tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59191262011-04-21T11:17:50.726-07:00"this train carries saints and sinners" - Bruce Springsteenjeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1125295383535250952005-08-28T22:54:00.000-07:002005-10-13T21:28:52.806-07:00

Been feeling very bummed out lately. The union members of the company where I work for is on strike. My day begins with them shouting "Scab" and other pleasantries at me and ends with the same. Second (nay, third) summer in a row without a family vacation (last year I was down with Aplastic Anemia); I think my wife and kids are mad at me. I miss my wife ... she's in China to pick up our second

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1117840137907897912005-06-02T23:04:00.000-07:002005-08-28T22:54:08.143-07:00

Fascinating read .. don't know how much of it is true: EXPOSÉ: THE “CHRISTIAN” MAFIA Meet the 'Family' Jesus Plus Nothing Not exactly my kind of crowd I have to admit ... If you enjoyed the above articles, these two sister sites below have very provoking articles, tinged with a "unique" endtimes view: Institute for the Study of Religion in Politics Antipas Ministries

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1117841130440646622005-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:002005-06-03T16:26:31.140-07:00

The Purpose Driven Life is a runaway bestseller. In truth, it is in a category all its own. It is closing in on 25 million copies sold and will eclipse this number soon enough. Incredibly enough, it is selling better now than when it first released. Where most titles sell quickly at first and then the sales slow, this book gained sales momentum for over a year following its release. There are

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1117838492005882282005-05-14T20:37:00.000-07:002005-06-03T16:11:02.173-07:00

Ran across this story as I was surfing the Net. It's about an Army reservist who recently served in Iraq. Here's a small excerpt: I know because I talked to the guy who did the killing. He showed me these grisly photographs, and he bragged about the results. "Oh," he said, "I shot this guy in the face. See, his head is split open." He talked like the Terminator. "I shot this guy in the groin,

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1105336218459966972005-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:002005-01-19T22:41:16.203-08:00

Lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking on the link between Christianity and violence; the books I'm simultaneously reading are: Waiting for Godot in Sarajevo: Theological Reflections on Nihilism, Tragedy, and Apocalypse by David Toole Must Christianity Be Violent?: Reflections on History, Practice, and Theology ed. by Kenneth Chase and Alan Jacobs Violence, Hospitality, and the Cross:

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1105334681676859912005-01-07T22:06:00.000-08:002005-06-03T16:30:18.456-07:00

Further to my post dated July 05, 2004 (God Bless America), there's a relevant post here; an excerpt to whet your appetite: Civil religion occurs when a significant number of a nation's inhabitants identify the interests of their nation with the interests of their deity. This situation is mutually beneficial for both government and religion. The government, wrapped in religious garb, achieves

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1104865408105991552005-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:002005-02-21T22:33:41.343-08:00

Stumbled across an "interesting" article titled, Sexetera: a realistic approach to a taboo subject in Chimes, Calvin College's student newsletter. I applaud Mr. Tao for his honesty and frankness in discussing a subject that many Christians of my generation are uncomfortable with. As a father of two hormonally-charged teenage boys, I certainly can't bury my head in the sand! (See my earlier post

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1104730204670022332005-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:002005-01-06T22:10:51.736-08:00

The recent tsunami tragedy in Southeast Asia has evoked different theological reflections from Christians. Here are two representative examples: Southeast Asia, Foreign Aid, and crazy-ass Calvinists Meanings of Christmas: In the new world there will be no more sea In the first example, John Piper's views are found to be repulsive to the blog author, yet he fails to show just exactly

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1089051531377378292004-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:002005-01-04T15:56:27.590-08:00

There's some interesting and provocative articles in the latest Christian Counterculture newsletter. Other related resources of interest (I hope to review these someday): Kingdom Now Robert Jewett, John S. Lawrence, Captain America and the Crusade against Evil: The Dilemma of Zealous Nationalism D. Brent Laytham, ed., God Is Not Religious, Nice, "One of Us", an American, or a

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-10890521168560972004-07-03T23:25:00.000-07:002004-07-05T15:36:14.176-07:00

A dear brother from Tacoma sent me this encouraging e-mail: I am praying for you. It is hard to know how to encourage you, but I want to. So I’m going to try. When I used to go fishing in the ocean, the waves could make me sea sick. I learned that when I was looking at the swells or straight down at the water, I would lose my sense of equilibrium. If I looked out at the horizon, I

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1088530221535801862004-06-28T22:26:00.000-07:002004-06-29T12:31:41.623-07:00

That seems to be the story of my life these days. Today at the hospital, I had to wait an hour and a half to see the doctor. Then I had to wait an hour to get a ride home from the hospital (I guess I shouldn't complain - these are volunteer drivers). Can't enjoy most fresh fruits and salads now; wait 'til your counts are up. Can't kiss my wife; wait 'til your counts are up. Wait a few

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1088743729476581132004-06-25T21:33:00.000-07:002004-07-02T21:47:39.920-07:00

As I reflect on my present circumstances, I find myself praising God for what I'm going through. Through this experience, I have been overwhelmed by the love of God, both directly and mediated through His people. The many expressions of love and support, the practical demonstrations of care, financial gifts, encouragement through cards, letters, e-mails, phone calls and personal visits far

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1088544674336453732004-06-23T23:18:00.000-07:002005-01-02T21:34:43.036-08:00

It is staggering to think that in our day and age, over 800 million people on our planet suffer from hunger. Meanwhile, in the Western world we have such an abundance that the dieting craze has spawned a very profitable industry ($30-$50 billion annually according to one estimate). Recently, there have been a plethora of books published on various aspects concerning food; a representative (

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1088537879390799812004-06-20T12:34:00.000-07:002004-06-29T12:40:02.583-07:00

Confession time: I'm a bit of a procrastinator. I have so many unfinished projects, books to read, letters to write, etc. I seem to have this bad habit of coming up with ambitious plans for the future, or putting things off for another day, but never getting around to doing them. Now that my future is so uncertain, I'm going to have to live more for TODAY rather than just planning for

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1088533080856073782004-06-19T11:16:00.000-07:002004-06-29T12:30:27.593-07:00

This post will definitely offend some of you ... but hey, you're free to disagree with me ;-) Furthermore, I'd be happy to engage with you if you feel that strongly. It's been my observation (call it Paul's Conjecture) that Christian books generally obey this law: BESTSELLER = BAD THEOLOGY Consider some of the bestsellers in recent years: Left Behind series (Tim LaHaye and Jerry

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1087463877901260782004-06-17T02:13:00.000-07:002004-06-17T02:21:32.046-07:00

Here are some thoughts for reflection ... Alan Creech says that we need to understand and do church differently because there is a “deep lack of real transformation going on in the Body of Christ.” Reggie McNeal says: "A growing number of people are leaving the institutional church for a new reason. They are not leaving because they have lost faith. They are leaving the church to

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1087456184799881442004-06-17T00:04:00.000-07:002004-06-17T00:09:44.800-07:00

I wish I wasn't house-bound .. I was hoping to attend this conference in July. :( Anyhow, I guess I'll settle for the tapes later.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1087363128145762032004-06-15T22:10:00.000-07:002004-06-15T22:33:43.866-07:00

There's an interesting editorial and collection of articles on a subject that's very dear to my heart: the state of the Church today. As you can see from the links to the left, I've done a lot of thinking about church life and practices, and I have come to some definite conclusions and "action plans" as a result. Those who know me well, are aware that I've always had an uneasy tension with

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1087189066284965032004-06-13T20:41:00.000-07:002004-06-14T22:54:09.683-07:00

Well, I've made it through an entire week after being discharged from the hospital. I've been doing some thinking about my uncertain future, and I was feeling that my life was being put on hold, as I wait to see if I will respond to my treatment or not. But then I decided that I need to get my life together NOW and just carry on with all my plans and goals (so far as I am able to in my

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1087193468512211142004-06-09T11:07:00.000-07:002004-06-15T22:31:45.076-07:00

A friend's recent e-mail began: Just visited your websites for all the updates I've missed the last few days. Each week comes and goes so quickly it seems and I forget that during my business, other lives are changing as well, not just mine. ... I am somewhat surprised (happily) with your candour in this very personal and trying journey. I find your accounts interesting. Ironically I think

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1086669610740722372004-06-07T21:35:00.000-07:002004-06-08T11:57:01.410-07:00

Well, thanks to all who have taken the time to read through my blog entries from May 7 to now. For the next few months, it'll mainly be a waiting game to see if the immunosuppresive therapy is "successful" or not. Therefore, I will mostly share my spiritual, philosophical and emotional ramblings here, and give all the treatment progress details here instead.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1086498124659912322004-06-05T21:12:00.000-07:002004-06-05T23:06:24.003-07:00

Well, my first full day back from the hospital and I was looking forward to a relaxing day. Boy was I wrong! It was mid-noon and I was about to have some lunch, when I felt a tickle in my nose. (I'd been having a bit of a runny nose the past few days.) I dabbed my nose with a tissue and was surprised to see red! After 10 minutes, the blood was still flowing steadily and the pile of bloody

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1086411218382408562004-06-04T21:35:00.000-07:002004-06-05T09:16:21.693-07:00

Well, I'm back home! Thanks to all your prayers, cards, jokes, books, phone calls, and visits (and even some food smuggled in!). Couldn't have endured it without all your love and support. The Lord blessed me with 6 (count 'em, six!) wonderful nurses, to whom I extend my deepest appreciation: mucho thanks to Alison, Evelyn, Mandy, Andrea, Rico [token male nurse], and Jen! As for the doctors

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085968486839108152004-05-30T18:48:00.000-07:002004-05-30T18:54:46.840-07:00

Good news: Got a call this morning to come in to the hospital! Bad news: they're not starting the treatment until tomorrow. All they did today was preliminary stuff, like collecting some blood, swabs, chest X-ray, urine collection, vital signs, etc. Well, at least my Hickman line is working. :) Joked around with the nurses and just read the rest of the day. Then came home to a wonderful

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085892933910754332004-05-29T21:45:00.000-07:002004-05-29T22:40:39.900-07:00

The despair and anguish of yesterday's fiasco at the hospital was ameliorated by the empathetic e-mails we received, as well as a timely visit last night from two young Christian couples we've known for less than a year. They brought some delicious food as well as encouragement and cheer, and soon, the pain and anger was largely forgotten. Also, our next door neighbor kindly mowed the front

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085815485802303222004-05-29T00:18:00.000-07:002004-05-29T00:25:15.036-07:00

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose ... What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? ... Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085781825915588522004-05-28T14:55:00.000-07:002004-05-29T00:52:50.866-07:00

Continuation of the saga that began on May 7 Well, I'm back home .. Yay! The Lord miraculously healed me! Not. Went to the hospital at 2:00 pm and was admitted, given papers and all. Was given a room. Checked out the view. Checked out the washroom. Then 2 doctors walk in and said, "Sit down. We have some bad news and some good news ..." With absolutely no empathy whatsoever, Doctor

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085769561591988952004-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:002004-05-28T13:02:53.420-07:00

OK, this is my Last Post. At least for awhile ... Just got confirmation that I'm being admitted this afternoon! Got to pack now, check my Will, and have a bite. For updates while I'm gone, check my wife's blog. Bye for now!

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085762819953780832004-05-28T08:46:00.000-07:002004-05-28T19:39:31.720-07:00

"You've got to have a sense of humor in life, and I refuse to believe that Christians don't have a sense of humor. It's always about finding the truth in the humor." - Brian Dannelly, director, Saved!; quoted in Hollywood Gets 'Saved' by Bryan Belknap, Relevant, May/June 2004 Well, looks like my attempt at light-hearted humor was a big flop. Yesterday morning, I sent out an e-mail to all

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085764680504980232004-05-27T23:54:00.000-07:002004-05-28T10:18:00.503-07:00

Wifey probably won't like me blogging this, but hey, what's there to hide? We aren't perfect - you can be sure of that! Anyhow, my wife and I got into a stupid argument. Then I took advantage of my situation and refused to speak when she tried to make up. What a pouty little jacka**, right? I even went as far as to sleep on the couch downstairs, but she took Janelle (who had awoken from her

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085763295619616352004-05-27T00:49:00.000-07:002004-05-28T10:18:21.656-07:00

Ever since I got my catheter inserted on Tues., I have to go back to the hospital daily to get my dressings cleaned, in order to reduce risk of infection. And I'm reminded that I need to be cleansed daily by the Word as I walk through this sin-infected world.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085682015402382232004-05-26T15:18:00.000-07:002004-05-28T12:42:57.060-07:00

With this catheter on, the pain and stiffness means I can't even hug my wife and kids. :( Also, I can't help out with doing the dishes or shower anymore because of the risk of infection. Argh!!!

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085542464403900522004-05-25T20:21:00.000-07:002004-05-27T10:33:49.126-07:00

What a long day ... Was in the hospital today from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. First they gave me another platelet transfusion (my 3rd one so far). Then they inserted the Hickman's catheter though my neck and into my right atrium. This will be the IV line for transfusions and drug delivery. If you don't mind a bit of skin :) you can click here to see my catheter. The insertion itself wasn't

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085450931018921962004-05-24T18:49:00.000-07:002004-05-24T19:15:47.736-07:00

For those of you just joining our saga, please start reading from the May 7 entry first. Went for my weekly blood test today; looks like my red blood cell count has dropped 20% since last time. We were also told that it was very unlikely that I'll be getting a bed tomorrow, as originally hoped for. To be honest, I'm really starting to get a bit ticked off with our crappy healthcare system.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085375563391022642004-05-23T21:48:00.000-07:002004-05-23T22:13:37.340-07:00

Came across this interesting article: Visiting a Temple of Corporate Entertainment Or How I Spent My Easter God have mercy on the Church ...

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085381700916113042004-05-22T23:54:00.000-07:002004-05-24T22:38:32.270-07:00

We have some Christian friends that we've only known for about 3 years, and whom we seldom see, since they live in Washington (Burlington and Seattle, to be percise). Anyhow, Phil, Mark and Becky drove in today to fellowship with us and to pray with us. Our conversation naturally gravitated towards spiritual matters, and then we shared a simple but satisfying lunch together. Afterwards,

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085381632372381312004-05-21T23:53:00.000-07:002004-05-25T20:04:57.366-07:00

Had the opportunity to speak with two Aplastic Anemia survivors. Yesterday I spoke with Mechelle, who was diagnosed with AA 6 years ago when she was 31. She explained what it was like during the treatment as well as the post-treatment phases, both of which involved a ton of blood transfusions. The drugs are delivered through several tubes inserted into one's chest area using a Hickman's

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085464974136655032004-05-21T03:39:00.000-07:002004-05-24T23:03:29.856-07:00

So I figure I should get to know my disorder more, so I've been spending some time lately reading medical journal articles. Not exactly my first choice of reading material, as it's pretty dry and somewhat depressing. Still, it's been a learning experience, as I'm realizing just how serious and complex Aplastic Anemia is.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085377605416964982004-05-19T20:23:00.000-07:002004-05-23T23:50:42.920-07:00

Read an interesting article by Jeffrey Boyd, MD, titled "A Biblical Theology of Illness" (TrinJ 24:2 NS; Fall 2003). Here's a few quotes: This article will suggest some hesitation about the over-use of healing prayer in some parts of the church, praying with an expectation of miraculous cure. Two large studies using Byrd's methodology [relating to controlled clinical trials] found no

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085378947399213582004-05-19T19:48:00.000-07:002004-05-27T08:50:50.026-07:00

Had to have another platelet transfusion today as my blood test from Monday indicated that my count was low. Often what gets me through the day is my little bundle of joy, who never fails to make me smile, even when I'm feeling really down.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085377263001147792004-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:002004-05-24T23:06:01.120-07:00

Just a reminder: this thread begins with the May 7 entry ... Time to be pious and quote some scripture verses: You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. You ought to say instead, “If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:14-15; NET) But we have this treasure in clay

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085380255365755982004-05-16T14:12:00.000-07:002004-05-25T07:59:06.576-07:00

Because I've largely been confined to my home since my diagnosis (due to risk of getting an infection), I'm "dying" to see people, so I decide to attend church. My wife gives me permission, but I have to wear this ridiculous looking mask for protection. Our good friend Shirley was preaching, which was a bonus, since we've never heard her preach before. Shirley's message was very good, on

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085293676249975192004-05-14T23:12:00.000-07:002004-05-22T23:34:17.913-07:00

As I said earlier, I had been quite calm throughout all of this, but today, despair finally claimed me. I don't know. Maybe it was the fact that I had to work from home all this week (and will be doing so indefinitely until I am well again) and I'm getting cabin fever. Maybe I'm starting to think about the pain and anguish my wife, kids, family, and (hopefully some) friends will experience if

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085382057345813972004-05-14T11:41:00.000-07:002004-05-24T10:06:59.460-07:00

Got a call from Paul, a dear brother in Christ. He reminded us that too often we "limit" God in how we pray, how we sometimes hide our lack of faith behind pious phrases like "if it be Thy will". Anyhow, he said he's been "recruiting" other prayer partners to intercede for us. And, as is characteristic of Paul and his wife, they said they'd be willing to drive down (they live about an hour

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085292282783510682004-05-12T23:40:00.000-07:002004-05-27T12:46:47.620-07:00

Our good friends Barney and Shirley, who are sadly soon to return home to England, had invited us over to their place for prayer for healing. Being charismatics, Barney and Shirley bring a whole different perspective on sickness and healing than I am used to, coming from a conservative evangelical background. We spoke about a bit about my life history, growing up as I did in a dysfunctional

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085294252100734862004-05-11T22:35:00.000-07:002004-05-27T09:16:07.860-07:00

Well, the moment I've dreaded has finally arrived. Tonight we break the news of my diagnosis to the boys. Well, their reaction was predicatable: they both broke down in tears. I spent some time with each one. The younger one had difficulty verbalizing his feelings. In the end, he could only hug me and sob repeatedly, "Dad, you can't go ...". My oldest boy, never one for loss of words,

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085267303147875052004-05-11T17:21:00.000-07:002004-05-23T23:59:07.840-07:00

Well, the specialist called and based on the bone marrow biopsy (which I had on Monday) results, it would appear that I most likely have aplastic anemia, a rare hematopoietic disorder characterized by pancytopenia and a hypocellular bone marrow. I receive the news without much emotion, since I'm still in a bit of a fog. My wife has created an e-mail list to ask our fellow Christians to pray

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1085182068509784092004-05-09T09:19:00.000-07:002004-05-22T23:09:36.990-07:00

As I continue to reflect on my diagnosis, I remain amazingly calm. I say amazingly because that goes against my personality. Normally I'd panic and get into a deep depressing funk. Of course, that's not to say it won't happen later. But for now, it's just life as usual. For my wife's take on this, see her blog.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1083997302413742892004-05-07T23:21:00.000-07:002004-05-07T23:29:44.216-07:00

Well, you never think that it will happen to you. Then it hits you. Recently, I noticed strange marks (like pin-point red rashes) and bruises on various parts of my body. As well, I've been getting flus and colds almost non-stop since Oct. 2003, a very unusual thing for me. The doctor ordered several blood tests, a chest X-ray and an ultra-sound for me. At work today, my wife called me and asked

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1078209596842260392004-03-01T22:39:00.000-08:002004-06-11T11:13:42.946-07:00

I've not yet seen Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ but I do plan to soon. Nevertheless, I have some reservations about the movie; it would appear that others do too. Here are some reviews that raise some interesting theological points: The Passion of the Christ - Part 1 The Passion of the Christ - Part 2 "The Passion of Christ”: Mel Gibson’s Vivid Deception Five Reasons Not to Go

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1077442316373107242004-02-22T01:31:00.000-08:002004-02-22T01:39:34.356-08:00

Read a good article relating to work which made me think. Here's an excerpt: The first thing I want to say is that we should remove the linkage between our jobs and our self worth. If we need money and prestige for our self worth than we would chase the job that give us more of both. But if our self worth is rooted in our relationship with God, and our identity as children of God,

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1077110525235082902004-02-18T05:22:00.000-08:002004-02-26T11:01:05.060-08:00

I'm on 7x24 pager duty this week, and got buzzed an hour and a half ago ... and now I can't get back to sleep. My friend, who'd been out of work for some time now, finally got a job offer. I'd been trying to get him hired by my manager, and after being interviewed, my friend was kept waiting. So, he continued to look elsewhere. So he gets this job which is really close to where I live (it

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1076870210933175352004-02-14T22:36:00.000-08:002004-02-27T22:49:49.686-08:00

Joshua Harris, not even a hint: guarding your heart against lust. Multnomah, 2003. Joshua Harris, best-sellling author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, tackles a subject that most Christians are uncomfortable talking about: sexual lust. We all struggle with it (male or female, single or married, as Joshua points out), yet it's a taboo subject in most Christian circles. About the only time we talk

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1076235726277824242004-02-08T02:22:00.000-08:002004-02-15T10:39:40.293-08:00

On Thursday we had a couple over to chat and pray about some concerns we had. The husband was here for studies and just as we're getting to know them better, they'll be leaving in a few months. Then on Friday, we had a family over for dinner. in this case, the wife was here to study and brought along her son, leaving the husband back home. He was happy to be re-united with his family for awhile,

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1077112699509789992004-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:002004-02-18T06:03:45.093-08:00

Came across an article titled, Brothers, What Shall We Do? and though I question some of the author's remarks, he nevertheless made some good points. Here's the conclusion of the article: I’m convinced now that the repentance Jesus was speaking of is a way of life, which has little to do with being “saved” and a lot more to do with dying to oneself completely so that Christ might truly live.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1074679402085499322004-01-21T02:03:00.000-08:002004-01-21T02:29:19.936-08:00

I have two boys, one who'll be turning 15 in a little over a week. Like other teen boys, he's interested in girls, dating, and sex. Recently, I gave him Joshua Harris' book, I Kissed Dating Good-Bye to read; he finished it in 2 days. I think he also needs to read Josh's new book, Not Even a Hint, which deals with lust and sexual sin. As I was surfing the Net, I stumbled across Josh's

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1072649125650546882003-12-28T14:05:00.000-08:002003-12-28T14:05:42.863-08:00

Here's an interesting and lively debate on seeker-sensitive churches. I found my own biases challenged and some of the issues clarified by the four debaters on a very "hot potato" topic. In the end, I didn't change my position (of having some genuine concerns regarding the seeker approach), but I did gain a new appreciation and humility for how God can use a variety of methodologies and

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1072613195663542602003-12-28T04:06:00.000-08:002003-12-28T15:09:15.283-08:00

As I was reflecting on an earlier post (Monday, November 24, 2003: Who is My Neighbor? ), I came across a debate between Ron Sider, best known for his book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, and John Schneider, author of The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth. A preview of the debate can be found here: Affluence, Generosity, and Grace and the actual debate can be

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1072601043251391922003-12-26T12:26:00.000-08:002003-12-28T11:31:40.593-08:00

Was feeling listless today, so wasted most of the day just surfin' the net and stumbled across some "interesting" links ... there's a lot of strange stuff out on the Web ... If you're ever bored, check 'em out: WARNING: you may find some of these offensive and outrageous! Vatican Assassins Bob Larson Fan Club information Clearing House voxfux jesus radicals Power, Authority and

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1072599719725035662003-12-21T18:13:00.000-08:002003-12-28T00:22:45.106-08:00

Regarding my previous post, I'm happy to inform you that my parents have made peace with each other. My dad said he just wanted to live out the rest of his life (he's in his late 70's) in peace with my mom. I hope they'll make peace with God soon ... thanks to all who prayed.

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1071475919435109972003-12-15T00:11:00.000-08:002003-12-16T01:19:47.210-08:00

My family got together the other day. Wonderful, right? Not when the purpose was to try resolve your parent's on-going conflict (over 30 years now) and work for reconciliation. Not when the final recourse seems to be divorce. Not when you hear in your mom's voice, the pain of being emotionally abused, disrespected and feeling unloved. Not when you hear your dad's lack of trust for your mom, his

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1071466206278619632003-12-11T09:30:00.000-08:002003-12-14T23:30:49.820-08:00

A friend of mine recently wrote on his blog: A longtime-friend who is going through some difficult times right now, relating to the breakdown of his family, has been sharing with me, and I am saddened by this turn of events in his life. But, the interesting thing is, I had a great time of fellowship with him. Why? Because this was a REAL LIFE thing that he was going through, and I am

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1071467350818685772003-12-02T23:29:00.000-08:002003-12-15T00:54:09.566-08:00

Came across 2 articles on the Rwandan genocide in the Winter 2003 issue of maisonneuve magazine: Rwanda's Riverboat Excursion A Good Man in Hell Definitely worth reading. The second article is an extract from an interview that General Dallaire had with Ted Koppel, and is available in full here. Lest we forget ...

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1069668828161676472003-11-24T02:13:00.000-08:002003-12-15T00:49:08.603-08:00

Was challenged today as I read this article on loving one's neighbor. The author writes: " I recognize that this essay will disturb and offend some of those who read it since it is calling into question the faithfulness of the vast majority of the Western church in regards to obeying one of the two most important commands. I also recognize that it is human nature to reject this proposed way of

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1069666352712194352003-11-15T16:20:00.000-08:002003-12-14T22:14:45.986-08:00

A brother in the Lord invited a bunch of us to his place to pray on the occasion of the International Day of Prayer, November 9-16. Sadly, out of about a dozen people invited, only 2 of us showed up (along with the host couple). I must confess lest the reader think I'm super-spiritual, that I didn't feel like going. It was a dark rainy day, and I had lots of other stuff to do. But I was

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1068601550378867942003-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:002003-11-11T17:55:28.840-08:00

I received this tragic e-mail from a dear brother in the Lord. Please pray for him. I am a Christian. I am also a battered sheep who is trying to recover his wife and children from an abusive church environment. So far I remain unsuccessful. One of my brother-in-laws has been shunned by the church group going on 20 years now. His sons have been encouraged to move away from him and cut

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1068608148819952162003-11-07T22:50:00.000-08:002003-11-11T19:38:52.713-08:00

Just read a book review in the current issue of The Walrus. The book is entitled Shake Hands with the Devil by Canadian Lt. General Roméo Dallaire, and is his retelling of the Rwandan genocide. The reviewer, Stephen Lewis, writes of his reaction after reading it: "It left me shaken, reeling, aghast, tormented." Lewis quotes Dallaire's cry of anguish after witnessing the horrific atrocities

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1068601138338833172003-10-30T17:04:00.000-08:002003-11-11T17:55:47.730-08:00

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. For he lovingly chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight. He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will - to the praise of the

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066858892416504332003-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:002003-10-23T19:54:27.710-07:00

I guess I could see it coming. Missing my wife (she's gone for two weeks). Raining almost every day. Heard some sad news in church. Sick these past few days (got pharyngitis: hurts like heck when I swallow or talk). Feelings of alienation with some people. A good friend's job is killing him (I know a bit about that!). Another friend is feeling depressed; he's wrestling with the loneliness and

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066550166920455782003-10-18T00:56:00.000-07:002003-10-19T23:50:50.000-07:00

My wife is one of the co-founders of the BC Stepparents Association. I rarely get to attend their monthly meeting, as I stay home with my sons. But this past week, I had the privilege of attending, and I was deeply moved by the meeting. People came and shared their triumphs and trials of trying to build a stepfamily on the rubble of a failed previous marriage. Some of the situations are very

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066551281447229452003-10-10T15:54:00.000-07:002003-10-19T01:14:41.476-07:00

Wolfgang Simpson, author of Houses That Change the World will be in Vancouver Nov. 17-19 for a conference. Details are in the attached pamphlet. If anyone is planning to attend, please let me know!

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066460426593411292003-10-06T01:12:00.000-07:002003-10-19T23:09:41.936-07:00

A brother whom I've been in conversation with, recently wrote this to me: You yourself are willing to lead a more communal/evangelistic life, but you don't believe that others will. This is where your faith becomes challenged. I think you need to examine these thoughts: People who have not behaved like this before have no concept of it. It cannot be communicated by teaching but only

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066461382920212302003-10-04T07:16:00.000-07:002003-10-18T00:18:47.053-07:00

Thanks a lot Paul. This summer's bible study was very good timing as I and others have been discussing this subject this past year. However, you provided a lot of concrete biblical examples that supported our convictions about the state of the Church. Just 2 years ago I was living in and struggling with sin and it was impossible to

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1065761608704355952003-10-03T21:53:00.000-07:002003-12-15T01:02:35.390-08:00

This was the theme of our church's annual retreat on beautiful Anvil Island. For me personally, it was a much-needed tonic after a brutal week of on-call pager duty at work (read: sleep deprivation). I figured I would be so tired that I would spend most of the time just sleeping. Actually, I was so glad to be with other people that I was swinging off the rafters on Sat. night! One sister (Linda L

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5919126.post-1066333520879220302003-10-01T23:41:00.000-07:002003-10-16T12:47:18.066-07:00

I'm at an interesting crossroads in my life. Last fall, my wife had a vision of a new chapter (no, make that a new book) in our lives. Part of that vision would mean her taking an indefinite leave of absence from work. Shortly after the decision was made, my contract was not renewed, and I was unemployed for about half a year. Well, in due time, the good Lord provided a job for me. But it wasn't

jeremiah21http://www.blogger.com/profile/12303056424528931414noreply@blogger.com0