Jeana and I had a few days away in July. We are grateful for the opportunity to do so, especially under circumstances that we have been through within the past several months, as well as what we are facing this fall. I am running until the first of the year, never letting up.

Our children and Peyton have very busy lives; therefore, our time with them was very limited. Josh being a high school football coach is now a 12 month job and ministering on a large church staff occupies Nick’s life 24/7. Beyond that, Meredith has a demanding work schedule and Kate has a full-time job with Peyton, plus staying up with the needs of Josh and his life. No question, we are in different days. For some reason this year, we really struggled coordinating our schedules due to so many intangibles which did not become clear until the end of June.

Jeana and I did spend eight days in Grand Cayman. I felt we needed to be away from the cell phone and computer for at least a week. Being out of the country assisted in this greatly. I felt we needed some time where we could decisively move on from the past weeks and move towards the future. It was a great experience for us. God did great when he created the waters that surround the Grand Cayman. No, we did not dive nor even snorkel. We accomplished doing nothing which we needed in an enormous manner. We are grateful to the gift afforded us in order to experience it.

Our final days away, we spent time with my Mom and sister, as well as used several days to prepare for our annual Ministry Staff retreat, which is work for both of us the entire time. I believe the retreat was a success. I pray that God will use it to launch us forward for the fall and beyond. I also spent a couple of days going over a manuscript for my book for ministers coming out in September called, 10 Things Every Minister Needs To Know.

Jeana and I are evaluating our schedules, especially our summer schedule for 2007. Pray for us to make wise decisions in planning not only the summer, but other months as well.

Onward and Upward!