As a family here at home, we have been doing a lot of cleaning, sorting, and throwing out. We are learning so much, about making the best use of space we have. We are learning to get rid of things we just don't need, and how often they just become obstacles causing conflict if unchecked. We have condensed space, and expanded by getting rid of excess.

This has not been easy, but now that we have started, the easier it has become to keep going with it. In the process of moving some of our rooms around, making one room into two, by using wardrobes as a wall, I have come to a few conclusions to be applied to my spiritual life, and the church as well.

Before all this change occurred, there was an unrest, a confusion and communication breakdown that would arise, but to different family members, and diverse reasons as well. I say "it is no wonder". In Sarah's wardrobe we found one of her fathers uniform shoes, baby sisters clothing and toys etc..., in Emma's toy box we found books of sarah's, toys belonging to Jacob etc..., the story goes on and on ivolving all six of us. Everyone had "things" belonging to someone else hidden away and forgotten. Sometimes without explaination or memory as to why.

Of course we found clothing, and other "things" that no longer fit, are no longer used, things just taking up space. Junk. And we have only been here a year and a half, add to that ... Our space is much small and clutter effects us all. Now we are utilizing so much more space, and with organization and cleaning, our place is bigger and more like home.

We have been living in this transformed space for a week now, and there is much more peace, and less confusion. There is joy in finding the quiet space we can all go to, that is our own because it is well defined, and easily cared for without the distraction of unwanted excess.

I want to be rid of all excess, unwanted things in my life. Things long forgotten and placed out of site. They often bring confusion, conflict and communication breakdowns in daily living, often without us even knowing where it comes from. I want to have the boundaries of Godly living. God's Word, The Ten Commandments, the Doctrines, and Salvation lived out daily in my life. I want my heart to be clearly difined as His.

When we changed our beds, there was no longer space for us to keep our luggage. The beds were to low, and the suite cases no longer fit. Where there is baggage of unforgiveness in my life, when the Spirit is moving and purifying, my old baggage no longer has space, it must be removed. The people of my past hurts, must be set free from my chains of unforgiveness. Let the Spirit remove them from my hidden domain, and my quiet time is alone with the Father, and I no longer bring along the uninvited, unforgiving past bound to my heart. I have no right to carry them, they are not mine to carry. I must give over.

I am learning that we must clean out every area of our life, allowing the Spirit access to every place hidden. Once He begins, we must continue to allow His cleaning, purging and filling of Himself. This process can be hard, and hurtful, but once it begins, we want to be clean everywhere. Any place left untouched becomes unacceptable or unbearable.

Over all I find that there is liberation and Freedom in the cleansing, and filling. Freedom in getting rid of the things of self, and replaced by the Almighty. My prayer is that the life of change is being seen in me, and that The Spirit will continue to work His refining in me. That others can know the liberation and transformation and able to walk in His cleanliness.

Our first Spring Open Air!!

March 18, spring just a few days away, so we had our first Childrens open air of the season! Working with Child Evangelism Fellowship, and with gifts from Samaritans Purse, we went again to The Lines to plant some seed and further our ministry there. As you will see from the pictures, it is definitly not spring here!! The wind was gusting, the snow was blowing, and it was a great day to be outdoors in the strength and love of Christ!! In a few days we should have the architectural sketches for our permanent place at The Lines. We hope to meet with our lawyers next week to work on the wording and conditons of the lease. The property we are pursuing is within a stones throw of these pictures! Enjoy the pictures, and keep praying, we need it more than you know!

Phil with Karina 

Listening while the Gospel is preached. 

Karina with her "ticket"!! 

Receiving a gift from "Samaritans Purse" after our afternoon Childrens Open Air with Child Evangelism Fellowship and Paastearmee (The Salvation Army) 

Today, March 18, Childrens open air at The Lines! We think this precious one is in prayer!! 

In the SNOW in London!! I was told the first picture from London was horrible so here is another choice!! 

Some of the boys from The Lines (Kopli Liinid). 

Meaghan, Susan and Jacob in London during our recent Winter Week vacation! Actually, Emma is hiding behind Susan, she was camera shy that day!! 

Been awhile!

Greetings from the middle of winter in Tallinn! After a mild winter, all of the sudden March came, and so did "real" winter! It has been cold and snowy for a couple of weeks now, -15 or so at night, -5 to -7 during the day. But there have been many bright days, and the sun isnt going down until about 6:30, and actually, there is a real beauty to this type of weather!

We are awaiting the architechts sketches for the center we hope to open on "The Lines" (Kopli Liinid in Estonian). His original ideas call for an approximate 1000 sq ft facility with kitchen, eating area, showers and fellowship area. We will keep you informed, but God is opening some amazing doors, even in the area of financing the first stages of the project!!

We have formed a little partnership with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) and will be distributing Samaritans Purse gifts there (The Lines) on Friday, March 18th. This will include a Gospel presentation and perhaps even some food, along with the presents.