Retro: Christmas Tree
In December 2005 we enjoyed our last Christmas in Canada before moving to Mexico. Here, 10 years ago today, Nathanael, Shari and Hannah enjoy the (mostly) decorated tree in our apartment in Calgary.
In December 2005 we enjoyed our last Christmas in Canada before moving to Mexico. Here, 10 years ago today, Nathanael, Shari and Hannah enjoy the (mostly) decorated tree in our apartment in Calgary.
The end of May and beginning of June was like standing on a precipice, preparing to jump. I was reflecting on the start of a season of insanity when I posted about the anticipated arrival of our first intern of the summer, Abby (see T-minus 13).
From the 11th of June until this past Thursday, the business didn’t let up. 120 days it was, to be exact. Interns, short term teams, special community centre classes, meetings, preaching, community outreach.
August would have been a slow month – which is why why picked it to take a road trip to Canada to complete paperwork that had to be done in person, find a vehicle, and deal with some medical issues. We also had the opportunity to visit family and do some preaching/sharing in the area.
I wondered what would happen – if we would make it through those 120 days! I admit, my body is feeling it, and some rest and recovery is in order.
However, more than anything, I look back with thanksgiving to God for all His mercies and blessings during that time. And since today is Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to pause for a moment (in between checking the turkey and starting on the stuffing) to give thanks.
Here are some of the things that I’m thankful for, either directly related to our family, or related to the wider ministry we’re involved in…
Of course those are just a few broad strokes – there are a million details to be thankful for (like when we were five minutes away from buying a lemon of a van), as well as all the ongoing blessings that we have from the Lord.
We pray that God would continue to build His Church – that we would have more to be thankful for, and that more people would be thankful!
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2Corinthians 4:7-18
Ten years ago today – we were in our apartment in Calgary, and were treated to an early snow!
We’ve definitely been experiencing real life lately! Sometimes we wish we weren’t! 🙂 I guess it depends on how you define it.
Last week we picked up Teresa from the airport, and have been enjoying our time with her. Here’s one of the many times when we’ve enjoyed Mexican food together – our first stop was for pozole, a wonderful hearty soup.
We also spent some time doing a little site-seeing and introducing Teresa to Mexican culture – and, as always, learning more ourselves!
I’ve enjoyed some great opportunities to talk about “real life” with people lately. For example, last week Teresa was a help at the last minute – staying with Hannah and Nathanael while Shari and I went to a wake. The mother of one of our friends passed away, and I was asked to speak to the friends and family who were gathered.
In case you’re wondering, I talked about 1Corinthians 15:55-58. Death is bad – which is why we need victory over it. And that victory comes only to believers in the Saviour, Jesus Christ. For us, the good we do can live into eternity. Real life.
Speaking of doing good, Jessica was out at the community centre in Jesús MarÃa tonight, teaching a painting class to over 20 eager students, including Hannah. They were painting our local iconic volcanoes. Looks like it was a lot of fun!
We’re also working frantically on some home school issues – we appreciate your prayers as we try to find solutions to various issues. And I’m looking forward to leading a special service on Sunday, all about … well, I won’t spoil the surprise.
Over Christmas Hannah and Nathanael put together a puppet show, with home made puppets and everything!
They performed it twice, and we had our wits about us the second time and recorded it. Here it is, for your edification…
It’s been a while since I’ve done a podcast, so here is a little bit of news about family, churches, and new outreaches.
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