April 2025

This month was full, but out of the normal routine. I guess that's a good thing, with time to think, rework how I am going to move forward. This is one of the beautiful things about the many Sabbaths God has given us, not just the weekend, but also holidays, holy days, to rest and remember his goodness. When we get so busy, we forget why we are working. Working is good, I am reminded how God came in the flesh and worked as a carpenter until he was 30, not just that, but as a fisherman too. He didn't need to work, and in the same way God does not need our work, however we were made to work. Our work should be purpose driven, not money driven, and the Sabbaths allow us to rest and realize not only what we are or should be working for, but also that God does not need our work. This was a good month for me and my family. 

Needs
We still need to raise money for our trip to america, its still several months off, but we need to be preparing for that. 

Conversations
I had a good conversation in class when reading a book about bugs, where I drew attention to the beauty of the insects, and their practical designs. I asked the students if they agreed that the insects look like works of art. They agreed of course, the photography was amazing. I then asked who the artist was. The conversation went on from there for a while. Thankyou for praying for these kids. 

Passover
We have been doing Passover meals for the past few years. We believe that it is important to celebrate Easter like the Bible instructs us to. The Easter celebration was always a Passover celebration, however it has slowly morphed into something else over the centuries. 

We started by cleaning our house, from top to bottom, we got all the dust out of the cracks, and cleaned everything well. It is such a blessing and one with a good lesson to it. We always overlook just how dirty and messy things can get. But by focusing on organization, cleaning becomes much easier too, and this year it was a breeze. I think we nearly killed each other last year, or the year before, i can't recall, but this year went well, even with the 2 noise makers running around trying to get stepped on. In our lives, its no different, if we live disorderly, sin hides in the cracks and we will never find it. If we live orderly lives, sin is much easier to clean out, confession is less burdensome, and we are less prone to argue and pretend to be righteous. 

The meal is filled with meaning, more than just the bread and wine, we hide the unleavened bread and my son trys to find it, wrapped and buried in a very good hiding spot. It's not quite easter egg hunting, but he gets so excited for this time of the year. Afterwards he plays the bible game and goes straight to the last supper and tells me all about it. He got excited about it last year too, I am glad. 

Camping & Roadtrip
We took a trip to a remote waterfall, and pitched a tent and camped their at night. It's quite a ways out there and most people don't know about this one. Calvin and Abby liked it a lot, but I don't think my wife felt the same way. Guess me and Calvin will go by ourselves next time. 

We also took a trip to the province south of us, it was nice. 

Cardboard organizers
I have designed a box organizer system that fits in my crates, I use templates and a layer of thin new cardboard on the outside with a thick layer of recycled cardboard on the inside, they are super hefty and I really like them. I made some a year ago, but I updated the design, remade my templates, and made 20 more. Not really a sellable product, but its an interesting process nonetheless, and they will be used well. Again, aiding in organization and efficiency. 

Books
As far as books go, I went back and worked on a book I had started about design as it was relevent, I spent my time writing on already started books. I did a lot of work creating textures as well. I am always working on the books, but also wonder when I will finally stop tinkering. The thing is, the longer I do it, the more I learn, and then I go back and tinker and tweak the previous books. Not sure what I will do when I start finishing them. Might need to find a publisher. Could be something to do when I am home. Who knows. I am fine just giving them away for free but that may not be very responsible. I spend a lot of time praying on this one. 

Conclusion
We continue to work, whatever God has given us to do, we do it for Him, for His glory, and not for ourselves, for a mission. Occasionally we rest and remember that God doesn't need us, we are here to be images of His mercy and grace. We are the imperfect sinners saved by grace, passing it on. Thankyou for standing with us.