While the calendar may not yet officially herald the end of summer, we all know that Labor Day weekend in North America pretty much shuts it down as things ramp back up for fall.
While ‘Labor Day’ in France is in May, meaning that this is not a holiday weekend for us, still … the implications are the same. Summer is done like dinner!
Great Church
Before I tell you about Summer’s swan song, I’ve got to mention church last Sunday. One of our newer young couples was away on vacation but aside from that, most of our regulars were present and we had one of the best services that we’ve had in a long time.
I was exhausted from having (a) just come back from Bible School and (b) come down with some kind of chest cold. During the day Saturday, however, the Lord was speaking to me about clear spiritual vision and its importance.
When Gideon saw himself through his own eyes… he was the man cowering in the winepress, hiding from the enemy. When he saw himself, and what God wanted to do through him, through God’s eyes, things changed – he was able to bring about great victory, not only for himself, but for the whole nation of the day.
This was about more than a message… it was about people responding by faith and believing that God had a vision for each of their lives as individuals, as families and eventually… as a church family.
Thank God for great church!
Summer’s Swan Song
The Lord blessed us and we were able to escort summer out with a wonderful week in the country, at “Over and Above”.
Over & Above is a place of horses, pigs, chickens, goats, peacocks and a great big slobbery Marmaduke-dog. There’s a hammock, some rope-hammock swings and a swimming pool. And it’s ours… in exchange for looking after the animals while the owners are away for the week!
What a nice way to end the summer.
It’s been a busy one; lots of activity, lots of moving about, lots of highs and virtually no lows. Starting Monday however, a different kind of busy kicks in when I start back teaching in Angers. The kids for their part, head back to school beginning Tuesday & Wednesday.
So the opportunity to have a week where it’s so very easy to disconnect from technology – not completely, but significantly – and enjoy down time makes for one great, final deep breath before shifting gears.
One of Sophie’s very best friends spent a couple of days with us as well, which was a special treat.
Soph has consistently witnessed to her from the beginning of their friendship and she joined in on our family Bible Study on Wednesday night… a first for her. Sophie was thrilled for the opportunity. We spoke of Joseph, who stood out as a righteous young man in his generation and who God used greatly. We followed it up with Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “Let no man look down upon you because of your youth, but be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4.12
It was a challenge for them, as young people, beginning the school year, to be that kind of example to those around them.
Lord let it be so.
That’s it for today…
As I ended last week, let me once again echo Paul’s prayer request to the Colossian church:
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ”
Colossians 4.3
– Pray for opportunities to share Christ.
– Pray that we recognize those opportunities
– Pray that we have to courage to seize the opportunities.
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– We need monthly financial partners.
– We are grateful for one-time donations.
– You can provide micro-support by purchasing one of Mike’s books.
AIM Long 