LUKE 8:22-25
Jesus Calms the Storm
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

I know it seem as though I talk about faith often, but God just has a way of continually growing me in this area... and of course I share with others in case anyone else is going through the fire. This amazing journey that Buck and I are embarking on, has not been without a few bumps and bruises along the way. I am so excited to be on this path that God is leading us on. The church plant is going amazing, we are surrounded by such a wonderful group of people. My father is doing OK, he started radiation last week and so far... so good. It is my mother who is now in need of your prayers--it seems as though her heart condition is worsening and may be needing a pacemaker sooner than later. So that is it. The enemy is going to continue to attack the health of my family. The good news? GOD IS ABLE. Although, I would like to break down and say "Why me? Why MY mom and Dad?" I shout... "Thank you Lord, Thank you Jesus!! You are worthy of all glory, honor and praise! We will not take our eyes off of you or the work to be done in El Paso. I know you are the Alpha and Omega--and you will not disappoint!"! I know that BOTH my parents are going to make a full recovery--and as an anonymous writer once said: "Faith, like Grace, does not always come cheap or easy, but like grace, it is a precious treasure." What are you believing God for?

48 hours of driving time and 2,819 miles later, we finally made it back to El Paso from Sandestin, Florida. We had such a blessed time! This was a working vacation as Esther and I coordinated "Verge Camp" for The Rock church at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. 350 students and leaders attended this event from seven different churches. The main speaker was Pastor Warren Beemer, founder of Amazing God ministries. This ministry focuses on providing leadership development and support to youth pastors across the country. The camp was slammin' from the stage design, to the speakers, to the leaders, to the beach. Everyone was deeply touched and many gave their lives to Christ and were baptized in the Ocean! We were also able to attend Shoreline Church of Destin pastored by my friend Eric Partin. Eric and his team are doing an amazing job reaching the lost! We also managed to get in some quality family time with our vacation partners of many years, the Scharolds. Our God is so amazing, He even lets us have a TOTAL BLAST. Giving your life to Christ doesn't restrict you...it frees you to live a life you could not imagine. Praise God!