Well our snow flakes lasted just the morning. By noon it was raining and has continued to rain hard since. By Pam's rain gauge we have had over 3" of rain in the last couple of days. And more is on the way as a huge low pressure storm moves over the Pacific Northwest. But hey, this is Oregon and we do have seasons. And heavy rains are our November weather. Has been so in the past, is now and forever shall be...smile.
But we had a great day Saturday. Sara had great fun at her swim party. While Pam had to go into the office for part of the day we were able to pick out our Christmas tree in the afternoon and even get it halfway decorated in the evening. And yesterday we had a wonderful day at church with strong teaching from God's word and great fellowship with the other Believers. We came home yesterday afternoon and built a roaring fire in the fireplace. We had a nice dinner and than all gathered in front of the fire and listened to it pouring on the roof. We were quite cosy and comfortable as we reflected on the day and weekend we had.
The rains continue hard on the roof as I write this post this morning (it is 4:30 AM). Today is to be more of the same with very strong winds. The creek at the bottom of our hill is nearly overflowing. I wouldn't be surprised if it escapes its confines and fills the meadows. It has in past years when we have had such sustained rains, but it has never been over the bridge. We shall see.
Before I close this brief post, can I plug our church blog? There is a link on our page to Glencullen Baptist Church. It is a blog that I have the privilege of updating regularly. And there are so many good things on the blog. Pastor's book recommendations, the new Notable Quotes page with a daily devotion (the latest from C.H. Spurgeon on Winter In the Soul), and of course the Sermons page. Our pastors pulpit ministry has been so strong of late. Can I strongly encourage our readers here to "give a listen" to Pastor Cavin's morning teaching both in Sunday School and the Morning Worship Service. There are audio links that you can simply click on and listen. The update is usually posted on Monday or Tuesday following each Lord's Day. And the preaching and teaching is so good. If for no other purpose you will get a feel of the ministry that we are a part of here and so thankful for.
Well that's it for this early December morning post. We look forward eagerly to this holiday season and the richness of truth it emphasises, that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son! Hallelujah!

Walt

A Postscript -







This morning we are sad to note the passing of a landmark on the Oregon Coast.

Some of our readers may be familiar with the largest Sitka Spruce tree in America. It grew just off Highway 26, a few miles inland from Seaside. Pam and Courtney and I visited it in 2004 spending some time walking around its base and admiring its incredibly huge bulk. It was a popular side stop on the route and was well worth the 20 minutes it took to drive the short distance and stand at its base in wonder. It truly was huge. The State of Oregon says it was over 700 years old. Well a sad note; we hear this morning and pictures in the news confirm, that our latest strong wind storm took the tree down yesterday. It snapped half a way above the ground and is no more. It had withstood numerous wind storms and even a couple lightening strikes over the years, but this last year was damaged in another wind storm, and yesterday's wind storm finished it.

It was such a massive tree, and so very old, I thought that its passing should not go unnoted on this Northwest blog.


Walt

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8