Have you ever been to Venice? I didn't expect it to be so beautiful. We arrived at night and took the bus as far as we could. Upon first site of the canal- even in the dark- I was already sold. We hopped a waterbus and headed down the Grand Canal to Venice's famous Rialto Bridge where we got off. Seeing the palaces along the way was breathtaking. Venice is almost hard to commprehend at first- a city with no streets, only canals and boats, and all these big beautiful buildings sitting on top of the canals. If only they lit them up in the dark! Once off the water bus we disappeared into a maze of medieval streets. I have never been in a city so hard to navigate! I was so thankful to have Matt there or else I would have been lost the entire time. Because we got such cheap airfare we treated ourselves to a nice hotel. We stayed 2 nights and wandered around the narrow winding streets during the day, eating delicious Italian food, enjoying the sites of St. Mark's square, sitting in on a Vivladi concert in a church, and seeing all the Carnival masks and costumes while imagining what it would be like to be there during Carnival which was just a week away. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Venice don't pass it up. It is sure to be one of the most beautiful cities you will ever see.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Venice
Have you ever been to Venice? I didn't expect it to be so beautiful. We arrived at night and took the bus as far as we could. Upon first site of the canal- even in the dark- I was already sold. We hopped a waterbus and headed down the Grand Canal to Venice's famous Rialto Bridge where we got off. Seeing the palaces along the way was breathtaking. Venice is almost hard to commprehend at first- a city with no streets, only canals and boats, and all these big beautiful buildings sitting on top of the canals. If only they lit them up in the dark! Once off the water bus we disappeared into a maze of medieval streets. I have never been in a city so hard to navigate! I was so thankful to have Matt there or else I would have been lost the entire time. Because we got such cheap airfare we treated ourselves to a nice hotel. We stayed 2 nights and wandered around the narrow winding streets during the day, eating delicious Italian food, enjoying the sites of St. Mark's square, sitting in on a Vivladi concert in a church, and seeing all the Carnival masks and costumes while imagining what it would be like to be there during Carnival which was just a week away. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Venice don't pass it up. It is sure to be one of the most beautiful cities you will ever see.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Preparing for the Conference
These past few weeks I have been reading particular books in order to prepare myself for the Ligonier Ministries Conference which is next week. This year the theme of the main session is the holiness of God and the preconference is on John Calvin. In my preparation I recently read Sproul's book "The Holiness of God." Have you read it? It is a classic and well worth a read. Sproul is very gifted at taking ideas that are huge (like the holiness of God) or hard to understand (like predesitnation) and making them understandable and a joy to read about. He is a very intelligent man and clear communicator. If you have not read this book I highly recommend it. The other book I am just finishing up with is a short book on Calvin called "Calvin for Armchair Theologians" by Christopher Elwood. This book gives a great overview on the life and theology of John Calvin. I've really enjoyed reading the overview of his theology as it rings so true to the Bible. The bulk of the book is on his theology and is written in a clear and engaging way. Here is a short snippet from the book which I liked where the author is addressing Calvin's theology regarding order in the church:
"That is the basic aim of discipline, in Calvin's view: to hold together and strengthen the church as the body of Christ, a community that witnesses to and lives out Christ's love. So, for Calvin, discipline is not, as with the Donatists and Anabaptists, a means of creating a church of the pure. Calvin's church is a church of sinners, but it is a place where sin is being overcome through the peaching of the gospel. In his view, then, the ancient creeds that call the church "holy" are not incorrect. But instead of thinking of this holiness as an already accomplished fact, we ought to recognize it as the goal that God ultimately will achieve."
The Conference Draws Nigh
Its that time of year again- time for the Ligonier Ministries National Conference in Orlando, Florida. YIPPEE!! This conference is one of the major highlights of my year. I first went with my mom and sister, Regan back in 2003. God has been so good to let us attend each year ever since and has added to our group yet again. This time it will be my mom, my sisters, my mother-in-law, and two friends. This year the conference is lengthened in order to celebrate the 500th anniversary of John Calvin. And on top of that there will also be over twice as many speakers to bless our ears. Here is this years awesome lineup:
MINI-CONFERENCE: John Calvin (1509–2009) — Celebrating a Legacy
In 2009, we celebrate the 500th birthday of John Calvin. It is only appropriate at this time to reflect on his legacy. In the mini-conference, four participants will discuss Calvin’s impact in several aspects of the church’s life and thought. There will be four lectures followed by a Question & Answer time:
1. R. Albert Mohler – John Calvin: Preacher and Teacher
John Calvin was one of the most important figures in the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Today, five hundred years after his birth, his influence continues to be felt. In this message, Dr. Mohler will reflect on the life and work of Calvin, focusing in particular on his role as a preacher and teacher of the Word.
2. Ligon Duncan – Calvin and the Christian Life
John Calvin is sometimes perceived as a dry and dusty academic whose writings deal only with abstract theological topics. To read Calvin, however, is to read one who was devoted to seeing God’s Word impact the lives of Christian people everywhere. In this message, Ligon Duncan will explore some of Calvin’s most practical wisdom for those who seek to follow Christ.
3. Sinclair Ferguson – The Doctrines of Grace
Much of the significance of the Protestant Reformers such as John Calvin is found in their rediscovery of the biblical doctrines of grace. After having been buried for centuries under unbiblical doctrines and traditions, their rediscovery and proclamation turned Europe upside down. In this message, Dr. Ferguson will look at Calvin’s formulation of these crucial doctrines and explain why they are no less significant today.
4. Steven J. Lawson – The Legacy of John Calvin
The modern history of the church and of the world would be entirely different without John Calvin. The influence of his thought has been felt not only in the teaching and worship of the church, but also within politics, economics, and the wider culture. In this message, Dr. Lawson will look at the legacy of Calvin, explaining what we can learn from him today.
Questions and Answers
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Steven Lawson, Dr. Al Mohler
MAIN SESSIONS: The Holiness of God
The angels declare that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Without a proper grasp of God’s holiness we do not understand who He truly is, nor do we understand who we truly are. Once we begin to grasp the true meaning of God’s holiness, our lives and our worship will be forever changed. In this conference, prominent Reformed Christian teachers will expound and reflect upon what the Bible says about God’s holiness and ours. The main sessions will consist of eleven lectures:
1. R.C. Sproul – I Am the Lord, There is No Other
Before he discovered the Gospel, contemplation of God’s holiness and his own sinfulness drove Martin Luther to despair. What did he grasp about holiness that most of us do not? In this lecture, Dr. Sproul will introduce the topic of the conference by explaining the meaning of the biblical concept of holiness.
2. R.C. Sproul, Jr. – Train Up Your Children: Family Worship of the Holy God
The worship of our sovereign God is not to be relegated to a mere hour or two each Sunday. Instead, our worship of Him should pervade every aspect of our lives. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. will exhort believers to worship God as a family, providing encouragement and practical instruction.
3. Sinclair Ferguson – Hallowed Be Your Name: The Holiness of the Father
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructed His disciples to acknowledge the Father’s holiness and to adore Him in their every prayer. He is the one whom the seraphim adore, singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!” In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson will explore what the Bible teaches us concerning the holiness of our Father in heaven.
4. Steven J. Lawson – The Holy One of God: The Holiness of Jesus
The disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ referred to Him as “the Holy One of God.” In doing so, they said something not only about His character, but also about His relationship to the Father. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson will look at what the Bible teaches us about the purity and sinlessness of Christ.
5. Alistair Begg – The Breath of the Almighty: The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, the one whom Job refers to as “the breath of the Almighty.” His work includes conforming believers to the holy image of Christ. In this lecture, Dr. Begg will look at the person and work of the one person of the Trinity whose very name includes the adjective “holy.”
Questions & Answers
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Dr. Steven Lawson, Dr. Alistair Begg, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. Moderated by R.C. Sproul
6. Thabiti Anyabwile – Cosmic Treason: Sin and the Holiness of God
The sinfulness of sin is not grasped in our day because the holiness of God is not grasped. Sin will only be understood for what it is when God is understood for who He is. In this lecture, Rev. Anyabwile will explain the true sinfulness of sin in the light of the holy and pure character of God.
7. D. A. Carson – A Holy Nation: The Church’s High Calling
The history of redemption reveals God calling a people out of the world to be a holy people. In this lecture, Dr. Carson will examine why God has called His people in both the old and new covenants to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, and he will explain what this means for us as believers today.
8. Robert Godfrey – Wounded for Our Transgressions: The Holiness of God and the Cross
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is the universal problem faced by all men, a problem requiring a solution man cannot provide. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will examine why the holiness of God required an atonement for sin and how Jesus fulfilled that requirement for us.
9. Derek Thomas – Be Ye Holy: The Necessity of Sanctification
According to Scripture, we are justified by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Yet our Lord calls those who have been so justified to a life of holiness. In this lecture, Dr. Thomas will explain the importance and necessity of individual sanctification as well as the means God has provided for it.
Questions & Answers
Dr. Donald Carson, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Robert Godfrey, Rev. Thabiti Anyabwile Moderated by Dr. R.C. Sproul
10. R.C. Sproul – A Consuming Fire: Holiness, Wrath, and Justice
There have always been those who have argued that a truly holy God could not or would not consign anyone to eternal punishment. Such, they say, is inconsistent with God’s love. In this lecture, Dr. Sproul will explain why the holiness of God is not inconsistent with eternal punishment of sin, but in fact requires it.
MINI-CONFERENCE: John Calvin (1509–2009) — Celebrating a Legacy
In 2009, we celebrate the 500th birthday of John Calvin. It is only appropriate at this time to reflect on his legacy. In the mini-conference, four participants will discuss Calvin’s impact in several aspects of the church’s life and thought. There will be four lectures followed by a Question & Answer time:
1. R. Albert Mohler – John Calvin: Preacher and Teacher
John Calvin was one of the most important figures in the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Today, five hundred years after his birth, his influence continues to be felt. In this message, Dr. Mohler will reflect on the life and work of Calvin, focusing in particular on his role as a preacher and teacher of the Word.
2. Ligon Duncan – Calvin and the Christian Life
John Calvin is sometimes perceived as a dry and dusty academic whose writings deal only with abstract theological topics. To read Calvin, however, is to read one who was devoted to seeing God’s Word impact the lives of Christian people everywhere. In this message, Ligon Duncan will explore some of Calvin’s most practical wisdom for those who seek to follow Christ.
3. Sinclair Ferguson – The Doctrines of Grace
Much of the significance of the Protestant Reformers such as John Calvin is found in their rediscovery of the biblical doctrines of grace. After having been buried for centuries under unbiblical doctrines and traditions, their rediscovery and proclamation turned Europe upside down. In this message, Dr. Ferguson will look at Calvin’s formulation of these crucial doctrines and explain why they are no less significant today.
4. Steven J. Lawson – The Legacy of John Calvin
The modern history of the church and of the world would be entirely different without John Calvin. The influence of his thought has been felt not only in the teaching and worship of the church, but also within politics, economics, and the wider culture. In this message, Dr. Lawson will look at the legacy of Calvin, explaining what we can learn from him today.
Questions and Answers
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Steven Lawson, Dr. Al Mohler
MAIN SESSIONS: The Holiness of God
The angels declare that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Without a proper grasp of God’s holiness we do not understand who He truly is, nor do we understand who we truly are. Once we begin to grasp the true meaning of God’s holiness, our lives and our worship will be forever changed. In this conference, prominent Reformed Christian teachers will expound and reflect upon what the Bible says about God’s holiness and ours. The main sessions will consist of eleven lectures:
1. R.C. Sproul – I Am the Lord, There is No Other
Before he discovered the Gospel, contemplation of God’s holiness and his own sinfulness drove Martin Luther to despair. What did he grasp about holiness that most of us do not? In this lecture, Dr. Sproul will introduce the topic of the conference by explaining the meaning of the biblical concept of holiness.
2. R.C. Sproul, Jr. – Train Up Your Children: Family Worship of the Holy God
The worship of our sovereign God is not to be relegated to a mere hour or two each Sunday. Instead, our worship of Him should pervade every aspect of our lives. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. will exhort believers to worship God as a family, providing encouragement and practical instruction.
3. Sinclair Ferguson – Hallowed Be Your Name: The Holiness of the Father
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructed His disciples to acknowledge the Father’s holiness and to adore Him in their every prayer. He is the one whom the seraphim adore, singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!” In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson will explore what the Bible teaches us concerning the holiness of our Father in heaven.
4. Steven J. Lawson – The Holy One of God: The Holiness of Jesus
The disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ referred to Him as “the Holy One of God.” In doing so, they said something not only about His character, but also about His relationship to the Father. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson will look at what the Bible teaches us about the purity and sinlessness of Christ.
5. Alistair Begg – The Breath of the Almighty: The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, the one whom Job refers to as “the breath of the Almighty.” His work includes conforming believers to the holy image of Christ. In this lecture, Dr. Begg will look at the person and work of the one person of the Trinity whose very name includes the adjective “holy.”
Questions & Answers
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Dr. Steven Lawson, Dr. Alistair Begg, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. Moderated by R.C. Sproul
6. Thabiti Anyabwile – Cosmic Treason: Sin and the Holiness of God
The sinfulness of sin is not grasped in our day because the holiness of God is not grasped. Sin will only be understood for what it is when God is understood for who He is. In this lecture, Rev. Anyabwile will explain the true sinfulness of sin in the light of the holy and pure character of God.
7. D. A. Carson – A Holy Nation: The Church’s High Calling
The history of redemption reveals God calling a people out of the world to be a holy people. In this lecture, Dr. Carson will examine why God has called His people in both the old and new covenants to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, and he will explain what this means for us as believers today.
8. Robert Godfrey – Wounded for Our Transgressions: The Holiness of God and the Cross
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is the universal problem faced by all men, a problem requiring a solution man cannot provide. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will examine why the holiness of God required an atonement for sin and how Jesus fulfilled that requirement for us.
9. Derek Thomas – Be Ye Holy: The Necessity of Sanctification
According to Scripture, we are justified by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Yet our Lord calls those who have been so justified to a life of holiness. In this lecture, Dr. Thomas will explain the importance and necessity of individual sanctification as well as the means God has provided for it.
Questions & Answers
Dr. Donald Carson, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Robert Godfrey, Rev. Thabiti Anyabwile Moderated by Dr. R.C. Sproul
10. R.C. Sproul – A Consuming Fire: Holiness, Wrath, and Justice
There have always been those who have argued that a truly holy God could not or would not consign anyone to eternal punishment. Such, they say, is inconsistent with God’s love. In this lecture, Dr. Sproul will explain why the holiness of God is not inconsistent with eternal punishment of sin, but in fact requires it.
I CAN'T WAIT TO GO AND HEAR!!!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tucson Surprise Visit
Wow, I am way behind in my blogging, in fact I am three trips behind! I have been very busy these past weeks traveling, having visitors, and finding a new flat. In January Matt and I made a surprise visit to Tucson for my best friend Yunuen's 30th birthday party. It was really a last minute thing. I told myself (and many others) that I would not go back to Tucson until I moved back but upon finding cheap airfare for the day of the birthday party I could not resist! We landed in Tucson the night of the party, jumped in our rental car, and headed over to the Jankowski's who live only 5 minutes from the airport. I covered myself in bows and we rang the doorbell. Ryan opened the door and was clearly shocked and confused upon seeing us. He uttered in a most confused tone,"what the hell?" We asked for Yunuen. He closed the door and went and got her. She opened the door and was quite surprised and happy to us- as were a number of other friends from church who were at the party. It was one hug after another for a long time. By the time we arrived we had been awake 24 hours. But my excitement kept me going. We stayed awake for another 5 hours and then crashed for 3 and half hours. At 5:30 I was wide awake and ready to take on Tucson! We were out the door and at Bruegger's in no time. After this we took a little detour through the U of A to kill some time before heading up to Sandi's house. I was in my swimsuit and we were riding with the top down on our rental car. The sun was shining and the desert, mountains, and cactus were as beautiful as ever! We arrived at Sandi's house and knocked on the door. She opened the door and looked at us, and looked at us. Then she turned around and went and sat down on the couch, never saying a word. Jessica was there also and was quite surprised and so was Michael when he came walking into the living room and saw us.
Surprises are PRICELESS!
Here are some pictures from the 5 days we spent in Tucson. We had such a great time with everyone!! It was perfect. Seeing our friends and family had never been sweeter and the desert had never been more beautiful. I cannot tell you how difficult it was for me to leave...
Surprises are PRICELESS!
Here are some pictures from the 5 days we spent in Tucson. We had such a great time with everyone!! It was perfect. Seeing our friends and family had never been sweeter and the desert had never been more beautiful. I cannot tell you how difficult it was for me to leave...
And here is one more slideshow just for fun showing you a little more of what Tucson looks like and the fun we had while we were there.
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