It has been quite some time since we posted an update on the happenings around here. Though much has occurred, perhaps it is best simply to give a quick overview…

   We are yet in the season called “Still Winter” as can easily be seen in these pictures taken on the second of April. Though it is normal still to have snow this time of year, it is a little unusual to have this much. Yesterday, it was snowing on and off all day. This morning, Daddy received a birthday surprise of another dusting!

   The beautiful fresh snow was just perfect for sugaring off and the sap was flowing too. For our readers who have never experienced such an event, this is how it takes place. The sap is gathered from the trees and boiled past the syrup consistency, to “soft ball” on a candy thermometer. While it is getting to that temperature, pans (we use various bread pans and cake pans) are filled with packed, clean snow. When the syrup reaches the desired temperature, the rush commences. It must be poured onto the snow before it solidifies in the pot. As soon as it touches the cold snow, it begins to harden, so those who have been only onlookers up until now get to work rolling the “tire” onto popsickle sticks. Mmm… Here are just a couple pictures:

   The snow hasn’t been the only cause of excitement here.  Some sewing has been underway – making matching shirts and skirts for all our family! The last ones were finished last Friday. We are looking forward to wearing them together soon. A family photo would be a good idea too.

   Possibly one of the busiest locations in the house of late is the kitchen. Thursday, last week, we had a meal and time of fellowship with several wonderful families, bringing our “family size” up to 43! It was a wonderful time of getting together with like-minded followers of Christ. Of course, with a big crowd, there needs to be a lot of food and consequentially a lot of cooking – a favourite pasttime of our family. There is nothing like having all of us working together on a big project!

Evelyn did a fantastic job of arranging and decorating the tables.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship.

   Cooking isn’t the only thing that has happened in the kitchen either. Stephen has been studying chemistry and thought it would be interesting to try out some of the things he was learning. Electrolysis seemed a good place to start. And capturing the hydrogen produced proved even more interesting. The next step was inevitable… Someone suggested igniting the hydrogen. No, it didn’t blow up the kitchen! In fact, as those of you who know much about this will know, it made little more than a small “pop” and caused water droplets to condense on the inside of the “test tube” (aka flower stem keepers).

   That was a very brief update, touching only on the highlights, but perhaps it is better than nothing! It has been a busy few weeks – ones in which we have been pratising diligence. I am reminded of a verse that speaks of the most important area in which to manifest this quality. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1: 10-11

   Oh, just one more thing… When working in the kitchen, it is very important to cover all dishes of food, particularly cakes. I didn’t once and when I brought the cake out later in the day, it was covered in bugs! They weren’t just on the outside either – I counted 22 caterpillars between the layers!

   Late winter/early spring is the season we often get the most beautiful sunrises.  Being an early riser, I see this spectacular sight almost every morning, however, I never cease to revel in the intricate beauty of this simple phenomenon.  Thursday last week was no exception…
   I stood transfixed as the eastern horizon gradually paled, transitioning the night sky into day.  There was, however, one glitch – a shadow of clouds covered the fading, deep blue hue of the celestial expanse.  Would these “intruders” mar or disrupt the perfection of the light soon to appear?  Far from it!  On the contrary, the millions of suspended droplets enhanced the glory of the rising sun.  Catching the first rays of light, their grey was transformed into vibrant shades of pink, orange, and gold.  The scene was breathtaking!  Rather than detract from the beauty before my eyes, the clouds served to create greater glory.

   As I ponder this, I perceive immediately the simple analogy.  Our lives are not without clouds – disappointments, hurts, and sorrows that seem bound to hide the light of the “Son.”  However, this is not God’s design.  Those clouds which seem ominous by night and dreary by day, are to be transformed by the light of the Son rising within our hearts.  His light filtering through the veil of grey causes the sunrise to be all the more glorious – with a glory that could not be were it not for those clouds.
   When I consider the “clouds” that have been in my life, I marvel that it was through those things that were hard, the things I would not have chosen were the decision left to me, that God has changed me the most and brought blessing, not only into my life, but also into the lives of others.  May we stand in awe of His working!

   “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1-2