Following on...

Coming on the coattails of the previous entry...

It was my privilege to be able to serve the Buckie Church a couple of Sundays ago. Heading up to Buckie is always a heart warming thing. They may only be a handful of Christians, but there is such a good spirit in the place that it's always a joy to share the message there. On the way up I was stopped in my tracks at the beauty of the coastline. Leaving Peterhead it was overcast and grey, but just before turning into Banff the skies were blue and the sunshine was radiant - truly gorgeous! The night before Hannah had a very heavy nose bleed and was pretty faint and weak, so Fenella couldn't come up with me. I always feel at a loose end when she is not with me. Holly decided she would come with me which turned out to be really nice. In the afternoon we took a trip into Cullen to get some "Legendary" ice cream and while we were there we took the chance to visit Avril and Ian Bowie. Ian was away in Nigeria, but Avril, her sister Irene and a bunch of the family were there. Holly had a great time colouring and designing quilts with Avril and Edward. It was good to catch up with young Ian and his girlfriend Mag's. They have all had a pretty horrendous last couple of years and it was good to just visit and let them know we are thinking about them. Bill Pirrie was looking well after his surgery. He is such a giant in the faith and is one of my favourite Christians. Holly and I got to spend time with Grace and Alan Johnstone who fed us and spoiled us big time. Samantha was in on the deal too and it was good to see and hear all her plans and life stuff. Grace and Alan are tow of the nicest people! While we were away into Culllen Grace made a bunch of "Tablet" or "Toffee." Anyone who knows me well knows I love toffee! Grace gave us a big old tub to share with the family, but on the way home we were thinking up ways to secretly keep it to ourselves - sorry family love you, but it was toffee!!! When we left the Buckie Church the old saying came true, "Going with the intention to bless and coming away knowing you have been the one receiving the biggest blessing!"

Been working on our Campaign 2010 with our local Scottish (and a couple of English) team. I have to say I am excited! Have got a chance to work with David Emslie throughout the planning stages and he's a great guy! Have known him for years, but have really only got to KNOW him through this campaign. We have the schedule done and the group formed. We have 7 schools signed up for assembly programs and our focus on young adults is taking shape too. Our theme will be "Helium" with the idea of being lifted up. Our focus will be teaching the kids the importance of doing and saying things that lift others up rather than burden and weigh them down. In all everything is coming together well. Our next group time will be at the young adults retreat next month - excited!!!

On the home front things have been exciting too. We were made aware just how gifted Beth is on the oboe when we went to her 1st concert with the music school she has been attending this past year. The quality was up there. I am no musical critic, but there was obviously something special on show throughout the whole nights performance and Beth was right at home amongst it all. The moment that got me though was when she was playing at the Aberdeen Music hall with the Aberdeenshire North Concert Band last week. She had a solo during "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the sound was amazing! Holly and Hannah have just performed this morning in the strings section of the Aberdeenshire Junior Orchestra and again Fenella and I were delighted to see them be a part of something that is beautiful. Both played their violins beautifully and they looked to be enjoying their performance. What a joy to be surrounded by all this beauty! Amy is in the final stages of her rehearsals for her part as "Iolanthe" in the opera. Most days we hear her go over the songs at the piano and even with the doors closed her voice just fills the whole house. She truly has a beautiful voice. Amy has also just received an unconditional offer for a place in Edinburgh University's music programme. She is excited! And finally throughout all this frantic family activity there is a loving mother encouraging the girls and making sure everything is as it needs to be - love you Fenella!

Well, that big splurge of information sort of gives you an update on our ministry and family life.

God is great and we are blessed.