how interesting...

I was bored in class this evening, so I decided to use the time wisely by doing some online quizzes to determine which LOST character I am. The first one I took said I was Mr. Eko. The second said I was Boone. Those of you familiar with the show will see the irony.

My New Favorite Author

I must admit, it is rare that I've fallen in love with an author as quickly as I have with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It usually takes me a few weeks or at least a few books of reading before I become completely enamored with what one person has to say on a subject. Not so with Bonhoeffer. Perhaps it is because I, like an insane person, am taking 4 credits during winter term. Perhaps it is because I am simultaneously working and interning at NLGlenside. Either way, I am blazing through books faster than I have since I started here at Westminster. Happily, this did not detract from my enjoyment or my edification from Bonhoeffer's book "Life Together." Almost as soon as I began reading, I realized that this book was packed with things I wanted to reference and remember. I was *underlining*. I am not always an underliner, but with "Life Together" it was an imperative. And since reading it on Sunday, I must have referenced it at least 4 times, all in different scenarios and situations--not even explicitly Christian settings, which I think is a mark of true versatility of an author, if their content can transpose contexts. The very fact that what he wrote has been on my brain all week also testifies to the merit of his work.

If you have not had the opportunity to read Bonhoeffer, I would say that "Life Together" is a good start. And if you have, and you have any suggestions on what I should read next, please let me know!

I think they got me about right, too...

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

New Use of the Alphabet

rebecca is thankful for...

Apple pies.

Books; reading them and the way they smell.

Colors.

Dancing.

Engaging conversations.

Flowers.

Giving things to people when they least expect it.

Hugs; especially with my "perfect hug-height" friends.

Ingenuity.

Jokes and laughter.

Kodak moments.

Love.

Music...listening to it and trying to play it.

New things to see, learn, and do.

Orchestras, even though I was never in one.

Praying with people.

Quidditch, even though we can't really play it.

Red coats that are awesome.

Singing by myself and with other people.

Twirling in fun skirts.

Unexpected and happy surprises.

Vicissitudes.

Wine.

Xerox copies.

YHWH.

Zoology.

[thank you, Janine, for inspiring me to use the alphabet in this way.]

what is a holiday?

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English hāligdæg, from hālig holy + dægday

Date:

before 12th century

1: holy day2: a day on which one is exempt from work; specifically : a day marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event--
so really, what makes a holiday? what changed? we have moved from celebrating feast days in the Catholic tradition and simply enjoying the days when we don't have to do work (homework excepted, of course)...to something else entirely? why do we now have these fanciful ideals of what the holidays should look like, even though we know that the reality never lives up to it?I don't have a real answer necessarily. What I do know, however, is that the Lord made days like the Sabbath for us to enjoy for His glory ...and not our own. My thought is that the American tradition (dream, fantasy, ideal, what have you) has taken this notion and changed its purpose. Rather than look back on what the Lord has done for us and see how He has worked in our lives, we are encouraged to look back and see what we have done, what we have come through. This cultural vision is difficult to overcome, even by Christian families. It is difficult to not build our castles on the sand and then feel disappointment when they wash away--as they inevitably do. I confess to struggling with this every time a holiday rolls around. Somehow I am unable to keep my head on straight when I come home; oh, I might leave school with every intention of keeping Christ at the centre of all my doings and sayings. But let's face it--I am a sinner. I am inadequate, even for this task. So after every holiday I return to my respective home humbled at my woeful imperfections and in full awareness of my dependence on Jehovah Nissi. Thank Goodness I have Him for my Banner, my rallying point. He is much more worthy of thanks than I or anyone I know of is. He alone has the word that can truly encourage and inspire...and He is the one who righty receives all the credit. 

an update

here is more information, as Jayne's story unfolds...

please continue to pray, friends.

Jayne McGowan

1981-2007





her story