I've been absent. Well, not absent from real life exactly, but busy with things that have kept me from writing here.
The following things have happened since last I wrote:
1) My apartment has been packed up, ready to move tomorrow;
2) Laurel's apartment has been packed up, ready to move tomorrow;
3) I have been looking for a new job;
4) Summer is nice and I like being outside;
5) I had the flu for 24 hours. I did not like that;
That isn't a chronological list. I'm just saying... I'll be back when I get internet in my new apartment. Basically, don't expect me until Monday or so, assuming everyone can get on board with the program (MTS, I'm looking in your direction).
I have many thoughts, too! I have lots of thoughts about popular culture, specifically. We'll see how it all goes.
If you would, pray that I'll have patience as I look for work, and that I'll be successful in finding something I enjoy. I know God has a job out there for me, I just need to trust Him as I wait and look for it. That will lead me to more fun stuff about why I'm a Calvinist again (although as a Calvinist, I can say I never was anything but; I just didn't realise it...).
Friday, July 03, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I'm Back, with Bling!
Well, it's not really "bling" in the traditional sense of the word (can there be a traditional sense of a made-up slang word?), but it is more jewellery than I usually wear. Yes, gentle readers, I've got a wedding ring on.
Now, some of you sharp cookies (boy, that's a bad image... imagine eating a sharp cookie! So delicious, but so pointy! You'd have to really want it) will therefore clue in to my changed marital status. Yep, I'm married!
It happened on June 13, 2009. Laurel and I stood at the front of our church and, in front of a building full of family and friends - but more importantly, in front of God - made a covenant to be man and wife. It was thrilling and exhilarating and terrifying to do this, but there is no doubt about it; best decision I've ever made, second only to my decision to follow Christ.
It was humbling to see so many people there to support us, and to witness this covenant, and to promise to hold us accountable to a Godly standard of marriage. I take that seriously, even when I'm a guest and not a participant, and so I hope they will take it seriously too.
We left for our honeymoon the next day, and spent 7 days in Florida that were relaxing, exciting, tiring, and refreshing. It was beautiful there, and the time we spent together was beautiful in its own right. We did theme parks (a shared pleasure of ours!), restaurants, the beach (I hate beaches, but I would go anywhere with her, if she asked... and the beach was very nice too), shopping, etc. We spent time getting to know each other again as the stress from planning a wedding unravelled and took with it short tempers, constant details, and conversation monopolising that became a part of our relationship in the last couple of months before our wedding. It was weird to share a bed with a person (I occasionally snore, and she's a light sleeper - she tapped me on the face to wake me up one night at 3am... what a lovely way to wake up!) but we'll get the hang of that.
All in all, I'm enjoying being married. The monumental weight of the decision isn't lost on me in the haze of lovey-dovey feelings; there are times when I am stunned I am married, but that's how it should be. If you get married and don't think to yourself at times, "What the crap did I just do? I'm married to her for life!" then I think you might have made that decision too rashly. The point is, though, that those thoughts fade away, and I'm reminded of just what this all means: I am joined, not saddled; partnered, not stuck; one flesh, not leashed. It is an opportunity to practice grace, and to have it extended to me. It is a place to learn to love without reservation, and be loved. It's a relationship with a mystery attached (according to the apostle Paul), that begs to be explored. Who wouldn't want that?
God's plan of marriage is perfect. Why should that surprise anyone?
Now, some of you sharp cookies (boy, that's a bad image... imagine eating a sharp cookie! So delicious, but so pointy! You'd have to really want it) will therefore clue in to my changed marital status. Yep, I'm married!
It happened on June 13, 2009. Laurel and I stood at the front of our church and, in front of a building full of family and friends - but more importantly, in front of God - made a covenant to be man and wife. It was thrilling and exhilarating and terrifying to do this, but there is no doubt about it; best decision I've ever made, second only to my decision to follow Christ.
It was humbling to see so many people there to support us, and to witness this covenant, and to promise to hold us accountable to a Godly standard of marriage. I take that seriously, even when I'm a guest and not a participant, and so I hope they will take it seriously too.
We left for our honeymoon the next day, and spent 7 days in Florida that were relaxing, exciting, tiring, and refreshing. It was beautiful there, and the time we spent together was beautiful in its own right. We did theme parks (a shared pleasure of ours!), restaurants, the beach (I hate beaches, but I would go anywhere with her, if she asked... and the beach was very nice too), shopping, etc. We spent time getting to know each other again as the stress from planning a wedding unravelled and took with it short tempers, constant details, and conversation monopolising that became a part of our relationship in the last couple of months before our wedding. It was weird to share a bed with a person (I occasionally snore, and she's a light sleeper - she tapped me on the face to wake me up one night at 3am... what a lovely way to wake up!) but we'll get the hang of that.
All in all, I'm enjoying being married. The monumental weight of the decision isn't lost on me in the haze of lovey-dovey feelings; there are times when I am stunned I am married, but that's how it should be. If you get married and don't think to yourself at times, "What the crap did I just do? I'm married to her for life!" then I think you might have made that decision too rashly. The point is, though, that those thoughts fade away, and I'm reminded of just what this all means: I am joined, not saddled; partnered, not stuck; one flesh, not leashed. It is an opportunity to practice grace, and to have it extended to me. It is a place to learn to love without reservation, and be loved. It's a relationship with a mystery attached (according to the apostle Paul), that begs to be explored. Who wouldn't want that?
God's plan of marriage is perfect. Why should that surprise anyone?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
New blog
I've started a new blog that I hope will positively affect my weight loss goals. If you want to follow it, you are welcome to. You'll find it here.
We'll see what happens, won't we?
We'll see what happens, won't we?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Worst Uncle Ever...
...I just might be, but I’m also very new to the game, so I’m entitled to drop the ball (but not the baby, apparently!) every so often.
Yes, I’ve become an uncle. For some of you, this is not news, but I haven’t written about it, so I’m going to.
On Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, my first niece was born. Her name is Clara Rae Harwood, and she was 7lbs or something. I’m male, so I don’t notice things like that. Basically, that she is healthy and everyone’s fine is enough details for me.
This is the first child for my brother and his wife, and my parents’ first grandchild. Those four are absolutely, beside-themselves, smitten with this little girl, and it’s hard to resist. She is quite adorable, and seems to be a good-natured baby.
I haven’t met her yet, but I will in just under a month. I’ve seen only a small portion of the millions of pictures my dad took while he and my mom were out in Ottawa with them. Here are two:
See? Hard to not think that’s adorable.
I have to admit that I feel some pressure to be particularly eloquent about this little girl, and what she means for my family. This is my blog, after all, and I have some small ability with words; I should be able to wax poetic about her.
I don’t feel like it’ll do her justice. Instead, all I have is gratitude to God for her health and safe arrival; for her parents and grandparents who love Him with everything they are, and who will stop at nothing to make sure she is surrounded with the knowledge of her Saviour; pride in my brother for becoming a father who knows just how seriously he must take this responsibility, and for loving the weight of it; excitement to meet her, and share in some small way in her growth.
I’d leave her with this: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil (Proverbs 3:3-7).
Welcome to the family, Clara.
Yes, I’ve become an uncle. For some of you, this is not news, but I haven’t written about it, so I’m going to.
On Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, my first niece was born. Her name is Clara Rae Harwood, and she was 7lbs or something. I’m male, so I don’t notice things like that. Basically, that she is healthy and everyone’s fine is enough details for me.
This is the first child for my brother and his wife, and my parents’ first grandchild. Those four are absolutely, beside-themselves, smitten with this little girl, and it’s hard to resist. She is quite adorable, and seems to be a good-natured baby.
I haven’t met her yet, but I will in just under a month. I’ve seen only a small portion of the millions of pictures my dad took while he and my mom were out in Ottawa with them. Here are two:
This is my brother with his daughter.
And this is her, smiling while she sleeps.
See? Hard to not think that’s adorable.
I have to admit that I feel some pressure to be particularly eloquent about this little girl, and what she means for my family. This is my blog, after all, and I have some small ability with words; I should be able to wax poetic about her.
I don’t feel like it’ll do her justice. Instead, all I have is gratitude to God for her health and safe arrival; for her parents and grandparents who love Him with everything they are, and who will stop at nothing to make sure she is surrounded with the knowledge of her Saviour; pride in my brother for becoming a father who knows just how seriously he must take this responsibility, and for loving the weight of it; excitement to meet her, and share in some small way in her growth.
I’d leave her with this: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil (Proverbs 3:3-7).
Welcome to the family, Clara.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Dear Anonymous
Well, I've turned off the feature that allows "anonymous" to post comments. I just prefer to have names (even fake ones) attached to comments, is all. Pardon the inconvenience.
Please, though, feel free - no, feel invited - to continue to interact with things that pique your interest, even if you think I'm completely and 100% wrong.
Please, though, feel free - no, feel invited - to continue to interact with things that pique your interest, even if you think I'm completely and 100% wrong.
Stupid People
Read this article about people breaking into the Humane Society's shelters to steal pets.
Apparently, they object to the idea that the HS has bills to pay, and think pet adoption or housing (in the case of a lost pet, recovered by the HS) should be free.
But this is my favourite part, right near the end:
...[S[pokeswoman Gail MacMillan says people have threatened to force their way in to steal back animals.
"People do get angry," she says. "They object to the fact that we're charging for these animals and mandating spaying and neutering. They're not thinking rationally, or they're just plain stupid maybe."
They're not thinking clearly, or they're just plain stupid maybe. Thank you, Ms MacMillan, for your candour. Really, you made my day a little brighter.
Now, if only we could get someone to talk to the horde of politicians, union leaders, CEOs, CFOs, etc who are all "just plain stupid maybe." The world would be a better place.
Also, don't steal from the Humane Society!
I never thought I'd have to say that...
Apparently, they object to the idea that the HS has bills to pay, and think pet adoption or housing (in the case of a lost pet, recovered by the HS) should be free.
But this is my favourite part, right near the end:
...[S[pokeswoman Gail MacMillan says people have threatened to force their way in to steal back animals.
"People do get angry," she says. "They object to the fact that we're charging for these animals and mandating spaying and neutering. They're not thinking rationally, or they're just plain stupid maybe."
They're not thinking clearly, or they're just plain stupid maybe. Thank you, Ms MacMillan, for your candour. Really, you made my day a little brighter.
Now, if only we could get someone to talk to the horde of politicians, union leaders, CEOs, CFOs, etc who are all "just plain stupid maybe." The world would be a better place.
Also, don't steal from the Humane Society!
I never thought I'd have to say that...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
How to Read
Read this article for a very good example of how to read with no intention of understanding.
Let’s play along for a second, and I’ll break down the arguments presented.
Group 1 includes A, B, and C
Group 2 includes blue, red, and yellow
Group 3 includes square, circle, triangle, and vertical line
99% of people agree that Group 1 is laudable and desirable
99% of people agree that Group 2 is vile and undesirable
People are not agreed on the desirability of Group 3
Therefore, people who do not approve of Group 3 equate Groups 2 and 3.
This is not a good argument.
The article talks about how Mr. Dalton is a homophobe because he is putting homosexuality into the same category as paedophilia, rape, drunk driving, and incest. But, to go back to our example, that is to say he is putting a vertical line in with the colours. His comment was actually that there are three sorts of moral issues: 1) conduct we all affirm and approve of; 2) conduct we all deny and disapprove of, and; 3) conduct people are not agreed about. He put homosexuality into the last category, along with adultery and gambling.
Let’s be clear about what Mr. Dalton did not say: a vertical line equals red.
It seems that it is not Mr. Dalton who is equating homosexuality and rape, but rather, Mr. Herbert - the fellow who stirred this whole thing up with a 12 year old email. Mr. Dalton made no such argument, but Mr. Herbert certainly has. He’s attributed to his political opponent an argument that the opponent never claimed, and then has lambasted him for it. It seems to me that we don’t put up with such mindless rhetoric in any other issue except for one’s views on homosexuality.
It doesn’t even matter what side of this issue you find yourself - you can believe that homosexuality is as natural and good as breathing or you can think it is abominable - this is bad reasoning and doesn’t deserve to find its way into print.
Let’s play along for a second, and I’ll break down the arguments presented.
Group 1 includes A, B, and C
Group 2 includes blue, red, and yellow
Group 3 includes square, circle, triangle, and vertical line
99% of people agree that Group 1 is laudable and desirable
99% of people agree that Group 2 is vile and undesirable
People are not agreed on the desirability of Group 3
Therefore, people who do not approve of Group 3 equate Groups 2 and 3.
This is not a good argument.
The article talks about how Mr. Dalton is a homophobe because he is putting homosexuality into the same category as paedophilia, rape, drunk driving, and incest. But, to go back to our example, that is to say he is putting a vertical line in with the colours. His comment was actually that there are three sorts of moral issues: 1) conduct we all affirm and approve of; 2) conduct we all deny and disapprove of, and; 3) conduct people are not agreed about. He put homosexuality into the last category, along with adultery and gambling.
Let’s be clear about what Mr. Dalton did not say: a vertical line equals red.
It seems that it is not Mr. Dalton who is equating homosexuality and rape, but rather, Mr. Herbert - the fellow who stirred this whole thing up with a 12 year old email. Mr. Dalton made no such argument, but Mr. Herbert certainly has. He’s attributed to his political opponent an argument that the opponent never claimed, and then has lambasted him for it. It seems to me that we don’t put up with such mindless rhetoric in any other issue except for one’s views on homosexuality.
It doesn’t even matter what side of this issue you find yourself - you can believe that homosexuality is as natural and good as breathing or you can think it is abominable - this is bad reasoning and doesn’t deserve to find its way into print.
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