Well, it's Tuesday again....
I have a busy day ahead of me. Tonight is the closing for our youth group. We're having a barbecue and then some special music done by our very own teens. I have to make a huge batch of chocolate sauce for the ice cream that is our dessert at the end of the night.
Hubby and I went to the grocery store last night for the ice cream and toppings. We're not sure how many kids will be there tonight. On an average night, we may have 45-50 regulars, but these young people were encouraged to bring a friend out, so there may be more. The sun is shining, and it looks as if it will be a nice evening for a barbecue.
So, I guess today, I'm just thankful for these young people with whom I am privileged to work. It's a real blessing to share with them, talk to them, laugh with them, and pray for them. It's also an opportunity to be around my own kids in a different setting other than home. All three of my kids have had their parents as Sunday School teachers and youth leaders. It's a way for them to see us in a different context, for good or bad. They see how we relate to other kids their age, and perhaps that is good. Who knows, maybe it isn't... however, I do think it has been a positive experience for my kids to have us involved in some of what they do.
The teenagers who are not my own children continue to bless and challenge me. It is often a lesson in extremes, because at one moment a teen may show promise and growth and maturity, and the next be picking up his friend to try and stuff him in the storage closet of the gym. They provide insights that continually take me by surprise. Some of them drive me absolutely nuts. Those 7th and 8th grade boys, for example (of which my son was a member this year) had so much energy at times, I was very thankful that I didn't have to lead their small group time. All in all, though, they often have a way of looking at the world that is instructive to those of us who have moved far beyond those years. Occasionally that way of looking at the world needs a little honing, but that's what discipleship is about. Besides, I see this work as an investment in the Church; nurturing the young believers who will be the leaders of the future. And besides, I can get away with being less than Martha Stewart with these kids.
I was told recently by one of the teens that my husband and I are the "most rad" leaders at our youth group. I am not entirely sure what that means, but I think it's positive.
Tonight, I will be thankful for the time we can have together, enjoying fellowship and music, and I will look forward to next year when we can start all over again. There is a rumour in the mill that says the older kids want to have a hand at perhaps running their own weekly meetings over the summer, and we've been asked to help out, so I'm thinking about that, too.
What are you thankful for today?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday's Thankful Thought
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day thoughts a day late
I don't really care for Mother's Day particularly. I guess the whole "Hallmark" influence stirs the passive rebel in me a little. Why should I honour my mother when someone else other than the Lord tells me to? I also get a little cynical, because some people never give their mothers a second thought until the prescribed date rolls around.
Be that as it may, I did call my mother this weekend. And I do think a great deal about her, and not just on Mothers Day or her birthday.
My mother lives with an entirely different worldview than mine. She is not a believer in Jesus Christ, and I am. We do not enjoy a common life in Christ. Oftentimes, that arouses a great deal of frustration (on her part, as well, I'm certain). Sometimes, when I look at all of the views she endorses, I feel slightly threatened, because I know that her way of looking at the world competes with mine, and many people think as she does, i.e. apart from a Christian worldview. Some of her positions on issues, such as homosexuality, abortion, sexual purity, childrearing, feminism etc., are totally the opposite to what she once believed, and is totally opposed to what I believe. It can make for conflict at family gatherings when we do see each other. Currently, my father is ill and even the treatment considerations could be the potential for conflict because of our different worldviews. I'd like to see this illness in my dad's life as an opportunity for him to see his need of Christ. My mother does not see it that away at all.
My mother and I have had our fair share of conflict over the years. While I was not a rebellious child, there were still many conflicts between us. There are times over the years when I just wanted to tear into her for some of what she believes. It's not always easy to disagree with someone and exercise grace and love.
No matter how I feel about my mother, no matter how wrong I may feel she is, I have a lot of respect for my mother, and I love her. God is sovereign, and He gave me the exact right mother I needed to have to be the woman I am today. My mother gave of herself to raise me; she did without on a great many occasions so that I could have things. She endured my rudeness, my selfishness, my sarcastic comments, and my teenage hubris. And she did it without ever causing doubt in my mind as to her love for me. Yes, she had a bad temper, and yes, I think she yelled too much and spanked too much. But I respect her for staying the course. She had four kids under the age of six by the time she was 22 years old. They were poor; and she had a mother who was the meanest woman I ever knew. But my mother prevailed and I respect her.
I continue to demonstrate respect to my mother, and I continue to try to be a good daughter. That is how I can honour my mother every day. Nothing infuriates me more than when spoiled young people disparage their mothers, talk unkindly to them, or belittle them. I've seen that happen, and it makes my blood boil. Sometimes, the teenagers in my midst treat me better than they treat their own mothers. That makes me mad, too. I continually encourage them to respect their mothers no matter what goes on their families. It is a biblical mandate to respect our parents. It's a way to honour the Lord.
I had a very discouraging conversation with my mother over the weekend; discouraging in the sense that I see her struggling with her circumstances, and I hear the bitterness creeping into her voice. But I love her and pray for her, and I don't walk in her shoes, so I'd better keep my judgments at bay. All I can do is to continue love her and pray for her.
And honour her EVERY day.
Confession Time
I admit it. I like novels about the Amish. I read any and all I can find.
Don't get me wrong; I am not about to get rid of my technology and don a prayer cap, but I do like the stories about the Plain folk. I don't read much fiction, but every now and then, I like to read these novels, especially the ones by Beverly Lewis. They are easy reads; I read this one just yesterday afternoon.
I don't read them for deep literary meaning. I read them because every now and then a girl just needs a good story with some happy endings. Most of these novels have within them stories of how Amish individuals discover that their faith is not about church membership, and following the Ordnung, but rather submitting to the lordship of Jesus Christ and holding to Scripture. That's a good thing to read about.
The other thing I like about these stories is the way the young people conduct their "courting" relationships. Well, except for the part where the parents know nothing about it until the couple gets engaged. The courting custom is that the couple doesn't tell anyone who they're interested in until a decision to wed is made; I don't like that part. However, I like the idea that the young couples don't start "sweethearting" until they are at an age when marriage is in sight. I've had many and various thoughts about boy-girl relationship over the past few years. I've seen and lived both sides of the "to date or not to date" issue, and I have lots I could share about that. I won't today.
Suffice it to say, however, I like the simplicity of life that is described in these novels. I wouldn't idealize the life in any way, shape or form, however. Believe me, I would have had trouble being Amish because they don't really educate girls past 8th grade, and I would have found that very stifling, I think, not to mention the drudgery of housework devoid of technology. However, I do like the idea of life being much more simple. I don't know how one attains that kind of simplicity in life when we are immersed in such a complex world. One choice, of course, is to do what the Amish have done and cloister ourselves from the world. I have problems with harmonizing that notion with the principle of shining the light of Christ in the world, so I don't think that's an option. I guess I just have to be content to escape for a wee bit through a book.
One of the parts of the story that I read which I found really interesting was a scene where a young couple who are courting push the boundaries of modesty: she lets him see her with her hair down. In Amish culture, a woman only lets her husband see her with her hair down. To do so is demonstrating immodest conduct. I could not help but think of the stark contrast between that and even what Christian couples allow themselves to do. Oh, for young people today to have those kinds of boundaries of physical conduct. In the story, the couple felt tremendous shame, and at the end of the story, there are unresolved issues because of it.
Well, Mother's Day came and went, and I treated myself to a sappy story; now, it's back to reality.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
On Walkabout...
Today, I went for a nice long walk. It was a beautiful spring day, and I stopped a few times to sit and enjoy the afternoon.
I went by one of the high schools as I walked, and I thought a bit about education and whatnot. It's the time of year when students are graduating and getting ready to pursue post-secondary education.
I thought about my own education. It took me a very long time to finish my education; sixteen years to get a university degree. But I loved it, because I love learning. I have been asked by a few people if I plan on going back to school or something of that nature when September rolls around and my youngest goes to high school. I don't have any plans of that kind; and it isn't because I wouldn't love to; it's because it's more of a priority that our daughter get through university first. And besides, who says education is all about institutional learning?
Being in university afforded me the accountability I needed to motivate me to learn. Having to hand in assignments, write papers, and pass examinations in order to meet criteria for graduation pushed me to work hard. However, all that aside, I believe I have learned just as much over the last few years since I graduated. I continue to read and to feed my mind and make connections between what I learned in the classroom, what I see in "real" life, what I have read in subsequent books, and in the process of home schooling. Education is a life-long process; true education, that is. There is the kind of education we get specifically so we can be employed. That also involves learning new things, because jobs require us to make connections with our learning as well. However, someone can finish his post-secondary training and stop learning if he so chooses.
Education is a choice we make. We make the decision to see what's around us, to learn about our world, our God, and how everything relates together. Furthermore, education is not necessarily wisdom. Sometimes, a minimal amount of education with a huge dose of humility is far superior to a raft of degrees and knowledge devoid of humility. There are great numbers of educated fools out there. While I may not become any more "educated" in the typical sense of the word, I can grow in wisdom, and that's a pursuit I think we can all agree is a valuable one.
Hosanna
Last night, hubby and I took a load of teens to a Starfield concert. From all reports, it was a great show. People can complain about contemporary Christian music if they want, and perhaps their complaints are valid. However, I'll tell you, when you have music lovers in your house, and you want to expose them to some musicians who try and use their abilities to praise God, it's a worthwhile activity to take the kids to a concert on a Friday night.
Hubby and I didn't stay for the show. We elected to drop them off and then go for a date night. We did arrive back at the church, however, in time for the encore. They sang this song, "Hosanna:"
I see the king of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing
Chorus
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees
Chorus
Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Chorus
While I'm glad I wasn't there for the entire show, I must say I was glad to have been there for this song. It's a good song. And it was wonderful to hear the crowds of people singing the chorus. This is a popular song among the young people, so they knew the words. The lead singer started them off, and the 300-400 mostly young people raised their voices, too.
It was just what I needed.
Just in case you were wondering ....
The hubris of youth and the attitude that schooling and intellect make one a superior human being are still alive and well in the world.
Why is it that some young people think they are the only ones who ever attended post-secondary schooling or read a book?
Yikes.
Friday, May 09, 2008
More Friday Fun
Lisa had this at her blog. I like Lisa; I think she and I are similar in the way we think, and I can relate to so much of what she posts.
This is the "one word meme."
1. Your cell phone? ...... broken
2. Your significant other?..... solid
3. Your hair? ....... blonde-ish
4. Your mother? .... stressed
5. Your father?....... ill
6. Your favorite thing?....... theology
7. Your dream last night?...... forgotten
8. Your favorite drink? ......coffee
9. Your dream/goal?........ writing
10. The room you’re in... .... office
11. Your talent ?........ dunno
12. Your fear?.......... failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?..... content
14. Where were you last night?..... church
15. What you’re not?........ rational
16. Muffins?............blueberry
17. One of your wish list items?...... Macbook
18. Where you grew up?........ everywhere
19. The last thing you did?..... shower
20. What are you wearing?...... clothing
21. Your TV?............ satellite
22. Your pet(s)?........... warty
23. Your computer? ...... Toshiba
24. Your life?........ roller-coaster
25. Your mood?....... melancholy
26. Missing home?......no
27. Your car?........van
28. Something you’re not wearing?.. . . make-up
29. Favorite Store?........ mail-order
30. Your summer?......... humid
31. Hate someone?.........no
32. Your favorite color?....... blue
33. Last time you laughed....... yesterday
34. Last time you cried?....... today
35. Who will re-post this?.....YOU!
At the end of the week....
It's Friday once again.
Tonight, my hubby and I will transport a group of teens to a concert, where the band Starfield is playing. We had the option of attending the concert as well, but after listening to them a bit on the way home from Rochester a couple of weeks ago, we elected to just be the drivers. Not that we didn't like them; we just decided to use this event as a way to have a date night. After we drop off the group, I plan on going to Applebee's for dinner.
This week, I've done more book reading than blog reading, but I have a few links that were pretty good that I'd like to share.
Pulpit Magazine had a great piece on decision making. Thanks to Rebecca who pointed it out. You may want to stop by her blog later today and read her procedures for doing an interpretive paraphrase on Romans 8:18-39.
You have to stop by for the vegetarian musical interlude at Pyromaniacs. For an encore, pop by Dan Phillips' blog as well.
Staci reminded me about a book that I think I need to get. I've read a few reviews of it already, but I appreciate her quoting from this book a couple of times already.
Irish Calvinist has an excellent snippet of John Piper that is short, but powerful.
I am getting ready to teach a group of ladies on Sunday morning. I knew a few weeks ago I was teaching them, but I had not realized that it would be Mother's Day. My lesson? I Samuel 1:1-2:21 along with a comparison of Luke 1:46-56.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
In my neighbourhood....
Well, actually, just right on my front lawn.
This is the prelude. Soon, it's going to burst forth.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
When Mr. Postman brings catalogs
I'm a mail order junkie. Apparently, my paternal grandmother was as well. So, I love it when I get catalogs in the mail.
I received the latest offering from Christian Book Distributors. My daughter was glancing through it as she ate her lunch yesterday and she commented that almost all of the authors I don't care for grace the front section of the catalog. I pointed out that I am indeed a strange bird because I tend not to like what is popular.
As I looked through it, I was (as always) disappointed with the fact that the books of John and Stasi Eldredge continue to be popular. How do I know they're popular? They have an entire page to themselves in the catalog.
The theological position of the Eldredges concerns me a great deal. It concerns me even more when other people recommend Mrs. Eldredge's book Captivating. This is the book I've had the most exposure to, and let me tell you, women of daughters, don't ever let your daughter read it without reading it yourself first. If you don't have it in your church library, don't encourage the powers that be to acquire it.
I wrote a post a while back about this book and within the post there are useful links to the views of others with regard to this book. As mother's day approaches, and people buy books and whatnot for the ladies in their life, please be prudent in what you purchase for someone, especially if she is a young believer.
Sorry to sound so doom and gloomy, but this book, in my opinion is just not something that promotes biblical womanhood. While I cast no aspersions on the character or sincerity of Mr. and Mrs. Eldredge, I feel grave concern at what their books teach. I believe the warning bears repeating.
Slavery and True Liberty
This is the heading of the section I just finished reading in The Gospel According to Jesus. MacArthur makes it clear in this beginning chapter that a relationship with Christ is one of a slave and a master. He recognizes that in this day and age the word "slave" has all kinds of negative connotations, and people are reluctant to use it. However, that is the kind of relationship that Christ initiates with us. MacArthur points out that the gospel is a call to freedom; freedom from slavery to sin. We becomes slaves to righteousness, which is a paradox of sorts:
There is glorious freedom in being the slaves of Christ, because "if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). On the other hand, being a true follower of Christ means the end of human automony. And that is at it should be, because self-determination turns out to be nothing more than an illusion anyway. The only kind of liberty it offers is "free[dom] in regard to righteousness" (Rom. 6:20) -- and that is the very essence of bondage to sin. Its inevitable end is death and destruction. If we want true liberty from sin and all its fruits, it is not autonomy that we need, but a different kind of bondage: complete surrender to the lordship of Christ.
I thought about this with regard to my own salvation. I can remember vividly wanting very much to belong to Christ, to reflect Christ, to live a Christian life. But I remember being unable to do so. I can remember wanting to be "good," but failing miserably over and over again. It wasn't until I read in the words of Scripture that I was a sinner that it finally occurred to me that I couldn't live as Christ wanted because I was trapped in sin. I remember feeling guilt all along, but never knowing what to do about it. Seeing that I needed to repent and allow Christ to reign in my life told me what I needed to do.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Tuesday's Thankful Thought
At one time, on my blog, I used Tuesdays to post thankful thoughts.
I don't know why I got away from that. I'm going to re-instate it again. Every Tuesday, I will post thankful thoughts. It may be one; it may be many. I invite you to share you thankful thoughts as well, either on your blog, on in the comments. Being thankful is, I think, one of the ways to cultivate a heart of contentment. Often, we cannot feel comfortable or secure in our circumstances. We can grieve over our circumstances. However, within any circumstance that God ordains, there is always something to be thankful for. It is that thankfulness that will help us feel content no matter what is happening. Cultivating thankfulness forces us to look at what we have and how God has blessed us. It is all too easy to have litte pity-parties and not be thankful. Making a concerted effort to post about thankful thoughts will help me cultivate a much-needed heart of thankfulness.
Today, I am thankful for the good report my sister-in-law received with regard to some health issues. She is a young woman; only 42 years old. She recently had a bad mammogram and there was serious concern that she could be facing a malignant tumour. She had to have a surgical procedure to have the growth looked at, and after a successful surgery a week ago, she shared the the good news yesterday that the growth is benign, and that she is fine. This is a great relief for everyone. I am thankful that I was able to share with her that I was praying for her and my brother and their children. I prayed specifically that this time in their lives would direct them to their need of Christ. I'm going to continue to pray that they will look back on this and sense God's drawing presence.
So, what are you thankful for?
