The Banner

The Banner of Truth 2009 Ministers' Conference in Grantham, PA was a wonderful week for the 300+ Reformed and Presbyterian men who came from around the world and united together to hear God’s Word and be fortified for their special work in Christ. Everyone was refreshed by the encouraging and challenging addresses that were given as well as by the opportunities for fellowship during coffee breaks, around the table at meals and after hours in the dorms. There were a total of 9 messages and 2 lectures on topics like “Union with Christ” (Sinclair Ferguson), “Persuasive Preaching” (Alistair Begg), “Calvin the Pastor” (Ian Hamilton), “Modern Challenges to Calvinism” (Walt Chantry) and other encouraging messages related to the work of ministry from Mark Johnston, Jonathan Watson and Chad Van Dixhoorn. (Ian Hamilton especially had an excellent closing sermon on II Cor 4:16-18). Another treat is the singing of psalms and hymns in praise to the Lord. Many male voices make a glorious choir. Several of the ministers were given the added benefit of stocking up their own libraries by purchasing books from the Banner of Truth onsite bookstore as well as from the nearby Cumberland Valley bookstore in Carlysle, PA. Sinclair gave his discounts to first time attenders - which has become another conference highlight.

It was a great blessing to be able to attend this year. May the Lord use what was spoken to bless His servants richly for the work of ministry.

True?

I think so :)

And even truer:

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov.17:17)

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a firend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov.18:24)

Spring! (and shovels for sale :)

Laura and I did some planting during break-time today - pretty neat to have kids who can really help - rather than "help" :)

We didn't plant everything you're seeing here. Some of it came up on its own and some of it Rich already planted. Elisa made this stepping stone for Laura and it now has a place of honour in our front garden!

Laura is here ling the shovel that's for sale. Well, you can't actually buy this one, since it's ours, but you can purchase one just like it :) My brother-in-law got ahold of a whole bunch of these $60 aluminum and fibreglass shovels and is selling them for $15!! Anyone need a shovel? You can see a better shot of it on the last picture in this post. It's so shiny you can even see your reflection in it ............anybody need a mirror? ;)

Dirty gardening hands :)

B-day

One of the things that we hear in our household around this time of the year is this little reminder.... "Hey, everyone, do you know what? My birthday is coming soon...." Well, the day has arrived.

Happy Birthday, Cher. All the kids made cards for her this morning and made her breakfast in bed. The rest of her birthday will be celebrated tonight at the Princess of Wales theatre.