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It was great to have a few days and nights away at the beach. There's a place in Garden City that we've been going to off and on for many years. It's really like a second home. Very comfortable. Oceanfront. Most importantly, it's away from the madness of Myrtle Beach. No one had reserved the place the first week of June - which is very unusual. So we jumped on it. The Lord provided the time and I'm thankful.

Claire took a friend with her and so she had someone to hang with. That was good. I spent the early mornings walking the beach and talking (out loud) to God --- filling His ear with all my questions and asking Him for answers. I've always felt His enormity at the beach. Just looking out at the vastness of the ocean and the power of the waves confirms to me that He is huge and powerful. Even the fact that the ocean knows where to stop as the tides come and go completely amazes me.

Did God give me my answers? Honestly? Not as specifically as I would like. But He did remind me who He is and who I am because of Him. He reminded me of His plans and purposes for me -- plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future. He reminded me that I walk by faith and not by sight and that it's okay for me not to have the answers. He reminded me that He knew about this trial and He knows where this road leads. He reminded me to trust Him completely and to listen for and to His voice alone. That's what I must do as I continue to walk this road.

We had some serious fun at the Nascar Speedpark, though a five-year-old driving a go-cart (is that crazy or what???) about gave me whiplash as he hit me full speed after the race was over. Not good. We played putt-putt a couple of times and hit the arcade a few times as well. No matter how high-tech some of the games get, there's nothing better than skee ball with those old wooden balls. I love it!

I hear David did a great job at Capstone on Sunday. I will be back at Capstone this Sunday but I'm not speaking. Our youth leader, Brent Thomason, will be bringing the message. I am really looking forward to what God gives him to share. Brent did a great job speaking in Cuba on our last mission trip. I know God will use him on Sunday. Pray for him this week as he prepares!

And please pray for me as I take a few more days off. I continue to pray and seek God's wisdom and direction. Pray for Yvonne and Claire as well. And thanks for your love and concern for each of us!