Gearing Up!

Found a half hour to nip in an update. The past few days have been so solid! The schools were out Monday and Tuesday and Fenella took the day off work on the Monday so we took off for the day with the girls. We did some shopping (well with 5 ladies, what do you expect?) and went to the pictures. It was so nice to switch off from ministry and enjoy family. The past weeks have been tough as a family. We have had to journey through some tough choices and see Amy and Beth continue to grow and take control of their future paths. They make Fenella and I sooooo proud. To listen and hear their reasoning for not getting involved in some stuff their peers are into is a joy! They are both focused young women and are finding the keys to enjoying life and learning to avoid life's drains. As their dad, I can't believe how well they are developing - it's obvious that Fenella is an amazing mum! I must also comment that they are learning to be led by the Spirit and are showing fruit in keeping with His nature.

AT the classes we are starting to get the kids excited about campaign, which begins a week on Monday with the Harding group. Our notice board has a bunch of sign-up sheets for a "Fruit of the Spirit" scavenger Hunt, a Bowling night and a Scottish night. I must mention last Thursday night. We had our first "practice" at the Scottish dances in preparation for the Ceilidh. Anyone who knows me can testify to the fact that I have no "moves!" However, I feel that I have found my feet and had an absolute blast learning the dances. It was a great night and there were smiles on faces from the start to finish! If you have never experienced traditional Scottish dancing - you are missing out! Forget all the nonsense that goes on at clubs and disco's nowadays! A ceilidh is one of life's best kept secrets for good clean fun and enjoyment! John Campbell taught us the moves and we learned a total of six dances, including "Strip the willows," "Highland Barn dance," Gay Gordon's" etc...! We had soo much fun!

I need to mention Friday night! I am humbled to witness how God's Spirit continues to use this class to bless! We had three there on Friday night who were "lifted" because of the class. I am thrilled to witness the ways in which God provides for the needs of all at the right times. I know there are times in all our lives when we need a "lift" and it's fantastic that Friday night's are proving to be a source of encouragement for all who find it! I taught a lesson on challenging the group to question what eyes they choose to live life looking through - The worlds or God's? We talked about the distractions we cause by the clothes and "Look" we present. How we can be noticed and accepted simply by how we look on the outside. We then talked about CHARACTER and the importance of being noticed because of who we are and not how we look. Afterward we were able to play some volleyball now that the nights are longer and it's daylight till 9.30ish.

Please continue to pray for our growth. I know that God is working and that hearts are open - pray that the seeds continue to be planted! As a church family we are continuing to go through some struggles. This morning I attended another funeral. Eric Thom, who was one of the most sacrificially loving fathers I have ever known, is the fourth member of our church family to have passed away in as many months. This pattern may continue as many in our family are elderly. Our prayer is that we can discern God's plan and the Spirit's path in order that the Kingdom grows.

Just a quick note about my school ministries. I was delighted to begin a new work in Meethill School last Friday. I have opportunity to take a lunchtime club with the P4's and on Friday we had 17 come along and the time was great! I am looking forward to working with the school and developing relationships with the kids and the staff there - God is Good!!

I am delighted that George (my brother) is going to make a surprise trip over to spend some time with us. He is coming with Abby, which makes Holly and Hannah VERY excited! It will be good to see him and catch up. They get in tomorrow and will spend a week here.

God bless!