I stayed up too late reading last night.

I take that back, I stayed up until midnight Trinidad time (but still 9:00 pm Denver time) finishing Michael Shaara’s book Killer Angels, the second in the Civil War Trilogy by both Jeff and Michael Shaara from where the movies Gettysburg and Gods and Generals were based. Why was I reading these on a missions trip? The same reason why, when I had my Junior Recital at Palm Beach Atlantic University which was a culmination of every piano piece I had learned and was a huge part of my all-around piece for graduating, that I didn’t touch a piano the previous two days. Sometimes, thinking too much about what’s next is… too much. So, reading a book about the Civil War of all things seemed to help take the edge off.

Why would I have an edge? Today, we would be with pastors, deacons, and leaders in the area churches to talk about the family life of a Christian leader. Pastors are under great pressure to have a model family life–solid marriage, kids who are under control and follow Jesus, etc., etc. Pastors feel that pressure, the pastor’s wives feel that pressure, and the children most definitely feel that pressure.

On top of this, every person goes into marriage with their own brokenness. But God, through the gospel of Jesus, can and will restore us to His design and purpose. I prepared a bunch of notes, but it was as if God was taking me in a new and different direction to the same end: we must die to self, die in Christ, and submit to our spouses in the roles God has for us (Ephesians 5:21-6:4).

Ken and Dana broke up and led in prayer with a group, along with other pastors who helped in this breakout.

Every person received a copy of The Family Life of a Christian Leader by Ajith Fernando, the best book on the subject I’ve read. I pray that this will help them move forward.

Tomorrow is the dedication of the building here at Mt. Beulah Church in Point Fortin. They have redone the inside, added A/C units, and it looks absolutely beautiful. It’ll be cool enough that I can wear a suit for this august occasion. And bowtie!

Oh, did I mention going to the beach? I hesitated because Denver is expecting 3-6″ of much-needed snow. But for five minutes, I was out on the beach.

That face is due to sand and then rain. No, as the beard might indicate, I was not marooned and I do not need a volleyball named Wilson (Raye Ann!).