Spanish word of the day
Learning Spanish? There are a number of sites online that provide a “Spanish word of the day”. One of these is DonQuijote.com, which provides a word of the day as seen below:
StudySpanish.com does the same thing:
Jim
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International beverages
Today I had bubble tea. It’s a drink that originated in Taiwan over 20 years ago, also called pearl tea, QQ drinks or boba drink. Bubble tea is generally sweet iced tea with milk and large tapioca balls. It was actually pretty good, although a little sweet for me. I realize it’s an odd beverage choice when I’m about to leave for Mexico, but hey, I’m an international guy.
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In my defense, I was just watching Dennis’ blog about the Mexican soft drink Jarritos, and I told him I’d have to try it. I’ve probably had it, but for some reason I can’t remember. I was always more of a Coke or manzana guy.
Speaking of Mexico again, remember those butterflies we were talking about in the last blog? Well, we were hanging out outside yesterday and God sent us one to photograph for you (alas, no, I didn’t take the picture you saw in the last blog entry). I like to call this butterfly Susana. I’ve uploaded some photos of Susana for you in our photo gallery. Check it out! You can also see photos of our holiday from last week.
Visitors from Mexico
There have been visitors from Mexico in our neighbourhood lately. Hundreds – thousands – it’s the painted lady butterfly.
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If you stand outside you can see them flying by by the dozens. It’s likely that heavy rainfall in desert areas of Mexico has brought on this major migration – the biggest one in years.
The painted lady butterfly can be found all over the world. They’ll be laying their eggs and then after the first frost they’ll head back down where they came from. In actual fact, they won’t even be the same butterflies – they only live a few weeks. A new generation will use their God-given navigational skills to find their way.
You may notice that we have a butterfly of our own here at CottrillCompass.com – up in the top right hand corner. The monarch butterfly is another species that makes the amazing migration from Mexico to Canada and back. It’s a reminder of the guidance of God. If God can guide these little butterflies on their mission back and forth, of course He can guide us. As our website verse reminds us – the Lord directs our steps, and our flights. At only 8 days before my next visit to Mexico, it’s a good reminder.
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Celebrating Canada’s birthday
Today is Canada Day. Canada is 138 years old. Three things have been going through my mind – two things out of Canada, and one from and American.
Let’s start with the American. Nashville songwriter Gary Driskell wrote these words a few years ago, a great reminder of Who is really in charge:
He will do mighty things when His people cry out for their Saviour
This is the reign of our King
He will rule like a Father
Whose children all fall in His favour
We walk in confidence
Sure of His providence
Just like the year before
This is the year of our Lord
Second, our own nation anthem. Especially the 4th stanza of the English version by Judge Robert Stanley Weir:
Hold our dominion within thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Last but not least, the national motto of Canada, A mari usque ad mare (from sea to sea). Back in 1867 the Fathers of Confederation were discussing what the name of the new country would be. Not coming to a conclusion,
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they retired for the night. Some of them used the extra time to pray, including Sir Samuel Tilley. As he prayed he came to Psalm 72:8,”He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” The Psalm speaks of Israel’s king and looks forward to the eternal King, Jesus.
The new country was named, of course, the Dominion of Canada.
Interestingly, as we drove near the Kootenay National Park boundary we saw the plaque quoting other words from this Psalm. This quote was used at the entrance to the park as early as 1920: The mountains shall bring peace to the people. This is from verse 5, and may be symbolic of Jesus’ reign of peace, where people can expect their leaders to dispense laws of peace and justice.
So why not take the time to read Psalm 72 as you celebrate Canada Day today? And take the time to remember the eternal Ruler of this and every country.
Holiday
We’re going to be taking a bit of a holiday. Just click the link if you’re not sure about what the word means. I had to look it up myself.
Today we’re heading to Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia. It’s a 3 hour drive through the mountains from our home.
We’re looking forward to some family time – maybe some hiking, swimming, whatever. It’s been a while since we’ve really had any time off, and we’re ready for it. I admit the weather doesn’t look all that spectacular (see the weather graphic to see what it is right now) (of course, if you live in Puvirnituq that weather probably looks good. If you live in Tashkent you probably feel very sorry for us.)
Nathanael has been a little sick, so if you think of it pray for him (and pray that the rest of us will escape!). This is different than whatever he had before, but he was just over that when this one hit. Of course, generally he’s still pretty happy. He doesn’t know he’s supposed to be miserable all the time!
On the 30th we’ll be back already, all set to work on the month-end paperwork, and head into the home stretch of preparations for our visit to Mexico. There’s still a lot to do – but we’ll do it when we get back! See you then. 😛
PS After writing this, I took a closer look at the weather, and it might not be that bad after all. But who cares? We’re really not that picky! :laugh:
