After a few weeks away, it was remarkable to return to Crestview and to worship with the EBC family this weekend. Our family definitely enjoyed fantastic downtime while in B'ham for several days. Then, we ventured for 8 days to the coast. Honestly, is there anything more beautiful than running into the sunrise while watching the waves crash on the shore? Highlights, for us:

- watching the Birmingham Barons play the Montgomery Biscuits with my son! Perhaps the only team with a better mascot then the Biscuits might be the Toledo Mudhens

- eating Chicago style pizza from Tortuga's. When in B'ham, you must eat a slice (or 2 or 3)

- running the 'hills' or, better typed MOUNTAINS of B'ham

- a new Starbucks at the entry of mom's neighborhood. I broke that store in quite well

- enjoying family... I love my extended family

- Heading to the coast and spending an incredible afternoon with a few couples. Keith and Danise met us in Orange Beach. They are partners in life and in this great message of Christ and they are sharing that message in a remote part of the world. It was such a privilege to hang out with them for several hours.

- Okay, the girls were NOT digging this nearly as much as the boys, but Thunder on the Bay happened to be going on at Orange Beach while we were there and GET THIS... they were loading these testosterone filled fast loud boats into the water just outside our condo. The crane was lifting them off the trailer and placing them in the water and John Mark and I were enjoying this awesome display of power and might. We watched boat races....

- A big highlight was simply being away and settling in with God's greatest gift in my life... an amazing wife and 5 kids that we believe are a reward from our God. Sus was reading a verse and we both had a 'moment'.. of course, we have been watching the Olympics for the past few weeks and she was reading that our kids are a 'reward' from God. I mean, we bowed our heads to the King of Glory and He placed around our neck this ring of gold... the highest honor... we get to be called 'mom' and 'dad' and that is SUCH a reward! I love my wife and I am so SO thankful for my kids.

Then we returned to school launch... TONS of work.... and life moving forward.... I loved being away and I love the return.

Worship yesterday was crazy beautiful.... First, it did not rain.... none. It was a REALLY good night for a picnic last night.

But, a couple of moments really stood out for me...

- 11:20 AM, I watched students participate in the baptisms of children that they mentored into God's great salvation. That was a very sweet moment.

- During weekend Encounter, I mentioned a need... Food for the hungry in Crestview. I received a call at 3:30 PM from Chuck. He asked what I wanted to do with the food. I mentioned that I was heading that way at 7 PM to lock up and secure all food. He laughed and said that all tubs were full and that food was placed all over the concourse. So, he put that food away and I came up at 7 PM to put away MORE full tubs of food. I pulled 5 tubs of food into the Field House and shouted great praise for our God. You guys are an amazing 'church'! I love this place!!

- Perhaps, the best moment during our Encounter yesterday, was singing Greater things.... Honestly, clinging to God with intense heart-hope that greater things will be done and His name will be made greater through us. I am praying for great God-honoring, Christ-exalting things in and through us. I am praying for a fellowship who share a holy hunger for God's great fame. Greater things are still to come... Greater things still to be done.

It's good to be home. I love you guys!

By Grace.... For Glory,

Mark