Refreshings

Another week has flown by. We had some lovely, soaking rain this week, and our fall colours are starting to dazzle the eyes (separate events!). This photo was taken a day or two BEFORE the rain so you can see how dry it is.
You can compare this photo with one taken more or less a year ago, I think. (I'll have to check myself!)

As you know, things are shaking up in the economic world, which of course, will soon impact other aspects of life...freedoms, security, mobility etc. Let's not forget to put our riches in a place where thieves will not steal, nor moths eat, or where it rots from rust. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt 6:19-21. "Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10. Remember who is behind this upheaval (the evil one), and lean only on the "Rock of Salvation", not on human devisings.

Here is another quote from EGW, from her book "Education" p.260:

Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work"

Perhaps we are worried, shaken up and consumed by fear of future woes because we haven't drunk from the fountain of Christ and absorbed His peace. Just a thought.

Another quote, same author, another source, R&H magazine August 2, 1881:

Is it necessary that the terrors of the day of God be held before us to compel us through fear to right action? This ought not to be. Jesus is attractive. He is full of love, mercy and compassion. He proposes to be our friend".

And now for something different:

Although many of you would think of this animal as a glorified rat, please, for a moment, put aside your prejudices and consider this cute, peaceful and utterly adorable Opossum, one of my favourite wild animals in the States. Isn't he/she sweet? (Photo taken at Aquarium last week at a programme on nocturnal animals). They don't live much beyond 3 years, poor things - I think they have too many predators. And guess what? they don't get rabies because their body temperatures are too low to incubate it. Google them sometime - you'll end up loving them!

Here is C in orchestra (closest to camera - sectional, so taking a break!):

The teacher was doing some sectional practice, so things were slightly rearranged from normal in these photos. I'll try to be normal myself and get some 'normal' pictures next time!!

Here is C at piano practice. Don't ask about the glasses - I don't know myself! (she's never heard of that blind guy, what's his name? Stevie Ray?).

And for the homesick people in the UK, here is Bubu, settling in nicely. He sure does like the high shelves. So cute the way he RUNS to you for a cuddle.


And lastly, just so you know what we do with naughty children here, this cage seems to work nicely but only if one locks the gate - and only if one has really FAT children).

So peace be to you all this week. Trust in your Creator - He didn't allow you, special one, to crawl out of slime, to compete and mutate your way to becoming human. You are made in the image of God from the start.

God bless on this memorial of creation, rest and salvation - the Sabbath.