Hello from the Infirmiry!
Yes, once again there was a bug that realized that it did not make its way through our door and decided to drop in for a visit! We have quarentined ourselves as all 5 of us have the stomach flu. If only we had more energy we could be playing games or something. Oh well!

Our last 3 months of constant sickness all seems so trivial with so much else that is going on! So many people I know are suffering major probs. and issues in their lives, I cant complain. We all face seasons and some gut wrenching situations through the course of our lives. I cant help but feel that we are still fortunate to have experienced God breathed life, His love through these times and the oppertunity to see Him work on the other side.

Related or unrelated... A comment in a book I have been reading encouraged me to press through... seeking forgiveness in my sins, allowing God to prune my branches that are not bearing fruit and pray for clarity on anything that may be grieving Him, that there may be a bountiful harvest in my life all for his Glory! I dont want Gods investiment in my life to go to waste. I dont want to get in the way of what He wants to do through me! Oh, man! I know its simple, but these simple things are so profound at times!

On another note, we started the Community Bible Study International material this past week! It has been great! Most people commented on the depth of the questions (forgiving some touchy feely ones that they are convinced were written by an American) and all recignized that it is forcing, or I guess encouraging is a better word, to be in the word and study what God wants us to learn apart from just reading over it or listeneing to a pastor! Its so cool and encouraging to see this! We pray His word will not return void!

I must go, Erin is constantly fussing (poor dear... its so unlike her!) and I think the rest are now finally ready for a bite of toast. Toast is a feast coming through the last 2 days we just have. Hopefully it wont revisit us again. Hmmm. Ohhhhh, we have also been appreciating and enjoying all the contents of the recent packages that came through our door! Amazing!!! Thanks so much guys!

Peace and Health, Julie

I've just discovered who I am................... a fundamentalist.
A couple of weeks ago our pastor at Stirling Baptist referred to me as a fundy in a joking (but he meant it) sort of way. I didn't think too much of that and let it roll off me because I know I don't hang out in the woods charming snakes or anything, I just believe God's word is simply that, GOD'S WORD. A couple of days ago I came accross an article where Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) was being interviewed. After reading that, I discovered that I truely am a fundy in the truest sense of the word. The interesting thing is that 'ol Rick then went on to say people like me are the greatest enemy of the 21st century. To read more, just click here. You won't believe how R.W. defines a fundy, it's amazing. What's really scary is that he is probably the most influential person in the Christian scene today. God help us, it's getting bad.
Marc

Greetings from Bridge of Allan.
We have finally gotten almost settled in our new house although it has been quite a challenge with trying to move during the Christmas season into a house that still isn't finished, but almost. We've also had quite a bout of illnesses to deal with as well. Can you say Chicken Pox, Scarletina (modern version of scarlet fever), flu and nasty colds that don't want to go away. It does seem like we are starting to get better and we are beginning to get some of our energy back. We are however very happy for the (larger) house God has provided for us. The kids actually have a place to run around a bit and we are able to have people over without having to move half the house into another room. We've already had one family of 6 (The Canters) overnight for New Years, and our friends the Schlosers overnight the following evening. The following evening we had our house group over for dinner and a game. The last couple of days have been quieter but we will look forward to hosting many people in our new found space. We are also looking forward to friends coming over for a visit this spring and summer. With that in mind, be aware that I almost beat Julie the other night in Dutch Blitz, I think she's getting worried and so should the rest of you (and you know who you are), especially those coming to visit this spring.
Well that's enough for now. We will post pics of the new abode soon.
Blessings to you all,
Marc