MARCHING TO ZION
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Storm is Passing Over - Over 100 Voice Youth Choir!
My favourite song!
Jacob was a tenor this year in this week-end choir "camp."
Pretty intense week-end!
Amazing finale.
(If you have a sharp eye you might see a familiar back of a head.)
Not the best sound quality, but you get the idea!
ENJOY!
Jacob was a tenor this year in this week-end choir "camp."
Pretty intense week-end!
Amazing finale.
(If you have a sharp eye you might see a familiar back of a head.)
Not the best sound quality, but you get the idea!
ENJOY!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
"Stuff" I've been reading lately......(and links for you!)
The school work is nearly finished. Justin and Kadin are studying for their last test in science. Macayla is working on her last big essay to send in. And Jacob is done to two courses as well. Levi, Justin, Kadin (and Gideon) are doing a unit on Africa together. I really like Donna Ward's materials. Mostly all great Canadian stuff....except for this one on Africa!
SOooooOOoOoo.....
I've had a bit more time to read! Yeah!
I read Tim Challies' book review on this book.
I purchased the book for the church library last year, but didn't read it and simply added it to the shelf. I promptly checked it out for myself and finished it a couple of weeks ago. You can read Tim's review here.
The authors claim to have a fresh approach, and I totally agree! I have read many books on this topic over the years. My biggest regret being that I read them all AFTER I was married, and looking back I would have appreciated a more formulated view on this matter at the time when it was applicable to my life. BUT....this is all still VERY applicable, since we now have been blessed with children and are looking ahead and having discussion about this matter with them! Tim Challies' review says it far better then I could.....but I overall I consider this a must read, and have purchased a copy for my own shelf.
Here is a NEW book that I have yet to read but it getting wonderful reviews. It is currently sitting in an online shopping cart of mine at amazon. I look forward to reading that as well. In the meantime I DID read a great review at this link.
The blog of Dr. David Murray is a regular on my list to read. I truly appreciate his humble and Godly view on many issues. I have read his small book on depression, which is excellent. He seems to have a "soft spot" for dealing with mental illnesses.
I recently re-read (more carefully) this article.....please take the time to do so as well. It is so helpful.
http://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/04/16/maximizing-and-minimizing-mental-illness/
This book (on the right) I am currently about half way through.
Here is the back of the book:
Stop. Dare to ask the question: What's going wrong in this relationship? Maybe it doesn't seem to be "abuse." No bruises, no sexual violation. Even smiles on the surface. Nonetheless, before your eyes, a person is being destroyed emotionally. Perhaps that person in someone you want to help. Perhaps it's you. Author and counselor Leslie Vernick has witnessed the devastating effects of emotional abuse in families and relationships. She knows it must be talked about if healing and hope are to be found. Step by step, Leslie shows you how to.....
*recognize behaviours that are meant to control, punish, and hurt
*confront and speak truth when the timing is right
*determine when to keep trying and when to shift your approach
*get safe and stay safe
*continue to be transformed by God as you build an identity in Christ
There are two aspects (so far) that I really appreciate.
First, the author explains that just as bankers need special training to spot counterfeit money by inspecting thousands of genuine bills....we also need to compare and contrast characteristics that describe healthy relationships. She outlines three categories that can be applied to all relationships.
Commitment and Care:
In all healthy relationships, personal or professional, the well-being of the other person is important to us even when we're mad, tired or busy. At its most basic level, commitment promises that the other person's feelings, desires, needs, wants and thoughts will matter to us and that when the person considers something urgent or important, we give it our attention. This doesn't always mean we have to do what the person wants. We don't even necessarily have to feel the same way about an issue, BUT at least we give it proper thought.....Genuine caring values the other person's happiness, well-being, and goodness. Selfish love is only interested in what the other person has to contribute to the relationship.
Honesty and Integrity:
Personal honesty (not lying to yourself) and interpersonal honesty (as appropriate for the level of intimacy in the relationship) are crucial for trust to flourish....As I said earlier, pretending, denying, hiding, evading, shading, or twisting facts or your feelings to create a particular impression are forms of lying and will lead to mistrust. Like acid on metal, deceit erodes the foundations necessary to support a healthy relationship. Honesty isn't the same as blurting out everything we feel at the moment of its greatest intensity- that can be very destructive. Healthy individuals know it's wise to contain their toxic emotions until they have some time to think though their feelings and pray about how to approach the problem constructively. People who exercise restraint can be more certain that their actions will lead to healing and restoration rather than mere relief or descending spiral of anger.
Mutual respect:
All people, no matter how much we might dislike them or disagree with their beliefs or behaviours, contain within them the precious image of God. Christian's should never mock, disdain, or disrespect an individual (Prov. 14:21) even if they disapprove of the person's actions.
The author's goes on to explain more about Jesus being the perfect model of these kinds of interactions. Overall I appreciate her angle of challenging us to look at how any relationship should look like. To give others the benefit of the doubt (as fellow image bearers), and to seek to build the foundations of the above qualities with those around us.
The second aspect I would highlight is the author's focus on the heart of the issue. She outlines different themes of the heart such as pride, anger, envy, selfishness, laziness, evil and fear. She describes this simple illustration. "I reached over to my shelf and grabbed a glass jar filled with water. A small amount of sediment they could not see had settled to the bottom, I vigorously shook the jar, and the water began to turn a muddy brown. I asked, 'Did shaking the jar make the water dirty?' (I love easy questions.) Obviously the answer was no. Shaking the jar didn't dirty the water. Shaking the jar exposed the dirt that had settled along the bottom." Luke 6:45-46 says it best. (Look it up) Vernick says "Our heart's desires stimulate us as well as motivate us toward action, whether godly or sinful." The author does not mix words about getting to the heart of the destructive behaviours that can create destructive relationships.
I could go on and on with different quotes....and if you're still with me (reading this post) then as they say in New Zealand "Good on-ya mate!" We can all (including myself) be challenged to examine our hearts and how we deal with others around us.
I would also encourage you to check out this author's website.
Under "free resources" there are much to read and be helped by.
http://www.leslievernick.com/
There is much to ponder here.
Writing is helpful for me...and I hope to one day put my blog to print. Both to document our family's happenings, but also to look back and see the places where God has uses others (and books) to help grow us and direct us more to Him.
To Him be the Glory!
SOooooOOoOoo.....
I've had a bit more time to read! Yeah!
I read Tim Challies' book review on this book.
The authors claim to have a fresh approach, and I totally agree! I have read many books on this topic over the years. My biggest regret being that I read them all AFTER I was married, and looking back I would have appreciated a more formulated view on this matter at the time when it was applicable to my life. BUT....this is all still VERY applicable, since we now have been blessed with children and are looking ahead and having discussion about this matter with them! Tim Challies' review says it far better then I could.....but I overall I consider this a must read, and have purchased a copy for my own shelf.
Here is a NEW book that I have yet to read but it getting wonderful reviews. It is currently sitting in an online shopping cart of mine at amazon. I look forward to reading that as well. In the meantime I DID read a great review at this link.
The blog of Dr. David Murray is a regular on my list to read. I truly appreciate his humble and Godly view on many issues. I have read his small book on depression, which is excellent. He seems to have a "soft spot" for dealing with mental illnesses.
I recently re-read (more carefully) this article.....please take the time to do so as well. It is so helpful.
http://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/04/16/maximizing-and-minimizing-mental-illness/
This book (on the right) I am currently about half way through.Here is the back of the book:
Stop. Dare to ask the question: What's going wrong in this relationship? Maybe it doesn't seem to be "abuse." No bruises, no sexual violation. Even smiles on the surface. Nonetheless, before your eyes, a person is being destroyed emotionally. Perhaps that person in someone you want to help. Perhaps it's you. Author and counselor Leslie Vernick has witnessed the devastating effects of emotional abuse in families and relationships. She knows it must be talked about if healing and hope are to be found. Step by step, Leslie shows you how to.....
*recognize behaviours that are meant to control, punish, and hurt
*confront and speak truth when the timing is right
*determine when to keep trying and when to shift your approach
*get safe and stay safe
*continue to be transformed by God as you build an identity in Christ
There are two aspects (so far) that I really appreciate.
First, the author explains that just as bankers need special training to spot counterfeit money by inspecting thousands of genuine bills....we also need to compare and contrast characteristics that describe healthy relationships. She outlines three categories that can be applied to all relationships.
Commitment and Care:
In all healthy relationships, personal or professional, the well-being of the other person is important to us even when we're mad, tired or busy. At its most basic level, commitment promises that the other person's feelings, desires, needs, wants and thoughts will matter to us and that when the person considers something urgent or important, we give it our attention. This doesn't always mean we have to do what the person wants. We don't even necessarily have to feel the same way about an issue, BUT at least we give it proper thought.....Genuine caring values the other person's happiness, well-being, and goodness. Selfish love is only interested in what the other person has to contribute to the relationship.
Honesty and Integrity:
Personal honesty (not lying to yourself) and interpersonal honesty (as appropriate for the level of intimacy in the relationship) are crucial for trust to flourish....As I said earlier, pretending, denying, hiding, evading, shading, or twisting facts or your feelings to create a particular impression are forms of lying and will lead to mistrust. Like acid on metal, deceit erodes the foundations necessary to support a healthy relationship. Honesty isn't the same as blurting out everything we feel at the moment of its greatest intensity- that can be very destructive. Healthy individuals know it's wise to contain their toxic emotions until they have some time to think though their feelings and pray about how to approach the problem constructively. People who exercise restraint can be more certain that their actions will lead to healing and restoration rather than mere relief or descending spiral of anger.
Mutual respect:
All people, no matter how much we might dislike them or disagree with their beliefs or behaviours, contain within them the precious image of God. Christian's should never mock, disdain, or disrespect an individual (Prov. 14:21) even if they disapprove of the person's actions.
The author's goes on to explain more about Jesus being the perfect model of these kinds of interactions. Overall I appreciate her angle of challenging us to look at how any relationship should look like. To give others the benefit of the doubt (as fellow image bearers), and to seek to build the foundations of the above qualities with those around us.
The second aspect I would highlight is the author's focus on the heart of the issue. She outlines different themes of the heart such as pride, anger, envy, selfishness, laziness, evil and fear. She describes this simple illustration. "I reached over to my shelf and grabbed a glass jar filled with water. A small amount of sediment they could not see had settled to the bottom, I vigorously shook the jar, and the water began to turn a muddy brown. I asked, 'Did shaking the jar make the water dirty?' (I love easy questions.) Obviously the answer was no. Shaking the jar didn't dirty the water. Shaking the jar exposed the dirt that had settled along the bottom." Luke 6:45-46 says it best. (Look it up) Vernick says "Our heart's desires stimulate us as well as motivate us toward action, whether godly or sinful." The author does not mix words about getting to the heart of the destructive behaviours that can create destructive relationships.
I could go on and on with different quotes....and if you're still with me (reading this post) then as they say in New Zealand "Good on-ya mate!" We can all (including myself) be challenged to examine our hearts and how we deal with others around us.
I would also encourage you to check out this author's website.
Under "free resources" there are much to read and be helped by.
http://www.leslievernick.com/
There is much to ponder here.
Writing is helpful for me...and I hope to one day put my blog to print. Both to document our family's happenings, but also to look back and see the places where God has uses others (and books) to help grow us and direct us more to Him.
To Him be the Glory!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Happy Birthday Macayla!
Today Macayla is 14 years old!
It was quite the arrival as I think back....Eric was on a 3 day business trip and I was still 11 days away from my due date. We talked on the phone on the last night as he was due home that next day. I assured him that all seemed well and that it looked like we "made it." Wrong. A few short hours later, I woke in the middle of the night as my waters broke. I called Eric who set about a somewhat frantic search for a flight from the South Island to the North. I called one friend to stay with 18 month old Jacob and another friend to go to the hospital with me.
Macayla was born about 7:35am and Eric was able to be there for the last 45 minutes.
What a thrill to welcome a beautiful daughter!
God has given her many talents and gifts, and we look forward to seeing how HE will use her to work in His kingdom!
(We got Macayla tickets to a Keith and Kristyn Getty concert.....we have to wait until the fall for it, but I'm sure it will worth it!)
We love you Macayla!
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