Hannah Poem - I

I

There once was a girl named Hannah
who wouldn’t eat her peas.

She stomped her feet and puffed her cheeks
and hit her hands on her knees.

Her mommy exclaimed, “O dear, O no!
why is Hannah acting so?”

Her father mused, “Hmmm hmm, hum hum,
I think I might have to spank her bum!”

With that, little Hannah, being bright, and quick,
picked up her spoon and took a lick.

At first, the taste produced a grim face,
but then she dropped her biased case.

The peas were yummy with a bit of butter,
so much so, that she asked for another



plate.


by todd and heather anderson

Humorous family Things

My inlaws are down to visit, and to take care of the baby while Heather and I scoot off to a TCF event. We were trying to decide what name Hannah could call Terry (Heather's father). He is not into the whole 'grandpa' thing yet. So we were cruising around looking for quality Japanese names.

We started out looking at the Japanese name for grandpa, which didn't want to stick. So we looked up alternatives. We came accross 'Hiro' which means wise. And then we found this gem:

Toshihiro Intelligent + wise


Heather's mother's comment was: 'That won't do...'

In any case, it was a quality moment in family happenings.

Gotta run.

T.

Cruise

"Jesus on the Lock"



"An eerie doorway"

The Pops

So, I am a father to a delightful little baby girl, whom we call Hannah Joy Anderson, or baby girl, Han (not to be confused with Han Solo), Giant Lungs, and a whole host of other things. She was born 9 lbs. 3 oz. at 1:49 am on Saturday, and she won't stop eating...

In any case, please check either Heather's facebook, or my own, for pictures, since I will reserve the blog for reflective words, and such.

We are well, God is infinitely good, and babies change your whole life.

God bless,

The Pops

Labour Part I

Currently at home in the early stages of labour. Heather's water has broken, so we went to the hospital. They told us we could stay or go, but to come back whenever we felt the need to. God is good, and the baby may be here soon!

Please continue to be in prayer.

Todd out

Heaven

Seamless joy
No conflict
Too human
To believe

Thoughts on anticipation

It is surely a strange thing to anticipate the arrival of your first newborn. Recently I have been reflecting on whether or not it is like waiting for Christ to return. Noone knows the date or time, there are signs of it, and there are a whole host of references that I would include, were I in a dangerous sort of mood, which I am not, but those of you who know your eschatology can deduce and infer all you like.

Needless to say, baby Anderson Mark II has not arrived yet, but plans are being laid for safe arrival if he/she decides to hold out for much longer. Heather is healthy and happy, out shopping with her sister and mother for who knows what! She is however at that classic 'I want the baby out' stage of pregnancy, which is sort of humorous, but really leaves you feeling helpless and powerless, but not impotent.

Ahem... That will be my final dangerous comment in this entry.

In other news, my battles with the wily Trent University Course Calender have been slowly advancing. A few victorious skirmishes have left me re-evaluating the situation, but hopeful of success in the overall campaign. That is to say that I am closing in on the final stages of overload request, and my course list looks different. I apologize Jer, I tried to keep Metaphyz and Epist but it got shot by Philosophy of Religion early tuesday morning in an ambush near a ravine. I tell you, these Registrar people are crafty, but they don't know what's hit them yet!

Butcher's Bill:

English 3150 - Studies in Shakespeare
Philosophy 320 - Metaphysics and Epistemology (for Jer)
MODL 303H - Germanic Linguistics

Current Holdings:

Full Year
ENGL 2000 (205) [Form and Context]
ENGL3250 [Studies in the Romantics]
PHIL 310 [Moral Philosophy]
LATIN 100

Fall
MODL 302H [Romance Linguistics]
PHIL 275H [Philosophy of Religion]

Winter
PHIL 245H [Argumentation and Rhetoric]
MODL 202H [Historical Linguistics]

If I get this excited about the process of registration this year, I wonder what my classes are going to be like...

Anyways friends, keep anticipating, because if you ever stop, you're probably dead.

al'Ander

Soon...

Its hard to believe, but the ticker timer for our new baby is coming to an end. Approximately 1 week is left before Heather reaches her due date. The calm before the storm is upon us. I have always found this to be the strangest kind of position to be in. It is similar to the moment before you are called to give your grade 6 speech. You are the next kid up, and are frantically flipping through cue-cards in hopes that you have memorized what you are going to say. In other ways, it is far from similar to this. Work keeps me busy, so the time has felt very fast. It is nearly August! Where has my summer gone? Alas! Heather is feeling well, and looks like a beautiful balloon. I love this woman. She is a wonderful helper, and she knows me super well.

I'm going to be a father. Woah. Pray for us friends, in the next week or two, and I will do my best to keep you updated!

Value God above all else, because he is reality.

T

The Sword and the Swan

Pending on God's miraculous work, and the Trent University English Department, I have tentatively planned the following schedule of mayhem (and possibly learning) for my final bout at beloved Trent. If this was all I had to do I would be busy, but alas, God has determined to discipline me or kill me this coming scholastic year, having given me the responsibility of a wife and child alongside the care of a community of bible-studiers. I used to get those foreboding thoughts of the intensity of the year to come when I was shopping for books for my courses. Now it comes 2 months before classes even begin...

Full Year

English 205 - Form and Context (I refuse to call it 2000)
English 3150 - Studies in Shakespeare
Philosophy 320 - Metaphysics and Epistemology (for Jer)
Latin 100 (for Boyne)

Autumn

MODL 302H - Romance Linguistics
PHIL 275 - Philosophy of Religion

Winter

MODL 303H - Germanic Linguistics
MODL 202H - Historical Linguistics

Besides the madness of an overloaded year (there is a chance I might be able to satisfy the requirements for English 205 without retaking it, thereby avoiding the madness) I am excited about these selections. The Latin is partly to stay in touch with Martin Boyne, partly to satisfy the 'Linguistics Emphasis' requirements, and partly to prepare me for Masters work at TBS. The linguistics is for my own interest, to see if I want to explore that further when dealing with theology. It is always helpful to understand the background of languages and the culture they developed in when dealing with theology, because many arguments and conversations in this day fail to listen adequately, so as to properly refute or affirm what is being said. Understanding language is the root to this. Philosophy of Religion is for sharpening my apologetical skills, because there is ripe opportunity to deal with issues like 'the problem of evil', 'the existence of God', and 'the relationship between faith and reason'. The other philosophy is partly because I am interested in understanding 'ways of knowing', or how people understand knowledge, and partly because I want to spend some time with Jer in some scholastic fashion. The Shakespearean English is my attempt to go as deep as I can in one area of English while at Trent. I think Tromly made me love and hate Shakespeare, and I don't think I gave it as much time as I should have (too many talks with Noah in the O.C. about everything).

One thing I was excited about when choosing courses was the degree of intentionality I was able to suffuse through my selections. My first year resembled Russian Roulette, and my second year was an attempt to do as much English as possible. If everything goes well, this year's selections will mark a development in the purposeful part of my character. Can anyone smell Discipline?... Oh, its only my socks...

Peace,

Todd

Continuance

Snail-backed words slime
Whale-bone swords white

What is a snail-backed word?
a slowwwwwww
HarD expression,
which is difficult to grasp.

Fast! Whale-boned swords come lasT
In strength and speed.
A club of white wasted in battle.

Stream of consciousness is good for nothing.
nothing.
nothing,


but...

sustaining the muscle we call Creativity,
which ebbs with silence and inactivity.

Crimson flames tie my tongue

Finally its the end of a work-week! I don't have very much to say at the moment, but I blog in order to keep up the writing. My current project for the week has suffered from my work schedule, which is dissapointing, but hopefully reconcilable. Discussions with my work-mates have lead down many paths, but one which has crossed the threshold from passing comment to conversation is the philosophy of humour. I talked with one coworker about the motives of humour, and why it is human beings laugh at things. In our context, we thought it was interesting that men tend to cover over concern for the well-being of another with laughter. Thus, it is easier to laugh at someone than for that person to find out you care. What gets me is the relative vulgarity of humour. Jokes are relegated to the inferior category of 'wit' and 'pun' if they are not cutting and/or sexual. And really, it makes me sad. We were designed to build one another up, and to glorify a powerful and awesome God in the words we use. Oh how my own tongue makes me to be a flaming hypocrite! Do you find your workplace is a warzone of acid thoughts and dagger smiles? How do you protect your mind and heart?

God's word. Read in the Psalms what David has to say about God's words. Then take steps to confront sin.

Todd

blah...

Its about 9 pm at the moment, and this week has been ultra busy at work. I had a chance to play some guitar, but I basically strung together whatever of Derek's I felt like playing. Its funny which ones I rotate through. My choice seems to be whatever I have not played in a while, so tonight it was: I repent, I want a broken heart, faith my eyes, high countries(sandra), laden with guilt(sandra), and now and then(sandra). Its funny because I don't listen to a great deal of music. I have only heard demo stuff of Ringing Bells, but I don't really desire to listen to it now. I play stuff over and over, and then go back and find some earlier work, like 'piece of glass' or 'the truth', or 'can't lose you'. Its like my influences go backward too because I am diving more and more into Bob Dylan, working on 'every grain of sand', 'my back page', and 'when he returns'. Well enough musical ramblings for now. For the musician in all of you readers, keep those calluses in tact!

the bard

rip.

Today, I was asked to take a trip down to the basement of my house. Upon arriving at the last step, I glanced around, noticing hideous spiders, and creepy appliances. On the way back up the stairs, having just retrieved the garden hose, I chanced to look to the right of the bottom stair. There scrawled on a piece of cardboard in black 'sharpie' were the quaint words: "Here lies Frodo, R.I.P."...

thanks Shane.

-Composed by Todd and Heather Anderson (each using one hand)

Recent Happenings

Well folks, life moves quickly when you dig holes all day... Work has been full of long hours, which means money and exhaustion. It is strange to be so busy when I was at one time so free to use my time as I pleased. Heather and I were able to go on a date downtown, which itself is a blast, but with her is far better. I suppose that means it was something like a large explosion... Strange analogies for time spent together. We were checking out bookstores on Water street, and I need to revisit in order to stock up on some classics, but here is what we decided to add to the growing library on Aylmer street.

Heather - Do it Yourself Gifts (a make it at home gift book idea, which included sewing patterns, and the like. Three cheers for domestication! I love my wife)

Todd
-William Wordsworth biography by E. Hershey Sneath
-Major works of Wordsworth (Red spine classics edition)
-10 Colloquies of Erasmus.

I had my eye on a biography of Augustine, and some of Thomas Moore's works, but now that I think about it, I either have to learn to read like Spurgeon, or be content with the fate of having far to many books on my 'TO READ' list. In any case, it was a splendid day which included a trip to Gator Pita, as well as the splendid experience of getting kicked out of a new patio, which had a very open concept but was intended for customers of "Dancing Blueberries". We ought to observe that one on another outing. Its always good to alliterate. Do you ever get that hankering to Figure of Speech? You lean over to your buddy and say, "Lets go personify some glass!" It sounds like stealing...

We also had a chance to visit Giant Tiger and see Caleb out at HVDC. It was there that we bumped into Dan and Rachel Sargeant, hung out at their house eating Rhubarb muffins and drinking Arab tea, speaking about the most important kinds of things.

My project for the next week is to spend time critically writing about some of the musical issues at Braidwood Bible Chapel. I plan on coming up with some solutions, so as to take practical steps in solving the problems rather than merely critiquing them. As my thoughts coalesce, I look forward to spending time on this, and hope that it may be useful. In one sense it is very foreboding, because I don't really understand the complications invloved. I do know that there are many people who are fired up about change in this area, and I hope to make it a little bit more concrete. Please pray about these things. I am submitting my work to Stephen June 2nd.

In any case, have yourselves a wonderful weekend, and stop by the house. Thanks to Ben and Mel for their lovely note!

Todd

Blur

Things are fairly busy in the Anderson/Lawton household. We are getting close to the 'unpacked' stage, but somehow I feel like certain things will never be unpacked. We are about to sit down to another supper, but before that, I just want to post that I am alive, and working long hours, kicking myself for the excess time wasted when I had it, and enjoying the new chapter in this existence. My wife is beautiful, and starting to waddle, which is awesome.

Paul wanted me to post that he is the 'King'. Of what I am not sure... Uh oh! Dinner is on the table. Hopefully will post again soon,

Peace,

Todd

School Hangover

Well, I had one of those weeks, where full-time work meets full-time school. For those of you who have experienced this at any level, you understand that it is a rough go. In any case, after a brief final bout with school I have emerged.

Throughout my class on Worship, I have been inspired to continue to develop musically. Part of this has manifested itself in the writing of new songs, and part of it has manifested itself in my desire to work through the Olney Hymns. So far I have written music to two songs, one of Newton's and one of Cowper's (/cooper/, not /cow-per/), and am considering a CD which may include them, as well as (and more importantly) speaking with the elders at Braidwood concerning this.

I'll post the songs in time. For now, my muscles are recovering...

Work

Praise the Lord for a job this sunny season! I am working for a landscaping company doing manual labour. Raking, digging holes, etc. Its sort of like a re-run of the gravel days at HVDC. Only this time I get paid!

That's all for now.

Contemplating good music

Check out this hymn by John Newton. The last 4 lines in particular strike me very powerfully, but take the whole thing together.


John Newton
8,6,8,6

Looking at the cross.

In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear;
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my wild career.

I saw one hanging on a tree,
In agonies and blood;
Who fixed his languid eyes on me,
As near his cross I stood.

Sure, never till my latest breath,
Can I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with his death,
Though not a word he spoke.

My conscience felt, and owned the guilt,
And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins his blood had spilt,
And helped to nail him there.

Alas! I knew not what I did,
But now my tears are vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the LORD have slain.

A second look he gave, which said,
“I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid,
I die, that thou may’st live.”

Thus, while his death my sin displays,
In all its blackest hue;
(Such is the mystery of grace)
It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mournful joy,
My spirit now is filled;
That I should such a life destroy,
Yet live by him I killed.

Sermon Outline - Exchanging Glory

OUTLINE FROM MANUSCRIPT

Intro
1) Pray FOCUS: verses 23&25 EXCHANGING
2) Story
3) Read Romans 1:18-32
4) Context – church at Rome
Vs 16-17 thesis: God’s righteousness revealed
Man needs this righteousness
5) Intro to Questions:
a) What is exchanged?
b) Why is it exchanged?
c) Effects of this exchange

Questions

What is exchanged?
1) Glory of Incorruptible God
a) Explain Glory – radiance, glow, shiny
WORTH, VALUE.
Example engagement ring
b) Display God – incorruptible, immortal, everlasting, never fading, eternal, Incomparable

2) An image in the form of corruptible man . . .
a) Explain 3-fold degradation
WORTHLESS
Quote - “copy of a copy of a copy” – Piper
Example - $100 bill → monopoly → child’s picture → photocopied

Why is it exchanged?
1) Foolishness of man (21-22)
a) Futile in speculations – because they don’t honour God they’re useless
b) Foolish heart darkened
c) Professing to be wise they became fools [Reversal of natural function of mind and heart]
2) God gave them up/over
- 3 times (24, 26, 28)
- Purpose is twofold 1) Reveal man’s sinfulness
2) Show God’s longsuffering

Effects of this exchange
1) God restrains (Example – dog straining on a leash)
2) Debasement (24, 26, 28)
a) Lusts of their heart – bodies dishonoured
b) Degrading passions – homosexuality
c) Depraved mind – Don’t acknowledge God
- Sin, knowing it is evil and give approval to others (APATHY)

Personal Application
1) Test your heart (What do we exchange?)
2) Nothing you can do to make Jesus look most beautiful to your heart – No matter your understanding
3) Plead with God

Annual Hairstyle

Alrighty folks. Its that time of year again. Hairstyle time! As many of you are aware, my hair has extraordinary properties. It defies gravity with a simple tilt of the head. It has the ability to appear outrageously messy and calmly cool within seconds. But it is that time of year when decisions MUST be made about the trajectory of this hair.

Should it be:
a) trimmed
b) buzz-cut
c) layered short
d) mullet
e) hold out for the dreads
f) mohawk
g) maybe just washed
h) b + d for the skullet
i) a + g for job interviews
j) none of the above

Send your votes in now!!

Update?

its a beautiful day... Don't let it get away!

In other news, I am busy, and this is a sorry excuse for an update.

i'll come back later... i hope.


t

Fresh...

I thought this place needed some sprucing up. Currently in Ajax with the wife (who is doing well). I am hunting jobs in Ptown, and looking forward to moving back in May. My creative side is bouncing around like crazy these days, and I decided to devote some more time to consistent creative writing. I hope to update the looks of this place as time goes on, but I figure after a couple of years it deserves some love.

In everything, live to God's glory. Nothing else is so exciting and enjoyable.

Hey writers, keep writing!

And then there was SNOW

Heather and I are hanging out in Ajax with her parents. Doctor's stuff tomorrow. It looks to be a pleasant evening. I have thoughts to post some more on constructive reading. Hopefully that comes soon.

There appears to be a massive amount of snowfall scheduled to hit Hamilton through GTA. Looking forward to driving through that tomorrow!

Have a good night!

Communication Theory

This post has been a long time coming. It revolves around ideas gathered, digested, re-thought, analyzed, broken down, and finally, happily, nay gloriously felt by the heart. (Of course, I wish I could explain the way I feel about these things more clearly, but alas, I am constrained by language)

Observations

1. People want proper communication.

I was thinking about my experience in the realm of communication. I look at the way technology has developed to allow both faster ways of communicating, and more of it. I wonder, alongside many others, whether this increases our understanding of what is being said. But all this has been thought, and talked over, and I don't wish to get too bogged down in it.

When I say "people want proper communication", I am both referring to an older meaning of want, which means "lack", and the more recent meaning: "desire". I think both meanings can be applied to myself in that I lack a proper way of communicating, and a desire to communicate in that way. Lets unpack.

A. Lacking a proper way of communicating

In my own life, I see a few areas which are problematic, and under repair, with regard to communication. I will use these as springboards for discussion here.

i. Need to understand the difference between Informative and Intimate Communication

This refers to the difference between something like MSN, and a genuine chat over a hot-chocolate (coffee isn't my thing..:). It is fundamental in understanding this stuff. I can't expect a massively deep conversation out of every human being I interact with. Yet sadly, in my search of quality conversation, I have stunted the precursor to it, and thwarted many relationship beginnings. This is to say that it is necessary to converse well about people's job, program, time-table, sports, movies, music, etc., before one can go deeper. This is not to say that Informative communication ought to dominate all conversation. While affirming the need for the informative, I would also look at how shamefully I have spent hours with Christians, never delving into Scripture, or probing subjects of God. There is a need for both. Finally, both Informative and Intimate communication is sustained by time spent doing neither. In other words, you need to take a break from speaking sometimes, and go bowling, or skiing, or play basketball, or knit, or watch a flick, or whatever. Honour the Lord in this as well. It will refresh your communication in this way, and lead to conversations which last.

ii. Need to understand the art of listening

This one is close to my heart. I am really excited about learning to listen properly, so that I may communicate better with those I interact with. Fundamentally this means a few things (and Jerry or Paul may be able to help highlight/clarify this point).

---Clarify instead of Assuming---
The first words from your mouth should interact with whatever a person said so that you both agree about the thing being spoken of. Spend as much time as you can here. It is not a shameful thing to ask for clarification. It is rather honouring to the one who has spoken, because you are letting them know that you value what they have said enough to know exactly what they mean.

---Do not be Selfish with your brain---
Paul Lawton honed in on this one. He talked about a need for people (including himself) to stop formulating what they want to say during another person's speech, and rather hold on to the idea in the back of one's head. The result is that there is often spaces of time when noone is saying anything, but rather thinking (which for some reason makes everyone very nervous).

Another part of being selfish with your brain (and something I have experienced), is this idea: "I must say something which sounds intelligent about a given subject of discussion, so that I am heard, respected, and honoured." (of course no one actively says this, but this is essentially sin at its root). Think about it. How many times have you actively supressed the 6 ideas that came into your head during someone else's remarks. How many times have you blurted out this or that, or perhaps even interrupted someone else, because you felt very strongly that you should say something. Watch older, wiser people. Read Job. Stop being selfish with your brain.

---Give the Benefit of the Doubt---
Do you think people intentionally monopolize your conversation time? Most of the time they are not even aware of it. Instead practice...

---Honesty---
You can't have intimate conversations without forcing people to think about changing their lives. My wife and I are constantly seeing eachother's sin, and we could easily avoid this by being dishonest with eachother. Sin is just too in your face. Be honest with those you talk with about the way they are conversing.

---Desiring to Edify while Communicating---
This is a biggy. Have you ever been talking with someone who repulses you with the way they talk? I don't mean so much the relative vulgarity of their language (but that could be included), but the fact that they don't seem to listen, and go on long rants which trail off into subjects which are not common to those in the conversation? Are you this person? I know that I have a major tendency to be like this. And chances are so do you, dear reader.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (NASB)

God calls us to work hard at edifying (build up), which ought to include our speech. What this means is that we work hard at teaching others how to be good listeners. Instead of being turned off by those who struggle with this, we embrace them lovingly as brothers and sisters, knowing that they have skills and gifts which are meant to build us up. When you are turned off by it, you are not helping, but perpetuating the problem. Teach them by example, and by exhortation. Spend the hours needed to edify their souls, all for God's glory.

B. Lacking the desire to communicate properly

Its funny how, when I begin a piece of writing with the headings all in place, I tend to lose track of which thoughts go where. I touched on this above fairly extensively, (probably because I am so conditioned by last minute essay writing, I flush everything out right away.... sigh) but let me put some more point form things here for consideration.

-Desire to intimately communicate comes from a desire to know people, not from a desire to have people know you. This being said, there is a part of all of us which desires to be known.

-Don't get too busy in life so that you do not desire to intimately speak with people. A whole day of Informative Communication can drag you down.

-Set aside times to go places like Coffee Pubs, quiet Bars, people's houses, and talk with small groups of people.

-Spend time thinking and praying over God's word, so that your desire to speak intimately (and your conversations) will be based in things of value.

Concluding

Be intentional about your speech, and be caring in it.

Peace,

Todd

Quick note

The artistic part of me is engaged in a new song with possible thoughts to finally bust out a second album (which will most likely contain a lot of the first one).

Its strange the price you pay to love and laugh and live
But then I think my mind is playing tricks on you
‘Cause I’d jump you like a car,
And watch you drain my batteries.

Truth is, you’re really not to blame for these times
You’re just doing your job, and pulling on the line
‘Cause I’d rig you up some bait,
To find out it’s just what you hate

I can’t force my thoughts under your skin
But I need to know when joy is going swimming again
‘Cause sorrow is the seaweed in this lake
And God knows I’ve been trying to shake it

I’d love to find a way to make you consistent
I’ll rally satisfaction to my cause
‘Cause I’d woo you with my song
To find it never quite turns you on


(I'll comment later on meaning. For now, have fun decontextualizing.)
al'Ander

Keeping up to Joe Cook...

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By Abigail Anderson

for my people

My braid is wooden,
my knot is old;
My bricks are red,
my pews won't fold.

We're squawking and writhing,
we're breathing and colliding;
We're changing and arranging
we're living and dying.

-al'Ander

Party in KW this Saturday!

Drink milk instead of water.


ps. facebook is crazy!

Abortion in Ontario

Sigh.... Listened to Piper in one of his more recent messages on the subject in the States. Had an odd itch to check out Ontario's situation.



Abort73.com:
Warning. This site begins by showing a movie with graphic pictures.

Abortionno.org
WARNING! This site has an immediate display of abortion footage.

Abortion Organizations with Geographical Locations in Ontario:

Cabbagetown Women’s Abortion Clinic
302 Gerrard Street East Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A2G7
Phone:	(416) 323-0642

Canadian Abortion Rights Action League
P.O. Box 3134 Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7B5G6
Phone:	(807) 344-3660

Canadian Abortion Rights Action League
880 Wellington St, Ste 616 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R6K7
Phone:	(613) 789-9956
Website:	www.caral.ca
E-Mail Address:	caral@caral.ca

Choice in Health Clinic
597 Parliament St, Suite 207 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4X1W3
Phone:	(416) 975-9300
E-Mail Address:	choice.clinic@sympatico.ca

Hassle Free Clinic
556 Church St, 2nd Fl Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y2E3
Phone:	(416) 922-0566
Website:	www.hasslefreeclinic.org
E-Mail Address:	admin@hasslefreeclinic.org

Jessie's Centre for Teenagers
205 Parliament St Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A2Z4
Phone:	(416) 365-1888
Website:	www.jessiescentre.org/
E-Mail Address:	mail@jessiescentre.org

London Crisis Pregnancy Centre (LCPC)
261 Piccadilly Street London, Ontario, Canada N6A1S3
Phone:	(519) 432-7098
Website:	www.loncpc.ca/contactus.html
E-Mail Address:	londoncpc@webgate.net

Morgentaler Clinic
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4S1V4
Phone:	(416) 932-0446
Website:	www.morgentaler.ca
E-Mail Address:	skb@passport.ca

Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics
427 Bloor St W Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S2Z1
Phone:	(416) 969-8463

Planned Parenthood North Shore
15 Hudson St. Blind River, Ontario, Canada P0R1B0
Phone:	(705) 356-0113
Website:	www.northshore.ppfc.info
E-Mail Address:	ppns@bellnet.ca

Planned Parenthood Ottawa
701-331 Cooper St. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2P0G5
Phone:	(613) 226-3234
Website:	www.ppottawa.on.ca
E-Mail Address:	ppottawa@ppottawa.ca

Planned Parenthood Society of Hamilton
611-20 Hughson St. South Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N2A1
Phone:	(905) 528-3009
Website:	www.hamilton.ppfc.info
E-Mail Address:	plannedparenthood@hwcn.org

Planned Parenthood Toronto
36-B Prince Arthur Ave. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R1A9
Phone:	(416) 961-0113
Website:	www.ppt.on.ca
E-Mail Address:	ppt@ppt.on.ca

Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region
151 Frederick St., Suite 500 Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2H2M2
Phone:	(519) 743-6461
Website:	www.ppwr.on.ca
E-Mail Address:	director@ppwr.on.ca

Planned Parenthood Windsor/ Essex County
3735 King St. Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9C1P7
Phone:	(519) 254-3807
Website:	www.ppwec.ca
E-Mail Address:	info@ppwec.ca

Scott Clinic
157 Gerrard St E Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A2E4
Phone:	(416) 962-4108

Women’s Care Abortion Clinic
960 Lawrence Avenue West, Suite 501 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6A3B5
Phone:	(416) 256-7149

Women's Health in Women's Hands
2 Carlton St, Ste 500 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B1J3
Phone:	(416) 593-7655
Website:	www.whiwh.com
E-Mail Address:	whiwh@web.net

Women's Health Services
800 Commissioners Rd. E. London, Ontario, Canada N6A4G5
Phone:	(519) 685-8164
E-Mail Address:	londoncpc@webgate.net

Closest one to me is about a 5 minute drive to Fredrick Street. I'll pass by it tonight on my way to pick up Heather. God is knitting in her womb at this exact moment. And we are so grateful for the privilege!

God bless friends, and listen to Piper when he says we need to befriend people, and care about them rather than be overly fervent and mouthy.

O love that will not let me go

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that foll’west all my way,
I yield my flick’ring torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

Fascinating song by George Mattheson.
-My list of things to write about is piling up, but I would like to comment on this one soon.

al'Ander

A Blast from TO

Quick update

I am currently taking a course titled "History of the Bible" as part of a masters program I am inching into down in the big smoke of Toronto. For the week, I will be riding the ways/streetcars downtown, hoofing it across these enormously post-pocket-protected-people-packed blocks (that's a before-and-after for you jeopardy fans out there) in order to go to hear a prof from 9-4 discourse on the tiniest details which lead up to the creation, compilation, and transmission of Holy Scripture. Just for a taste of the intensity, it is day 2, and we are still discussing the types of materials used to actually write down the stuff. My dear wife and our baby to be (Lord willing) is in Waterloo, and I miss her dearly! I love you two!

On the side, I listened to Mark Driscoll discuss the Virgin Birth as part of a series they are doing, and as usual, he managed to make both my ribs and head hurt at the same time. I liked his idea for "daughter dates".

"The string that resounds longest was plucked hardest."

al'Ander

1/3

As my previous post indicated, I was pondering three major things.

1. God's transforming power (in the life of friends)

2. The King's birth

3. True Heroism.

Here goes. 1/3


1. Ponderings about the nature of God's transforming power with a view to the effects seen in the lives of close friends.

A. It is always breathtaking

When I say in common speech that "God moved in my heart" what I am referring to is quite a powerful statement, when analyzed closely. I am explaining that the Creator of the Universe, the sustainer of all life, the fountain of beauty, holiness, and joy is personal. This is breathtaking. The most breathtaking work which God does is to open the eyes of the human heart to see reality. He always does this with those who do not know him, and he is constantly doing it with those who do. By 'eyes of the human heart' I mean do draw an analogy between physical sight and what a person really loves. Before God moved, our perception of real things was whatever appetite was most self-oriented, and least God-oriented. It was whatever pleased self most while displeasing God most. For we thought that pleasure was something that was as far away from God as possible. Fun, happiness, joy, were only found when self was elevated to as high a position as possible. The breathtaking thing, is that when God moves, it restores the perception so that the appetite of the heart is God-centered, which increases joy. It is not as if God is continually pulling us away from something we think will be more satisfying then him. Or wilder, or more passionate, or more valuable, or more knowledgeable. When God shows the eyes what is real in life, that the blind appetites and desires of the heart in all of its self-elevation, the heart will always choose to run after God. And that is why it is breathtaking to watch God work in the hearts of humans.

B. It has eternal consequences and scope

This entry on a specific level, is focused on a mighty work of God in the life of a good friend, and sinner, Jerry Bolton. I can say sinner because I am right there with him, and because recently I have been given further cause to rejoice in his repentance and change. I pray that I will always be called to examine my sin by this dude, be it late night Google-Talk, a friendly chat after Christmas, whatever. Hit me friend, my sin is ugly, and I need your God-given gifts to help fight it off.

Rejoice with me folks, for Jerry has been refreshed in King Jesus of late. This has eternal consequences because it affects those who listen to him, those who know him, and those whom he comes into contact with. Moreover, it has an eternal scope, because the Lord uses this time not only for Jerry's life, but all as a part of his plan to redeem the Universe. God acting in this time, being a personal yet holy God, will cause His name to be loved, cherished, clung to, rejoiced in, sung about, and generally made a great deal of in ages to come.

I would encourage those of you who know Jerry to talk to him. Get some of the flames coming off of his fire at the moment. Soak in the Christ-exalting thoughts and words, and spread 'em around. I need this right now. I need to look at the life of this friend, and rejoice that God is a breathtaking God for doing what He has done. I need to repent of sin, and ask for a passion which refocuses every other passion to serve, honour, and love Jesus.

So talk to Jer.

part 1/3 complete.


al'Ander