windchill days the best for these families?
I'm not convinced that wind-chill days are that good for the poorer kids in this community.
I think that the kids should be welcomed to school even in this weather, and that their valuable education shouldn't be disrupted by the cold. But I'm not from around here, so what do I know?
I've always loved snow days, being 'snowed in'. That always meant that I spent the day outside in the snow. I think if I had a 'windchill day' as a kid, I'd probably have spent a good chunk of it outside as well. I knew how to bundle myself up so no skin was showing... and how to fun in the snow. Sigh... perhaps I'm just nostalgic. Forgive me.
I'm still thoroughly enjoying the cold snap, and get out once a day for a 'tromp' around campus to enjoy the snow and the sun on the snow. It's so brilliant in this weather. I even need my sunglasses!
I'm a bit jealous of my dad, who's skiing for the week in BC with my uncle and cousin and some of his friends. He's apparently having a fabulous time - and who would doubt that? They're skiing around Kimberly, BC, staying at my cousin Pete Bootsma's chalet in the mountains. Fun. They've spent an evening at the hot springs as well.
Winter fun.
It seems to me that the weather here in northern Indiana is pretty much identical to the weather in southern Ontario; what's different is the attitude. People in Ontario expect the cold, prepare for it, and 'tough it out'. Kids get bundled up and sent outside. sometimes recess gets cut short. Isn't it so, Canadians? Here, they stay in from recess if it's -5 celcius. That means they've been inside for recess over 2 weeks! (poor teachers, they must be going crazy...)
Now, the logic is that poorer kids don't have the warm hats, mitts and coats. Perhaps. But the issue isn't that clear. First off, let's get hats, mitts and coats for the kids...
But those same kids might be staying home on these days in under-heated houses. There's a possibility that if they can't afford hats, mitts and scarves, perhaps they can't afford heat. It's a very common problem. So they're sent home from school to stay in an underheated apartment.
And then - their parents have to wrestle with child care arrangements, possibly jeapordizing their employment (should they have employment). Are windchill days the best for these families?
I'm not convinced that wind-chill days are that good for the poorer kids in this community.
I think that the kids should be welcomed to school even in this weather, and that their valuable education shouldn't be disrupted by the cold. But I'm not from around here, so what do I know?
I've always loved snow days, being 'snowed in'. That always meant that I spent the day outside in the snow. I think if I had a 'windchill day' as a kid, I'd probably have spent a good chunk of it outside as well. I knew how to bundle myself up so no skin was showing... and how to fun in the snow. Sigh... perhaps I'm just nostalgic. Forgive me.
I'm still thoroughly enjoying the cold snap, and get out once a day for a 'tromp' around campus to enjoy the snow and the sun on the snow. It's so brilliant in this weather. I even need my sunglasses!
I'm a bit jealous of my dad, who's skiing for the week in BC with my uncle and cousin and some of his friends. He's apparently having a fabulous time - and who would doubt that? They're skiing around Kimberly, BC, staying at my cousin Pete Bootsma's chalet in the mountains. Fun. They've spent an evening at the hot springs as well.
Winter fun.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
not quite on his feet...
Well, Phil's not quite on his feet, but he's home from the hospital. And that has me pretty happy. We wish you a solid recovery, big bro!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Dumb Old Nail
My brother Philip lives in Colorado, with a lovely wife and three fantastic daughters. He works as a sound designer (running the big sound booth and setting up the speakers etc) at various gigs and festivals in the greater Denver area. He also works as an electrician.
On Tuesday this week, he stepped on a framing nail. The nail went through his work boot, his socks, and into the ball / toe joint of his big toe. At first he kept working, but then the pain kicked in and he made his way to the doctor, where the wound needed to be 'irrigated'. OUCH!
Yesterday he was admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics, since the regular antibiotics weren't reducing the infection. I'm sure he's going stir crazy in there, since my brother isn't one to ordinarily laze about for days on end. It's too bad the new Harry Potter book isn't out to keep him amused. Sigh. Or better yet, the very last book of the Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan) series!
I had a significant but small cut on the top of my foot this summer, from tripping over a suitcase in the night. For a week I couldn't wear sandals or shoes without wincing. Boy, did I ever notice my feet! Ordinarily, I pass through life without much of a thought for my toes or the ball of my feet, but these days I'm grateful for their overall wellness. I realize how much I'm enabled to do because I have un-impaled feet.... a privilege my brother doesn't have right now.
So, those of you who have two good feet right now, get on the balls of your feet, stand on your very tippy-toes and do a little dance of joy that you have those two feet. And while you're expressing your joy, say a little prayer of healing for my brother Phil so he can soon be back on his two feet.
On Tuesday this week, he stepped on a framing nail. The nail went through his work boot, his socks, and into the ball / toe joint of his big toe. At first he kept working, but then the pain kicked in and he made his way to the doctor, where the wound needed to be 'irrigated'. OUCH!
Yesterday he was admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics, since the regular antibiotics weren't reducing the infection. I'm sure he's going stir crazy in there, since my brother isn't one to ordinarily laze about for days on end. It's too bad the new Harry Potter book isn't out to keep him amused. Sigh. Or better yet, the very last book of the Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan) series!
I had a significant but small cut on the top of my foot this summer, from tripping over a suitcase in the night. For a week I couldn't wear sandals or shoes without wincing. Boy, did I ever notice my feet! Ordinarily, I pass through life without much of a thought for my toes or the ball of my feet, but these days I'm grateful for their overall wellness. I realize how much I'm enabled to do because I have un-impaled feet.... a privilege my brother doesn't have right now.
So, those of you who have two good feet right now, get on the balls of your feet, stand on your very tippy-toes and do a little dance of joy that you have those two feet. And while you're expressing your joy, say a little prayer of healing for my brother Phil so he can soon be back on his two feet.
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Wintery Weekend
Ah, winter has arrived in northern Indiana. I am so happy about that!
Saturday night we were invited to go skating with some friends in South Bend at an outdoor rink in Howard Park. I haven't been skating for two years, since I left Toronto. It was fun. The snow really started to come down while we were skating. Big fluffy flakes. At one point, they emptied the rink and put on the zamboni to clear the ice. The zamboni went down the middle of the rink and once around the ice, and had to leave because it was already full. Once again, down around and through - and the zamboni was full. After a little while of this it was impossible to even locate the first ring around the ice - so much new snow had fallen. Thankfully, they let us back on the ice and we skated through about 4-5 inches of the fluffy stuff. We had a great time, and it was a beautiful night out.
Sunday after church, Kendall and I went for a tromp in the woods at Ox Bow Conservation Area (between Elkhart and Goshen). Here are some of our photos.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Simple Pleasures
We're in a bit of a pause time right now. After the rush of interterm coursework. After the people-time of Pastors week, when 200 pastors descended on our campus (including our cousin Tim). We spent a lot of time with people - worshipping together, workshops, and then setting aside time for tea, dinner, lunch, etc. with friends and family. Kendall knows more people than I do in such an event, but it's a rich time of friendship building for me as well.
But after everyone leaves, the snow and the dust settle, and we discover that we're really tired. It's time to simplify and sleep in. And take in simple pleasures. Drink hot chocolate while the snow gently falls outside.
Today, I cut Kendall's hair. It's one of our simple pleasures. We use an electric cutter - I call it the 'zhoom zhoom thing'. We set it to #2, and I go around the head in various patterns, trim around his bald spot, his neck and around his ears. Hair falls to the floor in interesting patterns. Time seems to slow down during this intimate household ritual. The whole event takes less than five minutes, but somehow it's special time. A simple pleasure.
Next week the second semester begins in earnest. I'm sure I'll fall behind within the first week of class, and the pressure will be on. I have two major papers due within the first few weeks of the semester. Kendall has one as well. So... for now, I'll savour the simple pleasures. And look forward to those simple pleasures in the midst of those mid-semester-craziness moments in the weeks and months to come.
But after everyone leaves, the snow and the dust settle, and we discover that we're really tired. It's time to simplify and sleep in. And take in simple pleasures. Drink hot chocolate while the snow gently falls outside.
Today, I cut Kendall's hair. It's one of our simple pleasures. We use an electric cutter - I call it the 'zhoom zhoom thing'. We set it to #2, and I go around the head in various patterns, trim around his bald spot, his neck and around his ears. Hair falls to the floor in interesting patterns. Time seems to slow down during this intimate household ritual. The whole event takes less than five minutes, but somehow it's special time. A simple pleasure.
Next week the second semester begins in earnest. I'm sure I'll fall behind within the first week of class, and the pressure will be on. I have two major papers due within the first few weeks of the semester. Kendall has one as well. So... for now, I'll savour the simple pleasures. And look forward to those simple pleasures in the midst of those mid-semester-craziness moments in the weeks and months to come.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Re-thinking heresy
To preface this post a bit - I'm currently taking a course in the Early Church. This blog is an excerpt from my journal, following some readings and a course discussion on Augustine's interactions with two major Christian communities of his day, with whom he disagreed:
I don’t think I had really appreciated until now how much the Donatists and the Pelagians are like Mennonites. But they are! Oh now, an inner voice inside me shudders; That’s it, I’ve really done it! I’ve joined the heretics. My Opa has warned me about those Mennonites since I started hanging around them in 1997. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should turn myself in to the local authorities and make myself right with God again.
I don’t think I had really appreciated until now how much the Donatists and the Pelagians are like Mennonites. But they are! Oh now, an inner voice inside me shudders; That’s it, I’ve really done it! I’ve joined the heretics. My Opa has warned me about those Mennonites since I started hanging around them in 1997. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should turn myself in to the local authorities and make myself right with God again.
In class today,
But what about real heresy? Should we not get riled up when someone tries to preach that the gospel teaches us to torment gay people? Or that the Bible ‘clearly states’ what the Bible most clearly does not state (in my humble opinion) Or that the Arian race is superior to all? Or that the gospel permits racial/ethnic cleansing? Or that we should ignore the AIDS crisis because the disease is God’s punishment for sexual immorality? (I’m picking the big apples here)
Monday, January 8, 2007
It's the principle of the thing
Recently, someone I respect described me as "principled". He was referring to my general commitment to the principle of Sabbath, and was encouraged to take up the practice himself. This comment sparked an inner conversation in me - I have been mulling it over for a few days now.
That comment led me to thinking about principles and the way they function in my life. Is that not a universal thing? Is this a particular strength of mine that I have not really identified in such a way?
Almost everything I do arises out of my principles. I make home-made yogourt in order to save plastic containers from the landfill (environmental stewardship) and because it probably saves us some money in the end (financial stewardship); and because we value healthy eating and yogourt is a part of that for us.
We make space in our life for social gatherings and dinners with friends and family - because hospitality and relationship are our values. Almost at every turn, when faced with a decision, no matter how small, it seems that principles come into play. I'll choose this (or that) on the basis of principle.
What we eat, where we shop, what we clean with and how often, how we spend our money, what we wear - this is faith in action. Faith embodied in various broad principles.
I imagine that most people function with governing principles, but perhaps not everyone is as intentional about choosing which principles they shall follow. I am glad that my principles provide an inspiration and a challenge to others. I know I am inspired and challenged by the principled living of others.
----
on another note - I started 'strength training' in earnest today at the YMCA. Today was my first day of multiple 'reps. I am focussing for now on my upper body. Osteoporosis runs in my family (maternal side) and I know that strength training is one of the most important ways to guard against frailty in the bones. Besides, I value health (those pesky principles in play again)
Soon, I suppose, I should stop imbibing caffeine. That's another bone-killer. Sigh. I think I'll wait to give up caffeine till I'm finished with school!
That comment led me to thinking about principles and the way they function in my life. Is that not a universal thing? Is this a particular strength of mine that I have not really identified in such a way?
Almost everything I do arises out of my principles. I make home-made yogourt in order to save plastic containers from the landfill (environmental stewardship) and because it probably saves us some money in the end (financial stewardship); and because we value healthy eating and yogourt is a part of that for us.
We make space in our life for social gatherings and dinners with friends and family - because hospitality and relationship are our values. Almost at every turn, when faced with a decision, no matter how small, it seems that principles come into play. I'll choose this (or that) on the basis of principle.
What we eat, where we shop, what we clean with and how often, how we spend our money, what we wear - this is faith in action. Faith embodied in various broad principles.
I imagine that most people function with governing principles, but perhaps not everyone is as intentional about choosing which principles they shall follow. I am glad that my principles provide an inspiration and a challenge to others. I know I am inspired and challenged by the principled living of others.
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on another note - I started 'strength training' in earnest today at the YMCA. Today was my first day of multiple 'reps. I am focussing for now on my upper body. Osteoporosis runs in my family (maternal side) and I know that strength training is one of the most important ways to guard against frailty in the bones. Besides, I value health (those pesky principles in play again)
Soon, I suppose, I should stop imbibing caffeine. That's another bone-killer. Sigh. I think I'll wait to give up caffeine till I'm finished with school!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Epiphany
Today is Epiphany Sunday.
Yesterday was Christmas in much of the Eastern church.... Merry Christmas to all of you who have been celebrating Christmas this week. I wish you joy.
Kendall and I are taking an intensive course this month on the history of the Early Church. It's fascinating. It's truly a cross-cultural experience, learning about the ways and practices of people who lived in a faraway place nearly 2000 years ago. But phenomenal.
One visual piece that I am struck by is some graffiti circa 200 C.E. - it's an image crudely scratched in rock of a donkey being crucified - and a man in prayer near it. And the writing underneath it writes: "Alexander worships his god". So much of the early church experienced taunting and gossip from their neighbours and communities. People didn't know what to make of this strange community that was developing in their midst.
They called the christians antisocial, because they didn't attend any of the festivals or social gatherings that the others did. They didn't attend festivals dedicated to the gods or eat the meat provided there - which was pretty much the biggest social event in town. And they didn't go to the gladiator shows, both because of the god-worship that came with it, and because they didn't want to participate in violence by watching it.
And they spread rumours about the christians. Rumours that they met secretly and practiced cannibalism, and incest, or baby-sacrifice.
It's an eye-opening experience reading what the Romans thought about the Christians. And how the Christians responded and thought in that context. Fascinating.
About Epiphany - which is where this entire tangent began - Epiphany is one of the oldest holidays of the Christian church. In its earliest form, it was a remembrance of Jesus' baptism in the river Jordan, and there many baptisms in the early church may have occurred on this day. The association with Christmas and/or the visit of the Magi came later.
I can get excited about a church holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus - and encouraging us to remember our baptism and that we are beloved by God (as the Spirit said to Jesus as he was baptised).
Frankly, I don't get all that excited about a day set aside to remember the Magi, which is all I have known about Epiphany. By early January, I'm tired of Christmas and the infancy narratives; I'm ready to move on.
On another note, today is the 13th birthday of my Little Sister (mentee) in Toronto, Brigitte. Happy Birthday, Brigitte!
Yesterday was Christmas in much of the Eastern church.... Merry Christmas to all of you who have been celebrating Christmas this week. I wish you joy.
Kendall and I are taking an intensive course this month on the history of the Early Church. It's fascinating. It's truly a cross-cultural experience, learning about the ways and practices of people who lived in a faraway place nearly 2000 years ago. But phenomenal.
One visual piece that I am struck by is some graffiti circa 200 C.E. - it's an image crudely scratched in rock of a donkey being crucified - and a man in prayer near it. And the writing underneath it writes: "Alexander worships his god". So much of the early church experienced taunting and gossip from their neighbours and communities. People didn't know what to make of this strange community that was developing in their midst.
They called the christians antisocial, because they didn't attend any of the festivals or social gatherings that the others did. They didn't attend festivals dedicated to the gods or eat the meat provided there - which was pretty much the biggest social event in town. And they didn't go to the gladiator shows, both because of the god-worship that came with it, and because they didn't want to participate in violence by watching it.
And they spread rumours about the christians. Rumours that they met secretly and practiced cannibalism, and incest, or baby-sacrifice.
It's an eye-opening experience reading what the Romans thought about the Christians. And how the Christians responded and thought in that context. Fascinating.
About Epiphany - which is where this entire tangent began - Epiphany is one of the oldest holidays of the Christian church. In its earliest form, it was a remembrance of Jesus' baptism in the river Jordan, and there many baptisms in the early church may have occurred on this day. The association with Christmas and/or the visit of the Magi came later.
I can get excited about a church holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus - and encouraging us to remember our baptism and that we are beloved by God (as the Spirit said to Jesus as he was baptised).
Frankly, I don't get all that excited about a day set aside to remember the Magi, which is all I have known about Epiphany. By early January, I'm tired of Christmas and the infancy narratives; I'm ready to move on.
On another note, today is the 13th birthday of my Little Sister (mentee) in Toronto, Brigitte. Happy Birthday, Brigitte!
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