A trip to Holland!

Well, to make sure that I am not misunderstood, we were able to journey this past weekend to Holland, Michigan, and actually, there was about three inches of snow on the ground and the trees were dark and ghastly, seemingly void of any life. While we were there, we observed a massive army of squirrels, and if they are as fond of tulips as are the ones that dug mine up a couple years ago and ate them, I am uncertain whether this spring's tulip festival will be anywhere near as grand as the photo!

I enjoy visiting Holland, Michigan. In fact, setting aside the area in which we reside, I think this area is one of the most agreeable habitats that I have observed. It is bordered to the west by Lake Michigan, which tempers the bitter bite of the Midwest winter winds, but also serves to cool the hot, southwest winds of summer. The sandy soil of the region and the ample rainfall provides a favorable environment for fruit production, and within the city limits you can find acres of orchards, blueberries, and vineyards. I am rather partial to the blueberry fields and am intrigued by the vineyards. I have planted both on our property and thus far I have had no grapes, 5 pea sized blueberries, and 5 fat rabbits who constantly worry them. Thankfully, our friends pick some blueberries and freeze them for us so that we can enjoy their bounty when we visit. In fact, as I type this, I find my belly swollen with the two slabs of blueberry pie that Rachel made for me today!

We visited some dear friends of ours, Vic and Bev Edwards, who were the first people that we met in person after establishing an internet relationship. Our frienship was established back in the day of the 2800 baud modem, thanks to the invention of a former vice president who was at least engaged in some activity while his boss was chasing around the college interns. They (The Edwards, that is, not the politicians) are both dear friends of ours and have shown our family an incredible display of kindness and generosity. We have been able to help them on a few projects and every visit, whether for work or play, are centered on discussions (sometimes lively arguments!) over various theological topics.

Vic pastors Spurgeon Heritage Church, a baptist church much like ours that seeks to embrace and teach the doctrines that once defined the historical Baptist chuch. You can find Pastor Vic's blog here: http://xchristianity.blogspot.com He describes himself as a small "r" reformed, but capital "B" Baptist. While I prefer "R"eformed "b"aptist myself, we find much to agree and even those occasions in which we don't, I am pretty sure that he secretly believes that I am right but feels that he is to old or stubborn to admit it!

One of my favorite things in this world to do is to meet the saints that are faithfully serving and worshipping God. It is a great joy to enjoy the sweet communion of the saints and I was pleased to be able to attend services there Sunday morning and to even have an opportunity preach a message there. I am saddened for the listeners, for they were forced to endure what the people in our church have to put up with this week, but I trust that they were to find something of use in the words that were shared. I rejoice and praise God for these dear saints and I trust that God will be pleased to bless them as they labor to advance the gospel and to train and edify the saints that God adds to their church. I trust that you will be faithful to pray for the dear saints that labor faithfully around this globe.