all of the above

GBS was good last night. Lots of laughter, prayer sharing, and tea/popcorn. It was a "bible study free" night. Every once in awhile when lots of members are missing we just pray and share in depth what is going on in our lives. I like those nights best almost.

One of my co workers met my sister at a bus stop yesterday. How random. I swear that my sister Bec is the most randomest person I know - her life experiences are crazy. She's also a generous, giving person, and she's open to God using her. That's really cool. Kev and I were talking about that last night, the sense you have when you say or do something that Christ is really reaching through the medium to minister. Sunday morning we learned about that too - being open each day to God using you as He sees fit. It's a really awesome responsibility...

Life is getting bigger lately. Not so much mine, but people around me. People are doing big things. Like Marlene and Mark for example ... Congratulations on being parents!! (only 29 weeks to go...) See, that's crazy.

How did we get here so fast... getting married, having babies, dealing with big life issues like where does God want me, and moving far away (sniff, Rach) and dealing with grief over really big hurts. How did our problems and joys become about jobs and men and university/college, marriages, and children?

Christmas is coming... next week 4 out of the 7 nights I'm attending a Christmas related party/get together/concert. Speaking of concerts, tomorrow night is Trans Siberian Orchastra!!! See you all soon.

the difference 21 years makes

For both me and my Dad... ;)

But, I'm still a 'daddy's girl' at heart. That 21 years doesn't change.

mellow and gorgeous

This song is absolutely beautiful. Click on "listen" to enjoy.

in the tradition of such posts...

Such as the one from a cool person that I know.. I thought that for my own mental health and your reading pleasure, I'd post some of my favourite things lately.

rice pudding on a chilly, damp fall night
the way words can change you
sleeping snuggled under lots of blankets while cuddling
being married almost a year
finding fulfillment in being me
pub nights with "the regulars"
walking through piles of leaves
knowing where you stand with a Holy God
rosy cheeks
watching movies that make me laugh
being able to eat 'regular' food again
applying for jobs that I'm passionate about
reconnecting with good friends
falling back on the grace of God and knowing that you're held as securely as ever by Him
singing St. Patricks Prayer with my eyes closed
christmas music
buying groceries
waiting for the first snow
the anticipation of only one week and one day til my 21st birthday
preparing for huge life events with close friends
laughing in the morning with Kev
coming home to a hug every night
singing so that the whole world can hear
the way words can create a new reality
sloppers
laughing until I can't breathe on lunch breaks
having a clean house and food in the oven
finishing a productive day at work
seeing my siblings
having a mother make my food
realizing the blessings

What are yours? I tag Julie, Tammy, and Kev.

remembrance

I watched some of the national remembrance day service day. I also watched a part of the local service. On TV mind you, I think I was in the shower at 11:00. I felt bad about that, because remembering those who have died, lost a loved one, and the men and women who are serving for our country currently is very important. What struck me about both services was how central God was. Many hymns were sung, prayers prayed, short messages from priests read. How politically uncorrect... but how truly awesome. Even if the motive wasn't from one of piety or true faith, it was refreshing to see heads bowed on Parliament Hill while a young choir sang "Nearer my God to Thee". I can't help but think of the Apostle Paul when he says:

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. "

Last night Kev and I went to the Town hall portion of the E(quipping)C(hristians)for the P(ublic square) conference held at the Crossroads Center. It was cool, my mind hasn't been working that hard in awhile. I was thinking about the reasons why we should be involved in the political/legal/public sphere as Christians.

Is it to keep our rights and freedoms free? Yes, but why?

I think they answered part of it last night when they mentioned the fact that God has given us certain freedoms as humans, and we need to defend that in our culture. But what is the reason for using those freedoms, what importance do they hold in our lives as Christians? I believe it is ultimately so that we can give glory to God with those freedoms, specifically as we live out our faith and speak the name of Jesus Christ in this dark land. What benefit is a freedom that a country gives without the freedom of Christ?

Yes, our country is wonderful. Yes, it's sinful. Yes, it's falling from it's once correct stand on moral issues. But these issues all are secondary. The Bible's focus is not on the moral health of the state, it's on the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The benefit to having our freedoms as Christians kept free, is that it gives us a bigger sphere to spread the Gospel. Not only that, but having moral clarity reflects God better and gives Him more glory. For example, marriage between one man and one woman is a clear picture of the Church and Christ. Homosexual marriage is a perversion of what God intended, and brings sorrow and darkness into the nation that allows it.

Though I found the discussion interesting and enlightening, I wish the above had been made clear. It felt as though they were pushing for a freedom without having a reason. Much like our culture has no basis for their moral and social positions without absolutes, as Christians we often chop off the root of our strength when we fight for our rights and freedoms without realizing WHY they are so vital.

Thoughts?