Bethany graduates from Liberty University!

Bethany's Graduation and a 50th

This coming weekend is a big one. Janet & I will attend Bethany’s graduation from Liberty University. Graduation Day is also the 50^th anniversary of my parents, who will also be attending the event. I graduated from Liberty’s seminary in 1992, 20 years ago. Twenty years ago we were beginning to raise the support needed to head to Spain. Luis Palau will be the baccalaureate speaker on Friday night and Mitt Romney will give the commencement address on Saturday. Our capable boys will hold down the “Wheaton Fort” with Gabi.

Valpo with the Cagwins

I enjoyed spending time at the Bridgepoint Church in Valparaiso, IN yesterday, preaching at their morning service. Jeff Cagwin is the pastor of Bridgepoint. Jeff and Ingrid worked with us for 3 years in Zaragoza, Spain.

Janet's sister Jeanne has spent quite a bit of time with us the last couple of weeks. Janet's folks, John & Marilyn Aiken, are also here with us for a few nights.

Tonight Janet & I are headed into Chicago for a Cubs vs. Cardinals game at Wrigley Field...

my time in Birmingham is coming to an end

God has graciously answered the prayers of many for my week with the Birmingham City Team:

Clear long term goals were established in the team planning days, with champions and next steps identified for each goal.

I was able to spend a good chunk of time with each family/household.

We were able to thoroughly enjoy great sights, sounds, smells, tastes, laughs, and memories.

I leave early in the morning, flying to Frankfort and then on to Chicago, arriving in mid/late afternoon.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog...blessings!

Birmingham...a full day and a full stomach

The first full day in Birmingham is coming to a close (at least for me). It's only 8:30 PM right now, but I have about "had it" for the day...jet lag set in after the evening meal and conversation was finished. The evening meal was a great Thai restaurant with the Johnsons, including Michael and Stephanie---good choice, Michael!

The team assessment, context, resources, and vision statement discussion took place. We even got to the beginnings of looking at 10 year goals during our last half hour (4:30-5:00 PM).

Tomorrow we are going to share about seeing a vision for a particular ministry accomplished in previous ministry ( personal history telling) and then move in fully to 10 and 3 year goals, followed by 6 month action steps.

Please pray for our time tomorrow...pray for clarity, unity, hope, commitment, and a renewed sense of TEAM...