Last Saturday of August

As summer appears to be heading to an end, I look back to think of the fun things I have enjoyed.

The summer started off with both kids playing baseball/softball. I love watching them play. I remember my parents telling me "these are the best years of life" and I am starting to believe it. They bring Al'Lora and I so much joy.

We then headed south for my brother's wedding and my 20 year high school reunion. The wedding was beautiful and the reunion was more fun than I anticipated. I shocked a lot of old friends when they discovered my life as a minister and that I live near Cleveland, OH. Not what they expected. Not really what I expected if the truth is known. But just another proof that God has other plans that are often different from ours.

And then a couple of days in Alabama with Al'Lora's family. It was great. We spent a few days with her aging (but graceful) grandparents and landed on the shores of Lake Guntersville with her brother and the rest of the gang. A little fishing, a little swimming, and a little of doing nothing. It was just what I needed.

Finally, Al'Lora and I went to San Antonio, TX for our bi-annual church (COG International) assembly. We were able to catch up with some old friends and enjoy a couple of days to ourselves. If you have never been to San Antonio, it is truly a city you will want to visit.

It has been a great summer!

With fall staring us in the face, I stare back with optimism and confidence in what God has done so far this year and what He plans on doing next. Life is good. God is good.

I am sure challenges await me. Tough decisions are inevitable. And possibly a storm or two. But I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Phil 3:14).

So it is time to move forward!