Self-Check Out Lines and....

your marriage. They don't seem to mesh very well. Last week, we met up with a group of young marrieds from the church and this topic came up. It's been said that a couple should be able to "wallpaper a room before you get married." I believe that the new task should be going through a self check out line together. Stories arose from personal experience and from the other young couples such as:
- Some one wants to scan the product, and that can turn to a fight over who gets to do it.
-The other randomly hits the weight scale with the grocery bags on it and it overrides the purchase.
-You chose gala apples rather than granny smith (then your partner throws a fuss about it and criticizes you)
- One person thinks that an item is scanned and it hasn't been (it gets worse when its put in the shopping bag)

These are some examples of the things that go wrong. But somehow they are worse when the person you love points out a flaw, or messes things up for you. It becomes easy to blame your spouse, rather than take personal responsibility. I believe that couples can make it through self-check out, they can make it through anything. If not, just go to the cashier. It'll save your marriage.

It's just one of those days

Today is one of those days when everything seems to be going wrong. It's not catastrophic or anything, but rather all those little annoyances that seem to add up. My day began okay, until I dropped the bottle of bleach. Twice. It didn't shatter or cause a bleached mess on the floor. But it did happen to splash onto my pants ruining them instantly. (and this is huge for me, because theses pants are actually long enough and a perfect fit.....so sad!) Then, the children decided that their ears didn't work today. Anything I said turned into them doing the exact opposite. How frustrating! But those kids didn't end there. They decided to fight and jump on one another. It was so bad that I had to separate them and put them on opposite couches, threatening them with some sort of punishment if they moved. All the while that the kids were fighting, did I mention that I was up to my armpits in bun dough? I finally got all that settled, lunch into the children and some buns in the oven. Then, I proceeded to burn two pans of buns (the oven HATES me), and set off the fire alarm and waking up the children. Then, the youngest kid decided that sleep was no longer an option and it was play time. I don't think so! It's only 1pm! I finally got him settled, only to have him woken up by the fire alarm again! AHHHHHH!!!!! I can only wonder what will happen next! Oh, and did I mention that I'm totally hormonal? Just adds to the wonderful day that seem to be having.

My Walk to Church

This morning's walk to church was very pleasant. It was one of those brisk fall mornings where the sun was gently peaking through the clouds. Absolutely gorgeous! But on top of the wonderful weather, the people I saw seemed to be overly friendly. I met three beautiful young East Indian woman, who were walking on the opposite side of Clearbrook Road. I flashed a smile, and one lady yelled a friendly hello from across the street. About 200 meters behind them, an elderly gentlemen (also of the East Indian descent), gave a friendly wave, not wanting to miss out on the cordial greetings of the morning. When I finally got to church, an elderly East Indian woman met me at the entrance to the parking lot, gave a kind hello, a word of blessing and a hug. I gave a word of blessing back, as I gave her a nice squeeze. I love mornings like that!

Becoming MORE Christian

Growing up in Church as a young child, we were taught that you are either a Christian or not a Christian. There were tracts and classes based on "how to know that I am saved." We tended to need assurance that we were "in." We wanted constant reassurance that we were Christians.
But as time went on, I learned differently.(A special thanks to Rob and Iona Snair, directors of Lifeteams: School of Urban Youth Outreach, for changing my worldview. You guys aren't crazy!) I learned that Christianity isn't that black and white all the time. Its about a journey to "become more Christian." (thanks to Doug Lowney for that terminology). Its about learning to relate to God, to change behaviors and thought patterns to line up with that of Christ's. This isn't an overnight change, it takes time.
When I was doing youth work, a fellow worker, Chris Hyslop always said, "It isn't our job to tell people how to be Christians. It is our job to introduce people to Jesus." Christianity looks different among individuals. Some Christians smoke, others don't. It's not my job to tell someone that it is right or wrong to smoke as a Christian. (The same goes for swearing, speeding, relationships etc.). They will be convicted and be drawn to the right conclusions in time. (and yes, i do realize there is a place for correction when someone goes wayward, but let's leave that for those who are "Christians" and not for those who are still discovering Christ. No one wants to become a Christian and realize that there are a million "rules" to follow.) It is our duty to introduce people to Jesus. To allow them to journey with Christ.
Over time, I have found that Christianity is a journey. We are forever turning towards and away from God, being close and being far. It isn't always about crossing the line, praying the prayer, being on the inside. Last Sunday, April spoke a sermon on "Jesus as the Center." She talked about different worldviews, or sets, that there are in relation to this. Here's a bit of an overview.

Bounded Set: This set is about creating tangible boundaries. Picture a circle with an x in it. Outside the circle is a Y. In this set, you are either in or out. You are either Christian (x) or not Christian (y). There is no grey area. (this is what i believed as a child)

Centered Set: Jesus is the center of this set. You can either be close or far from the center and you can either be moving towards or further away from the center. Picture a star, which represents Jesus. There is both an X and a Y. One is close and the other farther away. One is moving towards the star and the other moving away from the star. This set allows us to be "close with God" or "far from God," moving towards a relationship with Him, or turning away from Him.

Bounded/Centered Set: This is a mixture of the two sets. Jesus is in the center of the circle. The X is inside the circle, and the Y is outside. But the X is moving away from the center and the Y is moving towards the center. This set allows the analogy of the journey, moving towards or away from God. But also places the boundaries on it, with a Christian or non-Christian distinction.

Scripture seems to allow for both sets, the distinction of Christian versus Non-Christian (sheep verses goats) and the analogy of the journey of being close to God or turning away from God. Therefore, we should be embracing the Bounded/Centered Set.

When listening to this sermon, I was struck by the embracing of both sets. I, personally have been leaning towards the centered set in the last 6 years or so. But have come to realize that I like both sets together. There is a distinction of Christian verses non-Christian. But personally, i think that God should be the one making that ultimate distinction, not ourselves. We need to striving to become "more Christian," and move in the direction of Christ. Our focus should be on our relationship with Christ. On Judgement Day, He will let us know if we are a sheep or a goat, if we knew God or didn't know God. But let's strive to BECOME MORE CHRISTIAN, and move closer to God, however that looks.

Let the rain begin!

Dan and I took our first walk in the rain the other day. It was refreshing! Felt like fall, making me feel all hezzelic inside.
Pardon my "Dutch" there, but I can't seem to find a better word in the English language. Hezzelic translates, in my limited Dutch knowledge, to roughly mean atmosphere, coziness, warmth, warm fuzzies, overall goodness. Picture a cold winter's night, curled up with the one you love, next to a fireplace, drinking your hot cocoa, reading a good book. That's hezzelic. Or warm soup on a brisk Sunday afternoon, with fresh baked buns, followed by a nap on the couch. (okay, that's really a Dutch thing, but hopefully you get my drift).
Walking in the rain is wonderful and hezzelic....but only for a while. Then it turns into the winter blahs. But for right now, I enjoy it. I like it. It can continue. The rain doesn't bother us walkers that much. Although the torrential downpours can soak you in a few minutes. But overall, the rain doesn't affect me. It can continue, but hopefully only for a while. Then again, a nice sunny day would be refreshing.

Beyond the volunteer requests, I'm seeking relationships here

There is something I don't understand. And I don't want to be mean when I say this, as it is simply an observation that frustrates me. So, please don't take offence at it (this is not against anyone personally), but perhaps take this into consideration for the future.
Dan and I have been attending Emmanuel Mennonite church for a year and a half now. And I feel like a stranger in the church. I recognize people, but do not (and cannot for the life of me) remember their names. But they seem to know me. Perhaps that because of the family connection, or perhaps they only had to learn 2 names, and I have to learn hundreds, but its frustrating to feel like this. We still don't feel like we have connected with any one in the church (except for a few choice people whom we can count on one hand). I feel comfortable in the church, but not with its members. We still feel like visitors, rather than a part of the family. Like outsiders, rather than insiders. But oddly enough, this is not the frustration at which i want to rant at here.
I am frustrated that I have gotten calls from people, whom I may or may not recognize, that want me to volunteer for something. The volunteering itself isn't the frustrating thing. Its the fact that people are asking me to do something when I really don't know who they are. It angers me to think that its okay for people to "request" my time to volunteer, but won't take the time to get to know me. Personally, I would choose to get to know someone first and find out their passions, gifting and abilities, before asking them to volunteer for something. The last thing you want is a person who hates kids helping in the nursery.
But even beyond the on slot of calls I've received asking me to volunteer, I wholeheartedly wish we knew people better. I often feel intimidated walking up to someone new and starting a conversation, yet I constantly do. Nevertheless, I feel like I still don't know anyone. I am seeking friends, deep relationships, people that are willing to go beyond the "hi, how are ya?" I would love us to be able to call up friends to meet for dinner or hang out. I'm tired of feeling lonely every Sunday when I'm surrounded by hundreds of people. Please stop the volunteer requests, and get to know us. We'd be happy to help, once we know who you are.

Isobelle Gunn

House of James has concerts Friday or Saturday nights. Normally we don't pay much attention to the ads for those who are playing, but for whatever reason, yesterday we read the ad in the morning paper. Glancing at the ad, one name stood out: Jacob Moon. Jacob Moon is one of our favorite musicians. He is an extremely talented guitar player and vocalist. Upon closer inspection it looked like he was going to be playing that night. A little puzzled as to why we didn't get any of the usual e-mails regarding his concerts we decided to go anyway and see if he was there.
When we got there and had a look at who all was sitting around, it became obvious that Jacob wasn't there, but having paid to come we decided to stay. Settling in with our coffee and books we were treated to an evening of amazing music by two different groups: The Carriers and Isobelle Gunn. The opening act, The Carriers, were a local group who are just getting started in the music industry and while their stage presence and relationship with the audience is still coming along their talent musically speaking was amazing.
The main attraction for the evening was Isobelle Gunn which is a trio from Ontario. As the band explained, the name Isobelle Gunn was the name of a real lady who lived in the early 18th century and was a Scottish immigrant to Canada. Upon arriving she wanted to work for the HBC but being a woman, wasn't allowed. Being of the that stubborn Scottish nature, she didn't take no for an answer and disguised herself as a man. It worked for a couple of years until she gave birth and was found out. They said that they liked the name for the juxtaposition of the beauty of the name Isobelle and the harshness of Gunn, as well as that she was Canadian too. They also enjoyed the name for the expectations that that it raised and broke. When you hear the name Isobelle Gunn, you expect a beautiful woman to walk up alone to the stage. Instead there are two women and a man.
The group formed a few years ago and have done quite well for themselves. They are incredibly talented in terms of musical performance and vocally just as much. Their lyrics are just amazing, being well thought out, beautiful, deep, and actually give you something to think about as well.
When they were finished we decided that we liked them enough to by the two CD's they have come out with so far. Looking at the CD's we found where the whole Jacob Moon thing came from; he plays on over half the songs on their latest CD! Apparently they are good friends and when they get back to Ontario they are going to tour with him. Talking to the band after was wonderful. They are down to earth people and very interesting to talk to. We hope to see them again in Abbotsford and maybe with Jacob Moon as well.

Free Food Sunday!

Isn't it great that when the grocery money runs out, God provides Free Food Sunday!?!?
For lunch we ate our way home from church, enjoying East Indian delicacies and a festival to boot. For dinner, we get to enjoy a BBQ put on by Columbia Bible College, to welcome new students and their families. Since Dan (and my mom) are both taking courses, we will partake in the celebrations. Thank the Lord for Free Food Sundays! What could be better than free food, never mind a whole day of it?

Sikh Festival of Unity

Today is one of our favorite days during the year. We look forward to today, like a young child anticipates Christmas. Today is the Sikh Festival. We enjoy eating our way home from Church. The generosity is overwhelming. We couldn't walk more than 10 steps without someone encouraging us to eat food. If we refused, they push a plate towards your hands anyway. A polite refusal is NOT something they understand in their culture. We have gotten used to this over the years, and come prepared to share in the meal.

Another reason we love the Sikh festival is we enjoy participating in a cultural event. We like experiencing new things and are trying to understand people that come from a different culture than our own.

We love watching the beautiful colours and faces that pass by us. The crowds are enormous. People come from Surrey, Vancouver and all over the Fraser Valley to take part in this festival. The crowds, along with a few floats, walk from the Sikh Temple, to Rotary Stadium and back again.

One thing we find particularly interesting is the reverence they have for their Holy Book. They purify the street with "Holy Water" before the float carrying their Holy Book can grace the street. No one may pass over the cleansed spot until the Holy Book has passed by. This year, we were pleasantly surprised to have this man pictured with Dan (Gurvan???), ask if we would like an explanation of the festival. We agreed. He explained that years ago(404 years!), the head Gurus, (those at the top of the caste system) decided that there should no longer be a caste system. No one should be considered above or below anyone else. They shall all be one. They are all equals now, and thus separated from the Hindu religion and formed the Sikh religion. This festival celebrates the fact that the "city is all one."

We found this to be very similar to the Christian worldview that we are all equals (neither Jew nor Greek etc), and that we are one in the Spirit. What a day that would be if the city was all "one in the Spirit." We found it fascinating that one woman tried to explain the festival in Christian terms. "Its like your Bible, our Holy Book." When we asked what her Holy Book was called, she kept relaying information back to us in terms we could understand. (Talk about cultural relevance!)

Overall it was a fantastic experience! We learned a lot, enjoyed great food and watched a cultural festival. We got to talk with many different people, both old and young. We are already anticipating next years event!