thoughts on the catechism

So I was reading a friends blog and it’s got me thinking about things. I even dug through a bunch of already packed boxes of books(!!) to find a copy of the Heidelberg Catechism that I can keep in my room and read. Here’s what I found. Just as a warning though, I’m writing this as I think about it, so some things might be kind of random, or not make sense. I have a feeling this might end up going a few different directions. I don’t think in very logical patterns!

Lord’s Day 1

2. Q. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

A. Three things; first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

Gratitude, that’s what we are to have. There is no way that we can pay back God for all He has done for retched sinners like us – nothing except be thankful – and show that in our lives, in EVERYTHING we do and say.

Lord’s Day 33

88. Q. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?

A. Two things; the dying-away of the old self, and the coming-to-life of the new.

89. Q. What is the dying-away of the old self?

A. It is to be genuinely sorry for sin, to hate it more and more, and to run away from it.

Talk about very descriptive language! “And to RUN away” from sin. It’s sad to realize that WAY to often we don’t run away from things we encounter everyday that cause us to sin. I think that we tend to think that some sins are not as bad as others. But God doesn’t think the way we do. He says, through James, in James 2:11-12:

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do no commit adultery’, also said, ‘Do not murder’. Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.”

Lord’s Day 33

90. Q. What is the coming-to-life of the new self?

A. It is whole-hearted joy in God through Christ and a delight to do every kind of good as God wants us to.

Lord’s Day 32

86. Q. We have been delivered from our misery by God’s grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it: why then must we still do good?

A. To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by His blood. But we do good because Christ by His Spirit is also renewing us to be like Himself, so that in all our living we may show that we are thankful to God for all He has done for us, and so that He may be praised through us. And we do good so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and so that by our godly living our neighbors may be won over to Christ.

Okay, here is what I was originally intending to post about.J Our gratitude for deliverance from our sin. This question and answer summarizes very well what I was going to attempt to put into words. So, I guess I’ll just add this passage from Ephesians 2:4-7.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

Doesn’t reading that put fire in your heart to serve God? Meaning, every corner of your life, every second of a day, no matter how hard your “old self” battles against this urge from your “new self”?

Hopefully that made sense! . . . and was a little bit encouraging.

Praise is Beautiful

We know by experience that

Song has great force and vigor

To move and inflame the hearts of men

To invoke and praise God with

A more vehement and ardent zeal.

John Calvin

Thank you to all who came out for our sing-song on Saturday night. I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as my family and I did. It was awesome to enjoy music - both the singing and the jamming - with others who are passionate about music. And it was great to enjoy fellowship with all of you, even those who I don't know very well. There is something about fellowship with other Christians that I love . . . it is so uplifting.

Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

And His praise in the assembly of saints.

Psalm 149:1

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:3-6

Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praise to our God;

For it is pleasant and praise is beautiful.

Psalm 147:1

Remember . . .

Here is a verse that was shared with me by a friend:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but of power and of love

and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

What's Happening?

We are definately moving. Everything was finalized last week. We sold the house and all the papers are signed. I'm sooo excited! And at the same time it is sad. Looking at pictures of our backyard in the summer doesn't help things either. And the fact that boxes are starting to appear and book shelves and closets are starting to look a little lonely. But I'm not going to let that dampen my spirits. I am excited about the move. And not only because of the new house, the music room (yahoo!) and the big new bedroom, but because now dad will be home sooner and we will be closer to his shop. And hopefully we can have more dinners together. And not eat at 7 at night as much.

- - - - - - -

I have heard a lot of sermons and speaches and read some blog posts lately about evangelizing. Too much that I can't ignore it anymore . . . and the fact that I have wasted sooo many opportunities to talk to people I am around and get out of my comfort zone and get involved in someone elses life. I have decided that that is not going to happen anymore. I have deliberately kept myself from saying something when someone swears too many times at the ballet studio where I work. And lately I have been getting to know two girls from the studio that I am talking to more. One of them is actually my neigbors cousin and she keeps reminding me of the time quite a few years ago when my mom asked her not to take God's name in vain. Unknown to us, because I haven't really talked to her until just a few months ago, she was totally freaked by that and doesn't want to meet my mom again. I hope I can somehow, with God's help, stear that conversation next time towards sharing the gospel with her. She is Roman Catholic, so I don't know how effective I will be. But I can't just let these opportunities get away from me anymore. I am slowly seeing how unfailfull I have been to my awesome, all-powerful, miracle-working God, who can do things way beyond what we could ask or hope.

Reminders of God With Me and to Guide Me

Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses.

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,

But the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us

With groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows

What the mind of the Spirit is,

Because He makes intercession for the saints

According to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good

To those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:26-28

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,

And I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

For I am gentle and lowly in heart,

And you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:8

Christ Be With Me

March Break? I don’t think so. Not for me anyway. The last few days have been very stressful. Something that needed to be ‘dealt’ with (and is not so easy to deal with) sort of crept up on me and it has not gone over so smoothly.

Sometimes I just feel like giving up. Yesterday I was close to tears I was so frustrated. I turned to the piano even though I wasn’t in the mood and started playing from my praise book. I came across this awesome song that I learned last fall. I think it’s going to be played a lot in the next little while.

St. Patrick’s Prayer

By St. Patrick and Dwight Beal

Christ be with me and within me

Christ behind me and before

Christ beside me and to win me

Christ to comfort and restore

Christ beneath me and above me

Christ in quiet and in danger

Christ in hearts of all that love me

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger

Christ in every heart that’s broken

Christ in every joy and pain

Christ in every word that’s spoken

Christ is sun and moon and rain

Christ in resting and in rising

Christ the Lord of all my life

Christ to guide me and to shield me

Christ protecting me in strife

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be make known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Calling Attention to a New Blog on My List

Hey blog readers,

Just calling your attention to the new blog link on my list, my sister Amy Janna has started a blog. Check it out at http://amy-janna.blogspot.com !!

Welcome to the blogging world Amy!

Need A Good Laugh? Read On!!!!!!

I got these from the Puslinch Pioneer, March 2007 Issue. They had my sister and I randomly laughing until my mom called from another room, asking us what was so funny. Enjoy . . . don’t laugh too loud!

Car-Jacking

This is a true account recorded in the Police Log of Sarasota, Florida.

And elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drawing a handgun, proceeded to scream at the top of her voice, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of my car!”

The four men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat. She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why! For the same reason she did not understand why there was a football, a Frisbee and two 12 packs in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed.

MORAL OF THE STORY? If you’re going to have a Senior Moment, make it a memorable one.

$50 is $50

Morris and his wife Esther went to the State Fair every year. Every year, Morris would say, “Esther, I’d like to ride in that helicopter.” Esther always replied, “I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is $50 and $50 is $50.”

A few years later, Esther and Morris went to the Fair. Morris said, “Esther, I’m 85 years old. If I don’t ride that helicopter now, I might never get another chance.” Esther replied, “Morris, that helicopter ride is $50 and $50 is $50.”

The pilot overheard the couple. He said, “Folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word, I won’t charge you! But if you say one word, it’s $50.”

Morris and Esther agreed – and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, but still not a word. When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, “By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn’t. I’m impressed!”

Morris replied, “Well, I was going to say something when Esther fell out, but $50 is $50!”

The next two were candidates of the Darwin Awards.

from California . . .

A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who “totally zoned out when he ran”, accidentally jogged off a 100-foot-high cliff on his daily run.

This one is kinda grose, but it’s funny, so . . .

Overzealous zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) fed his constipated elephant Stefan 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally let fly, and suffocated the keeper under 200 pounds of poop! Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded on him. “The sheer force of the elephant’s unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground, where he struck his head on a rock and lay unconscious as the elephant continued to evacuate his bowels on top of him” said flabbergasted Paderborn police detective Erik Dern. “With no one there to help him, he lay under all the dung for at least an hour before a watchman came along, and during that time he suffocated. It seems to be just one of those freak accidents!”

EPHESIANS 6

Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your

waist with truth,

having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and having shod your feet with the

preparation of the gospel of peace;

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able too quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Toronto: Saturday Night

Living Worship at Tyndale on Saturday night went very well - except the part where I bent over to pick up my violin and smacked my head against my mic when I stood up.

Every time we have a LW evening, I realize again and again how blessed I am to be a part of such an amazing group of young people that serve the Lord. And who share a passion for music. Thanks for all of your friendships. Looking forward to Guelph!

- - - - - - -

I got home at 12:30am. I think that is the latest I've ever been home. And I have never slept so well either!

The ride home was crazy. If you have ever hung out with Lodders, you'll understand. It was soooooo fun though. I'm relieved to know that my family is not the only weird one out there! Singing songs at the top of your lungs . . . in a few different keys at once. And combining the words of two songs into one. Forgetting words and singing blah, blah, doda doda do instead!

Justine, Kira, and Anton: good times! Thanks for the fun drive. Nice to meet you Kira!!

Oh, and here it is:

bbbbbbbb bwaaaah, bwaaah, bwaaaaaaaah, bwake i' downnnnnnn

Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trust in You.

Isaiah 26:3

Ahhh!

oboe da caccia

neumatic


motet

stile rappresentativo

madrigal

ostinato

vielle

clausula

Claudio Monteverdi



So this is what I study - nasty terms and old composers and the beginning steps of musical forms. Not always so fun. Some of those words are just weird sounding . . . not to mention trying to remember what they mean!

Out of My Boat

I am scared when it comes to leading devotions, even in front of close friends. All of a sudden, my words get stuck, and I forget what I was going to say. Even when I know that no one will look down on me for what I say.

Last week at Living Worship practice, I lead devotions and I was really nervous. The worst part is praying. I wish I was like others in the group who have no problem praying . . . on the spot even. It reminds me of Paul in 1 Corinthians,

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything amony you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling."

That's how I feal. Totally inadequate.

Casting Crowns has an awesome song that I love to listen to over and over. And ask God for the strength to lean on Him and to jump out of my boat . . . my boat of fear.


Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen to the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From the top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth


This is my prayer.

Alone

Ryan shared this verse at Living Worship practice last night. The implications are amazing . . .

Psalm 101:2

I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
Oh, when will You come to me?
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

As in, when no one else is watching . . . when I'm all ALONE . . . I will still walk . . . live perfectly before God.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal
but
mighty in God for

pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments,
and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,

bringing **every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

** If every thought, then the whole person - our every idea, motive, desire, and decision - belongs to Christ.
The Reformation Study Bible, 1995

Arms of Love

This song is so beautiful. Actually, at a Living Worship practice one time, we decided that it is a very romantic song. A love song from you to your Father in heaven, to your heavenly Bridegroom from His redeemed bride: His precious child.

I sing a simple song of love

To my Savior

To my Jesus

To thank you for the things You've done

A loving Savior

Precious Jesus

My heart is glad that You called me Your own

'Cause there's no place I'd rather be

Than in Your arms of love

In Your arms of love

Holding me still

Holding me near

In Your arms of love

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kindgdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Isaiah 41:13

You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:5

All Diligence

2 Peter 1:5-11

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence,

add to your faith
virtue
to virtue,
knowledge

to knowledge,
self-control

to self-control,
perseverence

to perseverence,
godliness

to godliness,
brotherly kindness

and to brotherly kindness,
love.

For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For he who lacks these things is

shortsighted, even to blindness,
and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore,

brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Next 5 Minutes

I was listening to an old Steven Curtis Chapman CD the other day, and I found this song really neat. I know this is something I need to work on.

I can reminisce about the already

I can worry and fret about the not yet

But when it all comes down I know it really

Really all comes down to the right now

So right now . . .

I'm living the next 5 minutes

Like these are my last 5 minutes'

'Cause I know the next 5 minutes

May be all I have

And after the next 5 minutes

Turn into the last 5 minutes

I'm taking the next 5 minutes

And starting all over again

Starting all over again

Every moment God is giving is precious

Every heartbeat, every breath I take

We'll never have them back once they've left us

There will never be another right now

So right now . . .

This is the day, this is the hour

This is the moment the Lord has made

Album "Speechless" 1999

This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Music, Music, Music!

I tried playing Amy's flute yesterday. Now I have tried (besides violin and piano) a double bass, organ, guitar, xylophone, and flute. And every time I try another instrument, I love music even more! You don't have a true appreciation for the talent of others until you have tried it yourself. I had never tried a wind instrument before . . . and its harder than I thought it would be! It has put a desire in me to learn the flute though. We'll see what happens, cause I'll have to use my sisters to practice.

And then there's Kimberly. She picked up my violin and she's already figured out how to play When I Survey the Wondrous Cross on it . . . and I didn't show her anything except how to hold the bow. She makes me sick!! Of course, she plays guitar, so she has experiance with playing a stringed instruments. Amy tried it too, but once Kim got a hold of it, she wouldn't let go of it. She's playing it again now . . . I have let other people try my violin on various occasions (cough, cough), but she is the best by far!

Anyway, we took some really sweet pictures of our instruments and one of the roses that Dad brought home for Mom last night. They have lighting effects and everything! I'll try to post some later. They are gorgeous. But the credit goes to Kim for having the idea in the first place. We took over half of the livingroom floor and turned out the lights on Mom and Dad, put on the little piano lamp and took lots of pictures. It was fun! And that's when the whole thing about trying each others instrument started . . .

By this we know love . . .

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itslef, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, things no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails, But whether there are prophecies, the will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

So Blessed

I have been really encouraged and blessed by some awesome friends this weekend. And then last night, I was listening to Selah on the way to Living Worship practice. I hadn't listened to them in a long time. Once again, their beautiful music and lyrics blessed me. Sorry you can't hear the music . . . it makes the lyrics so much better. The instrumental parts are amazing (even though I think the orchestra is really a keyboard!).

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary

When troubles come and my heart burdened be

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence

Until You come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas

I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders

You raise me up . . . to more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly

But when You come and I am filled with wonder

Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity

and . . .

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord

When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea

When I cry for help, oh, hear me

Lord and hold our Your hand

Touch my life

Still the raging storm in me

I think that sometimes God uses people, more specifically Christian friends, in our lives to be His 'hand' stretched out to us, Him 'sitting a while' with us to encourage us. They are one of the most amazing blessings that God can ever give to His children.

Lyrics from Selah 2004: Hiding Place

A Bit of Humor . . . Not My Usual Post

I was reading the Clubhouse magazine that my younger siblings get from Focus on the Family, and I found this article really hilarious. Especially the first part about the hugs. But it also has a good message. It's a little different than my usually posts. Hope you enjoy it!

Adventures of Average Boy

By Bob Smiley as told to Bob Smiley

I don't own a tourniquet (Note: a thing you wrap around part of your body to stop bleeding.) I'll never need one. If I'm ever bleeding and want it to stop, I'll simply ask my mom to hug me. My mom is the tightest hugger in the world! Sometimes she hugs me so tight that hours later my eyes are still bulging. I think the medical term is Optical Poptitude.

My dad, on the other hand, doesn't hug a lot. He pats me on the back to show his love.

"Good job setting the table, Son!" he'll say and then whack me on the back, sending me about two feet forward and causing me to have to reset several things on the table.

Between Mom's hugs and Dad's pats on the back, I'm surprised I have hung on to my eyeballs for as longs as I have. I actually enjoy the hugs and back-pats, because showing love is part of a great relationship.

Relationships are funny, because they're all different. Sometimes your relationships develop slowly.

For instance, there's a girl on my bus, and we speak only once a day. But we're great friends.

She suffers from constant leg cramps. Every day, I try to sit next to her on the bus. However, each day she gets a really bad cramp in her lower leg. She then kicks out her leg in the empty seat next to her and starts shouting, "Ohhhh . . . my leg is cramping again! I have to keep it straight out on this seat!"

This happens every morning. And Donny is really mean to her. He sits there and laughs as I walk past her to another seat. But every day I use the situation to let her know someone cares about her. "I'll pray for you and your leg," I whisper. "See you tomorrow."

It's a small relationship, but it's important. I have tons of those experiences each day.

My coach and I meet only once a day for PE, but we have an awesome relationship. A year ago his doctor told him he needed to exersize more. The doctor specifically said Coach needed to get his heart rate up every day. I don't know how I help him do that, but I do!

He once told me, "Bob, just having you in class gets my heart rate to at least 120 beats per minute every day."

"120!" I replied. "That's awesome! Your heart rate matches your age. That's got to make it easy to remember."

"There you go doing it again, Mr. Smiley!" he said appreciatively. "Now go take a lap."

Every day you and I see people. Sometimes we have a small relationship - like the one I have with my coach or the leg-cramp girl. Sometimes we have a big relationship - like the one I have with my parents or my school principal. Each time we see these people, we have a chance to leave them happier or sadder than they were before they saw us. If you try to make others happier each time - by putting them first - you will build great, strong relationships. That's my challenge to you. That, and help me figure out how to cure leg cramps. Hurry!

Now if you will excuse me, I just got a paper cut and it's bleeding. I think I need a hug.

Before Him Bend the Knee

Lord's Supper is on Sunday. I was just thinking about that and this hymn by John M. Wigner popped into my head . . . and it won't go away, especially the phrase 'no vain excuses frame, for feelings do not stay.' It's weird cause I can't remember the last time I have heard this one, or the last time we have sung it in church.

Come to the Savior now

He gently calleth thee

In true repentance bow

Before Him bend the knee

He waiteth to bestow

Salvation, peace and love

True joy on earth below

A home in heaven above

Come to the Savior now

Ye who have wandered far

Renew your solemn vow

For His by right you are

Come like poor wandering sheep

Returning to His fold

His arm will safely keep

His love will ne'er grow cold

Come to the Savior now

He offers all to thee

And in His merits thou

Hast an unfailing plea

No vain excuses frame

For feelings do not stay

None who to Jesus came

Were ever sent away

Come to the Savior now

What'er your burdens be

Hear now His loving call

"Cast all your car on Me"

Come, and for every grief

In Jesus you will find

A sure and safe relief

A loving friend and kind

So Many Questions...So Much to Live For!!

This weekend was so full of excitement and fun and fellowship! And also two compelling sermons on Psalm 22 and I Corinthians 1, and an amazing Bible study on envy at Young People's. I have so much to ponder and think about.

Do I envy anyone, whether for their looks, character, talents, or possessions? How can I guard myself from jealousy and envy? Would I be able to approach that person and admit my envy?

Has Jesus Christ just become a piece of furniture in my life? Have I become to flippant in my worship of Him? Is Jesus truly the only comfort I have in life AND death? If Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, am I ashamed to confess Him as my Lord before a watching world?

Is the cross foolishness to me, or the power of God to me? Is the world's wisdom foolishness or valuable wisdom to me? Am I living a life of joy and hope in Christ, and in so doing, affecting those in the world I am in contact with? or does my life NOT reflect a changed life in a wonderful Savior?

So many important questions. And through God's strength, may the answers always be glorifying to His name and a testimony to His presence and hope in my life.

"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, no imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9, 14-21

The Awe of God's Creation

Today, mom took my brothers and two younger sisters to go skating and play hockey on an outdoor rink along Hwy 8. I decided to go along since Amy was at work. We skated for about an hour, and it was lightly snowing. A little while before we left, I was sitting on a chair watching them play hockey, and I looked down so see that my coat and mitts were lightly sprinkled with the most intricately designed snowflakes I have ever seen. They were absolutely beautiful. I just sat there looking at them. I can't describe how beautiful they were. Imagine the millions of uniquely designed snowflakes you are looking at when you look outside at the snow! And no two are exactly the same.

God not only created the complex snowflakes, but He also created you and me. We are like snowflakes. God created each and every one of us, and no two of us are the same. We are all unique and look, act, and talk different. Looking at those beautiful snowflakes reminded me of Psalm 8:3-5, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor."

In the Bible, snow is a symbol for being cleaned or washed. Psalm 51:7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Isaiah 1:18, "'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool.'" Snow tainted by sand and dirt is like us stained by our sin. We need the blood of Jesus to cleanse us, to make us as clean as pure white snow. We need our Savior to take out the dirt of sin from our lives and make us clean and new again.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21

"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight." Colossians 1:21-22