This has been a truly awesome summer at the pool. We started out with Isaiah and Amos (my four-year-old twins) rocking floaties and hanging near the shallow end. Now, they literally dive head first into the deep end and can practically swim–without any floaties!–the length of the pool. They are little fish. They can hold their breath under water, swim on their backs, do a canon ball. We even have been playing Marco Polo and they mostly follow the rules. I’m so proud of them.

We’ve also been having a blast playing video games together. Great memories being made. The boys have joined me in Mario and Zelda adventures. They can tell you the names of all the characters. We’ve laughed as we collect a star that was hard to reach with Mario. We’ve screamed while running away from a fire breathing lizard in Zelda. They can’t wait to save Princess Peach, or go to the big volcano in Zelda. I have to remind them that beating games takes a while.

Hadley has been excelling at making jewelry. She’s opened her own business called Messenger Co. You can follow her on Instagram @messenger_co She’s very skilled at it and creative. I’ve also admired her resilience as she makes order after order, or as she starts over after her fingers slip on the last threading of beads. She uses her art to promote truth and faith, and I know she is a blessing to so many through her work. Also, she’s about to start teaching 4-year-old preschool (across the hall from the boys) next week.

I’ve enjoyed both preaching and leading worship this summer. We’re in a transition and looking for a new full time worship leader. So, I’ve been able to work with a wonderful team (Holly, Justin and Nelson) to keep worship at our church happening. It’s been super fun. I love working with this gifted team and designing worship sets together. I’m leading once a month and Holly leads the majority of Sundays.

Preaching has also been a pleasure over the summer. I’ve preached two of my favorite messages of my young preaching career. The first one was impromptu, because our video message technology failed. I had no time to prepare, but God showed up big time. Right before I knew I was going to preach I led the congregation in a prayer of surrender to the Lord. Little did I know that God used that prayer to prepare me to step up and preach. In my own strength I know I would have been anxious and lost for words, but God truly came through for me with peace and his words. The message was on the importance of living in community and serving one another.

The second favorite was two weeks ago when I preached on hostility and humility. The message was so timely and God-ordained. We’ve been dealing with so much in our city, nation, and world, and this message hit home for me and our congregation. Speaking God’s truth and grace in this moment in history was a high privilege. We’re called to put down hostility and pick-up humility. Check out an abbreviated version here.

If God is teaching me anything right now, then it’s about his steadfast love. My life can feel busy and all over the map. Some days I’m great and thriving. Other days I’m tired and out of sorts. But, God’s love is not based on my moods or my daily performance. His love is based on his unchanging promise to me in Christ.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8