Family Pics and rambling thoughts

Thought I would post some pics of the family since it's been forever since I've last been on here. I really have good intentions about blogging more often but then don't seem to follow through. My bad! Anyway, things are good from the McKinnis family of 4 in Eugene. We had a good Christmas even though it was kind of tough being away from parents and grandparents in Indiana. We cut down our own tree this year and I hung lights in our apartment. It looked like a college dorm room when I finished it, which really wasn't what I was going for! Elias is still enjoying school. He does such a great job of listening but he's kind of a "tattle tell." He always wants to point out to the teacher if someone is doing something wrong or not listening. We think he has a little crush on a girl in his class. He always looks forward to Fridays when she's in his class. I guess he's starting young...ha! Jael still has blond hair and blue eyes so I'm not sure how that worked out. She is absolutely beautiful and loves to play and joke around. She is at such a fun age right now and is just so full of life. We really couldn't be prouder parents of both our children.

Rachel is doing well. She continues to excel at being a mother, wife and basically the smartest person in our family! I continue to be amazed at how God has gifted her and how she always seems to have such profound wisdom to share. She really has a gift of wisdom and discernment. Our family is so blessed by her gifts, as well as our church.

Speaking of church, we are continuing to pursue the mission of demonstrating the kingdom of God here in Eugene. We are developing close friendships here and we continue to ask God to soften the hearts of our neighbors in this city. We are currently journeying through the Gospel of John right now as a community. Last night we discussed John 6 where Jesus says "do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life." We talked about how food that spoils represents more than just physical food but anything other than Jesus that we are tempted to place our belief, trust, or hope in for nourishment, fulfillment, and life. It was good to hear our church body share how God has continued to teach them this lesson and how we are all constantly being called by God to deeper waters of faith and trust in him.

I want to leave you with a Psalm that has given me hope for a city that by in large loves creation but not the Creator.

Psalm 19:1-6 (The Message)
God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.

Theirs words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

God makes a huge dome for the sun - a superdome! The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.

That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.

God, please warm hearts to faith in Eugene!

Clint