I love this photograph because it tells the whole story. A) We are making tremendous progress! B) There is still so much to do! C) Rebekah and I are both exhausted!

This room, the space off the main bedroom that likely started its life as a sleeping porch, is shaping up to be Rebekah’s study. She may be retiring again, but being a student of the word is part of who she is – and who knows what is going to be happening next? (Read, “Let’s Go Exploring” by Rebekah).

It’s a space that speaks of creativity and of faith and of inspiration and of love. There’s going to be a rocking chair in there too, so I anticipate bringing Rebekah fresh coffee and staying for long conversations.

Hello cello:

The other photograph is also full with creativity and inspiration and love. This is our beautiful granddaughter, Beks, with her “new” cello. And of course the instrument has a story.

Her mother – our daughter, Naomi – was an excellent violinist in high school. She played in the orchestra, but also auditioned – and made the cut – for the more musically adept chamber ensemble. One of her best friends, Rachael, played the cello and, when they put their minds to it, they made beautiful music together.

Rachael had aspirations, and her parents splurged on a professional grade cello that has been loved, carefully taken care of and seasoned over the past couple of decades. Naomi and Rachael are still friends and – now that our granddaughter Beks has shown not only interest but real potential – Rachael’s cello has in a sense come home again, to continue its journey with another young musician.

So my word for all of us today is to explore, to nurture and to live into the creativity God has sown into all of our possibilities. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can (we must) approach life with faith and love and creative passion… always – DEREK