Realise I haven't updated this thing in a while, one week just seems to roll into another these days. So what have I been up to for the past while. Well last weekend was our youth service in the morning, it wen't really well, and God got me through taking another sermon through which I hope his voice and message was heard by both young and old.
This weekend myself and a number of youth leaders from church attended the National Youth Leaders Convention at church house. Yet again it was a tremendous day: challenging, insightful and resourceful are 3 words that spring to mind.
Saturday night was a mate from schools stag do which was great craic, and a good chance to catch up with old school friends. Interesting to see people's expressions who knew me at school when I tell them of my involvement with youthwork in the church, seeing how my lifes pretty much turned 360 since my wayward youth. Praise God for his "Amazing Grace" that has "saved a wretch like me".
Whats coming up now: a few youth leaders meetings as we seek God's guidance in re-vamping and re-viving the youth ministry in our church, and Ballycrochan CSSM in a few weeks working with the teens there.
The book-a-month challenge is kinda getting there, I'm about 3/4 of the way through "Whats so Amazing about Grace" by Philip Yancey, although I feel somehow that it may have to be re-read to take it all in, theres just so much in it.
Also hope to start the "bible-in-a-year" study that a few members of the church are hoping to begin from July. This is something i'm quite excited about, as there are many books of the bible I have never read, and my bible-knowledge is sketchy in parts to say the least. I think the word DISCIPLINE is going to have to be at the fore-front of my mind if I am to complete it, and keep up-to-date wit the readings, but i'm sure it will be of tremendous blessing to all who take part in it as we delve into the truths of Gods Word together.

So nice to have a Bank Holiday off yesterday, not only is it a day off, but it means you go back to work, and its a 4 day week. So how did I spend my day off...........
Firstly I spent abit of time with Sam before he heads off to the States, and on to South Africa with his puppet ministry. Had a good chat, catching up with eachother and whats going on in our lives. With both of us leading pretty hectic lives, our wee chats don't happen so often, so its always nice to catch up with him.
Next I wen't into Lisburn to get a couple of gifts for some things that are coming up in the coming weeks, as I know i won't get the chance to get them in the coming weeks. On my journies I stumbled across a 2nd hand bookshop which was pretty neat, and discovered a substantial section of christain books, all in good nick, at a much discounted rate. So that was my bargain for the day : 7 books for £14, can't say bad to that. Now my next challenge is to make the time to read them, and the many other books I have sitting on my bookshelf. I'm gonna set myself a challenge of 1 book a month until I get through them, thats the intention anyway.
There are so many great Christian writers throughout history, and indeed of recent days, that I feel it necessary to tap into this vast knowledge and guidance, with due care mind you, as we strive to grow in our faith. These readings should however only complement our daily devotions on Gods Word, and it should be Gods Word that we ultimately should strive to get to grips with. This is another thing i'm going to strive toward in future months.