an apple a day

Yesterday I finally enjoyed my very first candy apple (well, to memory) at the Falls, and it was delish.



An old- fashioned sweet shop window caught our eye and before you knew it, we were one step closer to getting a cavity. I'd love to have a sweet shop of my own one day.
Is it difficult to make fudge?

So it was another romantic date night mixed in with the celebration of Mark receiving an Ontario Drivers Licence. When they insisted on confiscating his English one, we shamlessly asked for a photocopy...it was COOL, ok?!

We enjoy reading our English dad's new blog, and you might too! He is full of wisdom and creativity. Plus, he IS Mark's dad so he is quite silly as you may have guessed already.

For all you Canadians, have a delightful long weekend and wear your sunscreen!

Taking it back to the Temple...

Ezra 6 v5:

"Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought it to Babylon are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God."

So, King Cyrus of Persia wrote all this down when he came to power, and his decree was carried out by King Darius, who took over the sovereignty.

Here's a few thoughts about this.
In Revelation, Babylon is used as a metaphor for 'the abominations of the earth'; Essentially, the works of Satan. Also in Revelation, Heaven is referred to as The New Jerusalem.

So, looking at this from the point of view that we are; after Christ, in the last days, how does this sound? For Nebuchadnezzar, read 'the Devil'. For Babylon, read 'all the crap that comes with being in a fallen world'. For the temple in Jerusalem, read 'the City of our Holy God in Heaven'.
Having spent some time reading this the other day, Holy Spirit started speaking to me, and revealing the power of this statement.
All the treasures of the Temple, that is, all of the treasures of the Kingdom of God, which we have open access to since Jesus gave us the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, which have been stolen from us by Satan, are to be, and are now being returned to their rightful place in the house of God, and we have full access to them.

How's that for a slice of fried gold?

Passover to my place...

So, last week was Passover. We decided to celebrate the festival, so we invited some good friends over, purchased the necessary ingredients, and I researched the service.
I used a number of sources to compile my Haggadah, and made sure that I had everything that I needed. I printed out enough copies for everyone, and Bethany designed the cover.

Bethany and I put together the Seder Plate, and made a rather tasty roast chicken dinner. And so it began. I love the fact that, with the exception of the language we were speaking, we did almost exactly the same thing as Jesus did when he celebrated the Passover. The same thing that he did when he ate the last supper with his disciples.

A few interesting thoughts, then, on the subject of Passover. Jesus celebrated this feast. It's not only part of the Jewish calendar, but the Bible says that we should celebrate it, and not forget the way that God rescued his people from Slavery in Egypt. In fact, that's the whole purpose of the festival. When Jesus rose from the dead, he defeated sin and death for all time. Because of what he did for us, we're now free. The whole idea of celebrating Passover as a demonstration of God's ability to set us free has a new meaning ever since Jesus died for our freedom. That's pretty cool, don't you think?
When we got to the actual meal, I took out my Bible, and read from Mark 14:

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."

They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"

"It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

In the Passover ceremony, a section of the unleavened bread is kept over, and not eaten. There is also a particularly important ritual, which involves pouring an extra glass of wine, 'The Cup of Elijah' and leaving it for the prophet; tradition explains that Elijah will come before the messiah, and proclaim his coming.
Funny, then, that this is how Jesus referred to John the Baptist:

This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'
I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

So, when the cup is left for Elijah, it is in anticipation of the coming of the messiah. When Jesus broke the bread, he took the piece that was left over, and shared that out. Then, he took 'the cup', and passed it around. Jesus makes it clear right then that He IS the Messiah, and that anyone still waiting for Elijah to come to proclaim the coming Saviour is wasting their time. Not only is Jesus showing what will happen to him, but he is demonstrating the New Covenant there and then. He takes the cup, to be saved until the Messiah comes, and shares it out. He celebrates the feast that he has been instructed by Jewish law to celebrate, and then uses some of the elements to create something new; instructing us to 'do this in remembrance' of Him. The feast that was created to remind us how the Almighty God set his people free from the slavery of the Egyptians is re-made by Jesus to remind us of how the Almighty God has set his people free from all slavery!

I thoroughly recommend celebrating the Passover next year. I learned so much about my heritage as an adopted Jew through celebrating the feast. I learned even more about the fulfillment of the law through Christ. And most of all, I discovered a greater understanding of the importance of Jesus' death and resurrection.

relax

"In nothing is the English genius for domesticity more notably declared than in the institution of afternoon tea."
- George Gissing



















The dainty tea pots you see before you are three new additions to my collection (yesterday I decided that these + my other two = the baby stages of a colletion, non?).
So these gorgeous gifts were from three separate gals all within ONE WEEK and I think they're ace. Ok, how cute is that elephant?!

Mark, the English gentleman that he is, also gave me an adorable tea book for my birthday.
It's called, 'The Art of Taking Tea' by Kim Waller.
The book has a few tips for putting a formal shine on your tea time...whatever time of day that might be. The author suggests that one should aquire:
- creamer and sugar duo
- strainer to place over the cup for the loose tea leaves or lemon seeds
- sugar tongs and lemon forks
- tea caddies
- teaspoons : preferably with your first or last name initial engraved
This book has pictures. Pretty ones. Not everything matches, either, which I like.
Waller suggests to put tea cups and saucers together by form and colour themes.
To me this means keep an eye out for cool finds in charity shops and at garage sales then mix and match, but be picky. VOILA.

Alright... time to relaaaaaaaaaax and enjoy an afternoon tea myself since class this morning was extra intense (there are only three weeks of first year uni left! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)
Yeah, I'll write about more interesting things soon. School has taken over slightly you see... and I have this brand new husband to hang out with 24/7 which makes this the most FUN time of my life so far :)

ps: mark says that in a fight, coffee would kick tea's butt. I say no way hosea. You?

She's My Rushmore...

Band Club wrote a song for us on the occasion of our wedding. Brilliant. It's about when I proposed to Bethany. Steve says that we have sole rights to it. And that means that I can post the lyrics here. As with most Band Club songs, there's plenty of popular culture references in the song. Try to work out what they all are. I might even post a link to the track at some point. Enjoy...



She's My Rushmore (the Ballad of Mark and Bethany)

Her name/the east
Her name/the east
Her name/the east
Her name/the east
Her name/the east
This could go on and on.

So I say 'Bethany'.
And you say 'that way'.
Oh you've got to hand it to the poor.
You've got to hand it to the poor.

Cos she's my Rushmore
She's the ligaments of bees
She's my Rushmore
And she joins me in all these
Extra-curricular activities
She's my Rushmore
And I'll get down on my knees and get my trousers wet for her.

The plane delayed
The plane delayed
The plane delayed
The plane delayed
The plane delayed
This could go on and on

So I'll take the airlines recompense
Convert it to Canadian cents
And then into a silver ring for her
Into a silver ring for her.

Cos she's my Rushmore
She's the ligaments of bees
She's my Rushmore
And she joins me in all these
Extra-curricular activities
She's my Rushmore
And i'll get down on my knees and get my trousers wet for her.

In this climate
There'll be extremes of weather
Somehow I know that
We've been through the hardest stuff together.

Oh, we must have been depraved
More miles than Charlie would have braved
And Craig
Would have been easy to stay put.

But (oh) they'll never build a bridge
Over the mid-atlantic ridge
But you know I would have
Done it all on foot.

So come on.

Married and loving it...

Jack and Jill went down the hill...

To watch the latest toboganning adventure, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhTJ4fK5UaI

Our English parents, the best man, and many other cool Britts arrived yesterday.
Some of them enjoyed a nice, wholesome Candian snowball fight this morning until Rob's groin got injured.

Lesson of the day: Men, wear jock straps when engaging in a snowball fight.

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie

That's Amore...

Yesterday was the best Valentines Day ever. Period. Let me explain...
To start, a delightful couple called Ben and Kelsey, arrived on Saturday from England. Showing them bits and bobs of our multifaceted city has been lush to say the least.
*FYI: I think Mark should be on a 'This-is-why-Toronto- Rocks' commercial. He NEVER ceases to find yet another positive thing to mention about our home and native land. Tourguide extraordinaire.*
Then Rob, a groomsman and really super close buddy of ours arrived. Amazing!

So I thought this year we'd be a bit too busy to get do a proper Valentines Day. It's not a big thing, but I am used to celebrating on the fourteenth. My mom has been superb at transforming the kitchen and living room into a festive pink white and red wonderland. She would combine just enough atmosphere and chocolate to make my sister and I feel special regardless of whether we had anyone else to celebrate with that day.
This time around we in fact WEREN'T too busy to my suprise. I was spoiled rotten by Mark and later by my family. He had put together this adorable plan to pamper me, and it was overly successful.
I was treated to a refreshing/cleansing facial, an hour massage, then a manicure at a phenomenal salon. WOW! Then he scored tickets to a LEAF GAME in the evening. It went to a shoot out! Soooooooo good! I didn't think it could get any better. Then it snowed . MAJORLY. This was all on the thirteenth.
On the fourteenth I not only woke up to little pink cupcakes on a heart-shaped plate with my favorite tea (complements of Becca), but to cards and sunshine and a McDonalds breakfast as well! Imagine that after all of these wonderful presents and calories I remembered I was getting married in TWO WEEKS!
The evening consisted of toboganning, hot chocolate and heated games of boggle. See why it was the best?

Ok, I'm out of breath now. But there is more. Just have a look at this verse from 1 John:

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. He loved us first.

How good is that?! I could fall off my chair. On a day that has unfortunately become a money-maker, and possibly heart-breaker, the most important thing to remember is that He is LOVE!
Yes, He is affectionate and sweet and romantic and generous and kind and so in love with you! Woohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Cats and Casinos...

Well, since Bethany has not yet posted, I figured I'd best have a little go. Things are pretty hectic here, to be fair. Any spare time we have is spent sorting things out for the wedding. Which is ONE MONTH TODAY. People are coming to visit in less than a week, and it's all getting very close and exciting. No wonder these posts are short, and few and far between.

Last night we went to see Casino Royale. I have come to the conclusion that Daniel Craig is the BEST BOND EVER. Very gritty. Judy Dench gets better every time. She's awesome. Bethany enjoyed the movie a lot too, and we saw it with some good friends, which always makes for a good time. We ate good food, and played Cribbage. And we skated in Nathan Phillips Square.

What was particularly enjoyable about yesterday, however, was coming back to my amazing new cat. He's awesome. You should check him out in this video here that Bethany made last week.

More posts soon, I hope. I love you all...

Amsterdam...

We went to Amsterdam for a day at the end of last year. I think Bethany's going to write about it later, but here's a short video to keep you going...

I could go to Canada...

You know, the last month or so would have been a great time to blog. Shame I didn't take advantage. It would have made quite interesting reading, if only I'd had enough time to get round to it. I had Bethany visiting me at my parents' place in Worksop for three weeks over Christmas, which was fantastic. It was one of the best Christmasses that I have ever had.
I think that the main contributor to that might have been that it was the last Christmas that I would spend with my family before I left the country to start my new life as a husband.

So, after my move back to small town life, Bethany and I headed to the airport, and boarded a plane bound for the big city. There were tears at the security check-in, as we said goodbye to my mum and dad; knowing that this was the biggest move that I would ever make. We went through, and several hours later we landed here in Toronto. At passport control I was diverted to speak to someone in immigration, and a number of questions later, I was given my voluntary work visa. I have the right to stay here for up to a year at present. Once Bethany and I get married at the end of February, we'll begin the process of applying for landed immigrancy.

So, I moved into my apartment. It's flipping huge! We still have a couple of little things to buy for it today, but it's pretty much perfect for what I need. I spent an excellent day with Jacob yesterday moving in and getting rid of some junk that was in here, and you can check out the fruits of our labours by watching this video.

Well, I'm here now. Nearly six years after I knew that I would live here, I've finally made the move. I start work on Monday, and preparations for the wedding are in the final stages; it's less than seven weeks until the big day. I'm still having a hard time realising that I'm not just visiting. Life is good...

a thousand words

I love pictures. I'm that weird person who pretends they are PROFESSIONAL and lies down on the ground to get a shot. Unfortunately, I end up taking a traumatizing photo of the view under some woman's skirt. Whoops, sorry! Nice legs, anyway!

So, I realized that I don't have nearly enough pictures of my friends. *GASP*
Yes, you. I can see you right now. That would be weird.
I will I will I will get in the habit of carrying a wee camera around with me (honey, I love the polaroid but it is too bulky!) to capture those priceless moments...like the mastercard commercials are on about. Ramlin is a pro at this.

I want to put more recent snapshots of friends up to remind me to call them, harass them, pray for them, and for those days when I NEED to remind myself how many BEAUTIFUL people are in my life supporting me...where would I be without you?!

Here are some I took in NYC. I love the one with lights because it is at Ground Zero.

I'm Sorry...

As you may be aware, I've recently celebrated my 25th birthday. Now, I know that's not that old, but I'm certainly older than I used to be. The thing that made this more obvious to me than anything, is the change in my friends' listening habits. Of those with the ability to do so, I think I now have more friends that listen to BBC Radio 4 than those that don't.
As long as I've known, my parents have listened, almost exclusively, to this station. I've been listening to it by choice for some time too. For those not familiar with it, Radio 4 is full of spoken word programming. It features everything from politics to comedy, book readings to scientific discussions and radio plays to the shipping forecast.
It is a practically inexhaustible supply of intelligent programs. And extreme silliness. In my opinion, the best show by far is one of the longest running. for 34 years now, I'm Sorry, I haven't a Clue, has been providing what the producers of the show describe as 'the antidote to panel shows'.

Unfortunately, you can't download episodes of the show at the moment, but you can listen to last week's broadcast on the Radio 4 website. If you have a spare half hour, it's well worth a listen. Click here to go to the site. The first minute or so of the broadcast is a commercial for another show, and then the fun gets started. It's very British, and your enjoyment of it will add to my feeling of maturity...

International Day Without Art

While visiting the Art Gallery for yet another assignment today, I got talking to one security officer. She said I should come back tomorrow (Dec 1st) to view Rodin's 'Adam'. It is a large, exaggerated figure of a man displayed in the centre of a room along with other pieces in the permanent collection. Stunning.
She said to take part in the National Day Without Art, it would be draped in a thick, black cloth. How dramatic. This piece is meant to be a celebration of man, and viewing it in this way would change the meaning and reaction entirely.
Next year they will choose to erase something else. Hm.

It's not a competition...

Well, actually it is. It's my birthday tomorrow, and I was told that I should make a cake to bring into the office. We had a look online at some possiblities, and found the masterpiece that you see on your screen. My friend Sharon announced that she fancied making a cake like that, so she would do it. I wasn't hearing any of it. I wanted to make that cake, and I was going to do it. So my boss, Dot, came up with a plan.
'You both want to make the cake, right?'
'Yes,' we both replied.
'Well, why don't you both make one then? You can have a competition to see which is the best. And there'll be more cake for everyone.'
'Good idea,' we said.

So, it was settled. Today we arrived at work, each with a cake in hand. Lovingly baked and decorated, each with their own personal touch. We brought them into the office, and the principal of the school was called in to judge it.
There were five catagories on which it was judged: general appearance, taste, chocappealability, height, and how much they looked like the original. Sharon's effort managed 8/10 in the areas of appearance and taste (hers was, apparently, a little dry), whereas I received a very respectable 9/10 for these. I only pulled off 8/10 for height and chocappealability though, where Sharon got 9/10 (she had melted a big bar of chocolate over the top as well). There was only one catagory left, and there was no competition here...
The vote came in: Sharon's looked more like a castle than a volcano, and was only awarded 5 of the ten possible points in this area. The principal took one look at mine, and gave it the full 10! What a victory!

The event attracted a large crowd, and was enjoyed by all. The eating of the cake went down particularly well, it seems, with my boss.
The point of all of this, as well as being to remind you all to shower me with cards, gifts, drinks and cash (or at least some gestures of pleasantness) tomorrow, is to express my feelings of being in this job.
Some of you might remember how unhappy I was at the end in my last job, and how I was told that I was unable to do the job properly.
Here, I am working with people that appreciate me; that encourage my silliness. I'm working in an environment where I am valued, and I love every minute of it. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm moving to Canada in six weeks, I'd be staying at this job. It's brilliant.

It's been a while since I last blogged, and I have a number of other things to talk about, but I'll come back to those later. I think the competition is enough excitement for now. Oh, and the cakes were both delicious. I think I might go have a slice now...

winter and romance

It's getting darker earlier. Tonight it even snowed. It smells different.
Winter is my absolute most favorite season, and it is finally icing the city with its kiss. I am truly thankful to live in a country where we have such dramatic weather. Every season lends a distinct romantic flavour to my daily walk through the city. To/from the subway, to school, to the shops, and home again...or something like that.
I am so deeply in love...and a total mushball lately.
29 days to go...bear with me.

The Guillemots. Yes. I heard their cd in the summer. One of those times you sit in the driveway just to listen to it a bit more. They're sooooooo adding to the joy of the crispy gloves-and-hat early mornings. Get your hands on a copy of their album to have a listen. Fast, slow, fun and British.
Fab lyrics and lead male singer. Do dee do da...

Blue would still be Blue - Guillemots
It's not raining cats, it's not raining dogs
And pigs are not flying, or turning the cogs
The sun has no hat on, whenever it shines
And I've never seen a cat with nine lives
I'm not in a film, I'm not in a play
I saw no aliens today
I just saw you, and thought of me

And if I had you, all the stars wouldn't fall from the sky, and the moon wouldn't start to cry
There'd be no earthquakes
I'd still make mistakes
If i had you
Oh there'd still be day and night, and I'd still do wrong and right
Ooh
Blue would still be blue
But things would be easier with you

And this is no palace, the place that I live
And I am no king, but I've got things to give
And I waste so much time, thinking of time
And I should be out there, claiming what's mine
Any day I could die, just like I was born
And this bit in the middle is what I'm here for
And I just want to fill it all with joy

white and nerdy

Watch this

knives and tigers and bears, oh my!

Today was my first time ever under the knife with anaesthetic and the whole bit. It wasn't that bad...so don't ever be anxious about it. If I can do it, so can you...believe me- I avoid talking about needles, giving birth, blood, bandaids etc. at all costs. The doctors and nurses were unbelievably sweet- Mike, I'm so glad you're becoming a doctor because the humour and general talkativeneess makes a difference.
When I woke up I felt so comfortable and cozy, with no pain at all! Thank God that it's over! I did it! Yesssssssssss...

Rosa

'Sometimes there is no language, no language but a cry.
Sometimes there is no language, no language but a groan...'
Jason Upton

arrrrggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrr...
do you ever feel like this?

After spending time with an old friend today, I realized how
the poverty and sickness in this city overwhelms my heart-
until there are not even tears...
just deep, angry, determined groans.

If anyone is interested in an eye-opener, there is an organization I'm beginning to be more involved with through OCAD that do 'street walks'. Basically, safely exploring various areas of Toronto after dark. Giving students that want to make a difference a new perspective on Toronto...because as you know there is so much need RIGHT HERE!
Ahhhhhh, thank God there is hope. Oodles and oodles of hope sweet hope.


until next time, :)

Closing Doors...

I'm about to drive back up to Leeds. It's a bit of a trek, so I like to have a good reason for going up there. Today, I have a good reason. My band, The Salvator Darlings is about to release it's only album, and I realised the other day that one song is missing two words from the end of it. That means that I have to go on a 100 mile round trip, in order to sing TWO WORDS.
It's going to be worth it, though. When I return tonight, I should have in my possesion the master copy of the album, ready to send off tomorrow to the reproduction company. It's been a long time coming, but finally it's ready for release.

You might not care, but I'm excited.