I’ve had a few letters for Sonny and Sher on their upcoming marriage, but I want you to know how I often think of you as well. It often seems, especially in Christian circles that the natural process in life is to go to school, graduate, find a career and get married. I don’t know if you ever see it this way, but it often seems as if there is a stigma surrounding singlehood. It’s almost as if you fail to find that certain someone, that you have missed out on life and you have obviously made God mad and He’s cursing you by keeping you all alone.
It should have turned out differently. In high school, life seemed like an open book. Didn’t it? We’d finish school, walk into a fulfilling career and live hapily ever after. Something strange happens however for many of us. Doesn’t it? We wake up finding ourselfves in a job that doesn’t seem all that rewarding, having no one to share life with.
I suppose that I am tackling two issues at once, and maybe I shouldn’t do that. It’s bad form isn’t it? But still…I was watching my daughter and her soccer team this evening. I was wondering if those kids knew that a great number of them would end up working in a factory, pushing paper in some office, driving truck or stocking shelves at the grocery store. If they knew how dismal life can be, would they continue to run so happily up and down the field?
I talk to many people who feel as if they haven’t accomplished anything in life; people who are alone both within and without married life. Is it possible to live a fulfilling life if all of this world’s apparent parameters for happines remain just beyond our reach?
There are some things about life that I would like you to know, whether you would actually believe them or not. I want you to know that it is in fact good to live a celibate life. Those are not my words, but the words of Paul to the church in Corinth in 1Cor 7:1 Paul didn’t say that it was fun or rewarding to be without a wife or a husband. Rather, he said that celebacy is good. I’m saying this just in case you’re are thinking that your situation is some kind of curse from God. In fact, Paul goes on to say that the person who remains single does better in The Lord than the person who marries. 1Cor 7:38. Better? Better??!!! Yeah. Better. The life you are living isn't some curse. It was meant to be and has the potential to be glorious, if you are able to both recognize and embrace it.
I suppose if you really don’t want to live in fellowship with Him, those words ring hollow. Don’t they? But, what if? What if you were willing to see what God had in store from your current situaion? Even though life seems to stink, what if you were able to see why He has you in that place and were to allow Him to fulfill that purpose for His glory? Are there good things that have the potential to be accomplished, only because of the place that He has you in?
That’s alright for the single people I guess, but what about the people who are stuck at a dead end job? As rough as it is working at Tim Horton’s would you rather be a slave? Likely not. However, even in this circumstance, Paul tells slaves to remain as they were when the were called. “Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you – but if you get a chance to be free, take it. And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord” 1Cor 7:21-22
Imagine, Paul tells the slaves not to be down just becaues they are slaves. He’s not condoning or promoting slavery; quite the opposite. In fact, he says that if you get the chance to be free, then take it. He would likely say the same things to you and I. If you feel stuck at a job that you don’t like, there is a truth that I want you to cling on to, if you belong to Christ, you are free.
I suppose for someone who doesn’t really belong to Jesus, that news is pretty depressing isn’t it? If you haven’t been called, you really aren’t free in any sense of the word whatsoever.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but I’m not particularily fulfilled at my job. Fixing cars really isn’t all that glamorous. It’s a means to an end. It allows me to provide for my family and support the true work that I have been sent to accomplish in the Lord.
If you haven’t been called, maybe you really are stuck. If that is you, I pray that you will both hear and receive the call. For those of you who have responded to the call of Christ, despite your relationship status or career, are you able to get any picture of why God might have you where He does? If so, are you willing to see this chapter in life through, even if it isn’t the chapter that you would have written for yourself?
There is one other thing that I am compelled to address. It really isn’t good to be alone. I will encourage you as I have before to seek out and cultivate Godly relationships. I know those kinds of relationships aren’t as fun as others, but the people who walk with you in the ways of the world really aren’t making it better. I wish I could be there for you more and for those of you who know me, I’ll give you what I can, but there is less of me available than there used to be. Fortunately, I’m not the only person in this world who knows Jesus.
Praise The Lord for that!
Love Kevin
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Forever
Ecclesiastes 3:11
11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
We are told by the teacher, that God has placed something within the heart of humanity. He brings to the forefront of our minds the image of this type of seed, something that grows in time. As an infant, you would barely notice, if at all. That ‘something’ - is eternity.
Infants are preoccupied solely with the now, having no concern of the future, neither the bicycle for their 12th birthday, nor their retirement savings. Eternity has been planted in their hearts, but remains but a seed. As we grow as a child, we still have little concern for the future, but smell the faint aroma of the fact that we are more than temporal beings. It’s difficult to spot unless you are discerning. As eternity sprouts and gains root, it expresses itself in the disappointment that we are unable to reach the top cupboard. Without acknowledging it intellectually, something merely seems unjust in the things we are unable to do which those who are older can.
If you have had more than one child, you might recognize it a little more clearly with regards to how you gave them different privileges depending on their age. “Why does my sister get to stay up later?” The answer, ‘because she is older than you’, rarely serves to authentically settle the issue.
In popular culture, I hear a lot of talk that death is just part of the circle of life. On the ground level however, I’m convinced that every human being finds something unjust about death itself. Whether you are a believer or not, how do you respond when your mom or dad is reported to have cancer? Everyone that I have ever known takes that to be bad news, despite their faith or lack of it. Even when our loved one has been dying or suffering for some time, even though the pain seems to be over, there is still something that stinks about the whole matter. It reeks, because the seed of eternity has been planted in our hearts, whether we acknowledge it in those terms or not. There is that quiet, or not so quiet, voice in our conscience telling us, ‘It should have been forever!’ That voice is there, because it is right.
It is why even Godless rock stars sing songs about forever. It’s at the source of why we are entertained by immortal blood suckers and why we entertain the thought of the fountain of youth. In every human heart, we have the sense that we were never supposed to die.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RKO5ozLVo
11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
We are told by the teacher, that God has placed something within the heart of humanity. He brings to the forefront of our minds the image of this type of seed, something that grows in time. As an infant, you would barely notice, if at all. That ‘something’ - is eternity.
Infants are preoccupied solely with the now, having no concern of the future, neither the bicycle for their 12th birthday, nor their retirement savings. Eternity has been planted in their hearts, but remains but a seed. As we grow as a child, we still have little concern for the future, but smell the faint aroma of the fact that we are more than temporal beings. It’s difficult to spot unless you are discerning. As eternity sprouts and gains root, it expresses itself in the disappointment that we are unable to reach the top cupboard. Without acknowledging it intellectually, something merely seems unjust in the things we are unable to do which those who are older can.
If you have had more than one child, you might recognize it a little more clearly with regards to how you gave them different privileges depending on their age. “Why does my sister get to stay up later?” The answer, ‘because she is older than you’, rarely serves to authentically settle the issue.
In popular culture, I hear a lot of talk that death is just part of the circle of life. On the ground level however, I’m convinced that every human being finds something unjust about death itself. Whether you are a believer or not, how do you respond when your mom or dad is reported to have cancer? Everyone that I have ever known takes that to be bad news, despite their faith or lack of it. Even when our loved one has been dying or suffering for some time, even though the pain seems to be over, there is still something that stinks about the whole matter. It reeks, because the seed of eternity has been planted in our hearts, whether we acknowledge it in those terms or not. There is that quiet, or not so quiet, voice in our conscience telling us, ‘It should have been forever!’ That voice is there, because it is right.
It is why even Godless rock stars sing songs about forever. It’s at the source of why we are entertained by immortal blood suckers and why we entertain the thought of the fountain of youth. In every human heart, we have the sense that we were never supposed to die.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_RKO5ozLVo
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Just Like Rain
9 years ago, my wife and I discovered that we would be having twins. Looking ahead to the arrival of two newborns was both exciting and daunting. I remember how many people would respond when we told them the news. Most people would get this weird apprehensive look on their face and ask, “Are you sure you can handle that?”. Another reaction that I recall to be all too common was this, “Oh dear. Double the trouble.”
My oldest three children have been away for the past week. For the first few days, our twins spent some time with a friend of theirs in St. Jacob’s. They spent the remainder of the week with their grandma and grandpa in Cambridge. Last night my twins spent the evening at a birthday party for another friend of theirs. At the moment, my daughter is away at a birthday party with her own friend. When she gets back this evening, it will be the first night that we have had together as a family in well over a week.
Apparently, for many parents, having children is some kind of burden. If having twins is likened to ‘double trouble’, I’m assuming that having one child is trouble on its own. The conclusion that I have come to is this;
“Children are a gift from The Lord;
They area a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3
It isn’t that having children is in itself the be all end all of living a happy life. If we are placing parenthood in that position of being the ultimate good, we’ve missed the mark. Being a mom or a dad comes with its responsibilities and there are no guarantees that our children will even want to associate themselves with us when they become grown men and women.
I’m so thankful that I have been able to realize the gift that they are as well as the source of the gift. I hope this isn’t a shocker, but Christians aren’t the only people who actually like their kids. Not everyone considers childrearing to be some tiresome task. I am privileged to know many non-believers who delight in the precious gift afforded to them, even though they don’t acknowledge them to be a gift from God. I’m so thankful for all moms and dads who take their parenting role seriously.
As soon as we throw God into the mix, it muddies things up. Doesn’t it? I mean, there are people who love the Lord, who seek after Him but are not able to have children of their own. On the flip side, there are others who want absolutely nothing to do with God, but receive this blessed gift. There are even people who really don’t want children at all, even to the point where they kill the kid before he or she is born. Yet for some reason, God allows that child to be conceived.
Perhaps, kids are like rain. At work, most of the time the guys check out the weather forecast to see what it is supposed to be like for the weekend. For most of my peers, when the weatherman says that it is going to rain on the weekend, they tend to be disappointed. Rain seems to ruin a lot of the ‘fun’ things that we would plan to do outside in the summer time.
As for me, I’ve spent most of my life praying for rain. I grew up on a tobacco farm that did not have an irrigation system. In my mind, it seemed that almost every summer, we lived in fear of drought killing our crop. Rain was the consistent topic of conversation between my parents and their fellow farmers. We looked to the weather man for hope, but he seemed to be wrong so most of the time and so many times it would seem that it would rain not far off, but miss the thirsty crops in our own fields. Having a small farm of my own, I still spend quite a bit of time praying for rain and am rarely disappointed when it does, even if it seems to interfere with some of my leisurely activities.
It is one of the more perplexing truths about God,
“For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” Matthew 5:45
If we really understand what it means to be good, it’s not that Jesus would label any of us with that particular tag. Only God is truly good. Rather, some people seem better than others, or good in our eyes. It seems unfair in a way for God to send sunshine so that we can spend our weekend in a drunken stupor, but deny the dusty fields of someone who depends on a crop for his own livelihood. From our human perspective, there seems to be something unjust about the whole situation.
But what would life be like if He only did nice things for those who deserve it? How many of you would have lived long enough to be able to even come to know Him?
As for me, if you were to delve deeply into the recesses of my mind, you would soon discover that I am not particularly good or just, but I am glad for the rain and I’m thankful for the children that He has placed in my life. I’m going to go and enjoy them now.
My oldest three children have been away for the past week. For the first few days, our twins spent some time with a friend of theirs in St. Jacob’s. They spent the remainder of the week with their grandma and grandpa in Cambridge. Last night my twins spent the evening at a birthday party for another friend of theirs. At the moment, my daughter is away at a birthday party with her own friend. When she gets back this evening, it will be the first night that we have had together as a family in well over a week.
Apparently, for many parents, having children is some kind of burden. If having twins is likened to ‘double trouble’, I’m assuming that having one child is trouble on its own. The conclusion that I have come to is this;
“Children are a gift from The Lord;
They area a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3
It isn’t that having children is in itself the be all end all of living a happy life. If we are placing parenthood in that position of being the ultimate good, we’ve missed the mark. Being a mom or a dad comes with its responsibilities and there are no guarantees that our children will even want to associate themselves with us when they become grown men and women.
I’m so thankful that I have been able to realize the gift that they are as well as the source of the gift. I hope this isn’t a shocker, but Christians aren’t the only people who actually like their kids. Not everyone considers childrearing to be some tiresome task. I am privileged to know many non-believers who delight in the precious gift afforded to them, even though they don’t acknowledge them to be a gift from God. I’m so thankful for all moms and dads who take their parenting role seriously.
As soon as we throw God into the mix, it muddies things up. Doesn’t it? I mean, there are people who love the Lord, who seek after Him but are not able to have children of their own. On the flip side, there are others who want absolutely nothing to do with God, but receive this blessed gift. There are even people who really don’t want children at all, even to the point where they kill the kid before he or she is born. Yet for some reason, God allows that child to be conceived.
Perhaps, kids are like rain. At work, most of the time the guys check out the weather forecast to see what it is supposed to be like for the weekend. For most of my peers, when the weatherman says that it is going to rain on the weekend, they tend to be disappointed. Rain seems to ruin a lot of the ‘fun’ things that we would plan to do outside in the summer time.
As for me, I’ve spent most of my life praying for rain. I grew up on a tobacco farm that did not have an irrigation system. In my mind, it seemed that almost every summer, we lived in fear of drought killing our crop. Rain was the consistent topic of conversation between my parents and their fellow farmers. We looked to the weather man for hope, but he seemed to be wrong so most of the time and so many times it would seem that it would rain not far off, but miss the thirsty crops in our own fields. Having a small farm of my own, I still spend quite a bit of time praying for rain and am rarely disappointed when it does, even if it seems to interfere with some of my leisurely activities.
It is one of the more perplexing truths about God,
“For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” Matthew 5:45
If we really understand what it means to be good, it’s not that Jesus would label any of us with that particular tag. Only God is truly good. Rather, some people seem better than others, or good in our eyes. It seems unfair in a way for God to send sunshine so that we can spend our weekend in a drunken stupor, but deny the dusty fields of someone who depends on a crop for his own livelihood. From our human perspective, there seems to be something unjust about the whole situation.
But what would life be like if He only did nice things for those who deserve it? How many of you would have lived long enough to be able to even come to know Him?
As for me, if you were to delve deeply into the recesses of my mind, you would soon discover that I am not particularly good or just, but I am glad for the rain and I’m thankful for the children that He has placed in my life. I’m going to go and enjoy them now.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
An Experiment
Hi everyone!
A friend of mine just let me in on this whole 'Dropbox' thing and I'm trying it out. Here is a link to my message at The Lighthouse Church in my hometown. it was a bit of an experiment. Instead of teaching the word, I spoke on one of the chapters from my book. You can be the judge on whether or not it worked well.
By the way...Bill C. III....don't scare me on this one. I have very low self esteem and I might cry. Unless you really do think it's trash, in which case, I'll have to learn to deal with it.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7480335/01%20Chapter%202%20Do%20You%20Want%20It.wma
A friend of mine just let me in on this whole 'Dropbox' thing and I'm trying it out. Here is a link to my message at The Lighthouse Church in my hometown. it was a bit of an experiment. Instead of teaching the word, I spoke on one of the chapters from my book. You can be the judge on whether or not it worked well.
By the way...Bill C. III....don't scare me on this one. I have very low self esteem and I might cry. Unless you really do think it's trash, in which case, I'll have to learn to deal with it.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7480335/01%20Chapter%202%20Do%20You%20Want%20It.wma
The Daily Paper
Every morning starts out roughly the same at The Mufflerman. At around 7:00am, The London Free Press is dropped off at our door. Around 7:30am, either Brian or myself pick it up, unlock the front door, walk inside and place it on top of the table in the waiting room.
This past week, there was an article written on how church attendance is dropping in southwestern Ontario as well as across Canada. One of my coworkers asked me if I had read the column. When I told him that I had, he had this question for me,
“Do you think that all of the scandals and immorality in different churches contributes to the decline in any way?”
(I don’t remember the exact question word for word…So if you’re the one in question and you are reading this, you can correct me.)
Normally when non-believers make comments on church affairs, I usually remind them that they are going to hell and that they should not be asking questions about things that don’t concern them. However, I believed that there was merritt in what he was saying. I shared with him that I believe he has a point. In fact, our own unrighteousness may very well lie at the core of our greatest ills.
While speaking to His listeners on a mountainside, Jesus had this to say, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13
The two main functions of salt are for flavour and preservation. What he is saying is that if we fail to be the preservative needed in the world around us, we’re worthless. That is part of our role as believers. When we snub the righteousness of Christ, that is exactly what we are doing. When we compromise with the world, when we join with them, we aren’t doing them a favour, we’re signing their death warrant and contributing to the decay of our land.
We as a faith have never been known for our faithfulness and that is a shame. In study, I wouldn’t even accuse the early church of being particularily righteous. I don’t know why Paul even considered the church in Corinth to be a church considering the sorts of things that he had to address there. In speaking to the seven churc hes in The Revelation of John, Jesus had harsh words for most of them.
My friend was right I believe. We’re known to be child molestors, drunkards and theives and it’s funny in a way, how persistant our secular media continues to be in routing out sin. Don’t you find that odd? In a world where we say that everything is ok, the media is quick to pick up on any type of public revelry, sexual immorality, public lie, embeselment or scandal both within and without the church. We are being trampled on by men, just as Jesus said would happen to saltless salt.
I think what we need to do (and I’m being silly) to fix the church is to have a secular media liason on the council of every church. Their job is to be on the lookout for any sin in the church and to bring it to light. I bet they would do a better job than most of us.
Compromising with the world is not, never has nor ever will accomplish anything good. In fact, the article says that The United Church of Canada is hemmoraging worst of all, closing at least one church per week. Strange don’t you think? We (I can say we – that’s where my roots are) have been at the forefront in promoting what is refered to as gay rights. One would think that sice we are ‘with the times’, that we should be pressing onward. It isn’t working out all that well. Is it? So much for the game plan.
I know many or most of us have very realy struggles against sin, and if you haven’t found victory in every area, I’m not here to give you a spanking. What I’m saying is that there is NEVER a place for us to embrace sin. If you’re dead serious about the things of God, you’ll take the time to look into His word to see what He has to say about an issue. Give it the label it deserves. Calling things ‘good’, that God has labelled ‘wrong’, was never intended to be a normal part of the Christian life.
There is more to being salty than what I have touched on and I understand that. I don’t have all the answers for ‘fixing the church’, but if even the nonbelieving world is taking notice of our unrighteousness, something is terribly wrong.
‘Night.
Kevin
PS – Barb says that this one sounds more like me. Maybe I can wear the cape after all!
This past week, there was an article written on how church attendance is dropping in southwestern Ontario as well as across Canada. One of my coworkers asked me if I had read the column. When I told him that I had, he had this question for me,
“Do you think that all of the scandals and immorality in different churches contributes to the decline in any way?”
(I don’t remember the exact question word for word…So if you’re the one in question and you are reading this, you can correct me.)
Normally when non-believers make comments on church affairs, I usually remind them that they are going to hell and that they should not be asking questions about things that don’t concern them. However, I believed that there was merritt in what he was saying. I shared with him that I believe he has a point. In fact, our own unrighteousness may very well lie at the core of our greatest ills.
While speaking to His listeners on a mountainside, Jesus had this to say, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13
The two main functions of salt are for flavour and preservation. What he is saying is that if we fail to be the preservative needed in the world around us, we’re worthless. That is part of our role as believers. When we snub the righteousness of Christ, that is exactly what we are doing. When we compromise with the world, when we join with them, we aren’t doing them a favour, we’re signing their death warrant and contributing to the decay of our land.
We as a faith have never been known for our faithfulness and that is a shame. In study, I wouldn’t even accuse the early church of being particularily righteous. I don’t know why Paul even considered the church in Corinth to be a church considering the sorts of things that he had to address there. In speaking to the seven churc hes in The Revelation of John, Jesus had harsh words for most of them.
My friend was right I believe. We’re known to be child molestors, drunkards and theives and it’s funny in a way, how persistant our secular media continues to be in routing out sin. Don’t you find that odd? In a world where we say that everything is ok, the media is quick to pick up on any type of public revelry, sexual immorality, public lie, embeselment or scandal both within and without the church. We are being trampled on by men, just as Jesus said would happen to saltless salt.
I think what we need to do (and I’m being silly) to fix the church is to have a secular media liason on the council of every church. Their job is to be on the lookout for any sin in the church and to bring it to light. I bet they would do a better job than most of us.
Compromising with the world is not, never has nor ever will accomplish anything good. In fact, the article says that The United Church of Canada is hemmoraging worst of all, closing at least one church per week. Strange don’t you think? We (I can say we – that’s where my roots are) have been at the forefront in promoting what is refered to as gay rights. One would think that sice we are ‘with the times’, that we should be pressing onward. It isn’t working out all that well. Is it? So much for the game plan.
I know many or most of us have very realy struggles against sin, and if you haven’t found victory in every area, I’m not here to give you a spanking. What I’m saying is that there is NEVER a place for us to embrace sin. If you’re dead serious about the things of God, you’ll take the time to look into His word to see what He has to say about an issue. Give it the label it deserves. Calling things ‘good’, that God has labelled ‘wrong’, was never intended to be a normal part of the Christian life.
There is more to being salty than what I have touched on and I understand that. I don’t have all the answers for ‘fixing the church’, but if even the nonbelieving world is taking notice of our unrighteousness, something is terribly wrong.
‘Night.
Kevin
PS – Barb says that this one sounds more like me. Maybe I can wear the cape after all!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Housework
Dear Sonny and Sher;
By now, it’s completely obvious to all that you fully intend to see this through. Up until this point in your life I have spent the lion’s share of my efforts pouring spiritual truth into your lives. As your special day and new life together quickly approach, I would like it very much if you would permit me to share some practical insight into married life.
I will add one caution however and it is this; I am completely pleased with my own marriage. That might sound like good news, but it can also be a hinderance. I have surrendered to the possibility that life as one can in fact be even more glorious than I myself have experienced, but I have been too blind to recognize it for what it could have been.
One of my desires for you is that you would live a long, healthy and happy life together being joined as one flesh. The Bible speaks at great length about the way in which we are meant to use our bodies. We’re told that for those of us who believe, that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God cares very much about your body, probably even more than you do.
The truth of this matter has its bearing in many different arenas of our lives. Primarily, we are warned repeatedly in scripture to flee any manner of sexual immorality, because no other sin so clearly affects the body as this one. That is why up until now, I have had no other word of admonition for you than that you would remain sexually pure, waiting for one another until that beautiful day. After that day, the rules change. I want you to know how excited I am for you both in that regard.
There are different ways in which people view their bodies. Some use theirs as some kind of amusement park; this sensory creature which lives satisfy itself. Others look on their bodies as if they are some kind of shrine of their own. They are something which deserves to be nurtured, buffed and polished as if physical health were the ultimate good.
If your bodies do indeed play host to the Spirit of The Living God, physical fitness isn’t as valuable as spiritual fitness, but it isn’t without benefit. We have but a short time to impact this world for Him, but we don’t want these days cut short unecessarily because we were too lazy to look after His house.
It isn’t uncommon for newlyweds to gain weight in the first year. I don’t believe that is a sin, yet I haven’t met too many young men and women who are all that crazy about putting on the uneccessary extra pounds. It is much easier to maintain what you are at, than to take it off. You’re probably light years ahead of me. I know you used to work out and you already know a thing or two about eating right. Still, I want to encourage you to remain intentionally active to some degree. Please choose something that isn’t too intensive and that you will be able to maintain for several years.
Myself, I choose two nights a week and I simply do push-ups ans sit-ups. I know what you’re thinking. “That is sooo lame. And he’s giving me fitness tips?” I’m not a fitness guru. Remember. I said that whatever you do, you should make sure that you are able to do it for the long haul, without sacrificing the other obligations in your life. Trust me. As life goes by, you WILL have more obligations, whether they be children of your own, connections in the workplace or the community.
Don’t buy chocolate bars, chips or pop. Again, not sin. You probably don’t eat that stuff anyway, but since every corner store, gas bar and grocery store from here to the Mexican border is stocked to the brim, I assume someone is buying the stuff. God cares about your diet. In fact, He spent much of His time telling His people which foods were best for them.
Drunkenness is a work of the flesh. I won’t harp on it. You’re all grown up now and can make your own choices, but I want to make sure that someone has warned you. It might sound silly in a way, but I kind of hope that I still have that privilege in your life.
I love you both and hope the best for you and look forward to seeing what will come out of the lives that you live together.
Love Kevin
By now, it’s completely obvious to all that you fully intend to see this through. Up until this point in your life I have spent the lion’s share of my efforts pouring spiritual truth into your lives. As your special day and new life together quickly approach, I would like it very much if you would permit me to share some practical insight into married life.
I will add one caution however and it is this; I am completely pleased with my own marriage. That might sound like good news, but it can also be a hinderance. I have surrendered to the possibility that life as one can in fact be even more glorious than I myself have experienced, but I have been too blind to recognize it for what it could have been.
One of my desires for you is that you would live a long, healthy and happy life together being joined as one flesh. The Bible speaks at great length about the way in which we are meant to use our bodies. We’re told that for those of us who believe, that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God cares very much about your body, probably even more than you do.
The truth of this matter has its bearing in many different arenas of our lives. Primarily, we are warned repeatedly in scripture to flee any manner of sexual immorality, because no other sin so clearly affects the body as this one. That is why up until now, I have had no other word of admonition for you than that you would remain sexually pure, waiting for one another until that beautiful day. After that day, the rules change. I want you to know how excited I am for you both in that regard.
There are different ways in which people view their bodies. Some use theirs as some kind of amusement park; this sensory creature which lives satisfy itself. Others look on their bodies as if they are some kind of shrine of their own. They are something which deserves to be nurtured, buffed and polished as if physical health were the ultimate good.
If your bodies do indeed play host to the Spirit of The Living God, physical fitness isn’t as valuable as spiritual fitness, but it isn’t without benefit. We have but a short time to impact this world for Him, but we don’t want these days cut short unecessarily because we were too lazy to look after His house.
It isn’t uncommon for newlyweds to gain weight in the first year. I don’t believe that is a sin, yet I haven’t met too many young men and women who are all that crazy about putting on the uneccessary extra pounds. It is much easier to maintain what you are at, than to take it off. You’re probably light years ahead of me. I know you used to work out and you already know a thing or two about eating right. Still, I want to encourage you to remain intentionally active to some degree. Please choose something that isn’t too intensive and that you will be able to maintain for several years.
Myself, I choose two nights a week and I simply do push-ups ans sit-ups. I know what you’re thinking. “That is sooo lame. And he’s giving me fitness tips?” I’m not a fitness guru. Remember. I said that whatever you do, you should make sure that you are able to do it for the long haul, without sacrificing the other obligations in your life. Trust me. As life goes by, you WILL have more obligations, whether they be children of your own, connections in the workplace or the community.
Don’t buy chocolate bars, chips or pop. Again, not sin. You probably don’t eat that stuff anyway, but since every corner store, gas bar and grocery store from here to the Mexican border is stocked to the brim, I assume someone is buying the stuff. God cares about your diet. In fact, He spent much of His time telling His people which foods were best for them.
Drunkenness is a work of the flesh. I won’t harp on it. You’re all grown up now and can make your own choices, but I want to make sure that someone has warned you. It might sound silly in a way, but I kind of hope that I still have that privilege in your life.
I love you both and hope the best for you and look forward to seeing what will come out of the lives that you live together.
Love Kevin
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Nothing
In all of my years of study, I never learned a single thing. I’m really not sure when my father began asking me this question, but for all of the years that he did, the answer was always the same. Day after day, I would come home from school and as we sat down for dinner around the kitchen table he would ask me, “Tell me son, what did you learn today?”
I really don’t know what he was expecting. Now that I’m a father, I prefer to believe that he had high expectations for me. I hope that he had wished to see in me some great career aspirations and a ravenous hunger for knowledge. As I continued in my academic studies, he may have hoped that some discipline would have caught the enthusiasm of my heart.
You hear about people like that don’t you? You read about those kinds of people in books; some true and some in a land of make believe. The true stories of people such as these are about men and women of renown who went on to do great and honourable things for mankind. We hear of doctors, scientists and humanitarians who have this thirst for the manner of knowledge that might produce some betterment for the human race.
I was never cursed with such a disease. Neither was I the type of child who resented my education. I went happily enough and I came home just as pleased. Each day, I would walk out of the door of that old grey tar papered farm house with my lunch pail, step on board of that long yellow educational limousine, en route to whatever school was harbouring me for that specific grade. Likewise, I would return home from that same school, step on to that bus and endure the aggravation from my peers until I safely arrived home.
“Nothing.”
Day after day, that is exactly what I learned. You really don’t expect your child to learn much during the first week of school, let alone the first day. So I doubt that during the first few days of each school year that he would have been particularly surprised by my answer. You have to have some empathy for my father don’t you? For his part, he would work and slave, day after day, tending the dusty fields, driving truck for long hours at a time, working, saving, scratching a living just to give his son a decent education with the hopes that he could have a better life. Yet day after day, year after year, his son kept coming home with the same disparaging news;
“Dad, I haven’t learned a thing.”
I would think that it would have been bearable, had my studies halted themselves in public education. After all, in a way, public school is free right? Well, it’s not free. It is quite expensive really, but it has the texture and taste of being free. It’s not like we write out a check or withdraw the cash, place it in an envelope and hand it to the principal. For some reason however, in light of the fact that I hadn’t learned one iota of knowledge in the first 19 years of my life, my dad continued to drive his truck and work his fields in order to finance my university education.
“Maybe this time; Maybe now that it’s paid for, the boy will actually learn something.” In part, he was right. It was different this time. Instead of coming home at the end of each day with the same discouraging news, I came home at the end of each week. That was the difference. The news itself happened to be exactly the same. “Nothing.” I still learned nothing.
Now I am blessed to have children of my own, who go to school day after day and learn exactly the same things that I learned when I was a boy. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. My grade 6 daughter, who on paper is learning at a grade 11 level, doesn’t learn anything either. She is exactly like her dad.
I hadn’t been lying to my father, yet, I had been learning. Had I not? There was a peculiar mystery at work between my father’s question and my response. From my end, it was as if the information was already there. It really wasn’t new. Throughout my years of study, hour by hour, day by day and week by week, it was as if I was gradually given access to the knowledge that lay latent within my own conscience.
That may very well sound like crazy talk, but I would argue that this is exactly the case with spiritual matters. There is an abundance of truth lying in the recesses of the human conscience if we have the courage to go there as well as the honesty to recognize it for what it is.
**************
If you want to know where I'm headed, here are some passages you can look a for your own study. If you prefer to be spoon fed and want to wait and soak up every word that I have to offer, that would be fine as well.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Romans 2:14-15
John 16:8
Psalm 19:1
Psalm 50:6
Romans 1:20
I really don’t know what he was expecting. Now that I’m a father, I prefer to believe that he had high expectations for me. I hope that he had wished to see in me some great career aspirations and a ravenous hunger for knowledge. As I continued in my academic studies, he may have hoped that some discipline would have caught the enthusiasm of my heart.
You hear about people like that don’t you? You read about those kinds of people in books; some true and some in a land of make believe. The true stories of people such as these are about men and women of renown who went on to do great and honourable things for mankind. We hear of doctors, scientists and humanitarians who have this thirst for the manner of knowledge that might produce some betterment for the human race.
I was never cursed with such a disease. Neither was I the type of child who resented my education. I went happily enough and I came home just as pleased. Each day, I would walk out of the door of that old grey tar papered farm house with my lunch pail, step on board of that long yellow educational limousine, en route to whatever school was harbouring me for that specific grade. Likewise, I would return home from that same school, step on to that bus and endure the aggravation from my peers until I safely arrived home.
“Nothing.”
Day after day, that is exactly what I learned. You really don’t expect your child to learn much during the first week of school, let alone the first day. So I doubt that during the first few days of each school year that he would have been particularly surprised by my answer. You have to have some empathy for my father don’t you? For his part, he would work and slave, day after day, tending the dusty fields, driving truck for long hours at a time, working, saving, scratching a living just to give his son a decent education with the hopes that he could have a better life. Yet day after day, year after year, his son kept coming home with the same disparaging news;
“Dad, I haven’t learned a thing.”
I would think that it would have been bearable, had my studies halted themselves in public education. After all, in a way, public school is free right? Well, it’s not free. It is quite expensive really, but it has the texture and taste of being free. It’s not like we write out a check or withdraw the cash, place it in an envelope and hand it to the principal. For some reason however, in light of the fact that I hadn’t learned one iota of knowledge in the first 19 years of my life, my dad continued to drive his truck and work his fields in order to finance my university education.
“Maybe this time; Maybe now that it’s paid for, the boy will actually learn something.” In part, he was right. It was different this time. Instead of coming home at the end of each day with the same discouraging news, I came home at the end of each week. That was the difference. The news itself happened to be exactly the same. “Nothing.” I still learned nothing.
Now I am blessed to have children of my own, who go to school day after day and learn exactly the same things that I learned when I was a boy. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. My grade 6 daughter, who on paper is learning at a grade 11 level, doesn’t learn anything either. She is exactly like her dad.
I hadn’t been lying to my father, yet, I had been learning. Had I not? There was a peculiar mystery at work between my father’s question and my response. From my end, it was as if the information was already there. It really wasn’t new. Throughout my years of study, hour by hour, day by day and week by week, it was as if I was gradually given access to the knowledge that lay latent within my own conscience.
That may very well sound like crazy talk, but I would argue that this is exactly the case with spiritual matters. There is an abundance of truth lying in the recesses of the human conscience if we have the courage to go there as well as the honesty to recognize it for what it is.
**************
If you want to know where I'm headed, here are some passages you can look a for your own study. If you prefer to be spoon fed and want to wait and soak up every word that I have to offer, that would be fine as well.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Romans 2:14-15
John 16:8
Psalm 19:1
Psalm 50:6
Romans 1:20
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Brothers
I have 2 big, 1 small
"Yes, they are my brothers.", I said to all.
They go in my room, undress my dolls,
Pull off their heads and do wierd calls.
One burps in my face, one screams
And one wakes me up when I'm in my dreams.
They jump up and down when playing a game.
For annoying me, they should have fame.
But I still love them, do you know
what I do?
I sneak up behind them and say....
BOO!!!
Rebecca Abell
Oct. 1, 2009
"Yes, they are my brothers.", I said to all.
They go in my room, undress my dolls,
Pull off their heads and do wierd calls.
One burps in my face, one screams
And one wakes me up when I'm in my dreams.
They jump up and down when playing a game.
For annoying me, they should have fame.
But I still love them, do you know
what I do?
I sneak up behind them and say....
BOO!!!
Rebecca Abell
Oct. 1, 2009
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Truth At Work
Every so often, for whatever reason, I feel compelled to test God’s word and see how well it applies in the ‘real world.’ I mean, I hear it over and over again that The Bible just doesn’t apply to our lives today; that it is an ancient book and was written for a different time for a different type of people. I spent some time last night talking about the things that matter in the character of a potential spouse. So, does it hold up?
As I was thinking about these things, I was standing beside one of my coworkers. It’s not that I stand around a lot. His name is Karl and he said that I could talk about him. If you want to know more about Karl, you’ll have to meet and ask him yourself. What I will tell you about Karl is that he is very pleased with the woman who mothers their children, tends to their home and shares his bed.
So I asked him, “Karl, what are THREE things about Vicki that make her a good wife?”
Being the disorderly employee that he is, he deliberately defied my orders and gave me a list of SEVEN things that he likes about his wife. He claims that he couldn’t condense it into THREE. Here is the list that he gave me;
“She is the most thoughtful person I’ve ever met.
She believes that family is the most important thing
She is extremely generous with her time and thoughts
She is a wonderful mother
She is a very hard worker
Her morals are strong
She has a love for everyone and everything.”
Even though he hadn’t read last night’s post, Karl shared with me that as life goes by, the things on the surface grow to be less and less important. Just so you know, Karl isn’t some right wing fundamental Christian trying to sell us on any specific kind of thinking. Truth is truth. Even for the non-churchgoer, having a virtuous and capable spouse is as precious as winning the lottery. The things that Karl values in his wife are the same characteristics that are found in the woman as described in the final chapter of the book of Proverbs ; hard working, cares for her household, looks after her family, generous, morally upright. I encourage you to read all of Proverbs 31.
There are ways to test what we find in scripture if we are willing to recognize truth for what it is. Wisdom is proven to be right by her actions. In this regard, I encourage you to find people who have been married for at least 10 years, who are very happy with their wife or their husband. Ask them the same question that I asked Karl. What makes their spouse a good spouse? If I were a betting man, I would wager that you won’t have anyone say,
“They are the best spouse because they are good looking, they are good in bed and they drink like a fish.”
Maybe I’m wrong. I can’t be right all of the time.
This isn’t just about the ‘other’ either. How about you? How valuable are you as a man or woman? I don’t ask that assuming that you are a real fixer upper. As I reflect on my life, I really think that my wife has gotten the short end of the stick.
Love Kevin
PS The picture at the top is an actual picture of their hands. I would have put a picture of them, but that might infringe a bit on their privacy. So I gambled with their hands.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Treasure
I suppose one of the reasons that I like The Bible so much is that it deals directly with the important issues of life. It’s not the same as checking out the Yahoo news feed and reading about whether or not Britney Spears wore her underwear to the grocery store, fashion tips or who scored the game winner in last night’s game. Am I the only one who finds life in this world to be so superficial?
These are the words of a mother to her son...
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
And she will greatly enrich his life.” Proverbs 31:10-11
I’m quite certain that the same things could be said for a virtuous and capable husband. These past few days, I have been thinking of some of you, especially for those of you who are living the single life. There is a friend of mine who told me the other day that he’s hoping to find someone, and he wants that someone to be good looking.
If you’re “In the market”, you can likely really relate to the words of Proverbs. Who can find a virtuous and capable spouse? It’s tough. In case you haven’t noticed, the world isn’t filled with a whole lot of people who are crazy about living for God. Sometimes I think that the odds are better of winning the lottery than finding someone like that.
If finding a virtuous and capable spouse is difficult, how much more difficult does it become to find one who you’re attracted to? It can be a tough go. Can’t it? Not only that, but throw this into the mix – they also have to be into you.
What if you couldn’t find all of that in one person? Which standards should we drop first? As I think on my marriage and what makes Barb to be such a wonderful wife, as pretty as she is and as pleasing to the eyes, the things that enrich my life the most are the things spoken of in Proverbs. She is both virtuous and capable.
Virtue has to do with the moral standards that one lives by. Being capable has to do with how they handle the day to day dealings of life. Having a partner who drags you into financial ruin is NOT a fun thing. And I have yet to hear of anyone who is thankful that their spouse found a better lover.
How does that sit with you? Can you imagine telling your friends, “Gee guys. I know she isn’t much to look at, but at least she knows how to balance our checking account. She makes really yummy brownies too.” Or how about one for the females, “Well girls, I know he’s got a face that would make a freight train take a dirt road, but he has a good job.”
For those who have been with me from the beginning, I know I’ll sound like a broken record. The most important relationship in your life is your relationship with your heavenly Father, which is found only through Jesus Christ. I’m told that the Kingdom of God is like a treasure that a man found in a field. When he discovered it, he hid it, went home and sold everything that he owned so that he could buy the field with the treasure in it.
Do you believe that? Is it true? Is God nothing more than a fairy tale that your youth leader told you about? Or Is He an ever present companion; the true lover of our souls?
This likely only speaks to a few of you. As tough as it gets sometimes and as close as you get to breaking, if you’ve received Him and if you’ll stay with Him, He might not take away the hurt, but He’ll keep you from going crazy. Trust Him. Keep going. He’ll get you where you need to be, even if it isn’t where you want to go.
Love Kevin
These are the words of a mother to her son...
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
And she will greatly enrich his life.” Proverbs 31:10-11
I’m quite certain that the same things could be said for a virtuous and capable husband. These past few days, I have been thinking of some of you, especially for those of you who are living the single life. There is a friend of mine who told me the other day that he’s hoping to find someone, and he wants that someone to be good looking.
If you’re “In the market”, you can likely really relate to the words of Proverbs. Who can find a virtuous and capable spouse? It’s tough. In case you haven’t noticed, the world isn’t filled with a whole lot of people who are crazy about living for God. Sometimes I think that the odds are better of winning the lottery than finding someone like that.
If finding a virtuous and capable spouse is difficult, how much more difficult does it become to find one who you’re attracted to? It can be a tough go. Can’t it? Not only that, but throw this into the mix – they also have to be into you.
What if you couldn’t find all of that in one person? Which standards should we drop first? As I think on my marriage and what makes Barb to be such a wonderful wife, as pretty as she is and as pleasing to the eyes, the things that enrich my life the most are the things spoken of in Proverbs. She is both virtuous and capable.
Virtue has to do with the moral standards that one lives by. Being capable has to do with how they handle the day to day dealings of life. Having a partner who drags you into financial ruin is NOT a fun thing. And I have yet to hear of anyone who is thankful that their spouse found a better lover.
How does that sit with you? Can you imagine telling your friends, “Gee guys. I know she isn’t much to look at, but at least she knows how to balance our checking account. She makes really yummy brownies too.” Or how about one for the females, “Well girls, I know he’s got a face that would make a freight train take a dirt road, but he has a good job.”
For those who have been with me from the beginning, I know I’ll sound like a broken record. The most important relationship in your life is your relationship with your heavenly Father, which is found only through Jesus Christ. I’m told that the Kingdom of God is like a treasure that a man found in a field. When he discovered it, he hid it, went home and sold everything that he owned so that he could buy the field with the treasure in it.
Do you believe that? Is it true? Is God nothing more than a fairy tale that your youth leader told you about? Or Is He an ever present companion; the true lover of our souls?
This likely only speaks to a few of you. As tough as it gets sometimes and as close as you get to breaking, if you’ve received Him and if you’ll stay with Him, He might not take away the hurt, but He’ll keep you from going crazy. Trust Him. Keep going. He’ll get you where you need to be, even if it isn’t where you want to go.
Love Kevin
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What Lies Beneath (Part III)
Up until now, I have deliberately kept from referring to the Bible. If you really don’t know, or want to know Jesus, this might be where I lose you. There is one aspect of our skyward gaze that I have saved until now, and if I were to be completely honest with you, I’m convinced that this truth is what actually drives our quest, whether we recognize it or not. There is something quite spectacular about the stars is there not? Have you ever taken the time or had the privilege of being out in the open country on a dark, cloudless autumn night? Did you take the time to look up to see how magnificent the night sky can be?
This might be the ultimate answer to the questions which I have posed thus far. Why do we look to the sky for the answers to the source of our origins? Whether we know it or not, whether we recognize it or not, the vast expanse of the universe really does in fact testify and reveal what we are looking for, if we are prepared to see it for what it is.
Psalm 19
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
In a way, the heavens are a messenger, or a type of sign post. The message that they carry is quite clear, ‘God is glorious’. For an individual who is truly willing to be enlightened for what they are, that person should upon looking towards the skies be inclined to say to himself, “Wow. God is great!”
God is glorious and has demonstrated Himself to be so by His workmanship as made visible in the skies. It is that same quality which compels even the unbelieving world to look upon them and to search their depths in search for the answers to life’s simple questions of origin. All people in all the earth have equal access to this work of His Word. We’ve each been given the privilege of gazing upon His magnificent craftsmanship, but we each walk away having come to different conclusions.
Why do you suppose that is? Having been given the same evidence, having all witnessed the same craftsmanship, why do we come to different conclusions? Are some people simply smarter than others? In his second letter, Peter makes mention of some people.
2 Peter 3:3-5
3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.
Peter doesn’t mention any names. He doesn’t say that he is talking to Darwinists, atheists, or evolutionists. He isn’t mentioning any certain political or religious group. Here, Peter is talking about a kind of people that will come ‘in the last days’. He refers to these people, describing them as scoffers, mocking the truth and following their own desires. Basically, these are people who do what they feel like doing. Does that sound farfetched?
As he speaks about these individuals, he says that they ‘deliberately forget that God made the heavens.’ If you look the passage up in the King James Version, the phrase used there reads, ‘wilfully ignorant’. These people are intentionally uninformed with regards to God’s creating work.
Here is how it works. Imagine that you believe we are an accident that came from nothing. If that is true, then with all of the planets in the universe, the same thing should have happened somewhere else. So if we keep taking pictures and continue to dig deeper into the reaches of space, we should be able to get a glimpse of some other civilization. If by circumstance, after years of watching and listening no other life is found, one should begin to question his or her theories. A person who is intentionally uninformed would prefer not to learn the truth even if it were to be made available to them.
Does that happen? Are there actually people out there in the world who want to live life their way? Are there people who mock the things of God and really don’t want to know Him, let alone know about Him? Could that describe any of us?
Sadly, it could have well described me, even during many of the years that I had identified myself as being a Christian. Many of you knew me during those years. Even after I came to know Him personally, it was some time before I discovered that I could trust what I read in my Bible. What I didn’t realize was that much of what we refer to as science really isn’t science at all.
Science in its purest sense was intended to be a search to understand physical truth about the natural world. When I was in high school, I was taught that the scientific method looked something like this.
Science observes a set of data and develops a theory out of observations coming from that data. Afterwards, experiments are conducted in an attempt to disprove the theory. Any experiments have to be observable and repeatable. What has happened is this; much of what we refer to as science, has been bastardized. Rather than conducting experiments which attempt to disprove our theories, modern science often goes to great lengths to defend its side.
Investigation of the natural world has entered into the realm and nature of the courtroom; whereby each party seeks to defend its case. Creation isn’t about religion anymore than evolution is about true science.
Coming to realize the truth about our origins has helped to free me in so many ways that I can’t quite put into words. It isn’t a fairy tale story, but a timeless truth that I am not a mistake. My grand-dad was not a monkey so I don’t have to keep living like one. I was created by someone who loved me.
I share these things with you because I want you to know that wherever you find yourself, I don’t have the right to condemn you. I have lived on both sides and respect you regardless of your stand. If however you would like to look at some of the evidence which lines up with what the Bible teaches, here are some places you can start looking. Some are more reliable than others.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.drdino.com/
http://creation.com/
http://www.icr.org/
I ask nothing more of you than to be honest with yourself. As for me, this is the conclusion that I have reached,
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
This might be the ultimate answer to the questions which I have posed thus far. Why do we look to the sky for the answers to the source of our origins? Whether we know it or not, whether we recognize it or not, the vast expanse of the universe really does in fact testify and reveal what we are looking for, if we are prepared to see it for what it is.
Psalm 19
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
In a way, the heavens are a messenger, or a type of sign post. The message that they carry is quite clear, ‘God is glorious’. For an individual who is truly willing to be enlightened for what they are, that person should upon looking towards the skies be inclined to say to himself, “Wow. God is great!”
God is glorious and has demonstrated Himself to be so by His workmanship as made visible in the skies. It is that same quality which compels even the unbelieving world to look upon them and to search their depths in search for the answers to life’s simple questions of origin. All people in all the earth have equal access to this work of His Word. We’ve each been given the privilege of gazing upon His magnificent craftsmanship, but we each walk away having come to different conclusions.
Why do you suppose that is? Having been given the same evidence, having all witnessed the same craftsmanship, why do we come to different conclusions? Are some people simply smarter than others? In his second letter, Peter makes mention of some people.
2 Peter 3:3-5
3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.
Peter doesn’t mention any names. He doesn’t say that he is talking to Darwinists, atheists, or evolutionists. He isn’t mentioning any certain political or religious group. Here, Peter is talking about a kind of people that will come ‘in the last days’. He refers to these people, describing them as scoffers, mocking the truth and following their own desires. Basically, these are people who do what they feel like doing. Does that sound farfetched?
As he speaks about these individuals, he says that they ‘deliberately forget that God made the heavens.’ If you look the passage up in the King James Version, the phrase used there reads, ‘wilfully ignorant’. These people are intentionally uninformed with regards to God’s creating work.
Here is how it works. Imagine that you believe we are an accident that came from nothing. If that is true, then with all of the planets in the universe, the same thing should have happened somewhere else. So if we keep taking pictures and continue to dig deeper into the reaches of space, we should be able to get a glimpse of some other civilization. If by circumstance, after years of watching and listening no other life is found, one should begin to question his or her theories. A person who is intentionally uninformed would prefer not to learn the truth even if it were to be made available to them.
Does that happen? Are there actually people out there in the world who want to live life their way? Are there people who mock the things of God and really don’t want to know Him, let alone know about Him? Could that describe any of us?
Sadly, it could have well described me, even during many of the years that I had identified myself as being a Christian. Many of you knew me during those years. Even after I came to know Him personally, it was some time before I discovered that I could trust what I read in my Bible. What I didn’t realize was that much of what we refer to as science really isn’t science at all.
Science in its purest sense was intended to be a search to understand physical truth about the natural world. When I was in high school, I was taught that the scientific method looked something like this.
Science observes a set of data and develops a theory out of observations coming from that data. Afterwards, experiments are conducted in an attempt to disprove the theory. Any experiments have to be observable and repeatable. What has happened is this; much of what we refer to as science, has been bastardized. Rather than conducting experiments which attempt to disprove our theories, modern science often goes to great lengths to defend its side.
Investigation of the natural world has entered into the realm and nature of the courtroom; whereby each party seeks to defend its case. Creation isn’t about religion anymore than evolution is about true science.
Coming to realize the truth about our origins has helped to free me in so many ways that I can’t quite put into words. It isn’t a fairy tale story, but a timeless truth that I am not a mistake. My grand-dad was not a monkey so I don’t have to keep living like one. I was created by someone who loved me.
I share these things with you because I want you to know that wherever you find yourself, I don’t have the right to condemn you. I have lived on both sides and respect you regardless of your stand. If however you would like to look at some of the evidence which lines up with what the Bible teaches, here are some places you can start looking. Some are more reliable than others.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.drdino.com/
http://creation.com/
http://www.icr.org/
I ask nothing more of you than to be honest with yourself. As for me, this is the conclusion that I have reached,
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wondering if Sonny or Sher Will Find This
Dear Sonny and Sher;
For the past several days, you have been coming to mind more and more. So much so, that I’ve been having a difficult time in some of my creative endeavours. I had intended to begin writing my third book, but since you are on my heart, I prefer to spend this time sharing these sentiments with you. I suppose this desire springs from the fact that I love and miss you both immensely, and although we are seperated by time and space, I prefer to think that by writing to you, I might in some way be able to continue to walk with you in your current chapter in life.
As you read this, I hope that you are able to remember my voice, the way that I wouild speak to you and that you would be able to envsion hearing these words as if I were present with you now. Knowing you has been a great privilege and I am so thankful for the life I have had with each of you. I hope you hear a voice that is warm, and compassionate.
Up until this time in your life, most of your years have been spent in training. They likely started in some way with your mom and your dad getting you toys that would challenge you in your spacial learning. You might have graduated to an ABC or a 124 puzzle. Myself, I remember having a Tupperware shape puzzle. It was like a tiny blue and red octagonal globe. Several differnet shapes could be pushed through either hemisphere and when it was full, you could release the spring by pulling on the two yellow handles which had been placed at the poles. Before you even realized that you were learning, you were whisked off to kidnergarten.
Throughout your elementary school years, you learned the basics of life; how to read, write and how to do arithmatic. As you grew, the subject matter may have become more interesting as you took on studies such as history and geography. Chances are, there were likely times when you wondered what all of that was for.
Yet there was more to be learned in life than academia. Wasn’t there? In time, each of you developed a type of spiritual hunger and although your intellectual studies continued into adolescence, you spent many evenings seeking after some of life’s more personal questions;
Why am I here?
Who am I?
What is my purpose in life?
What a wonder it was to know you as you came into adulthood. Whether you knew it or not, whether you know it or not, all of the training in your life has been to build the man and the woman that you are today. Your teachers, your coaches, your intructors and pastors – these have all invested themselves into your lives to prepare you for the life that you are going to live together.
Whether you acknowldge it or not, your parents have been the greatest source of teaching and influence both on to and into your lives. I hope that in this time, you are able to find a way to honour them in the role that they have played.
As you plan your lives together, I encourage you to consider returning the courtesy that was paid to you by those who have poured their lives into yours. On behalf of all of them, I ask that you would do the same; that you would find the way that God wants you to invest your lives into others.
May The Lord bless you and keep you. When He looks at you, I hope He smiles.
Love Kevin
PS - If you think I'm talking about you, message me.
For the past several days, you have been coming to mind more and more. So much so, that I’ve been having a difficult time in some of my creative endeavours. I had intended to begin writing my third book, but since you are on my heart, I prefer to spend this time sharing these sentiments with you. I suppose this desire springs from the fact that I love and miss you both immensely, and although we are seperated by time and space, I prefer to think that by writing to you, I might in some way be able to continue to walk with you in your current chapter in life.
As you read this, I hope that you are able to remember my voice, the way that I wouild speak to you and that you would be able to envsion hearing these words as if I were present with you now. Knowing you has been a great privilege and I am so thankful for the life I have had with each of you. I hope you hear a voice that is warm, and compassionate.
Up until this time in your life, most of your years have been spent in training. They likely started in some way with your mom and your dad getting you toys that would challenge you in your spacial learning. You might have graduated to an ABC or a 124 puzzle. Myself, I remember having a Tupperware shape puzzle. It was like a tiny blue and red octagonal globe. Several differnet shapes could be pushed through either hemisphere and when it was full, you could release the spring by pulling on the two yellow handles which had been placed at the poles. Before you even realized that you were learning, you were whisked off to kidnergarten.
Throughout your elementary school years, you learned the basics of life; how to read, write and how to do arithmatic. As you grew, the subject matter may have become more interesting as you took on studies such as history and geography. Chances are, there were likely times when you wondered what all of that was for.
Yet there was more to be learned in life than academia. Wasn’t there? In time, each of you developed a type of spiritual hunger and although your intellectual studies continued into adolescence, you spent many evenings seeking after some of life’s more personal questions;
Why am I here?
Who am I?
What is my purpose in life?
What a wonder it was to know you as you came into adulthood. Whether you knew it or not, whether you know it or not, all of the training in your life has been to build the man and the woman that you are today. Your teachers, your coaches, your intructors and pastors – these have all invested themselves into your lives to prepare you for the life that you are going to live together.
Whether you acknowldge it or not, your parents have been the greatest source of teaching and influence both on to and into your lives. I hope that in this time, you are able to find a way to honour them in the role that they have played.
As you plan your lives together, I encourage you to consider returning the courtesy that was paid to you by those who have poured their lives into yours. On behalf of all of them, I ask that you would do the same; that you would find the way that God wants you to invest your lives into others.
May The Lord bless you and keep you. When He looks at you, I hope He smiles.
Love Kevin
PS - If you think I'm talking about you, message me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Bullying: Not Just For Kids Anymore
This past week, I was required by my employer to complete the Ontario Government's mandatory workplace violence and harassment training. Apparently, violence in the workplace is an increasing problem. I’m not sure on whether or not that is true, but hope that our government wouldn’t create a false sense of urgency.
Don’t you find that to be odd? I mean, over and over I am told that we are an evolving society. We are apparently becoming increasingly tolerant of each other as we throw off that old blanket of Christianity. The Christians are the ‘intolerant ones’ right? So, as there are fewer and fewer of them in our schools and workplaces, our fair land should be enjoying a liberating spirit. Should it not?
It isn’t working out that way. Is it? Workplace violence and schoolyard bullying are in fact increasing problems in the cultural fabric of our country. I’m quite confident in saying that there is a direct link between these things and a nation who is continuing to walk away from her Lord Jesus.
I know that as I say these things, there will be some of us in our minds thinking, ‘But what about the crusades?’ Yeah. There was a point in history when we used to burn witches too. I’m not saying that we don’t have our dark spots. Yet, what I’m saying really isn’t too far out there. Think about it.
If a nation abandons a faith that advocates love for all people, especially love for one’s enemies, what would you expect the outcome to be?
If a nation abandons a faith that teaches honesty, can you expect integrity from her leaders?
If a nation abandons a faith that admonishes its people to care for the less fortunate, what are the implications for poverty?
If a nation rejects a faith which tells us to resist evil, can we expect our teachers, principals and parents to address the bullying in and of our children?
I’m not saying that Christians are known for their faithfulness to their God. I teach Sunday school and it would take some convincing for me to believe that our parents take the discipleship of their own children all that seriously. I’m not pointing my finger at anyone in particular. It’s just a general feeling I have. Christians are not reputed to be a people who live as Christ lived or taught. In fact, I believe it was Ghandi, who said something to this effect,
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians, because they do not live like Christ.”
Our Book doesn’t teach us to slay non-believers, but there are times in history where we have done exactly just that. If you want to murder those who don’t believe, you’ll have to follow a different god. We are rarely known as a people who actually do what our faith advocates, but what would it look like if we did? Our greatest atrocities are committed when we fail to take Christ at His word and to act on it. Although we are not characterized as being faithful to the teachings of our Lord, for the many who do, there is a preserving work that flows out of their lives into the world around them.
So as our society continues to abandon the faith that tells us to be peacemakers, I hope you aren’t surprised by the violence.
Don’t you find that to be odd? I mean, over and over I am told that we are an evolving society. We are apparently becoming increasingly tolerant of each other as we throw off that old blanket of Christianity. The Christians are the ‘intolerant ones’ right? So, as there are fewer and fewer of them in our schools and workplaces, our fair land should be enjoying a liberating spirit. Should it not?
It isn’t working out that way. Is it? Workplace violence and schoolyard bullying are in fact increasing problems in the cultural fabric of our country. I’m quite confident in saying that there is a direct link between these things and a nation who is continuing to walk away from her Lord Jesus.
I know that as I say these things, there will be some of us in our minds thinking, ‘But what about the crusades?’ Yeah. There was a point in history when we used to burn witches too. I’m not saying that we don’t have our dark spots. Yet, what I’m saying really isn’t too far out there. Think about it.
If a nation abandons a faith that advocates love for all people, especially love for one’s enemies, what would you expect the outcome to be?
If a nation abandons a faith that teaches honesty, can you expect integrity from her leaders?
If a nation abandons a faith that admonishes its people to care for the less fortunate, what are the implications for poverty?
If a nation rejects a faith which tells us to resist evil, can we expect our teachers, principals and parents to address the bullying in and of our children?
I’m not saying that Christians are known for their faithfulness to their God. I teach Sunday school and it would take some convincing for me to believe that our parents take the discipleship of their own children all that seriously. I’m not pointing my finger at anyone in particular. It’s just a general feeling I have. Christians are not reputed to be a people who live as Christ lived or taught. In fact, I believe it was Ghandi, who said something to this effect,
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians, because they do not live like Christ.”
Our Book doesn’t teach us to slay non-believers, but there are times in history where we have done exactly just that. If you want to murder those who don’t believe, you’ll have to follow a different god. We are rarely known as a people who actually do what our faith advocates, but what would it look like if we did? Our greatest atrocities are committed when we fail to take Christ at His word and to act on it. Although we are not characterized as being faithful to the teachings of our Lord, for the many who do, there is a preserving work that flows out of their lives into the world around them.
So as our society continues to abandon the faith that tells us to be peacemakers, I hope you aren’t surprised by the violence.
Monday, May 10, 2010
I'm so pathetic.
For those of you who have been walking with the Lord for some time, I'm sure you don't have these issues. You likely don't spend money on holidays, home rennovations or any form of entertainment. The world doesn't tug at your heart anymore and it's just nothing but glory.
This past weekend, Barb and I had some fun with our friends from church. We spent the evening talking and singing to some of the songs that we grew up with. Amid our conversations we had this question, "What does God think of having fun?" Really. Besides the wedding, did Jesus have fun?
Here is what I do know. Ever since I had 'fun' this weekend, I've been preoccupied with having more 'fun'; so much so, that Barb and I placed a bid on a video game system that has two Singstar mics. I have spent most of my morning vexing over whether or not it was the best thing to do.
A friend of mine shared with me this morning how his daughter becomes incredibly sick from time to time. He has taken her to the doctors on several occassions, but they can't figure out what's wrong.
I just feel so dumb. I'm worried about whether or not I should buy a video game system and he's concerned with whether or not his daughter will be able to enjoy a healthy life.
I'm glad I'm the only North American Christian who is like this. I hate to think that there are many other believers who are this pathetic.
This past weekend, Barb and I had some fun with our friends from church. We spent the evening talking and singing to some of the songs that we grew up with. Amid our conversations we had this question, "What does God think of having fun?" Really. Besides the wedding, did Jesus have fun?
Here is what I do know. Ever since I had 'fun' this weekend, I've been preoccupied with having more 'fun'; so much so, that Barb and I placed a bid on a video game system that has two Singstar mics. I have spent most of my morning vexing over whether or not it was the best thing to do.
A friend of mine shared with me this morning how his daughter becomes incredibly sick from time to time. He has taken her to the doctors on several occassions, but they can't figure out what's wrong.
I just feel so dumb. I'm worried about whether or not I should buy a video game system and he's concerned with whether or not his daughter will be able to enjoy a healthy life.
I'm glad I'm the only North American Christian who is like this. I hate to think that there are many other believers who are this pathetic.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Motives for the Quest (Part II)
I’m dealing with these very easy questions for a reason. We as a species continue looking to the sky for at least three reasons. Primarily, the things that we teach in our text books are not based on established fact. Secondly, the truth has implications. Thirdly, we continue looking to the skies because it really has little to do with science in the first place. It has everything to do with supporting a particular belief system.
I have no idea of how much money annually, humankind spends on space exploration. It would be terribly time consuming to go there and I question how profitable that energy would be in the grand scheme. It isn’t as if there is some world governing body and it’s a game where anyone with enough resources gets to play. Some countries have their own space program. NASA would likely be considered to be at the forefront of this area, but that’s just the United Sates.
Whenever I open up a science text book, I am generally told that the origins of the universe are known and I’m also given an approximate timeline of when it all took place. If these things were actually established fact, there would be no need to investigate any further. There would be no need for NASA’s Hubble or Chile’s ALMA telescope. If we knew for certain that we evolved from nothing over a period of billions of years, the money used to fund these projects could be better used elsewhere. That’s why we keep looking to the sky for the answers. We keep looking because we haven’t found the answers that we want to see.
Those who know me seldom describe me as being a conspiracy theorist. I know that not everything is as it would seem, but I’ve never bought into the paranoia surrounding 2012. I didn’t buy into the theories which said that George Bush was a shape shifting alien and that the Democrats blew up the twin towers so that Obama could get elected. I haven’t devoted a whole lot of time in trying to prove that the US really didn’t place a man on the moon. What I will say is that something does seem amiss in the amount of effort we place, not in trying to discover truth, but rather in trying to uphold our theories.
Unfortunately, the truth has implications. The truth can also hurt. So if I want to live my life in any way that I feel is acceptable, it would be uncomfortable to consider the possibility that someone made all that we see. If there is a God who made all that is and if we have to answer to Him when this is all over, that would have its bearing on the lives that we live. Wouldn’t it?
What if? What if you happen to be an individual who thinks that you are the ultimate authority in the universe? What if you think that it’s up to you to decide what is right and wrong? It sounds rather extreme, but is it really too far off in describing how most of us think? Morality in North America has turned into an opinion poll. If that is where a person finds him or herself, being told that there is a God would make them rather uncomfortable. Wouldn’t it?
So you want to be your own god, choose what is right and wrong, but you are told that there is one true God who made this world. Suppose that you had no intention of acknowledging Him as He is. Suppose you still wanted to be the one who decided what should be done with the life you live. In order to appease your conscience, would you not be compelled to spend a great deal of time trying to convince yourself and others that this whole God-thing is little more that an spooky fairy tale?
Much of the effort spent in trying to ‘discover our origins’ comes out of that kind defence. ‘I want to be god. Therefore, I have to convince myself that there is no God. I have to find evidence which proves that I am right, because I just can’t live with the consequences of being wrong.’ I offer no list of people. I’m not pointing my finger at atheists, the academic institution, or the media. I’m pointing at the kind of thinking which invades all of us to one extent or another; ‘I want to do what I want to do and I want to feel ok about myself while I am doing it.’ If I am going to continue in that vein of thought, then I need to keep looking for the kind of evidence that allows me to sleep at night.
What is often referred to as free, sceptical, or critical thought really is a myth. An elementary schoolmate of mine told me this last Sunday, “We all live by faith in something whether we realize it or not.” His name is Peter Wiebe and he is right.
It would probably be helpful for me to be honest, and it likely won't take you by surprise to find out that I am one of those Christians. I have come to believe that there is a God and that He made the entire universe; including our world. This might shock you to hear of it, but I wasn’t personally there when the foundations of the earth were set in place. There is evidence which helps me to rest in my conclusions, but primarily, I accept these things out of faith. This might also shock you, but those who believe in evolution weren’t present at the birth of the world either. They also have evidence which helps them to rest in their conclusions, but their beliefs are also built on faith.
There is a difference between evidence and proof. What we have available to us in our day takes on the form of evidence, not proof. Even if there was a person who was there who took the time to write it down, we likely wouldn’t all accept it as truth in our time today. Creationists and evolutionists both have the same evidence with which to come to their conclusions. We look at the same sky, the same bones but paint two completely different pictures. Proponents of ‘Free Thought’ generally accept what is referred to as critical thinking, so long as the thinker comes to the same conclusions.
We all believe what we believe, even if we claim to believe in nothing at all. When I turn on the light in my bedroom, I have faith that the light will come on. When you order a pizza at the restaurant, you expect to receive a pizza. When you hop into your Focus to go to work in the morning, you do so believing that it will start and deliver you. (Of course it will. It’s a Ford!) Creationists weren’t there, but they believe they were created. Evolutionists weren’t there, but they believe they have evolved.
I have no idea of how much money annually, humankind spends on space exploration. It would be terribly time consuming to go there and I question how profitable that energy would be in the grand scheme. It isn’t as if there is some world governing body and it’s a game where anyone with enough resources gets to play. Some countries have their own space program. NASA would likely be considered to be at the forefront of this area, but that’s just the United Sates.
Whenever I open up a science text book, I am generally told that the origins of the universe are known and I’m also given an approximate timeline of when it all took place. If these things were actually established fact, there would be no need to investigate any further. There would be no need for NASA’s Hubble or Chile’s ALMA telescope. If we knew for certain that we evolved from nothing over a period of billions of years, the money used to fund these projects could be better used elsewhere. That’s why we keep looking to the sky for the answers. We keep looking because we haven’t found the answers that we want to see.
Those who know me seldom describe me as being a conspiracy theorist. I know that not everything is as it would seem, but I’ve never bought into the paranoia surrounding 2012. I didn’t buy into the theories which said that George Bush was a shape shifting alien and that the Democrats blew up the twin towers so that Obama could get elected. I haven’t devoted a whole lot of time in trying to prove that the US really didn’t place a man on the moon. What I will say is that something does seem amiss in the amount of effort we place, not in trying to discover truth, but rather in trying to uphold our theories.
Unfortunately, the truth has implications. The truth can also hurt. So if I want to live my life in any way that I feel is acceptable, it would be uncomfortable to consider the possibility that someone made all that we see. If there is a God who made all that is and if we have to answer to Him when this is all over, that would have its bearing on the lives that we live. Wouldn’t it?
What if? What if you happen to be an individual who thinks that you are the ultimate authority in the universe? What if you think that it’s up to you to decide what is right and wrong? It sounds rather extreme, but is it really too far off in describing how most of us think? Morality in North America has turned into an opinion poll. If that is where a person finds him or herself, being told that there is a God would make them rather uncomfortable. Wouldn’t it?
So you want to be your own god, choose what is right and wrong, but you are told that there is one true God who made this world. Suppose that you had no intention of acknowledging Him as He is. Suppose you still wanted to be the one who decided what should be done with the life you live. In order to appease your conscience, would you not be compelled to spend a great deal of time trying to convince yourself and others that this whole God-thing is little more that an spooky fairy tale?
Much of the effort spent in trying to ‘discover our origins’ comes out of that kind defence. ‘I want to be god. Therefore, I have to convince myself that there is no God. I have to find evidence which proves that I am right, because I just can’t live with the consequences of being wrong.’ I offer no list of people. I’m not pointing my finger at atheists, the academic institution, or the media. I’m pointing at the kind of thinking which invades all of us to one extent or another; ‘I want to do what I want to do and I want to feel ok about myself while I am doing it.’ If I am going to continue in that vein of thought, then I need to keep looking for the kind of evidence that allows me to sleep at night.
What is often referred to as free, sceptical, or critical thought really is a myth. An elementary schoolmate of mine told me this last Sunday, “We all live by faith in something whether we realize it or not.” His name is Peter Wiebe and he is right.
It would probably be helpful for me to be honest, and it likely won't take you by surprise to find out that I am one of those Christians. I have come to believe that there is a God and that He made the entire universe; including our world. This might shock you to hear of it, but I wasn’t personally there when the foundations of the earth were set in place. There is evidence which helps me to rest in my conclusions, but primarily, I accept these things out of faith. This might also shock you, but those who believe in evolution weren’t present at the birth of the world either. They also have evidence which helps them to rest in their conclusions, but their beliefs are also built on faith.
There is a difference between evidence and proof. What we have available to us in our day takes on the form of evidence, not proof. Even if there was a person who was there who took the time to write it down, we likely wouldn’t all accept it as truth in our time today. Creationists and evolutionists both have the same evidence with which to come to their conclusions. We look at the same sky, the same bones but paint two completely different pictures. Proponents of ‘Free Thought’ generally accept what is referred to as critical thinking, so long as the thinker comes to the same conclusions.
We all believe what we believe, even if we claim to believe in nothing at all. When I turn on the light in my bedroom, I have faith that the light will come on. When you order a pizza at the restaurant, you expect to receive a pizza. When you hop into your Focus to go to work in the morning, you do so believing that it will start and deliver you. (Of course it will. It’s a Ford!) Creationists weren’t there, but they believe they were created. Evolutionists weren’t there, but they believe they have evolved.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Questions
In my fireplace room, there is a map. It is a map of the world which highlights Canada’s involvement on the world stage. Although we’ve never aspired to police the world in any superpower type role, we are quite involved internationally. Our Beaver Tails are available for sale in countries such as Malaysia, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. Bombardier Inc., a Canadian company, now has interests on every continent. As of 2004, Japan even had a theme park named “Canadian World” which featured a replica of the house, church and school, found in Anne of Green Gables. I wonder if it is still open.
One item of particular interest is the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope being built in Chile. Canada is part of a multinational effort in building this telescope that is being touted as helping us to be able to look at the origins of the universe. ALMA’s own website carries with it this slogan, “In search of our cosmic origins.” It’s a large and ambitious project, expected to cost around $600 million Euro. It should be nearing completion as we speak.
ALMA isn’t the only astrological game in town. In my mind, the most notable telescope would be NASA’s Hubble Telescope. It doesn’t take a lot of research or ingenuity to discover that the same manner of thinking which spurred on the development and construction of ALMA, is the same kind of thinking behind other space exploration programs.
These are the kind of questions that warrant the billions spent year after year by the more affluent nations of our dear planet,
Where did we come from?
How did we get here?
When did we get here?
I’m not even going to pretend to be an astrophysicist, but in my little pea brain, something seems amiss. Something doesn’t make sense. When I pick up any public school science text, I am told that the answers to these questions are already known. I am told over and over that the universe is billions of years old, that it came from nothing, and it just evolved into everything that we have here today. Any discussion outside of that framework is said to be archaic and uninformed. We’re told that these are ‘established truths.’
If what we teach our children really is established science, then there is no further need to make a bigger/better camera. But we still look, year after year into the cosmos for answers to the questions which we already claim to know. Why is that? Why spend the effort? Why spend the money and the time? Also; why look there? Why are we looking into space for those answers? What is it in our conscience that would indicate we could ever unravel life’s easy questions by going there in the first place?
Why Such Effort?
One item of particular interest is the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope being built in Chile. Canada is part of a multinational effort in building this telescope that is being touted as helping us to be able to look at the origins of the universe. ALMA’s own website carries with it this slogan, “In search of our cosmic origins.” It’s a large and ambitious project, expected to cost around $600 million Euro. It should be nearing completion as we speak.
ALMA isn’t the only astrological game in town. In my mind, the most notable telescope would be NASA’s Hubble Telescope. It doesn’t take a lot of research or ingenuity to discover that the same manner of thinking which spurred on the development and construction of ALMA, is the same kind of thinking behind other space exploration programs.
These are the kind of questions that warrant the billions spent year after year by the more affluent nations of our dear planet,
Where did we come from?
How did we get here?
When did we get here?
I’m not even going to pretend to be an astrophysicist, but in my little pea brain, something seems amiss. Something doesn’t make sense. When I pick up any public school science text, I am told that the answers to these questions are already known. I am told over and over that the universe is billions of years old, that it came from nothing, and it just evolved into everything that we have here today. Any discussion outside of that framework is said to be archaic and uninformed. We’re told that these are ‘established truths.’
If what we teach our children really is established science, then there is no further need to make a bigger/better camera. But we still look, year after year into the cosmos for answers to the questions which we already claim to know. Why is that? Why spend the effort? Why spend the money and the time? Also; why look there? Why are we looking into space for those answers? What is it in our conscience that would indicate we could ever unravel life’s easy questions by going there in the first place?
Why Such Effort?
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