“The RoseBouquet”

Okay, so I gave up two days at home last week, and didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped, but over-all I chalk that up as progress.

We’ve been getting more and more snow in the last few weeks, so shoveling is a more regular chore, and because I’ve taken to walking to the office again, I am getting plenty of fresh oxygen and exercise. This morning I arrived feeling positively hungry after all that work plodding through the snow.

However, I decided that it is not that I’m so tough, but that God’s grace and strength is shown in and through me.

I will be taking a break from my business schedule tomorrow to attend the funeral of Victor Nickel.(86). He was a retired minister and he and his dear wife Katie, have been my faithful supporters as a missionary. Although he was not allowed to drive any more after his accident year before last, he still walked up and down alleys and behind businesses to collect bottles and cans for recycling. These he sold at SarCan (a provincial agency that hires handicapped people to receive and pay for recyclable items). Then the Nickels used that money to support several missionaries. I was just one of them.

Victor also liked to go to MacDonald’s on Idyllwyld Drive early in the mornings, often before 6 am, and he would witness to truckers and often lead someone to the Lord. He had a gift of evangelism, and a passion to see souls saved. He was also very generous. Whenever I visited in their home he was eager to give me whatever I could use. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more about him tomorrow when I’ve heard more from the family. Maybe I’ll write up a profile on him yet.

I’ve been asked to staff a table in the foyer at the church where people can make memorial gifts to our mission in Victor’s name. I have never done this before, but I’m honoured to be asked.

There are some other business issues to tend to this week. But somehow it will all come together. I have every confidence in the loving provisions and good timings of my God.

This morning I even had an idea about inviting short story submissions… but I need to work out the details before I announce that. When I tried it once before it didn’t go over so well.