A Week of Celebrations

Marie and I and the kids had quite a week. A week where we were able to detach from the normal routine of life and enjoy some days of rest. It all began 2 weeks ago when we celebrated my 35th birthday in Palm Springs. Palm Springs was 115 degrees at 7pm at night, but it didn't faze us as we secured a resort hotel room with the kids for the Summer special rate of $79 (regularly $225, I love good deals!). We swam our hearts out and had a great time as a family.

Over that weekend, we joined our Calvary Church family for Beach Baptisms. It was an awesome time of watching 64 people from our Church make a public stand for Jesus Christ. Check out the video highlights of the day below:

Calvary Church Beach Baptisms 10 from Calvary Arts & Media on Vimeo.

Then the following Tuesday, Marie and I celebrated 8 years of marriage by going to dinner at Andrea's, an Italian restaurant located within the Pelican Hill Resort on the Newport Coast. It was our first time there and while on the pricey side, the atmosphere was stellar. We spent the evening talking about all of the ways God has been kind and good to us throughout our marriage. I love my wife! I feel so grateful.

Marie hosted a luncheon that following day for the nurses at Birth Choice Health Clinics, while I joined a fellow Pastor from Calvary as we suffered for the Lord by taking in the Angels/Ray afternoon baseball game at Anaheim Stadium. That evening, Marie and I, packed the kids and suitcases and headed up to the 5 Freeway to Aptos, California to visit my parents for the weekend. My parents even watched the kids for a night as Marie and I headed up to Half Moon Bay for an anniversary celebration, part II.

It was a great week of rest, family bonding and reflection. We really needed it after a busy summer season. I feel spiritually and emotionally ready to begin another season of ministry.
Here is a prayer I have for the Fall:

"Heavenly Father, thank you for times of rest and fun.

Thank your for your faithfulness and kindness to us.

Lord, I don't want to take your blessings and turn them inward, trying to build my little empire, my little kingdom. May you stop me in my tracks anytime I am tempted to do this. Instead, take my life God and use it for your Glory, for your Name, for your purposes. I submit myself to your mighty hand, Lord Jesus."