It seems that this past week I've had nothing but campaign plans and trying to finish up schedules. I think I need to get a grip and lighten up a wee bit! The time is fast approaching (only 2 weeks away) and I know we are good to go on almost everything, but I'm just the kind of guy that needs everything done and dusted before I can relax about it all. I think one of the reasons I'm getting uptight is the fact that I have curriculum to get done for Camp Tayside too and between the two my head is bouncing. This morning I blitzed 2 of the days lessons for Camp and the funny thing was the inspiration came freely and I feel that I have enough content on paper now to feel good about the first 2 days classes.
With all that off my chest I can shift focus to the cool things that I've had opportunity to be a part off these past few days. I forgot to mention about our Wednesday night class and how it went with the new format. We decided to cut out the supper before classes because it was getting to stressful. The early feeling is all good! The numbers were not down at all and the atmosphere was great. My class loved the new setting and having the hot chocolate and muffins in the class before the lesson - a big success. So, the early signs suggest that things will be OK and if anything it looks like we may have a better teaching opportunity this way, which after all is the goal.
On Sunday morning I had the joy to preach. It was easy getting things prepared and knowing what I needed to get across, but getting my heart prepared to deliver the message was heavy. I wanted to get the congregation lifted and anticipating a great time of outreach during campaign. I focused on challenging everyone to ask if they really believed that God's word was living and active, and if so to prepare for an amazing campaign. I am confident God was active through the lesson and that we will be ready to do battle.
The school visits I've made this week so far have been brilliant. I wish you could experience the joy of the various audiences I have, because to describe it is so tough! To get to see children's faces happy and excited on a daily basis is a true blessing and to help and instruct their young hearts is amazing.
Anyway, just came down from watching the European cup semi-final and Man United are in the final - Magic game!
God bless!
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Saturday, 26 April 2008
A Couple of Clowns!
Thought these were too good not to share! Holly and Hannah have to dress up as clowns for their "Brownies" next Tuesday. So this afternoon we went looking for some appropriate attire - success!!!
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Like a Ton of Bricks!
Today was absolutely most excellent! First thing this morning I had coffee with my dad. We have been able to keep up our Thursday get togethers for a while now and I am continually blessed as a result of them.
At 11.00 this morning I had the first of my "Brick" experiences! I am so fortunate to be a channel of blessing to children. I was stood in front of over 200 children talking about how Jesus lived a life filled with forgiveness, compassion and humility and challenging them to live out the same qualities - how amazing is that? To know that hearts are being softened and turned from worldly thoughts is simply PHENOMENAL!! After my talk with the kids, Mr Imlah (assistant head) made some comments about how glad he was that I was so involved with the children of the school and I'm sitting thinking to myself God is truly at work! As the children left the hall I stood at the door to say thanks for listening so well, when again it struck me that I know most of the children by name and that they are leaving the assembly smiling and happy after being taught about Jesus.
This afternoon I got to spend some time with Amy. I was her personal chauffeur for the afternoon taking her to her singing lesson in Aberdeen and then on to a doctors appointment. It was when I was sitting in "Starbucks" thinking, while Amy was at her lesson, that another "Brick" hit me. The boys that come on Thursday nights - WOW! Over 20 teenage boys willfully coming to a "church" class - that's amazing! As I sat and thought about it I started thinking about what I would teach tonight and couldn't get Hebrews 11 out of my head. So, tonight I talked about being "Outstanding." I was honest with the guys and challenged them to work at their faith so that they stand out. There was a hush throughout the whole lesson tonight and I know that again I was being used as a channel for blessing as 20 young men were being challenged to focus on something that's really worth living for - Faith in God!
I was well impressed with Andrew, Bean, Mark and Richard who came a little late, but met up after they had finished working and walked in with their fish and chip suppers because they wanted to be there! These are 16/17 year old guys - God is active!
Well, got home at 9.40 tonight and had a quick cup of tea and then called over to the States to talk with Jerry Bowling. Jerry is leading our Harding Campaign this year. It is amazing to think that we have worked to get a three week campaign pulled together being 3000 miles apart. I am confident that the group will bring blessings to the community here and again there is so much evidence of opportunity that we can say without doubt that God's word is surely living and active!
I am now officially exhausted, but content - God bless!
At 11.00 this morning I had the first of my "Brick" experiences! I am so fortunate to be a channel of blessing to children. I was stood in front of over 200 children talking about how Jesus lived a life filled with forgiveness, compassion and humility and challenging them to live out the same qualities - how amazing is that? To know that hearts are being softened and turned from worldly thoughts is simply PHENOMENAL!! After my talk with the kids, Mr Imlah (assistant head) made some comments about how glad he was that I was so involved with the children of the school and I'm sitting thinking to myself God is truly at work! As the children left the hall I stood at the door to say thanks for listening so well, when again it struck me that I know most of the children by name and that they are leaving the assembly smiling and happy after being taught about Jesus.
This afternoon I got to spend some time with Amy. I was her personal chauffeur for the afternoon taking her to her singing lesson in Aberdeen and then on to a doctors appointment. It was when I was sitting in "Starbucks" thinking, while Amy was at her lesson, that another "Brick" hit me. The boys that come on Thursday nights - WOW! Over 20 teenage boys willfully coming to a "church" class - that's amazing! As I sat and thought about it I started thinking about what I would teach tonight and couldn't get Hebrews 11 out of my head. So, tonight I talked about being "Outstanding." I was honest with the guys and challenged them to work at their faith so that they stand out. There was a hush throughout the whole lesson tonight and I know that again I was being used as a channel for blessing as 20 young men were being challenged to focus on something that's really worth living for - Faith in God!
I was well impressed with Andrew, Bean, Mark and Richard who came a little late, but met up after they had finished working and walked in with their fish and chip suppers because they wanted to be there! These are 16/17 year old guys - God is active!
Well, got home at 9.40 tonight and had a quick cup of tea and then called over to the States to talk with Jerry Bowling. Jerry is leading our Harding Campaign this year. It is amazing to think that we have worked to get a three week campaign pulled together being 3000 miles apart. I am confident that the group will bring blessings to the community here and again there is so much evidence of opportunity that we can say without doubt that God's word is surely living and active!
I am now officially exhausted, but content - God bless!
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Morning has Broken!
Today has been such an eye opener! This morning I have been richly Blessed!!! I had an assembly at Anna Ritchie School, which is a special needs school, and my soul has been lifted. I go every Friday to help out at the school, but once a month I get to teach at their assembly. This morning I took in some gardening things and also some weeds and flowers from my garden. We talked about how to keep our garden looking beautiful and how to keep the weeds away. We then talked about what some of the beautiful things in our lives were and how to keep the bad things away. The children were blessed and all left smiling and happy. There was one boy, Stuart, who remembered everything! At the end when we were summing up what we had talked about, I kept hearing this little voice in front of me answering everything - Stuart! It is so beautiful when a heart is so receptive to the bread of life.
While I was there, the head, Mrs Cruckshank asked if I would take the group I work with on Friday's to a football tournament in June. I am thrilled to be asked and look forward to spending a day with the boys as their coach. It looks like Jenny will already be here - so, Jenny if you are reading this consider yourself booked for that day. It continues to amaze me how much opportunity falls to me as a result of my working within the schools and I thank God!
Monday night continues to provide a good place for the primary kids to come and enjoy good company while at the same time be introduced to Christ. There really is a good atmosphere among the kids who come on Mondays. One thing that is exciting about Monday's is the teen helpers. We have a good mix of churched and un-churched teens who enjoy helping out. They do a great job organising the juice and snack, Tuck shop, activities and helping the little ones with their writing during the bible tests. We are blessed with a good team.
Well, I am just now waiting for the phone to ring. Fenella is helping out one of the local doctors with her expertise and as soon as she is done there we can meet up for our "Simpson's" date. With everything getting so bogged down these past days I am looking forward.
Well, enough rambling for now - God bless!
While I was there, the head, Mrs Cruckshank asked if I would take the group I work with on Friday's to a football tournament in June. I am thrilled to be asked and look forward to spending a day with the boys as their coach. It looks like Jenny will already be here - so, Jenny if you are reading this consider yourself booked for that day. It continues to amaze me how much opportunity falls to me as a result of my working within the schools and I thank God!
Monday night continues to provide a good place for the primary kids to come and enjoy good company while at the same time be introduced to Christ. There really is a good atmosphere among the kids who come on Mondays. One thing that is exciting about Monday's is the teen helpers. We have a good mix of churched and un-churched teens who enjoy helping out. They do a great job organising the juice and snack, Tuck shop, activities and helping the little ones with their writing during the bible tests. We are blessed with a good team.
Well, I am just now waiting for the phone to ring. Fenella is helping out one of the local doctors with her expertise and as soon as she is done there we can meet up for our "Simpson's" date. With everything getting so bogged down these past days I am looking forward.
Well, enough rambling for now - God bless!
Monday, 21 April 2008
Tough Week
It always seems to be the case that whenever you have a mountain top experience it won't be too long before you hit the valley! The past couple of days have been tough, not that anything overly trying has came upon us, there just doesn't seem to be much in the tank.
Thursday night was great and I enjoyed the chance to challenge the guys again. I talked about the song "How to save a life" by The Fray. We spoke about having something good (God) to focus on and what happens when you don't have God at the centre of our lives. Everybody needs to have goodness and light at their core, otherwise when we do start down a wrong path, how do we find our way back?
It was so great to see Marko pop in. Marko is one of our "originals." He started coming to classes as a result of working at Anna Ritchie School over 6 years ago now. Mark is now 17 and working at Tesco supermarket. It is so cool to have known Marko all these years and for him to still feel that he can come and spend time with us - good times.
One of the reasons for this being a tougher than normal week has been a decision we have made this weekend to stop our Wednesday night "Supper" with the kids. I have really struggled with having to do this because of the long standing "Tradition" it had become. Way back in the time we were in the States and first began this as an outreach to kids it always proved a success, but these past months the same has not been the case. It was always my vision that Wednesday night be the hub of our program, a time for deeper things. However, the depth seems to be more evident on a Thursday night and the Wednesday nights have become a challenge. So, the supper is no more and we will try a regular approach to Wed night with a together time for 10 minutes going to classes and having a 10 minute "chill" time with juice and muffins and then having 30 minute lesson time and finishing up with everybody together again for close and prayer.
It is good to look at where God is active and where His word is taking root in the lives of the young. I have come to terms with the fact that God's ways are above my ways and no matter how much I wanted Wednesday nights to be "The Hub" God has made us look in a different direction. So, the next wee while will be a time of re-thinking and watching where the Spirit leads - as if there is any other way!
Take care - God bless!
Thursday night was great and I enjoyed the chance to challenge the guys again. I talked about the song "How to save a life" by The Fray. We spoke about having something good (God) to focus on and what happens when you don't have God at the centre of our lives. Everybody needs to have goodness and light at their core, otherwise when we do start down a wrong path, how do we find our way back?
It was so great to see Marko pop in. Marko is one of our "originals." He started coming to classes as a result of working at Anna Ritchie School over 6 years ago now. Mark is now 17 and working at Tesco supermarket. It is so cool to have known Marko all these years and for him to still feel that he can come and spend time with us - good times.
One of the reasons for this being a tougher than normal week has been a decision we have made this weekend to stop our Wednesday night "Supper" with the kids. I have really struggled with having to do this because of the long standing "Tradition" it had become. Way back in the time we were in the States and first began this as an outreach to kids it always proved a success, but these past months the same has not been the case. It was always my vision that Wednesday night be the hub of our program, a time for deeper things. However, the depth seems to be more evident on a Thursday night and the Wednesday nights have become a challenge. So, the supper is no more and we will try a regular approach to Wed night with a together time for 10 minutes going to classes and having a 10 minute "chill" time with juice and muffins and then having 30 minute lesson time and finishing up with everybody together again for close and prayer.
It is good to look at where God is active and where His word is taking root in the lives of the young. I have come to terms with the fact that God's ways are above my ways and no matter how much I wanted Wednesday nights to be "The Hub" God has made us look in a different direction. So, the next wee while will be a time of re-thinking and watching where the Spirit leads - as if there is any other way!
Take care - God bless!
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Be Attitudes
Since the weekend things have not let up yet. Thankfully there is strength coming from above to keep things going. The funny thing is it's not like I have just been scraping through, the assemblies yesterday and today have been amazing! I talked about compassion, humility and forgiveness being some of the most valuable treasures we can posses and in all 3 assemblies the impact was phenomenal. Each of the teachers and especially the head commented on how fitting and timely the lessons had come. I am reminded that God is in control and when I feel I should be flagging and weary I am being used powerfully - Praise God!
Last nights class was another reason to be encouraged. We had close to 30 primary age kids there and with Angie and Nina's help as well as 6 of the teens, we pulled off a great class for the kids! It happened to be Angie's birthday tonight and the intensity of volume as the kids sang "Happy Birthday" to Angie was evidence of how much they appreciate her. Everybody left feeling good - oh, apart form one boy who had been checked for blocking Nina in her run for home during a game of kickball rounders. It was nice to have on of the P7 girls at Central today come up to me and express how much she had loved being at class the night before. Beverly has only been coming for a few weeks, but is already finding joy in her young life as a result of God's church.
Holly and Hannah are all excited about tonight. They have got places for the "Brownies" and their first time will be tonight at Buchanhaven School. The group leader is Mrs Merchant who I know well from Dales Park School. They enjoyed a couple of years at "Rainbows" and have now graduated up the next group. They hope they will meet some girls they know there, but are content that even though they don't know anybody there they have each other to be with.
God Bless.
Last nights class was another reason to be encouraged. We had close to 30 primary age kids there and with Angie and Nina's help as well as 6 of the teens, we pulled off a great class for the kids! It happened to be Angie's birthday tonight and the intensity of volume as the kids sang "Happy Birthday" to Angie was evidence of how much they appreciate her. Everybody left feeling good - oh, apart form one boy who had been checked for blocking Nina in her run for home during a game of kickball rounders. It was nice to have on of the P7 girls at Central today come up to me and express how much she had loved being at class the night before. Beverly has only been coming for a few weeks, but is already finding joy in her young life as a result of God's church.
Holly and Hannah are all excited about tonight. They have got places for the "Brownies" and their first time will be tonight at Buchanhaven School. The group leader is Mrs Merchant who I know well from Dales Park School. They enjoyed a couple of years at "Rainbows" and have now graduated up the next group. They hope they will meet some girls they know there, but are content that even though they don't know anybody there they have each other to be with.
God Bless.
Monday, 14 April 2008
PHEEEEW!
The last few days have been amazing - yet exhausting! I feel like I have been poured out and need some time to fill up again.
On Friday and Saturday I was involved in a Young adults retreat at a fabulous place in Edzel, near Dundee. Patrick Sullivan (Paddy) had asked me to prepare 3 lessons which would be the focus for the Saturday, on the topic of "Spiritual Development." When I agreed a while back I had no idea then how amazing the journey was going to be!
There were many influences that helped to shape the lessons for the weekend, not the least of which were my regular "Coffee talks" with my dad. The whole time I was in prep for the weekend I felt the weight of the opportunity placed in my path. I was humbled at the thought of teaching the generation who are shaping the culture of church here in the UK. I wrestled hard with how to deliver the material that was needed to challenge and encourage these dedicated souls to desire closer relationship with God. I have to be honest and say that the whole time throughout preparing and even during the Saturday as I was presenting the lessons I never felt at ease. It all partly made sense when I arrived at the retreat in Edzel and talked with Paddy for a wee while. I had simply shared with Paddy the weight I had felt on my heart during my prep for the weekend and Paddy shared some of his experiences in getting the weekend to happen. It was obvious to both of us that Satan had been very active in the run up to the weekend in trying to prevent the event from happening. Now that the event is over and we can see the impact God's word had on the lives of everyone there, it makes perfect sense that the prep and organizing was such a bumpy ride - God's name was truly glorified this past weekend and hearts were set on fire for the kingdom of our Lord, it's no wonder Satan was active beforehand.
Like I said earlier, I am exhausted, but I know it was for a good purpose. As I am sitting typing this blog, I am refreshed knowing that God's word is living and active!
On Friday and Saturday I was involved in a Young adults retreat at a fabulous place in Edzel, near Dundee. Patrick Sullivan (Paddy) had asked me to prepare 3 lessons which would be the focus for the Saturday, on the topic of "Spiritual Development." When I agreed a while back I had no idea then how amazing the journey was going to be!
There were many influences that helped to shape the lessons for the weekend, not the least of which were my regular "Coffee talks" with my dad. The whole time I was in prep for the weekend I felt the weight of the opportunity placed in my path. I was humbled at the thought of teaching the generation who are shaping the culture of church here in the UK. I wrestled hard with how to deliver the material that was needed to challenge and encourage these dedicated souls to desire closer relationship with God. I have to be honest and say that the whole time throughout preparing and even during the Saturday as I was presenting the lessons I never felt at ease. It all partly made sense when I arrived at the retreat in Edzel and talked with Paddy for a wee while. I had simply shared with Paddy the weight I had felt on my heart during my prep for the weekend and Paddy shared some of his experiences in getting the weekend to happen. It was obvious to both of us that Satan had been very active in the run up to the weekend in trying to prevent the event from happening. Now that the event is over and we can see the impact God's word had on the lives of everyone there, it makes perfect sense that the prep and organizing was such a bumpy ride - God's name was truly glorified this past weekend and hearts were set on fire for the kingdom of our Lord, it's no wonder Satan was active beforehand.
Like I said earlier, I am exhausted, but I know it was for a good purpose. As I am sitting typing this blog, I am refreshed knowing that God's word is living and active!
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Amy and Beth's Orchestra - "Pirates"
Thought some of you might enjoy hearing this. This was Amy and Beth performing with their orchestra in March. They were outstanding and the piece sounded great - enjoy!
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Weather's horrible but Life's good!
The weather here is horrible! Heavy rain and the cold has returned. No worries though because life is good! Last nights class with the younger children was great. For the first class of the new term we were surprised to have so many attend. There were a number of our faithfuls off sick, but we still had 24 kids! We had two new girls come tonight, both friends of Kimberly's. Kimberly is a great kid and over the past weeks we have seen 4 of her friends start coming to class - she's quite the little evangelist!! I was delighted with the reaction to tonight's lesson. I talked about Creation v Evolution and borrowed one of Holly and Hannah's jigsaw puzzles to illustrate. I asked the kids how many different things make up the universe, the list was impressive. Then I took the puzzle and threw the pieces up in the air and watched them land all over the floor. I asked the kids what it takes to complete the jigsaw and asked if they thought it was possible for the jigsaw to land on the floor with all the pieces landing in the exact place to complete the picture - Of course they said it's not possible! Then we talked about God being the one who put all things together to make this beautiful universe we live in. The rest of the class was good and we enjoyed some games, even roped in some of the mothers who arrived a little early to take part in the activity with the kids.
Today I have been working on a lesson for tomorrow night's class. We decided to have an open class for the 1st class back and so I have to present something that hits all ages. I have pulled 8 movie clips from 4 films and will use then to talk about "The Big Picture" and "Life's Purpose."
I am looking forward to the class. We managed to get some bibles over the break and will give them out to the kids who don't have one.
This afternoon I have a meeting at Central school about getting involved in their breakfast club at school. It will involve going to the school early one morning a week to help serve breakfast to the children need it. Tonight I will call Jerry Bowling and continue our planning for this years campaign. It has been a joy working with brother Jerry and we are anticipating a great time during campaign in May.
Take Care!
Today I have been working on a lesson for tomorrow night's class. We decided to have an open class for the 1st class back and so I have to present something that hits all ages. I have pulled 8 movie clips from 4 films and will use then to talk about "The Big Picture" and "Life's Purpose."
I am looking forward to the class. We managed to get some bibles over the break and will give them out to the kids who don't have one.
This afternoon I have a meeting at Central school about getting involved in their breakfast club at school. It will involve going to the school early one morning a week to help serve breakfast to the children need it. Tonight I will call Jerry Bowling and continue our planning for this years campaign. It has been a joy working with brother Jerry and we are anticipating a great time during campaign in May.
Take Care!
Monday, 7 April 2008
Back in the groove !
Well, it's been a wee while since I updated my blog, but for good reason! I have spent some time with my girls - all 5 of them. It has been sooo fine! Was able to take Holly and Hannah swimming a few times and taught them how to dive and tumble into the water. They are both really happy in the water and naturals. Hannah has no fear and does everything with 110% while Holly is very deliberate and only goes when she has it all worked out in her head. Holly is such an elegant diver.
Amy spent much of her break working at Simpson's Tea Room, but in the evenings it was good to relax with her and Beth - when they were not socialising with friends. Both Amy and Beth have a good group of friends and they both had some time to get together with friends and have then over to the house some evenings. Beth even had some of her friends over for a sleepover. We are so glad they both have great pals.
We all feel better after the break. I definitely feel more relaxed and focused as a result. Fenella got the good of her week off too. It was so nice in the mornings not having to rush round getting ready and out the door. We relaxed and just enjoyed some "Home" time.
As ever though, time doesn't stand still and here we are back into the life's routine. This morning I got all the schools visited and got my Dates for Assemblies done and confirmed all the after school and lunchtime clubs for this new term. Again I have been richly blessed with opportunity. This will be a huge term because as well as the normal activities, we have the Harding campaign group coming in May and also Jenny coming in June. I am so excited at the potential for good this term!!!
Well, in the middle of making supper and watching Holly and Hannah do their homework, so I'll go for now.
God bless!
Amy spent much of her break working at Simpson's Tea Room, but in the evenings it was good to relax with her and Beth - when they were not socialising with friends. Both Amy and Beth have a good group of friends and they both had some time to get together with friends and have then over to the house some evenings. Beth even had some of her friends over for a sleepover. We are so glad they both have great pals.
We all feel better after the break. I definitely feel more relaxed and focused as a result. Fenella got the good of her week off too. It was so nice in the mornings not having to rush round getting ready and out the door. We relaxed and just enjoyed some "Home" time.
As ever though, time doesn't stand still and here we are back into the life's routine. This morning I got all the schools visited and got my Dates for Assemblies done and confirmed all the after school and lunchtime clubs for this new term. Again I have been richly blessed with opportunity. This will be a huge term because as well as the normal activities, we have the Harding campaign group coming in May and also Jenny coming in June. I am so excited at the potential for good this term!!!
Well, in the middle of making supper and watching Holly and Hannah do their homework, so I'll go for now.
God bless!
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