This week things change around a bit for me as I start a new job with a computing consultancy here in Calgary. Since being in Canada I’ve worked as an independent consultant by choice, so this is certainly a new thing for me. It’s been an interesting discernment process over the last few months, but from what we can tell, the Lord has lead us in this direction.
In my all-too-human thoughts I sometimes think on our wider ministry – will it impact that, will it prevent a community vision from developing into maturity? Then I am reminded that His thoughts are not my thoughts, nor are His ways my ways, so it’s better to be obedient and trust Him to make straight our paths. Indeed, these verses seem to have been given to us at this time:
Proverbs 3 v5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Even our mistakes can be used for His glory (said this faith-filled Christian), which reminds me of a story that I’ll have to write up sometime of the Lord’s glorious provision in the midst of a mistake in timing.
In fact, if I get time this week I’ll write that one – though time may possibly be a little at a premium…
The Age To Come 
Greetings. One of the amazing things about following the Lord Jesus is that we rarely get to see the clock or look at the map. We must simply trust that he is performing his perfect will and continuously transforming us into his likeness. While things may seem static, he is doing a marvellous work and, when we see the completed form, we’ll be in complete amazement.
Last week, Craig (a brother at work) and I were pondering the times in which we live. He was thinking about the things that have been prophesied concerning this country when he stated “Perhaps we should move to Canada.” I proceeded to tell him about you and your vision for a community in the calgary area. (It’s amazing that, in conversations, I often make reference to other bloggers as though they live just down the street.)
We don’t know completely how all will unfold as such things are seen in part, but we know that Jesus will be with us unto the end of the world. Our hope doesn’t rely upon the wisdom of man but in the power of God who is able to keep us from falling.
I pray that the new employment will be a blessing. New situations and new acquaintances are always a blessing; at least i think so. Have a blessed week in Jesus.
timbob
LikeLike
Congratulations Peter. I pray you will be happy in your new employment.
LikeLike
Ottawa would be a lovely place to see that community vision develop, Peter…. 😉
Seriously, though, I am mightily impressed by it. A friend of mine and I were talking about how isolated urban and suburban life is, especially for stay at home mums (which we both happen to be).
LikeLike
Peter, I look forward to reading the story. In the meantime be blessed in your new job and don’t worry; the Lord knows all about the vision for community!
I’ve been wanting to write something more regarding a vision for community myself; but not in a rush as all my posts are these days; or left unfinished. About 80 now wasting away in the draft folder.
Seems like we are all rooting for the vision close to where we live… 🙂
A little warmer to grow a nice garden over further north where it is colder perhaps. 😀
ok, ok; enough of that I suppose.
May your new place of employment also present an new opportunity to minister the life of Christ to others. Every grace and blessing to you, Ruthy and the children during this season.
Remember this Peter, it is not forever; just for the time being.
Jesus love and grace to you all!
Susan
LikeLike
My inner geek wants to know, how does working for a consultancy differ from working as a consultant? Are you still an AD guru?
LikeLike
Hi Timbob – that certainly is interesting, it’s funny how the Lord makes these connections. I rather think He does know exactly what He is doing, and that the things we esteem the least He sees in another light entirely.
Hello Pauline – thank you!
Hello Kate, well you know the community we have in mind, whilst having a mother house, would also be intentionally dispersed in nature. So, you may not be too far off the mark, eh?
Hello Susan – you have 80+ drafts? I’m impressed! I’ve got a few, but most are probably never going to see the light of day…. Anyway, I’ll have you know I’ve never had such a good garden as I do up here – summer may be short, but it’s just superb for growing things 😉 And by the way, Seattle is wet! 🙂
Well JMac, this one got you out of lurking now didn’t it, heh. In short, working for a consultancy means somebody else pays for me to go to Microsoft product launches and spend a evening in a game arena racing for free, lol 🙂 Actually, it’s very different, financially in the way you get paid, employment in that you are representing more than just yourself – a little less freedom in some ways but you get an inside track that you wouldn’t get otherwise, and there’s some interesting stuff coming out with IAG that certainly adds some value. So yes, I do AD, along with Exchange SMS/SCOM, however we are going big into the UM (unified messaging) sphere this year hopefully. I’ll copy this to your email and I can let you know more techie stuff eh?
LikeLike
Not Seattle Peter, but further east in WA perhaps, where it’s not quite so cold as up north or wet as on the west coast proper.
One can always hope can’t they? 😉
I’m ready to get settled in community and have a home base soon!
Yeah , 80+ drafts…
pitiful isn’t it? and most will probably never get finished and see the light of day either.
Blessings to you Peter!
Susan
LikeLike
I’m not sure how “community” and “intentionally dispersed” will work out practically, though.
LikeLike
Herllo Susan, Actaully, it wasn’t too bad in Seattle, not as bad as the forecast suggested. Well, let us see what the Lord has in mind…..
Kate, nor me, though I rather think there are possibilities, perhaps a little like they do at the Northumbria community…
Blessings,
Peter
LikeLike