Church bulletin for January
It has been wonderful to have four weeks on holiday. I started by painting the boys bedroom. Finally the bright green and vivid blue which not only adorned the walls, but had been splashed on the ceiling, cornices, skirting, floor and door have gone. The previous owners certainly had interesting tastes in colours and method of painting!
In the second week we went to Norah Head on the Central Coast for a change of scenery. It was very relaxing to spend time swimming, reading, walking on the beach, playing cricket, and visiting local attractions. A good Chinese takeaway was discovered nearby.
Upon returning home more painting was undertaken in earnest. The hot pink which overwhelmed the two other bedrooms is now a thing of the past; floating shelves have been fitted to the walls; the children have decorated their rooms with pictures and knick-knacks. To have a roof over one’s head, a bed, clothes, and food are great blessings, but we have been given so much more that makes our lives comfortable, interesting and content.
I managed to catch up on some reading and watch a couple of movies. Two books in particular occupied my time – Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis and Deep Magic, Dragons, and Talking Mice by Alister McGrath (an introduction to the life and teaching of Lewis). In recent holidays I have tried to become a bit more acquainted with this popular author.
We have had the opportunity, the money, the health and the safety to enjoy these holidays. I feel refreshed and ready for 2015. Importantly, we know where these blessings have come from. They are not the result of luck or chance, but the dealings of the sovereign God. Beyond the earthly kindnesses He shows in this life, there is the joy of sins forgiven and the certain hope of heaven. The Lord who is full of grace has given to us beyond measure both physically and spiritually. All praise and glory be to His name.