I sure do love my wife

One thing I think about on a regular basis is how much I love my wife. There are way to many things to mention in this post. Plus I am doing this on my Blackberry. The short of it is that she is literally the best friend I have! She loves me in spite of my faults and failures of which there are many. She is the epitome of unconditional love. Being away from her is a painful experience. I thank God every day for giving her to me.

Where did the years go?

Something happened to cause me to wonder where all the years have gone. The other day I was watching home video's with Meagan. I was watching all the girls from Christmas of 2000. They were almost ten years younger then. It sure does not seem that long ago. That caused me to look at the girls now. Then I thought, holy cow where have the years gone. To me the lesson is to enjoy each and every day as they happen.

June Gloom

After living through our 11th June in Southern California I have come to realize that in SOCAL June can be a mixed bag weather wise. There have been June months that have been a scorcher, while others have been pretty mild. The milder June's are possible because of a pacific trough that sits off the coast and brings in a heavy marine layer. Sometimes the marine layer gets as thick as 5,000 feet in elevation. When this happens it brings in what we call "June Gloom." This is the time when living in SOCAL seems more like living in Seattle. This year "June Gloom" has been especially thick. We are now into our 22 day of below average temperatures. In fact as I write this, I am looking out the window at a cloudy, cool, drizzly morning. The lifers here seem to really dread this phenomenon. I, on the other hand, love it! It keeps things cool and saves on my electric bill. After all July will be here soon enough and the days will get hotter and hotter and the electric bill will rise accordingly. Temperatures during July - September have been known to be as high as 110+ degrees (of course it is a dry heat). So I will take my "June Gloom" extra heavy please!!! To me it is a reminder that God gives us what we need when we need.

Christ's sacrifice

I am reading a book titled Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross. It is a book that is editd by Nancy Guthrie and is a compilation of essays from writers like John MacArthur, James Boice, and John Piper. It walks the reader through the crucifixion of Christ through His resurrection, exposing biblical facts about both. Some of these facts I have known for some time, but there are others that I have never realized. Funny how you can read through scripture many times and never see something.

One of the things that was of interest to me was that the only time Jesus personnaly referred to His Father as God (even though it was personal because he declared My God, My God) was on the cross. To me this show the depth of what He was going through to make salvation posisble. Another thing brought to my attention was that of the last seven words Jesus spoke while on the cross, four were direct quotes from the Old Testament. This demonstrates that even in His last hours He was focused on fulfilling His purpose.

All of these things are great, but the greatest thing the book brings to light is the power of the crucifixion. That is not something I needed to be reminded of, but something that is always good to study. Letting that continually soak in is always a good thing because it is a GREAT reminder of the love He has for me. It is also an example and reminder of the love I am to have for others.

Summer is almost here - part 2

The girls finished school today!!! Bring on the summer fun. New job for Meg, two camps, mission projects, beach trips, youth and college activities, church stuff and last but not least VACATION!!! Man, I think the summer might be over before it ever had a chance to start.

When words are not enough

We have some very dear friends that are going through a very difficult time right now. During times like this you want so bad to say something that will help. However, tonight I was reminded that sometimes words are not enough. What is enough during times like this is presence. Presence is sometimes the best thing you can give.

To run or not to run

It's Tuesday night and I have not had a morning run all week. Partly because of my schedule and partly because of out an of town guest (my mom). So I am sitting here contemplating whether or not to go on a run. I know the benefits outweigh the sacrifice of time and sweat. Oh well I will continue to ponder this.

Mistakes never go away

Shouldn't mistakes get to the point that they become fewer and farther between the older we get? Just something on my mind at the moment.

I love Sunday's at Immanuel

Sunday's at Immanuel are a time that I look forward to each and every week. I thought about that this morning and here are some things that make Sunday's special (this is certainly not a comprehensive list).

• It is the culmination of a week of laboring together for the gospel
• It is the beginning of another week of laboring together for the gospel
• It is the coming together of great people to worship our TRULY GREAT GOD!!!
• It is the effort of MANY volunteers who sacrifice their time, talent and treasure for God's Kingdom
• It is the time when we get to see God transform lives

Like I stated, this is not a comprehensive list, but for me it puts things into perspective.

Summer is almost here

As a kid, summer always began the day school let out. As an adult, not much has really changed. The girls get out of school next Thursday, so summer will officially begin. This summer will be busy around our house. Between work, three mission projects, two camps, church activities and vacation, we will be very busy. In fact I do not know of one week that is void of things to do. I am sure that a post will be coming in August which states how the summer flew buy so fast. Of course I would not necessarily want it any other way.

So, bring on the summer time!!!!

Mom's in town

My mom came into town yesterday. She will be here for about four days. I am always glad when family come to visit. I know it is a sacrifice and it is always greatly appreciated. The girls love having their mimi around. One of the disadvantages of living so far away. It should be a great time and I know we will hate to see her go.

Staff Retreat Recap

Immanuel is a very generous church family that allows us the freedom to get away as a staff each year for three days. Each year we go to the desert and get alone for three days to set into motion the plans that we believe God has laid on our hearts.

I honestly believe that this years retreat was the single most productive retreat I have experienced in the nine years I have been at Immanuel. I believe we came away with some very concrete plans that if followed will help us to reach our community and world for Christ.

Get ready Immanuel to see lives changed!!!!