July 1, 2007
READ: 1 Chronicles 28:9-20
Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. —1 Chronicles 28:20
I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, white-knuckle experience! And then, suddenly, it was over. The guide in the back of the raft had navigated us through. I was safe—at least until the next set of rapids.
Transitions in our lives are like whitewater. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, singleness to marriage, career to retirement, marriage to widowhood—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with “white-knuckle” uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; . . . for the LORD God—my God—will be with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
You’ll have your fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in your raft you’re not alone. Keep your eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids. He’s taken lots of others through before. Smooth waters are just ahead.
I am safe when danger threatens,
For I’m trusting Christ the Lord;
Since He promised He’ll be with me,
Though I fear, my faith’s restored. —Hess
God will guide you through the rapids of change.
Hi Tess! It's one of our favorites in the West Island. Food's great, reasonably priced, and you could go for a stroll by the boardwalk after eating.
June 11, 2007
READ: Psalm 91:9-16
I will never leave you nor forsake you. —Hebrews 13:5
I know I’m not supposed to worry, but I’m a little concerned about something. Perhaps it’s because of a new situation in our family. As I look around, I can’t help but have a bit of anxiety. You see, my wife and I recently found out that we were going to be grandparents. This led me to think about the kind of world our grandchild will grow up in.
When he or she graduates from high school, it will be 2024. Will college cost $100,000 a year by then? If there’s any oil left, will gas cost $25 a gallon? Will morals and ethics be outmoded? And will the church still be making an impact?
The future can be a scary place. The unknown can be overwhelming, especially when the known has so many struggles. That’s why we need to trust in what God has promised.
No matter what situation our grandchildren will face, they can depend on God’s promise of help—regardless of what trouble the world will be in. God said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). And Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Those are great promises to depend on when we start to worry about the future, whether it’s ours or the next generation’s.
Concern for future cares and problems
Will only bring us pain and sorrow;
The Lord has told us not to worry
About the troubles of tomorrow. —Sper
We may not know what the future holds, but we can trust the One who holds the future.
Clowns, music and the wafting smell of barbecues welcomed thousands of bicyclists who rolled into Laurier Park yesterday ending the 22nd annual Tour de l'Ile de Montreal.
Snacking on apple slices and caramel, 6-year-old rider Nicholas Hausler didn't seem a bit tired after the 48-kilometre ride. "It's because of all the caramel," father Al Hausler said.
A two-time participant, Nicholas is a big fan of the event. "I like everything but the hills," he said.
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Printer friendlyThe route changes every year. This year cyclists headed from the Plateau Mont Royal area to Lachine and back. They had only one hill to conquer - on Berri St., right at the end.
Nicholas participated in the event with his parents and sister Svetlana, 11, all of whom hail from New Jersey.
"We love this city," Al Hausler said. "We come back every year."
About 30,000 cyclists of every age and experience level pedalled in this year's tour, some coming from the U.S., Ontario, and as far away as Switzerland.
The group's diversity was evident at the finish line: cyclists sporting spandex finished alongside couples on tandem bikes, families, and riders with tinsel streaming from their helmets.
About 3,000 volunteers along the way provided snacks, directions and encouragement, as well as first aid and bike repair to those who needed them. Red Cross workers and three ambulances were also standing by.
The Hauslers were just one of many families participating.
Joelle Sevigny is the executive director of Velo Quebec Evenements, the group responsible for organizing the tour.
"Family participation is on the rise every year," she said.
Paul Muller, 43, rode with his 11-year-old daughter. Picnicking in Laurier Park after crossing the finish line, he explained:
"I get to spend four hours with my daughter. What could be better?"
Not even overcast skies deterred participants: in fact, many were grateful for the cooler temperatures.
"Last year, it was too hot," said Alexandre Tornyos, 16. "Today was nice and cool. We only had a bit of wind to contend with."
Although no participants suffered any major injuries, eight were taken to a hospital with minor injuries
The Tour de l'Ile is the culmination of the Montreal Bike Fest, running this year from May 28 to June 4. The Bike Fest includes a bike-to-work campaign and last Friday's Tour la Nuit, a popular night ride that drew 12,000 participants.
klunau@thegazette.canwest.com
© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006
