NOTE: I composed this a week ago but couldn't post it due to lack of internet service. I don't really know why you need to know that.
Okay. This one I'm writing on the road. My Dad is driving, it's getting dark outside, and we have our favourite song playing.
My mom told me I should write something on sarcasm. Lets just say it's something I'm good at in a bad way.
I realized it's not really sarcasm that's the problem, it's the attitude that usually comes with it. Sometimes sarcasm can be funny if presented in a completely joking tone. But often enough it comes out as just plain old meanness and pride. I realized that quite often when I use sarcasm it's because I know better and why don't they? Or why weren't they just paying attention in the first place?
But guess what, Lauren.
You're not perfect either. Sometimes I can't pay attention or couldn't know better to save my life. Sometimes I'm the one who should have sarcasm spat out at me but oh so often I get love and grace.
Maybe that's because I need so much help I am pitied.
And that's it.
Good night all.
Friday 29 November 2013
Tuesday 26 November 2013
project complete
Remember that 'thing to hang on the wall' project I was working on?
Okay, it's done.
And it hangs in our porch.
And it looks like this.
By the way, it's the Duke of Conde if you can't read it. I have pretty much no idea who that is. But he said some good words here.
And this was inspired by Janelle Bradshaw's own thing to hang on the wall over on girltalk.
Happy Tuesday everyone!
Lauren
Okay, it's done.
And it hangs in our porch.
And it looks like this.
By the way, it's the Duke of Conde if you can't read it. I have pretty much no idea who that is. But he said some good words here.
And this was inspired by Janelle Bradshaw's own thing to hang on the wall over on girltalk.
Happy Tuesday everyone!
Lauren
Monday 18 November 2013
Sweet, Glorious Communion
Well, folks, here it is.
We have been working on this for over a month now, and it’s finally ready.
I had wanted to write a post on church fellowship and the communion of the saints for a while. And I had also wanted to write a post with a co-writer.
So I killed two birds with one stone.
With the very necessary help of my Bible college classmate/roommate/friend – Miss Leana.
Enjoy!
Lauren: I think I'll just begin by saying this topic has been on my mind for a while now. The need for it in the church, and the joy and the blessing it is to believers. A week ago I was pleasantly surprised to meet a dear person who I was not expecting to see for a very long time. It was such a warm, unforgettable moment, and it reminded me yet again of this sweet communion with fellow believers. When it finally struck me that this particular aspect of our faith is right up there in the Apostle's Creed along with the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins and the Resurrection, I began to ponder on its deep meaning and importance in the life of the church. There are so many aspects to this communion; the Lord's Supper, prayer meetings, and even just fellowship after worship on Sundays. This is deep, and I hope we can dig into it a little bit right here.
Leana: Well let’s just grab our shovels, because there is a lot to dig into with this topic. So many things came to my mind when I started thinking about the communion of saints, and I wondered where to start. But maybe it’s not about where we should start, but with whom we should start. Christ. The Saviour of His people, the author of our salvation, the giver of this fellowship. He didn't come to redeem individuals only, but all those who confess His name. And because of His work we are made fellow-citizens of His kingdom, and fellow-members of His family. His family. What a way to describe the communion of saints. Shouldn't this characterise our attitude as we gather on Sundays, as we encourage the broken, as we rebuke the stubborn? This deep reality of shared grace is a thread that weaves throughout every element of our interaction with one another.
Lauren: Yes! It should indeed characterize our actual fellowship with the saints. Excellent point. Communion with fellow believers is the greatest blessing only when we are humble in the knowledge of the grace that unites us all. And when that grace is the focal point of our fellowship we can't help but be humble, and Christ centered in all that we say and do; seeking forgiveness and pursuing ours and others' growth in the Gospel. I found that to be one of the more significant aspects of this communion: how we grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. While personal devotions are so very important, we need humble correction and encouragement from the church as well. Even before the fall, it wasn't good that Adam should be alone, he needed a helper. We are no different. We need help, we need those special tools called 'fellow believers' whom God uses in our sanctification.
Leana: That is so true, that we need each other to grow in grace. I like what you said about how personal devotions are important but we still need to be kept accountable. It's also really encouraging to know that you aren't the only one struggling with sin and its effects. But while we're talking about how we interact with one another in the communion of saints, let’s go further into what you said about seeking forgiveness. It always strikes me as kind of ironic how in the Apostles' Creed, the confession that we believe in 'the forgiveness of sins' comes immediately after 'the communion of saints.' Kind of telling, don't you think? After all, when you have a group of sinful people in a community, there is going to be trouble. Sometimes we gossip, or get sinfully angry with each other, and things can get pretty bad. But thanks be to God for the blessing of the Gospel for it is through this Gospel that we are convicted and enabled to seek forgiveness from God and from one another. And we grow from that. Amazing how by His grace God takes the ugly and hurtful things and turns them into means of growth in relationships.
Lauren: Good point about the forgiveness of sins following the communion of the saints. When we say we believe in the forgiveness of sins we have to realize that it applies to more than just the forgiveness of our sins. As Christ forgave us and showed grace to us, so are we to forgive and show grace to those around us.
Personally, I wanted to end my contribution on this note: the refreshing that comes from this communion. You work all week in a secular environment, around many who do not share your faith, and then you come to church on Sunday. Oh, what a day of rest indeed! You come to those who want to rejoice and meditate on that same Rock of Salvation that helped you get through the week. These people all share one joy and one focus: the Gospel. Unlike the world around us, in the church there is no repentance without forgiveness, there is no fear without guidance, and there is no stumbling without healing. It is this communion of the saints which refreshes and refills our souls with reminders of love and grace.
Leana: That’s a great note to end on. No matter what our week has been like, we should never take it for granted that we can come together again to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. Let’s be thankful. Let’s encourage one another by speaking about what a treasure God has given to us in Christ. So when we sit down in Church this Sunday, let’s take a moment to look around and reflect— today we will receive the Gospel together. We will hear about our Saviour, and together our souls will be refreshed with the truth that He has given us in His Word. Let’s meditate on what a tremendous blessing it is that we may together be common partakers of Christ, sharing in His blessings, loving one another. And to think it’s just the beginning.
We have been working on this for over a month now, and it’s finally ready.
I had wanted to write a post on church fellowship and the communion of the saints for a while. And I had also wanted to write a post with a co-writer.
So I killed two birds with one stone.
With the very necessary help of my Bible college classmate/roommate/friend – Miss Leana.
Enjoy!
Lauren: I think I'll just begin by saying this topic has been on my mind for a while now. The need for it in the church, and the joy and the blessing it is to believers. A week ago I was pleasantly surprised to meet a dear person who I was not expecting to see for a very long time. It was such a warm, unforgettable moment, and it reminded me yet again of this sweet communion with fellow believers. When it finally struck me that this particular aspect of our faith is right up there in the Apostle's Creed along with the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins and the Resurrection, I began to ponder on its deep meaning and importance in the life of the church. There are so many aspects to this communion; the Lord's Supper, prayer meetings, and even just fellowship after worship on Sundays. This is deep, and I hope we can dig into it a little bit right here.
Leana: Well let’s just grab our shovels, because there is a lot to dig into with this topic. So many things came to my mind when I started thinking about the communion of saints, and I wondered where to start. But maybe it’s not about where we should start, but with whom we should start. Christ. The Saviour of His people, the author of our salvation, the giver of this fellowship. He didn't come to redeem individuals only, but all those who confess His name. And because of His work we are made fellow-citizens of His kingdom, and fellow-members of His family. His family. What a way to describe the communion of saints. Shouldn't this characterise our attitude as we gather on Sundays, as we encourage the broken, as we rebuke the stubborn? This deep reality of shared grace is a thread that weaves throughout every element of our interaction with one another.
Lauren: Yes! It should indeed characterize our actual fellowship with the saints. Excellent point. Communion with fellow believers is the greatest blessing only when we are humble in the knowledge of the grace that unites us all. And when that grace is the focal point of our fellowship we can't help but be humble, and Christ centered in all that we say and do; seeking forgiveness and pursuing ours and others' growth in the Gospel. I found that to be one of the more significant aspects of this communion: how we grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. While personal devotions are so very important, we need humble correction and encouragement from the church as well. Even before the fall, it wasn't good that Adam should be alone, he needed a helper. We are no different. We need help, we need those special tools called 'fellow believers' whom God uses in our sanctification.
Leana: That is so true, that we need each other to grow in grace. I like what you said about how personal devotions are important but we still need to be kept accountable. It's also really encouraging to know that you aren't the only one struggling with sin and its effects. But while we're talking about how we interact with one another in the communion of saints, let’s go further into what you said about seeking forgiveness. It always strikes me as kind of ironic how in the Apostles' Creed, the confession that we believe in 'the forgiveness of sins' comes immediately after 'the communion of saints.' Kind of telling, don't you think? After all, when you have a group of sinful people in a community, there is going to be trouble. Sometimes we gossip, or get sinfully angry with each other, and things can get pretty bad. But thanks be to God for the blessing of the Gospel for it is through this Gospel that we are convicted and enabled to seek forgiveness from God and from one another. And we grow from that. Amazing how by His grace God takes the ugly and hurtful things and turns them into means of growth in relationships.
Lauren: Good point about the forgiveness of sins following the communion of the saints. When we say we believe in the forgiveness of sins we have to realize that it applies to more than just the forgiveness of our sins. As Christ forgave us and showed grace to us, so are we to forgive and show grace to those around us.
Personally, I wanted to end my contribution on this note: the refreshing that comes from this communion. You work all week in a secular environment, around many who do not share your faith, and then you come to church on Sunday. Oh, what a day of rest indeed! You come to those who want to rejoice and meditate on that same Rock of Salvation that helped you get through the week. These people all share one joy and one focus: the Gospel. Unlike the world around us, in the church there is no repentance without forgiveness, there is no fear without guidance, and there is no stumbling without healing. It is this communion of the saints which refreshes and refills our souls with reminders of love and grace.
Leana: That’s a great note to end on. No matter what our week has been like, we should never take it for granted that we can come together again to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. Let’s be thankful. Let’s encourage one another by speaking about what a treasure God has given to us in Christ. So when we sit down in Church this Sunday, let’s take a moment to look around and reflect— today we will receive the Gospel together. We will hear about our Saviour, and together our souls will be refreshed with the truth that He has given us in His Word. Let’s meditate on what a tremendous blessing it is that we may together be common partakers of Christ, sharing in His blessings, loving one another. And to think it’s just the beginning.
"The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
- John 17:22-23
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
- I Thessalonians 5:11
Tuesday 12 November 2013
currently #3
watching...
the wet snow fall. We keep on getting these little snow falls that melt in 24 hours, so we've practically had spring three times in two weeks. In November. But it's still cozy, and exciting, and wintery. And kinda purty, don't you think?
having a hard time believing...
that it is nearly inevitable that my big brother goes to Regina for six months to become an RCMP officer. Today was his last test and a pass is pretty much an acceptance. He passed. Oh my. He just isn't a little kiddo any more. None of us are, I guess. Just once in awhile you get a rude awakening. No, this isn't a rude awakening. It's tremendous and overwhelming.
attempting...
a sugar-free diet for one month with my mom. It has undoubtedly not been sugar free, but more sugar free than normal. It feels good, except when you indulge a bit. Last night I laughed so hard after a milk shake and cookies I almost lost that milk shake and those cookies. Today was back to dates and natural peanut butter and tea.
[impatiently] waiting...
for Thursday, 2:50 PM. My jaw spreader is coming out. I guess the dentist determined my mouth was big enough now, so they are going to take out this honking big piece of plastic and metal out from the roof of my mouth. I'll be able to say my 's's again! And not get driven crazy by food stuck in the appliance. I'm sorry, that was gross, wasn't it?
making..
something to hang on the wall. I just realized I don't really even know what to call this project until a few seconds ago when I was about to type it out. And all I could come up with was 'something to hang on the wall.' Anyways, it's pallet wood, slightly sanded, with a wonderful quote painted on it with white primer. I still haven't quite figured out how I'm going to do the painting part of it yet but it'll come. I promise a picture when it is done.
Oh, and I have also picked up some knitting again. It's kind of a wintery thing to do, and I needed a project. Conclusion: knit a scarf.
thinking...
of nothing else to say, so I guess that's it for now. I'm also thinking the next post or the second next post will be something my friend and I have been working on for quite some time now, and it's getting close to done. So stay tuned!
Saturday 2 November 2013
it was a good week
I had a good week.
Is that bragging? Sometimes I feel when people say "I had a good week" or "I had a good day" they are saying "I have the power to make my day good and I did. So there."
I'm sorry, I'm not bragging. I just had a pretty good week.
Not the frozen hands while picking apples part. Or the waking up 3:50 a.m. for work and scraping off my car in the dark part. But those are actually pretty good things too. I'm thankful that I can get up to go to work, and for the crisp fall air.
No; the things which made my week a good week were the following.
I half partly barely assisted in an emergency c-section on a cow. Okay. I really just watched it. But it was so amazing. The first calf came out and my brothers and I and the farmer had to rub it to keep the circulation going.
And then something else was moving.
Twins!
So we got that one out and I got so disgustingly dirty and cold and it was so amazing. Life is beautiful.
Another good thing was I helped some good friends complete their apple harvest. It was fun. My back is sore. Then some crazy boys went swimming to celebrate. They froze. Mostly because it took my friend and I too long to tow in the raft that they were standing on and the air was pretty crisp.
I also went to my grandparents' place for supper and I realized how important these times are. They teach me so much and don't even know it. They worked far harder than I imagine I will ever work in my entire life. My Oma struggled with homesickness when she left her home in Holland to raise a family in Canada with my Opa far more than I did at college: a mere 24 hour drive from home. They had less privileges and yet more fun than a lot of young people today. And they are so cute, and funny. And Oma is a good cook. And Opa is a good story teller. If I pay well attention.
And today is my first lazy Saturday off in forever and a half. And it's sunny. And it's November. I'm staying home. I refuse to get into a vehicle. Wild horses won't make me do it.
Whoa. I just looked up from my laptop and one of the cats was glaring at me.
Now his eyes are closed around his chubby little cheeks.
And I must be going. The daylight calls. I am so excited.
Is that bragging? Sometimes I feel when people say "I had a good week" or "I had a good day" they are saying "I have the power to make my day good and I did. So there."
I'm sorry, I'm not bragging. I just had a pretty good week.
Not the frozen hands while picking apples part. Or the waking up 3:50 a.m. for work and scraping off my car in the dark part. But those are actually pretty good things too. I'm thankful that I can get up to go to work, and for the crisp fall air.
No; the things which made my week a good week were the following.
I half partly barely assisted in an emergency c-section on a cow. Okay. I really just watched it. But it was so amazing. The first calf came out and my brothers and I and the farmer had to rub it to keep the circulation going.
And then something else was moving.
Twins!
So we got that one out and I got so disgustingly dirty and cold and it was so amazing. Life is beautiful.
Another good thing was I helped some good friends complete their apple harvest. It was fun. My back is sore. Then some crazy boys went swimming to celebrate. They froze. Mostly because it took my friend and I too long to tow in the raft that they were standing on and the air was pretty crisp.
I also went to my grandparents' place for supper and I realized how important these times are. They teach me so much and don't even know it. They worked far harder than I imagine I will ever work in my entire life. My Oma struggled with homesickness when she left her home in Holland to raise a family in Canada with my Opa far more than I did at college: a mere 24 hour drive from home. They had less privileges and yet more fun than a lot of young people today. And they are so cute, and funny. And Oma is a good cook. And Opa is a good story teller. If I pay well attention.
And today is my first lazy Saturday off in forever and a half. And it's sunny. And it's November. I'm staying home. I refuse to get into a vehicle. Wild horses won't make me do it.
Whoa. I just looked up from my laptop and one of the cats was glaring at me.
Now his eyes are closed around his chubby little cheeks.
And I must be going. The daylight calls. I am so excited.
Friday 1 November 2013
Five Minute Friday: This World
I'm writing this on my break. At work. On my iPod. This is my first time and I'm not sure how I'll do, but here we go.
I work in an environment that's all about speed and perfection, for the customers. It doesn't really matter if a coworker is about to faint or go crazy or if I'm getting claustrophobic in my little corner pouring coffee. Those customers need to get their order. Enough said.
It's a sad sad thing. People going crazy over a cup of coffee. Sometimes I just wish we would all just stop and think of how pathetic it really is.
And then I think of it Scripture based. What if we all were of the mindset that this life is so short. That cup of coffee is so little and so unimportant compared to eternal life and the joys of Heaven.
We all need to keep that in mind; and always. The good things in this world can't be compared to the good in Heaven. Like C. S. Lewis wrote in The Last Battle: the sweetest wild strawberry was sour.
Lets remember that. The smallness of this world's 'bigness' in comparison to the greatness of Heaven.
Over and out.
Actually back to work.
I work in an environment that's all about speed and perfection, for the customers. It doesn't really matter if a coworker is about to faint or go crazy or if I'm getting claustrophobic in my little corner pouring coffee. Those customers need to get their order. Enough said.
It's a sad sad thing. People going crazy over a cup of coffee. Sometimes I just wish we would all just stop and think of how pathetic it really is.
And then I think of it Scripture based. What if we all were of the mindset that this life is so short. That cup of coffee is so little and so unimportant compared to eternal life and the joys of Heaven.
We all need to keep that in mind; and always. The good things in this world can't be compared to the good in Heaven. Like C. S. Lewis wrote in The Last Battle: the sweetest wild strawberry was sour.
Lets remember that. The smallness of this world's 'bigness' in comparison to the greatness of Heaven.
Over and out.
Actually back to work.
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