The athensBLOG
Started :: Athens Olympics 2004.
Current :: updates from Shawn and Hayley Cuthill in Toronto.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Spring in Canada?
Someone said to me the other day that April is having an identity crisis, not sure wether to be hot or cold. Well in honour of the end of April I thought I'd post up this picture someone sent me.Good bye April, hello Spring!
Monday's hot topics - CNN - Real Noah's ark ready to set sail??
A friend forwarded me this story about a life-size version of Noah's ark that is ready to set sail!!
SCHAGEN, Netherlands (AP) -- The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday -- you could say it was the first time in 4,000 years -- drawing a crowd of curious pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.There is a video and everything to show the dimensions. This replica makes a powerful case for the validity of the Bible story of Noah and the flood. I didn't grow up believing but for me the story of a global flood makes just as much sense as an 'ice age' theory. I would challenge you to investigate Noah and the flood for yourself so you don't face the same fate as those who scoffed at the first Ark :) Post your opinion about Noah, the flood or this story on my discussion forum - here
Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
Reckoning by the old biblical measurements, Johan's fully functional ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.
Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The sayings of Lukas v35 - Heaven
Every meal time I read Bible stories to the kids. We have a children's picture Bible and it's lots of fun to go through the stories with them. They quite enjoy it, but lately they've been really keen as we try to finish up the whole thing!
Well this morning we finished!! At the very end of the Bible there is a picture of Heaven and how great it is, and we were talking about who can get into heaven. Lukas was saying that he doesn't do many bad things, but I reminded him that we all do bad things, and that it's about Jesus taking the punishment for our bad things on the cross and us choosing to believe in him that gets us into heaven. I told the boys that I couldn't make them choose to believe in Jesus, and they have to make that decision for themselves. Lukas piped up:
Lukas: I'm going to make that decision!
Shawn: That's great Lukas
Lukas: Well not now...after I get my factory!!
I had a good laugh at this because Lukas has this fixation with owning a factory. Hopefully he won't put it off for that long :) Jesus told a story about people who put off believing in Him because of lame excuses. Hopefully none of us put off making that decision to believe in Jesus and assure ourselves of a place in heaven. Any one of us can make that decision today - believe in Jesus, have your sins forgiven and be sure of heaven. What are you waiting for?
Well this morning we finished!! At the very end of the Bible there is a picture of Heaven and how great it is, and we were talking about who can get into heaven. Lukas was saying that he doesn't do many bad things, but I reminded him that we all do bad things, and that it's about Jesus taking the punishment for our bad things on the cross and us choosing to believe in him that gets us into heaven. I told the boys that I couldn't make them choose to believe in Jesus, and they have to make that decision for themselves. Lukas piped up:
Lukas: I'm going to make that decision!
Shawn: That's great Lukas
Lukas: Well not now...after I get my factory!!
I had a good laugh at this because Lukas has this fixation with owning a factory. Hopefully he won't put it off for that long :) Jesus told a story about people who put off believing in Him because of lame excuses. Hopefully none of us put off making that decision to believe in Jesus and assure ourselves of a place in heaven. Any one of us can make that decision today - believe in Jesus, have your sins forgiven and be sure of heaven. What are you waiting for?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Prayer meeting tomorrow
Tomorrow night we'll be holding our second prayer meeting here in Thorncliffe Park. If anyone needs prayer please let us know. If anyone wants to attend just let me know and I'll tell you the location. If you can't be there we'd really appreciate your prayers as we get started
PS. More pics of Saturday click here and here
PS. More pics of Saturday click here and here
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
More Verwer
Well the pictures and videos are all in from Saturdays 'Launch event' with George Verwer:
Pictures 1 - click here
Pictures 2 - click here
Jerry's pictures - click here
Videos - click here
Here's a video I took from Saturday while George was speaking:
Thanks again to everyone who attended and for your prayers as we get started here in Thorncliffe
Pictures 1 - click here
Pictures 2 - click here
Jerry's pictures - click here
Videos - click here
Here's a video I took from Saturday while George was speaking:
Thanks again to everyone who attended and for your prayers as we get started here in Thorncliffe
Wednesday prayer requests - the 'Weeping Willow'
As we are settling in here many people come across our path from a specific war-torn country that has been in the news. Just recently Hayley has befriended a lady from this country, we'll call her the 'Weeping Willow'. Each time she sees Hayley she breaks down in tears, sharing her deepest needs and how she is praying and praying to God, and how Hayley is the answer to her prayers each time.
Just yesterday when Hayley called her up the lady said: "Last night at midnight I cried out to God and today you called me and I know that you are the answer to my prayer". Please pray for this lady, as Hayley prays for her in Jesus name.
Just yesterday when Hayley called her up the lady said: "Last night at midnight I cried out to God and today you called me and I know that you are the answer to my prayer". Please pray for this lady, as Hayley prays for her in Jesus name.
Monday, April 23, 2007
First Verwer-fest videos
Thanks to the ever helpful Jerry Bolton we have a few videos from Saturday! I have a few of my own I'll post up soon but for now click here to see Jerry's collection.
Monday's hot topics - Funny church stories
Leave it to a guy called 'Newf' to start a topic on the forum about 'Funny church stories':
On Saturday, there was some kid's program at the church, and someone (not me, I don't think) let a helium-filled happy face balloon float up to the ceiling of the sanctuary. Sunday morning at the BoB, as the annoucements were being given, that balloon started to float down behind the announcer, and hovered just behind his head. The congregation, in fits of laughter of course, saw the balloon but he didn't. (this next part, I don't remember, but it was recounted by someone else in attendance) Then, the balloon at head-height, rotated so the happy face was 'looking over' his shoulder.Click here to post your funny church stories on the forum
Saturday, April 21, 2007
All ready to party!!
It's about 7AM here on April 21st - the day we've all been waiting for. Late last night I took this video at Leaside Bible Chapel while we were setting up!
Today is another fun day of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off but tonight is party time! The prayer walk starts at 4PM then the kick-off rally at 7! See you there!!
Today is another fun day of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off but tonight is party time! The prayer walk starts at 4PM then the kick-off rally at 7! See you there!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
4:20 challenge
While most of the world celebrates 4:20 (April 20th) in a different way I thought I'd put a challenge out there to Christians to redeem the day!! Post your favorite 4:20 bible verse in the comments, or on your blog! Here's mine:
Philippians 4:20:
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
What's your 4:20?
Philippians 4:20:
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
What's your 4:20?
Monday, April 16, 2007
Monday's hot topics - Why do volunteer work??
On the forum 'Mark P' raises a good question about why we should even be involved in volunteering to make society a better place:
Many people judge me and say I should be spending more time helping with the community or giving back to society. For what? I don't remember society giving me anything...Where does one(you) draw a line between giving back and taking care of yourself? Do you consider this to be selfish? So what do you think about this?Interesting question. What's your reason for helping out and volunteering?
Saturday, April 14, 2007
All prayed up!
Last night we had our first prayer meeting here in Thorncliffe Park! Kinda. A very nice lady has been having a prayer meeting here for about 3 years and we tagged along with some friends who are interested in what God's doing in this community. In total there were about 30 of us (kids and all) which was very encouraging to see as we prayed for different people around the world. Thanks to those who sent in prayer requests - keep em comin! Our next Thorncliffe prayer meeting is Friday, April 27th and everyone is welcome. If you're in the area we'd love for you to come as we get more specific about the needs of the people right here in these highrises! If you're not able to make it but want to pray please let me know and I'll send you a list of people we're praying for.
Now we're in full-tilt Verwer mode, preparing for next Saturdays 'kick off' event at Leaside Bible Chapel! Please pray for this event as it very well could be standing room only. The prayer walk starts at 4PM and if you're coming to that please let me know. If not, make sure you get to the chapel early to get a seat. As I mentioned previously please park across the street from the chuch at the Future Shop/Canadian Tire parking lot situated on the corner of Eglinton & Laird.
Once again here's the poster incase you need directions! See you there!
Now we're in full-tilt Verwer mode, preparing for next Saturdays 'kick off' event at Leaside Bible Chapel! Please pray for this event as it very well could be standing room only. The prayer walk starts at 4PM and if you're coming to that please let me know. If not, make sure you get to the chapel early to get a seat. As I mentioned previously please park across the street from the chuch at the Future Shop/Canadian Tire parking lot situated on the corner of Eglinton & Laird.
Once again here's the poster incase you need directions! See you there!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Nerds who shook the world v1 - George Verwer
Recently I found the Moody Bible Institute yearbook from the 1960's. I remembered that a certain George Verwer had attended Moody and while leafing through the pages found this amazing but grainy picture of George and other 19 year olds anticipating what God would do through their little group. They probably had no idea OM would get as big as it is. They probably had no idea how many people they would influence. They simply trusted God and did amazing things. For me, this is exciting to look back, as well as look forward. History has not yet been written, what can we do if we simply trust God and go for it!?
This is the first in a series I've called 'Nerds who shook the world". Looking back on people who were very influential and how they got started. May this be an encouragement to all of us, wether young or nerdy, to trust God and do amazing things. Next Saturday at the kick-off of our new ministry George will be sharing more about how he went from a 19-year old at Moody to a world missions leader. You won't want to miss it! 7PM, Leaside Bible Chapel, Saturday, April 21st!
This is the first in a series I've called 'Nerds who shook the world". Looking back on people who were very influential and how they got started. May this be an encouragement to all of us, wether young or nerdy, to trust God and do amazing things. Next Saturday at the kick-off of our new ministry George will be sharing more about how he went from a 19-year old at Moody to a world missions leader. You won't want to miss it! 7PM, Leaside Bible Chapel, Saturday, April 21st!
Labels:
Nerds who shook the world,
Verwer
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wednesday prayer requests - children
The longer we're here the more we begin to understand the unique needs of a community like Thorncliffe. As we've mentioned before, the local elementary school receives 10 to 20 new children each week from many countries and backgrounds. We want you to pray especially for these children who are new to the country. Their experiences are very different from those of us who grew up in Canada. One example being a girl who is not yet 16 but talking to Hayley about arranged marriages :) Also, don't forget to keep sending us your prayer requests for the Friday the 13th prayer meeting here in Thorncliffe Park!
Labels:
Thorncliffe,
Wednesday prayer requests
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The sayings of Lukas v34 - boogers!
On Sunday we were getting out of the car when I spotted a booger on the back of Sylas' car seat. Here's how the conversation went:
Daddy: Hey Luke, there's a booger on the seat, where you saving it?
Lukas: Yuck, no way daddy that's gross
Daddy: I thought you loved eating boogers
Lukas: Ya....but I don't eat leftovers
Daddy: Hey Luke, there's a booger on the seat, where you saving it?
Lukas: Yuck, no way daddy that's gross
Daddy: I thought you loved eating boogers
Lukas: Ya....but I don't eat leftovers
Monday, April 09, 2007
Monday's hot topics - Christians and Alcohol
Recently on the forum there has been some discussion about how Christians should treat alcohol:
I'm kind of surprised that this topic hasn't been tackled yet. So, what do you all think about being a Christian and drinking alcohol? Should it be totally prohibited? Only for special occasions? It's ok if you don't get drunk, so anything goes beside that?While this has been debated before, the discussion has focused on how prohibition and other Western cultural influences on the debate. What's your opinion? Post it on the forum - click here
I personally don't find anything wrong with having a glass of wine to celibrate a special occasion or to drink with a nice meal.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Xristos Anesti!!
Happy Easter everyone! Tonight I strolled out in front of our building at midnight to witness the Greek Orthodox Easter celebration at St. Demetrios here in Thorncliffe. It brought back alot of memories of when we lived in Athens, except they didn't have any fireworks here :) The street was completely packed out, which kept the parking ticket attendant busy. Greeks with candles lined the streets greeting each other and making the sign of the cross.
Easter was extra special for us this year because our Greek friends Alex & Joann Macris are here staying with us this weekend! We've had loads of fun staying up late and catching up on what God is doing in Greece. Alex & Joann are missionaries in Greece with Hellenic Ministries. They take the boat called The Morning Star from island to island unlocking the truth of the gospel for the Orthodox faithful who still haven't found the Jesus painted on their church walls.
So tonight I wanted to bid you all a Greek Easter greeting:
Christos Anesti!!! Happy Easter!!! Jesus is risen!!!
Easter was extra special for us this year because our Greek friends Alex & Joann Macris are here staying with us this weekend! We've had loads of fun staying up late and catching up on what God is doing in Greece. Alex & Joann are missionaries in Greece with Hellenic Ministries. They take the boat called The Morning Star from island to island unlocking the truth of the gospel for the Orthodox faithful who still haven't found the Jesus painted on their church walls.
So tonight I wanted to bid you all a Greek Easter greeting:
Christos Anesti!!! Happy Easter!!! Jesus is risen!!!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The sayings of Sylas v3 - bath time!
Last night I figured I'd spend some quality time with the kids and jump in the bath with them! It was pretty squished and during bath time Sylas blurted out two hilarious statements. First off Lukas asked if I would get in the bath with them and when I said yes Sylas said:
-> Mommy, are you going to baptize Daddy?
(we had just recently read about John the Baptist and Sylas has been very interested in this idea of baptism). Then when I jumped in the tub Sylas looked at me and said:
-> Daddy, your booboobs are almost fully grown
I guess it's time to get a membership at the gym :)
-> Mommy, are you going to baptize Daddy?
(we had just recently read about John the Baptist and Sylas has been very interested in this idea of baptism). Then when I jumped in the tub Sylas looked at me and said:
-> Daddy, your booboobs are almost fully grown
I guess it's time to get a membership at the gym :)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Wednesday prayer requests - Friday the 13th!
Next Friday is the ever so scary Friday the 13th. To celebrate we will be holding our first prayer meeting here in Thorncliffe!!! We figured it's a great symbolic day to ask Jesus to turn the tables on the powers of darkness and kick Satan where it hurts. If anyone needs some prayer, let me know and we'll put your issue on the agenda. If anyone wants to come and pray, let me know and I'll reveal to you the location of our top-secret-holy-huddle.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Need a title v29
This picture was taken at Ryan & Cindy's wedding in BC. What exactly is Lukas doing you ask? I'm not sure, but can anyone think of a good title?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Monday's hot topics - Best Credit Card
I've always been very skeptical of credit cards. We have never had any debt and I don't like the idea of owing money or getting in debt at all. However It's almost impossible to function in today's society without plastic. Currently we're looking at getting a credit card - but where do I start? What credit card is good? What rewards are best? I like the idea of Air Miles but can that actually get me any flights? I've posed the question on the forum - here - and now I need your help. Post a story on the forum about the credit card you have, or post a comment below on which card you think is best!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
It's official!
We've been waiting for a little while now to make the announcment, but after Hayley's doctors appointment yesterday it's official! We're pregnant again! I've posted some 3D ultrasound pictures on the forum - click here. Thanks for your prayers as we prepare for an even fuller house!
*EDIT* APRIL FOOLS :)
*EDIT* APRIL FOOLS :)
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