I just love the staff team we are building here at Coastal and I love their families. Friday night Janet and I had Wes & Sean and their families over for a “Staff Cookout” at our home. We ate good food (if I may say so myself) and had an even better time just hanging out, having fun. I’m learning that building a good staff is like most things in life – it’s intentional.

Went to a wedding shower for a young couple from our church over the weekend. Had a lot of fun! I love meeting new people. It’s one of those things that energizes me. What energizes you?

Sunday was just a great day on a lot of levels. Had new people and new volunteers! In the second service I had a good friend from “back in the day” and her family surprise me. I just love these guys so much. As I’ve said before, there is just something special about having Christian friends and being able pick up right where you left off no matter how much time has passed.

What’s wild is that just last week I was telling another couple at our church about these friends of mine. They have twin boys who happen to be Autistic. This couple from our church was telling me about an Autism walk later in the year and how we could be involved. And then SURPRISE my friends show up! God is awesome that way.

Sunday after church we had a Newcomers Lunch! We had over 25 people there! Not only did I get to share our story with everyone, but I love getting to hear everyone else’s story. It was great. Great food too by the way! Kathy Beam and Susan Brown took care of everything and did a great job.

After our “Summer Reading” series, we’re going to do a series called, “I Love My Church!” Talked about some great ideas during Creative Team Meeting today. Hope you’ve enjoyed the books by the way for “Summer Reading.” Probably do this series again next Summer.

Meet with some more Lighting People this week. If you have an extra $10,000 (or anything for that matter) laying around, give it this Sunday.

Did a destination wedding Monday afternoon on Kiawah. I was in the lobby of the Sanctuary when another couple that I married last year happened to walk by. They were on vacation. We gave each other big hugs and talked for a minute before I had to head out for the wedding I was doing. After the wedding I visited with my friends who surprised me on Sunday. Quick thought: raising kids requires servant love. Raising kids with autism requires a whole different level of servant love. Watching their family was truly inspirational.

“God, wrap them in Your grace and give them Your strength.”