It's been an unusual week, I was really busy at work on Monday and Tuesday,and really busy here at home trying to get John sorted for his Kili trip. I dropped him and Hamish at the airport on Wednesday and so they have gone to do their long awaited, epic climb. They were like 2 excited little school boys, although there was certainly an element of anxiety in John as to whether or not the altitude would get the better of him. I hope and pray not. The fundraising for Smile International http://www.smileinternational.org/latest.htm has gone well and the money raised will go a long way to feed the many orphans and help the communities they work with in troubled Zimbabwe.
On Thursday, Cheryl and I set out for France to enjoy a few days away. We visited Honfleur on the way down, visited Mont St Michel on Friday and St Lo market on Saturday before getting the ferry home last night. It was lovely to be away over there and not do any painting or decorating, just to enjoy the place and the peace and quiet, even being beaten at scrabble and backgammon didn't matter!!
Today, we had a Family Service and Lunch and some great teaching. I have to say that the last 2 weeks' services have been superb - really special to me, uplifting and encouraging, just what I needed, and when I needed it - God's timing is great.
Last week was all about light and momentary troubles (2 Cor 4v17) achieving for us an eternal glory. I've been thinking a lot recently about how much easier things would be if Christ just came again now, I could go to Heaven to be with Him, but that isn't really the answer, although it'd be great. Then in the evening service we learnt about the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3 v4-8) how it's given to us all, part of our salvation, given generously and gives us true hope. My hope is in Christ, and by the Holy Spirit I can face the things that life here and now throws at me. Yes, I'm an heir of Christ and one day I'll be in Heaven but I must live life here and now in the light of what is to come, for God's glory.
This morning's service was about Mary, Martha and Lazarus and the fact that God doesn't always work how we expect him to, or do what we ask or think he should do. He has a plan and we don't always see the big picture. He doesn't love us any less or leave us to our own devices, He always fulfills his purposes. This was a great reminder to me that God is in control of all things. Tonight we were challenged about being Light in this world (Matt 5 v14-16)- another reminder. I hope that throughout this week, my light will shine brighter than it has for the past 6 weeks or so, so that Christ will be praised and glorified.
John text me earlier to say that they were safely at Camp 4, 4250m high and all ok. Only 2000m to go! I'm hoping they'll both stay well and that Wednesday, Summit Day will soon be here and successful!
