Happy Reformation Day

October 31st is Reformation Day. It is the day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95-thesis to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral, challenging the clergy on the issue of indulgences. Salvation by Grace alone, in Christ alone, by Faith alone was Luther's message. Take some time to think about what is celebrated on October 31st, and where the roots of Halloween come from. And take a close look at what Luther and the other "Protestants" actually preached. Romans 1:16-17 is a good place to begin. So go out, dress up, and celebrate God's grace, which is a gift apart from our works! We have the righteousness of Christ!

Happy Reformation Day

Happy Reformation Day!
Don't you want to get dressed up?
And celebrate Justification through Faith,
That our Father has given us.

No there is none righteous
Not one who understands
This is why we need the grace of God

You who indulge in Halloween
Your heart masked like the costume you wear;
Soul cold like the candy you eat,
Empty as your stomach is full.

Happy Reformation Day!
Get your thesis nailed to the door
And dress up however you like,
But remember its all about grace

-the bard 31/10/05

Context!! Context!!

So I tend to be fairly blunt concerning most things in life, and as a result I tend to say fairly poignant things in all circumstances. Some of these things, in the context of a relationship are down right hilarious (though perhaps a little bit embarrassing). So Heather wrote down a few of them, and since she is at school right now, I think I'm going to post them sneakily, and completely out of context. Actually she will probably laugh at me since they are mainly embarrassing for me. Enjoy!

1. "At the beginning I was like, 'Oh, this is horrible!'"
2. "I prefer it when you are sleepy."
3. "I'd rather die than marry you"
4. "Its not at all physical attraction. The physical aspect has nothing to do with it."
5. "If I was somewhere else and I'd heard that you died I'd have no problem with that... I'd praise the Lord."

I suppose there will always be more to come. Its good to be able to laugh at yourself once in a while.

-todd

Doubly Blind

Doubly Blind

The quiet heart amidst a sea of noise
Peace, tranquility; it is alive.
Empty stares pierce the blind
Such rush, its a wonder they don't trip.
O yes, it is in a different sense,
What danger then, to be blind
And not know.
Let dirt and spittle fly!
Perchance to hit the eye
And now doubly blind they'll cry!

-the bard

Heather Yoshiki

Our foundation

The Great Tree

Autumn floor

Jungles of Hope Valley

In the Room with Orange Swivel Chairs

In the room with orange swivel chairs
The white desktops are laden with all my work.
But my mind is somewhere else.


The Squatter's Tale lay dormantly asleep,
Though not so tightly held as Anne-
After buying 20 pounds of sugar.


O what time has passed amidst these thoughts,
Though not enough to suit my taste.

Patience now is ne'er undone
But grows, in full, agape love.


-the bard

Happy Birthday Bobo!

Well, its my little brother Caleb's birthday tommorow. He's 17 years of age. He is a pretty cool guy, I must say, though I can still remember the days when I used to beat him up; he could probably beat me up now. In any case, seeing how much he has grown to know and love Jesus is definitely a reason to be thankful. He's developing into quite a mature man of God, something I have seen by way of how Christ has shaped his personality and character over the years.
I spent time with Heather's family this thanksgiving as well, and as a whole it made me reflect on how God has blessed me with a wonderful family too. All the faces, the warmth, the memories laced with tears and soft music. It moves the soul.
Derek Webb's song "beloved" is playing in my head these days (and also on my guitar). Its about Christ and the church, and how Jesus is all that we ever need to be completely satisfied. I'm going to play it at the coffee house for TCF. I love this song!

And don't you ever let anyone tell you
That there's anything that you need
But me
-beloved (Derek Webb)

God the Faithful one.

There is something about the faithfulness of God which is truly mysterious. He does not fail. That is a description of what He is like. It is very humbling when I think about how often I sin, and God is still faithful. How I chase after things which do not satisfy, and God is long-suffering toward me. Most humbling though, is that God restores me. By Christ's life and blood I have no debt to God. I have a new nature, a new set of principles. A new heart, a new objective. Follow Jesus friends. Man will fail you, but the Lord Jesus will never fail you.