Yesterday was a good day...

It's been a nice week of rest. I taught at all three services last Sunday, so this week I'm taking some time to rest. Josh at Vintage Faith has encouraged us all to get away ALONE one day a month for prayer and reflection.

Yesterday, I went for a hike along the creek in Henry Cowell Park (see picture). I took my Bible, my journal, and A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God". I hiked about 1/2 and hour to an isolated sandy spot alongside the creek. I hopped some rocks to cross the creek and even swam a bit (really cold water).

Then I went to Cowell's Beach and surfed for about 45 minutes. Annette bought me some of those water "booties" for my feet and they worked GREAT!

Then I closed out the day at the beach with some friends as we played doubles volleyball. My legs were a bit tired from the whole day, but it was a good time with some good friends.

I'm a bit sore this morning...

Playing Volleyball Again...

One of the greatest things I've been excited about has been Friday afternoon volleyball at the beach with some of my friends from Vintage Faith Church. Playing volleyball was such a major focus in my life during high school and college. It has been SO REFRESHING to play ball again. My mom bought me a volleyball for my 35th birthday and I carry it in the passenger seat of my car (not in the seatbelt, though). I feel 21 again...except for my ariolas are a few inches lower.

Snowboarding in Tahoe

Annette and I are having fun at Northstar in Tahoe. We both went riding today and had some fun. Notice we are both wearing our brain buckets. As we were snowboarding today, we were remembering our snowboard trips with the Overflow. Here are a few memories:
* "buttering the muffin"
* PB&J sandwiches in the parking lot at Mt. High
* Checking the Ski Patrol for wounded kids
* seeing one of our students given a free ride down the hill by Ski Patrol because his friend left him at the top
* Always riding with a posse of Overflow kids and leaders down the Faultine park

What I'm looking forward to

Tomorrow, the staff at Vintage Faith is heading down to Pasadena to attend the Awaken Conference put on by Mosaic Church. Dan Kimball is speaking at a few of the sessions. I'm looking forward to hanging out with our staff.

When I get back, Annette and I are heading to Northstar at Tahoe for some snowboarding. (thanks Mom for flying up to take care of the kids!). We are in need of some time together. I waxed our snowboards today...haven't done that in awhile.

It has been a good week...

This past week was pretty awesome. Check it out:
* I went surfing twice with my sister in law, Vicki
* Went to a skate park with a couple kids from our youth group (it was my first time EVER in a skate park...and, "no", I did not stick out at all)
* Played volleyball with a few friends at the beach
* Joel Hasemeyer & his band (The Fragrance) led musical worship for our youth group...Joel's hair is almost long enough to donate to "Locks of Love"
* We played 4-square in our youth room...pretty intense
* Annette shaved the "Duck Tail" off my neck (thanks Dan for the suggestion)
* Had Jury Duty all week but never had to show up
* The McIntyres (Adam, Jess, Agatha, & Gwyneth) visited us for a few days and they treated us to dinner and ice cream

...not too shabby...

A Visit from the 'Rents

My Mom and Dad visited us last weekend. We had a great time and we celebrated my Mom's birthday (she only got to one candle because Davey blew out two of them). The kids LOVE their Nana Sharon and Papa Greg. When Davey woke up on Monday, he asked if Nana and Papa were still here. I told him no and he got real sad and just rolled over and went back to sleep. I get to take Davey and Payton down to see them again in a few weeks and they're already excited about it.

Point Break II

Today, I took a break from the office at church and went surfing for an hour. This picture is of Cowell's beach which is 2.5 miles from our church. It is also recognized as one of the best places for beginners. I bought a used wetsuit from Play It Again Sports a month ago and it keeps me warm in the frigid NorCal waters. I've also gained 90 pounds since moving up here and that keeps me warm, too (actually, I've gained about 5 pounds, mostly around my ariolas).
I've surfed a few times before, but today I rode my first wave. It was a great feeling...kind of like when you first get the hang of snowboarding. I can't wait to watch Point Break again...