Thursday, December 30, 2004
From Hebrews
I've been reading through Hebrews lately. Probably the next couple of weeks will be my own on-line Bible study, though I don't claim to be an expert. Hebrews has great stuff linking the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Covenant and the New Covenant - which really is The Law and Grace. At least that's an over-simplification, good for people like me. It was written to Jewish Christians who were having some problems staying purely in the uncomplicated gospel of Christ. They wanted to cloud it or complicate it with the religion they had been used to. The writer of this book took a position of linking the revelation of Christ with the characters and roles in Old Testament and traditional Judaism. He is revealing that Christ is sufficient to cover everything that took many people and many systems to perform. The section I'm on right now deals with the priesthood, and Christ being our high priest.
Hebrews Chapter 7:18-28
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews Chapter 7:18-28
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
The Big Questions in Life
Does a clean house indicate that there is a broken computer in it?
Why do people return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum cleaner one more chance?
Why is it the whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
Is it true that the only difference between a yard sale and a trash pickup is how close to the road the stuff is placed?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every hour Americans is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.
Why do people return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum cleaner one more chance?
Why is it the whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
Is it true that the only difference between a yard sale and a trash pickup is how close to the road the stuff is placed?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every hour Americans is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Classified Ad
This is a weird function for my blog, but here it goes. I'm looking for a new home for our dog Livy, and am hoping a reader will know of a good place. She is gentle, well trained, patient with children, "happy", good watchdog (not guard dog. She will bark, but then greet the people). We are unable to give her the attention she deserves and want her to go to a home that can be more interactive with her. She's a 5 year old lab cross.
Please let me know if you're interested or know someone.
Thanks.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Joined the Crowd
Matthew has spent the last two and a half hours playing with a new Spiderman TV game I bought him for Christmas. Many kids his age have Playstation 2, but my poor deprived child has gone without all these years. He is enthralled with the cheesy, slow game I bought him. I've asked if he wants to play cards or Battleship with me, but he said he would rather play the TV game some more. He doesn't care how many times he dies, as long as he gets to punch the guys alot. Here I was thinking that I would be too boring for him to hang around with this Christmas. I've had lots of time to wander around, have a bubble bath, watch him play the game, use his remote controlled flying saucer. Perhaps Christmas is for adults as well!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Simple Things
Matthew and I were grocery shopping the other day. At the checkout he was eyeing the gum, and asked me to buy him a pack. I said sure and he joyed in picking out the flavour...the one with snowflakes on it (fresh mint). On the way home he exclaimed in his dramatic happy voice "This is the best present I've had!" I laughed as I asked him why it's the best. His answer? "Because you bought it all for me." Usually I would buy gum to be shared. This time he had something all his own.
On the way home Matthew popped a gum in his mouth and counted "1,2,3...11 pieces left mom." I smiled for the second time in such a short period. Later that day, after the first gum was no good, he popped another one in his mouth. "1,2,3...10". He proudly put the pack in the front pocket of his button-up shirt. He was a mature person now. The next day as I was going out he waved the pack at me and said "Mom, you'll have to buy more gum, because it's running out!" I asked him to show me how much was left; at least half the pack. No worries, no more gum needed.
I'm proud of my son. The simple things make him happy. He finds pleasure in things we take for granted or overlook. It's a good lesson for me.
Merry Christmas to you all. May you find pleasure in the simple things of the season. Not what you get, but the love that you have.
On the way home Matthew popped a gum in his mouth and counted "1,2,3...11 pieces left mom." I smiled for the second time in such a short period. Later that day, after the first gum was no good, he popped another one in his mouth. "1,2,3...10". He proudly put the pack in the front pocket of his button-up shirt. He was a mature person now. The next day as I was going out he waved the pack at me and said "Mom, you'll have to buy more gum, because it's running out!" I asked him to show me how much was left; at least half the pack. No worries, no more gum needed.
I'm proud of my son. The simple things make him happy. He finds pleasure in things we take for granted or overlook. It's a good lesson for me.
Merry Christmas to you all. May you find pleasure in the simple things of the season. Not what you get, but the love that you have.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Remember This at Christmas Time
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male
and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.
(Anyone who knows me will laugh at the last three words in that joke.)
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
The Human's Worth
This is the first blog that I have written directly to/about someone. Though it is inspired by one person, there is a lesson in it for most of us. I'm thinking of some others who will understand what I'm saying, and some who will need to hear it for themselves. You will all know who you are by the end.
Last week an old friend found me through the internet and the blog. Due to the paths that our lives have taken us it's been 10 years since we've spoken to each other, and more since we've seen each other. In her email to me she has shared some of her life and how it didn't necessarily take a direction she had anticipated. There has been joy and regret. Most of us know what that's all about, especially the regret. Children born out of wedlock; relationships ended that we thought would last forever. In a way I think she's concerned that I may have thoughts of disappointment in her life or choices. How can I? I have a concern about sharing my life with her for fear of the same. Sometimes it takes guts to tell about your life, and I for one am not always up to it. Well, I wasn't really intending on saying that last line, but I did anyway and will leave it there. Okay everyone, don't think I'm really depressed or anything! I'll pull out of that introspective thought. But you know me...I'll move on to another one.
You know how there are certain significant memories in your life? And perhaps you think the friend you experienced it with doesn't remember it? And that's okay if they don't. I have one of those with this person (who shall remain nameless). I remember one lunchtime sitting in the bleachers at high school. We had been spending some time talking about God and the love of Christ. She was having a hard time buying it. I told her that God loved her intensely and that He thought she had great value. To him she was amazing, because of His unconditional love. Sadly, her response was "I don't feel I'm worth it." And that feeling seemed to stop her from accepting it. I was overwhelmed enough for that to be one of my key memories and the thing I keep coming back to in my mind and prayers.
I say the same thing today, through this blog. God's position hasn't changed, and neither has mine on the matter. Who cares what has happened in life. It doesn't matter how we feel about ourselves, because it doesn't change how He feels or how those who love us feel. It does, however, impede our ability to accept that love. Sometimes we become so blocked in our unacceptedness of ourselves that we won't let anyone else accept us. It's easier to keep up the wall with the locked gate, though the gate is becoming rusty and decrepit.
What you think about yourself or are willing to accept is not the question. There are those who are unwavering in their belief that you are worth it. If Christ feels this way about you, then who am I not to as well? You know who you are. 22 years ago on the bleachers...the same thing is true today, girl.
Last week an old friend found me through the internet and the blog. Due to the paths that our lives have taken us it's been 10 years since we've spoken to each other, and more since we've seen each other. In her email to me she has shared some of her life and how it didn't necessarily take a direction she had anticipated. There has been joy and regret. Most of us know what that's all about, especially the regret. Children born out of wedlock; relationships ended that we thought would last forever. In a way I think she's concerned that I may have thoughts of disappointment in her life or choices. How can I? I have a concern about sharing my life with her for fear of the same. Sometimes it takes guts to tell about your life, and I for one am not always up to it. Well, I wasn't really intending on saying that last line, but I did anyway and will leave it there. Okay everyone, don't think I'm really depressed or anything! I'll pull out of that introspective thought. But you know me...I'll move on to another one.
You know how there are certain significant memories in your life? And perhaps you think the friend you experienced it with doesn't remember it? And that's okay if they don't. I have one of those with this person (who shall remain nameless). I remember one lunchtime sitting in the bleachers at high school. We had been spending some time talking about God and the love of Christ. She was having a hard time buying it. I told her that God loved her intensely and that He thought she had great value. To him she was amazing, because of His unconditional love. Sadly, her response was "I don't feel I'm worth it." And that feeling seemed to stop her from accepting it. I was overwhelmed enough for that to be one of my key memories and the thing I keep coming back to in my mind and prayers.
I say the same thing today, through this blog. God's position hasn't changed, and neither has mine on the matter. Who cares what has happened in life. It doesn't matter how we feel about ourselves, because it doesn't change how He feels or how those who love us feel. It does, however, impede our ability to accept that love. Sometimes we become so blocked in our unacceptedness of ourselves that we won't let anyone else accept us. It's easier to keep up the wall with the locked gate, though the gate is becoming rusty and decrepit.
What you think about yourself or are willing to accept is not the question. There are those who are unwavering in their belief that you are worth it. If Christ feels this way about you, then who am I not to as well? You know who you are. 22 years ago on the bleachers...the same thing is true today, girl.
A Blessing Of Solitude
May you recognize in your life the presence,
power and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging,
connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe
May you respect our own individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life, there
is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same
delight, pride, and expectation with
which God sees you in every moment
power and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging,
connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe
May you respect our own individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life, there
is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same
delight, pride, and expectation with
which God sees you in every moment
The Four Stages of Life
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.
Monday, December 20, 2004
The High Priest Who Cried Out in Pain
Hebrews 6:14-16 (The Way Bible)
Now that we know what we have--Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God--let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all--all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
Have you ever found someone whom you could tell anything and you know that there will be no shock or judgment? Is there a deep dark secret you've finally mustered up the courage to tell, wincing afterwards because you're sure that condemnation or separation of friendship is what you'll be met with? Or worse yet the phrase...
"How could you do that?" Those kind of people are living Christ - Christians here on earth.
There is nothing we need to be ashamed of with Jesus. There is nothing we need to hide. We might want to out of shame or embarrassment. But let me say it again...there is nothing to be ashamed of. He knows us and the temptations we face. He has lived here. He has shown us how to conquer sin by taking his life as ours. Maybe not always the act of sin, but the attitude of it. And slowly he will remove the desires for the things we have been wanting so much which may be so bad for us. Really, that's what is at the essence of sin. It is things that are damaging to us or others. He helps us to live that whole, healthy life. One step at a time. One day at a time.
Now that we know what we have--Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God--let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all--all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
Have you ever found someone whom you could tell anything and you know that there will be no shock or judgment? Is there a deep dark secret you've finally mustered up the courage to tell, wincing afterwards because you're sure that condemnation or separation of friendship is what you'll be met with? Or worse yet the phrase...
"How could you do that?" Those kind of people are living Christ - Christians here on earth.
There is nothing we need to be ashamed of with Jesus. There is nothing we need to hide. We might want to out of shame or embarrassment. But let me say it again...there is nothing to be ashamed of. He knows us and the temptations we face. He has lived here. He has shown us how to conquer sin by taking his life as ours. Maybe not always the act of sin, but the attitude of it. And slowly he will remove the desires for the things we have been wanting so much which may be so bad for us. Really, that's what is at the essence of sin. It is things that are damaging to us or others. He helps us to live that whole, healthy life. One step at a time. One day at a time.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Monday, December 13, 2004
Christmas concert
Here's a picture of Matthew's section of his class from the other night. Who cares about the rest of the kids? Picture is a bit blurry, since I was near the back row, but hey to a proud mom it's gorgeous!
Matthew was supposed to be in the school choir, performing at a couple of in-school events. He is a great singer and has enjoyed practising the songs around home. But....too much goofing off in choir practise got him kicked out. I was just SO happy he got to sing with his class. And he didn't act up at all! So, my pride was equally met with relief. Now if we can just get through a week without a call from the principal.
Deb and Jeff have talked about the school system not quite fitting one of their sons. I think that will be my story too. Some children are difficult to "control" and are eccentric (or whatever term you deem most flattering in this occasion). I firmly believe that Matthew will be an amazing adult (and is an awesome kid), with the incredible character and resilience God has given him. The first 20 years will be a challenge...
Matthew was supposed to be in the school choir, performing at a couple of in-school events. He is a great singer and has enjoyed practising the songs around home. But....too much goofing off in choir practise got him kicked out. I was just SO happy he got to sing with his class. And he didn't act up at all! So, my pride was equally met with relief. Now if we can just get through a week without a call from the principal.
Deb and Jeff have talked about the school system not quite fitting one of their sons. I think that will be my story too. Some children are difficult to "control" and are eccentric (or whatever term you deem most flattering in this occasion). I firmly believe that Matthew will be an amazing adult (and is an awesome kid), with the incredible character and resilience God has given him. The first 20 years will be a challenge...
Friday, December 10, 2004
Powerless?
There has been a crossing over to be done in my life: from fear to faith. Fear is caused by lack of control in one’s future and the instability of not being able to accurately predict a circumstance or reaction of those around them. Faith is evident when I recognize that my lack of control is not the final conclusion to my analysis, but that my lack of future predictability and its related certainty becomes God’s controlling point in my life. He shows me that all along the way my weakness has been felt not because of the powerlessness of my situation but because of the deception I have been trying to convince myself of…the deception that I must know all. I cannot. Strange to say, but I am powerless in my own life though it may appear otherwise when viewed from the outside. The one with the power is God; life apart from Him is not life at all but frustration and self-destruction.
Fear has confined and choked the enjoyment of life and experience with God. Faith liberates. My faith and Hope is in Christ. When I lose faith He keeps it alive. When I struggle with believing in the best from Him and for Him, He remembers and sees. He is my faith. He is never moving. Our rock. Hide me in the Rock, Oh Lord. Amen.
Fear has confined and choked the enjoyment of life and experience with God. Faith liberates. My faith and Hope is in Christ. When I lose faith He keeps it alive. When I struggle with believing in the best from Him and for Him, He remembers and sees. He is my faith. He is never moving. Our rock. Hide me in the Rock, Oh Lord. Amen.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
My Santa
I am skilled at a few creative things. Like sewing. I've sewn a wedding dress and grad suit and many other things, fancy and casual. I can sing somewhat decent. I play the piano on a very elementary scale. However...drawing leaves a lot to be desired. Let me give you an example.
Today for a craft I tried to draw Santa from memory, since the printer wasn't working. Oh boy. Well...I was going to describe it to you, but perhaps the picture will more accurately portray my handicap.
I'm not joking! This is my picture. Does this make all of you artistically challenged people feel like DaVinci?
Today for a craft I tried to draw Santa from memory, since the printer wasn't working. Oh boy. Well...I was going to describe it to you, but perhaps the picture will more accurately portray my handicap.
I'm not joking! This is my picture. Does this make all of you artistically challenged people feel like DaVinci?
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Take a look
Lori and Jennifer both have awesome posts this week. Okay...more awesome than usual (have to watch my wording, don't I?)
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Yes, it's a blonde joke.
A guy took his blonde girl friend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench... After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience. "Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents."
Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I saw them flip a coin and one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' Hell-LLLO! It's only 25 cents!"
Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I saw them flip a coin and one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' Hell-LLLO! It's only 25 cents!"
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Psalm 139
GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too--your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful--I can't take it all in!
Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute--you're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God--you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration--what a creation!
God knows me. He hears my heart's cry before any utterance is made. This is my everlasting companion. He has made me, and stays with me.
Thank You Lord, for the Master's touch.
(solar eclipse)
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too--your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful--I can't take it all in!
Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute--you're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God--you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration--what a creation!
God knows me. He hears my heart's cry before any utterance is made. This is my everlasting companion. He has made me, and stays with me.
Thank You Lord, for the Master's touch.
(solar eclipse)