Happy New Year! Bonne Année 2007!

The year 2007 just started a few minutes ago in France. We've had a pretty low key New Year's Eve celebration. With 3 young kids and most of us being sick today, we decided to stay in tonight. The kids went to bed early and we've been watching one of the French variety show New Year's Eve program. It's encouraging to see that we understand a good number of the cultural references that are made on the show. We also recognize most of thoose on the show.

We've been sampling different Ferraud-Cocher chocolates and eating clementines.

Pastor Serge gave a good message this morning about how to live in 2007. Some of the biblical texts were Matthew 6:19-25, Ecclesiastes, and Psalm 90. It was a good reminder to not assume taht we'll even be around next Sunday. He reflected upon Christ's words on the cross "Into Thy hands I commit my spirit." This was a submission of His will to that of the Father.

One treat this morning was getting to see former France ministry colleague Nancy Pedersen and her daughter Michelle at church this morning. Michelle is currently on a mission project in northern England and shares a room with Andrea, whose parents Gary and Diane Siemers live in Michigan and whom I've known for 30+ years. Small world.

Today was Grandma Antoinette's last Sunday before she leaves for her 2 month project in Togo. We'll miss her. But we're thankful for friends like her in our lives. We need to have our lives intertwined with wise people like her.