Thank you! Thank you to all who have served, sacrificed, survived and died fighting as a member of the U.S. armed forces. While war is not the desired way to deal with conflict, it has been a necessary part of our history. Many have fought to overcome tyranny or oppression as well as fought to free those being persecuted and attacked. There are also those who don't go away but suffer during times of war. The families of those service men and women have their lives flipped upside down in times of war. I have recently been reminded of this impact. A friend, whose husband is a Marine Pilot, wrote on her blog about the impact of her husbands deployment on their kids. There countless numbers of family members who live each day in the tension of two worlds. They have the demands of day to day life mixed with the knowledge that their loved one is in harms way on foreign soil. They live for the day that loved one returns but also with the tension of knowing that there are no guarantees. My heart hurts for them as it hurts for my family. My daughter will return to the battle zone in three months and we will live in the tension between two worlds. So on this Memorial Weekend, be mindful of those who have fought and died, fought and lived, and those who fight with the awareness that their loved one is not yet home. Grateful people don't spend their time bemoaning and bickering what we can't change, but rather more aware of the sacrifice that gives us the ability to enjoy a holiday such as this. Many will go to cemeteries this weekend and honor, remember, and mourn the loss of loved ones. They won't get to celebrate a great barbecue. They will be more aware than ever the cost of war. Let's love them, sit with them, mourn with them, be part of their future so they know they are not alone. Isn't that a great way to celebrate a weekend such as this?

If I should have a daughter … : Sarah Kay on TED.com

If I should have a daughter … : Sarah Kay on TED.com

Tuesday May 15... How can that be? It is already May 15! School will be out soon, summer is here. I realize I'm not supposed to say this, but here goes, time is flying by. Life is moving at mach speed. There is no slowing down the clock or rewinding it. Life is happening and it is happening now! Fast! Here is all of our reminder to live. Don't miss out on life. Don't trade real life for a cheap imitation. Don't settle for a life that is shackled to things that destroy real life. Live free and fully engaged with Maker of the Universe. Real life to me involves serving others, not being attached to things that don't last, giving and receiving love, valuing friends and making new friends, aligning with the will of God and reflecting to the world the power of HIS love and goodness. Don't let the days keep passing you by at mach speed while you miss what is truly life. Life was given by the life giver (God) and it was intended that we would be life givers to others by the way we share His goodness with them. If the first five and a half months haven't been lived well, don't panic. Begin living fully in His presence and see the difference it makes!

I'm sitting in my hometown thinking back. I'm not feeling nostalgia from the days of school and past glory. No, I'm thinking back on the well lived life of my Aunt Mildred. She passed away this week. I traveled 2700 miles to honor her and share in officiating her funeral service. If there has ever been a Southern lady of elegance and charm, Mildred Nelson was that lady. Her life made a huge difference to so many. She had a heart for people and serving. A nurse by trade, but devoted follower of Christ by choice. Aunt Mildred was one of the most consistent and committed followers of Jesus I know. In so many ways, her faith changed the stories of so many. Her passion and support for orphans and local church ministries was so beautifully lived out. She was fiercely devoted to her family. Her husband, my Uncle Earl, passed away two years ago. I was blessed to share part of his funeral as well. He gave his life to Christ very late in life. That as a result of a wife who kept living her faith in front of him and would not give up. So on day 2 of your promotion Aunt Mildred, I say I love and miss you! Give Uncle Earl a hug for me. We will certainly see you both again!

This morning was great at GCC! The worship was excellent! It is such a great blessing to be in the room with people who are making much of God's love as they respond with hearts bent towards Him. The sound coming from behind me was filled with passion! It was also a great time of fellowship as people gathered around tables for conversation and communion. I love that as a church we are creating opportunities for relationships. As we continue honoring God's word and loving God's people, I am seeing our community grow. There is deepening faith and abiding friendships that are coming out of our time together. I love what I see God doing. There is anticipation each Sunday that God is going to show up. During the week people are finding practical ways to connect with others. I love my church! I love the diversity, the people, the simplicity, the passion, the move of God, the challenges, the blessings, the opportunities, ....

Enjoyed some days down in Southern California studying at Pepperdine. Always good to reconnect with friends and share together. I am thankful to be home with my family though. No place is as beautiful nor pleasing as is the place where your heart is attached. My heart is attached to the place where my family resides. Home sweet home!