Friday, June 29, 2007

Laodicea, Pharisee or Sinner?

Ok, here is something to think about. If your church has a decision to make and there are 2 options. One option is going to get a lot of people in your church really mad and the other option is going to cause people outside of the church to be totally turned off church.

Which do you choose? I am not talking about preaching down damnation on people, but just your simple actions will cause people to be offended; I am sure a lot of "church goers" can empathise, as well unfortunatly some recent church protagles that I know (and empatheise with). God loves people, all people both "sinners" and "pharisees". Which do you choose?

It may be possiable to just make everyone comfortable but often that is at the risk of becoming the church of Laodicea. Is that the right option?? If not, you need to decide between either the "pharisee" or the "sinner"

Monday, June 25, 2007

Life is HUGE!!

How do you foster a deep and real connection with your spouse to the fullest extent of what God intended that to be (since that is something we can't really make up for after the redemption of creation) and still maintain a level of caring and loving others to the fullness that God calls us to? Do you need to compromise one to live out the fullness of the other? is this what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35?

I for one don't see how I could possibly do one much less both in all their fullness and still have time to watch the latest movie, surf the net, and continue battling the ever growing reading list (it's all about priorities)... jk.

Seriously though life is extremely overwhelming. Just the idea of studying the bible to the extent that I now long too is over whelming me with the realization that it would take lifetime upon lifetime to do as much as skim the surface. So now that I have dedicated my next two life times to skimming the surface of the scripture how am I possibly going to find the time to implement what God is calling me to do?? Now add on top of those untold centuries the idea of having to love and care for a spouse, (an opportunity that is only available in this life time I might add), in a relationship that mirrors Christ and his church!! Just to top it all off your marriage might just probably lead to children who you are then charger to love and care for in the same way that God as Father cares and loves us his children... talk about overwhelming.

Oh and the final thing, be a tent maker to earn a living while you are up to all this God stuff. Ok God seriously who do you think I am?!?! Elastigirl?!.....

Life is one very seriously high demanding yet utterly rewarding journey. Is it possible?? has the fall reduced us to just wallowing in overwhelmededness the majority of the time, whilst covering our head with a blanket and staring out blindly at the task that God has laid before us, brought to tears just thinking about the countless failing's that I know are inevitable??

Feeling overwhelmed here God!!!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

The Depth of "One Flesh"

After returning from church this morning I began reading "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken. The first 2 chapters brought me to tears. The literary display of this couples building of their love is some remarkable. Their love was made complete and full by a dying to self and a becoming more like the other that both of them under took and were very focused on during their short time together. It is a story of profound and true marriage love lived out by a couple who interestingly enough was initially set firmly against Christianity. I recommend it to anyone especially those married or engaged, or just those craving such a profound connection with another person (like me).

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

The light at the end of the tunnel

I'm going, or coming (depending on who and where you are), home today. Actually that is not entirely true. I am leaving this evening and have to overnight in Van. Lots of time for knitting and reading.

I believe that I am nearing the end of my time in Rupert. I'm not running away from anything (just to get that clear). I have had lots of time to read and reflect and contemplate where I am and where I want to go with my life. Now that I have done that re-evaluation and
learned a lot ad read a lot. I am ready to go back home and define my community and become rooted for the long term.... aka COMMITMENT (the continuously unpopular idea of our modern age).

More Must Read Book by Wendell Berry

Just to add to the list of absolutely amazing books by the very talented Wendell Berry. Here are some more you can read if you can't find "Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community" or if you just really liked that one and are looking for more.



"Another turn of the crank is all about forestry and agriculture and people's right and wrong relationships to the land.... I know someone who that might apply to in a very practical sense!

Monday, June 4, 2007

Promised and Long Overdue

Ok, here goes:The Machine we flew down: a Bell 206L Long Ranger.


Full body shot....


Waiting for the pilot in Prince Rupert (while the weather was still good).


Featuring the full surround visibility. Despite popular opinion smaller aircraft especially helicopters are not particularly water proof and water leaks in when you are flying through heavy rain, hence the drain hole at my feet... to avoid a puddle.


In bad weather east of Port Hardy.


One of the Atlantic Salmon fish farms in a small bay.


This fish farm is especially full. We could see the fish jumping from the helicopter. If you look at the picture in a larger view you will see small white spots in the squares which are the splashes from the very active salmon.


Approaching Vancouver.

Thats it! Unfortunately the weather was not exactly conducive to picture taking.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

The Lot of Land Stewardship

Another must read book if you care at all about the lot of the remaining natural spaces on earth. To peak your interest

"If in order to protect our forest land we designate it a commons or commonwealth separate from private ownership (side note by Marta: this is the current model that we have in BC), then who will care for it? The absentee timber companies who see no reason to care about local consequences? The same government agencies and agents who are failing at present to take good care of our public forests? It is credible that people inadequately skilled and inadequately motivated to care well for the land can be made to care well for it by public insistence that they do so? The answer is obvious: you cannot get good care in the use of land by demanding it from public officials. That you have the legal right to demand it does not at all improve the case.... Our present idea of conservation and of public stewardship are not enough. Duty is not enough. Sentiment is not enough. No mere law, divine or human, could conceivably be enough to protect the land while we are using it."

- Taken from an "Private Property and the Common Wealth" an essay by Wendell Berry from the collection "Another Turn of the Crank"

Please note: I am not intending for this to become a book review blog... I wanted to share this because Wendell Berry is much more articulate than I am.