The Greatest Gift

A few years ago I heard the analogy that salvation is like a gift. A gift unlike any that we receive from our family or friends. Yet similar in one way. We can make a choice of what to do with the wonderfully wrapped up metaphorical box.To leave it unwrapped under the tree or in a cupboard all year round.To open it and then just leave it in the living room or under the bed.Or we can choose to open it, love it and take it daily where ever we go.If we choose to do the latter, our lives change.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Jesus came to bring light and life into a world that is full of darkness. He did this at great cost to Himself. An eternal and self-sacrificing cost. Yet, He did it because of love. His love that is beyond understanding. His act that brought joy, peace, grace, forgiveness, faith, and hope.

The ultimate gift.

Salvation.

Changes

Packing, staff Christmas parties, saying a lot of good byes, finishing off at work, and driving 1,900km. This has been our December so far. The packing process started a while ago as Eric had this brilliant idea of spreading it out over many weeks rather than finishing it all off in just a few days. So, it was a relatively stress free packing time.

Then once all of our stuff was safely packed away in a shed (courtesy of some fantastic Mum & Dad help). And put the remaining in our car... (The car which has just gone over the significant milestone of 200,00km! I can just hear the roaring applause!)

We then traveled down to the paradise known as Phillip Island to visit with the parentals over the weekend. Where I got a little too excited taking a look at a rock called 'Pyramid'.

Closing Sabbath saw a stunner of a sunset.

And we got to spend time with this cute little chick.

Come Monday morning we set out on the journey to the Tweed. First thinking we'd make it to about here...

However, once we got to Dubbo the map below just didn't look too far at 4 pm. So instead we ended up travelling from 4:30 am Monday morning until 9:30 am Tuesday morning! With a lot of healthy pit stops along the way to sleep, eat and relax... in the car! Gotta drive safe!

Loved the views of inland Australia throughout the trip - talk about natural entertainment!

I love my country!

~Monique

Still, Still, Still

Alison Brook has one of the clearest, beautiful yet versatile voices I have had the privilege of hearing live. Not only that but she is an awesome friend and a fellow musicianary. For Christmas she has recorded a sweet Austrian carol called 'Still, Still, Stilll'. We hope that you enjoy this song immensely!

We've shared some of her music on this blog before and if this video isn't enough to satiate, you can head over to her newly revamped website or download some her music on the Songs of Ascent sampler.