Deurpost

Had to post this link. It is so funny!!

http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/06/06/the-50-best-pun-stores/

Came across this poem. Thought it was quite funny

English is Tough Stuff
A poem on the difficulty of pronouncing English

Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.

Just compare heart, beard, and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word,
Sword and sward, retain and Britain.
(Mind the latter, how it’s written.)
Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as plaque and ague.
But be careful how you speak:
Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;
Cloven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.

Hear me say, devoid of trickery,
Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,
Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,
Exiles, similes, and reviles;
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far;
One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;
Gertrude, German, wind and mind,
Scene, Melpomene, mankind.

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.
Viscous, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward.
And your pronunciation’s OK
When you correctly say croquet,
Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.

Ivy, privy, famous; clamour
And enamour rhyme with hammer.
River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,
Doll and roll and some and home.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangour.
Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,
Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,
And then singer, ginger, linger,
Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.

Query does not rhyme with very,
Nor does fury sound like bury.
Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.
Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.
Though the differences seem little,
We say actual but victual.
Refer does not rhyme with deafer.
Foeffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
Mint, pint, senate and sedate;
Dull, bull, and George ate late.
Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific.

Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.
We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed, but vowed.
Mark the differences, moreover,
Between mover, cover, clover;
Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice;
Camel, constable, unstable,
Principle, disciple, label.

Petal, panel, and canal,
Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor.
Tour, but our and succour, four.
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Sea, idea, Korea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.
Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.

Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion and battalion.
Sally with ally, yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.
Heron, granary, canary.
Crevice and device and aerie.

Face, but preface, not efface.
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.
Large, but target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.
Ear, but earn and wear and tear
Do not rhyme with here but ere.
Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,
Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.

Pronunciation — think of Psyche!
Is a paling stout and spikey?
Won’t it make you lose your wits,
Writing groats and saying grits?
It’s a dark abyss or tunnel:
Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,
Islington and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.

Finally, which rhymes with enough –
Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?
Hiccough has the sound of cup.
My advice is to give up!

I read this story today on the blog of Seattle’s Mars Hill Church. The hurt is so real, but likewise the need for Jesus and the need for preaching the gospel is so real.

It reminds me of a quote from John Piper, who said, “The biblical perspective is that the cross is a witness to the infinite worth of God’s glory and a witness to the immensity of the sin of my pride [...] The cross has brought together the two sides of preaching: (a) the vindication and exaltation of God’s glory; (b) the hope and joy and gladness of sinful man”

http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2009/02/19/stop-talking-about-jesus/

A short clip from Mark Driscoll’s latest sermon “Temptation from Hypocrisy,” where he uses a conversation he had with J.I. Packer to illustrate that the first word of the gospel is “repent” and that preaching should lead people to repentance.

Quote from the clip: “Jesus was a preacher. He was a healer, a miracle-worker to be sure. But He was a preacher. Jesus preached to crowds, multitudes up to 5,000 men plus women and children, maybe 20-25,000 at a time. Jesus assembled a mega-church frequently to hear Him preach.“

Ok, I stole this idea from Noel Heikkinen, but that’s not the point, right? For a while I have been playing around with the idea of using Google Maps to give an overview of all the churches (regardless of denomination) I could find in Amsterdam and Amstelveen. Why? Actually only for encouragement. I think this is a good start.

Check it out: Marc’s Church Locator

If you know of a church in Amsterdam or Amstelveen which is not listed, please leave me a comment.

People who know me personally know that I am a big fan of the ministry of Mark Driscoll, so one might think that when I am thinking of preaching that Mark Driscoll is my favorite preacher, and that I would like to be like him in my preaching style and method. Now I do not deny that he is a gifted communicator and theologian and is able to make to very important connection between the Bible and culture without compromising either. But when it comes down to my favorite preacher there are two names that come to mind: John Piper and C.J. Mahaney. Why? Because of their passion for the Bible and Jesus, their passion for people, and their style of communicating (theologically dense, but yet they are able to take you on a journey that leads to joy, passion and conviction).

I found this clip from C.J. Mahaney. Just listen to the conviction, the urgency, and the passion! Awesome!

I do apologize for again asking my faithful readers for their input, but I was just wondering about the following:

We all have dreams, right? Those crazy ideas that you get when you either had (too) much to drink, or when you are having deep conversations with people, etc. For me that has for a long time been writing a book. Now in the distant past, before I was reborn, this meant writing a novel – a thriller like “The Ninja” by Erik van Lustbader, or “Grandmaster” by Warren Murphy and Molly Cochran, but now, having been reborn, I keep on running into this thought that I would like to write a book on a “theological” subject. Why? Well, first of all I love reading. I love reading theological books. And so it makes sense, in my mind at least, to see if I can write a book. Not because I think I can, let alone think I can do it better than anyone else. But I want to challenge myself into delving into a subject to such a degree that I not only come to a conviction of the truth for myself, but can actually translate this in a way that other people understand it as well. And this not in a medium like a blog, which can be considered as fast food, or in a medium like a sermon, which can be considered a good enough single course meal. I would view a book as a multiple course meal, which each chapter being a course, some heavy, some light, some refreshing, and some hard to digest. And we all know there is quite a difference between flipping a burger, making macaroni, or preparing a Christmas diner for the whole family.

Having said all this, here’s what I want you to do: think about what you would want to read a book about. Think, if someone would actually – or finally – write a book about this subject I may finally understand this. If you have an idea, please a comment with this post. Why? Because I can think of many many topics to write about, but I want to hear from you.

So, comment.

I went from thirty-one posts in November to three posts in December to now only my second post in January. What’s up?

Well…
- It has been a busy period and so I don’t have much time to write deep theological blogs;
- I wrote a lot in November due to the NaBloPoMo and I think I am still processing that;
- Like my friend Michael, I am thinking deep thoughts
- Although not experiencing a writer’s blog (pun), I do wonder what topic or series to write on next;

And so with this last point, I kinda need your help. I have the following topics on my list, but I would like to hear from you what I should write on.

1. What is Preaching?
An intensive series on what constitutes as biblical preaching. I have had some serious discussion with different people. I have read articles and books on preaching, which tell you a lot about the goal of preaching or the necessity of preaching, but nowhere can I find a definition on preaching. And so this would be a word study in both Hebrew and Greek, going through every verse from Genesis through Revelation that uses the word preaching or any derivative thereof, and analyze my findings in a series of blogs

2. Jesus, Mean and Wild
Based on a book with the same title by Mark Galli, I will take one verse from each chapter of the gospel according to Mark and will write 16 blogs in total in which I will try to portrait Jesus as mean and wild and not like the fluffy, robe-wearing, long-haired halo hippie who never told a joke, never offended anyone, etc, etc. Should be a good challenge and get you fired up.

3. The Blessed Hope
Eschatology. This word alone gives people shivers done their spine. The study of the end times means dealing with concepts like amillenialism, premillenialism, pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation, dispensational premillenialism, rapture, replacement theology, etc etc. It divides people into allegorical and literal teams and the gloves are off and it’s game on. It is one of these topics that I am really interested in and that I think people should know more about because it does relate to their every day walk with God more than they possibly realize.

4. Oh, Martin
A blog telling my experience of my first time visit to a Lutheran church.

5. Calminianism
Another big one that seems to be popping up in random conversations I have with people is predestination and where most don’t really know what to think of. It would make sense to actually turn this into a series on Arminianism versus Calvinism as the question of election (predestination) seems to be at the root of most if not all of each of the five points (free will versus total depravity, conditional versus unconditional election, unlimited versus limited atonement, resistible versus irresistible grace, perseverance of some versus all saints).

6. The Tailgating Principle
A blog about the great American tradition of tailgating and how it relates to Scripture. Ha!

7. The Acts of the Apostles
Yes, a study on the book of Acts, but much more than that, a study on what constitutes a biblical church. I series in which I will go through the whole New Testament and distill a definition of the church based upon the Bible, not upon tradition. What is considered closed-hand and what is considered open-hand?

So, these are my possible topics, and like I said I would love to hear from you what you want. Please leave a comment with your preference and reasoning, and I will adhere to the majority’s choice…

Dear Elora Liann,

Today we celebrate your first birthday. What a joy! It’s funny to realize that all the cliches apply, but that it has no effect at all on how amazingly joyful I feel because of it. I could start by saying that I still remember the evening of your birth like it was yesterday, but I can actually still remember as well when your mom said that you were in her belly. Wow! Tears came to my eyes realizing that I would become a daddy. Your daddy! I can still remember when your grandma Sawyer said to me, even before you were born: ‘Marc, you are a father already, and now it’s your task to become a daddy. ‘ Profound words indeed, because being a daddy is so much more than just being a father. I will always be your father, but I have to work always to become and stay your daddy. A lifelong task I eagerly accept with much joy and anticipation.

But let’s get back to the evening you were born. It was a rainy evening, and I just got back from a quick visit to some friends who ensured me that the chances were high that you would not be born yet that night. But, I didn’t even have time to take off my coat when you let me and your mom know that it definitely time. With much eagerness, speed, and force did you make your grand entrance into this world. Into our world. Into our home, at home. In a single second you made us into a family. In a single second everything changed forever. A girl. My girl. I choked. I was speechless. Beyond words. The nurse asked us for your name, and your mom and I said in unison: “Elora Liann.” A name we derived from the Hebrew name Eleora, which means “God is my light,” for we sure pray that you will see God as your light, and Liann, which could mean “God has answered” or “to bind darkness,” but is actually a combination of the names of both your grandmas, Linda and Anna.

And then, I held you for the first time. Something I will never forget for the rest of my life. To hold your delicate, fragile, lively body, smaller than my lower arm, was amazing. You sometimes opened your eyes, you sighed, you yawned. Cute as can be. I fell in love with you instantly, and every day since I love you more. To be the daddy of a girl is already a blessing, but to be your daddy is such an amazing honor and blessing that I can do nothing else than thank God each day for you.

Yet now, here we are, one year later to the day. And what a beautiful girl you are. I have cherished every single moment of your growing up so far. Your first smile, your first giggle, how you manage to fall asleep in your bed in these crazy funny positions, how your face looks when tasting something unfamiliar, how you start laughing when I toss you on the bed, your crawling that would make any Navy Seal jealous, and so many more. You are such a joy to have around. Your smile makes me all warm inside. And I love your character. You are friendly, warm-hearted, a people person, relaxed, eager, determined, and curious. I love you, Elora. You are my girl! And this is only the beginning. Year two has officially started. And I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see you stand on your own. I can’t wait to see you wiggle around the house. I can’t wait hearing you say your first words. I can’t wait to see you eating your own food by yourself. I am ready for it. Are you?

Elora, I love you so much, and I am proud and blessed to be your daddy.
Happy birthday, my sweet girl!

Well, I did it. Enter a blog post each day for a whole month. Mission accomplished! Yes, I did cheat a bit as I was on vacation for two weeks and so I had to plan and schedule posts, but in a way that only meant more work. It was an interesting experience, but I am not sure if forcing myself to write something benefited the quality of some of the posts. I don’t know. I am not sure if I will do it again next year, but you’ll never know. I might.

I also came across NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Write Month. On November 1, begin writing your novel. Your goal is to write a 50,000-word novel by midnight, local time, on November 30th. Starting November 1, you can update your word count in that box at the top of the site, and post excerpts of your work for others to read. Watch your word-count accumulate and story take shape. If you write 50,000 words of fiction by midnight, local time, November 30th, you can upload your novel for official verification, and be added to our hallowed Winner’s Page and receive a handsome winner’s certificate and web badge. We’ll post step-by-step instructions on how to scramble and upload your novel starting in mid-November. This seems like an interesting challenge as well, and something which can be combined with the NaBloPoMo (as I can submit the daily writing to my blog). Yet I won’t be writing a novel, but have some ideas for a book. Luckily I still have 11 months to decide.

So, now what? Well, I think I am going to take a small break from blogging. I may post here and there, but no long series, no deep theological stuff. Apart from December being a busy month as it is, I will also be preaching on the topic of Christian dating (so I might submit my notes to my blog), and am working on a paper/teaching on eschatology, which should be done by February, and I am working on a document for the vision and implementation of a men’s ministry for my church, so there is plenty to do apart from blogging.

But it has been a good experience in terms of disciplining myself. I can still grow a lot in the area of discipline. Now I am not saying that being disciplined in blogging, but the underlying theme can be applied in other fields obviously.

Lastly, Eric, thank you for inspiring me to join on on this NaBloPoMo quest. I had fun!

Until I post again,
Marc

I think I reached the point in this month of blogging that I am all out of words. Since tomorrow is the last day of the battle I am sure I’ll finish strong, today, after traveling for almost 18 hours back from the States to Amsterdam, I can honestly say that I am bushed. So, this will be a short post, because I am ready for pizza and a movie, right here on our living room couch, and I can tell you that I am already looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again. See you all tomorrow for my last post for this month.