OnFire #128 Caught in the Press
It feels like forever since I’ve written, even though its only been two weeks. A pile of stuff has happened in these two weeks, so let me tell you about some of it.
Mark’s sport stacking records continue to draw interest. The school board honoured him. He was interviewed for the Halifax Chronicle Herald and the article should appear any day. His picture appeared in our local weekly, The Coastguard, last week. And our cable TV system, Eastlink, is shooting some footage later this week for inclusion in one of their shows. Check the website at http://www.onfireletter.com pictures if you haven’t seen them yet .
Some of you will recall from news reports that we had a “Red Rally” in
Shelburne to support our Canadian troops in
I spent last week working on my book. I am pretty happy about chapters one and two, and have outlines for two more chapters. Two more to go, and I can approach publishers. That was an amazing week. I spent my first bit of time each day reading scripture and writing in my journal and had a great time with God. That made me feel great and put me in a good space to write. Thank you to everyone who wrote words of encouragement.
Our oldest, Ian, received his report card today and he made the 90+ list in his school. We are proud of our boys, but events like these give us lots more reason to show it.
Finally, Jan’s uncle passed away this week, and so we will attend his funeral later in the week. Please keep her family members in your prayers.
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When I was away last week, my friend Gary bound my old MA thesis for me. It sat on my shelf for 13 years until I took it to him. I was there for some of the steps and it was rewarding to know that two years of work will now be protected.
One of the tools he uses in the binding process is a book press. About 8 feet tall, it has a giant screw attached to a large steel plate. As the screw is turned, the plate lowers onto a pile of books, which are pressed so they will lie flat instead of fanning open. A six-foot-long bar stands in the corner by the press. Inserted into the screw head, the operator uses it to exert tremendous force onto the books.
I joked with
I cannot help but hurt for them. Their problems are not the kind which are likely to disappear overnight. It will take some time for many of them to recover from the sense of crisis they face.
In my last letter I talked about the difference between “tired with hope” and “tired without hope.” “Tired with hope” is tired but hopeful for the future. We are tapped out, but with a sense of well-being and satisfaction because the labour has not been in vain. We know that with a little rest and renewal, God will strengthen and rejuvenate. That was my state as I took vacation last week.
“Tired without hope” is another matter. It goes more deeply, stealing a sense that the future has anything bright - just cloudy, dark days and storms. We begin to subsist - survive from day to day. Joy is gone, hope dims.
I have two reasons for writing this week. First, I believe in the power of praying people, that while God does not need us, something powerful happens when we agree together in prayer. And so I ask you to pray for these nameless people. Call them the Press People if you need help picturing them. Some of those people are on the list. I hope that it will help them to know that hundreds of people are praying for them.
And second, I want to encourage you if you are one of the Press People. Life will not always be like this. In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Cor 1:8*) Paul knew what it is like to face these times, to lie on his bed longing for sleep. He knew what it is to wonder if it will ever get better, and when?
Paul continued. God “has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he
will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver
us, as you help us by your prayers.” (2 Cor 1:10-11)
It will not always be so hard. God will deliver. The enemy has tightened the
screw, but God will loosen it. And, we are praying for you, just as the people
in
Take courage my friends. I hope this helps. Be onfire.
ON FIRE is a weekly letter of encouragement by