! Spring Has Sprung !

Spring has sprung in Labrador...

At last!  Not that there's anything wrong with the winter season - but the shoveling of the steps every day did get a little old.  Signs of spring..... dandilions appear first, longer days, bright daylight at 4:00 am and dark at 11:00 pm, one day is freezing temperatures and 6 hours later is 80 degrees, the sun is beautifully warm and the air is cool; birds begin to sing; the skidoos make way for the 4-wheelers, dust storms, lingering snow turns brown from the sand, the river ice breaks up and pushes downstream - getting stuck then freeing itself, boats & seadoos emerge, and fresh trout!  Enjoy these visual signs below as we worship the loving Christ that springs forth with new life; through His resurrection, we are redeemed in perfect love.

" Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water." Psalm 114:7-8

"The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17

"When that time comes, I will make a fresh and true shoot sprout from the David-Tree. He will run this country honestly and fairly. He will set things right."  Jeremiah 33:15

As soon as the Northern Ranger makes its first run up the coast; Elizabeth (85), lifelong fisherwoman, sails to Rigolette.  We won't see her until November.  A bless-ed woman!

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,

abounding in thanksgiving.   Colossians 2:6-7

"I Delight To Do Thy Will, O God." Psalm 40:8

Our 2012 Confirmands

Many, MANY times, we are left with the abounding sense that God has blessed us way beyond what we could ever deserve.  No amount of time could we ever live and serve that would make up for the boundless gifts; rejoicing and suffering, that God has poured out upon us.  Missing the beautiful spring of North Carolina, I think of the spring flowers, especially when 15 new centimeters of snow fall in April.  It takes days and weeks for a flower to grow and bloom; much like the beautiful lily one blossom after another.  Some days in the life of that plant are sunny & bright, and some are windy, rainy or cold.  But when the plant begins to bloom; having survived all the elements, it is truly glorious and shining, making the area around it that much more radiant & beautiful.  Every day in the elements was worth it. 

Thanks be to God, that His children are so much more precious and faceted, as each has unlimited potential, possibility, and sphere.  "....my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11.  I believe the 'shining' of a servant of God is 3-fold, if not more.  First, it is that when we are in His will, seeking His path, we are planted in the exact spot of the field that we can shine the best.  The gifts He's endowed us with are engaged to their fullest and have the greatest impact, and all the 'weathering' that has taken place prior to that planting is being employed.  Second, our joy is made complete as God's plan and work around us unfolds. There may be suffering along with the joys, but seeing God's vision, and the transforming of hearts, is strengthening.  Thirdly, shining requires sacrifice from the worldly comforts and familiarities around us.  "Letting go" in order for God to grow HIS garden requires the remembering and understanding that He sees the entire picture; He knows all and is ever present, and all things are possible through His hand.  At that point of understanding,, how can we refuse His command, His call? 
Shining in the garden isn't about our selves, quite the contrary, it's quite the opposite. It's about seeing hearts transformed into the freedom and love of Christ and being so overwhelmed with humblesness and gratitude of how God's blessings and gifts in those new hearts and lives are the grace upon which we don't deserve.  THAT is the joy that surpasses all.  Suffering and sacrifice only makes the joy deeper.
Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Happy Valley Moravian Church was a holy adventure in Christ. With an unprecedented Easter attendance, the proclamation of the cross of Christ was radiant and burning in hearts.       He Lives!  Let us all rejoice! 

Our Home; the Temple within our hearts

Not to speed up the season of Lent any more than it seems to be going, but we began Lent with an experience of intimate fellowship with our Lord; and the most humbling of wonders within our Christian journey;  the Lord’s Supper.  David Lose puts this time in simple words, “Jesus gathered with his disciples, those who left home and kin to follow him, for a final meal, and yet more than a final meal. It was a final sharing of himself – all that he was, did, and ever hoped for – with his beloved friends. It is a giving of himself – in the fullest sense possible – in this private and intimate setting before he gives himself painfully and publicly to the world.  What must it have been like, we may wonder, to be that close to Jesus, to have his gaze upon you and know of his abiding regard for you?” Think for a moment how your own family meals take place.  For that brief moment (30 minutes?), does all in the world take second place to the community of family during that time?  I hope so;  no tv in the background, trying not to answer the phone (probably an 800 call anyway), and a time to ‘collect’ with oneself, and ‘connect’ oneself with the family.

Although each of our family mealtimes look different, I’ve learned a lot from Labradorians.  During the dinner and supper hours, many things come to a standstill around here.  One saves no time by shopping during those hours as the limited staff members mean you wait in line longer.  And the meal isn’t completed until one’s cup of hot tea has been patiently enjoyed (a longstanding British missionary tradition).

Life among the Inuit is also special because it is a culture of personal communication.  Phones are used of course, but the best way to promote a gathering or make your point be heard, is in person; not a memo, the phone call, a meeting, or advertising in the newsletter.  Good old face-to-face sharing.  This ‘shift’ in culture for us has been a true blessing.  In their homes, I put my watch in my purse and go by their time.  I’ve found that those times provide an opportunity to say ‘thank you’, find out how someone is really doing, drop some thoughts or ideas, or gain some thoughts or ideas. Wonderfully, it has also been a time to simply sit (usually with hot tea), share scripture and pray.  How does life get better than that?!   
Christ honors us with the gift of the immediate presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the temple of our hearts.  As Lent progresses, may we all learn from the Labrador Moravians to take the time to stop & ‘let go’ of our daily agenda, open the temple of our hearts in a most profound way, and either share a verse, or ask to pray right there on the spot, thereby sharing and giving of oneself and living the life we are all called to do.  Actually, we’re telling that person we love them enough to put a halt to the highway of business of our day, and share with them the gift of Jesus resurrection and life.  A gift, for us and for them, that keeps on giving.
Share below, what has been happening in your temple during this season of Lent.

Our Putz Blessing

Moss collected; rocks, Labradorite, sand (before the freeze), and driftwood - was a congregation experience.  Then, working around a very talented model train landscape artist's varied job hours, the landscape got built, the electricity came together, the northern lights were airbrushed, spotlights on, and the characters were delicately placed.  We stood there all amazed.  It is beautiful and quietly tells the story of "God with us."  Tonite we combined a Christmas sing-along with our Putz opening and all visitors were completely mesmerized. Thanks be to God for the effort by many who came together to begin this new tradition. We all look forward to next year. Please enjoy our pictures.....
 

"For unto us a child is born, a Son is given"

Meet Woodrow, our new grandson!

Romans 1:20 NRS

Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.

Hear The Angels Sing!

Telling the story of Jesus with puppets

There are many people in Labrador that peak my attention on a number of counts. I find that even though North Carolinians & Labradorians all brush their teeth evey night, read books & speak English, usually not a day goes by that I'm not overwhelmed with the differences in culture between the 2 locations. A true wonder to me might look like the relationship of a mother and her child, a natural wonder of the land, one's tenacity despite major challenges, or the bless-ed quietness & watchfulness of a person's soul.

Another thing my interest has been peaked by this week was the 'nature report' by a local biologist in the news. Two sightings of the white willow ptarmigan on the Trans Labrador highway (the same hwy Geo & I fell victim to in early 2010), a group of Bohemian waxwings observed in the valley feeding on the last remaining dogberries, not to mention a spotting of the dickcessel (the grassland bird). These are all signs of the lingering or premature arrival of God's creatures on the land signaling an extended fall season and a corresponding short winter in Labrador! Thanks be to God for Tony and the trappers who lead us all in showing us the signs of these important seasonal transitions. Unfortunately, as many birds and signs are observed around this region of Labrador, Tony and the trappers will never be able to predict the day of the first 'big' snow. Yet we all prepare for winter in some way.
Jesus wants us to know WHAT is our state of readiness for His coming? When a farmer prepares his land, he waits patiently for the rain to water the field because there is no way to predict the exact time, yet the farmer prepares.
So when our family comes during the holidays, we make the caribou stew, we tune up the skiddoo, we get out our red berries & bakeapples - it's not easy. My 2 questions are...Why do we prepare? 
Because we love to be with the ones we love. Well - so does God.  There's a huge gap between Him and us; HUGE!  He couldn't bear seeing us struggle so much, so He did something about it.1  The Cross.  
And, WHAT does our preparation to receive Jesus look like?  We look for need, like the wandering folks on the road each day needing a simple meal, or assisting in our new women's center, or helping single moms, or looking to bring relief to someone in depression through prayer or a cup of coffee.
Looking for a need in someone, and ministering to it, prepares our hearts for Jesus coming. And when we do, we recive a heavy dose of God's peace, God's joy, God's love. NO ONE on earth can make you feel that way.  You become immersed in God's grace.
In less than 4 weeks, we'll be singing:  "It came upon the midnight clear',........ 'peace on earth good will toward men, from heav'ns all gracious King', the world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.'" 
"Be on guard! Be alert! Watch!" Jesus says.  Let us be about preparing our hearts, and we will be lead directly into the path of serving those out there that are in need of us. They're out there - in need of us - us!.... with our name written on their hearts - waiting for us. And when we respond to our name being called, we will hear the angels sing!

Soccer in the Streets (parking lot)

1 Gribble

CREATION IS HIS VERY PRESENCE

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
When an infant is born, it becomes immediately appraent that this child is good...and perfectly made. We don't stop to consider otherwise. In the Psalms, we repeatedly recognize the declaration that "the Lord is good ". God IS good by definition. The Hebrew people (as evidenced by the Psalmists) believed that God's goodness was basically reflected in a creation that was splendidly & perfectly ordered. Ps.65:9. Seas are in place, mts. can't move, animals, winds, rain, snow, the sun, the moon & even the stars have a name & their special place - not to mention the wonder of the Northern Lights. God is good and His love presence is dependable.

Even more basic is, the psalmists view of creation as good & not simply the work of the Lord, but even deeper ... Creation is HIS very presence. Separation from God's house & His presence left one weak & diminished. G.Fee They wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" .... "O send out your light & your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto Your holy hill & to your dwelling." And as these people knew all the hardships of life that we have today, they still found unshakeable faith.
We have the living Word. Can we declare our loyalty to the Word; openly declaring our love of the Saviour? We were made to be happy and joyful all of our days; not just a few. And that joy comes from filling our heart & soul with a saving knowledge of our Creator. "Taste & see that the Lord is good!"
"As God's chosen ones, holy & beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Col.3:12-14
We give thanks that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ; using our gifts, sharing His wondrous love.  It is a privilege, joy and honor to support you in our prayers.

His Wonderful Ways

Let not your worship of our Creator God end today with our morning prayer. Follow the wonderful ways of the Lord; listen and seek His leading. Don't fog your mind with personalities or material gain. Fix your soul upon Him who loves us without end.*
* John Baillie & A.H.

Summer in Happy Valley Goose Bay

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith inthe Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
What does an iceberg entering the sub-arctic flow of Labrador, and our journey in faith have in common? Both are beautiful, and both are slow in motion.

I walked into a home once and the piano was covered in a mass of family photos beautifully framed. It was several generations of joy as so fluidly described at length by the woman of the house. We are more than willing to talk about that which is most important to us. It isn't a job, we don't need training, & need very little encouragement to talk about such things.1 My question then, is this ...Why doesn't this happen more often with Jesus?

"Jesus is the priceless treasure, the source of purest pleasure and friend to me so true" as the the hymn text goes. You can't hide it or keep it secret. The insurpassable joy He brings to a heart and soul can not be contained!
As the one person was digging; another looked for pearls; the 3rd sought fish in his net, each, through their active searching, found the treasure (Matt.13). And we are blessed to have scripture in our own language, so we can keep our faith in motion, and the treasure unfolding. Eureka!
The past year & 1/2 here has been about bringing forth the availability of scripture; regular, large, and giant print bibles. We've also added bibles for different-aged children. Thank you for your support in that effort - your generosity has made a huge difference. Our hope is to begin building a childrens' resource center with colorful bible story books, movies, puzzles, and bible software (we had a donation of an operational computer) for all ages.

A new tradition emerged here, that of the Moravian Chicken Pie. It turned out to be a nice addition to caribou stew, fish n brews, flakey ham sandwiches (yum!), and all the local favorites. Our Moravian Chicken Pie fundraising dinner brought $1100.00! It was fun to see all the new faces in the church.

Camp at Gosling lake has been quite exceptional this year; Jen Burtner from Staten Isl., a creative arts teacher, Sherry from Wisconsin, and 2 Moravian youth from NC; Becky & Bailey. They have also been of huge assistance in worship through music and childrens' church.

This is a beautiful season for fishing; cod, salmon, char, trout seem to be the favorites. The town is full of folks coming from everywhere to fish in these waters.

I am reminded daily the necessity and benefit of listening and in understanding the Inutitut language. These folks have most patient and loving hearts and I admire many things about them. My soul is blessed to have the privilege of serving our Lord and Saviour in such a way. There really are no words to describe this gift in our lives.

George and I continue to pray for each of you and your bless-ed journey with Jesus.
Our God loves us... all of us... forever.... no matter what... and nothing... no Nothing! can separate us from His love.