tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175708332024-03-07T20:12:37.381-07:00Quiet LifeMake it your aim to live a quiet life, mind your own business and work with your hands... 1 Thess. 4:11Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.comBlogger1220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-71429486172349752862024-01-17T21:54:00.000-07:002024-01-17T21:54:52.861-07:00One Word 2024<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ9rgPFSjMzn8vOPo8imSI7D48tcUHP12UURxzg5jEkEzFzBaSRYSNp_5dUpgJm_RDHyM-oB1tcev8vz08H_9yNNoy8OP0KqORpx-KbA9PiA0-uo1wO9Sm3Nr-e4y7CWGEsGbtpFMHGHk0ieQUJVrsVsvJhvKGrbZIFpEJDU6vS6tQUx9Sq9k1g/s2048/IMG_9664.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ9rgPFSjMzn8vOPo8imSI7D48tcUHP12UURxzg5jEkEzFzBaSRYSNp_5dUpgJm_RDHyM-oB1tcev8vz08H_9yNNoy8OP0KqORpx-KbA9PiA0-uo1wO9Sm3Nr-e4y7CWGEsGbtpFMHGHk0ieQUJVrsVsvJhvKGrbZIFpEJDU6vS6tQUx9Sq9k1g/w400-h400/IMG_9664.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">One Word 2024:</span></h1><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s taken me a while to hear what’s been rising as a focus for 2024. Doing this in previous years brought me words like: good, depth, trust, love, heal, listen. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The One Word challenge was originally created by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page, the authors of “One Word that Will Change Your Life.” The idea behind one word is “to overcome distractions and bring more focus, purpose, commitment and success” in the coming year. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Overcoming distractions is a significant challenge for me. This past year, as some of you know, I was officially diagnosed (finally!) with the ADHD I’ve had my whole life. I have realized numerous benefits from adding medication into the <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>wholistic healthcare approach I’d already been practicing: healthy nutrition, enjoyable exercise, necessary vitamins and supplements (since early 2012); therapy (since 1994); education, service, and spiritual practices (since childhood).</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">During 2023, both solitude and community were places of stunning revelation.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In community, I was stretched, challenged; collaborative partnerships for service were formed, and I gained an expanded perspective on our complex societies and this fragile earth.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In solitude I heard my own voice, defined preferences, acknowledged longing, made way for joy, recognized lack, cultivated playful creativity, purged some foolishness, sought wisdom, and discovered <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>contentment. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In bringing all this to my Creator—who is, to me, the very essence of love, truth, and beauty; the origin of humanity, nature, and the universe—I begin to scratch the infinite surface of why I am here. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Because I want to engage all this with even more intention, my One Word for 2024 is “communion”. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Not “Communion” as in “the Eucharist” but rather an alternate use of the word from Oxford Languages: the act of sharing or exchanging intimate thoughts and feelings, especially on an intellectual and/or spiritual level.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 34px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">As I set goals, engage in new projects, and schedule my days, I will apply this word as a criteria: “Will this help me to commune with myself, others, or God in ways that bring more focus, purpose, commitment or success?” </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Stay tuned. Share your thoughts.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-1247643995880170282020-08-03T23:37:00.000-06:002020-08-03T23:37:13.410-06:00Airport Security: 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy_OXjO4EdmPSP9Ngzym4RiKa5iGaC-HHLz7ayznHkgvFIEPXwPIZ0KIlDMONa7mTs54dCzrBiMSRSHspMVnss1uPL7jC1-6Kywge1RwTne4tUS9MYpYZRRcx-dFGZUAunMyqOw/s1600/IMG_0109.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy_OXjO4EdmPSP9Ngzym4RiKa5iGaC-HHLz7ayznHkgvFIEPXwPIZ0KIlDMONa7mTs54dCzrBiMSRSHspMVnss1uPL7jC1-6Kywge1RwTne4tUS9MYpYZRRcx-dFGZUAunMyqOw/s400/IMG_0109.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Since few of us our traveling by air these days, here's a little piece from the archives about clearing airport security.</i><br />
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I'm sitting at the gate, fully clothed and in my right mind, earlier than my normal wake up time. I've been up since I woke on my own at 4:40 am. While clearing the security screening, I was invited to choose full body scan or a pat down from a jovial salt-and-pepper haired woman about my age.<br />
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Psychologists say we need seven significant touches daily to stay mentally healthy so I picked the pat down. When I bumped into her later at the Tim Horton's coffee lineup, we chatted like old friends. Told her if the security thing didn't work out she could always consider massage therapy.<br />
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My bags were thoroughly hand-searched. The "one bag" restriction is in addition to a purse, a laptop, a camera and other personal items. I didn't bring the camera.<br />
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You can recognize the frequent flyers. One tidy roll-aboard. The resigned expression at security. The detachment from other passengers. The realization they have exchanged personal privacy for a tenuous level of pseudo security. High price to pay, IMO.<br />
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Next time I think I'll take a road trip. Wanna come?Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-15887580465121038422020-05-22T21:06:00.002-06:002020-05-22T21:29:38.617-06:00Unseen God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr-XP4sPduOHFBIPWYAeDRa1QBq-_BHRASpNb7ZJrXRarJ7bl6tJ0GllxNu4zkQNJhyKA5bo1kIlCK43iqOB3iAw-zTe8HD0zlqGxpoCNzlI3gWfDit2TaUbTxytJJ5_ZhOB-MA/s1600/ab67616d0000b273ec12e3956fb2d6f8a2f37077.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr-XP4sPduOHFBIPWYAeDRa1QBq-_BHRASpNb7ZJrXRarJ7bl6tJ0GllxNu4zkQNJhyKA5bo1kIlCK43iqOB3iAw-zTe8HD0zlqGxpoCNzlI3gWfDit2TaUbTxytJJ5_ZhOB-MA/s400/ab67616d0000b273ec12e3956fb2d6f8a2f37077.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Unseen is not unknown."</div>
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For years now, I have been asking, praying, about why our church was not birthing original music. Over the decades I have been involved in music at this church, I've sung under four different music pastors. Two years ago, I finally sensed God asking me to put down the microphone and step away from the platform as a musician. But I continued praying and asking God for the dream of our congregational voice rising up in new and creative ways, even when I didn't see how it would be fulfilled.<br />
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In the past year, I have begun to see this prayer answered. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDzBDubo2oSkxQ5edMrXMA" target="_blank">One of the women</a><span id="goog_1905606095"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1905606096"></span> whom God brought to our church wrote many original songs which were produced by a multi-congregational collective in two different genres. These are beautiful and transcendent.<br />
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Today marks another milestone in God's answer to my long-lived heart cry, as our church's music team have released their first collaborative song, which I've embedded below.<br />
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God knew. God worked. God brought all the people together to make this happen "in the fullness of time." His time. Not mine. His way. Not mine. His way may be unseen, but he is not unknown. As God's word promises, when we ask, believing... God will answer.<br />
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Take a listen, then share if you like what you hear. (Lyrics follow)<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vG8-6Q0b7kc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b>Unseen God (Lyrics)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Waiting, waiting is the hard part<br />
Learning, learning to find where You are<br />
You find me torn<br />
As one less door gives way for me<br />
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<i>I am willing, Spirit take me </i><br />
<i>Deeper into Your wind </i><br />
<i>This is mystery, this unveiling </i><br />
<i>Faith in the unseen God </i><br />
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Hoping, hoping it all goes alright<br />
Living, living the stories you write<br />
Come what may<br />
I pray you make them beautiful<br />
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<i>I am willing, Spirit take me </i><br />
<i>Deeper into Your wind </i><br />
<i>This is mystery, this unveiling </i><br />
<i>Faith in the unseen God </i><br />
<br />
I tread anointed ground<br />
Found in Your purpose now<br />
Your Presence calms my fear<br />
Unseen is not unknown<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I am willing, Spirit take me </i><br />
<i>Deeper into Your wind </i><br />
<i>This is mystery, this unveiling </i><br />
<i>Faith in the unseen God </i><br />
<br />
Unseen is not unknown<br />
<br />
Songwriters: Odum Abekah, David Klob, Jayne Luy, Grace Young-Travis<br />
© 2019 (Shared with permission)<br />
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Purchase on any platform: <a href="https://snd.click/D0U" target="_blank">Link here</a><br />
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<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-1391774264775489892020-05-12T01:50:00.000-06:002020-05-12T01:58:44.812-06:00Portuguese Kale Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9_dUjqnvqsKC8QHa-Nyb1nuNBp2MEiwAG6z1utMXg1h-aCvuNT3bcTS8wl3Flo2U9ylQlL-mcs9HkX4JB9vTds0eZPLyum__zSMlWVdPhD63JiMxfc_G4hXnJ3RcJ9_ii4qN7Q/s1600/IMG_2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9_dUjqnvqsKC8QHa-Nyb1nuNBp2MEiwAG6z1utMXg1h-aCvuNT3bcTS8wl3Flo2U9ylQlL-mcs9HkX4JB9vTds0eZPLyum__zSMlWVdPhD63JiMxfc_G4hXnJ3RcJ9_ii4qN7Q/s400/IMG_2939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't normally share recipes, as I am definitely not a domestic guru. In fact, this is only the fourth time in the 15-year life of this blog. However, my dear friend Jean has been supplying me with Farmer's Sausage from an </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">anonymous </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Saskatchewan source and shared this soup recipe with me. It tastes so much like my momma's hambone soup that I had to share. The secret is the depth of flavor drawn from the Peri Peri spices and the lemon juice, which adds a high back-note. The beauty of this soup is you can toss in any vegetables, but these are my go-to. Reduce quantities if you don't have freezer space for all the extra, but don't skimp on the spice!</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Portuguese Kale Soup</b>
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(Makes 8 litres)
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1 pkg Bacon (chop finely)
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1 large Farmer’s sausage link (remove casing and crumble/chop to consistency of ground beef)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1 large onion (medium dice)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5 cloves garlic (minced)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 large potatoes (peel, cut bite-size) or use a 1.5 lb (680g) bag of baby potatoes
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5 carrots (cut into coins, peel optional)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1 </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 28oz </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(796ml) can diced tomatoes (not drained)</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cans 19 oz (540ml) can white kidney beans (drained)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 bunches fresh kale (remove from stem, slice into thin ribbons or chop small)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4 32 oz (946ml) cartons chicken broth*
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 Tablespoons Peri-Peri Spice** (to taste)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tsp. Black Pepper (to taste)
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 bay leaves
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Juice of one lemon
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">*</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I use Costco’s <a href="https://www.costco.ca/Kirkland-Signature-Organic-Chicken-Broth,-946-mL,-6-count.product.100417631.html" target="_blank">Kirkland brand</a> organic chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">**Peri-Peri is <a href="https://www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/Food/Pantry/Herbs%2C-Spices-%26-Sauces/Herb-%26-Spice-Blends/Peri-Peri-Spice-Blend/p/20381147_EA" target="_blank">available at Superstore</a> but I made my own </span><a href="https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/peri-peri-seasoning/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">from this link</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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</span>
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Instructions:</b>
</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1,"startingListItemNumber":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat a drizzle of oil in a <b>large</b> soup pot on medium-high heat
</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1,"startingListItemNumber":2}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sauté onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes, if it gets too dry, add a bit of broth
</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1,"startingListItemNumber":3}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Add bacon and sausage, sauté until browned, stirring often
</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Add potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, kidney beans and</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> peri peri spice</span></li>
<li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stir to combine and sauté for 30-60 seconds. </span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Add chicken broth and bay leaves, stir and bring to a boil. </span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lower heat and simmer for 15 min.
</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Add kale. Stir to combine. Cook 5 minutes more.
</span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Remove from heat, remove bay leaves and add lemon juice, stir. </span></li>
<li><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"style":102,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Serve and enjoy. Great to freeze.
</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs57TqzW0rehPmY1u5cIboQx_RD3vSXuiRaK5-y17x3EcrLsaNmY4xYfNH6qYarSDKcH2kFU3zcS5aA4G9JzoDH4eF42MHCjDqi1RXAU6Z9jwl58JU_Ujxf5ukySQcud2zfLbElw/s1600/IMG_2942.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs57TqzW0rehPmY1u5cIboQx_RD3vSXuiRaK5-y17x3EcrLsaNmY4xYfNH6qYarSDKcH2kFU3zcS5aA4G9JzoDH4eF42MHCjDqi1RXAU6Z9jwl58JU_Ujxf5ukySQcud2zfLbElw/s400/IMG_2942.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span>Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-2044109185297732702020-04-22T09:34:00.000-06:002020-04-22T09:43:11.523-06:00Is This True of Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNal6CRA9pIa_vTOrDZcG7BMe7vTqEOz7z-3R81EbYBHWLLlbdA4iLksDlFBiKBYsc-ORyGzVG8UUgHcYEpo8bEtI0etV0d0GPB1XIkzpM29Vjw0yC8O1HnqwJfo1VgpXPmtIGaA/s1600/IMG_2477.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNal6CRA9pIa_vTOrDZcG7BMe7vTqEOz7z-3R81EbYBHWLLlbdA4iLksDlFBiKBYsc-ORyGzVG8UUgHcYEpo8bEtI0etV0d0GPB1XIkzpM29Vjw0yC8O1HnqwJfo1VgpXPmtIGaA/s400/IMG_2477.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though I am retired from paid work, there is a persistent (perhaps innate) sense that I have not, and will never be, retired from fulfilling my calling. This is different from being productive. Productivity is measurable, task based, checklist of duties and accomplishments. While productivity is good and necessary, being faithful to a calling does not necessarily see measurable results.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Being faithful to my calling does not mean</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I will see measurable results. I must still be faithful.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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In this seemingly interminable interim of isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, my time is occupied with basic tasks and simple diversions. The removal of normal social and recreational engagements has given opportunity for more contemplative time, reading and reflection. This is an in-between space, between What Was and What Will Be. A "normal" routine, if it ever returns, is likely to look different than before.</div>
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How should I then live?</div>
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This reflection from Oswald Chambers speaks into that question. I hope you find it helpful. It is from the YouVersion Bible App reading plan, "My Utmost for His Highest: 30 Day Edition" <a href="https://my.bible.com/users/north59lite/reading-plans/792-my/subscription/457212404" target="_blank">available here</a>.</div>
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<i>Is This True Of Me?</i></div>
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<i>It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world’s perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense.</i></div>
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<i>What do I count in my life as “dear to myself”? If I have not been seized by Jesus Christ and have not surrendered myself to Him, I will consider the time I decide to give God and my own ideas of service as dear. I will also consider my own life as “dear to myself.” But Paul said he considered his life dear so that he might fulfill the ministry he had received, and he refused to use his energy on anything else. This verse shows an almost noble annoyance by Paul at being asked to consider himself. He was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Our ordinary and reasonable service to God may actually compete against our total surrender to Him. Our reasonable work is based on the following argument which we say to ourselves, “Remember how useful you are here, and think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.” That attitude chooses our own judgment, instead of Jesus Christ, to be our guide as to where we should go and where we could be used the most. Never consider whether or not you are of use—but always consider that “you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are His.</i></div>
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<i><b>O Lord, by Your grace open my vision to You and Your infinite horizons, and take me into Your counsels regarding Your work in this place.</b></i></div>
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God is not limited by time or distance. Grace opens my heart to respond to the Spirit's prompting large and small to do now, the next thing, right in front of me, and leave the results to God.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Christmas Cactus Bloom at Easter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit: Personal collection</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Text Design via WordSwag app</span></div>
Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-14733406776882803872020-03-17T10:32:00.000-06:002020-03-17T10:34:29.573-06:00The Lorica (for St. Patrick's Day)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHe9qWke26iyWdn2VXpMD-4Z9paPy3HGrE7h_iUhITvUpI3oPorsSsh7T0NymfsBkHhr737wHQH2YuGqCSY0JL2cIHD3Rr8J5tok55tjNkXejup40UId9D2f3jyiOvs_FqGk8rQ/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="446" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHe9qWke26iyWdn2VXpMD-4Z9paPy3HGrE7h_iUhITvUpI3oPorsSsh7T0NymfsBkHhr737wHQH2YuGqCSY0JL2cIHD3Rr8J5tok55tjNkXejup40UId9D2f3jyiOvs_FqGk8rQ/s400/IMG_1394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The Lorica</b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Music and Lyrics by Gayle Salmond</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">adapted from The Lorica of St. Patrick</span></i><br />
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I bind unto myself today<br />
The gift to call on the Trinity<br />
The saving faith where I can say<br />
Come three in one, oh one in three<br />
<br />
Be above me,<br />
as high as the noonday sun<br />
Be below me,<br />
the rock I set my feet upon<br />
Be beside me,<br />
the wind on my left and right<br />
Be behind me, oh circle me<br />
with Your truth and light<br />
<br />
I bind unto myself today<br />
The love of Angels and Seraphim<br />
The prayers and prophesies of Saints<br />
The words and deeds<br />
of righteous men<br />
<br />
God’s ear to hear me<br />
God’s hand to guide me<br />
God’s might to uphold me<br />
God’s shield to hide me<br />
Against all powers deceiving<br />
Against my own unbelieving<br />
Whether near or far<br />
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I bind unto myself today<br />
The hope to rise<br />
from the dust of earth<br />
The songs of nature giving praise<br />
To Father, Spirit, Living Word<br />
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Watch Steve Bell perform <a href="http://youtu.be/KucM2F80_uA" target="_blank"> this song on YouTube</a>.Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-34002697959579317872020-03-17T09:51:00.000-06:002020-03-17T10:02:59.243-06:00Think of the Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3BuAf6fPCG8ngL1THsyaIAZCTuux1wuxEULgnZZgVCqX26EgS-r3yERRSBa3dHHAGvf2Rm5c6AwKpuK6QOxBN7l6AYhe8Tel5OM-UxWzbsT1Rux1zToWvqBP0PgozzvI0PhSow/s1600/covid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="640" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3BuAf6fPCG8ngL1THsyaIAZCTuux1wuxEULgnZZgVCqX26EgS-r3yERRSBa3dHHAGvf2Rm5c6AwKpuK6QOxBN7l6AYhe8Tel5OM-UxWzbsT1Rux1zToWvqBP0PgozzvI0PhSow/s320/covid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I passed two women chatting in the grocery aisle last week. One had her son with her. He was, perhaps, ten years old. She was speaking angrily in catastrophic terms about the crisis. His face, I noticed was pale and strained.<br />
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For kids, it's important to remember if we aren't paying attention, they will draw their own conclusions without the maturity and experience to be able to discern what is real and what is imagined. Fear can be an overwhelming burden that expresses itself in stomach trouble, headaches, acting out and more.<br />
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Disclaimer: I'm not a mental health professional. I used to work in an elementary school. I raised one son of my own. I grew up with seven siblings in a busy family. I lost my first husband to mental health issues. So I have read and implemented a number of coping strategies. In my own growth journey, I continue to untangle and debunk a lifetime of fear-based lies I assumed as truth from my childhood experiences. While I had a caring family upbringing, it was a big family and being the youngest, I often was overlooked and heard things not meant for me. I gave these out of context remarks inappropriate meaning and import, misinterpreting them because I didn't have an adult perspective and the adults had no clue about what I was thinking and feeling.<br />
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So, I offer here a few suggestions you may find helpful in navigating this already challenging time. I want to especially highlight the simple but important blue section above for those of you who have kids. Let this be a springboard for your own ideas and research.<br />
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<b>1. Reassure your child(ren) that they're safe.</b><br />
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This is not about just spewing platitudes and clichés to get past dealing with their Big Feelings. Hold your child, comfort them. Avoid unloading your own fears onto them. Look them in the eyes, speak kindly, promise your care, your presence, your help, your protection. Use words like "I'm here for you. I'm looking out for you and I'll do everything in my power to make sure you are safe." Then live it out!<br />
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<b>2. Let them talk about their worries.</b><br />
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Affirm that you hear them. Don't discount what they're feeling or shame them by saying "You shouldn't feel that way." Use words like "I know it can be hard. These are really big feelings sometimes, when we're going through something brand new." Ask a simple question or two to draw them out, and listen carefully, rather than just talking at them or telling them facts. Get involved in a craft with them. When children are doing something with their hands, sometimes they can more easily talk about what's going on in their mind. Be available and be present.<br />
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<b>3. Share your own coping skills (for starter ideas, see the yellow and green squares).</b><br />
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What works for you may not work for the kids you love. Try different strategies. Ask them what helps them calm down or solve problems. Explore the <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates?_ul=1*rh7uss*domain_userid*YW1wLUlLdlZNUkN0Y2RZQU1RNjF4eFk4aFE." target="_blank">Understood website</a> for solid advice on navigating this current Covid-19 crisis.<br />
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<b>4. Limit their exposure. </b><br />
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And your own. Too much news, too much discussion, can be overwhelming and many news reports border on the dramatic and unusual, sometimes downright fear-mongering. The situation is changing every day. Screen the news by yourself (or just leave it off) and let your kids be kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnSjBvHQGVsLtmcYSx7GsQfrrXnLd-W-zUYksytB2ozRHZfDRzXlu22dh3AIHg4rnOfHiGdS6T_YSbWyd_l2X9qSTinQv7sJUHYos24NIhAdirvedtGZW-T9JLQSzqQZwVOFk-g/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-17+09.35.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="958" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnSjBvHQGVsLtmcYSx7GsQfrrXnLd-W-zUYksytB2ozRHZfDRzXlu22dh3AIHg4rnOfHiGdS6T_YSbWyd_l2X9qSTinQv7sJUHYos24NIhAdirvedtGZW-T9JLQSzqQZwVOFk-g/s320/Screenshot+2020-03-17+09.35.00.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Create and routine and structure.</b></div>
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Have regular mealtimes and bedtimes. Quiet times. Chores. Outdoor time. Baking. Board games. Yoga. Exercise. Game time. Make lists. Make "laughing a lot" the first goal. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/structure/index.html" target="_blank">Here's one place to start</a> informing yourself on how to create structure with children.</div>
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Like I said, I'm no expert and this is a small potpourri of a few small ways to make a difference. I'd love to know what you're doing and what works. Comment below.</div>
<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-74294647093086766222020-03-12T09:16:00.002-06:002020-03-12T09:27:11.823-06:00A New Ambition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90wL-Z_6DcdwXWQ4Jr-wGMw0sOOzRJsnlHV5QfSbbnLerQrsUwUjPSGnySp8kz_OrNpAHeoX_1tqx-Rb35g2VCVtw4zipFVEsrH-IAU0LU7PFxpuXIF67T-dV1Q1mgMA2meuHtw/s1600/Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="578" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90wL-Z_6DcdwXWQ4Jr-wGMw0sOOzRJsnlHV5QfSbbnLerQrsUwUjPSGnySp8kz_OrNpAHeoX_1tqx-Rb35g2VCVtw4zipFVEsrH-IAU0LU7PFxpuXIF67T-dV1Q1mgMA2meuHtw/s400/Work.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12</span></div>
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I used to enjoy writing. Spilling truth from my fingertips like water for a thirsty world. Teaching as one who had authority. Then social media came along and now everyone’s an expert in everything. Always right. Always certain. Oblivious to grammar and spelling.<br />
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I used to enjoy photography. Capturing reality and beauty frame by frame, sharing it with the masses. Editing and post-processing like a boss in Lightroom and Photoshop. Then smart phones, filters, and Instagram came along and everyone’s a photographer, uploading an indiscriminate barrage of unedited, blurry images. Selfies <i>ad nauseum</i> and grotesque facial expressions. On purpose.<br />
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I used to enjoy singing. My first solo in front of a congregation at age three to people intrigued by a family with seven boys, and then one little girl. Competed in high school. Obtained my university degree in the discipline. Directed ensembles and choirs, and took groups across North America and Europe. I did my best, but as is true of all of life, there’s always someone better (and someone not as good). I am generally somewhere in the middle.<br />
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I used to enjoy games. Scrabble in particular. Always competitive, often triumphant, but finally realized ridiculously high game averages eventually didn’t hold a candle to nearly losing friends who didn’t like losing. (Who does, really?)<br />
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Running on the adrenalin of constant competition meant I was forever fearful of losing place, losing face, and it left me at loose ends, running on empty. Criticizing others became the rule of life. They just weren’t doing it the right way (<b><i>my</i></b> way). And yes, I realize there’s still an edge of that in this piece. What you may not see, is that, like many, I am most critical of myself. (That’s a whole other post.)<br />
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I’m pleased with what I’ve experienced and been able to accomplish, but now, well into my 63rd trip around the sun, it all begins to fade. The years reveal that winning, being the best, standing in the spotlight, only for the sake of ego? It is an empty well. A cracked cistern that can’t hold water.<br />
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I'm tired. Tired of sharing, tired of shouting, tired of needing everyone to look at me, listen to me. Tired of falling short. Tired of alienating others. As I look at the list: writing, photography, music, games… these are primarily hobbies. Only a few people are able to maintain successful careers in these fields and even they are continuously scrambling, marketing, striving. The rest of us do stuff we don’t enjoy from 8-5, then we fly and do what we love till the wee hours. Most never realize that dream of “Do what you love and you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life.” Because there are just some things that have to be done. Like eating and paying the hydro bill.<br />
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Now I’m retired and have more time but less energy to engage. The bills are paid. Most days I have no need to be seen. Prefer to stay home. New to the idea that wholeness isn’t about perfection, but rather an acceptance of all that I am: the healthy and the broken. I remain a strong witness to the fact that relationships trump everything, so I’d better keep them healthy.<br />
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Relationships require me to give and receive, collaborate and cooperate (not compete), realizing we have all been gifted with something to bring to the table. And it’s a very big table. Look at the one beside you and carefully cultivate. Listen. Ask questions. Draw out.<br />
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“Bigger, better, best” is no longer the measure. “Fight, flight, or freeze” is no longer the response, but rather in the years, days, or moments I have remaining, I’m leaning more toward “bend, tend and befriend.”<br />
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Bend my head and knees in prayer. Bend to lift another. Bend my ear to listen.<br />
Tend my heart, my home, and my own business. Tend to my friendships.<br />
Befriend the outcast and the incomplete parts of my own life.<br />
This is the invitation to awaken to all of life.<br />
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This I shall enjoy.<br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-34280940935135414562020-01-27T16:31:00.005-07:002020-03-12T09:19:16.310-06:00Dachau: From Darkness to Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday, January 27, 2020 is designated the <b>International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust</b>. In honour of their memory, and for so many more reasons, this article was written and published after my 2007 visit to Dachau.</span></i><br />
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<b>Dachau: From Darkness to Light</b></h2>
by Joyce E. Rempel<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dachau – the significance of this name will never be erased from German history. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It stands for all concentration camps which the Nazis established in their territory.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>~Dr. Eugen Kogon </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>[1]</b></span></span></div>
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I rise early. It is the sixth day of our European tour. Sleep is impossible as I consider today’s destination: Dachau—the first Nazi death camp.<br />
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Haunting words invade my thoughts from a friend who first toured Dachau at age 18: “It left such a deep impression on my heart,” she reflects, “I struggled with sadness and despair for weeks afterward, when I realized how abhorrently evil human beings can be. I will never forget it.”<br />
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The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site draws over 700,000 visitors annually. It is the only camp to have existed throughout the entire twelve years of Nazi rule, 1933-1945. The Memorial Site opened as a place of political education in 1965 and opened an expanded documentary exhibition in 2003. The Memorial provides information about the history of the former concentration camp and addresses the horrors of the Nazi regime. It also serves as a cemetery for over 30,000 murdered prisoners.<br />
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Everyone is somber as we board the bus to Dachau. Our tour guide is German, married to an American, lives in France, holds a degree in Art History, speaks three languages; she is confident, humorous and articulate. Each day, she gives interpretive talks about upcoming destinations and their place in European history.<br />
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“You need to understand,” she begins grimly, “It is difficult for me to speak of this. All German school children are reminded about this black spot on our history. Every year we learn how Hitler took the best German qualities—efficiency, precision, pride—and exploited them for his own dark advantage; how he took nationalism to the extreme and made ethnocentrism an integral part of Nazi ideology. As we grow up hearing year after year of the atrocities our own people committed, shame about this part of our history overshadows any good that may have been present. Since WWII, we have abandoned any sense of patriotism or pride of country. Imagine growing up with this burden, this blemished heritage,” she urges, “and think about the natural biases and antagonism that surface.”<br />
“Be honest,” she continues, “When you hear the word ‘German’ what is the first thing that enters your mind? Is it not the Holocaust?”<br />
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All of us are silent. Yes, Germany and the Holocaust are inexorably linked. Even my own German roots are a source of some indefinable discomfort. I am taken aback at the realization of my own prejudice as I reflect on the more recent whispers of those who fear a unified Germany. As if reading my thoughts, our guide pulls me back to reality.<br />
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“Make no mistake,” she concludes, “It was not just ‘a bad German gene’ that allowed Hitler to rise. Genocide can occur anywhere aggression is tolerated, an ethnic group is singled out or governing powers are allowed to rule unchecked.”<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (Note: this was in 2007)</span></i><br />
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Huge, broad and barren, the gravelled hue of the camp blends with washtub gray clouds above. Overcast and sullen, the sky seems to cry with us at our visit, as if to wash away the spectre of death we are about to encounter.<br />
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Former prisoner, Edgar Kupfer-Koberwitz, describes the feeling in his memoir: “Something pitiless loomed over everything, something awful, something icy that was frightening.” <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>[2]</b></span><br />
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To enter the site, we walk beside a long, tall wall to an opening barred by wrought iron. Within it, a narrow gate—the main entrance—through which only one person can pass at a time. Black iron letters on the gate declare <i>Arbeit Macht Frei </i>(Through Work, Freedom). The motto was Nazi propaganda meant to trivialize Dachau for outsiders as a labour and re-education camp. It also characterized the cynical mentality of the The Schutzstaffel (SS), who implemented forced labor as a method of torture. This was the beginning of a terror system in Dachau incomparable with any other state persecution and penal system. It was the first concentration camp—the model for all future camps—and the murder school for the SS. <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>[3]</b></span><br />
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My first stop is at the Visitor Centre to view a 20-minute documentary. The screening room is hot and crowded, standing room only. The film outlines conditions in the camps and a rule of terror by SS officers: forced labour, insufficient nutrition, medical experimentation, inhumane crowding, humiliation, intimidation, beatings, tree and pole hangings, torture and execution. The visual images and emotional impact are devastating. I feel completely overwhelmed and need to get outside but a large crowd of school children sweeps me along toward the Exhibition Hall. Heart pounding, I struggle against the flow and finally stumble out into the brooding light.<br />
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As I look up, a large sculpture fills my gaze: a caricature of bodies caught in barbed wire. I turn away, aghast, and head for the next station on the walking tour: the prisoners’ quarters. Of the original 36, only two barracks remain, reconstructed for the exhibition. Designed to hold only 200 prisoners, over 800 occupied each barrack at the camp’s liberation in April 1945. Rules of order were stringent in the camp and living quarters were subject to the highest standard of cleanliness. If any person's bed-making gave cause for complaint, it was reported for punishment. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>[4]</b></span> However, the forced intimacy of overcrowded conditions, lack of available baths and poor nutrition resulted in the rapid spread of typhus and other diseases.<br />
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I wonder, along with death camp survivor Terrence Des Pres, “How much self-esteem can one maintain, how readily can one respond to the needs of another, if both stink, if both are caked with mud and feces?” <b style="font-size: x-small;">[5]</b><br />
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Stepping into the first barrack, I imagine myself living in such conditions. The corridor is crowded with visitors and the pace is uncomfortably slow. An uncommon sense of claustrophobia begins to rise, so I escape through an early exit and head toward the far end of the compound. At this barren and crushing place, I crave the comfort of wide-open space.<br />
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Columns of tall trees line the centre pathway of the prisoners’ block. At least the prisoners had this small consolation of nature. Leaves to whisper in the dark night. Rough bark against which to lean in the few moments of daylight they treasured outside the barracks. Remnants of creation, testimony to life which will not be silenced.<br />
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Sharp rocks under foot ensure no grass grows on the pathway. Continuing to the far end of the camp, the site of the original crematorium now gives rise to three memorial chapels. Each one serves as an individual remembrance for Jews, Catholics and Protestants. Yet even here, the horror and anguish of the camp is integrated into each design.<br />
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At the <b>Jewish Memorial Site</b>, the structure slopes downward. </div>
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The entrance ramp is bounded on both sides by a sculpted barbed wire railing. </div>
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Inside burns <i>Ner Tamid</i>, the eternal light. </div>
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Central to the structure, a towering menorah rises through an opening in the roof, </div>
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stretching into the light like an arm reaching up for freedom.</div>
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Above the entrance, an engraved Psalm: </div>
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“Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men.”<br />
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The central position of the <b>Catholic Mortal Agony of Christ Chapel</b> and its open circular form symbolizes liberation from captivity by Christ. Suspended over the entrance is a crown of thorns. </div>
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On the back of the Christ Chapel, a plaque declares: “Here in Dachau every third victim was a Pole. One of every two Polish priests was martyred. Their holy memory is venerated by their fellow prisoners of the Polish clergy.”</div>
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I shudder, feeling besieged by the sheer numbers and move on to the Protestant Church of Reconciliation.<br />
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There are no right angles in the chapel, an intentional design in direct opposition to the dictated order and uniformity of the former camp. Steps lead down to a narrow, dark entrance that opens into a light interior courtyard. At the point where darkness and light meet, a steel gate is inscribed: “Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>[6]</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMbUA920jrDSZXUv8oV1XQ6eWf4Ohf9Nf0_2nMHgITecDRvA4zkAGYT0xzdbVmOLxgLtD7Ikcmg3TNfPIiyNcGc2ZdgyATbhbgCIJAw7CHYw3Qh78OYKBdGUNjMWcyDgW5jKH_w/s1600/pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMbUA920jrDSZXUv8oV1XQ6eWf4Ohf9Nf0_2nMHgITecDRvA4zkAGYT0xzdbVmOLxgLtD7Ikcmg3TNfPIiyNcGc2ZdgyATbhbgCIJAw7CHYw3Qh78OYKBdGUNjMWcyDgW5jKH_w/s320/pic+4.jpg" width="184" /></a> Inside the church, the sculpture of a metal cross depicts a crushed person still rising up within. Another shows an angel supporting the dying.<br />
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Yes, represented here alongside the anguish is a small measure of comfort: divine support for those in whom no strength remains.<br />
<br />
Leaving the memorials, I enter the respite of heavier green foliage and mature trees outside the original compound walls, a retreat formerly enjoyed only by the SS. On the way, I pass another small octagonal memorial, the Russian-Orthodox "Resurrection of our Lord" Chapel. Its main icon shows the resurrected Christ leading the camp inmates out of their barracks and through the gate held open by angels.<br />
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By now, it is nearly mid-day and the time for our departure is near, yet my steps slow on the path toward the gas chamber and crematoria. As much as I want to flee to the safety of our tour bus, I continue. I am walking in the steps of the prisoners; should I turn back now when I face the most difficult station?<br />
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I take deliberate deep breaths and step inside. The gas chambers are sterile and clean, resembling shower rooms. It is small consolation to learn that mass executions did <b><i>not </i></b>occur in the Dachau gas chambers because liberation came to the camp before they were in full service. Moving ahead, I can barely bring myself to look directly at the brick ovens. Many others stop; take photographs or gawk like voyeuristic tourists at a highway crash site.<br />
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<b>Why do we memorialize a place such as Dachau? </b>I wonder how one would display photos of death rooms. What is the attraction of preserving images that burden our sensibilities? Are there horrific places in the wider world, such as the death camps, that we should attempt to eliminate from our emotional memory? Why remember?<br />
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Historian Wolfgang Benz writes: “Remembering is an element of self-reflection, an element of identity, and, like forgetting, necessary for all human existence. Remembering forges self-confidence and peace, but remembering also torments and is painful. Nowhere does memory crystallize with more power and oppressive force than at those historical sites and places where the events shaping this very remembrance and determining memory occurred: the authentic sites of history.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>[7]</b></span><br />
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In a documentary film, The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum reveals they recently acquired a scrapbook containing selected personal photographs of Auschwitz SS officers relaxing off duty while hundreds of prisoners were being murdered only a short distance away. <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[8]</span></b><br />
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In the film, Becky Erbelding, Archivist of the Holocaust Museum, asserts, “We need the reminder that Nazis weren’t red-eyed, pointy-tooth monsters. They were people like you and I, whose society had gotten to a point that (murder) was morally acceptable behavior. That’s a very scary concept.”<br />
<br />
Judy Cohen, Director of Photographic Collection, concurs: “When you see people who look like nice guys in a benign setting and we know for a fact they were doing monstrous things, then it raises all sorts of questions about man’s capacity for evil. In a different setting, would they still be monsters?”<br />
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Ms. Erbelding continues, “Because of all the overwhelming evidence of what we know was going on in (the camps), it makes it even more chilling that they are having so much fun doing it. It makes you think how people could come to this. They don’t look like monsters, they look like me. They look like my next-door neighbor. Is he capable of that? Am I?”<br />
<br />
As I view the gas chambers and the crematoria, I am gripped at a deeper level, unable to de-personalize this vision of death. I imagine those perpetrating the crime. I can visualize my family, my best friend, myself—entering those showers and consumed by those flames. But could I visualize my family, my best friend, myself—as the ones who flip the switch? The possibility terrifies. The exit cannot come soon enough.<br />
<br />
Behind the building, I seek solace on the quiet path wrapping around the burial sites of prisoners’ ashes. The Star of David marks the Jewish site. At the Christian site, a cross rises and I pause to reflect. The atrocities are unimaginable, yet the facts are clear: human beings committed these acts.<br />
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Do I understand how humans can be so abhorrently evil? Not at all. I am not certain I want to understand, but in condemning these vile actions, I dare not raise the self-righteous scales of comparative goodness and dismiss my own capacity for sin. Jesus himself explained to Nicodemus, an elite teacher of the Jewish law, that humans by nature choose darkness rather than accept God’s light. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>[9]</b></span><br />
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As I move toward the main camp gate on this gray day in July, just like my friend years earlier, I am profoundly shaken and anxious to escape. A few snap-happy tourists are trying to capture a photo of the gate before they enter. One holds the gate shut as I approach. They will have to retake their picture. Nothing will bar my exit to freedom.<br />
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The purpose of the Dachau memorial is to unite the living in their defense of peace and freedom and in reverence of human dignity. <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[10]</span></b> The exhibition exists “to contribute to keeping humankind from repeating a similar disaster.” <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[11]</span></b> It preserves and documents horrific atrocities of man. It also shows the hope and faith that enabled prisoners to survive the camps, to endure despite unspeakable acts. The exhibition declares the truth. It shines a light to dispel the darkness.<br />
<br />
Dachau opens my eyes to the capacity of humanity for both evil and good. I see the documented facts and much of it is frightening; but I also see hope, endurance and redemption. Like the icon in the orthodox chapel, I am led through the gate into light, truth and freedom. My response? To remember; to unite with others to preserve peace, freedom and respect for human dignity. No prejudice. No silence. No genocide.<br />
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<b>Never again.</b><br />
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References<br />
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> website,
http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/english.html<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Kupfer-Koberwitz, Edgar: <u>The Powerful and the Helpless</u>, 1957.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/memorial/station01.html <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(retrieved Jan. 21, 2009)</span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[4]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Distel, Barbara:
<u>The Dachau Concentration Camp, 1933 to 1945</u> (2005), p. 117.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[5]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Des Pres,
Terrence: <u>The Survivor: An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps</u> (Pocket
Books: New York, 1976), p. 66.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[6]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> King James
Version, <u>The Holy Bible</u>, Psalm 17:8b.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">[7] Distel, Barbara, p. 30-34.</span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[8]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> United States
Holocaust Museum: <u>Auschwitz Through the Lens of the SS: Photos of Nazi
Leadership at the Camp</u>. http://ushmm.org (retrieved Jan. 21, 2009).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[9]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">King James Version, </span><u style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The Holy Bible</u><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">John 3:19-21.</span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[10]</span> http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/memorial/station03.html <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(retrieved Jan. 21, 2009)</span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[11]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Distel, Barbara,
p. 5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An edited version of this article appeared in the winter 2009 issue of </span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-US><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>CONTACT _Con-37A3E051663 <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><b>Rhubarb Magazine</b>, where the theme was </span></span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">War and Peace.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-86054310995313261092020-01-04T02:35:00.001-07:002020-01-04T02:35:43.203-07:00One Word 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fen7O3i3f3bxOPkUgLhEX27O8YJOg_ntNbRX3iWfLkahHyFDNjBE1N8JYaobobBpEJTEqSvOF7ZKD7oc1NBVrmyesq3xdGoOHHXCDOG9-XTczD8fPX6gt-gi6pptfNSMV0HtPg/s1600/81196624_818301268582039_8964585289309749248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fen7O3i3f3bxOPkUgLhEX27O8YJOg_ntNbRX3iWfLkahHyFDNjBE1N8JYaobobBpEJTEqSvOF7ZKD7oc1NBVrmyesq3xdGoOHHXCDOG9-XTczD8fPX6gt-gi6pptfNSMV0HtPg/s400/81196624_818301268582039_8964585289309749248_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do you have One Word for 2020? It is a personal choice to find, choose, or receive a theme for the year that is represented by one word. Resolutions don’t work for most people, but many have found that #OneWord gives them the focus and simple clarity to make sustained life change over the coming year. If you'd like to know more, <a href="https://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-word-2018.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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My one word for 2020 is "healing." This word surfaced for me during a sermon at our church, called "<a href="http://www.faccalgary.com/our-services/665/confession" target="_blank">Beyond Confession</a>" where Kyle Trigg led us through a type of year end "Examen". During the four step contemplative process, we were to individually ask ourselves various questions and listen to what the Holy Spirit was impressing on us. (If you'd like to step through this exercise, Pastor Trigg begins his message at the 13:04 mark of <a href="http://www.faccalgary.com/our-services/665/confession" target="_blank">this video</a>. Allow about an hour.) </div>
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One of the questions was about "what I need" for the coming year. Spontaneously, I prayed, "Lord, I need you to heal my heart." Tears followed so quickly, I realized in that split second, God had gifted me with understanding there are deep parts of me that need healing. Emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wounds exist. I have some in each area. In the same moment, he opened my eyes to several people in my circle who are in the same place, in need of personal healing. </div>
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The scripture teaches we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart (emotional), soul (spiritual), mind (mental), and strength (physical). It's my conclusion over my 62 years, that if there are broken parts in any of these areas, it can be a barrier to loving God fully. </div>
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So this year, I'm focusing my attention on healing.</div>
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<b>Past Words</b><br />
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Previous words in past years have included <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>gratitude, presence, love, good, depth </i>and<i> trust</i></span>. Each year the word is different and reflects the context of my life at that time. Here are brief descriptors of how some of these words were chosen.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />2015: Presence</b></i></span></div>
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Living present in this moment, today. Instead of making a future list of what needs to go away or come to your life, promise yourself only one thing this year: be present. Speak it only to yourself. Promises and goals spoken out loud trick the brain into thinking we've already accomplished what we've spoken and so we neglect to do the work necessary to actually keep our promise. Just whisper it to yourself: "Be present". In every moment, in every situation, in every joy, with every difficult person: be present, focused, attentive, fully engaged. Make this agreement with yourself. Honour yourself enough to keep your own solemn vow.<br />
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Release what you must.<br />
Receive all that comes.<br />
It’s the present.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>2017: Good</b></i></span></div>
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As many people look back on the prior year, they seem to focus on the bad things that happened. “What a horrible year it was,” they lament. They list all the celebrities that died, the natural disasters, statistics on crime. Even "News" outlets have become purveyors of bad news to the point of fear mongering.<br />
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It's easy for me to do the same thing on a smaller scale. Whether it's my own thoughts, negative narrative, self-talk, the inner mean girl, the enemy of my soul, or sub-conscious fears and anxiety; negative perspectives creep into my consciousness (especially at night) and point out all the catastrophic things that can come of imagined realities. The thing is, whatever you focus upon, grows. Whatever you're looking for, you will find. So I have a choice: I can focus on worst case scenarios, or I can choose to tell myself the truth and seek out what is good.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Whatever you are looking for, you will find</i></b> </span><br />
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If you continue to look for evidence that things are bad, there’s plenty out there. I also know if you look for things that are good, there’s even more evidence of that. Here's some initial thoughts:<br />
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<i>God is good.</i></div>
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<i>The first recorded </i><i>words </i><i>from God were “It is good.”</i></div>
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<i>God withholds no good thing from us. (Good by God’s
definition, not mine).</i></div>
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<i>God has shown us what is good: to seek justice, love mercy,
walk humbly with God.</i></div>
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<i>Look for the good, because whatever you are looking for, you
will find.</i></div>
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<i>Assume good will.</i></div>
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<i>That’s good. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Be good.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>2018: Depth</b></i></span></div>
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This word came to me like a gift even before my birthday in December. It was inspired by this article: <a href="http://www.raptitude.com/2017/12/go-deeper-not-wider/">Go Deeper, Not Wider</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />2019: Trust</b></i></span></div>
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Late in 2018, through several significant events, I noticed myself saying frequently, "I just find it really hard to trust people." As it became a pattern, I wondered, is it only other people I can't trust or does it go deeper? Is it based in a hesitation to trust myself? Or is it possible that I am unwilling to trust God?<br />
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As I sat with that thought over the next few weeks, I realized the struggle was real and the Holy Spirit was prompting me to attend to this matter in a very intentional way. What better way than to make "trust" my One Word for 2019? I began preparing my heart by looking in, while at the same time, attending to the places where trust was mentioned, or where I felt a struggle to trust people or God. I detailed some of these in my <a href="https://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-one-word-for-2019.html" target="_blank">January 1, 2019 blog post</a>.<br />
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<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Choosing your own One Word</b><br />
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Please remember, these are some of the words and ways God has spoken into my life in a language I can understand. God may speak in different ways and means to you. If you come to God with open hands, listening for guidance, pay attention to what surfaces. There is no one right way to choose your One Word. For more information, see <a href="http://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-word-2018.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-78170106380780346382019-10-18T21:08:00.002-06:002019-10-18T21:09:26.458-06:00Stood Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever been stood up? You’re waiting and your friend doesn’t show. “Did I get the wrong day, time, or location?” I check our correspondence and it’s all clear. When I try to reach her, there’s no answer. I begin to worry. “Why aren’t I hearing from her? Is she okay? What if something happened?” Then comes insecurity. “Did she really not want to see me? Am I not important enough for her to remember our date?” Then I get mad, because “I know I’m worthy of love, friendship and belonging, and how dare she do this?!!!”<br />
<br />
Finally, sanity prevails. I go back to something I learned in Marriage 101 (which applies to any relationship): “Assume Good Will.” Assume there is a valid reason why my friend was unable to meet me. Assume something prevented her from letting me know. She’s doing her best but couldn’t make it. Check with her later. Extend grace, and make the best of some unexpected free time.<br />
<br />
But yesterday, I was the one who erred. I was the one who stood up a long-time friend. She’s a kind, intelligent, interesting person and I cherish our visits but I missed our date completely. We hadn’t seen each other in months and I was really looking forward to it. But I didn’t show.<br />
<br />
I felt like a total schmuck. I needed my friend to assume good will. If she could understand, would she still love me? I wasn’t in a position to give her a full explanation. Text messages are not the place for that. Most “reasons” simply end up sounding like excuses.<br />
<br />
But even without knowing why, my friend decided to give me another chance and we rebooked. For this I am so grateful. Every relationship requires give-and-take. Assuming good will. Forgiveness. Second chances.<br />
<br />
And for me? I apologize. Explain if possible. Then let it go. Don’t beat myself up. Shame cripples. Don’t beat others up, either, when they do it to me (not even silently in my own head). Resentment kills.<br />
<br />
Here's something to chew on: Must you understand before you can love? Does understanding always result in love?<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">What I have come to know is this: </span>Love is a choice. Love precedes understanding. Sometimes, love shines brightest after a misunderstanding. Love does not depend on fully understanding but <b><i>love will always seek to understand. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZrUZB5JjbqZSL7V5NWw_bBSFFCPzNSrc6rDGU6_Mn4__cGDCB2bEJWXaY7A59IAg7LG5XpOSK47PEYg-XNtcA71cc8m45nOYwFU5XU29qzUsnx70sFapuxQZHKAg1oRqKizYw/s1600/IMG_7915.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZrUZB5JjbqZSL7V5NWw_bBSFFCPzNSrc6rDGU6_Mn4__cGDCB2bEJWXaY7A59IAg7LG5XpOSK47PEYg-XNtcA71cc8m45nOYwFU5XU29qzUsnx70sFapuxQZHKAg1oRqKizYw/s400/IMG_7915.PNG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo 1: Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@olgapopovych?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank">Olga Popovych</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/cafe?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo 2: Mine, text design on <a href="http://wordswag.co/" target="_blank">WordSwag</a></span><br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-954513755686318722019-06-28T10:16:00.000-06:002019-06-28T10:23:14.985-06:00One Habit to Change for the Better<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8t9in8KnvnixaLEigHcyJUauKJvn2hoHU-wJkSaJ0N8iheZfAezSxAmpmcqPT05N9wm0OElONB41e1T-mX-km4TkKAZwDWZ-2MT3TilQnxMyT_grOkWTevXRnyyk1BYpOWh2w/s1600/abigail-keenan-99C5lrAyxpQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8t9in8KnvnixaLEigHcyJUauKJvn2hoHU-wJkSaJ0N8iheZfAezSxAmpmcqPT05N9wm0OElONB41e1T-mX-km4TkKAZwDWZ-2MT3TilQnxMyT_grOkWTevXRnyyk1BYpOWh2w/s400/abigail-keenan-99C5lrAyxpQ-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One after another, the singers got up to audition.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm not in full voice yet, because I've had a cold," says the first.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to memorize it," apologizes the next.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Still, a third: "I'm not a morning person!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What will the next person say? "The dog ate my music?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Apologies, blaming, excuses, even lengthy explanations. These are all unbecoming. And completely unnecessary. Whether auditioning, handing in an assignment at school or work, or arriving late to lunch with a friend, it's time to stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was first introduced to this concept by a former accompanist for our choir. She'd spent the day playing for auditions and entered our rehearsal room exclaiming, "Stop with the disclaimers already and just <b><i>sing</i></b>!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps your introductory remarks are an appeal for empathy, an act of self-sabotage, or an explanation for why you aren't perfect. Perhaps they are simply nerves, making you run off at the mouth. Many of us talk too much when we're nervous.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This habit is a reflection of how we think about ourselves. We blame ourselves or assume we are wrong simply when we are living our life. We're deathly afraid of what others think. Or we've convinced ourselves of our unworthiness before we enter the public arena. We're terrified of being judged but we end up judging ourselves more harshly than anyone else ever would. We use a perfectionistic standard to beat ourselves up because we fall short. We apologize simply for being human.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Consider a different option.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the example of auditioning or performance, stand up, take your position and simply do what you're there to do. Sing, act, dance, speak. No sheepish introduction or nervous giggle. No one needs (or wants) to know what happened in your life before that moment. Stand quietly. Breath deeply. And begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But how does this play out in our day to day interactions?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Certainly, in personal friendships, we care about each other's lives and support one another. There is a time and place for sharing background and perhaps for explanation, but avoid making it your norm. We all have that needy friend, don't we? The one who is always in need of encouragement and affirmation? No matter how beautiful and confident, she always seems to need your validation? It's exhausting!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In a healthy relationship, it's a mutual give and take. When you're strong, you help me. When I'm strong, I support you. Even if we're weak at the same time, we can hold each other and cry. And if we're both in strong mode, look out world!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I used to berate myself for knocking over my beverage. "I'm such a klutz. I spill all the time. I'm so sorry." Even when I was bumped and <i>it wasn't my fault!</i> A friend finally helped me realize everyone spills. This is a human trait. We all trip. Drop things. So now I just laugh, "Oops! My cup runneth over!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When families label the one kid who does this more than others, that reputation shapes who they become. "Joey?" they'll tease, "Oh, he's the clumsy one." So Joey gets stuck with the label and carries it through life, apologizing or giving disclaimers. "No, I can't carry that vase for you, I'll drop it." Or Joey gets angry because in his heart, he knows. He's not the only one. Others have clumsy moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So when those moments come for you, big or small, in public or in personal friendships, lose the disclaimers. Enter with a smile, take a deep breath, and do what you're there to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The world will thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">* * * * *</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">For more on this concept:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-happened-when-i-replaced-sorry-with-thank-you_b_58aefcf6e4b01f4ab51c7746" target="_blank">What Happened When I Replaced "Sorry" with "Thank You"</a></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">and</span></i><br />
<a href="https://psychology-spot.com/communication-reasons-explanations/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stop Giving Explanations</span></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">and</span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.calmandcourageous.com/stop-apologising-stop-explaining-yourself-self-esteem/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stop Apologizing</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@akeenster?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank">Abigail Keenan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/search/photos/embarrass?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.calmandcourageous.com/stop-apologising-stop-explaining-yourself-self-esteem/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-58800589884325605852019-02-28T17:47:00.000-07:002019-07-25T17:52:11.194-06:00Of Judges and Poetry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last evening I shared some of my poetry at Alexandra Writer's open mic night. It was the first time I read aloud for those who do not know me and have no context to my life. For any writer, the fear of rejection must be confronted or it will paralyze us. But I did share the following poem that challenges any who would judge... it provides me always with pause, should I be tempted to judge... And now, don't blink, or you might miss the poem. It's shorter than this intro.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Easy vs. Hard</b><br />
<br />
the easiest thing<br />
and the laziest<br />
is to watch<br />
read<br />
listen<br />
and judge<br />
<br />
the hardest is<br />
to do better<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Originally posted <a href="https://jharback.blogspot.com/2017/02/easy-vs-hard.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Picture: depositphotos.com #39196783, standard license</i></span>Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-1785052092587265632019-02-27T17:35:00.000-07:002019-02-27T17:35:26.432-07:00How Not to Say the Wrong Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><br /></i>
<i>It works in all kinds of crises -- medical, legal, even existential. It's the 'Ring Theory' of kvetching. The first rule is: comfort in, dump out.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
by Susan Silk and Barry Goldman<br />
<br />
When Susan had breast cancer, we heard a lot of lame remarks, but our favorite came from one of Susan's colleagues. She wanted, she needed, to visit Susan after the surgery, but Susan didn't feel like having visitors, and she said so. Her colleague's response? "This isn't just about you."<br />
<br />
"It's not?" Susan wondered. "My breast cancer is not about me? It's about you?"<br />
<br />
The same theme came up again when our friend Katie had a brain aneurysm. She was in intensive care for a long time and finally got out and into a step-down unit. She was no longer covered with tubes and lines and monitors, but she was still in rough shape. A friend came and saw her and then stepped into the hall with Katie's husband, Pat. "I wasn't prepared for this," she told him. "I don't know if I can handle it."<br />
<br />
This woman loves Katie, and she said what she did because the sight of Katie in this condition moved her so deeply. But it was the wrong thing to say. And it was wrong in the same way Susan's colleague's remark was wrong.<br />
<br />
Susan has since developed a simple technique to help people avoid this mistake. It works for all kinds of crises: medical, legal, financial, romantic, even existential. She calls it the Ring Theory.<br />
<br />
Draw a circle. This is the center ring. In it, put the name of the person at the center of the current trauma. For Katie's aneurysm, that's Katie. Now draw a larger circle around the first one. In that ring put the name of the person next closest to the trauma. In the case of Katie's aneurysm, that was Katie's husband, Pat. Repeat the process as many times as you need to. In each larger ring put the next closest people. Parents and children before more distant relatives. Intimate friends in smaller rings, less intimate friends in larger ones. When you are done you have a Kvetching Order. One of Susan's patients found it useful to tape it to her refrigerator.<br />
<br />
Here are the rules. The person in the center ring can say anything she wants to anyone, anywhere. She can kvetch and complain and whine and moan and curse the heavens and say, "Life is unfair" and "Why me?" That's the one payoff for being in the center ring.<br />
<br />
Everyone else can say those things too, but only to people in larger rings.<br />
<br />
When you are talking to a person in a ring smaller than yours, someone closer to the center of the crisis, the goal is to help. Listening is often more helpful than talking. But if you're going to open your mouth, ask yourself if what you are about to say is likely to provide comfort and support. If it isn't, don't say it. Don't, for example, give advice. People who are suffering from trauma don't need advice. They need comfort and support. So say, "I'm sorry" or "This must really be hard for you" or "Can I bring you a pot roast?" Don't say, "You should hear what happened to me" or "Here's what I would do if I were you." And don't say, "This is really bringing me down."<br />
<br />
If you want to scream or cry or complain, if you want to tell someone how shocked you are or how icky you feel, or whine about how it reminds you of all the terrible things that have happened to you lately, that's fine. It's a perfectly normal response. Just do it to someone in a bigger ring.<br />
<br />
Comfort IN, dump OUT.<br />
<br />
There was nothing wrong with Katie's friend saying she was not prepared for how horrible Katie looked, or even that she didn't think she could handle it. The mistake was that she said those things to Pat. She dumped IN.<br />
<br />
Complaining to someone in a smaller ring than yours doesn't do either of you any good. On the other hand, being supportive to her principal caregiver may be the best thing you can do for the patient.<br />
<br />
Most of us know this. Almost nobody would complain to the patient about how rotten she looks. Almost no one would say that looking at her makes them think of the fragility of life and their own closeness to death. In other words, we know enough not to dump into the center ring. Ring Theory merely expands that intuition and makes it more concrete: Don't just avoid dumping into the center ring, avoid dumping into any ring smaller than your own.<br />
<br />
Remember, you can say whatever you want if you just wait until you're talking to someone in a larger ring than yours.<br />
<br />
And don't worry. You'll get your turn in the center ring. You can count on that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Susan Silk is a clinical psychologist. Barry Goldman is an arbitrator and mediator and the author of "The Science of Settlement: Ideas for Negotiators."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">(originally published April 7, 2013 in LA Times)</i><br />
<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-87439583349333971752019-02-03T15:01:00.002-07:002019-02-03T15:01:20.974-07:00From Coma to Podium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
January 30, 2019 was the annual #BellLetsTalk day in Canada, <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/bell-let-s-talk-day-raises-more-than-7-2m-breaks-previous-record-1.4274778" target="_blank">raising over $7.2 million</a> this year alone for mental health initiatives, as social media users worked toward ending the stigma surrounding mental health. The initiative encourages us to share our stories for the sake of understanding one another, getting the help we need, giving the help someone else needs, and removing the stigma attached to those suffering.<br />
<br />
My own story includes the loss of my first husband to suicide, so this is personal. My friend, motivational speaker, radio personality, and Olympic Skier, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Hunter_(skier)" target="_blank">“Jungle Jim" Hunter</a>, shared part of his personal story and I thought it worthy to post here, to expand the conversation across North America.<br />
<br />
Jim writes, “I often think how different my life could have been if I had not healed from the severe concussion that changed the direction of my life on June 21, 1963. I was ten years of age and smashed my head accidentally on two steel bars and a cement floor. I lay in a coma for almost three months. Dr. Greene found a solution and after following the protocol, I woke up. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know my name. I could no longer write with my right hand because it would shake. For 15 months I stayed in a dark, silent, room, and gradually learned to walk, talk, read, and write with my left hand, and read a book by Dorothea Brande called, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707739-wake-up-and-live" target="_blank">Wake Up and Live</a>.<br />
<br />
“I would still get dizzy and fall over, but when I was finally ready to go back to school, they thought I could. I lasted one week when the school authorities said I could no longer go because I was 'mentally retarded'.<br />
<br />
So, even though Jim's situation was caused by a physical injury, there was still stigma, and those who were quick to judge, unwilling to take the time to understand or investing in the resources to help.<br />
<br />
“I was different. I was slow of speech, but one day my mother found me reading the books I loved the most, my Bible and Encyclopedias. She asked if I understood what I was reading. I nodded yes.<br />
<br />
“So you understand you just can't keep up. I had no memory so had to journal everything, which I do to this day. I was odd. A new start in Calgary in a new school board maybe would be different but alas I was told, 'We don't have room for your kind here in this school.'<br />
<br />
“I chose ski racing because the time on the course spoke for me when I didn't need to speak. I decided in my first race I would enter twice. Once as Mark Hunter (my real name) and the second time as Jim Hunter."<br />
<br />
"Mark" fell 4 gates from the finish, and "Jim" started dead last in position #169 and finished in the same position. He then tells what came next. "The Skimeisters chose ten girls and 11 boys to go on to the next camp. The other boys were the fastest ten. The coach chose me as the 11th, they said, because 'If a kid has the desire to enter twice, we have to give him a chance for his effort.' For me, it decided who would be a ski racer and who would be a hockey player."<br />
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Jim shared the above photo, where he is already celebrating at the final gate before the finish in the 1976 Dual Slalom finals. “I heard people saying at the start that a Downhill Racer (like me) would never be a great slalom skier.” Jim explains, “In the photo, I’m celebrating because I had just beat one of the best slalom skiers in the world, Piero Gros.”<br />
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Jim concludes, “Victory is only ours if we secure victory over mental health.”<br />
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I agree with Jim. Let’s use the support and momentum of #BellLetsTalk to secure this victory! Share your story, ask for help instead of suffering in silence or trying to conquer it alone. We were made for community, and no one has to struggle alone. Ask for help, share your struggles and successes, what helps and what is unhelpful, donate to organizations working effectively toward effective supports for mental health.<br />
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Not only do we need to remove the stigma around mental health issues, we also need to move beyond partial recovery with temporary, drug-induced “management” and instead let's fund effective research, develop targeted pharmaceuticals, and organize a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment of the whole person, body, mind, emotions and spirit.<br />
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Healing is our goal! Join in!<br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-73607116894481004192019-01-29T18:17:00.000-07:002019-01-29T18:18:52.255-07:00Capture Your 365<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZeJIrCvwWeO_CBrm67fAJA6vthzfyz93iK9ZO2HOCZBrcmdYN54xVjGYYAtb64BIq5hRSlxn1JNm5L5dBBn8pq3yMNiitJgdP8GbKeKFp7OIkKLIeCx4V-7yZdV86D30pQUjiQ/s1600/Screenshot+2019-01-29+17.17.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZeJIrCvwWeO_CBrm67fAJA6vthzfyz93iK9ZO2HOCZBrcmdYN54xVjGYYAtb64BIq5hRSlxn1JNm5L5dBBn8pq3yMNiitJgdP8GbKeKFp7OIkKLIeCx4V-7yZdV86D30pQUjiQ/s400/Screenshot+2019-01-29+17.17.28.png" width="238" /></a></div>
For thirty days, I have been capturing one photo to post on Instagram with the #CY365 hashtag. Why? To cultivate the routine of taking at least one photo each day, document my year, increase my observatory skill, and/or retain the memory of something beautiful or important (and those two are not mutually exclusive). It's an entertaining hobby and far from routine. It keeps the synapses firing in my aging brain. I hope you enjoy some of what I share, but that is not my measure of success.<br />
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<b>The only measure for me is this: did I take a photo today?</b><br />
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There are several apps and websites which help promote the photo-a-day concept. I use <a href="https://captureyour365.com/">this one</a> for photo prompts. Some people can do it on their own, I personally like to have a prompt, though I am not locked into that. If the prompt doesn't resonate, or if I find something more interesting, I simply hashtag it as #offprompt. I chose Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/north59lite/">my depository</a>, but others have posted on Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3boSYzzoQ_2fkpPPyOKS2Fgw1OeqwluvIZjk38OwP00M-1bnkQri59XtVoNvEv79huJBIhcyT6Sg8i_KjQ53NDTuLr9Zv3aFdmP3ydz3s-JmvaWco_X0dgSNsB9Q0JsdADqCeA/s1600/Screenshot+2019-01-29+17.17.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3boSYzzoQ_2fkpPPyOKS2Fgw1OeqwluvIZjk38OwP00M-1bnkQri59XtVoNvEv79huJBIhcyT6Sg8i_KjQ53NDTuLr9Zv3aFdmP3ydz3s-JmvaWco_X0dgSNsB9Q0JsdADqCeA/s400/Screenshot+2019-01-29+17.17.07.png" width="242" /></a>You'll find me on Instagram as @north59lite. I tell you in case you're interested, since you are here, voluntarily reading this blog. I have no marketing agenda, I'm selling nothing, I've no desire to build a larger platform of followers. I can't keep track of the ones I have. The odd nicknames mean I usually have to click a person's profile to figure out who they are in real life. And then there are those of you whom I've never met...<br />
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<b>* * *</b></div>
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Henry once asked me why I share things on social media. I didn't have an answer then, so I ordered two books I thought might help me answer the question for myself. "Why We Write" and "Why We Write About Ourselves" gave me some interesting reading by other authors, but also offered as many different reasons to write as there were chapters in each book.<br />
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Steve Bell, writing in "<a href="https://stevebell.com/epiphany-on-the-jordan-the-baptism-of-jesus/">Pilgrim Year: Ephiphany</a>," finally hit on something close to my own motive. He said:<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"We all have interior landscapes that deeply long to be expressed." </span></i></b><br />
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Steve tells how he was once moved to tears reading about the late-life longing expressed by Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky. "As he neared his own death," Steve says, "the great writer was desperately trying to complete The Brothers Karamazov." Dostoyevsky reportedly said that if he could just finish the work, "he would die a happy man, having <i><b>expressed himself completely</b></i>."<br />
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That quote exploded like fireworks in my heart. It was my own sort of Epiphany. The longing to express oneself completely drives some artists mad. If we tie it to approval of what we have expressed, we get driven there a bit sooner. I determined long ago that I would offer my expressions to the world, be it poetry, prose, photographs, or music. I have been sharing via this blog since 2005, having published over 1,200 posts. That's an average of eight expressions each month for 13 years. Not prolific, but regular.<br />
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As someone else has said, "Just because it happened doesn't mean it's interesting," so I try to be interesting, not just self-indulgent. The key to being boring is telling everything to everyone. So, one photo a day for 365 days might is a somewhat interesting record to me of this year. We shall see if I can consistently persist in this. I'm quite aware that I like to try things and abandon them if I get bored. So far, so good. Thirty days in, I'm game to keep going.<br />
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Come along if you like!<br />
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<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-50978254762905328872019-01-25T16:23:00.000-07:002019-02-13T12:58:45.012-07:00My Love is Like a Red, Red RoseToday is Robbie Burns Day. One of my most favorite songs is a choral setting of Robert Burns' poem: "My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose." I have created a video with the song, featuring a photo-diary of my love, marriage and life with Henry. It parallels the poem in many ways. I am so grateful for this love and for our life together.<br />
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Please enjoy the music and share our joy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="306" id="vp1V6i54" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1548456952&f=V6i54NxSA7JAWvhc1H0W1A&d=0&m=a&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=undefined&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" title="Video Player" width="544"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poem by Robert Burns<br />Music composed and arranged by Bill Douglas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sung by The Ars Nova Singers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Conducted by Thomas Morgan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">From <i>Songs of Earth & Sky</i>/Hearts O'Space Records 11083-2</span><br />
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Photo credits:<br />
Laura-Anne Smid, Engagement<br />
Jill Hopkins, Wedding<br />
Andrew Harback Photography, Wedding and Anniversary<br />
"Which Santa?" by Meester Mustard<br />
Balance of photos from personal collectionJoyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-10092847286624968282019-01-24T14:33:00.001-07:002019-01-24T15:11:40.360-07:00The Three Gates (plus one)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bVaMv5AoplSn5zf_UkSDC6RlGBWcSI9dmlBO0YNbVyUIXn1XfwS7pViDQ6eCnYKSoJHyGh5leVKfA2lSkg2-hBsXgJ4zjt_bHs3nK8jeX5E4T_QUjk2nf1cYqX_6w70WgV9Hnw/s1600/e2856bcdec5b20658bace6363c3d9fd4--remember-quotes-remember-this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bVaMv5AoplSn5zf_UkSDC6RlGBWcSI9dmlBO0YNbVyUIXn1XfwS7pViDQ6eCnYKSoJHyGh5leVKfA2lSkg2-hBsXgJ4zjt_bHs3nK8jeX5E4T_QUjk2nf1cYqX_6w70WgV9Hnw/s320/e2856bcdec5b20658bace6363c3d9fd4--remember-quotes-remember-this.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Three Gates</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>by Beth Day, 1835</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are tempted to reveal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A tale to you someone has told</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">About another, make it pass,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before you speak, three gates of gold;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These narrow gates. First, “Is it true?”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, “Is it needful?” In your mind</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Give truthful answer. And the next</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is last and narrowest, “Is it kind?”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And if to reach your lips at last</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It passes through these gateways three,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then you may tell the tale, nor fear</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What the result of speech may be.</span><br />
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This is one of the simplest guides to guarding our tongue. How hurtful careless words can be, from both sides. We speak a careless word and wound someone, or hear a word that cuts us deep. Many times offense was not the intent but was the result. And, as the poem addresses, you're telling someone else's story. Gossip, which someone has defined as, "Anything of a personal, intimate, or sensational nature, shared about another person without their express consent."<br />
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At times I've thought if I could just keep my mouth shut, I wouldn't misspeak. However, silence is not always the answer. Sometimes the hurt comes out of silence which can be perceived as neglect, a lack of care, apathy, or intentional disregard. So I don't necessarily agree in every circumstance with Thumper's mom who taught him: "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9fYngTUZeUQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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But "nice" (kind) is one of "The Three Gates." If we decide to speak, we must first measure it. Thinking, in advance, rather than just running off at the mouth whatever pops into our head.<br />
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A colleague introduced me to these "golden gates":<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is it true? </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is it necessary? </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is it kind? </span></i></b><br />
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There are numerous attributions online as to who originated these gates, the earliest of which seems to be Socrates. Even the poem above has been mis-attributed to others. However, no matter the source, the gates and the accompanying poem are wise guides to follow.<br />
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My wise colleague suggested we add one more. A fourth measure, also, a time-worn guide, which has helped me hold my tongue appropriately in several key places.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is it timely?</i></span></b><br />
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Is this the right time and place to address this issue? Are these the people who need to hear what I'm wanting to express?<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." </b>(Proverbs 25:11) </span></i><br />
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I didn't understand that proverb for many years, I believe it simply means an appropriate word in the right setting is beautiful. It fits the situation, considers context and audience. and is crafted and delivered in a way which benefits the hearer. So, if it is true, and necessary, and kind, then plan when to speak this word, to the ones who are best to receive it.<br />
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There was a young clerk who reported to me in an engineering firm where I supervised administrative staff. One workday we were having lunch at a nearby restaurant. He began to complain to me about his soup being cold. When the server came to check on us, she asked, "How is everything?"<br />
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I expected him to send the soup back with a request to warm it, but he looked up at her with innocent eyes and said, "Fine!"<br />
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Everything was fine? I was shocked. After the server left, my shock increased as my clerk began complaining again about the soup. I put my hand up in a "stop" motion and spoke a "timely" word. "If you are not going to tell the person who can actually solve your problem, then I don't want to hear your complaint."<br />
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It might have been <b><i>true</i></b> that his soup was cold, but in grousing about it to me, he wasn't being <b><i>kind</i></b> to the server. Telling me wasn't <i><b>necessary,</b></i> because I couldn't do anything about it, and while venting might have given him some sense of relief or self-righteous vindication, it was unkind me as the listener.<br />
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It's clear this gate-keeping analysis doesn't often happen before many words are spoken. Especially in our current climate of social media comments and debates. Everyone feels entitled to be heard, and considers their opinion as valid as the next. It takes maturity and discernment to understand that there are others who know a great deal more than we do about many things. And the ignorant won't benefit if you insist on correcting them.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b> Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>So don’t bother correcting mockers;</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b> they will only hate you.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>But correct the wise,</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b> and they will love you. (Proverbs 9:7-8)</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>For he will despise the wisdom of your words.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>(Proverbs 23:9)</b></i></span><br />
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My young clerk took my rebuke to heart. It was a new concept that he had not yet encountered in his young life: to speak to the right person who can solve your issue, rather than talking about it <i>ad nauseum</i> to everyone else.<br />
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"I realize even as I am writing that my memory is making much of very little," (to borrow a quote from Marilynne Robinson). "Making much of very little" could be the theme for almost every blog post ever written, including this one. I do consider these four gates when I'm writing paid articles and blog posts, and I've learned to take it seriously when I'm commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.<br />
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One careless remark, one errant tweet, these can destroy a life.<br />
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Before we speak, we think. And before we find ourselves in that situation, we train our minds in preparation. A longstanding guideline comes from the apostle Paul as he writes to the church in Philippi. His instruction at the conclusion of his letter was this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and just, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. </b>(Philippians 4:8)</span></i></blockquote>
In another translation, it reads:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. </span></b><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"> (AMP)</span></span></i></blockquote>
If we follow this guideline, our minds will be primed in advance for guarding what exits our mouth. But let me close with one final encouragement, given to us in Paul's letter to the Ephesians:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do not let unwholesome words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. (Ephesians 4:29)</b></span></i></blockquote>
Can I recommend you read the context of this verse by reading the closing paragraph of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A25-32&version=AMP">chapter 4 by clicking here</a>. Speak truth, it says in v. 25; what is necessary, helpful and timely in v. 29, and above all, be kind, v. 32. The rest of the passage describes what is unhelpful.<br />
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So, remember the four gates:<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is it true?</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is it necessary?</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is it kind?</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is it timely?</i></span></b><br />
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And "may the God of peace be with you."<br />
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#PreachingToMyself<br />
<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-78953902561145720242019-01-16T11:30:00.001-07:002019-01-16T14:19:14.828-07:00At the Pool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMohPOMpIjWB2hegj9Rdbdqj768c-12gC_Hkw93rOsUkqyP8CWiSb5aiXZ5Ah6GrDrkSBrFbEOhtoOZ5o_8x0R2N9f2l3FDRhKtmpNp4lsFDeJkCYm_3YfzE82IiMGvrkwKeHVNg/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="750" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMohPOMpIjWB2hegj9Rdbdqj768c-12gC_Hkw93rOsUkqyP8CWiSb5aiXZ5Ah6GrDrkSBrFbEOhtoOZ5o_8x0R2N9f2l3FDRhKtmpNp4lsFDeJkCYm_3YfzE82IiMGvrkwKeHVNg/s400/IMG_1245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would call it <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Women Waiting,</i></span> a watercolor by an unknown artist. Like a freeze frame in my brain, the image returns: seven women in bathing suits, bodies of odd shapes and sizes, stand ankle deep where pool meets wading area.<br />
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Poofy shower caps loosely cover hair, pops of color, a Q-tip bouquet. Their swimwear a collision of patterns: one striped suit, two polkadot, black solid, blue flowered, fuchsia print, faded green. Each wears a waist-belt PFD.<br />
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Ella stands tall, others gather round in a loose circle, facing the sunlight. It streams through vaulted windows, warms the large indoor space, deepens creases on aged faces.<br />
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They chat, some just listen, look steadily in the same direction. To the deep end.<br />
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Their class <b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">will</span></i></b> start on time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/7RQf2X6aXXI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Raphaël Biscaldi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/@les_photos_de_raph?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span><br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-36292461495610453492019-01-14T15:50:00.000-07:002019-01-14T16:01:34.378-07:00Sword Handling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a small church in the centre of a very sleepy small town with a scattered group of faithful parishioners. The platform is, thankfully, barely half-a-step higher than the congregation and the sound system has so many patches it takes an hour to set everything up when our group of five leads the music. This particular day, the pastor/bass player tossed a microphone down the centre aisle of the multipurpose room lined with six rows of six chairs on each side. That was the second microphone found faulty today. Not that we really need the microphones-- for anything other than to hear each other in the monitors --it's not a big room. The sound system is only necessary for the guitars and keyboard, though an un-plugged session would work fine, and is their usual practice.<br />
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We come out from the mega church in the city for their encouragement, as it can feel very isolating to be a small group.We want to help them see they are part of a bigger whole of believers in this area. Our community outreach pastor also helps them out with resources they couldn't otherwise obtain. Yet, I gain even more encouragement every time I go. They are a sincere, hardworking, friendly group that carry on a conversation with the pastor during prayer request time, because they care for one another: "Please pray about (the grieving daughter) who's lost her mamma" and "the surgery (one of them) is facing," and "we were so excited to have 33 kids show up for the Sunday school Christmas party! But now we need more people to help out."<br />
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After the pastor introduces each of us (the four visiting musicians), and discusses our particular relatives that someone in the congregation might know, he proceeds to introduce each of the attendees by name to us, along with the role they fill in the body of Christ at that particular locale. It's not their normal practice, but Pastor Kevin is very relational and he knows we'll be back. He shepherds us all in helping everyone see we are not there just to sing but to build relationship.<br />
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The band leader had asked me to introduce the song "<a href="https://youtu.be/fWpvknKuYrg" target="_blank">Awake My Soul</a>" (by Chris Tomlin):<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Breathe on me breath of God</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />I come alive when you breathe on me</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Awake my soul</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />God, resurrect these bones</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />From death to life, through you alone</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Awake my soul</span></i></blockquote>
Did you know if you Google "Scripture about breath" you'll get 22 million results? (Your results may vary). I pick "28 Bible verses about Breath Of God"-- most of which are about the Holy Spirit. Three of the passages sound really good, but when I read the context, they are words spoken from the mouths of suffering Job's friends. And we know how unhelpful they were. Even though a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut, I don't want to use that judgmental crew's words out of context. It's folly to cram something forcefully into an inaccurate introduction on the true nature of God or our relationship to his life-giving breath.<br />
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Then the order of events change, and instead of an introduction, I'm now asked to make it a segue-way into the next song, "Be Thou My Vision." So the search continues for appropriate scripture and my final remarks go something like this:<br />
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"When we can't breathe, nothing else matters. Where there is breath there is life. And God's breath gives life. 1. We read in the creation account how God breathes life into Adam after he forms him from the dust (Genesis 2:7). 2. The song lyrics for "Awake My Soul" were taken, in part, from the passage where the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to speak to a valley of "dry bones" that God would breathe life into them so they would know he was the Lord (Exekiel 37:1-14). 3. Paul wrote Timothy that all scripture is inspired (breathed in) by God it is a living, profitable word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So as we move into the next song, let it be our prayer: for God not only to give us breath and life, but also a clear vision of his Lordship and of how we are to live out the vision he has for us.<br />
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On the way home, Henry and I discuss all this, including the importance of recognizing the context of scriptural texts. We both know from our experience and training that not "every promise in the Book is mine" (with apologies to <a href="https://hymnary.org/hymn/GGS1937/93" target="_blank">Pearl Spencer Smith</a>). Some promises were made to a particular person or people at a specific time in a specific place. Segmenting scripture like an orange for the purpose of <a href="http://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/definition-of-christian-terms/prooftexting.html" target="_blank">proof-texting</a>, is giving scripture a self-serving meaning the writer did not intend. More folly.<br />
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This morning as Henry was reading out of Job, he paused and said to me, "Not everything written in the Bible is there for us to emulate," he says, "but it's all written for our instruction." We continued our discussion from yesterday, and I looked up the source of that idea:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All Scripture is God-breathed </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />and is useful for </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />teaching, rebuking, correcting </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />and training in righteousness, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />so that the servant of God </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />may be thoroughly equipped </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />for every good work.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 Timothy 3:16-17</span></i></blockquote>
All of scripture is for our benefit, but we have to read and understand what it actually says, not what we want it to say.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>For the word of God is alive and powerful. </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><i>It is sharper than <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>the sharpest two-edged sword</b></span>, </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><i>cutting between soul and spirit, </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><i>between joint and marrow. </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><i>It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.</i></span></blockquote>
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It is a living documentation of history, of God's interaction with people, and much more. It is also accurate to say God inspired the writers of the scripture to record what they wrote. While much of it reports on ungodly conduct and serves as a warning, much is also a guide for life and his plan for holy and fruitful living. The bottom line is, the Bible is a book about God, not about us. We must learn how to handle it properly, just like we would learn to handle a sharp sword.<br />
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What does it say, who wrote it and when, to whom was it written, where were they, what are the historical, cultural, and political influences of the time? These are observable facts you can state with certainty in most cases. Then you move on to interpretation. While <b>observation</b> leads to an accurate understanding of <u>what</u> the Word of God says, <b>interpretation</b> goes a step further and helps you understand what it means. Finally, you will learn to apply what you've learned. Just like when you were in school, if you learn concepts but don't practice them, you quickly forget what you learned.<br />
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If you'd be interested in becoming more effective in Bible study ("sword handling"), find a local study group. If you're in Calgary, join me at First Alliance Church for Tuesday Learning and Connection (TLC) to learn with others in a small group setting. <a href="https://www.faccalgary.com/our-groups/tuesday-learning-community-morning-edition" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Click here for details</span></i></a>. If you are elsewhere, consider a study with <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org/classes/joining-a-class" target="_blank">Bible Study Fellowship</a> or <a href="https://www.precept.org/" target="_blank">Precepts</a>. There may be others but these are reputable ones that are available nationally in USA, Canada, and abroad.<br />
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Let's continue growing in our knowledge and effectiveness together!<br />
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Finally, if you just don't know whether you believe the Bible, or the historical Jesus, or even in the existence of God, consider checking it all out at a local Alpha course. Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. No cost, no pressure, and it usually comes with a free meal. Can't beat that! In Calgary, <a href="http://www.faccalgary.com/our-events/16235/alpha" target="_blank">click here</a>. Elsewhere? <a href="https://alpha.org/" target="_blank">Click here</a> and choose "Try Alpha" to locate a course in your area.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo 1: YouVersion</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo 2: YouVersion</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo 3: Dan Kiefer on Unsplash, Text Design by Joyce Rempel on WordSwag</i></span><br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-90656053079192772112019-01-11T13:33:00.000-07:002019-01-11T13:46:31.963-07:00Bless You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's a large pile of tissues on the side table. Either my cold from last weekend returned or perhaps it's allergies. Henry reaches for the pile and I slap his hand away and grab them myself, explaining, "Gross germs." (He will often kindly collect my dishes and trash when he takes his own to the kitchen, despite my protest.) He smirks, utters an unintelligible phrase in <i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>plattdeutsch</b>, </span></i>then translates: "Snotty nose."<br />
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When he quotes low German phrases from his upbringing, he usually interprets, but much of the meaning is lost in translation because the nuance and social references of colloquial terms don't readily transfer. Like trying to explain a joke when someone doesn't get it. It's just not the same.<br />
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When hearing a sneeze, we usually say "<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Gesundheit!</b></i></span>" ("health to you"). Henry's mother would too, for the first two sneezes, but if there were a third, she'd respond with "<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Krankheit!</b></span></i>" (meaning: illness, or "you are ill").<br />
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When we began dating, Henry would use some of his favorite family phrases, especially when we visited his siblings. I found it quite endearing, as it bespoke a tenderness of memory and history, but it also triggered a familial recollection of my father speaking similar phrases with our Mennonite relatives. We didn't regularly speak<b> <i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">plattdeutsch</span></i></b> at home as Henry did, but it still "felt like home" when I heard it from Henry.<br />
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It is a sweet convergence of past lives where love and laughter encircles and entwines our hearts with our ancestors. It also began knitting our two hearts together, more than I knew, until now. When I can feel a surge of love linked to dirty kleenex, I know I've found the real thing, and it tickles my nose, down to my toes. <b><i>(<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gesundheit!)</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What familiar practice brings an endearing memory to your mind?</span></i></b>Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-59367194690076978762019-01-09T01:05:00.001-07:002019-01-09T15:20:37.373-07:00A Year in the Life: 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Riding the Model T Ford at Greenfield Village</span></div>
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What I would tell you over a cup of coffee as I show you my photo album:<br />
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I am not an exceptional person. I am average, sometimes strong, sometimes helpless, desperately clutching on to an exceptional God. And when I'm unable to hold on, God still holds me.<br />
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I don't post many of my dark moments here. I don't usually tell you about my mistakes or the nightmares or how I am up and down some nights, especially when the wind howls. But I will tell you those times are getting less often, Part of the reason for that is I am finally learning to trust and rely on the love, care and encouragement from our dear friends and family members. We have seen so many of you this year that I hesitate to include pictures for fear of leaving someone out. Please, if you have one of us together, send it to me, yes?<br />
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When the dark times do come, and friends may not be immediately available, I know beyond any doubt that God is with me through it all, whether or not I feel it. I am learning to choose to TRUST this truth, that's why "trust" is my <a href="https://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-one-word-for-2019.html" target="_blank">#oneword</a> for 2019.<br />
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I have finally made it through my 2018 Joy Jar, then I browsed through my photos for the year and filled in some significant blanks. Not everything made the list, but I'd like to tell you about some of them. But, please keep something in mind if you choose to walk down this pathway of past days with me. Our human tendency is to compare our <b>worst moments</b> to someone else's <b>highlight reel</b>.<br />
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Please don't.<br />
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Each of us lives out our life and our calling as faithfully as we are able, as best as we can manage. There are fits and starts, there are dark days I wouldn't share with my best friend. So rejoice with me, for I have found joy in all sorts of places, mostly because I'm learning to look for it everywhere.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Playing Azul at Boardwalk in Abbotsford</span></div>
<b>Games We Played:</b><br />
We love to play board games and card games. Some favorites include Crokinole, Dixit, Five Crowns, and Crib. This year Andrew and Rebecca introduced us to Azul, and Azul 2: Stained Glass of Sintra. We had fun learning the party game Code Names with LeBlancs and crew on New Years Eve.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marcel Dionne at his diner in Niagara Falls</span></div>
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<b>Memorable Restaurants:</b><br />
Who doesn't love to eat, and the more amazing the flavors or atmosphere, the better we like it. Some of our favorites in Calgary include Ten Foot Henry, Rouge, Seasons of Bowness Park, Smugglers Inn, Vintage Chophouse (Calgary), Heartland Café (Okotoks), The Italian Farmhouse (Bragg Creeg).<br />
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The rest of this list comes from a little further afield, from our road trips this year. If you're ever in these areas, be sure to try these places: Porter's Bistro (Langley), Saba (Ft. Langley), Elizabeth’s Chalet (Surrey), Glass House Winery (Langley Twp), Hilltop Café (Langley Twp), Avishan Authentic Middle East Grill (Langley), Smith & Wolensky (Chicago), Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Naperville), Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in the German Village (Columbus, OH), The Blueline Diner (Niagara Falls. ON where the owner, famous hockey legend, Marcel Dionne was bussing tables because it's his place and they were short staffed that day!), Buddy’s Pizza (Livonia, MI), Bavarian Inn (Frankenmuth, MI), and finally, one we completely stumbled over on our long drive home: Doncker’s (Marquette, MI).<br />
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<b>Cinema:</b><br />
Of course, who doesn't love a good movie. It's been a while since I've seen one I'd rate 5/5, and only one did that for me this year. Here's my completely arbitrary and subjective personal ratings based on how intensely moved I was, the relative importance of the story themes, and the special effects/stunts/cinematography. Tell me, did I miss one you think is a must-see?<br />
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The Darkest Hour 4/5<br />
The Greatest Showman 3/5<br />
Paul, Apostle of Christ 4/5<br />
The Black Panther 3/5<br />
Star Wars: Solo 3/5<br />
Incredibles 2 2/5<br />
Mamma Mia 3/5<br />
Christopher Robin 5/5<br />
Mission Impossible: Fallout 4/5<br />
Robin Hood 3/5<br />
Mary Poppins Returns (VIP Experience) 3/5<br />
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<b>Live Theatre/Concerts:</b><br />
This is by far the most interesting part of entertainment in my book. Real people, singing, acting, dancing, playing. Human expertise at its best or in its infancy, quality live performances resonate deeply with me.<br />
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In February, for Black History Month, we attended the 32nd Annual Gospel Concert in Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. A packed program with hundreds of performers in dozens of choirs and bands.<br />
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In March and April we visited Rosebud twice: once for the hilarious and incredible one man show, <i>Wingfield’s Inferno</i> and next for the endearing and funny <i>Driving Miss Daisy</i>.<br />
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On April 24, <a href="https://www.thetallisscholars.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Tallis Scholars</a>, were the height of classical music, performing at Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University. "The Tallis Scholars have done more than any other group to establish sacred vocal music of the Renaissance as one of the great repertoires of Western classical music." Their close a capella harmony is an "exclusive sound, praised by reviewers for its supple clarity and tone, and to bring fresh interpretations to music" new and old.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Joel solos at Louis Riel Band Concert</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Celebrating with the Warrens and Wynnes after Youth Singers</span></div>
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The spring and Christmas time also brought out school concerts and Youth Singers. We are privileged to be friends with several very talented young people whose concerts and plays we frequent with pleasure. We thrilled to Joel Warren's jazz trumpet at the Louis Riel Band concerts, Amy Warren's delightful performances in <i>Lights on Broadway</i> and <i>Falaland</i> with the Calgary Youth Singers, and Nicole Aronitz as a stunning Peter Pan at David Thompson School.</div>
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We of course love classic rock and music of all sorts, so were thrilled to take in <b>The Eagles </b>with Vince Gill and get our first look at the new Rogers Centre in Edmonton. We also loved attending an <b><a href="http://www.andrewallenlive.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Allen</a></b> house concert hosted by my friend Catherine Cadman, who also introduced me to the Calgary Women's Chorus at their outstanding Christmas concert. One other notable event was Wonder and Gloria by the First Alliance Church choir and orchestra.<br />
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Humberto Vargas directs Vivaldi's Gloria</div>
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Best of all are the plays and musicals. Henry played one of the Inklings (C.S. Lewis and friends) in a terrific production of <i>Shadowlands</i>. On our very short stopover in Chicago this summer, we were able to see <i>Hamilton, </i>the Broadway Musical, at the historic 1906 CIBC Theatre. The same day we were also able to score tickets to see 84 year old <b>Carol Burnett</b>, live at the Chicago Theatre. We also loved <i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat</i> in Rosebud; the <i>Canadian Badlands Passion Play</i>, Drumheller; and finishing off the musicals was <i>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</i>, First Alliance Church.<br />
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The Inklings<b> </b>from <i>Shadowlands</i></div>
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(back row): Brad McDowell, Frances Taman, Al Hall</div>
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(front) Greg McCombs as C.S. Lewis, Adam Ward, Henry Rempel</div>
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We finished out the last quarter of the year with a play every month. The captivating <i><a href="https://www.fireexit.ca/show/31/every-brilliant-thing" target="_blank">Every Brilliant Thing</a></i> was presented on the Engineered Air Stage (Arts Commons, Calgary). This one-woman show involved audience participation and dealt with the subject of suicide in a helpful, uplifting and informative way. I am deeply grateful to the writers, the actor, and the joint sponsorship by Fire Exit Theatre and Burnt Thicket Theatre.<br />
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Finally, Christmastime was completed with Rosebud's show: <i>Sherlock Holmes & the Case of the Christmas Carol</i>, a classic retelling of the classic story where Holmes is the Scrooge-like character. We finished the season with the traditional rendition of <i>A Christmas Carol at </i>Theatre Calgary.<br />
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Cathy and Peggy join me at Passion For Glass Gallery & Studio</div>
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<b>Artistic Ventures:</b><br />
This year, in addition to my photography and graphic arts, I took several needlecraft "sampler" workshops, had an unfortunate experience in glass fusing at franchise shop, so tried again at the studio of a glass artisan with my friends Cathy and Peggy. The second attempt went very well and I will return! Pamela came down from Sherwood Park the fall for our annual girls' weekend and we both tried our hand at watercolour painting. It wasn't quite the beginner's level advertised, but we had a few laughs and learned a bit.<br />
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Well I have to try to start wrapping things up here. Significant people returned to our life: Steve and Lisa LeBlanc came back from Winnipeg and Oly and Dianne Boersma moved back from the Netherlands. We've spent many occasions with each, as well as celebrating the following events:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Henry chats with the teamster while harvesting barley by horse drawn cutter at the Bar U</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Goat on the sod roof at Old Country Market in Coombs, BC</span></div>
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<b>Significant Firsts:</b><br />
Feb. 7, A visit to Glenbow Museum<br />
Apr. 24, Driest Day in 50 years at only 8% humidity<br />
May 25, A stay at Three Valley Gap Hotel, Museum & Ghost Town<br />
May 30, We finally see goats on the roof at the <a href="https://oldcountrymarket.com/" target="_blank">Old Country Market</a> in Coombs, BC<br />
May 31, Meet up with Henry’s niece in Qualicum Beach<br />
May 31, Watch the tide come in at Rothtrever Beach, Vancouver Island<br />
Jun. 5, Attend Vespers at Westminster Abbey in Mission, BC<br />
Jun. 7, Stopped (finally) at The Last Spike, Craigellachie, BC<br />
Jun. 9, Astonished by a first view of Chaplin Lake, Canada’s second largest inland saline water body.<br />
Jun. 18, Long awaited visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame<br />
Jun. 19, Mind blown at Warther Museum & Carvers<br />
Jun. 20, Got soaked on the Hornblower Cruise for Niagara Falls Fireworks<br />
Jun. 28, Stumbled across the self-titled <a href="https://youtu.be/wrCScsUMzbE" target="_blank">Home of Bigfoot</a> (Remer, MN)<br />
July 17, Camping at Akokiniskway Golf Course, Rosebud<br />
July 17, Explore Dinosaur Trail and Horse Thief Canyon, Drumheller<br />
July 18, Tour Atlas Coal Mine, East Coulee, AB<br />
July 19, Last Chance Saloon, and the 11 Bridges, Wayne<br />
July 20, Canadian Badlands Passion Play, Drumheller<br />
Aug. 6, Pandas at the Zoo, Calgary<br />
Aug. 10, Survived Calgary’s Hottest Day (36.4 C / 97.5 F)<br />
Aug. 30, Visited Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff<br />
Sep. 2, Stooking barley with Eau Claire Distillery at Bar U Ranch<br />
Sep. 2, Made tea from rose-hips (pick, de-seed, dry, ground, steep)<br />
Sep. 28, Towed trailer to BC and camped at Ft. Langley<br />
Oct. 1, Stranded due highway closure at Canmore, camped in 2 ft. of snow<br />
Oct. 20, Two day Watercolour Painting workshop at Leighton Art Centre with Pamela<br />
Nov. 21, Knee Injection<br />
Nov. 24, Dog-sat Blu<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of my family at Murray's wedding</span></div>
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<b>Notable Celebrations: </b><br />
Jan. 27, Pamela Forbe’s 60th in Sherwood Park<br />
Feb. 10, Kevann’s wedding in Water Valley<br />
June 6, My son Andrew’s university graduation and first year teaching grade four.<br />
June 16, My nephew Murray’s Ohio wedding<br />
Aug. 30, Our Wedding Anniversary #4, celebrated in Banff<br />
Sep. 8, Joel Warren’s Baptism<br />
Nov. 20, Henry’s birthday<br />
Dec. 21, Joyce’s birthday<br />
Dec. 31, LeBlanc’s New Year’s Eve<br />
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Well, that's not all, but there's not time to tell you about other church involvement, my garden, artistic endeavours, new writing assignments; Henry's books, motorcycle trips, handyman work, antique restoration, car project and puzzles; fun visiting with friends, siblings and extended relatives; the hockey games with our sons, and birthday celebrations with the family; the Calgary Flames being top of their division; or volunteering with a team of five to cook for 130 people at camp every day for a week. On the darker side were the horrible storms we couldn't avoid on our road trips, the ambulance call in the middle of the night, the root canals (one each), the knee injection, the myriad of doctor visits filling up our social calendar... those are just the stuff of life, showing our age and our scars and our gratitude for the fact we still wake up each day to God's mercies, new every morning. Most of all, we love our life together and are so grateful for this gift of love we share.<br />
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If you've stuck with me this far, your coffee is probably cold and you need a refill. Gracious. Retirement can be exhausting. What a list! Thanks for walking down memory lane with me. Why don't you create your own Joy Jar this year, and keep looking for all the events that bring a smile to your face in 2019! Then we'll meet again to compare notes, this time <u>next</u> year!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What ever you're looking for, you will find!</span></i></b></div>
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Henry's sister Elvira and brother in law, Ernie</div>
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Celebrating the LeBlanc's return!</div>
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Hockey with the guys</div>
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With our daughter-in-law's family, the Buurmeesters</div>
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Lifelong friends, Murray & Pam Forbes, daughter Erica</div>
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Pamela's party and the guys are in the kitchen?!</div>
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Henry's brother Abe and sister in law, Katie</div>
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Beautiful Kevann</div>
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With Glen & Char visiting wineries in the Similkameen Valley</div>
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My Trio of Trust, Jean and Cathy</div>
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Henry's niece, Janet</div>
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Our cooking team at Camp Chamisall Week 7</div>
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Motorcycling with Richard and Lynn</div>
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Hiking with Oly and Diane Boersma<br />
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Dinner at Gord and Jill's new villa at Glen Eagles, Cochrane<br />
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Nine strong women who've loved me a long time</div>
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Hockey Mom Strong</div>
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Grey Cup Victory Party: Calgary Stampeders 2018!</div>
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Grey Cup Victory Party: Calgary Stampeders 2018!<br />
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My cousin Sylvia and Rick introduced us to <span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;">Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria</span></div>
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Keith and Diane</div>
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Kirk visited us and we returned the favour this summer<br />
in Ontario but I missed getting a picture of Patti.</div>
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Our friend, Amy Burks moved back to Ontario. We miss her.<br />
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The Harback crew. Lots of love and memories here.<br />
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Some of the wonderful women I serve with at women's Bible Study</div>
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Cindy, Kiel, Shaun, Henry, Bev and Jim - I didn't make them pose.</div>
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<b> ~Here's to 50 more years!~</b></div>
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-13407251429757331732019-01-03T12:21:00.002-07:002019-01-07T09:37:34.319-07:00Capture Your 365<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My big camera has been set aside for a while, due to limitations in equipment, skill, time, and desire. My iPhone snaps my life daily. But as I sorted through my 2018 Joy Jar, and began logging the memorable events, it was a burden. I'm still not done.<br />
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As a free spirit, not given to routine, I've had enough experience to know how helpful routine can be in some cases. It is most helpful and beneficial in meeting deadlines and reaching worthy goals. This year, two things have helped direct me to a suggested routine. My daughter-in-love did a One-second-per-day video which I found intriguing. Then this week, while editing and purging last year's pictures, with a view to printing a "year book" of memories, I came across the January calendar list of prompts for Capture Your 365 (#cy365), a photo-a-day movement, with "inspiration and ideas to support your everyday photography."<br />
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I already do this loosely. I'd be hard-pressed to find a day (since I got my first digital camera in 1992) when I haven't taken a snapshot of something. The 54,673 files in my Photos app are true proof of this. That's 150 years of one photo per day. Six photos for every day I've owned a camera. More than anyone needs to keep or see. It's overwhelming evidence of how I pay attention.<br />
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The purpose of #cy365 is different for everyone. Some want to improve their photography skills, practice a technique or theme, or log the days. This year, my purpose in choosing #cy365 is to document the everyday. The #cy365 site provides calendar prompts, which I may or may not use. I will post them on Instagram, so if you're interested you can follow along at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/north59lite/" target="_blank">@north59lite</a>, and I will also occasionally blog about them here. That's about as much of a commitment as I can make at this point.<br />
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If you'd like to do this yourself, <a href="http://captureyour365.com/" target="_blank">here's the website</a> with all the details. Happy photo-ing!<br />
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<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-9218971387604162992019-01-01T19:26:00.000-07:002019-01-01T19:30:20.985-07:00My One Word for 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Late in 2018, through several significant events, I noticed myself saying frequently, "I just find it really hard to trust people." As it became a pattern, I wondered, is it only other people I can't trust or does it go deeper? Is it based in a hesitation to trust myself? Or is it possible that I am unwilling to trust God? As I sat with that thought over the next few weeks, I realized the struggle was real and the Holy Spirit was prompting me to attend to this matter in a very intentional way.<br />
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What better way than to make "trust" my One Word for 2019?<br />
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I began preparing my heart by looking in, while at the same time, attending to the places where trust was mentioned, or where I felt a struggle to trust people or God. Here are some of what has surfaced.<br />
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Songs would come in the night, or in the middle of an anxious moment. First, it was "Tis so Sweet to Trust In Jesus."<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Jesus, how I <b>trust</b> him</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>How I've proved him o'er and o'er.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Oh, for grace to <b>trust</b> him more.</i></span></div>
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Here's a beautiful rendition by Casting Crowns with the full lyrics:<br />
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A second song was sung in our weekend worship service at my local fellowship:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>What I already know is I will praise him</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>What I already know is that I must!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>For I was made to love you, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>you are worthy of my <b>trust</b>,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>What I already know is already enough.</i></span></div>
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Here is the video from People & Songs:<br />
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Then when I had experienced a rather significant disappointment, this little ditty of a camp song popped into my head:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are we downhearted? No, no, no!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are we downhearted? No, no, no!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Troubles may come and troubles may go,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We'll <b>trust</b> in Jesus, come weal or woe!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are we downhearted? No, no, no!</span></i></div>
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Here's a children's version:<br />
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There were also scriptures that surfaced in my reading the very day I began thinking about this matter:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“When I am afraid, I will put my <b>trust</b> and faith in You. In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my <b>trust</b>; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? ...In God have I put my <b>trust</b> and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”</span></i><br />
Psalm 56:3-4,11 <span style="font-size: x-small;">AMP</span><br />
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This quote from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrie_ten_Boom" target="_blank">Corrie Ten Boom</a> was in my news feed today:<br />
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And finally, a quote came from Susie Larson, a Bible teacher, author, speaker and blogger, whose daily morning and evening blessings in Facebook have been an ongoing encouragement. She's recently published a new book titled <a href="https://www.susielarson.com/fully-alive/" target="_blank">Fully Alive</a>, and this quote is from the book:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Imagine the sparkle in Jesus’ eyes as He puts His scarred hands on your face, and with full assurance and joy He says to you, “My dear one, I want you to rest while I work. It makes my heart sing when you <b>trust</b> Me. So rest those restless parts of you and see what I—in My love and wisdom—will do for you."</i></span><br />
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These are just the beginning of my meditation. I have already been given opportunity to trust God and certain people, and to trust God with certain people and circumstances in the past few weeks. I look forward to the grace to trust him more.<br />
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If you would like to know more about OneWord, see <a href="http://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-word-2018.html" target="_blank">my post from January 3, 2018</a>.<br />
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<br />Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17570833.post-91684617400932038332018-12-31T12:06:00.001-07:002018-12-31T12:29:12.558-07:002018 OneWord Review<span id="goog_1788978840"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1788978841"></span><br />
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It's December 31. Time to review 2018's OneWord. If you're new to this blog or the One Word concept, see <a href="http://liveaquietlife.blogspot.ca/2018/01/one-word-2018.html" target="_blank">my January 3 post</a>.</div>
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<b>Physical: </b></div>
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I've gone deeper in my workouts. Literally. I do deep water workouts at the pool three times per week, pushing myself to target specific muscle groups, mixing cardio with strengthening and stretching.</div>
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I've gone deeper into personal health care, pursuing healing and therapy for knee, ankle, foot and eye issues, along with dental work and trying to get to the bottom of the cause(s) of my sleep issues. </div>
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<b>Creative: </b></div>
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I've searched out new creative outlets via workshops and classes (needlework, crazy quilt, banners, embroidery animation, glass fusing, watercolour painting). I made a commitment to writing regular blog posts, usually 3-4 per week, dug deeper into content for <a href="https://frankpnickel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Father's Poems</a>, and have agreed to begin writing again for the local Christian newspaper. I've made an investment in paint supplies and a signed up for weekly (self-guided) paint times with friends in 2019.</div>
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<b>Recreation:</b></div>
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How do you go deeper into recreation? You start by relaxing. The idolization of productivity has been so guilt-inducing over the course of my life that I needed to learn how to relax and re-discover the ways recreation can renew my heart and soul. Drives to the mountains. Walks in the woods or by the water. Some of the creative activities mentioned above. Camping. Landscape Photography. Urban walks. Wandering around <a href="https://www.heritagepark.ca/" target="_blank">Heritage Park</a>. Finally stopping at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g181775-d605768-Reviews-Giant_Cedars_Boardwalk_Trail-Revelstoke_Kootenay_Rockies_British_Columbia.html" target="_blank">Cedar Boardwalk near Revelstoke</a> and exploring new places for unique restaurants and shops.</div>
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<b>Mental:</b></div>
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I've dug deeper into history through visiting museums and rather than my previous practice of just doing a visual visit, I take time to read the placards and discuss with Henry how the events and items we are viewing/experiencing impacted local, regional or world history. He is a great resource. I also stopped for the very first time at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Spike_(Canadian_Pacific_Railway)" target="_blank">The Last Spike at Craigellachie</a>.</div>
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We have upped our literary education. This was an intentional exercise on my part, both in soliciting input from trusted friends who are more educated in this realm, and in choosing from <a href="https://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2017/11/recommended-reading-list-fiction.html" target="_blank">recommended book lists</a>. Henry reads out loud for us each night and we share different articles with each other. I have also engaged in listening to audio books through the Audible app, especially as I garden or drive.</div>
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<b>Relational:</b></div>
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I've chosen more often to give gifts of experiences instead of consumable items. Often it is an experience we can share, so the value is multiplied. I've committed to a deeper level of personal interaction in my coaching role for small group leaders and have been more intentional with intercessory prayer for each leader, as well as one-on-one contact and team building. This is an area for more growth in 2019. </div>
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<b>Emotional:</b></div>
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I have surrendered the need to win. This was a big one. It came after an argument about "how to keep score correctly" during a game. I had to really dive into the depths of why it was so important to me that we "do it right" when it was a simple game. Of course, it had to do with rule keeping and fairness, but it went far deeper for me and the resulting outcome is something far too intimate for me to yet be able to blog about. Let's just say, I used to value winning over relationships and I'm grateful to say this abhorrent attitude is being excised from my life whenever I recognize it rearing it's ugly head.<br />
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I drove a stake into the heart of a 17 year old grudge. I'd tried forgiving it countless times, but this year, as I went deeper into the heart of what was driving my tenacious, pit-bull-like grip on this grudge, I was able to surrender this to the Lord and put it to rest. Now when the temptation rises to express habitual resentment, not only can I say "I distinctly remember forgiving that!" but I have also found new power and amazing freedom to let go of other resentments and bitterness. I am free!<br />
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<b>Spiritual:</b></div>
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I've gone deeper into Bible study, pulling out the concordance and dictionary to expand my understanding, completing the weekly lessons in our group study. In past years, I often skipped out on this, to my own detriment. I've been reading through the Psalms and Proverbs, I'm on round two and plan to keep this a regular practice, in addition to my other Bible reading and study. I've gone deeper into my own personal soul care via a <a href="https://www.getdrip.com/forms/45895904/submissions/new?ref=youversion" target="_blank">30-day reflection</a> as my choice for the Lenten season, and used <a href="https://liveaquietlife.blogspot.com/2018/11/pilgrim-year-advent.html" target="_blank">two different Advent readings</a> and the practice of lighting candles of the Advent Wreath in the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. I've also invested in the <a href="https://pilgrimyear.com/" target="_blank">Pilgrim Year</a> boxed set, to develop more understanding of the liturgical church calendar year.</div>
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Together, Henry and I hosted a table at our church <b><a href="https://www.alphacanada.org/try/" target="_blank">Alpha</a></b> night, a place where anyone can explore Christianity and ask anything about life and God. It was a great refresher on the basics of our faith, and brought new growth, including the growth in forgiveness I mentioned above. Our table guests were lovely and we had some excellent discussion, challenging and encouraging each other in our spiritual walk with Jesus. If you're interested, the next session at <a href="https://www.faccalgary.com/" target="_blank">First Alliance Church</a> starts January 24. <a href="https://www.faccalgary.com/our-events/16235/alpha" target="_blank">Register here</a>.</div>
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<b>Unexpected Effects of Going Deeper:</b><br />
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It's touching some very old pain. Not quite what I expected with this One Word experience, but I think it's a good thing. My sports rehab therapist says, "You have to go to the source of the pain to solve the pain." He's talking physical pain, but emotional pain is solved the same way. Delving into the source of pain can be like diving. You need protective gear, a diving buddy (therapist), and plenty of oxygen. You can't stay down there forever, you have to limit the pressure and take it slow, surfacing to replenish yourself (recreation, creativity, and rest) before diving again. But you see things you wouldn't see if you didn't go to the depths.<br />
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To dive well, I need to be calm and still myself. I've discovered that <b>being still</b> is a skill I do not yet possess. I'm always thinking. Or doing. Or sleeping. Or talking. Or writing. To "be still and know" seems counter-intuitive. I learn best by doing. Or so I thought. But it's impossible to "be still and do." So it follows that "knowing" is not the same as "learning." God doesn't say, "Be still and learn I am God" he says, "Be still and know I am God." Translating physical stillness to spiritual stillness will be a continuing part of this journey as I explore what it means to "know" God.<br />
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So the idea of "depth" is now a part of the fabric of my life, just like my 2017 One Word, "good." I keep a joy jar where I add notes on events which occur in my life. I have added "good" things and "depth" records this year. I plan to review these later today and will post about that soon.<br />
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I have drafted my blog post regarding my One Word for 2019. Sneak preview? The word is "trust." Stay tuned for more.<br />
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If you want to pursue creating One Word for yourself, there's a quick quiz <a href="https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz#/home" target="_blank">here</a>, you can read about it and explore more in depth <a href="http://liveaquietlife.blogspot.ca/2018/01/one-word-2018.html" target="_blank">here</a> or you can really go deep and buy the book or find a number of resources <a href="http://getoneword.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I do believe if you begin this practice and apply it, that you will, indeed, have a meaningful and happy New Year.<br />
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Joyce E. Rempelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045157783512978867noreply@blogger.com0