Vermont is full of surprises. This was our first visit to the state. It turned out to be too brief and we are looking forward to going back again next year. We had been there a week for a Fatherheart School and each day brought new surprises. First there were the autumn colours disappearing fast as the week progressed and as the wind blew them away. We did get to drive up to the hills on the first Sunday afternoon for a tantalising glimpse of the beautiful surroundings. Then there were the many tourist attractions that were on offer which will have to wait for next time. Ben and Jerry's Ice cream was founded and created just down the road from where we were staying. Alas we didn't get to take the tour and the obligatory tasting that is involved.
There was also the famous Cabot cheese factory and store, Green Mountain Coffee, maple syrup, cider apple donuts, the list goes on and on. This is the perfect place for a foodie like me. We visited the von Trapp family lodge, the home of the Sound of Music von Trapps who fled to Vermont at the beginning of the war. So much to see, too little time.
The reason we were in Vermont was to lead a week long encounter called a Fatherheart School. This was hosted by Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly. An interesting name for a church. We have been involved in twelve of these school this year and this was the last of the year for us. The purpose of these schools is to teach and encourage people to have a personal experience of God as a Father loving them. This is not as a one off thing but a life long relationship. Many are on this journey already but some do not know God as a Father for many reasons. Sometimes it is because of hard experiences they have had in their lives especially if their relationship with their own father has been difficult. These are issues that are raised and looked at during the week. Many people report that these have been times of incredible healing personally and in their family relationships. They are often described as life changing. The places where we will be leading these schools next year can be found on our Comings and Goings page at the top.
This week was no exception. It was accompanied by lots of laughter and joy when people start to discover the freedom they have as being God's sons and daughters. In the middle of the week there was an open night when many came to get a taste of the schools. Among these was an elderly member of the von Trapp family. She seemed to enjoy the sound of the music too.
This blog started as an outlet for my enjoyment of the journey we find ourselves on. We have the incredible privilege of going to amazing places and meeting some outstanding people. I post blogs when something catches my eye connected to a place we have visited but also we try to keep friends up to date with where we are and what we are doing. It is also a place to get more specific details about our life and work for those who might be interested.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Friday, 19 October 2012
NEW ENGLAND IN GLORIOUS FALL COLOURS
Hyperbole is inadequate here. For mile after mile every hillside, valley and river bank, was covered in masses of colour. Each turn of the road revealed another amazing view of golden tones and hues. There were almost every variation of the pallet from yellow to purple, there were golds and russets, reds and browns and colours I have no name for. The colours demanded description but they also defied it. Each tree, normally subsumed and lost in the vastness of wilderness and forest, seemed to be displaying itself individually in its final shout of joy before withdrawing into its winter rest. Each one was distinct in colour or shape. I felt that each one was displaying the glory of its creator. Red shouldered hawks flew overhead and an occasional groundhog appeared to survey the passing traffic.
Saturday, 6 October 2012
MORNING GLORY
I'm finding that there is great benefit in just sitting and being. After I've done the emails and things and made a cup of tea, there is time in the early morning to sit with my Father. We don't often say much to each other. We are just aware that we are together. I am conscious of his presence. The peace that comes from knowing he loves me and delights in me simply because I am his son is wonderful. I don't have to do anything to make him love me. This morning the words of a song that comes straight from his heart are flooding my mind. "Quit trying to please me. Stop beating yourself up. My heart is full of love for you.......then it talks about living in the unforced rhythms of grace. It's by Godfrey Birtill. It is not that I want to be on my own or I'm tired of people it is more about sitting and resting, gazing, reflecting and wondering at the beauty of the world, the greatness of God, his unwavering love for us and the sheer joy of being in his presence. This is no great surprise nor is it a great new discovery. People have known this for centuries. However I'm really only just learning it after 60 years! Better late than never.
Here is the link to the song if you want to listen to it.
http://youtu.be/e9uLzN1elks
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