This year's annual winter trip would prove to be a very strenuous event. Have you ever known something might be arduous, unpleasant, maybe even scary and set out anyway? On Sunday myself, Ivan and his wife and 7 students found ourselves trudging through a wintry wonderland looking for a cabin in the woods. With backpacks loaded up and snowshoes strapped on tight our party picked it's way through the snowy labyrinth. There's always a sense of accomplishment when you push through the mental, physical and natural barriers to reach a destination. Upon arrival at our destination the students picked up on tasks that would make our stay more pleasant. From chopping wood and starting a fire; gathering snow to melt for cooking, cleaning and drinking and making tracks to use for sledding and backcountry skiing everyone pitched in.
The purpose of the trip to connect with students and to talk about what God has been doing in all of our lives over the past semester. One common theme that seemed to keep coming up from students and leaders alike was God's provision. Time and time again there were stories of hard times or confusing moments that were eventually given over to God and his peace was allowed to come in and rest on the hearts of the restless.As the night turned to getting ready for bed the snow continued to fall and I pondered the days events. I thought about the problems that could happen when you venture into the wilderness, especially in the winter. I thought about the season that is upon us when we remember Christ's birth and the unpleasant, arduous and scary times that surrounded that event and continue to surround the world in which we find ourselves. As these things swirled in my mind attempting to steal my slumber I remembered the stories told that night and was able to find rest.
Benediction...
Benediction...
For many this season of life is uncertain and can cause unrest but I am convinced as Paul was that neither death nor life nor powers unseen can tear us away from the love of the Father. I've found a new joy this Christmas season and it hasn't come in a package wrapped neatly under a tree. It's come in the form of relationships that cause my heart to smile and in the knowledge of a God is as dangerous as the wintry backcountry can be but just as inviting and warming as a cabin in the woods.
As always, thank you to those who support Rugged Ministries prayerfully and financially. If anyone desires to further support Rugged with a year end gift or begin monthly support you can click on the link below or cut and paste it to a new browser.
Or you can mail a check to:
Rugged Ministries
P.O. Box 17911
Golden, CO. 80402
if you send a check please include my name (Nick Brattin) in the memo line.
Merry Christmas from myself and Rugged Ministries.
Be Blessed,
Nick Brattin
