BLESSED UNION

Baby Humfrey has ARRIVED!

2007-05-27T21:19:00.000-06:00

Christel and I are pleased to announce the arrival of our son,
Bruce Hunter Graham Humfrey!

Hunter was born at 7:06 PM on Thursday, May 24 at High River Hospital.

He weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces.

Here are some other pictures of our little man:

Hunter and his amazing Mother!

Like father like son:

We give praise to God for his answers to the prayers of his people on our behalf!

Check back for more updates!

Sudden Destruction from Which I cannot Escape?!

2007-05-03T08:43:00.000-06:00

Why must the bible constantly compare childbirth to the worst imaginable pain and distress you can imagine? I don't find this particularly helpful when trying to prepare for what is ahead! Some of these heavy, and rather violent verses include:

For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor, anguish as of one giving birth to her first child,... (Jer. 4:31)

They will be dismayed: pangs and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. (Is.13:8)

...the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night....sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thess. 5)

I have to wonder what childbirth would have been like before the fall?

A friend of mine who recently had a baby, told me that while she was in labor, she kept thinking "Why did we have to sin?" As in, "Why did we have to sin in Adam?" Her husband later told her that she was not just thinking it, but actually said it aloud. Needless to say, she was a bit embarrassed in hindsight because of how the doctors and nurses might have misinterpreted what she said.

I have recently been comforted by some beautiful words by John Calvin in his commentary on John. It's a little surprising. Not that his words haven't given me encouragement many times in the past, but I can't say that his commentary would be the first place I would look for encouragement in the realm of childbirth! John 16:20 -22 compares labor and the resulting birth of a little soul to spiritual realities.

You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

In a strange way I almost feel privileged to be able to go though something so unique. This very human experience somehow reflects the anguish and groaning of creation as we wait for the redemption of all things, for the return of our Lord. What a vivid lesson! How many experiences turn from anguish to sudden joy in a moment?

Calvin comments on the privilege that Christians enjoy even now in the Spirit:

Having been regenerated by the Spirit of Christ, we ought to feel in ourselves such a joy as would remove every feeling of our distresses. We ought, I say, to resemble women in labor, on whom the mere sight of the child born produces such an impression, that their pain gives them pain no longer. But as we have received nothing more than the first-fruits, and these in very small measure, we scarcely taste a few drops of that spiritual gladness, to soothe our grief and alleviate its bitterness. And yet that small portion clearly shows that they who contemplate Christ by faith are so far from being at any time overwhelmed by grief, that, amidst their heaviest sufferings, they rejoice with exceeding great joy.

What will it be like to see our Saviour face to face? If we know Christ's presence by the Spirit in only "a few drops of that spiritual gladness" now, what will it be like to enjoy him perfectly, free from the bonds of sin?

I pray that as I'm going through the trials of labour, I can keep my eyes fixed on the blessing to come. May it teach me how to sojourn through this beautiful, yet fallen world. May the darkness never overwhelm me, but may my eyes be fixed on the joy set before me as my Saviour exemplified at the cross (Heb. 12:2).

I love how Calvin puts it later in his commentary on John 16:

…believers are like women in labor, because, having been born again in Christ, they have not yet entered into the heavenly kingdom of God and a blessed life; and they are like pregnant women who are in childbirth, because, being still held captive in the prison of the flesh, they long for that blessed state which lies hidden under hope.

May the Lord teach me through this trial what it truly means to "long for that blessed state which lies hidden under hope," trusting in the sufficiency of my Lord to accomplish it.

Two Months Since My Last Post...

2007-03-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

Clint and I have been in a season of busyness, and I've had difficulty finding time to pursue certain enjoyments, such as blogging.

There are so many things that I am thankful for at the moment. God has shown himself to be good in providing for us and leading us in new directions.

Calvary Grace Church has been a source of encouragement to us as it continues to grow in health and number. We have had the privilege of developing and deepening relationships with people there and we have found great joy in developing friendships. I have also thoroughly enjoyed sitting under Clint's preaching each week (is a wife allowed to say that about her husband?). He is currently trying to preach through larger chunks of Scripture, and I find it really helpful in discerning broader themes and intents throughout. One of the most encouraging aspects of this fellowship, is seeing the sacrificial and giving spirit of many of the people there. Some are really going out of their way to help others, see the church move forward, and ultimately see God's name glorified.

God has also graciously provided us with a house to rent for the next year. We are thankful for our little 'trailer on the prairie', but the riddle of where to fit all of baby's stuff and still have room to walk around, was getting a little overwhelming. So we are moving into the town of High River in April, and Clint and my Dad are busy doing some renovations whenever they can find time.

We are also extremely thankful for this little life growing inside of me. As the date of his arrival is getting closer, our anticipation is growing. I am now about 32 weeks along, and incredibly excited to meet him.

Calvary Grace Church: Thanksgivings

2007-02-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last night at the meeting of Calvary Grace Church, 26 souls were crammed into a North East Calgary living room to worship God, be fed by Word and Spirit, bear each others burdens, pray for one another, and build each other up in fellowship around the things of God.

Thanks be to God for his grace to the undeserving!

Prayers of the People

2007-01-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Recently we saw the prayers of God's people graciously answered on our behalf.

I posted some of my reflections on it under the heading:
How Do You Know People Are Praying For You?

"Embracing the Pain"

2007-01-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Clint and I began our childbirth classes last Monday. We were very curious to see what the evening would hold, especially because we decided to take Bradley Method childbirth classes.

Dr Bradley was an American doctor who pushed to have husbands in the delivery room at a time when it was generally frowned upon. His method basically teaches that by understanding the mechanics of the body in labor, and by utilizing relaxation techniques and deep abdominal breathing through contractions, a woman can achieve an unmedicated, and positive birthing experience. The key to his method is the support and coaching of the husband.

As we were driving to the first class we were trying to imagine what kind of people would be attracted to this natural method of childbirth. A few stereotypes came to our minds, but most of the people were actually quite normal. There were a few odd couples. At least one couple were Reiki practicing new age experts who claimed be in touch with the universe.

The funniest part of the evening was when we were having a discussion about how we usually deal with pain. Many were trying to sound enlightened and sophisticated. Amongst responses such as "meditation" and "I embrace the pain", Clint threw out "drugs, lots of drugs."

The Harvest to Come

2007-01-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been pretty heavy.

Of course there is the normal busyness of Christmas with its relational and logistical intensity. For us however there has been a further development.

After visiting with family on Christmas day (he had been playing cards with Christel and some others) my Grandpa Humfrey had a severe stroke on Boxing Day morning.

The following days were filled with visits to Foothills hospital in Calgary, while taking a sort of crash course in medical ethics.

We were scheduled to meet at the hospital in my Grandpa's room on Saturday for a prayer service with his Anglican minister at around 1pm. When most of the family had arrived near 1pm, Grandpa had already passed a half hour before. Thankfully, some of his daughters were with him earlier. And we continued at Grandpa's bedside led by the Anglican minister. At the end, Christel and I sang two hymns Be Thou My Vision and Amazing Grace. A few shared reflections on my Grandpa.

The subsequent days were a whirlwind of grieving, planning and relational give-and-take. I was glad to be able to give the homily (sermon) even though the Anglican minister would be leading the service.

On Wednesday night before the Thursday funeral, there was a family viewing and prayer service led again by the Anglican minister. Christel and I had prepared another hymn Be Still My Soul , followed by Peace Like a River (It is Well). Again, we were struck with how touched many of our relatives were by the hymns we shared.

Thursday came and the funeral. God gave me liberty to speak as I referenced 1 Cor 15:20, 42-44 with the theme, How the Farmer taught the Soul to Prepare for the Harvest since my Grandpa was a farmer and the Scriptures are full of farming imagery.

In essence it was a reflection on Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection, the image of harvest for resurrection, and also the necessity, practically and spiritually, of seeding time in order to have a harvest.
I was able to share how 5 or 6 years ago, my Grandpa had been terrified by dreams where he was being accused of being a murderer, yet he protested his innocence---he had not killed anyone! In terms of my sermon, his fear was that his harvest would be all chaff. I was able to share with him how all of us are not murderers in act, but certainly in heart since there is none righteous, not one. I then shared the gospel with him, and I believe, he believed in Christ alone with a sincere faith. He returned to health from that bed of sickness and we had him for a few more years. I did see a change in his life which gave me encouragement.

So with the prospect of us all having a chaff-filled harvest, I exhorted the packed Anglican church along with myself to be sure that the urgency of the seeding time does not pass. We all must sow faith in Christ, lest there be no hope of a good harvest in the resurrection.

The service went well and was remarked on by many. I was informed that my Grandpa's Lebanese Muslim neighbor had come to the funeral and it was the first time she had been in a church. She was brought by my Grandpa's other neighbors (the husband was a former Nazarene pastor) who were so thankful for my message. I was also approached by an elderly Sikh lady who inquired of me concerning the identity of the 'young man' in the tomb in Mark 16:1-8, a portion that I read. Such a specific question! She too, seemed sincerely interested in what I had spoke. Other folks--especially neighboring farmers who I know well---commented to me about my message, which I realized later was the first time any of them had heard me preach.

It was a trying time but God provided for us. And it may be that my Grandpa's life was used for the glory of Christ's kingdom even more at the end of his life than before. May it be so.

First Pictures of Baby Humfrey

2006-12-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

At 19 weeks, he's growing into such a big boy! The ultrasound technician asked us how big we thought he was. Clint said 3 inches. I said 5 inches. He laughed and told us that baby Humfrey is now about 11 inches long! I love this picture of his little feet! We also found out that his head is big for his age. No surprise there...Clint and I both have rather large heads. Although, I can't say that I'm excited to deliver that big head!

The most exciting part was when we found out baby Humfrey is a he. It took us at least a whole day to get over the shock of that one. I was so convinced it was a girl and had succeeded in convincing Clint it was a girl. We picked out a perfect girl name. My mother-in-law was also convinced and about to start sewing a pink and brown quilt for him. Ha! God is good! We are so excited about our little boy!

Shepherding a Child's Heart

2006-12-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

I recently received an e-mail from an old friend who had heard about my pregnancy. She had some interesting questions for me such as what type of 'social conditioning' I was planning to expose my child to. There were obvious implications in the terminology she used, but even so I was glad to engage in a discussion with her.

I am beginning to feel the weight of the responsibility of motherhood that God has blessed me with. As much fun as it is to dream of the ways baby Humfrey will be like her mom or her dad (for some reason I think it's a girl), I know that it is essential that I begin to do some serious thinking on the biblical philosophy of parenting.

Obviously, I want to teach my child to love the Lord, but the 'how' can be a little less easy to discern. Each parent that you talk to has a different way or emphasis, and if you walk into the Christian bookstore there is a smorgasbord of methods to choose from--mostly comprised of little charts, anecdotes and accompanying dootles. It's enough to make one's head explode. Ton's of information, and none of it seems truly helpful.

One light I've found in the abyss of parenting resources is a little book by Ted Tripp called "Shepherding a Child's Heart." In it, he says, "A person's life is a reflection of his heart." He warns against the pitfall of merely correcting behavior without addressing the source of the problem, namely, the sinfulness of the heart. Jesus says in Mark 7:21-23, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

Tripp notes that the parent is not the ultimate authority of the child, but that the parent is answerable to God for his/her actions. The point of parenting is not to produce a well behaved child (that doesn't embarrass you), but rather a child who fears the Lord. He emphasizes that when a child's heart is corrected to have a Godward orientation, right actions will follow.

He also addresses important issues such as shaping influences, communication, setting goals, authority issues, and the purpose of discipline (i.e. punishment vs. correction).

I have found this book very helpful as I begin to put together my meager thoughts on parenting. As much as a 'mini-me' sounds appealing to my idolatrous mind, I am becoming more and more convicted that shaping an individual who loves the Lord is much more important.

Pastors' Fraternal in the Making

2006-12-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

On Monday I had the joy of meeting with three other pastors from Alberta in the hopes of establishing a pastors' fraternal.

The men were all committed to Calvinistic soteriology and baptistic ecclesiology. Among them was my friend Dan S. who travelled with me. I think we both came away with a heightened sense of expectation for what our Lord may do in Alberta in coming days. Next time around we hope to have many more pastors meeting with us, especially Terry and Todd who couldn't make it this time.

One exciting suggestion is that we hold an annual conference. My hope is that whatever we do, pastors are stirred with greater affection for Jesus Christ and singular diligence for the gospel.

A Three-Church- Sunday Round-Up

2006-11-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a blessed day among God's people and though filled with activity, it was graciously restful.

In the morning Christel and I headed off in opposite directions as she helped with the music at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Blackie, and I went to Okotoks Ev. Free for my 3rd class on Markers in Church History. For my part, reflecting on Sarah Edwards' experience in the revival was heart-warming for me on such a cold day. And Jonathan's deep reflections are always evergreen.

We met up again in the afternoon and went to Dan and Marlene's for lunch and fellowship with new friends Joey & Kimberley and Brock & Jen. A surprising amount of discussion related to the Christian blogosphere, and the Reformed sector in particular. At times I felt a bit 'behind the times', but of course that is nothing new. We all remarked at the privilege of having access to so much good theology, yet how culpable we were for not 'improving' it as we ought.

As it got dark Christel and I left the Spud Estate and journeyed to Calgary and the home of Toronto transplants, Peter & Anna. After we sang some rich, yet simple hymns I preached from Isaiah 42 and leaned on God to supply my lack. Among those gathered we enjoyed rich discussions as we tried to build one another up in our knowledge of God and his Word.

On the drive home, we remarked at how busy our day had been, and yet how much God had helped us. Christel had prayed that morning, in a manner she derived from a comment of John Calvin's, that God would lend to us life and strength for the day. God certainly was not cheap in his provision, but was opulent in his supply.

In all of our travels God granted us safety and, surprisingly, rest.

More Church Planting

2006-11-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited with my brother-in-law, Chad and his wife Karmyn as they were in Western Canada on a brief fact-finding trip for a church plant in Vernon, BC.

Chad shared with me how the Southern Baptist Convention has multiple layers of administration which work efficiently together to help see churches planted. In particular, Chad observed the relative newness of the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists, which he concluded would offer a great deal of freedom in his ministry. Since the SBC is not a monolith, Chad was very concerned to have doctrinal and methodological freedom to implement solid biblical exposition as well as biblical models of church planting. It appears that he has that freedom, and so he may well become a Southern Baptist!

A key in all of it is Chad's connections to churches in the US where he is currently attending Liberty Seminary (is this the 2nd or 3rd MA?). He also is booked to go to Capitol Hill Baptist in Washington, DC for one of Mark Dever's Weekenders. It would be wonderful if Chad got sending support from a church like Capitol Hill!

May the Lord bless Chad and Karmyn as they continue to seek His gracious leading.

Details On Church Plants, Pastor Fraternals, et al.

2006-11-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Church Plant
On Sunday evening, my wife and I went to a home located in a new development of the old military base. In the living room belonging to Steve and Julia, we were joined by Peter and Anna (whom I had met at Paul Martin's church in Toronto), Bernie, Wayne and finally, Nivelin. Everyone had been a previous acquaintance of Steve's except for Nivelin who had made contact through the website, www.calvaryreformed.com.

After opening in prayer we sang a number of wonderful songs to guitar accompaniment. They were hymn texts set to different tunes and came largely from the work of Indelible Grace. After that I spoke on 1 Cor. 3 noting the roots of factionalism in the church and the necessity of Jesus Christ being the foundation. I confess that it was merely a workman-like exposition, but by God's grace, it appeared to help everyone. Afterward everyone had tea and butter-tarts combined with godly conversation as we got to know one another.

The gathering is in its infancy. Although there is no 'mother church' sponsoring it there is hope of having some voluntary accountability to a like-minded Calvinistic Baptist church. In all, the ethos is Christ-ward rather than Calvin-ward per se. However the doctrines of grace will mark all that is done.

That is a small summary of a wonderful evening. I look forward to our next meeting!

Pastor Fraternal
It has long been my desire to see the like-minded Calvinistic Baptist pastors in Alberta come together to support each other, to share resources and to learn from one another. In this course, a gathering of men is planned for the first Monday of December in Red Deer, the practical mid-point of the province.

My hope is that such a fraternal could be a means of connecting seminary grads with churches, as interns, pastors, other staff, etc. Down the road, we would possibly look at establishing a regular conference with invited speakers and a theme.

These are a few irons in the fire. May God grant us quickening by the Spirit and fidelity to his word!

The Gospel in Alberta

2006-11-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note:

We ask our friends to pray for a new church plant in the city of Calgary that I will be preaching at beginning tomorrow.

As well, I am facilitating a gathering of likeminded pastors in Alberta for the purpose of fraternal edification. Hopefully our first meeting will be in early December.

Further, I'm speaking on John Owen at Okotoks Ev. Free. He is a daunting figure to encapsulate in 45 minutes!

Please pray that these efforts, though small, would be lifted by the strong arm of Christ.

Clinthumfrey.com/blog

2006-11-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've been quietly learning about the Wordpress platform in order to return to some more academic/theological blogging. The appeal of Wordpress is that the post contents can be categorized by subject, not merely archived by dates.

Wordpress is not for everyone. It is not nearly as user-friendly as Blogger. The 'geek-quotient' has to increase in order to figure out PHP's and FTP's for Wordpress.

But since I'm neither timely nor relevant for the 'up-to-date' format of Blogger, I'm going to try this other, lasting, though easily-glitched platform.

I'll continue to share personal news and views here at Blessed Union, but I'll stick the opaque writing at:

clinthumfrey.com/blog

Clint's Review of Recent Events

2006-11-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Although the work of the farm-hand has not meshed well with the demands of the blogosphere, I am now able to offer a bit to the latter.

PHOENIX

Harvest is over so Christel and I went to Phoenix, AZ for a much needed vacation. The weather was hot (high 80's to low 90's) although the return to a blizzarding Calgary was quite shocking to our tanned faces!

TEACHING

Now that it is winter, I am trying to transition into more ministry-oriented labours. Yesterday, I taught at Okotoks Ev. Free Church at the request of Dan Sudfeld, where I began a 4 Sunday series on Church History figures: John Calvin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Although Dan picked out the figures, they are all dear to my heart and I couldn't have chosen better! Marlene Sudfeld gave me a warm introduction to the class in Dan's absence. I was thankful for God's help as I weakly tried to speak about Calvin's theological largesse in a mere 45 minutes!

FRIENDS

Looking back prior to our Phoenix trip, we were delighted to have a visit from my former colleague at Toronto Baptist Seminary, Dr. Pierre Constant and his wonderful wife, Lise. It was a treat to be able to show them around the farm and take them into downtown Calgary for a plate of Alberta beef. Pierre shared encouraging reports from TBS with enrollment up and an influx of committed and godly young men.

A meeting that didn't take place was with Dr. Crawford Gribben of Manchester who was in Calgary delivering lectures for the Chair of Christian Thought. Crawford was gracious in understanding my situation as I was pressed for time before departing to Arizona.

COWBOYIN'

On the cowboy front, I spent 4 days at the summer pasture rounding up the cow-herd with my brother and a friend. It was snowy and cold the whole time but we were pleased to corral the main herd except for a couple of wild cow-calf pairs that broke through the fence. Once the snow gets deeper they should become easily persuaded to come in---or else with a long rope! I'm sure it took the first day or two in Phoenix for my toes to thaw out from all of that time in the cold stirrups.

Phoenix Vacation

2006-10-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning we are leaving for Phoenix, Arizona. The snow here is beautiful, but we are not quite ready for winter. The warmth and sunshine will be a welcome treat. We are gratefully anticipating this much needed rest (especially for Clint.)

Check out the place where we're staying here. The condo belongs to my aunt and uncle who attend Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton.

If you're interested in a warm vacation this winter, consider booking this condo for yourself!.

And What Do YOU Do?

2006-10-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Of all the questions commonly heard in our polite North American society, this is undoubtedly the question I hate the most.

I can see the scene unfolding in my mind. With each and every new acquaintance we go through the same charade. First, they are speaking to Clint about his profession as a Greek Professor, or his pursuit of PhD studies, or his 'cowboying.' All of which receive the customary "That's wonderful!" or "How interesting!" and of course, "Good for you!" Finally, their heads swivel toward me, eyebrows raised, and they ask in that very proper tone, "And what to you do?"

Does anyone actually think about what they are saying when they ask a woman this question? I know it's the only thing people can seem to think of to say, and it is arguably the polite way to make introductions in our culture. But we all know that what they are really asking is, "What do you do to make money?" It's not quite as polite to put it this way, but it's a little more honest.

Let's face it, women are defined by what they do. Their response to this little question of introduction will not only be the primary definer of their identity, but also of their quality of person. Women who have made the home their primary focus are left with only two possible answers, both require an answer of humiliation, namely, "Oh, I don't work." or "I'm just a homemaker." Even a woman who finds time to do a little work for pay outside the home, must respond to this question with "the little" they do outside the home. And, most likely, they would believe that it is the least important thing that they do with their time, and they would certainly not wish to be defined by it.

My frustration comes not with unbelievers, but with Christians. Where in the bible does it speak of a woman's role being primarily to make money? It doesn't. So why are Christian women made to feel like less because their primary energies are focused on running a household, ministry to their husband and/or children, and ministry in their local church and community?

I cannot tell you the number of times that Christian men and women have encouraged me to pursue a career in singing, but I have never once had anyone ask me how it would effect my marriage to be away from home for months at a time touring.

The Proverbs 31 woman "considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard." She is entrepreneurial. She is good with money and investments. All women should strive to achieve this, but this is only one verse of the 21 verses that paint a picture of her excellence. She is certainly not neglecting her home in order to make money. Why are the other 20 verses so often disregarded or treated as irrelevant among Christians?

Admittedly, there are some lazy women out there that give homemakers a bad name. But I can guarantee that not all homemakers sit around watching Oprah all day. They're much too busy with their duties of nutritionist, personal chef, accountant, investment researcher/analyst, secretary and cleaning lady. They are also spending time finding ways to minister to their husband and/or children, family, church and community.

Contrary to popular belief, I've never heard of a woman that had a full time career whose home did not suffer for it in some capacity. However, in truth, I am glad that we live in a country were women have freedom to work. Sometimes it is really necessary for a season, and in other seasons a woman has the time and finds enjoyment doing it. A paid job can truly be a blessing at certain times in a woman's life. But we must guard against feminism replacing scripture as our measuring stick for a woman's worth.

So please, don't define a woman by her paid job (or absence of one.) Don't assume that if she doesn't have a paid job, she's watching Oprah. And if you can be a little creative and counter-cultural, don't ask a woman a question that requires a humiliating answer.

Humfrey News

2006-10-23T07:04:00.000-06:00

Christel and I have been quite neglectful of this blog to the point that there may not be anybody left who reads it. Nevertheless here are a few items by way of update:

Christel has been feeling nauseous and fatigued lately but we are hoping that she is coming out of the early morning sickness phase.
Our baby is still pretty tiny but we saw her/him bouncing up and down with her/his arms and legs flailing. (Either a ballet dancer or bronc rider to my way of thinking).
Harvest is over along with its gruelling schedule (75-80 hrs per week). Now at least I can come home in the evening for supper and not be on the combine into the late hours of the night. (The crop yields were okay but a bit disappointing considering the vast amount of rain that we had in the spring, but there is much to be thankful for).
Christel and I sang together in public for only the second time yesterday at church in Blackie (the first was at TBS friends- Justin and Elisha Galotti's wedding). We filled in leading the singing. It was fun worshipful and sounded pretty good I think (at least Christel did!).
We are looking forward to seeing some visitors to Calgary next week. Pierre Constant, Professor of New Testament at TBS, and his wife Lise are taking a cross-Canada trip by train and will be in Calgary for a stopover. We hope to have them down to our ranchero. A few days later, Crawford Gribben, a professor at the University of Manchester, will be in Calgary to deliver lectures on 'Rapture Fiction' and Millenialism in North American Evangelicalism. The lectures are under the rubric of the Chair of Christian Thought at the University of Calgary. Crawford is a good friend of Dr. Haykin and Ian Clary and it is through them that I have been able to correspond with Crawford over the past year.
I've been doing some horse-trading with our automobiles lately. I installed a new transmission into my old black Ford truck and am trying to sell it since we bought an SUV at an auction for Christel to drive this winter. I tried to sell our car at auction but I brought it home. I'm in discussions with a buyer, and it might be gone by the end of the week.
I will be involved in the Fall Round-Up of our cattle at the northern summer pasture located south-west of Edmonton. I was working cattle there last week and still feel sore in my knees from all of the trees that had to squeeze my horse through!
Yesterday after church we had a great time of fellowship with Steve& Julia, Peter& Anna, Pastor Todd & Bev. I had corresponded with Steve a bit regarding his efforts to see a Calvinistic Baptist church plant get started in Calgary. Peter introduced himself to me at church but I was confused about where I had met him. It seems that Peter was at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto (Pastored by Paul Martin-Kerux Noemata) on the evening when I preached there (an over-long sermon which can be agonized through here). All of us had a wonderful time of discussion and laughter, filled as we were from Pastor Todd's excellent sermon from 1 Peter 2:1-2.
Lord willing we are going to Phoenix on October 31st for a much needed vacation. It will be a cheap holiday matching Air Miles with a free use of a relative's condo. When we return I will be teaching on some 'Heroes' of the Christian Faith at Okotoks E-Free (Dan& Marlene Sudfeld).
Finally, I am developing some classes to be taught at local churches. My hope is that I can have enough financial support from teaching as I currently do from my farm-wage. If this could happen I would stop working on the farm (or cut back drastically) and concentrate on prep and teaching. Please pray for this option, especially that there would be sufficient interest in some of the classes I hope to offer.

Important Announcement !!!

2006-09-29T08:06:00.000-06:00

Clint and Christel have been blogging rarely these days---but for good reason.

We are pleased to announce that WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!

We thank God for our time here in Alberta near our families as we anticipate the arrival of our first child. As the Lord permits, we still hope to go to Scotland in the fall of 2007 where Clint will take up New Testament PhD studies at the University of Aberdeen.

Please pray for us (three).

Christel & Clint (& the Wee One).

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

2006-08-28T06:57:00.000-06:00

It was encouraging to worship at the church in the nearby village of Blackie and to hear quotations from Robert Murray M'Cheyne, allusions to John Piper's Future Grace, and circumspect exposition of 1 Peter.

I have a long affinity for the church in this rural village since it was the congregation that I joined when I was brought to Christ in the late winter of 1992. It was also the congregation where I functioned as pastor during an internship through Prairie Bible College in 1995.

The church has seen many pastors over the years. Among them was my good friend Ryan Fullerton who now pastors Immanuel Baptist, a vibrant church serving Southern Seminary, Boyce College and inner-city Louisville, KY.

The church at Blackie has had many trials as well. But now to hear the glorious truths of Scripture heralded by pastor Todd Brae with compassion and God-ward perspective is a blessing to my heart.

It is fitting that the church has changed its name to correspond to its emphasis. And so I am happy to commend their new website of the same name:

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

Love and First Impressions

2006-08-25T17:45:00.000-06:00

The story was told at our wedding about the first time I laid eyes on Clint. I was new to the community and totally naive of western culture. He caught my attention as he sauntered into the church dressed head to toe in his cowboy glory, ruggedly handsome with his broad shoulders and muscular frame. As the story goes, I turned to my new girlfriends and asked, "Is that how people dress around here?" (The size of his belt buckle really blew me away.)

I have been reading through C. H. Spurgeon's Autobiography, and have come to the chapter entitled "Love, Courtship, and Marriage" written by Mrs. C.H. Spurgeon. She writes a humorous account of the first time she saw her husband (causing me to recollect my first sighting of my beloved husband.)

The first time I saw my future husband, he occupied the pulpit of New Park Street Chapel...if the whole truth be told, I was not at all fascinated by the young orator's eloquence, while his countrified manner and speech excited more regret than reverence. Alas, for my vain and foolish heart! I was not spiritually-minded enough to understand his earnest presentation of the gospel, and his powerful pleading with sinners, but the huge black satin stock, the long, badly-trimmed hair, and the blue pocket-handkerchief with white spots which he himself has so graphically described--these attracted most of my attention, and, I fear, awakened some feelings of amusement. There was only one sentence of the whole sermon which I carried away with me, and that solely on account of its quaintness, for it seemed to me an extraordinary thing for the preacher to speak of the "living stones in the Heavenly Temple perfectly joined together with the vermilion cement of Christ's blood." (p. 280-281)

She obviously loved her husband very much. She describes the garden where Spurgeon purposed to her:

I think of that old garden as a sacred place, a paradise of happiness, since there my beloved sought me for his very own, and told me how much he loved me. Though I thought I knew this already, it was a very different matter to hear him say it, and I trembled and was silent for very joy and gladness...thank God, throughout all my blessed married life, the perfect love which drew us together never slackened or faltered, and , though I can now see how undeserving I was to be the life companion of so eminent a servant of God, I know he did not think this, but looked upon his wife as God's best earthly gift to him.
In the diary I then kept, I find this brief but joyful entry: "August 2, 1854.--it is impossible to write down all that occurred this morning. I can only adore in silence the mercy of my God, and praise Him for His benefits." (p. 284)

This chapter is a must read for all romantics. And thank God for this godly woman who speaks so highly of her marriage! It can be discouraging to hear older women tell us younger women over and over what a hardship marriage is. It is sad to see how worldly thinking has penetrated the church. It seems that women find more enjoyment from putting their husbands down in public than from praising them. And if someone dares to praise her husband it almost assuredly followed by a condescending remark by another women saying, "Oh, you're still in the honeymoon stage. You'll find out later."

For some reason women find it a real bonding time to complain about their husband and marriage, and it is decidedly out of style to speak highly of their man. But what kind of effect does that have on people's marriages?

I am challenged to be praising and thanking God daily for his great benevolence to me. May I never become presumptuous on God's goodness, but rather properly appreciate the delightful gift He has given me (belt buckle and all.)

Interest in the Young, Restless and Reformed

2006-08-25T07:16:00.000-06:00

Here are some other thoughts on the CT article: Young, Restless and Reformed.

Strange Baptist Fire

Ligon Duncan

Theopedia

Cyrene Ministries

Reformation Theology

Irish Calvinist

Jenson's Blog

More Calamities

2006-08-24T07:22:00.000-06:00

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has published a book accusing the Bush administration of being behind the 9/11 attacks. Mark D. Roberts a pastor in the denomination (and blogger) has responded with criticism of his denomination:

I wonder when my congregation will say, "Enough is enough. Why do we continue to be part of a denomination that consistently does things that are so obviously divisive and unwise, if not offensive to us? When does the cost of being part of the PCUSA overwhelm the dwindling benefits?" As a pastor, I wonder how much longer I want to keep putting out denominationally-set fires in an effort to protect my church from burning down.

(HT: Hugh Hewitt)

Paul Martin also gave his thoughts on the vacuity of liberal mainline churches from his experience of a Sunday service:

Which takes me to my point – mainline denominations like the PCC are dead and this is why: God is not there. End of story.
God will not come down to a place where His supremacy is denied, His Word is mishandled, His Name is mocked, His presence is not sought, His holiness is forgotten, His Son is ignored, His created gender distinctions are not honoured, His Gospel is not preached, and His reality is considered trivial. That is what you get in mainline churches and that is why they are dead.

I truly believe that lapsed Christianity creates monsters. Liberalism doesn't build, but rather destroys.

As Spurgeon said concerning liberals:

All that they can do now is to wriggle into our churches, and hiss from pulpits which were once filled by the orthodox. They cannot build places of worship of their own,—they could not build a mousetrap; as a rule, there is not power enough in their teaching to gather a congregation, or to keep one when it is gathered. All the vitality, force, and energy they possess are spent, cuckoo-like, in laying their eggs in the nests which we take the trouble to fashion, for they cannot build their own.

A Great Spiritual Calamity in the Church History of Canada

2006-08-23T20:48:00.000-06:00

In an address given to the alumni of Westminster Theological Seminary, John Murray noted the theological compromise that had plagued Trans-Atlantic Christianity in the early 20th century. Among his examples was a Canadian one:

In that same year, 1925, a great spiritual calamity occurred in the church history of Canada. It was in that year that the union of the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian churches was consummated. By this union a large proportion of the Presbyterian Church in Canada abandoned the historic Presbyterian witness and entered into a communion that had as its basis a confession acceptable to the overwhelming majority of Methodists and Congregationalists in that Dominion.

~The Banner of Westminster Seminary in The Claims of Truth, Collected Writings of John Murray Vol. 1 (Banner of Truth), p.100.

The warning for our own day is that such calamities can happen, though they are not percieved as such when they occur.

Let us not be complacent, but hold to the ethos of the Psalmist: "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth" (Psalm 60:4)

Canadian Bloggers

2006-08-23T06:50:00.000-06:00

Some excellent Canadian bloggers I've been looking at recently (that is, other than the great folks in Southern Ontario!) are:

Rebecca Writes

A Reformed gal from Whitehorse who likes David Brainerd and gardening. Concise and Interesting.

Doulogos

Daniel in Winnipeg who thinks marketing the church equals selling out. Earnest and Earthy.

Are You Young, Restless and Reformed?

2006-08-21T21:56:00.000-06:00

The upcoming cover of Christianity Today looks like this:

The question is, how will CT portray the Calvinistic renewal that many of us have witnessed first-hand?

And is cool Calvinism (see the shirt) a sign of advance or decline in this renewal?

My early thoughts on this resurgence of Calvinistic belief and practice in the 20th century were set down in an essay titled, Breaking Fallow Ground: The Rise of Neo-Puritanism in the 20th Century (formerly hosted at the Tanglewood Baptist Church website, but now seemingly no more).

Here is the opening paragraph:

Hard soil sprouts no fruit. In the farmer’s world, this truth spurs him to till his acres and break up the fallow ground. Likewise for the Christian, he must cultivate the rocky terrain of his heart, turning over the crust of decay and plowing up the nutrients of older, deeper times. In the shifting seasons of history, Christianity has been in a cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. As with all of God’s creation, there have been times to plant new seed amid the compost of rotting residue. Such a time came at the mid-point of the 20th century when a new planting occurred through a renewed interest in the Reformers, Puritans and the preachers of revival. This movement served to bring life to a parched Christian landscape, and has been characterized as a type of pietistic Calvinism, nicknamed, “Neo-Puritanism”.

I have come to consider the term Neo-Puritanism to be too restrictive, but at the time that I wrote the essay it seemed to fit.

(HT: Jonathan Edwards Center Blog)
UPDATE: Justin Taylor has posted about the CT cover at the Reformation21 blog, but will post on his own blog later when the CT issue comes out.

Jam and Books

2006-08-21T08:45:00.000-06:00

New Lumps' wife, Juanita, has started a blog, and it looks like it is going to be a good one! I am always appreciative when wise and godly people take the time to blog so that the rest of us can glean from them.

Harvest

2006-08-21T07:39:00.000-06:00

As young men and women head off to colleges, I know that it is harvest-time.
The fields are golden and the skies are blue. Judgement time begins in earnest today when the grain will be separated from the chaff. It is a time of closure, finality and intended destination. Although I wish I could be teaching this fall, I'm glad to be bringing in the harvest. I learn so much from it.

Proximity

2006-08-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

Doesn't there seem to be a pretty important theme in Scripture concerning the proximity of God? Think for a moment:

presence/ absence
incarnation/ resurrection/glorification
seen/unseen
temple-holy of holies/ temple of Holy Spirit-church in the world

The list could go on and on.

A great deal of misunderstanding, both in expectations and reflections, comes from confusion about the proximity of God in his unfolding revelation.

Is not our lack of faith and struggles with unbelief in part due to our craving for God's proximity on our terms rather than His? But our flesh desires to control God, or be God. Thankfully the Spirit of Christ teaches us otherwise.

Discovering Italian Reformers #2

2006-08-19T06:49:00.000-06:00

Jesus Christ says that no man comes to Him unless His Father draws him (John 6:44). The apostle Paul says also, " All have not faith" (2 Thessalonians 3:2) and "faith is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). From this I understand that it is not a man's power to believe, to love, and to confide. Nor is it in the power of man to know God or to know himself. All of this is only brought about by the distinct favor of God. For it is beyond a man's power to make himself inwardly pious, just, and holy, since it is only God that is able to effect all of this.

~ Juan De Valdes (d. 1541) in the Eighteenth of One Hundred and Ten Considerations, Because of Christ, James M. Houston ed. (Victor, 2005), p.56.

Some will call such a statement Calvinistic, yet is nothing more than sound biblical teaching with or without the label.

M'Cheyne's Impact

2006-08-17T07:03:00.000-06:00

The impact of Robert Murray M'Cheyne's life continues to be felt. Now on-line, his bible reading plan is available in English Standard Version--to be read or listened to!

Anyone who knows me knows that M'Cheyne is a hero of mine. Three words: Scots, Holy, Revival. 'Nuff Said.

If you are interested in learning about M'Cheyne on-line, check out David Haslam's long-running and extensive collection of data at his Robert Murray M'Cheyne website, here.

One of my older articles is published on the M'Cheyne site titled, Of Common Ilk: Spiritual Friendship as a Means of Grace in the Lives of Robert Murray M'Cheyne and His Companions.

Schreiner on Biblical Women's Ministries

2006-08-15T07:19:00.000-06:00

Here is the pdf file from Tom Schreiner outlining many women's ministries in the church. Schreiner says:

...contemporary women should be encouraged by the women in the Scriptures
who have contributed to the spread of God’s kingdom message. God does not use men
alone to accomplish His purposes. Both sexes are created in God’s image, and both men
and women have been used mightily by God. No woman who has a desire to please God
should feel that there is no place for her ministry in the church.

Kostenberger on Biblical Headship

2006-08-15T07:06:00.000-06:00

His post is here at Biblical Foundations.

Discovering Italian Reformers #1

2006-08-14T06:43:00.000-06:00

I picked up a Victor Classics book in the series edited by James Houston titled, Because of Christ: Living Out the Gift of God Through Faith. It is an abridged and edited work combining two treatises from Italian theologians in the 16th century.

The first work is One Hundred and Ten Considerations by Juan de Valdes (d. 1541). It is essentially a treatise on justification by faith alone, and the practical implications of this truth. What is remarkable about Valdes' thought is that, as James Houston argues:

there is no evidence he or his circle of friends were in touch with the Reformation sources of Luther, Calvin or other works in the 1530's. Yet later at the trial of Valdes' friend Cardinal Carnesecchi before the Inquisition, the Inquisition judge saw no distinction between Lutheranism and Valdes' teaching.

I will post again from some of the insights of Juan de Valdes, as well as the second treatise On the Benefit of Jesus Christ, Crucified by Don Benedetto.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Monday

2006-08-14T06:11:00.000-06:00

Adrian Warnock has a regular feature on the great Welsh preacher titled, ML-J on Mondays

Trying Exams, an Aleatoric Chorus and Excellent Preaching

2006-08-13T15:21:00.000-06:00

It's been a tiring week. I just finished writing some music history and theory exams that I needed to complete for my ARCT diploma. I only left myself about 3 weeks to study, which was apparently not enough time.

During these three weeks we also made a few trips to Edmonton where Clint preached at Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton and I learned how to make apple pie from my Grandmother (who is known for making amazing pies.)

The night before my first exam I had what may have been a refining moment from the Lord or else it was a cruel jest from the devil. I was wound up in a knot with all these facts, dates and chord progressions running through my head, when all of the sudden I heard noises coming from the other room. I woke Clint up in a hurry and he eventually got up to check (being the wonderful husband that he is). Of course it was mice running around and having a grand old time in my kitchen. We closed the bedroom door, but they could still have easy access to our bedroom through the pipelines.

At this point, I wasn't thinking about chord progressions, but rather about mice running across my face while I slept! I could hear every little noise and creek, and said as much to my husband. He replied, "Oh no, that's just the skunk living under our trailer." Somehow this didn't comfort me. Just as I started to dowse off, the whole coyote family and their friends decided to come out with a rising chorus of howls at our gate, and of course the train went by with it's horn blasting away. I thought to myself, "John Cage may call this music." Mice squeaking, skunks scratching, coyotes howling and trains bellowing makes for a great aleatoric modern composition.

On a more optimistic note, I was refreshed this morning at church. Unfortunately, our pastor is ill, and so we were informed that we would hear a sermon on CD. This is when it is a blessing to be married to a preacher. The chairman announced, "As providence would have it, we have a preacher with a sermon in the back pocket of his wranglers."

Clint preached the best sermon that I think he's ever preached (although I do seem to say that after every sermon.) He preached the same one in Edmonton (from 1 Peter 2) the week before and you can find it online here.

Young Men Leaving, Old Men Passing On

2006-08-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

With the passing on to glory of my former teacher and colleague, Dr. Geoff Adams, and the departure of my two brothers-in-law to school in Virginia, it feels a bit strange to be sitting here in rural Alberta, my temporary destination.

But as the sorrow of a fruitful ministry gone begins to settle, the hope of new ventures arises.

I pray that the myopia that plagues us all would be crushed by the weight of glory to be revealed as God manifests his saving, reviving power.

As Christians we look to the future, though anchored in the past. Who knows what God may do through young men going off to school, young women handing on the faith to a new generation, and not-so-young folks striving to finish well.

Lord, grant us all the quickening of your Spirit!

More Tracks from the Chariot

2006-08-11T07:15:00.000-06:00

Here are reflections on the godly Dr. Geoff Adams:

And the announcement on the Toronto Baptist Seminary website.

Geoff Adams: The Chariot of Israel Ascends

2006-08-10T19:43:00.000-06:00

In the darkness of our day and the faltering fortunes of God's people, one could easily despair at the departure of the chariot of Israel with a latter-day Elijah(2 Kings 2:12). But God has not left us without hope or enabling. Even as Dr. Geoff Adams has passed into the presence of his Lord Christ, the material legacy of God's work though this man remains.

Simply put---Dr. Adams was a godly man. His prayers were marked by the vocabulary of the Scriptures and the grammar of heaven. To be in his presence as he approached the throne of grace was to enjoy illumination of the things of God and breathings of the Spirit of God. Such communion with God naturally overflowed from Dr. Adams in his gushing enthusiasm for the advance of Christ's kingdom.

No one admitted to Dr. Adams' classes or company would fail to be impressed with his deep appreciation and regard for the Holy Scriptures. Like a mariner sorting through knots and hitches, he relished untying and re-tying the cords of redemptive-history in order to come to grips with the cohesion and strength of the whole. Though his seamanship ended with his stint in the British Navy, his fascination with God's progressive revelation never did.

The predominant ministry which Geoff Adams engaged in was the training of pastors at Toronto Baptist Seminary. The academic rigor which he demanded reflected directly his view of the high calling of the pastor. Though challenging and tough, he did not treat students inflexibly. In this he bore the imprint of Christ-likeness far more than even his students gave him credit for.

The departure of Geoff Adams from this world to the next signals the end of an age. The world of today is much different than that of post-WWII Toronto. And yet the call of God upon the lives of men remains the same. How may those who are left behind respond to such a call? The ancient example gives us the answer. Just as Elijah was taken upon the chariot of Israel, so too we must be like Elisha with prayers for a double portion of Elijah's blessing (2 Kings 2:9). Although our request may also be a hard thing (v.10), let us not neglect to pray it and take up the mantle left behind by God's servant(v.14). In such a manner, the legacy of Dr. Geoff Adams will continue to flourish even though his chariot has breached the skies.

Financial Fallout

2006-08-10T07:15:00.000-06:00

Consider the financial fallout of the mega-church movement. Is there not an abundance of money demanded and supplied for mega-churches that smaller churches never see?

It seems to me that a new deliberateness is required by Reformed evangelicals to fund church plants, mentorships, and theological education. Already, young Christians and young church plants have a difficult time finding the resources to help them in kingdom work.

By contrast, the mega-churches with the money will become more clearly allied with the bible colleges, seminaries and even mission agencies who adopt a similar 'lowest common denominator' approach. There is money there, but it has strings attached.

Those who have convictions may find they are marginalized both theologically and financially.

The Other Typology

2006-08-09T07:28:00.000-06:00

Paul writes to Timothy exhorting him to preach and teach the doctrine that Paul had passed on to him.

He also wished that Timothy would aspire to a such a character as to silence any who would despise his youth (1 Tim 4:12).

In contrast to being despised for immaturity, Paul commanded Timothy to be a "type of the faithful ones" or a "type of the believing ones".

In this way there is an alternative typology for the Christian to study---the typology of a godly life.

Conferences & the Local Church

2006-08-08T07:28:00.000-06:00

How important is it for pastors to attend the mega conferences like Shepherds Conference, Bethlehem Pastor's Conference, Together for the Gospel, and a host of others (Banner of Truth, Bunyan, Philadelphia Reformed, etc.)?

The positives are that pastors enjoy fellowship and encouragement from other pastors and speakers. There are lots of new book acquisitions, too. For the most part, these conferences are generally viewed as 'all-positive', and the more you can attend the better.

However, the negatives are important as well. For example, the celebrity orientation that conferences can have makes a pastor tempted to get into an 'inner circle' or feel slighted to be left out. Unhealthy desires for duplication of speakers' ministries can lead men of lesser gifts and different situations to develop artificial approaches, goals and standards.

Are there any options for adjustment if adjustment is needed in our view of conference-going? Would smaller, more regional conferences be better? Are the mega-conferences important to the cohesion of the reformational sector of Evangelicalism, and should thereby be supported in earnest? Do the mega-conferences and their speakers end up being a default Episcopate and confederation of Cardinals? Maybe this is inescapable and practically helpful.

One last thought---do the mega-conferences serve as a sort of go-between for the local church and the seminaries? By this I mean, are conferences the place where current issues are addressed or teaching is expounded that is accessible to the local church in a way that seminaries don't provide.

Has the rise of mega-conferences come from the lack of church-based theological education?

And finally, if I go to a conference this year, which one should it be and why?

A Novel Suggestion

2006-08-04T09:34:00.000-06:00

If you want to read a novel that is educational, entertaining, and that may make you feel a little more cultured, try reading Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment.

The author, James R Gaines, has a way of bringing to life the tension between Johann Sebastian Bach's morals, beliefs and practices and the incoming 'age of enlightenment,' as typified by Frederick the Great, Prussia's young king.

The following excerpt from the first chapter exemplifies the tension that begins to unravel between these differing worldviews:

One Sunday evening in the spring of his seventh year as king, as his musicians were gathering for the evening concert, a courtier brought Frederick his usual list of arrivals at the town gate. As he looked down the list of names, he gave a start.
"Gentlemen, " he said, '"old Bach is here." Those who heard him said there was " a kind of agitation" in his voice. (p.5)...

Nowhere were they more different, though, than in their attitudes toward music. Bach represents the "learned counterpoint" of canon and fugue, a centuries-old craft that by now had developed such esoteric theories and procedures that some of its practitioners saw themselves as the custodians of a quasi-divine art, even as weavers of the cosmic tapestry itself. Frederick and his generation were having none of that. They denigrated counterpoint as the vestige of an outworn aesthetic, extolling instead the "natural and delightful" in music, by which they meant the easier pleasure of song, the harmonic ornamentation of a single line of melody. For Bach this new, so-called galant style, with all its lovely figures and stylish grace, was full of emptiness. Bach's cosmos was one in which the planets themselves played the ultimate harmony, a tenet that had been unquestioned since the "sacred science" of Pythagoras; composing and performing music was for him and his musical ancestors a deeply spiritual enterprise whose sole purpose, as his works were inscribed, was "for the glory of God." For Frederick the goal of music was simply to be "agreeable," and entertainment and a diversion, easy work for performer and audience alike. He despised music that, as he put it, "smells of the church" and called Bach's chorales specifically "dumb stuff." Cosmic notions like the "music of the spheres" were for him so much dark-age mumbo jumbo. (p.7-8)

Aberdeen Phd--- An Update

2006-08-03T06:21:00.000-06:00

I just sent out an update letter regarding our plans for PhD study in the UK.

As many of you know, I applied, and was accepted to the MPhil/PhD program of King's College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

My research area would be New Testament with a specific focus on Union with Christ in the Theology of Paul. My main supervisor would be Simon Gathercole.

Unfortunately however, we don't have sufficient funds to warrant going this fall. This has been quite disappointing for me.

However we are trying to look for God's intentions for us if we stay in Alberta for a year--working and raising support.

In all of this the challenge for me is to hold even my good ambitions with a loose hand, and to trust God for provision and procedures.

We covet your prayers as we look forward to God's unfolding intent.

A Busy Weekend

2006-08-01T08:44:00.000-06:00

How is it that my husband looks like the Marlborough Man (minus the cigarette) in his cowboy gear, whereas I end up looking more like Calamity Jane?!

Clint and I had a busy weekend moving cattle on our pasture land north of Calgary. I learned to drive the horse trailer and am proud to say I put no dent in the trailer (only a nick.)

Following this adventure, we had the pleasure of visiting Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton where Clint preached an excellent sermon (I'm a little biased) on the 'Antiochean Reformation.' You can listen to it here.

On Reading

2006-08-01T07:27:00.000-06:00

Learning to read literature will be an invaluable tool for reading the Bible. Learning to read well--that is, learning to listen to a text and notice the way in which its form contributes to its meaning---is necessary to good Bible reading. Reading is more than learning the alphabet and vocabulary. Good reading is understanding what an author is expressing. Christians must be good readers if they really want to understand the Bible.

~ W. Robert Godfrey in Why Read Fiction?,
Evangelium (Westminster Seminary California)Vol4, Issue3.

Against Silence

2006-07-28T07:15:00.000-06:00

Bless , O my soul, the God of grace;
His favours claim thy highest praise;
Why should the wonders he hath wrought,
Be lost in silence and forgot?

~Isaac Watts (1674-1748) Bless O My Soul the Living God

Our Blessed Union

2006-07-27T19:49:00.000-06:00

I have been in a blessed union with Christ since I was a little girl, and a blessed union with my husband for three years.

I am very excited to be sharing a blog with my favorite cowboy. Mostly, because it will be fun to share about our blessed union from two different perspectives, but also because it will raise my status in the blogosphere. As for the other reasons, I am in agreement with what my husband said, although I'm not sure that "un-idle" is a word.

Introducing "Blessed Union"

2006-07-27T19:32:00.000-06:00

Our's is a blessed union. Not only our blessed marriage, but also our blessed bond with Christ our savior.

Since we are both infrequent, though earnest bloggers, my wife and I have decided to join forces in an attempt to stay current and un-idle.

We may still continue our other blogs, Coloratura Christian and Cowboyology, but our new focus will be here --celebrating our blessed union.