Digest #1
I used to share a lot of the content I consume and come across in my Instagram Story, but recently I’ve come to wonder if perhaps this is annoying to people who follow me but aren’t super interested in the areas that I like to think deeply about. So for now I think I’m going to post my thoughts in posts here in my blog so that it’s available for those who are interested, but isn’t constantly popping up in the feeds of those who aren’t interested. 😊
I used to share a lot of the content I consume and come across in my Instagram Story, but recently I’ve come to wonder if perhaps this is annoying to people who follow me but aren’t super interested in the areas that I like to think deeply about. So for now I think I’m going to post my thoughts in posts here in my blog so that it’s available for those who are interested, but isn’t constantly popping up in the feeds of those who aren’t interested. 😊
Week 1
Day 4
1. I have loved Jon Foreman’s work since my teen years, but as I’ve grown, I’ve really come to appreciate deeply not only his music, but also the depth of his lyrics. Then when the internet happened, I began to watch interviews, read his written pieces, and have come to appreciate his depth, thoughtfulness and way of seeing and interacting with both God and the world
Today I watched this interview.
He tells this story of being in the card aisle, and from the aisle next to him this voice begins to sing these powerful words:
Show me an athlete who can run fast,
and ask him how he got his speed,
he’ll tell you, I’ve suffered.Show me a writer who has a bold voice,
and ask him how he got that,
he’ll tell you, I’ve suffered.Any culture that makes it their end to avoid pain is doomed
Jon continues with the interview, “Maybe there is something in the chaos, in the dissonance, that is useful.”
God doesn’t need a lawyer. Your job is to be honest. As a believer, when you look back through the scripture, there are parts that - if I was God’s PR team, there are parts that I would take this part out. It doesn’t make anyone look good, and no one needs to read that.
Later he shares about going to a live concert, and due to an electrical storm the power went out. But the musician came on stage and performed acoustic. He continues:
I remember thinking, when I go to a show, or any event, I go to see a hero. When you go to a baseball game, or whatever it is, you go to see a hero be a hero, and I realize that for that to happen, there has to be adversity. There has to be something that goes wrong, and you have to fight for it to be right. . . . In music, you set the stage. You have people who make sure everything is in tune, everything is right. And maybe that denies any possibility of a hero until something goes wrong.
And I find myself thinking - maybe this is life too.
All of us want to participate in these epic, adventure filled lives, where we’re either the hero - or we’re hero adjacent. Maybe we’re not Frodo, but we at least want to be Sam - or one of the other members of the Fellowship of the Ring. But , maybe we spend so much time avoiding adversity, and only in adversity can we actually overcome and triumph. Only in our interactions with adversity can we actually become heroes.
2. This video about what the gospel is is so beautiful Such a great overview. 🥰
3. THIS POST FROM DAVID BENNETT ON BEING A PILGRIM ON EARTH
You know, just briefly returning to the idea that we belong to a different kingdom.
Day 5
2. This video on Paul Vanderklay’s channel about monotheism that the Hebrew Bible presents compared to it’s neighbour’s polytheistic religions.
[In the Hebrew Bible] morality is seen as conforming to the will of God.
God is known not through nature, but through history. He’s known through his actions in the world through historical time and his relationship with a historical people.
3.
Day 6
1. MATT & LAURIE KRIEG: BEFORE WE SWITCH TO AN AFFIRMING WORLDVIEW OF MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
Laurie and Matt Krieg do a lot of work in the area of marriage and sexuality. They live in a mixed orientation marriage, and would like anyone who is considering switching to an affirming worldview to think about three specific things, which they share in this short video. I know that in my life, I’ve seen a lot of people - friends, local churches, Christian celebrities - switching to an affirming view of sexuality, and it has been really challenging for me, and maybe I’ll share some of why that has been challenging in the future, but for now I’ve just seen a lot of Laurie’s first point in action.
This point was that it sometimes seems like we’re only being given two options 1. have an affirming worldview and be loving, or 2. hold to a historical Christian worldview and be hateful. She suggests that these are not the only options. That those who hold to a historic worldview can be loving, should be loving, and should work to build communities that allow people to hold to an orthodox view of marriage/sex without being lonely/miserable/without family.
I know that as a single person, this is what I need too. I see the modern idea of marriage and sexuality slip into people’s conversations with me. When they hear that I long to be married but am not, they will often say things like, “Well if you don’t want to be single, just go on more dates”, “you need to be actively pursuing what you want”, “have you tried online dating? Asking your friends to set you up? Singles groups? etc.”. And honestly I’m not innately opposed to any of these (and honestly have tried most of them at some point), but what I am opposed to is that marriage is something for me to obtain. That this is my decision to make, and I get to choose for myself.
Honestly, as a Christian, this just isn’t true.
My life became not my own the moment I gave it to Christ and the work of the kingdom. Paul says that we’re “slaves” to Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22 & 23) - ironically this section of Paul’s letter is all about marriage and singleness and living out the call of God whichever your status. “Keeping God’s commands is what counts,” he says.
Over and over throughout the Bible there is this theme of kingdom and God as sovereign ruler of all. Currently I live in a type of democracy. I have a ton of rights and seem to have the freedom to make decisions. Monarchies, and specifically Theocracies are not this way. As citizens of these kingdoms, you do not have sole reign of your life. The day I chose Christ, I chose his kingdom, and my life is not my own. Whether I remain single for all my years, or marry, this decision is God’s to make. I belong to him. And besides, “this world in its present form is passing away” and one day we will have no need for the metaphor of marriage because we will have what the metaphor points to - union with God.
So before you tell me “to go on more dates” or before you say that a traditional view of marriage is inherently damaging for gay people, please ask yourself “as someone who belongs to God, how can I best encourage the person in front of me in the particular purpose God has for them and their role in the church/kingdom?”
Watch Matt & Laurie’s video here.
And that’s week 1. A collection of things that made me think and thoughts that I had. Let me know in a comment if there’s anything that really made you think this week!
Wiedemann Family 2019
Throwing it back to October of 2019 to share my family’s annual photos.
Throwing it back to October of 2019 to share my family’s annual photos.
I come from what Canada deems a “large” family with four younger sisters and a brother, as well as now two brother-in-laws and a niece, so figuring out a date for family photos comes with a ton of conflicts, re-organization, and generally some tears. But eventually we all find ourself in a single place wearing a non-clashing, if not actually matching, colour scheme.
This year my mom used our family photos as an excuse to explore her love of history, and as golden hour approached, we found ourselves outside a castle-like structure in the Hamilton region.
Portraits
Pachrick
Hannah
Eve
Acacia
Beth
Allysin
Kyle
Roxanne
Family
Wiedemann Family
Siblings
The Van Ysseldyk Family
The Martin Family
Mom & Dad
Odds & Sods
Part of what makes photographing your own family fun is ending up with all sorts of unexpected photos. They’re not portraits, they’re not really group photos - they’re the behind the scenes moments of what was happening as your family hung out between poses.
Favourites || March
I’m sitting in my living room on a gloomy, chilly Holy Saturday (the day between Good Friday and Easter), a cup of coffee at my side, and the latest Ask N.T. Wright Anything - Qs About Crucifixion - playing on my phone.
Covid-19 has had Canada in isolation for the past three or four weeks now, so the times are different than I ever would have expected.
Putting this out a bit late - it’s almost mid-April.
I’m sitting in my living room on a gloomy, chilly Holy Saturday (the day between Good Friday and Easter), a cup of coffee at my side, and the latest Ask N.T. Wright Anything - Qs About Crucifixion - playing on my phone.
Covid-19 has had Canada in isolation for the past three or four weeks now, so the times are different than I ever would have expected.
And my sister, Hannah, has moved in with her cat to keep me and my cat company.
We’ve been planning what kind of plants I’m going to put on my balcony this year, and I placed an order for seeds . . . . I ordered way more than I probably need, but I think this year calls for the hope that planting a garden needs and brings.
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow
- Audrey Hepburn
I’m sure I will share tons of things from my garden throughout the spring and summer. 😊
I also want to be more specific about the things that have stood out to me, or brought learning or joy to me each month, but this one has only a couple things that have affected me in good ways this past month.
Father Brown
A British TV series, set in the 50s, about a Catholic priest who solves murder mysteries?? Yes Please!
By this point we’re all aware that I love watching these types of shows. A pg-13 show about a loveable cast of characters solving crime. This one comes complete with Mark Williams playing the main character. You might remember Mark as one of the bad guys in the 90’s live action 101 Dalmatians, or Mr. Weasley in Harry Potter. As Father Brown he comes across as endearing - warm, wise and upright.
I was impressed by the way this show treated the Catholic/Christian faith. Although I don’t hold to all the beliefs depicted, and some of the episodes depicted members of the church’s leadership as criminal, or certain beliefs as outdated, overall they treated the church and its beliefs with respect.
My favourite thing about this show though is the communal aspect of the main character’s lives. Father Brown, his housekeeper (Mrs. McCarthy), their rich neighbour (Lady Felicia), and her chauffeur/handyman (Sid) form a tight knit friend group who live so intertwined so that although none of them are romantically involved, and none of them are blood family - they are constantly there for one another. They have tough conversations where they question each others decisions, morals and beliefs, but they also laugh and show up for one another, making sure everyone is cared for (and we see this care extend to other parishioners and the town) despite their differences. As much as I love a good romance, I think it does my heart and life good to see other models for close, fulfilling relationships - especially as in the case of Father Brown who chooses to live a fully celibate life as a sign of devotion to God. Thank you to the writers of Father Brown for taking this seriously and not having it appear as a lonely, cursed life, nor as something that a priest is not capable of truly abiding by.
Anyway - British accents, endearing characters, interesting cases, random 50s historical facts, as well as being based on a series of short stories by G.K. Chesterton . . . I definitely enjoyed this watch.
Ranunculus
Last year I received a bouquet that included some ranunculus, and instantly I fell in love.
So this year to brighten up a gloomy March I bought a whole bouquet of them from The Watering Can.
The Model Prayer
More commonly known as The Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father, a friend of mine recently passed on this version - and I love it. I’ve spent the last several weeks learning it and praying it.
Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson
I wrote an entire post dedicated to this book, so if you’re interested in reading it, you can find it here. If you’ve read it yourself, please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Favourites || February
As someone who doesn’t really enjoy winter, I find this month drags on slightly. But here are a couple things that made this February a bit brighter:
February is always a little bit dreary.
As someone who doesn’t really enjoy winter, I find this month drags on slightly. But here are a couple things that made this February a bit brighter:
Northern Rescue
This Canadian show is a family drama that explores the way grief effects each person in different ways. Throw in a little mystery, it’s PG-14 rating, and a live pet penguin, and this show was a perfect fit for me.
Created by CBC, it is now available on Netflix and has been renewed for a 2nd season.
Valentine’s Flowers
Billie Flower Co. offers flower subscriptions, and I absolutely loved the bouquet she sent me for February. The perfect combination of pink, red, and gold.
Pesto
My new favourite thing to eat is pesto and chicken. My go to pesto recipe is this vegan one from Paleo Running Momma.
Valentine’s Box
My sister, Eve, started selling gluten free baked goods this past year.
For Valentine’s Day she offered mixed boxes with two different types of cupcakes (Champagne Raspberry & Red Velvet) and Double Chocolate Cookies.
You can find her, and place an order for some delicious cakes on her website: EM Artisan Goods.
What’s something that brightened your February? Leave it in the comments!
Thoughts On Being Single & Celibate In A World That Says Sex Is The Answer
The first time I picked up one of these autobiographies, it was for them.
I wanted to understand the experience.
And to understand the theology.
To understand how and where they intersected.
And if it really mattered.
But now a year in - I read them for me.
Photo: Allysin Leah
Anyone who’s taken a look at the list of books that I’ve read in the last year or two will probably notice the increase of books written by gay celibate Christians, or gay Christians in mixed orientation marriages.
A year ago when I ordered the first one - Gay Girl Good God by Jackie Hill Perry - it was because one of my very best friends, someone who was passionate about God, the church, worship and missions had just told me that they were gay and with tears in their eyes had confessed that they didn’t know what this meant for them because they didn’t want to be celibate their whole life. What if being gay and Christian meant just that?
My heart hurt with them.
I knew these feelings well, not because I’m gay, but because I was a 30 year old, single Christian, and because of these facts was (and am) celibate with no guarantee that marriage is in my future.
(A fact that at different times has caused me to have panic attacks because of how desperately I desire to partner my life with someone who has the same values and beliefs I do. Someone who chooses me as the person they will prioritize above every other human on the planet. To create community with them, and invite people in and pray together and talk about theology and what we’re learning, and attend weddings together, and . . )
The first time I picked up one of these autobiographies, it was for them.
I wanted to understand the experience.
And to understand the theology.
To understand how and where they intersected.
And if it really mattered.
But now a year in - I read them for me.
At this point my friend has decided to pursue a relationship with someone of the same sex.
But I find that I can’t lower my values.
In fact, in reading these books, marriage has become more sacred. And my values have risen and become firmer.
Marriage is something to be valued and entered into not because of burning desire, or mushy emotions - although desire and warm feelings should play a part - but instead, as a Christian, marriage is so much more.
This holy act where two separate, opposite beings become one.
The reflection of heaven and earth, and Christ and the church becoming one in the age to come when all things are reconciled, set right and restored. When finally our relationship and oneness with God is realized in full.
Until that day marriage is a reminder, and an image, of the Gospel.
Two things that are very different, but simply belong together becoming one.
And so I turn down dates with people who don’t believe the same things I do, and say no to offers of casual sex, and instead try to do my best to embrace singleness and chastity. And so I find solace in the stories of my gay brothers and sisters who are also choosing to set aside their own desires to preserve and uphold this vision for marriage. This vision for what it means to reflect who God is to each other and creation.
They make me feel less weird, less lonely as I make choices that are so different from the culture I find myself living in.
Decisions that are difficult to make and sometimes leave me feeling lonely in the wake of a culture inundated with the idea that sexual expression is our identity.
That any curbing of it is repression.
That intimacy can only be found in romantic partnerships, and our happiness comes from finding a soul mate.
A culture that creates art, and stories and music, and almost every single one affirms that romance and sex is where we find our fulfilment as human beings.
But the stories of people like David Bennett, Rachel Gilson, Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Gregory Coles, Laurie Krieg, Sam Allberry, Christopher Yuan, Rosaria Butterfield and the countless others whose stories I don’t yet know, remind me that our longings point to something way bigger, way more epic, way more important, and cannot truly find fulfillment in another human being or human relationships.
They can only find true fulfillment in God.
And in this they tell me that I am not crazy for believing what I believe, or choosing to live by the sexual ethic I see prescribed in the Christian Bible.
Instead they remind me that God is good and loving and generous, and this makes surrender and sacrifice make sense.
And in fact somehow, in God, it’s absolutely worth it.