a new tradition

The other day, while doing what seemingly millions are doing at this time of year, I came across this poster in a shop window. It struck me, because it seemed to say exactly what most people were saying to themselves as they milled by from store to store.

Maybe I am more sensitive to this as I am in the midst of preparing a sermon series for our church about Christmas. Most of the time I have done this, I have gone about it in the usual way. I speak on Mary, the Angels, the Incarnation of Christ etc etc - all good topics.
But this year, I knew it had to be something different.

I stumbled upon a website and a subsequent FB page - appropriately calling for a new way to look at Christmas . It speaks of how we should not be thinking gifts but presence. As I look at how the "First Responders" saw the Advent of Christ, I see a lot of Worship, not so many Turkey legs. Lots of Praise, no Mince Pies. I like tradition, I just don't like it when tradition becomes the message. Emma helped put up the tree this year, she loved it.
What do I want this little 2 year old to know about Christmas? Well, if we shower her with gifts and food - what is she supposed to think it's about? Instead, I want her to know this is when we celebrate Jesus birthday and that just as He gave Himself, so should we to those He loves (IE everyone).

Why not join the conspiracy and see how your tradition may be conformed to Scripture this year...

Tempus doesn't always fugit

As I am discovering.
Great news is that Casey has been able to stay longer with her family to help out. Not so great news is that we will be apart for just over a month by the time all is said and done. And that time, has not been flying.
We have been apart before, perhaps more than most nearly 4 year married couples have been. While I was in seminary, When we were on Prefield, While I have been away on various College trips etc. But never a month.
That's a long time!

I guess what has been good in a way is that things have been really busy over here. I have had classes to teach, conferences to attend, meeting to hold and attend and research to be done. In fact, the days are pretty much as normal, and some night too as I don't normally see the family much then anyway - but, coming home to an empty house is not so fun.

Next week we have a team family retreat which we have every year with the pastors and missionaries here. Should be fun. Maybe the Tempus will Fugit again:-)

Touched

It has been humbling to see the response of friends and family over the past few days. After we got the news about "poppop", we sent out some prayer requests and updates on Facebook and email to friends, collegues etc. Within just a few minutes people from all over the place were praying and adding words of encouregement. Friends from our church here as well as supporting churches in the US were adding us to prayer lists and chains.
It was pretty humbling really.
For so many to take the time t let us know they were praying means a whol lot to us not to mention the fact that so many requests for Koke were laid before the Throne.
It's hard being apart right now. I am here to keep things going on this side with church, BBC and other tasks and responsibilities while Casey and Emma are in NJ caring for family. At least Emma, as always, is providing some comic relief to all and sundry - which is perhaps more needed then anyone realizes right now.
All in all, I feel touched that people really DO care, no more keenly is that felt than at times like these.
~Darryl

Tempus Fugit

I never thought that I would say this, I guess it sounds like you are getting old when you do - but, "time flies!"

Last week was Emma's 2nd birthday. It has been really fun to see her grow from a small, ultra-dependant baby to a energetic toddler. The other day, she decided to walk her monkey's around on her back - see pic! We are enjoying her though, she provides several laughs during the day.

This is our first attempt at a blog. We will take turns writing entries in it I'm sure. We want to write this so that our supporters, prayer partners, family, friends and ministry colleagues can get a little more insight into our life and ministry. The great part about having this online is that people can access it as often - or not - as they like! We want you to stay as close in touch with us as you want to! Please feel free to write or make comments, if you have ideas/suggestions/questions etc that you would like us to talk about, please let us know and will try and answer as best we can.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring here and today it is about 85F outside! Throughout Winter I think we only had one or two days in the low 50's - I love Winter in Durban! Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and come back soon to hear more of life and ministry in Durban with the Meekins family.

In Him together,

Darryl