thoughts on reformation day

I decided to participate in the Reformation Day Symposium this year, hosted by Challies.
Many different thoughts came to mind as I considered what to write about, considering that the Reformation has had such a far reaching impact in many areas. I opted, however, to write regarding the heart of what the Reformation was about, the "sola's" -- and how we need them more than ever today.

The five sola's of the Reformation sparked a revolution, in the culture and in the hearts of men and women. The radical statements "Sola scriptura" (by Scripture alone), "Sola fide" (by faith alone), "Sola gratia" (by grace alone), "Solus Christus" (Christ alone), and "Soli deo gloria" (glory to God alone) were the pillars of belief that marked that era.

It is easy, however, to look at them only as that -- great beliefs that were expounded then and held to today, at least in the way we talk. But do we live out these truths in our lives?

The five sola's are eminently practical, and I want to encourage you today to think about how they play out in our living, and not just our talk. We are after all, Reformed, and very good at talk. But if no one could hear what we say, and only watch what we do, would they see that we live by Scripture's teaching alone, by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone, and to bring glory to God alone?

I do not claim to have a life that consistently displays my beliefs in my actions. None of us can. That is, after all, why we need Christ.

And in that truth, I think, we can find a place to begin implementing our words into our deeds. Knowing that we are marred and thus our thinking is marred, we look to the Scripture's alone for truth. Knowing that we can not attain perfect sinlessness on our own, we trust in Christ's finished work on the cross by faith alone. Knowing that we can not live as He did, we rely on His grace to give us strength. Knowing that we have nothing that is beautiful in ourselves that He did not create in us, we live to bring all the glory to Him.

Beginning there we can think about the Church, our families, our communities, in the correct context. The questions we could ask ourselves are numerous, so I will limit the questions here to a few that have particularly struck me.

Is the way we "do" church based on God's word, or based on what people are comfortable with because that's the way it's been done (tradition)?

Do we rely on creeds or belief statements or catechisms or do we search out truth for ourselves in Scripture?

Do we blog, teach, take care of children, work, choose what to wear, sing, etc, etc because we long to bring God glory, or because of selfish ulterior motives?

Do we extend grace as freely as grace has been extended to us?

Do we trust in Christ alone for our salvation, or do we catch ourselves feeling more saved because we did "good" things?

My pastor often says we shouldn't "rest on our past laurels" and it's very true. What happened 491 years ago was amazing, and we can thank God that He moved so wonderfully. However, the Church needs revival today just as it did on October 31, 1517 -- may God begin with us.

identify yourselves

So I was wondering who it is that really reads this blog? I know a few of you out there, but I'm often surprised who comes up and mentions they follow my writings. If you're brave enough to identify yourself, sign up as a "follower" of my blog. To do that, just look to the right of this post, and you'll see a new gadget that allows you to identify yourself as a reader of this blog. Just click the link that says "follow this blog" and then when the box pops up follow the instructions it gives.

"every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father ..."

From this ...
to this ...

in one year.

I wrote this letter to Jakob but thought it expressed well what I'm feeling today in general.

"To my son Jakob on his first birthday --

Jakob, you'll read this letter not on your first birthday but someday when you can read or will understand what's being read to you. Still I wanted to write this letter today because of the significance of this time in your life and mine.

When I think back on your life, the time you spent inside me and the year you've spent discovering the world outside, I am filled with joy. You have brought so much happiness into my life. Your brief existence has been characterized by boundless energy, a spirit of adventure, intense emotions, a great sense of humour and a loving heart to your Dad and I. I love your personality and it's been amazing watching you develop into my little boy.

Thank you for the hugs and giggles you give me every day, the beaming smiles when I get you out of bed, and the chance to discover the world with you. You will always hold a special place in my heart because you initiated me into motherhood. I understand what it's like to be the first because I was born first too.

Jakob - I love you. More than I thought possible! I am so thankful to God for giving me the gift of you and I will love you, pray for you, treasure you and thank God for you every day of my life.

Today is your first birthday - at 8:01 pm one year ago you came into the world and screamed! I think it was too cold for you here. My favourite memory of that day was holding you, immediately after you were born, so close to me and telling you I loved you. You responded by peeing on me! You've been mischievous right from the start, monkey!

So much has changed this past year and yet you are still my little darlin'. Now that you're one you have an exciting year ahead -- learning to run, speak more words and colour with crayons. I'm so glad I get to spend this year with you, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy 1st Birthday, Jakob!

With lots of love,

Mommy"

thankfulness

So my second favourite holiday is here again. I love Thanksgiving for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the picture on the left. But I most of all love it because it always makes me stop and think about the life I have and how it's so rich with blessing.

So, in honour of this holiday and it's focus on thankfulness here is my "be thankful" list, 2008 verson.

I am thankful because ...

... I am a child of God, not because of anything I've done or deserved, but because God's grace has covered my sin with the blood of Jesus.

... I'm married to Kev. He still makes my heart skip, my brain work harder, and my life beautifully full.

... my (almost) one year old son -- Jakob is a ridiculously awesome gift from God. He brings joy, laughter, and child-like discovery into every day.

... of my dream job staying home with Jakob and making our home a haven for Kev.

... I'm surrounded by a big family close by and far away who I love.

... of friends who I've shared years, laughter, tears and many good times with.

... of music. Listening, singing, playing, worshiping, it's all amazing.

... of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, hot choco with whipped cream, oh yes, I love whip cream.

... of changing seasons, especially fall with it's crisp air and earthy colours.

... I get to cuddle with Jakob each night before bed.

... of Living Worship.

... I still get to do school and make my brain grow.

... I have a home and enough food.

... of a church family that is helping me grow.

... this December I get to sing Messiah again!

I could probably go on and on, but I'll spare you and just hope that this list inspires you to think about your life and blessings and thank God for what he's given you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

new look

So I changed the look of the blog -- the green theme was getting boring.

I'm not completely satisfied with the look, I like the colour scheme, but I would like a different font and the Spanish at the top to go away. I've not been able to format these away yet however.

What do you think?