Full week...

I don't know how often people check out my blog, but I feel the weight of not having something new posted, especially when it's been well over a week. This has been a full week for Dennis and I, which is a good thing, but no time to post.

So, I'll give you a recap on the week and post about my time with Dr. Wesley Duewel in a few days.

Dennis had a quick trip to Houghton, NY to connect with Christian Ministry students and religion department faculty at Houghton College. Chad McCullum (one of our church planting pastors) went with him. Known for his stand-up comedy (he really does this downtown GR), Chad brought a lot of laughter to their trip. Dennis felt they made some significant connections in hopes to bring some students to West MI for summer internships next year.

We left for Gull Lake on Wednesday (Dennis' BD :) to meet up with some of the pastors and wives from our district. It was a time to just hang out, replenish and connect. Dinner that night at the Blackhawk Bar & Grill with five other couples reminded us again what great couples we have serving in this district. They have great vision for what God has called them to do and the perseverance to see it to fruition, not to mention their passion for Christ. They are all down-to-earth, real, lots of fun, and we love being a part of their lives.

Thursday several of us drove to Granger, IN to attend a Catalyst One Day Conference. Lots of practical stuff for ministry from Andy Stanley (North Point) and Craig Groeschel (LifeChurch.tv.).

Friday we spent the day in some fun, interactive training to develop skills in assessing couples with an interest in church planting. I found the material helpful not only for interviewing, but also for working with people in general. That evening we enjoyed sitting, talking and laughing with two couples who came out for a overnight get-away - long-time friends Jon and Erica Allen and new friends, Chad (mentioned above) and his wife, Julie.

Home today and a special evening out for dinner with great friends John and Jill.

So, it's been a full week, but a good week.

As we head into the week of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for friends, for life that has purpose, and God's sustaining grace.