Welcome Home

One of the great features of our property here in Indian River County was the lot behind us. Filled with vegetation, it was a rarity in our general area. I had the chance to purchase the lot earlier this year, but couldn't swing the cost. Upon our return home from Alabama this morning, my greatest fear was realized: the lot has been cleared of all vegetation in preparation for building on it. I can see the parade of traffic on 27th Avenue (a major north-south thoroughfare in our community). Ah well. The end of an era, and the beginning of a new neighbor possibility.

All Good Things...

...must come to an end. Or so the saying goes. Today we pack up and gear up for the trip back home. We are trying to determine the time of our departure, and will consult with Lil Bro as well, since he has another two hours of driving to do after we get to Vero, and he has jury duty Monday morning. All I have to do is go to the office and tackle the mounds of work piling up and awaiting my return.

Yesterday, we got to see two of the newest members of the extended family: Addison and Ellen. It is wild to see the grandchildren of my cousins. It was cool to watch Aunt Phyllis beam with her great grandchildren around. It was a hoot watching Yolanda and Terri each hovering over a granddaughter. Meeting Sam was a blast, he is one hilarious dude. It still boggles my mind to see Candice as a mom, and to see Autum blooming out there for the expected September delivery of her first child. Woof! I must be getting old. Naaahhhhh!

Anyway, our visit here at Anthelion is coming to an end. Back to reality. With an elders' meeting Monday night, the college group Wednesday night, and youth group Thursday night, a full week awaits. I am glad to have had this time of refreshing so I can gear up for the days ahead!

Morning Devos

The view from the back veranda of Yolanda and Robby's house is the perfect setting for early morning devotional time.

I must admit that I have fallen behind in my daily devos thanks to a crazy travel schedule, but I am in the process of getting "caught up" while sitting out here enjoying the view of Smith Lake. I wanted to take a break to post this. Now, it is back to my quiet time with the Creator of heaven and earth!

Cabos San Lucas

Who would have ever thought that we would come across a GREAT Mexican restaurant in Jasper, Alabama? Cabos San Lucas is just that, my friends. We are staying with cousins in Arley, Alabama this week on the shores of beautiful Smith Lake. On Wednesday, we drove over to Anniston to visit Dad, and on our way, we noticed a Mexican place in Jasper, and the seed was planted that perhaps we would indulge in some Mexican cuisine for supper. Upon our return trip from Anniston, we talked with Robby and Yolanda about our desire for Mexican Food, and we were immediately steered away from the restaurant we had seen, and told to check out Cabos San Lucas. Best advice we have had all week, my friends! The atmosphere was wonderful, as you can see from the statues lining the walk into the establishment. That one looks vaguely familiar, doesn't it?

Anyway, the food was even better than the atmosphere! I must admit that I likely blew all my daily Weight Watcher points and many of my Flex Points on this one meal. It was well worth it! BTW, I am down 21 pounds since we started Weight Watchers.

My chicken enchiladas and the chicken burrito were delectable. The hot salsa had just enough heat to be nice, and the flavor was fantastic. It was a most enjoyable experience to top off an interesting day in the middle of a beautiful vacation week here in Sweet Home Alabama!

Hangin' Wit My Crew

Tuesday and I am feeling like an old man in a young man's game. *grin* I got to "blob" a few people at the waterfront today including Taylor and Katie (yeah, Katie, the red mark on your back from where you landed in the water the wrong way will eventually go away).

Austin is the "blob" king, that dude can get some air! I am sore from climbing the ladder and from the ultimate Frisbee game earlier in the afternoon, but I will survive (Tylenol works wonders). With a game winding down and worship about the gear up, time to get off for now.

Church Camp, Baby!

It's Monday evening of the week of church camp at Lake Aurora, and I have already been captured in the "Faculty Hunt" meaning I have to sit in the staff lounge in the A/C while others are out sweating in the heat of a July night in central Florida. Ha!

I'm working as a counselor during a 7th, 8th, and 9th grade week. I have six dudes I am hanging with this week: Austin, Gabe, James, Nathan, Robby, and Tyler. They are hoots. Here is a picture of us at the archery range earlier today. They are a high energy bunch of guys, and I am an old man. Pretty sweet combo.

I LOVE church camp. I am so glad that I was asked to serve in this ministry. I have such a heart for church camp, and such a love for Lake Aurora that this absolutely will be the highlight of my summer.

We are helping the students realize that God wants to Unveil Himself to us. There is such great Kingdom Potential in this bunch of middle school students.

Back In The Saddle

Sitting here at my desk in the office, reflecting on the blessings God showers upon me reminds me that I shouldn't keep those blessings to myself. I am back in the office for the one week out of five in this summer stretch run. C-I-Y and the Sunset Beach vacation weeks are behind me, camp and the Alabama vacation weeks are ahead of me. This week Ian, Emily and I are alone at the house, since Peggy is still with her family in North Carolina. Of course, the kids are working a lot, too, so...yeah. Last night Emily and I went out for supper (Ian was at work) following a funeral service for a Dad/Grandad of some folks at our church. It was a touching tribute to a man who obviously loved his kids and grandkids very much. It reminded me of how God has blessed me with three (now four) children who love the Lord, and a wife who is (to quote Nacho Libré): The BASTE.

I did get to spend Sunday with Elliott and Abi, and to attend church with them at First Christian Clearwater. I must say my ego was stroked quite heavily when at least three different folks told me that I couldn't be Elliott's dad...his brother perhaps, but not his dad. Ah yes, I look so young. Right. It was nice, anyway, and I am sure those folks are all making their eye appointments soon.

Ian, Emily and I are planning a cookout and hangout time tomorrow as we celebrate July 4th, and while I wish Peggy was with us (it is our 30th Anniversary of "going steady"), I am glad that she is getting to spend extra time with her parents, sister and cousins. Being surrounded by family...now THAT is heaven on earth. I treasure those times, and I praise God for them. I praise God for my freedom in Christ, and I pray for those who have been blinded by the devices of satan to keep them away from God's Word and His clear plan of salvation as taught in the Scriptures. I have much work ahead of me in spreading the Gospel. The family times of rest help prepare me for the spiritual battles ahead. Praise God!