New Hope & Monterey Getaway

Hils and I had a great time on Sunday at New Hope in Scotts Valley. There were so many friendly faces -- some we already knew and some new ones, too. Somehow being there and exchanging hugs and eating donuts together sealed the deal... we don't just talk about being family with New Hope, it's reality. In the background of this pic, you can see the New Hopers waving hello to all of their Coastlander friends. :)

Steve & Donna will be with us this weekend at the Coastlands. It will be a fun moment for many of us who already know them to get reconnected, and also to introduce them to those who are newer to our church.

Since I knew that I wouldn't be in our church's pulpit this past weekend, I took the opportunity to take Hilary on a little getaway... three nights on Cannery Row. Lots of napping, movies, room service, and meals at our favorite restaurants in the area. Thanks to the generosity of those who gave to our Pastor's Appreciation weekend last fall who helped make this possible (and also to the team of folks who watched our kids for us while we were away!).

Weekend Away

I'm taking Hilary on a little getaway this weekend. She doesn't know where... I love surprises. I like to enjoy those with her as often as possible (it used to be more, but these days it's about once or twice per year).

On Sunday, we'll drive to Scotts Valley where I'll be speaking at New Hope. Steve Shober (who is the pastor there) and I are great friends and in our denominational structure, he also happens to be my boss. Our churches are really an extension of one another, and it will be great to visit some our extendo-church-family.

Absolute Freedom = Saying "Yes"

Hilary had surgery on her foot between Christmas and New Year's (she had a bunion removed). So she's been stuck on the couch for the last week.

Wow... It's a lot of work to make every meal (except the ones that have been so lovingly provided by folks in our church), snack, laundry, dishes, cleaning, shopping, diapers, answering phone calls, etc. From the moment I wake up to the moment I've fallen asleep this last week, it's been just a blur.

But it's been absolutely spectacular at the same time.

I've fed and changed my baby girl several times each day. I know her so much better now. I've had much more time with Hilary because I've been taking care of her constantly. We've had some of our best moments together ever in the last couple weeks. My boys are bit stir crazy because I haven't been able to play with them quite as much as normal, but somehow I feel closer to them, too.

I feel like these days have been a gift from the Lord to me. At different points when I was exhausted, I could feel myself starting to get grumpy and overwhelmed (those two usually go together for me). But then I felt the Lord helping me find another smile, another joke, another little bit of energy to give to my wife and kids.

Each time grumpy-Todd tried to join the party, I would remind myself that this is something that I get to do. Whenever I feel trapped and obligated, it's very hard for me to keep a good attitude. But this week, I felt a fresh realization that the responsibilities that God has given me are exactly that: a gift! When I receive with gratefulness, then I am freed to enjoy it.

When I reach the end of my own energy, it's tempting to say, "OK, done now." It's tough to keep cheerfully saying "Yes" when my body so badly wants to say "No!" But it's at this moment that my decision becomes the most important. When I reach the end of my strength is when I can begin to rely on His! I got to experience that again this week. It's been fantastic.