Time Away Quick Hits

It was nice to get away for a couple weeks and just be with my family.

It was nice not to have to work for a couple of weeks.

I enjoyed being with Holly's family for Christmas. That's the first time we've celebrated Christmas with them since we got married.

I'm glad I still have two weeks before preaching again.

Traveling with 3 kids under the age of 5 is about as difficult as anything I can think of.

Holly is one of the best mother's I know.

Stayed up with Holly's mom till after 4 am...I cherish those 4 1/2 hours.

It's amazing how clear one's perspective gets when they face the possibility of death. How clearly they see the things that really matter to God.

Studied Everest a lot of the break...so many good thoughts...we'll see where they all lead.

Went pheasant hunting with my dad and brothers and Brad's father-in-law. We had a blast in Kansas. Till our flight got canceled. My dad paid for everything. It was extravagant.

It's funny how once you become a father you kind of stop looking forward to Christmas the way you did when you were a kid because you know that if there is really something you want and you don't get it that you can just buy it for yourself. It was very nice to have all of the details taken care of on my trip. Daddy went out of his way to provide a great trip and he did a lot more than that...he provided an experience that I will remember forever.

Wonder who killed the most birds???

Rylie is turning five next week. Tyler is turning two in a month. Preston is changing so much.

I love my wife. There is no one I'd rather be around than her. I'm so proud of her and who she is. We celebrate 7 years of marriage this week. What a ride. What a learning experience. What a privalage to it is to call her my wife. She get's me when no one else can. She gets me more now than she ever has. She pursues me more now than she ever has. I've told her before that if I feel like she is in my corner that I fell like I can handle anything. She is the greatest choice I have ever made. Hope she feels the same way.

I think about the past seven years and I think about how far we have come. 7 years! It's hard to believe. It's funny how the older I get the less stuff means to me and the more a central few things mean to me. My God, My wife, my children, my family...there isn't much else I need...there isn't much else I worry about. If I have them we're good.

I have no idea what 2008 will bring. Do you ever? But I do know that no matter what I will walk with Him who is rich in mercy and grace. I start 2008 thanking God for that.