Oh, dear....here we go again, right?
Well, not exactly. You see, I have some pretty deep-set beliefs about when I believe God begins human life. My arguments go to the very basics of logic, where you must find what the first step is, in a sequence of events, that is necessary to end with a full, functioning body and mind.
A sperm left in a fertile dish will not develop into a human. An egg, left in an ideal environment will also not grow and develop into a person. However, the two, once joined (and in a proper environment) will grow into a human body.
So, the very first step would be the joining of the sperm and egg. Which in most circles is called conception. Without conception, you don't get an embryo nor a fetus, nor a baby. There are many creatures on this earth that do not 'take' a breath in order to live, and yet we identify them as 'living'.
When you ask an author what his or her first step is in writing a novel, they will often state that books start with a thought--well before the first word is written on a page for us all to see.
Having said all this, I also would like to say that I believe in a loving and forgiving God.
Showing posts with label Intro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Intro. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
How we met (for S.Sarah!)
Today I'll share the story of how I met my husband. It's a long story....actually it's not, but I like to add in so many details (it's how I talk too) that it makes for a long story.
I had just entered my first year of University and was still unsure of what exactly I wanted to study. I had never thought about a career other than motherhood, so deciding what to be while I waited for my true calling was rather intimidating.
I felt so lost in the sea of other students, and often found myself in a corner of the main building, writing down random thoughts. The loneliness surprised me, especially since there were so many people around.
On one particular Friday afternoon, my girlfriend and I were in a silly mood. I think it had more to do with fatigue than mischief, but we were caught up in fits of laughter. (I giggle when I'm over tired) As we entered the bus that would take us home, I looked up to see a young man sitting at the front. His eyes pierced right through me, and I had this odd sensation that one day I would 'date' him. (We were both seeing other people at this point)
My friend commented that he was cute, and being in a silly mood, I asked if she wanted me to strike up a conversation so that she could meet him. She was mortified that I would even suggest it, so we continued to giggle to ourselves as onlookers wondered about our sanity.
When I arrived home, I mentioned to my Mom that this guy had looked me in the eyes on the bus. Eye contact was not something that happened often with strangers on a bus. Most people find their seat and keep to themselves. I didn't tell her about the odd thought that passed through my mind, though.
Three weeks later, I was the 'designated driver' for some of my girlfriends as we went out for drinks. It was convenient for my friends to have me tag along, as I was not a drinker. We had decided to hang out at a small lounge at a local restaurant. There was a small dance floor for later in the evening, and my friends beckoned me to join them as they began to show signs of alcohol 'relaxation'.
As I danced, I sensed someone watching me.....it was the guy from the bus! He kept staring at me and smiling, so I smiled back. As he approached me, I felt the need to apologize for my behaviour on the bus. You know that blank, hesitant look people give you when they have no clue what you are talking about? Well, he gave that to me. Apparently, he left more of an impression on me that day, than I on him.
He leaned into me and, speaking over the loud music, asked, "Are you single?"
I happened to be single at that time, and answered in the affirmative. Then he introduced himself to me. "My name is Arnaud." Huh?
"Ar-no....like Schwarzenegger." I loved his comparison, and still remember how cute he looked as he struggled to speak in English with me. When I discovered he was from France, I was hooked. He was in his last year of studies, and on an exchange program.
We searched high and low for a pen and paper in order to share our phone numbers....and wouldn't you know it, not one person (including waiters!) had one for us to use! We decided to meet in front of the University book store at 12:00 pm, in 3 days' time. I couldn't wait to see him again.
I was in front of the book store 10 minutes before the agreed time. I didn't want to risk missing Arnaud. The time came, and I looked around anxiously, barely containing my excitement. 12:05 pm....no one. 12:10 pm....still no Arnaud. At this point, I'm imagining he and his friends perched on one of the balconies, pointing and laughing at the poor girl thinking that her 'Prince' will come.
I started to walk away, angry that I had been stood up. I stopped and decided to go back. This was not like me. I didn't wait around for guys.....I had much more integrity than that. I can look back now and realize that God directed me to turn back, as there was no way I'd ever run into Arnaud again.
As soon as I returned to the book store entrance, Arnaud came waltzing down the corridor to greet me. I had planned to give him a little hug, then suggest a cafeteria to have some coffee in. He being French, had a different kind of greeting! Wow! Talk about rubber legs--he held me in the most passionate embrace, and I lost all the wits about me. I could barely talk after he performed this shocking PDA (public display of affection). I know my face was flushed.
We chatted for awhile, then exchanged phone numbers. He called me that very evening, and I knew this one was special.
I guess the rest is history!
I had just entered my first year of University and was still unsure of what exactly I wanted to study. I had never thought about a career other than motherhood, so deciding what to be while I waited for my true calling was rather intimidating.
I felt so lost in the sea of other students, and often found myself in a corner of the main building, writing down random thoughts. The loneliness surprised me, especially since there were so many people around.
On one particular Friday afternoon, my girlfriend and I were in a silly mood. I think it had more to do with fatigue than mischief, but we were caught up in fits of laughter. (I giggle when I'm over tired) As we entered the bus that would take us home, I looked up to see a young man sitting at the front. His eyes pierced right through me, and I had this odd sensation that one day I would 'date' him. (We were both seeing other people at this point)
My friend commented that he was cute, and being in a silly mood, I asked if she wanted me to strike up a conversation so that she could meet him. She was mortified that I would even suggest it, so we continued to giggle to ourselves as onlookers wondered about our sanity.
When I arrived home, I mentioned to my Mom that this guy had looked me in the eyes on the bus. Eye contact was not something that happened often with strangers on a bus. Most people find their seat and keep to themselves. I didn't tell her about the odd thought that passed through my mind, though.
Three weeks later, I was the 'designated driver' for some of my girlfriends as we went out for drinks. It was convenient for my friends to have me tag along, as I was not a drinker. We had decided to hang out at a small lounge at a local restaurant. There was a small dance floor for later in the evening, and my friends beckoned me to join them as they began to show signs of alcohol 'relaxation'.
As I danced, I sensed someone watching me.....it was the guy from the bus! He kept staring at me and smiling, so I smiled back. As he approached me, I felt the need to apologize for my behaviour on the bus. You know that blank, hesitant look people give you when they have no clue what you are talking about? Well, he gave that to me. Apparently, he left more of an impression on me that day, than I on him.
He leaned into me and, speaking over the loud music, asked, "Are you single?"
I happened to be single at that time, and answered in the affirmative. Then he introduced himself to me. "My name is Arnaud." Huh?
"Ar-no....like Schwarzenegger." I loved his comparison, and still remember how cute he looked as he struggled to speak in English with me. When I discovered he was from France, I was hooked. He was in his last year of studies, and on an exchange program.
We searched high and low for a pen and paper in order to share our phone numbers....and wouldn't you know it, not one person (including waiters!) had one for us to use! We decided to meet in front of the University book store at 12:00 pm, in 3 days' time. I couldn't wait to see him again.
I was in front of the book store 10 minutes before the agreed time. I didn't want to risk missing Arnaud. The time came, and I looked around anxiously, barely containing my excitement. 12:05 pm....no one. 12:10 pm....still no Arnaud. At this point, I'm imagining he and his friends perched on one of the balconies, pointing and laughing at the poor girl thinking that her 'Prince' will come.
I started to walk away, angry that I had been stood up. I stopped and decided to go back. This was not like me. I didn't wait around for guys.....I had much more integrity than that. I can look back now and realize that God directed me to turn back, as there was no way I'd ever run into Arnaud again.
As soon as I returned to the book store entrance, Arnaud came waltzing down the corridor to greet me. I had planned to give him a little hug, then suggest a cafeteria to have some coffee in. He being French, had a different kind of greeting! Wow! Talk about rubber legs--he held me in the most passionate embrace, and I lost all the wits about me. I could barely talk after he performed this shocking PDA (public display of affection). I know my face was flushed.
We chatted for awhile, then exchanged phone numbers. He called me that very evening, and I knew this one was special.
I guess the rest is history!
Friday, December 26, 2008
In the beginning....
There seems to be no good place to start. I have no qualifications as a writer, nor do I have any skill when it comes to relaying my thoughts succinctly.
How does one find meaningful thoughts to jot down when given a blank slate and 30 years of life experience? I guess every story has a beginning and an end....but my story has two beginnings with no end.
My first beginning was 30 years ago (almost 31!). I came into this world screaming at the top of my lungs and, according to my Mother, I never toned it down. Some people might think this a bad thing, like the lady who wondered aloud where I would ever find a husband. It turns out I had to go all the way to France to find a man to take me on. The great thing about my volume is that I can summon my children home within a 10 mile radius. (That's 16 kms in Canada)
My second beginning, and when my real life began, was about 10 years ago. I had just recently been married, given birth to our first baby, and moved to the Czech Republic--away from all that I knew and loved. I was scared and alone in a strange country where I didn't speak the language or understand it. We didn't have a T.V. or phone, and I soon fell into the darkness of isolation and depression. My days were spent writing letters back home and reading the Bible (because it was the only English book I had!).
One special day, I had been reading the book of Romans, and one story stood out. It was the story about Paul praying for a Gentile, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the whole family. They were filled with The Spirit and were jumping for joy. I thought, "That's it? All it took was a little prayer and it made them happy? And, what the heck is this 'Spirit' thing?"
It was time for my afternoon nap (I learned quickly to nap when baby napped), but before I lay down to sleep, I got down on my knees. I said a very simple prayer, "Lord, whatever it is that you gave to those people in the Bible, I want it....I need it." I was NOT expecting what happened next.
I felt a strong downward draft of warm air fall upon me, beginning at my head and enveloping my entire body. As the warmth embraced me, I felt lighter than air with a Peace that lifted the weight of the world off of my shoulders. I had carried so much shame for my actions, and as I was shown the errors of my ways, I was simultaneously shown that my debt had been paid in full, and I was forgiven for each offense.
It was in that moment that I understood my calling in life, and my purpose. I no longer just 'believed' in God and in His Son, but I 'knew' Him from within. From that moment on, I have attempted to pursue His Will for my life. That was my True beginning.
How does one find meaningful thoughts to jot down when given a blank slate and 30 years of life experience? I guess every story has a beginning and an end....but my story has two beginnings with no end.
My first beginning was 30 years ago (almost 31!). I came into this world screaming at the top of my lungs and, according to my Mother, I never toned it down. Some people might think this a bad thing, like the lady who wondered aloud where I would ever find a husband. It turns out I had to go all the way to France to find a man to take me on. The great thing about my volume is that I can summon my children home within a 10 mile radius. (That's 16 kms in Canada)
My second beginning, and when my real life began, was about 10 years ago. I had just recently been married, given birth to our first baby, and moved to the Czech Republic--away from all that I knew and loved. I was scared and alone in a strange country where I didn't speak the language or understand it. We didn't have a T.V. or phone, and I soon fell into the darkness of isolation and depression. My days were spent writing letters back home and reading the Bible (because it was the only English book I had!).
One special day, I had been reading the book of Romans, and one story stood out. It was the story about Paul praying for a Gentile, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the whole family. They were filled with The Spirit and were jumping for joy. I thought, "That's it? All it took was a little prayer and it made them happy? And, what the heck is this 'Spirit' thing?"
It was time for my afternoon nap (I learned quickly to nap when baby napped), but before I lay down to sleep, I got down on my knees. I said a very simple prayer, "Lord, whatever it is that you gave to those people in the Bible, I want it....I need it." I was NOT expecting what happened next.
I felt a strong downward draft of warm air fall upon me, beginning at my head and enveloping my entire body. As the warmth embraced me, I felt lighter than air with a Peace that lifted the weight of the world off of my shoulders. I had carried so much shame for my actions, and as I was shown the errors of my ways, I was simultaneously shown that my debt had been paid in full, and I was forgiven for each offense.
It was in that moment that I understood my calling in life, and my purpose. I no longer just 'believed' in God and in His Son, but I 'knew' Him from within. From that moment on, I have attempted to pursue His Will for my life. That was my True beginning.
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