Happy Leap Day!

Once every four years we get an extra day on the calendar.  Some people see this day as a day they have to work without pay (salaried employees).  Many of us see it as a day we get free rent!  Today, I just want to be reminded that "this is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!"  In a way, we all get and extra day this year to thank God for all our blessings.  It's a free day ---- make good use of it!

3 days in paradise...

 

A massive thanks to our mates from Donegal, who let Rick, Mitchell, Christian and Jeff crash their gaffe (flat / apartment) in France and who made it possible for us to hit the slopes for 2 days! And the croissants were AMAZING!  We really miss skiing at Perfect North Slopes, but, in all honesty - 2 days in the French Alps eases the pain a little.  God is so good to provide us with this undeserved blessing.

London Break

Visiting old friends is great, especially when they live in London!  Jen, Ali and Spencer were excited to stay a couple days with our friends, the Lee family, in Milton Keynes North London.  It's only a pond-hopper flight from Dublin to London, and it costs only €15!  At least ONE thing is cheaper in Dublin!

Rick Speaking at BCC

Rick was privileged to speak at Ballycullen Community Church on the text of Acts 3.

It is quite a challenging text... if you dare, have a listen! 

Xbox Anyone?

Is there a better way to spend a cold Saturday evening... XBOX?

The Peace Lads and Andrew, a friend from BCC, and a new friend, Aubrey,  

had a great time doing hand exercises. 

 They could even play with some of their old friends back in the States!

Irish Fire...

There are few things in Ireland as comforting and cozy as a genuine Irish turf fire.
The idea of burning 'dirt' in America is completely foreign, but the bogs of Ireland produce soil, or as the Irish call it "turf", that is rich in petroleum-like fossil fuel.  All one needs to do, with permission from the government of course, is to slice off a piece of this lovely black sod, dry it, and light it in your open fireplace.  The sweet, aroma wafting through the air takes your mind back to the ancient days... I can just imagine St. Patrick enjoying the company of the dancing flame as he read from the precious Book, and warming the Spirit next to the warmth of a turf glow.  Not, to mention, the cost efficiency of the heat!  If you ever have opportunity, grab your Bible and cozy up to an Irish turf fire, even better if your with your most beloved...

                       
(and, thanks for the turf Pat Gunning!)


P.S. - The turf fire also reminds me of my christian life.  Before the burning fire within me - fuelled by the oil of the Holy Spirit, all I was --- was dirt!