It’s been a month… an absolute whirlwind of a month! This year has been a series of ups and downs in both life and ministry. I haven’t always known what was down the road for me, but I do know that God has been and will be faithful every step of the way.

The last I left this blog, I was headed off to get myself and my son to South Georgia to meet my grandmother who’s health was rapidly fading. Well, the flight was stressful as Titus he was awake for most of the trip, but we made it. Unfortunately, my grandmother was asleep the four days I was home. Titus spent a good bit of time in the hospital room and the room was definitely filled with happy coos, just a few cries and a lot of excitement that comes with having a six-month old around. No one knows if my grandmother could hear or if she was aware, but if she could, I’m sure she was thrilled. I flew Titus home on Thanksgiving as all of my wife’s family had gathered at my house for a huge family Thanksgiving. It was a great time with all the family; however, the day after thanksgiving I got the phone call that my grandmother had died. The next day, Sara, Titus and I jumped on another plane, flew into Atlanta and then we drove 4 hours south to my hometown of Valdosta, GA.

Two days later, my brother played the piano and I delivered the eulogy at my grandmother’s memorial service… just what she had wanted. It was an honor to speak at the funeral. Although her passing was completely unexpected and very sad, it is clear to see God’s faithfulness in midst of it. Interestingly enough, my grandmother knew it was coming. Even though her death was an accident, an unexpected fall, she had a feeling that it was coming. She had a heart to heart “goodbye” the night before she fell, she had been taking special notice to say goodbye to close people and friends and she had even told my mom that she didn’t think she’d be around the next year. My grandmother was 84 years old and had already lost a son and husband that she missed terribly. Last of all, she had broken her hip severely in her fall which meant months and months of intense physical therapy. If she had woken up at the hospital, it would have been a very, very long road to recovery and quality of life would likely be diminished for her. She passed quickly and gracefully with all of her loved ones surrounding her. Certainly God was faithful to her as her welcomed her home.

Since the funeral, my family temporarily relocated to South Georgia. I’ve been busy interviewing with a few churches by phone (which means I can do that from anywhere), so we decided to just stay put in South Georgia. I’ve been helping my parents in the business they own which has taken our family on the road (both to Atlanta, GA for a week and Orlando, FL for a week). Since coming off the two weeks of road trips, I’ve been working in their offices and helping them prepare for the 2008 season (they’re in the tax preparation business).

Well, that is the update, where I have been and what’s been going on. Thanks for those of you who’ve asked about me and have been praying for my family. Hopefully, I’ll be jumping back into some new content over the holidays and launching out 2008 with some series I’ve been thinking about for quite a while.