Evidence Of Grace

There is a group of gals in our church that are headed out this weekend to go visit an orphanage in Bila Tserkva. Its a city about 3 hours drive from ours. From what I hear, the conditions at the orphanage are pretty bad. The group is going to be buying things like toilet paper, soap, and toothbrushes for the children.

What brings me so much joy from this whole thing is that there are five young women that want to use this weekend to serve overs. To see them wanting to use their own money and time to demonstrate to 100 kids that God loves them. It makes me so happy to see the grace of God at work in their lives! These gals are an encouragement to me! I am so thankful for what I see God doing in the lives around me!

Please pray for their time. Pray for these little ones that will hear and see the gospel this weekend!

Vlada, Olya, Marina and Valya.
You can't see them in the pic, but there are about 7 big bags of stuff for the kids the gals hauled on the bus with them.

Our Oksana joined the group a little later.
( We all can't get off work early, Huh Oksana?! )

This was taken at the same orphanage a few months ago.


They sent me this pic on their way there. They got to try the new Domino's pizza in Kiev.

I Came Across These

These were taken awhile ago, but I still wanted to stick them up here. Adren was so little! I am so thankful for these two little girls!

"Christmas" What Is It Really?

I thought this short film was worth watching. I hope you like it and I hope it makes you think. May us as parents not let our little ones miss out on really knowing and celebrating this truly beautiful holiday. The Christ has come!

That's Christmas! from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

HT: Justin Taylor

For those of you looking at this on facebook click here In Plain Language to visit our blog and watch the video.

Hey Dad

Sping Cleaning

I love a good bonfire! I get it from my Mom and growing up in Maine. There's also no better way to clean up your yard in the spring. Once that fire's lit all I want to do is feed it and make it grow! All that stuff I thought about keeping (the just in case I might need it someday stuff) has no chance once I see those flames.

Girls

When I got home today, found this little girl waiting for me. Emma dresses herself these days. I can't wait to have another little girl running around and Emma can't wait to dress her!

Being A Dad

A friend sent us this video and I must say I know how this guy feels! This reminded me of Emma so much! It's a funny clip!

My Family

I just found these on the computer. I'm the most blessed guy in the whole world! I love you my family!

Update On Reenie's Visa Situation

Reenie and Christina took off Friday morning for Poland. The papers Reenie needed from the government weren't ready for her to take with her. We are praying that they will be done on Monday so that we can fax them to her. Please be keeping Reeine and Christina in your prayers. Thank you!

Time To Shave

I don't like to shave. I probably shave 4 times a week on average. It's definitely in style not to shave. I'm thankful for that trend. But, something happened the other day that has caused me to shave more. I was out with a few others in the neighborhoods around our church inviting kids to an upcoming children's festival. Well, I came upon a bunch of kids playing football (soccer) in the street. I started talking with one of them and a bunch of them came over to see what was going on. All of a sudden a Babushka (grandma, but that word just doesn't do her justice) comes out and gives me the meanest look you could ever imagine! Then one of the kids ran up to her and showed her the invitation that I had given him. When she saw the invitation, I could see the relief come over her face! I went over to her and she told me that she was very glad that I was just giving out invitations and not drugs. She then told me that she was sure I was a drug dealer/user when she first saw me. So that's why I'm shaving more these days... Oh, and Babushka did bring her grandson to church the next day.

Podusivka

A few weeks ago Gavin and I were able to spend some time with the kids at Podusivka boarding school/orphanage. I haven't been able to visit them much lately between teaching on Sundays and being sick. I am thankful for the group that goes in faithfully every week from our church and seeks to show these little children God's love and teach them His word.

Gone Fishing

So we didn't catch a thing, but Roma and I had a great time hanging out. Roma is a good friend and a fishing freak! ( He really is.) It was good to be outside the city for the evening, just enjoying nature. I couldn't believe all the wildflowers in the field as we made our way to the river. I love Chernigov, Ukraine!

Dad Came To Visit

Last week my Dad came to visit. The kids loved having their Grandpa Mc here! Lots of time was spent reading books, going for walks, and just having fun with Grandpa. My Dad has a great sense of humor and it made for lots of laughs and good times!
Dad, thanks for taking the time to come and visit. We couldn't love you more and can't wait for the next visit!

Stuck In My Head

I was watching an interview with Tim Keller and something he said has been stuck in my head for the past week. I love the truth and simplicity behind this statement.


" The gospel in a nutshell is this...
You are more wicked then you ever dared believe and yet, you are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ then you ever dared hope."

-Tim Keller

Here's the Video.

God's Mercy

This is something I found a few days ago. I thought it was definitively worth posting. If you want to understand the Bible, here's the best 3 minute look into it I have ever seen.

May I Just Say

Go Celtics!

Trevor

This is Daryl and Kathy Lyons and their 2 beautiful children.  Daryl is the sister of a friend here, Cheryl Lyons.  We haven't met this family, but they have been on our hearts and minds a lot lately.  About 3 months ago their 5 year old son, Trevor was diagnosed with a cancer that affects the muscles. It is called Rhabdomyosarcoma.  Over the past few months, Trevor has been in and out of the hospital for chemo treatments.  Soon doctors will do more scans to see if there are any more tumors growing and then they will start radiation treatments. These treatments will occur every day for a month.
Would you please be keeping Trevor and the Lyons family in your prayers.  Please pray also for Cheryl as she is away from her family during this difficult time.   

Playing In The Dirt

I asked Gavin if he wanted to help me get the garden ready. I think we have different ideas about what " getting the garden ready" means...

Breakfast

Satisfied in Jesus

I know I have posted this before, but I just can't get enough of it. Please listen and may this beautiful description, from John Piper, of who Jesus is and what He has done, hit you with all the power that it truly has! I love these truths about when a person has their put their faith in Jesus. You are satisfied in Him and you delight in Him!