The critical question for our generation:

"The critical question for our generation—and for every generation— is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there? "

— John Piper (God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love as the Gift of Himself)

"Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savoring God. And people who would be happy in heaven if Christ were not there, will not be there. The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God. It's a way of overcoming every obstacle to everlasting joy in God. If we don't want God above all things, we have not been converted by the gospel."

— John Piper (God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love as the Gift of Himself)

"The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.
It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night."
— John Piper (A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer)

Who knows when you, my child, began...

Who knows when you, my child, began

For far before this hour came

God called you by a special name

And held your soul within his hand

All knit you were within my womb

So intricate and small you were

But long before you first did stir

God saw you far beyond the tomb.

He has forever known your ways

Your face was gently formed by Him

He shaped your body limb by limb

And numbered all your given days.

Should I then fear for you?

By Christine Farenhorst Praamsma

(these are pics of Josh when he was born 2 years ago, I just found this poem that my mom had scribbled onto a paper probably years ago. I am posting it in honour of my new darling niece Megan. :) see Sharon's blog for pics of the littly hunny!)

Recommended Reading by Patricia St. John

Its a far cry from Gordon Korman :) ...actually there is no comparing the two. Ashleigh and I are really enjoying this beautiful story, and it is really making her think and be thankful. I bought it from Reformed Book Services http://www.reformedbookservices.ca/catalog/

We are looking forward to moving on to the next Patricia St. John book! Years ago Kev & I both read Twice Freed and loved it, too. Have you ever read anything by her?

going private again, sorry!

and I'm also sorry for such a dull blog. If you had access before, you'll still have it. But if you didn't have access before, and want it now, please send an email to thesearethedayz @ gmail.com to let me know. Thanks & have a great weekend!