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A Long Day

Yesterday we took in the most beautiful coastline in the world! I love the drive from Monterey to Cambria. We stopped a dozen times to stand in awe of the beauty. Lunch in Pismo Beach was followed by three hours at the beach. That's when we got the crazy idea to push all the way south to San Marcos where we are now staying at the lovely Johnson Inn (the home of Joy's parents who are on vacation in Minnesota). We passed the Crown Valley offramp at 12:10 a.m. Arrival here was a bit later than we expected but we made it safely. Almost 500 miles for the day...total miles are now more than 1700. Great trip with one week still ahead of us. All for now, it's time for my nap.

Vay-Cay Update

Here's a quick update on the week...

spent a few days in Santa Rosa (our family loves hanging with their cousins)

got rear-ended outside San Francisco (everyone is okay but the van is munched...it's only metal)

started the beautiful drive south at Half Moon Bay

surfed two different beaches (San Gregornio and Waddell Creek)

stayed a few days in Santa Cruz (no waves here but this is "Surf City" north; it's earned my respect this year because we're no where near the boardwalk)

we listened to a beautiful marimba band as we walked downtown Santa Cruz

made the most of a sale at the O'Neill Shop

we saw "Ant Bully" (it was so-so)

and finally, we're having fun just being together (I better stop blogging because it's time for first-breakfast)

Tahoe/Oakland/Santa Rosa

On Sunday I had the opportunity to worship at another Village Presbyterian Church. Village Church, as in Incline Village, worships during the summer months in a beautiful outdoor chapel. The relaxed feel of the service reminded me of our days under the gazebo on the Town Green.

On our final night at the cabin the boys and I slept under the stars on the balcony. Not the most comfortable night of my life but Matt and Andy loved it.

On the way to my sister's house, we stopped by Children's Hospital Oakland for a short visit with Griffin. He wasn't lacking in energy during our time together. Please keep him and his parents in your prayers. It's hard to believe that Griffin's ordeal started just four weeks ago. Even so, it was good to see him again. Meridith told us about a great place for ice cream and so we stopped by for a few scoops before heading out of Oakland.

Today we went to the Sonoma County Fair because it was free. We ate garlic fries and I bought a mop.

The big deal here is the trampoline in the backyard. They've added a sprinkler to keep things cool and everyone loves it.

Vay-Cay

Our day began yesterday at 4:30 a.m. After a long drive north we arrived here in Lake Tahoe in the late afternoon. This place is gorgeous! It would be a shame to spend time blogging this week when there is so much to see and enjoy. Our plan is to spend time together and drink in the beauty around us. I might blog from time to time but overall, don't expect much, if anything.

And if you happen to send me an email, you'll need to be patient. I'll get back to you in a few weeks. If it is critical, call Pastor Leanne at the church office and she'll get in touch with me.

Here's the view from our balcony to the big balcony...Lake Tahoe is somewhere in the background.

An Open Window

"When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window."

I've heard this one before because I've had plenty of doors close on me. That was part of my thinking in relation to our house. Why now? What a hassle! What about my family? And yet, it appears that a substantial window is opening for us in partnership with the Presbytery. I can't go into the details right now but I'm confident that our four year housing "crisis" will soon be solved. It ain't gonna happen before we leave for Lake Tahoe on Monday. Yet as we go away for a little family time, I know we'll be returning home to discover something wonderful for our family and for the ministry of Village Presbyterian Church. I'm excited! I'm totally excited! Can you tell?

Movin' On

We just received official notice from our landlord that we need to move out of our home by the end of August. On the one hand, we're sad to have to make a transition but we're also aware that God might have something else in mind for us. Check out the pictures below to see how the house has changed over the last 4 years.

This notice means that there will be many changes for us...6 Old Spire has been the church address from the beginning, change in location but hopefully not a change in schools for our kids, change in relation to our stuff (we're actively downsizing even now), change in the habits of mind we've developed over the past four years.

Even so, with all the changes there are many things that remain the same. I remain committed to serving as the Organizing Pastor of Village Presbyterian Church. I'm committed to working hard to establish a new community of faith here in Ladera Ranch. I remain joyful about the adventure of faith that is ours as followers of Jesus Christ.

Please keep our family in your prayers during the coming weeks and I'll keep you posted in relation to our progress.

Our house in 2002

Our house now...complete with sign!

Cousins

I love this picture of Mackenzie with her cousin Gianna. I took it on the 4th of July. Every once in a while I take a picture like this...my friend Rick seems to take 'em all the time.

Big Wednesday

Last night it was my privilege to be the speaker at San Clemente Presbyterian Church. They have an incredible Wednesday night education program for the whole church. There's something for the whole family. Various classes for kids, youth programs and adult classes. We began the evening with a barbecue on the patio just outside the sanctuary (complete with an ocean view). It's an incredible location but there is also a sense of energy that is evident whenever I'm there. San Clemente Pres is a loving church; they are eager to serve the Lord; they have a good thing going. I enjoyed a long conversation with John Shackelford, a retired missionary from Guatemala. He was very interested in the work we're doing here in Ladera Ranch. "I've been praying for you," he said. His words were reassuring to me.

For my part, I explained our summer theme and then we looked at one of the parable of Jesus (Luke 12:13-21). I had fun telling the story of what we're doing and how much I appreciate our partnership in mission.

The evening finished with a slice of pie. Every church has different traditions and pie seems to be one the unique features of San Clemente Pres. My choice: banana cream. It was the most organic option.

Prayers for Griffin

I just got off the phone with Kris an hour ago. Even now she's on a plane flying north to be with her sister. Unfortunately, Griffin's situation has taken a turn for the worse and he is now back in the Intensive Care Unit. After making such good progress over the past week, this news is upsetting. This morning I was glad to announce Griffin's progress and now tonight I'm asking for everyone's prayers. Please keep Griffin in your prayers and pray especially for his parents, Anthony and Meridith. Kris just happens to be Griffin's godmother and so I can think of no one better to be present with the family. Kris our prayers go with you.

"Lord, watch over this family and bring your healing touch to Griffin. Amen."

Lost

I lost a set of keys, a remote and a contact lens.

I'm going shopping with Mackenzie later this afternoon for Mexico supplies. We're going to fill our van with stuff and we've got another car traveling with us.