Welcome to the family Donald!

I finished up my last post commenting that God may not be quite finished yet and today's events have backed this up! This afternoon I went round to talk with Donald as we had arranged earlier. I knew he was close to the kingdom, but didn't know how our time together would work out. It was not long into our talk when his honesty about exactly where he was, in relation to taking the next step, was made clear. Donald, like the rest of us, has a healthy respect for the "sinful nature" that is constantly waging war against us. He was worried that in his own mind he was not perfect enough to commit to Christ. In response I commented about God knowing our innermost being and that His desire is to transform us. Would Donald ever be perfect enough? The sooner Christ is accepted and the Spirit begins to convict and challenge, the sooner his life would begin to be free from the fear of sin and the guilt of falling short. I asked if he was watching one of his sons go through a tough time if he could just stand back and watch, or if he would get right in there to protect and provide. We talked about God's desire to give us, as His children, what we need to bring about the best in us. We talked about living with hope and forgiveness rather that fear and sin. I simply asked which of the two paths he would rather choose. From that point on there was clarity in Donald's voice and his thinking. I asked if he were to commit his life to Christ, when would that be. His response was immediate and deadly serious, "NOW!" His mind was made up and all the wrestling over the past weeks was at an end! We prayed together and then began the joy of sharing the news. I had to smile when he phoned Wendy to tell her. I could hear her scream from the other side of the room :) It was then a bit of a blur as we worked on getting things organised. A little side point here, I think Donald and I share a similar trait of forgetfulness! As I had no car I needed to get to Fenella's work to get the car, but on the way we were so busy talking that we were driving in the totally wrong area of the town. We both looked at each other and asked the same question, "Where are we supposed to be going?" Anyway, at 7.00pm we all got to the building and shared another heavenly moment witnessing Donald become a child of the King! I talked for a wee bit before taking his confession. I wanted to read Romans 6, but my eyes were blurry and I asked someone to read for me. Jordan (Donald's son) stood up and read - it was amazing! I loved being able to listen and to the words as he read. It was a special moment! It was my honour to then take Donald's confession. Donald could hardly make the "Yes" audible, but his expression and tears spoke louder than his voice ever could. We prayed and took the few steps down into the water and said goodbye to old Donald Sutherland, but then said hello to the new and Spirit filled child of the most high God! I have to comment on what Shaun said after we got changed and were mingling with everyone. Shaun who is 18 welcomed Donald who is, well a bit older, with these words, "I now have a baby brother!" It was priceless! Jordon caught on to the concept and pointed out that his dad was now his baby brother too!

It is a joy to know that we now have a family committed to God and a home where God is now honoured. I am excited to see how God will use them in the plans for His kingdom here in Peterhead.

Our God He is ALIVE!

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Another New Creation :)

Exciting or what? Rachel committed her life to Christ last night. The Friday night previous Rachel and Thomas came and told me they thought she was ready. We decided to meet up on the Thursday night to talk and find out exactly what they meant and in deed to explore Rachel's expression of faith. At the outset I was a little unsure whether Rachel was where she needed to be as far as understanding what her commitment involved. However, on the Thursday it became clear that she was convicted and was totally ready. We spent the night talking about how important Christ is and making sure Rachel started out her journey knowing it is about getting Jesus in the right place first and all the other stuff will be added over time. There was much tears and honesty about where sin and bad choices can lead us, but there was much more talk about hope and what we have to anticipate knowing that forgiveness is ours and that the Spirit will be active in keeping our path close to pattern of Christ. It was obvious from that time that Rachel was ready and passionate about her choice to become a Christian. On the Friday night we talked again toward the end of class and it became clear when I asked if she thought Sunday was too early to consider baptism. Rachel's face instantly lit up and and said, "Yes! Yes!" So, we met to study on the Saturday afternoon and made plans for the Sunday night to be when she would make her obedience to the gospel complete. On the Sunday night there was a great atmosphere following on from the joy of last Sunday and Jordan's baptism. We sang some of Rachel's favorite songs beginning with "Refiners Fire." When I took Rachel's confession, her response was beautiful! It was as though she couldn't express it quick enough and once her affirmation was out, she shed a few tears. We shared a prayer together and went down into the water to witness Rachel becoming a new creation! I have to mention something a wee bit funny. As Rachel went down the first couple of steps she slipped and almost went all the way under without my help!!! We had a laugh about it after and Thomas commented that he was expecting something like that to happen! I am so delighted for Rachel. Thomas and Rachel will now be walking in the same direction, with Christ as their life and the church as their support - they have a firm foundation :)

The amazing news is that I don't think God is quite done yet! This morning someone stated that they are seriously close to the kingdom and I pray that tomorrow afternoon we will have more good news to share! It has been a joy to watch this individual get drawn into the presence of God through the influence and involvement of predominantly young people. It is exceptional to think that our young are having this kind of impact!

As you may be aware God is doing marvelous things!

Lots more...

Thought I would add to the last entry a wee bit. I want you to know how excited I am regarding our classes. Our past couple of Friday nights have been outstanding. Last week we looked at excuses and why we use them. Ultimately we went to the words of Christ and His warning at the day we stand before God, "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven..." We discussed this hypathetical question - What will you say if God asks you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" We focused on the FACT that nothing but Christ will be good enough to get us into heaven! The week before we shared, possibly my favorite class ever, as far as the lesson goes. It was simply the right time and the right stage for the lesson. The truth is though, before the lesson I was not too sure whether I had the energy or the focus to get it across. With this in mind, I look back and know that it was God's timing once again and it was His power that worked for the good of all that night. The lesson was based on a movie that is about to be released called "Soul Surfer." The movie follows the challenge of a young competitive surfer who suffers a shark attack and looses her arm. The movie focuses on her faith and the faith of her family in helping her overcome the loss of her arm and eventually to her getting back on the board and competing again. The lesson hit home with the group in a way I was not quite ready for. One of the memorable moments was when I asked the question, "Are you surfing yet?" Of course this was in relation to their faith. Another moment was when we talked through the question, "Are you a surfer or are you paddling on the shore?" The responses were very real and honest to both these and gave the group opportunity to express where they are and how they are feeling about their faith. We then talked about where the power and momentum comes from. It does not come from the surfer, but from the wave! We talked about the work of the Spirit and God's desire for us to get up on our boards and get surfing. We talked about the FACT that every wave is not an easy one! Some will take every ounce of your effort and ability to get you to the

shore. At the end of the lesson I told the group I was going to show them a picture that was my vision for the group. I think back to when I was putting the lesson together and first saw the photo and when the concept hit me. The photo was of a group all surfing together on the crest of the wave! We talked about the reality of what they were creating as a group and the challenge to keep acknowledging that it is Christ who continues to bring about good things. Like I

mentioned at the begining, I was blown away at how God works in and through us, even when we don't think we have it in us! This is the reason it was one of my all time favorites, because I know it was not the result of my effort and I saw clearly the wind of the Spirit moving through the group.

Monday night are pretty healthy too. We have around 35 kids on the register and we have had as much as 27, but average around 22. I am sooo aware that ministry is not a numbers game! There are night when for whatever reason we may only have 15-18 kids and the opportunity is very different, as you can give much more attention to individual kids. We have a good group of teens helping out and they are taking much of the responsibility for the various phases of the class, from the prayer time, to the tuc shop, getting the task forms and pictures ready for the kids leaving and organizing the games time and fast pass challenge. There are normally between 5 and 8 teens helping me out. Donald was sharing his observation of the kids that come to Monday Night. He said he loved when the mums and dads drop the kids off and he watches the kids throw off their jackets and run through to the hall, barely saying bye to their parents! They just enjoy coming!

A couple of Sundays ago I was preaching on Sunday morning. I was touched with an overwhelming hatred towards an advert on the TV. It got to the stage that I would not watch it because it repulsed me so much. Lynx deodorant are now using angelic being falling from the sky and throwing their "Halo" to the ground in exchange for the irresistible scent of a man wearing Lynx! How man has cheapened the realm of the Spiritual! This along with an encounter involving a school child using God's name as if it were dirt shaped my thought to preaching on our lack of moral fiber and awareness of the "Holy." The challenge was to be Different, because a life focused on Jesus will mean separation from everything worldly! I used Luke's comments on David's life in Acts 13:36 where is says, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." I loved the idea of being remembered for having served God's purpose! We finished of with the idea of simply living lives "WORTHY" of our calling and the thought that "wholeness comes from holiness!"

I have to mention something about our lovely oboe player! Beth over the weekend was encouraged to take part in the Aberdeen young musician of the year in order to gain some experience. On the Saturday she impressed the judges so much that she advanced through to the final which was way beyond what was expected! Only 6 of the initial 22 gifted young musicians were selected to perform in the final. We rushed through to watch her perform on the Sunday afternoon. She was truly outstanding! The judges comments afterward was that her tone and control of the notes were beautiful! Although Beth didn't win, she was delighted with the way she played. Fenella and I could not have been more proud to see our beautiful girl play so beautifully! Amy was able to see her sister perform and it was heartwarming for Fenella and I to see the joy in Amy's eyes when Beth was performing :)

Friday marks the start of the easter break! We are so ready to wind down a little. On Saturday we have hired the local pool for an end of term treat for the youth group! It will be a fitting way for everyone to have a huge bit of fun before the break.

God Bless!

Oh, What a Night!

Where to begin? Well, I will try and share how God has been working these past weeks, but I fear I will not be able to put in words just how powerfully and obviously His hand has been seen. I want to start off with a conversation I had with my dad. We went for a coffee last week and I think the essence of our time and conversation was that God's ways and timings are amazing, but at times near impossible for us to cope with. These past days especially I have been quite simply overwhelmed by God's power to bring about good things - in spite of my humanity. I have been hanging on by my finger nails as God has revealed a glimpse of His power. Sunday night shook me to my core and caused me to come face to face with the scale of opportunity God will at times put in front of us. I mentioned in my last post that Jordan Sutherland was close to the Kingdom, well Sunday was the night he committed his life to Christ! Donald, his dad came home from sea on the Saturday and after spending an evening in their home talking with the family, everything was set for the following night. On the Sunday morning after worship I asked Jordan, Thomas, Rachel and Shaun to help with setting up for the night's service. As we began setting out the chairs in the fellowship hall, Jordan commented that we need to put out more chairs. I said there was plenty, but he wasn't so sure. It later became obvious that he was right and we had to put out a bunch of extra chairs! Wendy, Jordan's mum, had been busy inviting family and friends to come and witness Jordan's baptism. I didn't count, but I am sure there were around 50 visitors that night! When I opened the building and the visitors began streaming in, I was all of a sudden aware that something very different was taking place. The challenge from scripture came to my mind about being prepared to give an account for the hope we have. However, it took on a whole new meaning to me that night! As we began the service and I looked out at the sea of visitors I couldn't help thinking, are any of them believers and how will they react to tonight's events? In the end I silently prayed for God's hand to still my fears and for His Word to take hold of my tongue and for Him to take control. We began with some singing and this set the right tone as it sounded great. I had prepared to use a short video clip to introduce the lesson (feel free to enjoy it), titled, "It's Friday, But Sunday's coming!" I have to say my fears did grip me for a second, because it was to be a pretty challenging lesson and in light of all the visitors I was doubting a little, but again with a time of prayer as the clip was running I was able to ask God to conquer my fears and again use me mightily for His purpose. The message was pretty pointed and asked whether you live as though it were Friday, when the world was winning and sin was overcoming and death is triumphant or on the other hand, as if it were Sunday! When God raises Christ and He is triumphant over death, sin and the powers of this world. We were challenged to ask if we live in hope as we anticipate something better or live in fear and darkness as this world drags us under. We then looked at Jordan and what this decision meant to his outlook on life and what God has in store for him as he commits his life to the safety of His hand and to the pattern of Christ's life. Shaun led a prayer before we went through to share in the beauty of Jordan's baptism. I wish you could have heard his prayer! We took a little time sharing Jordan's journey leading to this point and commitment. Jordan is 15 years old and his testimony is already impacting lives! After I had the joy of taking Jordan's confession we went down into the water and came up as brother's in Christ! We sang a song and Thomas led a closing prayer. Again, I wish you could have heard Thomas' prayer! Shaun commented to me that it's no longer the dynamic duo, but the Three musketeers! God is doing amazing things!

I have to mention something about Donald and Wendy. I love the fact that they are delighted for what Jordan has done, but quietly I think God is working in their lives too! I am prayerful that it will not be too long before there are more Sutherland's added to the Lord's family :) Wendy is one of a kind! I am always uplifted when I am in her company. She has a big heart. I can't think of many people who could have invited so many people to come to church and for them to have come!!! Wendy obviously has a great influence for good in many peoples lives. I am starting to get to know Donald and I consider him a friend. I love his love for the young! His influence, especially with the teens, is pretty special. This last trip was a pretty long one and he shared how getting a bunch of comments on his facebook from the youth group changed his mood to being one of loneliness to one of being blessed!

I want to share another sunny story and again express my pride in how God is bringing about good in lives that draw near to Him. This has not been Rachel's best season in life these past months. She has had to deal with some tough circumstances and although there are times she has struggled I am delighted with the way she has made wise choices these past weeks. Her heart is eager to learn and she is genuinely considering the commitment of her life to Christ. I continue to pray that Thomas, Rachel's boyfriend, will continue to be the example he is to her and that they might share the joy of walking the same path in their journey through this life.

There is so much more! God is Great!

Expressions of faith

This past while has been strewn with a proper mix of ups and downs. I want to start this out with the good news that we have finally been approved by the UK borders Agency to be sponsors for religious workers coming into the UK. This means that we are able to have JR and Daisha Sheets with their children Gideon and Naomi here in May to work with the congregation for 3 months. This will give us a good indication if there will, God willing, be the possibility of them coming for a longer term in the near future. They are a beautiful family and we are praying that we as a church and they as a family can work together to further the kingdom here in Peterhead. Please keep the Sheets family in your prayers as they make the final arrangements to visit with us. If you are in a position to help with their efforts and would like to give some funds you can do that via their web page: http://www.sheetstoscotland.blogspot.com/


I want to mention a couple of big things, expressions of faith, that has crossed my path this week. The first is a little snippet from Monday night with the primary school class. I came home pretty tired, because there had been a big group of kids and there were a group of 4 boys who were a handful and needed a firm hand. Fenella was asking me how it went and I started off telling her about the issues I had with these 4 boys and not long into the conversation it struck me, I had missed something huge that had happened during the class. When everyone was lined up ready for our prayer time Paul McLean motioned to catch my attention. Normally in the class Paul brings some DVD's that he thinks are good and we either give then a thumbs up or down (always ends up with thumbs up). This Monday was different. Paul didn't have DVD's, but he brought his new bible. He expressed that he wanted to read a bit before our prayer. So, he started reading. What you have to understand is that Paul doesn't form his words like we do and it can be a challenge to know what he is saying some times, but on Monday night there was complete silence as Paul "Read" from his bible and even though the children didn't know what Paul was saying they could understand that it meant a lot to him. When Paul had finished there was a big round of applause, spontaneously started by the kids. I now know that we had witnessed something pretty special and I am blessed, along with 30 others to have been there to hear Paul's expression of faith. My heart is full just recounting the story. I was so caught up in other issues during the class that I almost missed one of the most beautiful things of my week.

The second came about Last night. I got to the building at 10 past 6 to get our group underway. At 6.30 Jordan and CJ came to me and I heard those lovely words, "Billy can I talk to you?" You may not get the significance of what lies behind this simple question, but every time I hear those words and see the focused look in the eyes of the one asking, I know what is coming. We found a relatively quiet place and I listened to Jordan share how he is considering the commitment of his life to Christ! I am always humbled by the fact that I get to see and listen to a heart share how they have come to find their way back to God! Life does not get any better than that :) Our journey begins and God willing, Jordan can follow through with his commitment as we begin exploring what his commitment needs to be. I must share another angle to this chapter that is truly great. I mentioned that CJ came with Jordan to find me. Jordan is getting together with Shaun on Friday to study together. Shaun will share his journey to finding God with Jordan and help him make sense of his journey! That is AMAZING! CJ and Megan along with JP have all been instrumental in taking the opportunity to guide Jordan closer to finding God. I can only hold my hands up and say with all certainty that God is doing some pretty big things through the lives of these young, willing people who want to share what they know to be good. With all this in mind I must tell you of part of our class last night. I shared something that hit me last week with the group. I asked them if they were aware that if it were not for Christ, I wouldn't know any of them? They looked with questioning expressions at first, but then the penny dropped and they understood. I even went a bit further and asked what they thought it was that motivated me to persevere with some of them who, in the past, had been hard to work with. Again I was able to share that it was Christ in me. I put a comment on our youth facebook page last night in response to all that has gone on this week, "I look forward to seeing what the next "Ripple" of influence brings." It is truly inspiring when you see Christ being shared and shared again!


I mentioned that there are some downs at the beginning of this entry, but now all of a sudden they seem so insignificant I don't know that I even want to mention them :)


Let me finish by exalting God and again reminding us that, "He is Worthy!"

Building Bridges!

Was motivated to write this because of a comment I got on our youth group page. It never ceases to amaze me how the Spirit works! Last night we had an amazing class time. There was 7 of us in my class and we started out talking about the bridges we build in our lives and the importance of making sure the bridges are getting us to the right places. You are never sure how a class will turn out. It was not long into the session that I realised we were being led on a path that took our connection with each other and toward God much deeper that normal. We talked about our relationships being bridges between each other and the importance of being connected to the right people. We talked about how we bring the best out of each other and looked back at the time we started building the bridges into each others lives. Stuart kicked things of talking about the most important bridge being the one that leads to God and Shaun followed up talking about how in the church you find the best bridges. We talked about the youth classes and their purpose being to build bridges into the community. Lewis talked about the bridge I made into Central School many years ago being the one that started his journey with us over 8 years ago! Ryan talked about how important the relationships with the group had helped him through this past few months of having to deal with the loss of his Granada. Thomas talked about our faith being an important bridge and reminded us about the path being one way that leads to Heaven. We talked about the bridges people build that lead to the wrong destination and the bridges we need to break down in our own lives. The time was gone before we knew it and there was a very telling end to our class that showed just how deep we had gone. Shaun suggested that we all take part in the prayer to end our time. Not all were confident enough to take part, but Shaun, Thomas, Stuart and Ryan all opened their hearts to God. There is no more powerful example of the work of the Holy Spirit than seeing a group of young men, who have had to find their own faith, desire to draw close to God. I am humbled and joyful that He is doing marvelous things!


I want to share what went on last Sunday night at our 3rd Sunday! We decided to centre the time around the songs that make us sing! I asked a bunch to tell me their favorite song and to explain why it was important to them. It was not long before they started pouring in! Shaun and Thomas were very keen to get involved, when challenged, to get up and share their favorites at the meeting. Thomas was first up and talked about "Anywhere with Jesus," being one of his. He talked about our faith being an "all times faith" and not simply a Sunday thing. He did great and was followed by Shaun who talked about "Make me a Servant." Shaun shared of his new found desire to serve in the classes and influence the younger children with the good news of God. Thomas shared a second in "Walking on Heavens Road" and talked about the importance of baptism in making sure you are on the right road and warned of the danger in thinking you can have a foot in both camps! Shaun came up and shared his love for "Listen to our Hearts." Shaun focused on the importance of thanking God for the "Way, the Truth and the Life!" It is never easy to follow after them. I am proud with a Godly pride at how they are allowing God to use them. I shared one of my favorites, "I am a sheep" and mentioned Psalm 100. I talked about having the blessing of singing "praise" to God. My dad talked about the time he was standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and as he was looking at the stones, said, "What if these stones could speak!" His song was, "There is beyond the azure Blue - Our God He is Alive!" We had a time for favorites and enjoying singing. Amy sang, "Amazing Grace!" It was tough to follow Shaun and Thomas, but that was nothing compared to having to get up and talk after Amy sang! She was beautiful! All I could muster to say was, "That's what your voice was made to do!" The night came to a close and I have no doubt, going by the comments afterward, that everyone received a blessing and God was glorified!


A couple of other little "tasty morsels" in finishing up this entry. I had the joy of sharing some good times in school assemblies this last week. I shared a lesson on the importance of keeping each other clean and not being the cause of someone to be dirty. I used an object lesson with two white shirts, one that I had covered in dirt and ripped and another perfectly white and clean. I asked what their reaction would have been if I had came to assembly wearing the dirty ripped shirt. The response was great! In essence they told me they would have expected better! I was then able to ask them, "In light of your behaviour and attitude toward others how clean are you?" Toward the end of the lesson I made a charge to the P7's to be sure that they are the "cleanest" in the school and setting the standard for the younger ones coming up behind them. Of course, at the core of the lesson was God's desire that we look to Him as the source of all things clean and good. I love having this opportunity to help the young ones catch a glimpse of God's goodness and love. Talking about assemblies, I got our schedule for our campaign in June filled up yesterday! The exciting news is we will be visiting 8 schools (possibly 9 waiting for reply).


On Monday night we had a blast! The younger kids had a treat waiting for them. I managed to arrange with the St Combs Ice Cream man to meet up with a bunch of ice cream. I got various sauces and toppings to make it a bit special. They were delighted and there is a strong possibility we will have to make this a monthly deal. All 27 kids, 5 teens and 2 adults had plenty and there was still a little left over for seconds! Monday nights are fun with the right balance of focus.

Well, there you have it - in a nutshell: God is good!

Made to Smile!

Have to share why I will be smiling all week! From time to time you come across people who stand out for whatever reason. There are a certain two young ladies who crossed my path, probably 6 years ago. We had not seen them for two years since they moved overseas to Italy. Well, on Sunday morning we go the shock of our lives when they walked into Sunday School! Alexandra and Lucia Culley are two of the most radiant young girls you are likely to meet. I had not realised how much I had missed them until they walked through the door :) Nina and I were talking in one of the classrooms, just before Sunday school was to begin and I don't know who's jaw dropped the most as they passed the door! What joy!!! I feel I must apologise to Paula, their mum and Jonathon, their brother who were also there. Jonathan is now grown up and very different to the toddler we remember leaving for Italy. Paula is doing a fantastic job with her family and being able see them all again was a rich blessing and it has truly put a smile on my face that will be there constantly throughout the week. During Sunday school we just sat and talked about their life in Italy and what they have been doing. I have to comment about Lucia, I would love to have some kind of counter to record how many words she spoke in that short 40 minutes or so that was Sunday school. She was captivating! A few times we had to plead with her to let Alexandra talk for herself and share some of her life too. We had the best time and before we knew it, it was 10.45 and time for me to go and pick up Thomas for church. Time flies when the company is this good. Last night we had the joy of seeing them again at our Monday night class. This time it was Jonathan who stole the show. I was so glad to see him get stuck in and enjoy the class. On the Sunday morning he was a bit shy and strange of seeing everyone. However, that was not the case on Monday! He never stopped smiling the whole night - joy! The girls had a blast too and I will especially remember them playing the old favorite, "Knights and Cavaliers." It was so good to see them as a part of our group again. I must admit I am a little sad at the thought of them all having to leave us again, but I am so blessed and proud of the way they are growing and have such lovely hearts - true beauty!

We have had a full few weeks. I have to comment on the growth of our teens. I am so proud of the way they are taking more leadership roles, especially when it comes to Monday and Wednesday nights. I was talking with Fenella yesterday and making the point that on Monday night I am the only "old" person. All the other helpers are between the age of 17 and 21! We have reason to look forward with hope at what God will do through these willing young adults! C.J, Megan, Brittany, Shaun and Stuart have been excellent this term. The young kids who come on Monday nights are blessed because of their examples. The class has grown this term and it is down to the atmosphere that has been created by these young lives and the willingness of the children to invite their friends to come and enjoy! I am also delighted to have Thomas come with me to Crimond school and to Anna Ritchie. We make a great team! Our time at Crimond is brilliant! Since Alex left to go back home I needed someone to help with the school and Thomas is more than willing to help - good times!

It was my joy to preach this pas Sunday morning. The journey of preparing for it was especially deep. The journey began early in the week when I was very aware of not having my usual energy and motivation to bless. I felt weighed down and sluggish in Spirit. It was then I was convicted to face the reality that Satan was stealing my joy. I spent a chunk of time meditating and in prayer over this and came to the realisation that I had not prayed in a long time for God to," keep the evil one far from me." This became my motivation for what we shared on Sunday morning. The lesson was focused on Jesus teaching his disciples to pray and especially the closing line, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." How often we forget to ask God's help in keeping Satan far from us! I know this was timely in my life and there was a reaction from many of the congregation, God's word is active and convicting! Well, that's my little confession time, hope it moves you all to think about the activity of Satan in distracting you from the will and relationship of our Father.

I had the pleasure of going down to Cumbernauld with a group of men from Peterhead to a their men's day. We enjoyed a feast of great lessons through four very different lives. The theme was reminding us of the fact that we are all pilgrims in this land and our sights are set on another kingdom. It was a long day, but a full day!

I will close this with some fatherly pride! Beth and Amy both continue to show outstanding ability in their love for music. Beth got her grade 7 oboe marks back and achieved a mark of 143/150! This is truly an outstanding mark and one of the highest the school has known. Beth is really blossoming with her oboe and her music is a real passion in her life. Amy also got her grade 8 singing. Amy got the outstanding grade of 136/150! Fenella and I get the joy of going down this week to hear Amy sing at the Fife Festival. It will be lovely to hear her, but the truth is that now she is living in Edinburgh the singing is secondary and the hug takes pride of place. Anyway, needles to say Fenella and I are very proud of our daughters.

God bless!