The Next Step

The accused in Emily's murder has pleaded guilty to second degree murder. We were not in court today. Monday is my day off and I spent the day in Hinton at a piano festival with our girls.

We're thankful that this case won't go through the long, drawn-out trial and appeal process. We trust that God is sovereign in it all and rest in His care.

A few more details have become public regarding how Emily died. This may be hard for some people to see and hear. If this had gone to a full trial, there would have been many more details released over time, so we are relieved that there is a guilty plea. We are still waiting for sentencing, but this was an important next step today.

If you would rather not know more details, don't read the stories. If you would like to see how Edmonton news stations are reporting, here are a couple of links: CTV, Global

I don't know where some of the details came from. We don't have a choir, though Emily was involved in music in our church. Monday afternoon Bible studies would be a great thing, but we didn't do those. Small things, really, but it's odd how news gets out.

Thank you to those of you who are praying for us and have encouraged us in so many ways. We appreciate you, though we'll never be able to personally thank everyone.

Encouraging Convergence

A month ago I did a post on a song, All I Have is Christ. Today, while driving to an out of town wedding, I listened to John Piper's Message from Together for the Gospel 2010. In his introduction and conclusion, he referenced this song. I assume they sang it before the message.

This is no earth-shattering coincidence or anything, but it makes me value this rich and moving song all the more to link it with the deep content of that message on justification by grace alone through faith alone.

Extraordinarily Important Help in Suffering

To prepare for, to help others or cope personally with suffering, please take advantage of these resources compiled by Justin Taylor. This is a treasure trove!

Together for the Gospel 2010

Highly recommended messages. I am so thankful for this group of teachers and even more thankful for the Gospel that they proclaim.

It is messages like this that makes having an iPod worthwhile! You can, however, listen to the audio or watch the videos online on your computer or download the audio.

God's Strength Every Day

I was just reading the April 11 comment from D.A. Carson's For the Love of God, Volume I on Psalm 18. Right at the end of the reading, I smiled at this paragraph and read it to Juanita:

Perhaps God does not strengthen us to make war. But in a theistic universe, we confess God gives us strength to write computer programs, to sort out administrative problems, to change yet another diaper, to study the Greek text of the New Testament, to bear up under insult.“The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!” (18:46).

Juanita said that she just read a missionary letter that quoted the same lines. The author said, "I've done all those things! It was like reading a mini biography." It's neat to know that friends around the world are reading the same things.

What is even greater to contemplate is the fact that the saints over the centuries have been reading the same Word of God!

reFocus 2010

Juanita and I arrived home from several days in the Vancouver area. We attended the reFocus conference - you can follow the link for more details. Audio and video files will be up soon, but you can find some notes at the site already.

It was great to meet and reconnect with a bunch of people. It is encouraging to know how many Gospel-focused people there really are out there.

One of the highlights of the week was a talk and Q&A session with Preston Manning. Those were a couple of thought-provoking sessions. I've appreciated the diversity of the speakers at reFocus and this year was very engaging.

I'll be updating more later (I have a sermon to finish for tomorrow), but I wanted post for a change and give a brief update.