Away.....

Two weeks of no stress..... good life.... playing..... enjoying my folks.... enjoying life..... 3 days and 2 night of just Susan and me celebrating 15 years of marital bliss (hubba hubba!!!)... It's been a great time to download life and play with kids and enjoy God. I had this rule of thumb - no 'heavy' books.... no work thoughts... no planning. Yeah, it was good. About 11 days into the journey, Susan and I were sitting on the beach at sunset and watching our kids build sandcastles and I (we) were just blown away by our God. He is good.... truly good. I just sensed His presence, goodness, passion. I just heard Him whisper of His love and of His joy for life.... for my life.

I think I had a few thoughts at that moment. I rarely find time to 'sabbath' on a regular basis. I believe that God is inviting me to find a day to unplug, turn off my cell, turn off the TV, forget e mail and to really just be His on a weekly basis. As I look at the life of Christ, I see a man who made pretty radical impact (might that be the understatement of the year?!) I also see a man who spent much time 'away' and attuned to the voice of His Father. I want to hear His voice... to sense His touch.... to trust His move.... to experience that 'right' feeling when I know I am in the middle of God. Yes, that can happen on an extended vacation. But, I think God really wants me to make a bit more space for Him. I think I have found a day that will be sabbath for me. A day where I am God's.... I am with my family.... and I unplug from all else. I think that is a biblical mandate and even more profoundly, a spiritual necessity. My heart beats with an even deeper longing to know Him.

Returning to the joy of Emmanuel was even greater. The Brazil team has returned with manifold stories of God's grace and goodness. The Arctic Edge was in full swing upon return and we hit the ground running. 30+ kids moving their lives into the epic story of God is pretty sweet! The Pine Island team left this morning to venture to the Islands and to watch as they rejoice through the Arctic Edge. The Central Asian team will fly out Monday and prayer walk with much anticipation for God to plant a home church in every county in that nation (a nation that professes to be 100% muslim!). Adding team members to our staff..... seeking a person to work with our kids..... amping up to rejuvenate in Philippians.... it's a great return!

So, here we go. The thrill of asking God to leave deep imprint for His glory and His fame. Here we go, recognizing that it is Christ in me.... Christ in you that is our only hope of living for the glory. Let's live, move, and have our being for His fame alone. That will be sweet, eternal, and worthwhile! It's good to be back.

Mark