August 24th, 2010
Never before has the sound of a steady, Fraser Valley-like rain been as welcome to me as it is this morning. I love rainy days anyway (go figure), but for the past couple of weeks we've been dealing with terrible air quality in Prince George (which is not unusual, but it's never this bad!) due to the large forest fires burning in the region. I have trouble in the summertime at the best of times due to allergies, but the equivalent of sitting around a campfire 24/7 has not been pleasant.
So we're very thankful that the Lord has sent his rains to water the ground and provide relief!
He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills.
- Psalm 147:8
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July 7th, 2010
Summer vacation has begun, and I just realized that I neglected to mention that I wouldn't be posting anything on the blog for a week or two, because we're away on summer vacation.
So ironically, I update my blog to say that I won't be updating my blog for a while!
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May 27th, 2010
Yesterday, on his 82nd birthday, my uncle Henk Witteveen was taken out of this life to be with the Lord. Death always comes as a shock, even when it's an elderly person who dies; death is an intruder, not a natural part of life. But Uncle Henk has left behind a difficult life, and in his case, the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:23 are all the more poignant - for it is far better to depart and to be with Christ.
Uncle Henk lived many years with schizophrenia, a serious and often debilitating mental illness. I only knew him as a "hermit" - he lived on the farm where I grew up, but from the time I was old enough to remember until I was an adult, as far as I know, he never left the farm property. It took a serious fall and some broken bones to get him into the hospital, and he spent the last few years of his life in comfort in an extended care facility.
But even at 82 years old, Uncle Henk was a "covenant child." Although for many years he didn't leave home for any reason, much less to attend church, I have confidence that he is with the Lord, because the Lord is faithful to His promises.
I was never really able to talk with Uncle Henk. I visited him a couple of times in the facility where he was living, but communication on any level was always a challenge When I was young, I was kind of scared of him - he usually had a big white beard, but his personality wasn't as much like Santa as his looks were. And because he spoke a mixture of Dutch and English (and that in a rather unique way), I could never really understand him.
But I look forward to speaking to him when we meet again, because I know his mind, which was so damaged in this life, will be renewed, and I'm certain that he will be experiencing all of the joy that escaped him in this life.
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April 7th, 2010
I guess this is why I haven't been blogging as much lately!
Over the past month or so, my hobby time has been filled with building this boat, a "Sanson" Model Tug, produced by a company called Artesania Latina.
Now I just have to find a place to put it!
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March 22nd, 2010
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January 26th, 2010
Does this mean I should be called "Sir Jim"?
But more importantly, do those acorns mean something in particular?
Or even worse, that snake wrapped around the tree?
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January 18th, 2010
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December 31st, 2009
Sometimes I don't know what happens with the time-stamps on these blog posts of mine, but this one may end up appearing to have been posted from the future. Regardless, this is actually my final post of the year of our Lord 2009. Yes, that's A.D., not C.E., although instead of "Common Era" I prefer to think of that abbreviation as referring to "Christ's Empire."
It has been a great year, and has certain proven the adage, "The older you get, the faster time goes." We have been richly blessed in so many ways, in our family, in our mission, in our growing congregation, in the support and encouragement we've constantly received... it's been amazing. Unfortunately this phrase can sound trite and cliche, but God has truly been gracious to us beyond anything we deserve.
And we look forward to a new year, another year of our Lord. My New Year's resolution comes straight from Ephesians 5:16,17 -
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
What am I looking forward to in 2010?
I'm looking forward to welcoming two families into the communion of the church in the month of January.
I'm looking forward to baptising two covenant children from one of those families. What a privilege it is to be able to administer the covenant sign and seal of baptism!
I'm looking forward to beginning a men's study on Dr. C. VanDam's new book, The Elder, and beginning to prepare men to take on the role of office-bearers in the church.
I'm looking forward to saying, "Grace and peace to you from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
And, "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace!" and hearing everyone in the congregation respond with a hearty, "Amen!"
I'm looking forward to making a big book order from Reformation Heritage Books, and preparing for a new series of sermons using some of those resources, and just doing a whole lot of personal study and reflection.
And I'm looking forward to the day when the kids will let us sleep in. Maybe in 2010...?
And most of all, I'm looking forward to continuing to be a recipient of God's grace.
Happy new year, everyone!
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December 14th, 2009
Dear Politicians and Bureaucrats Gathered in Copenhagen:
I've heard through the grapevine that you fine folks are meeting somewhere overseas to do something about climate change. All I can say is that it's about time. Ever since I arrived in Prince George I've been hoping for something like this to happen!
Just to let you all know, it's 53 degrees warmer in my study than it is outside at the moment. I know you good folks have a lot on your plate, but maybe you could consider doing something about this? I mean, the sun is shining, but it doesn't seem to be warming anything up! With all of that wisdom gathered in one place (and I've heard of the great things that Italian guy has been up to), I'm sure you can have this problem solved by noon or thereabouts.
Please. I'm really cold.
Sincerely,
Jim Witteveen
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August 18th, 2009
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