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Islands and Culture

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Islands and Culture

Our trip is so quickly coming to an end as we fly back to the States on Wednesday, but it's only the beginning. We have watched God establish relationships and connections that are all part of His long term plan for us here in Scotland. He has given us great favour here, and has refined and clarified our mission and vision. We will be back - often - and for much longer periods of time. God is establishing a home for us here.

For the foreseeable future, however, we will be planted both in Scotland AND the States. We know God is being very intentional with where we are based and with whom we are linked. We're excited to get back and see what God has for us there.

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Relationship

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Relationship

Over the past several weeks, we have been dreaming together about what a partnership might look like between Healing for the Heart and Simply-Worship and are beginning to see some beautiful possibilities emerge. Our desire is that this partnership will truly flow out of relationship and to that end, we are exploring ways that we can not only come alongside what Healing for the Heart is doing here in Scotland, but also how Healing for the Heart can come alongside of what Simply-Worship is doing in the States. This was not something we anticipated, but it is the beautiful thing God is birthing.

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Woven

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Woven

Our time here is moving so quickly. Where the first half of our trip seemed to be moving very slowly, something happened when we hit the mid point, and we are working hard to not let any moments slip by. 

Our hearts have been woven into the fabric of this community. God is establishing key relationships for us here, and He is opening up some doors that we never expected. There is a path clearing and we are incredibly excited and grateful!

 

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Rhythm

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Rhythm

We had an opportunity to share some of the back-story of what has brought us here to Scotland, and specifically to Whiteinch Church, with some of the staff last week. Our story really is quite remarkable when you think of it. What started as an invitation to lead 2 small retreats way up in the northeast almost 4 years ago has grown into a tapestry of profound testimonies of lives transformed, beautiful and amazing friendships, connections with several key leaders, a passionate heartbeat for and call to minister in Scotland, and the very real probability of a longterm/permanent move within the next few years.

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Deepening

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Deepening

I titled the blog "Deepening" because that is the word that describes where we are on this trip. The goal has been to explore opportunities and build relationships. This we are doing in even greater measures than we had anticipated. What we are finding is that God has already gone before us in this process. He has been linking things together and coordinating "coincidences" -- too many to ignore.  

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Reunion in Edinburgh and a Taster

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Reunion in Edinburgh and a Taster

And just like that, 3 weeks have flown by! Our schedules have been very full, to the point where we are having to schedule in time off, and then fight to keep it! But even though quite busy, this trip has been so, so good.  **NOTE: The highlight of the week comes at the end of the blog, so be sure not to miss it!

From what we have both heard and experience, the area of Glasgow where we are based, Whiteinch, has more of a community feel than other areas of the city.  We are walking distance from most anything we need: the church, beautiful Victoria Park, train stations, and even the city centre - if you're up for a 3 mile walk one way. Often we run into people we know when walking in the park, or popping into the Tesco mini market down the block. The church has been intentional about being part of their community,  They don't come in from afar to change it, the become part of it and allow the Light they carry to change it from within. 

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Exploring a New Frontier

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Exploring a New Frontier

What a full and busy week we have had! It has made us realize that we have to fight hard for the solitude and sanctuary that we found while we were in California.  The pace here has been pretty intense with meetings, networking, strategizing, building relationships, and some travel. These first 2 weeks have been a bit of a shotgun approach to tap into options and opportunities in general. With our hostess, Shona, just working her way back into her normal schedule after losing her mum unexpectedly about 6 weeks ago, this has been the time for us to explore beyond Whiteinch Church.  With those conversations behind us, however, we are looking forward to finding a rhythm here where we are based.

If you are connected with us on social media, some of this will be a repeat, but we know that many are not personally connected to us on Facebook, so we'll give you the run down of the past week.

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All Things New - Scotland 2017

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All Things New - Scotland 2017

Here we are again in the land of Scots, the land God has planted so deeply within us.

Last year, we were given a prophetic picture of a Scottish thistle with a diamond engagement ring on it along with a prophetic word that God has betrothed us to this land.  We were also given a word that there was a pregnancy in progress, that something had been conceived and we would see a manifestation of it within a literal 9 months.

Nine months to the day from receiving that word, we were arriving in California, where God has transplanted us in the States for a season.  Nine months to the day from when we left Scotland in 2016, we were stepping foot on the land we love so much once again.

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Count It All Joy - DA 30

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Count It All Joy - DA 30

Well now, that was fast! Here we are with 7 full Dash Away Weekends and a Taste of Dash Away behind us. Seems like we just arrived in this beautiful land with a huge assignment ahead. Now, we stand on the shore of reflection, watching the water move, never fully knowing how far the ripples will go, but certain that God moved powerfully - not just in the ladies to whom we ministered, but in us as well.

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A Garment of Praise

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A Garment of Praise

Last weekend, we were joined in Greystones, Ireland, just south of Dublin, by 10 beautiful, amazing ladies. Let me tell you, these ladies came to worship! My, oh, my! As a worship leader, you have to be careful not to judge someone's level of engagement by their body language. Often there is much going on beneath the surface of which you may never know. However, when you get a group of ladies who are outwardly expressive, dancing, kneeling and singing loudly - even the songs they're hearing for the first time - it is so much fun!!

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Aslan is on the Move

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Aslan is on the Move

For those of you who are continuing to stay engaged with the trip by reading our blogs, we send a HUGE thank you! It really does encourage us!

We just finished up Dash Away #28 in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland.  Eleven ladies joined us for what was probably the hardest fought weekend as far as enemy push back is concerned. Melinda had some extreme physical challenges leading into the weekend which prevented her from fully engaging.  Still, God moved.  He doesn't have to come, but He always does. He shows up and changes everything.

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Over the Hump - DA 27

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Over the Hump - DA 27

We just finished up Dash Away #27 at the YWAM base in West Kilbride, Scotland.  It was the 4th of 7, so we are officially “over the hump” and are into the second half of Dash Away’s here. It’s going so fast – which, honestly, makes us sad. We don’t want this to be over!

Each group is different.  Some we connect with more than others. Some are more receptive and open than others. Each is unique unto itself.  This weekend was initially going to be for a specific group of ladies, however, some things changed and we ended up opening the weekend to whoever wanted to attend.  As a result, we had 5 ladies who had been on Dash Away’s before and it was great to reconnect with them. We also met 7 new friends!

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Feeding Lambs in Mintlaw

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Feeding Lambs in Mintlaw

Our latest Dash Away was held a mere 20 minutes drive from our host home here in Peterhead. That in itself was glorious!  No big travel days! Woohoo!

Our meeting venue, a private home, came complete with the most amazing pastoral setting including baby lambs which we got to hold and bottle feed throughout the weekend, a standard poodle who had her own teddy bear, and a couple of peacocks who entertained us with their courtship.  Mr. Darcy was quite the squawker as he strutted his stuff. The Mrs., however, seemed completely uninterested.

Remembering the Sabbath: It Has Been Set Aside for Us

Remembering the Sabbath: It Has Been Set Aside for Us

A few days before we left for this trip, more than 20 people gathered at our home to pray over and commission us.  It was a powerful time.  In a conversation later that evening, two very dear friends both heard the word "Sabbath" for us. They encouraged us to be very intentional about resting and having mindless fun between ministering.

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Reflections from Lewis

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Reflections from Lewis

The favor we walk in in this land is enormous. We can't explain it. God is using these simple little weekends in profound ways. As we've reconnected here with some of the ladies who have attended previous weekends, we are hearing testimonies of lasting impact. It was not just a weekend event for them. It literally changed their lives. We are so humbled and honored.

6 Things We'd Like You to Know Before we Leave the US

6 Things We'd Like You to Know Before we Leave the US

As we make final preparations for our 3 month trip overseas, we were thinking about some things we would like you to know before we leave.  Here we go:

1. Packing to be away from home for 3 months is not an easy task. We have been preparing for months. We have been stocking up, thinking ahead, making and checking off 'to do' lists, getting dental and health checks, making lunch and dinner appointments with friends and supporters, etc.  This past weekend, we started packing our belongings and supplies into one carry on roller bag and 2 backpacks,  2 large checked bags (with meticulous effort to keep the weight below 50 lbs.) as well as putting on a fresh set of strings and getting Cathy's guitar ready for the journey. 

Travel Blog Launch

Hi Everyone -

We always try to keep people up to date with what's happening while we are overseas. Our upcoming trip to the UK/IRELAND will be no exception. Since our last trip, we have launched a new website, so even if you have subscribed to receive our Travel Blog via email in the past, you will need to sign up again as we will no longer be blogging on the old site.