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.

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!