Kayleigh's 10th Birthday and some Pre-Christmas Fun
I can't believe another year has past and our wee Kayleigh is no longer such a wee lass. Before you know it there's going to be weird guys showing up at my house interested in spending time with my daughter. Come to think of it, that might be kind of fun. Can you say interrogation? Anyone know where I can find a cheap lie detector test.
Anyway, we had a great time celebrating her birthday about three times I think. By the way, I'll try and keep this blog centered on the family and my (Marc's) blog will be where you can find all my political and theological ramblings. I'm not a big Obama fan by the way (sorry I snuck that in there).
Here are some pics of the birthday extravaganzas and some pre-Christmas fun.
Monday, November 10, 2008
More on the election...
I just responded to a comment from our good friend Emily from Scotland where she mentioned she was thinking good things were coming our way in the next couple of years. My comment was that I am not as optimistic as I don't think the proposed policies of the incoming administration will be good for this country. Right after my response I came across this you tube video of James White. James is a very respected Christian apologist here in the states and in this video gives a very good explanation as to why Obama's philosophy of running this nation is not consistent with a Christian biblical world view and ultimately why I could not vote for him. Once again I agree we should pray for him as scripture mandates but I agree with James in that the first thing we should be praying for is his salvation.
Here's the video:
I just responded to a comment from our good friend Emily from Scotland where she mentioned she was thinking good things were coming our way in the next couple of years. My comment was that I am not as optimistic as I don't think the proposed policies of the incoming administration will be good for this country. Right after my response I came across this you tube video of James White. James is a very respected Christian apologist here in the states and in this video gives a very good explanation as to why Obama's philosophy of running this nation is not consistent with a Christian biblical world view and ultimately why I could not vote for him. Once again I agree we should pray for him as scripture mandates but I agree with James in that the first thing we should be praying for is his salvation.
Here's the video:
Thursday, November 06, 2008
God is in Control
I have been thinking I should blog something in regard to the election but have been struggling with exactly what I should say. Even though I have been very silent in the blog world on this issue it is not because I don't have a strong opinion. Well just before I typed blogger in the address bar I visited the web site and blog of Brian Brodersen. Brian is the Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California. He is also my favorite preacher/ teacher out there today.
Here are his words about the election and might I just say, Amen, Amen and Amen!
"It is truly an historic moment in the United States of America. The American people have just elected the first black man to the presidency.
Although Barack Obama was not my candidate of choice because of his liberal moral views, I do think that something good has happened in his being elected to the presidency. We the American people have taken a huge step in putting the sin of racism behind us and that’s something that causes my heart to rejoice.
Having said that, the reality is, we here in the US, come January 2009, will be governed by the most politically and morally liberal administration in the history of this country. What are we Christians who disagree with the political, moral and spiritual views of our elected leaders to do? Three things come to mind:
First: Remember God is sovereign! Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that the Lord appoints and removes rulers.
“For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another”.
Second: Walk humbly. Paul put it like this to Titus-
“Remind them (followers of Jesus) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men”. Titus 3:1-2
Third: We need to pray for our leaders whoever they are and wherever we are.
“I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. 1 Tim 2:1-3
I do believe in the sovereignty of God. We prayed, we fasted, we voted and now we must trust that God is in control and is working all things according to the counsel of His perfect will. In that great fact I rest."
Grace and peace,
Brian
I have been thinking I should blog something in regard to the election but have been struggling with exactly what I should say. Even though I have been very silent in the blog world on this issue it is not because I don't have a strong opinion. Well just before I typed blogger in the address bar I visited the web site and blog of Brian Brodersen. Brian is the Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California. He is also my favorite preacher/ teacher out there today.
Here are his words about the election and might I just say, Amen, Amen and Amen!
"It is truly an historic moment in the United States of America. The American people have just elected the first black man to the presidency.
Although Barack Obama was not my candidate of choice because of his liberal moral views, I do think that something good has happened in his being elected to the presidency. We the American people have taken a huge step in putting the sin of racism behind us and that’s something that causes my heart to rejoice.
Having said that, the reality is, we here in the US, come January 2009, will be governed by the most politically and morally liberal administration in the history of this country. What are we Christians who disagree with the political, moral and spiritual views of our elected leaders to do? Three things come to mind:
First: Remember God is sovereign! Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us that the Lord appoints and removes rulers.
“For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another”.
Second: Walk humbly. Paul put it like this to Titus-
“Remind them (followers of Jesus) to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men”. Titus 3:1-2
Third: We need to pray for our leaders whoever they are and wherever we are.
“I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. 1 Tim 2:1-3
I do believe in the sovereignty of God. We prayed, we fasted, we voted and now we must trust that God is in control and is working all things according to the counsel of His perfect will. In that great fact I rest."
Grace and peace,
Brian
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Happy 14th Anniversary to Us!
Yup, that's right another year has passed and here I am blogging on another anniversary. This year we took a couple of days off and went up to north central Pa. to a wee town called Wellsboro. Usually this would be the peak week for fall foliage but the leaves are a bit early this year but it was still beautiful none the less. It was also great to just have some time to ourselves for a couple of days. We would have had a great time wherever we went so it was a bonus to see some of God's amazing creation.
By the way, if you ever want to see what life was like back in the 1950's, visit Wellsboro. I was totally expecting Wally and the Beave to come running around the corner any time. It also reminded me of the town in 'Back to the Future". Check out the picture of the courthouse with the clock. Can you say Marty McFly and flux capacitor? I loved this town and could definitely live there but as you can see I'm still sporting some of my Scottish attire. I miss Scotland big time and am ready to go back in a second.
Here are some pics of us and scenes in Wellsboro and what's known as the Grand Canyon of Pa.
Yup, that's right another year has passed and here I am blogging on another anniversary. This year we took a couple of days off and went up to north central Pa. to a wee town called Wellsboro. Usually this would be the peak week for fall foliage but the leaves are a bit early this year but it was still beautiful none the less. It was also great to just have some time to ourselves for a couple of days. We would have had a great time wherever we went so it was a bonus to see some of God's amazing creation.
By the way, if you ever want to see what life was like back in the 1950's, visit Wellsboro. I was totally expecting Wally and the Beave to come running around the corner any time. It also reminded me of the town in 'Back to the Future". Check out the picture of the courthouse with the clock. Can you say Marty McFly and flux capacitor? I loved this town and could definitely live there but as you can see I'm still sporting some of my Scottish attire. I miss Scotland big time and am ready to go back in a second.
Here are some pics of us and scenes in Wellsboro and what's known as the Grand Canyon of Pa.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Surrender Reunion
Left to right: Dave Unger on Keyboards, Marc Hamer on drums, Blake Thompson on guitar, Curt Bennington on bass and Marco Riva on guitar. Photos by: Sam Cali at the Bayou in Washington DC Summer of '87.
Twenty one years ago, man that is hard to believe. Twenty one years ago I was playing in a band called 'Surrender' and in that Summer of 1987, we were just hitting our stride. We were a hard rockin' band playing the Mid Atlantic circuit and having a blast doing it. Anyway, after all these years we decided to have a get together, play some music and catch up with each other. Well, most of the time went to jammin' as we were having so much fun, we never wanted to stop. Actually, the highlight of the evening for me was when Blake's wife Kate came up and played some tunes with us. She plays among many things, the electric violin and is amazing. I've never heard anyone get sounds out of a violin like that.
Well after many hours of of accumulated blisters, sawdust and yes, back aches, we had to give it a rest for now. The sun went down and it was time to go. We all have kids and jobs which has changed things a wee bit as you might imagine.
These days, Curt is a sound engineer based in Mesa, Arizona and does sound for the big boys all around the states. Blake, Kate and the wee one, Blake Jr. reside in Nashville and are working in the music industry. Dave is... well I'm not sure what Dave does but I was glad to hear he is living in the York, Pa area and attending a church there. And you all know what I've been up to. If not, then you can do some back reading on the blog and see what I've been doing for the last 4 and a half years.
We may do this again in December so stay tuned as that might be in a club, we'll see. In the nearer future, I am going to be playing a gig with Blake and Kate in Reading on August 2. Some time in September we'll be having Blake, Kate and Dave up to the church to help me lead worship and do a couple of songs. That's the coolest thing as we're all Christians now. As soon as I have a date I'll post it on the blog.
The pics below are from the reunion taken by various people on Curt's camera.
Left to right: Dave Unger on Keyboards, Marc Hamer on drums, Blake Thompson on guitar, Curt Bennington on bass and Marco Riva on guitar. Photos by: Sam Cali at the Bayou in Washington DC Summer of '87.
Twenty one years ago, man that is hard to believe. Twenty one years ago I was playing in a band called 'Surrender' and in that Summer of 1987, we were just hitting our stride. We were a hard rockin' band playing the Mid Atlantic circuit and having a blast doing it. Anyway, after all these years we decided to have a get together, play some music and catch up with each other. Well, most of the time went to jammin' as we were having so much fun, we never wanted to stop. Actually, the highlight of the evening for me was when Blake's wife Kate came up and played some tunes with us. She plays among many things, the electric violin and is amazing. I've never heard anyone get sounds out of a violin like that.
Well after many hours of of accumulated blisters, sawdust and yes, back aches, we had to give it a rest for now. The sun went down and it was time to go. We all have kids and jobs which has changed things a wee bit as you might imagine.
These days, Curt is a sound engineer based in Mesa, Arizona and does sound for the big boys all around the states. Blake, Kate and the wee one, Blake Jr. reside in Nashville and are working in the music industry. Dave is... well I'm not sure what Dave does but I was glad to hear he is living in the York, Pa area and attending a church there. And you all know what I've been up to. If not, then you can do some back reading on the blog and see what I've been doing for the last 4 and a half years.
We may do this again in December so stay tuned as that might be in a club, we'll see. In the nearer future, I am going to be playing a gig with Blake and Kate in Reading on August 2. Some time in September we'll be having Blake, Kate and Dave up to the church to help me lead worship and do a couple of songs. That's the coolest thing as we're all Christians now. As soon as I have a date I'll post it on the blog.
The pics below are from the reunion taken by various people on Curt's camera.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Latest...
Here are some pics from the last couple of months. Sorry for taking so long in updating things here. I(Marc) have been working real hard and to be honest, after a long, hard day at work, blogging was the last thing I wanted to do. I am planning on updating the other blog if not today then real soon. I plan on venturing into the political fray if for no other reason to vent my frustrations and organise my thoughts on the presidential race.
Here's an overview of the pics:
Kayleigh danced at the 'Celtic Fling' and got 2 1st places and 1 3rd.
Liam finished up his spring soccer (football to our Scotland friends) and his team went undefeated no doubt because of some amazing coaching.
Oh, we got rid of the car and got a horse with a buggy behind. The gas prices just got too expensive and while in Amishland...
Julie went along to the Philly Zoo with Liam's class to visit some of my relatives.
We got to see the annual Memorial Day parade at 8AM which goes through the cemetery behind our back yard WITH LOUD DRUMS. This was the first one for us in five years and I almost forgot to miss it.
Finally, 'Liam and the Prophets'... Sounds like a good name for a band some day but for now it's just Liam playing Legos in the back yard with his friends Jonah and Elijah. They are really nice kids but there conversations are a bit peculiar, lots of talk about Iran and Israel and Armaggedon. Oh well, they seem to be having fun.
OK, I guess that covers it for now. More pics and commentary soon.
Here are some pics from the last couple of months. Sorry for taking so long in updating things here. I(Marc) have been working real hard and to be honest, after a long, hard day at work, blogging was the last thing I wanted to do. I am planning on updating the other blog if not today then real soon. I plan on venturing into the political fray if for no other reason to vent my frustrations and organise my thoughts on the presidential race.
Here's an overview of the pics:
Kayleigh danced at the 'Celtic Fling' and got 2 1st places and 1 3rd.
Liam finished up his spring soccer (football to our Scotland friends) and his team went undefeated no doubt because of some amazing coaching.
Oh, we got rid of the car and got a horse with a buggy behind. The gas prices just got too expensive and while in Amishland...
Julie went along to the Philly Zoo with Liam's class to visit some of my relatives.
We got to see the annual Memorial Day parade at 8AM which goes through the cemetery behind our back yard WITH LOUD DRUMS. This was the first one for us in five years and I almost forgot to miss it.
Finally, 'Liam and the Prophets'... Sounds like a good name for a band some day but for now it's just Liam playing Legos in the back yard with his friends Jonah and Elijah. They are really nice kids but there conversations are a bit peculiar, lots of talk about Iran and Israel and Armaggedon. Oh well, they seem to be having fun.
OK, I guess that covers it for now. More pics and commentary soon.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Scotland Supporters Thank You Ceilidh
We had a great time last night thanking all our supporters with a Ceilidh at our church. We had some time dancing, which was probably the first time that ever happened at that church, a time of sharing, great food, and a mini reunion concert with 'Beyond The Pale'. Wow, that was fun as we seemed to pick up right where we left off over 4 years ago.
Here are some pictures from the evening.
We had a great time last night thanking all our supporters with a Ceilidh at our church. We had some time dancing, which was probably the first time that ever happened at that church, a time of sharing, great food, and a mini reunion concert with 'Beyond The Pale'. Wow, that was fun as we seemed to pick up right where we left off over 4 years ago.
Here are some pictures from the evening.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Erin's 3rd Birthday and Kayleigh at the St. Patrick's Parade in Philadelphia
Here are some more pics of the kids. Erin is three (which is hard to believe) and tells everyone she runs into. I can't believe she is three already, it seems just yesterday she arrived at the Stirling hospital. Wow, what a time that was. It's reminding me how much I miss Scotland. More on that some other time. Wow, she has been such a blessing, still making us laugh all the time.
Kayleigh has just joined a new dance group and is enjoying it very much. Today, they marched in the St. Patrick's parade in Philadelphia. Both Julie and Kayleigh had a great time but came back exhausted from all the walking and braving the harsh, cold March winds. Man it's been windy here this winter and there have been times I was wishing we were back in our fortress in Scotland. Those houses there don't shake when the winds blow over 50 mph. Oh well, it makes it exciting I guess.
Here are some more pics of the kids. Erin is three (which is hard to believe) and tells everyone she runs into. I can't believe she is three already, it seems just yesterday she arrived at the Stirling hospital. Wow, what a time that was. It's reminding me how much I miss Scotland. More on that some other time. Wow, she has been such a blessing, still making us laugh all the time.
Kayleigh has just joined a new dance group and is enjoying it very much. Today, they marched in the St. Patrick's parade in Philadelphia. Both Julie and Kayleigh had a great time but came back exhausted from all the walking and braving the harsh, cold March winds. Man it's been windy here this winter and there have been times I was wishing we were back in our fortress in Scotland. Those houses there don't shake when the winds blow over 50 mph. Oh well, it makes it exciting I guess.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
OK, I guess by the overwhelming response to the previous post I should just stick to putting pics of the fam. up here. So here you go.
Here are some pics from Kayleigh and Liam's first time out on the slopes and some action shots of Liam playing basketball. The kids, just like their dad, love skiing and we had a great time. They were naturals and were skiing from the top off the quad chair within an hour of their first run.
Liam had a great time in his first season playing basketball in the Upward league. Upward is a Christian league where they not only learn the game, but spend time in prayer and scripture memorization. I have to say it was the most well run kids sports program I have ever seen. Great job by all the volunteers. Next up, spring Soccer.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Great Message on the Emerging Church
I usually reserve this kind of stuff for the other blog but I think this is important enough to have here in case some of you may not feel like clicking the link to my other blog.
This message by Brian Broderson (Assistant Pastor at Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa). is the best response to the claims of Rob Bell and Brian McLaren and other Emerging leaders I've heard.
One of the most important points he makes here is that this is not about methodology, it's about theology and the undermining of essential Christian doctrine.
Please give it a listen!
Just go to this website and click on the feature message, Rob Bell and Brian McLaren, Emerging or Submerging. You can download it on to your computer by right clicking it and clicking save as.
I would love to hear your comments.
Marc
http://backtobasicsradio.com/
I usually reserve this kind of stuff for the other blog but I think this is important enough to have here in case some of you may not feel like clicking the link to my other blog.
This message by Brian Broderson (Assistant Pastor at Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa). is the best response to the claims of Rob Bell and Brian McLaren and other Emerging leaders I've heard.
One of the most important points he makes here is that this is not about methodology, it's about theology and the undermining of essential Christian doctrine.
Please give it a listen!
Just go to this website and click on the feature message, Rob Bell and Brian McLaren, Emerging or Submerging. You can download it on to your computer by right clicking it and clicking save as.
I would love to hear your comments.
Marc
http://backtobasicsradio.com/
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Christmas and New Years Slide Show
Wow, this is exciting. I finally figured out how to put this slide show thing on here so this should be lots if fun. Here are some pics from Christmas. I hope you enjoy all the festivities including Christmas at our house with Marc's side of the family, a trip into Philly to see a play with Marc's dad and the kids,Christmas at Julie's mom's with Julie's side of the family, Ice Skating in Lancaster, News Years eve tradition of smashing the Ginger Bread house, etc.
Wow, this is exciting. I finally figured out how to put this slide show thing on here so this should be lots if fun. Here are some pics from Christmas. I hope you enjoy all the festivities including Christmas at our house with Marc's side of the family, a trip into Philly to see a play with Marc's dad and the kids,Christmas at Julie's mom's with Julie's side of the family, Ice Skating in Lancaster, News Years eve tradition of smashing the Ginger Bread house, etc.
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