An update and an excerpt

I think we've all managed to get into the school theme of things...sort of...I still can't believe I'm waking up at 6:2o every morning! That gives me time for devotions, practicing piano, breakfast, and then I start schoolwork at around 7:45. I like it 'cause by lunchtime, I pretty much have all my major subjects done and over with, except Math. I just did a Church History test and I'm studying for a Biology test.
Lydia wakes up the same time as I do, is on the bus at 7:30, but doesn't start 'till quarter after nine! ;) And she's got homework galore. It does seem different without her being here all day.

It's still quite warm out. Last week was really cold. It went down to 4 degrees Celsius on Friday night! Dad's probably going to close up the pool pretty soon.

Anyway, the real reason I posted was because I wanted to show you an excerpt from my devotional - "Evening by Evening" by Charles Spurgeon- (thanx Karen!) It's so humbling. (Yes, the English is a little outdated):

"Some things in nature must remain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators. Human knowledge has bounds beyond which it cannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this is the case in regard to things that are seen and temporal, I may rest assured that it is even more the case in spiritual and eternal matters. Why, then, have I been torturing my mind with speculations about destiny and will, predestination, and human responsibility? I am no more able to comprehend these deep and mysterious truths than I am to plumb the depths that lie beneath, from which the old ocean draws her watery stores. Why am I so curious to know the reasons for my Lord's providences, the motives of His actions, the purposes of His visitations? Will I ever be able to clasp the sun in my fist and hold the universe in my palm? Yet these things are as a drop in the bucket compared to what the Lord my God is able to do. Let me not strive to understand the infinite, but rather spend my strength in love. What I cannot gain by intellect, I can possess by affection. Let that satisfy me. I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea, but I can enjoy the healthful breezes that sweep over its surface, and I can sail over its blue waves, if I have favorable winds. If I could enter "the springs of the sea," the feat would serve no useful purpose either for me or for others"..."My solving deep mysteries would not profit me a single bit. The least love for God, and the simplest act of obedience to Him, are better than the most profound knowledge. My Lord, I leave the infinite to You. "

So true.


P.S. Still dreamin' of Tamarack...

Tamarack Memories...

What can I say? Tamarack was awesome!!!!!! Being my first time, I was totally impressed by the scenery, the speakers (Rev. Anema, Rev. Bylsma, and Dr. Pipa), the singing, the campfires, the games, and the overall Christian atmosphere. Very encouraging. I also really enjoyed meeting new people. The weather stayed beautiful,(as evidenced by the pictures)except for a brief shower one day. I think the theme "Looking unto Jesus" was especially inspiring, because that's who our focus and theme should be in life, and in every situation- our eyes fixed on Him. Talent Night was also cool! Me and Karen performed 2 songs- I played piano and she sang. (Yea, it was sorta nerve-wracking.) The skits were hilarious. I also loved doing morning devotions by the lake...so calm and peaceful. The week was also a nice way to end the summer before school starts. It was sad to leave, but also nice to get back to 'life' again. Can't wait till next year!!!
Keep up the great work guys! :)

*Breathtaking scenery..."the heavens are telling the glory of God; and the
firmament proclaims His handiwork." (RSV)

*The docks where we swam and got sunburnt.

*On the last day I just had to get a picture of the mist on the lake...yes, it was freezing!!!

*Me and a girl named Angela from my cabin.

*All walking back from taking group photos.

*Waiting for group photos.

*My cabin!!! ;)

*Louise walking down the rocks. It was more like climbing to get up to our cabins!

*Last day, looking toward the dining hall.

We had to memorise this verse:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

looking unto Jesus,

the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him

endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down of the right hand

of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:1-2)