I am writing this during what has been another great day. I have been reading a lot and reflecting on how it should affect the way I manage my life and co-lead Ignite. I am finding the whole process exciting and challenging!

I committed to Christoph that I would try to learn at least one word in Austrian every day today it was schwarzer Kaffee. It means black coffee and not only did I learn it but I put it into practice visiting rhe local restaurant and ordering it for myself!

Another afternoon, another mountain to climb! Today we picked up A friend of Christoph called Hans and headed up to a lake. It menat climbing lots of steps throught the forest.
Suprisingly, I appreciated this as I am appreciating the chance to get my heart rate so I am burning fat!

When we arrived at the lake, Christoph read from the bible the story of the calling of the first disciples which Jesus did from the shore of a lake. This lake was however, a little different from Galilee as it was frozen over with ice!

I challenged Christoph to stand on it, which he did but as can be seen from the picture he did not have the faith to remove his hand from the ladder, and who could blame him?

It reminded me of a sermon illustration I had heard and indeed preached. It centres around faith. Faith is subjective and as such requires an object. Now it would not matter how much faith Christoph had in the ice, if it was very thin it would not hold his weight. So often we put our faith into things that have little substance. However, it does not matter how tentatively we put our in God. As he is as solid as a rock, he will withstand the weight. He is our only firm foundation.

Tonight we are joining Winni and his family for food and wine......This sabbatical just get better and better!