Vacation

So, as you can tell, I am glad I didnt make the resolution to have daily blogs. But, in my defense, the Monday after the last post, we were able to go on vacation. We left Sunday afternoon, we had soup and bun lunch and our second service at 1:15, so we could finish packing and headed for Calgary. It was hard to believe, but everything was beginning to melt before we left. We stayed at a hotel overnight, and then headed to the airport at about 7:30 am on Monday. Our flight didnt leave until 11:00 or so, but we had to be there early because of the new restrictions on those flying to the states. No carry-ons were permitted, except, purses, diaper bags, camera cases, so that is what we took on. But, doing this meant we had to have all of them searched by hand. We went through the metal detector, then we all got patted down, including our 4 month old baby! We couldnt believe it. But we made it through, and were on our way.

We made it to Los Angeles a few minutes late, but no bid deal. We dropped my mom off at work, and had to go to In-N-Out for lunch! That night I went and played basketball with my brother and some old high school classmates. That was a blast, except I always had to guard my brother who is a lot stronger and who is bigger than I am.

Tuesday was pretty much a blur, I dont remember what we did. Wednesday night we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner, which was really good. It has been a year and a half since seeing them, so it was long over due. Thursday we left for Palm Springs. We met up with a friend and his wife. It had been three and a half years since we had seen him. When they came to the condo we were staying at, someone made the comment "who would have thought at the last time you saw each other, the next time you would see each other, he would have a wife, and you would have a baby!" It was a lot of fun hanging out with them. On Friday we went up the Palm Springs tram and looked around up there. You go from about 2000 feet to 8000 feet in 10 minutes. It was quite a view from up there. Friday night we said goodbye to them, and the rest of my family joined us at the condo.

Saturday, the guys went and played golf. I am happy to say, that my brother and I tied but, most importantly, we beat our dad! Ha ha ha. Sitting by the outdoor pool in January, was awesome.

Sunday we went to a large church out there. It was a really good service. The only sad part about going to Palm Springs for the weekend was the fact that we couldnt go to my home church to see a lot of people that we missed seeing. We spent Sunday afternoon by the pool, it was a relaxing weekend. Monday we left and hit the downpour that all of California was experiencing.

Tuesday Brenda needed to shop, so she did! She was very successful, I guess...BUt it was fun trying to get the stroller out and in the vehicle in the pouring rain. I was wearing shorts for the principle of the fact we were in California. It was raining so hard that when a car drove past me rather slowly, it splashed enough water on my legs to soak my feet.

Wednesday we got up and went for breakfast with my Mom, Dad and Grandma. THen we left for the airport. We had great flights both ways. Our daughter did really well, and slept most of both flights! It was a much needed vacation as it was very relaxing. But it is also good to be home.

New Years Resolution: Daily Blogs!

Ha ha ha, Gotcha! Like that would actually happen. I am still trying to get in the routine of writing my thoughts down on here. I dont know how many people actually read this anyway, but it is a good practice at least for me to get some of my thoughts down. One of the problems with this is the fact that there are things that I dont know if it is good enough to write down. Another is that I havent completely thought them through all the way. I will try better at updating this, perhaps weekly. I did alright there for a bit, but then life got crazy busy and I just stopped writing.

Something that I have been thinking about lately has been the season of Christmas. This is a busy time for my colleagues and myself. I was very grateful that my church didnt give me any extra services. I mean we had Christmas and New Years day, but then we canceled the evening services on the Sundays after both of them. That has helped me a ton. I feel for my colleagues who have something like 8 services to plan in just over a 10 day span. It is challenging for myself, and maybe other pastors to really try to enjoy Christmas. It is a busy time and so much pressure it is hard to actually listen to the story yourself and hear the Gospel.

It is also hard for pastors and their families, (I know at least for us it is difficult sometimes) because Christmas is a time to be with family. We are not close to any family at all, and people ask, "So are you going home for Christmas?" Or they ask, "Is anyone coming to see you for Chrismtas?" The answer generally is no. We were fortunate enough at American Thanksgiving to have both of our families up here for our daughter's baptism. It is difficult to be away from family, but we know we are called to be here and to minister at the same time.

The thing that has really helped my wife and I is the fact that our Church Family is so hospitable. There has never been a lack for an invitation to someone else's family celebration. This year was the first year for me as a dad. It was really special to celebrate with my wife and almost 4 month old daughter. But it was also really special to really feel as if we belong as family to so many people in this church. There are some really wonderful people here!

Next week we look forward to some time down in California with my family. It will be a much needed break, at least for me. We are really looking forward to relaxing and visiting with family and friends.