Thursday, December 18, 2008

Another Advent Devotional

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11

In our current Western culture, we esteem men and women of accomplishment - athletes, actors, scientists, musicians and even businessmen. Individuals who achieve greatness in his/her field or discipline are showered with fame, fortune and power by our individual constant desire to have everything they seem to have. We erect statues, construct buildings, and even pave streets in the name of those to whom we direct our adoration. Sports halls of fame, celebrity walks of fame, award shows by the dozens - all evidence of a society’s feeble attempt at becoming something greater.

As followers of Christ, our only real source of inspiration, the object of our adoration, the author and finisher of our faith is to be the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:2) Our own Scripture has a hall of fame, or perhaps more appropriately a Hall of Faith. Each verse of Hebrews 11 reads like an inscription on a display case in God’s Hall of Faith. I can almost see the first glass window, verse 4 is the inscription below a photo of Abel and a shepherd’s staff. His testimony of faith living on for God’s glory.

Through this Advent season, let us remember just what it means to be a Christian. Things of this world will pass away, that includes the esteem of men. May we aspire to live a Christ-like life and hold a place in God’s Hall of Faith; that even after we’ve passed on from this world, we may leave a testimony of faith that points to Him.

Prayer
Dear Lord, may You be the object of our affections.
Help me to recognize every day that the attractive things
of this world will pass away. May it be my desire to
live a life that points to You. Amen.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Christmas Blessings

Greetings friends,

We are currently being blanketed with a healthy coating of snow, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to update everyone on how things are here.

It has been a very interesting month, the Lord has continued to bless us far beyond what we could have imagined. As you know I was layed off recently from the general labour and landscaping work that I'd been doing. I had thought that I'd found work doing insulation for a local company, but it seems that may not work out. I've worked one day with them so far, but have not had opportunity to again since, the work will be available in the coming weeks, but not in Windsor as I had been led to believe. I've found this time to have given me opportunity to practically learn what it means to depend on the Lord - and He has been so faithful. Our needs have been met and new opportunities are arising for employment while we continue to prepare to move to Cumberland Bay and work with the mission full time. These days have given me the chance to do some more of the things around the house that have needed done, so Lord willing we'll be listing the house with a realtor in the coming weeks.

We've had some difficulties with the car the past week or so as well, nothing too serious as it turned out, but again the Lord has it all well in hand. Elizabeth's brother is our very generous and skilled mechanic, he has us back on the roads safe and sound.

We are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with family and a very exciting new year. This past year has certainly brought us to a place we would never have imagined, but we are so pleased to be standing at the edge of a new year in the palm of the Lord's hand. Thank you all so very much for your notes of encouragement, we hope to be able to visit with many of you in person over the coming months.

Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Grant & Liz

A view from our front stoop.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Great Adventure

Greetings Friends,

This is it - my last week of work for Just Perfect Solitude. I've always known that it was a temporary job, but I had no idea that it would be extended this far into the year - I've been with Bob for 4 months now. It has been a bit scary for me not knowing just what is around the bend - having had steady employ for a decade has given me an over inflated sense of self confidence. These few months have certainly been training me to put my trust in the Lord - and He has been providing for us in unexpected ways. As far as I know right now I will be starting work with an insulation company in the next week or so, this job should carry us through until we are prepared to move to Cumberland Bay and work full time with Kevin and Marcia!

I was talking to Kevin this past week, and they have begun thinking about next summers camps already. It's all very exciting and the Strouts have some awesome ideas for this years ministry. We plan to do some team building work with Kevin and Marcia in January and are looking very forward to that as well. Just now we have completed all of our booked speaking engagements, but are optimistic about opportunites that will arise in the new year. As a point of praise, our car is running well and we have been blessed with a new set of winter tires.

We look forward to visiting with family and friends over the Holidays, it's without a doubt my favourite time of year.

Blessings to you,
Grant