Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Hello

Hey everyone, well it's been awhile since I've (Linda) blogged so I though I would share some thoughts with you today. I can't believe how time is ticking by so quickly and Jan is nearly at an end. Isn't it amazing how time can just fly by. Over the last month we have been taking time out really seeking God about lots of things in our life at the moment. God has been so faithful in giving us that peace that surpasses all understanding :) especially during those times when we got lost in frustration or confusion.

The last few months have really been challenging and growing as the direction we were so sure of has changed. God has continually spoken to us about resting and loving him just for him and not just because of what we do. We are learning so much lately of how important it is to be rather than to do, and I have to say for two active people that is not always easy. So it's been a major re-adjustment over the last while. But I think in a way we're starting to enjoy some new found freedom where we just get to hang out with friends and each other. That has been really nice.

Work wise Alex still works away at the Haven cafe and he loves it there. There are some great people inside there with great hearts so he has been encouraged about all of that. I am working away as busy as ever with work booking missionaries and many people round the world. I work Mon, Wed & Thurs evenings from 8-midnight and then Tues and Fri mornings from 9.30-1.30am. So the hours aren't ideal and can be tiring and takes me out from a bit during the week, but I am so grateful for the work and bringing money in.

In other things that are happening we were at the first Cork youth workers meeting last Saturday and were very encouraged to see 12 youth leaders turn up. Especially for the first one and in particular how that day a storm was happening outside hehe. So praise God for new beginnings and new relationships that are starting to build. Alex also goes out on a Monday evening with a great guy from Grace and they bring soup, sandwiches and clothes to the homeless people on the streets of Cork. It has been encouraging to hear the stories of contacts being made and conversations being had. I know Alex is really enjoying the experience, even when it is lashing raining and freezing all in the same evening. The funny thing is, is that the other guy that he goes out with is also from Dublin, so how cool it is to see the Dubs caring for those on our streets.

The other thing we are involved in is the teens weekend coming up in February this year. This is the 3rd year it is running and it has been so encouraging to see how may are now involved in the planning of it all. This year we are transitioning from having American speakers to it being all Irish. So it has been a big leap but a manageable one. We have some very gifted people on the team and it is such a highlight to see 7 different groups working together to see the teens in Ireland discipled and the youth leaders encouraged and supported. So this weekend is happening on the weekend of the 20-22nd of February so we value your prayers as there is still a lot to organize and get done.

So that's the latest at the moment but just wanted to keep things going on this blog. I know we haven't been great with it lately. Anyhow thanks for reading this and for keeping up with our lives. We'd love to hear how you're doing yourselves. So be sure to drop us a line.

Until later. Xo

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

6 years together

Man waiting and resting is hard to do. We have felt the lord telling us to wait on Him and take a time of rest over this period but for two hyper go getters that is horrible. All the same it has been a great time to just hang out with people and to have people over to the house with no agenda except relationship building. It's amazing how quickly time passes as Linda and I are together 6 years today, which is a bit crazy, but cool at the same time. I think I love her more now than i did back then, which is cool to know.

We are praying about starting up a small group for young people who are serious about being discipled and committed to being regularly involved in something. We are finally getting a rest after a hectic holiday season, with work, weddings and all the family stuff behind us, so here we are waiting and resting for the spring/summer season that lies ahead, we hope this finds you in good form, and we wish Clive and Emma, my best friend and His new wife the very best as a married couple for the future.