What a week!

Gentlemen -

I had a great week. I felt more like myself in situations where before I would have been nervous. I was quite productive at work and just more at peace the whole time. Okay, I did send the odd email blast with little pinging reminders to a few of the guys at my table and at the Barney Bus table of last weekend, but a little mischief is sort of my m.o.

.....daaaaayyyyyyyy calorayyyssssssss.........

I can't believe what was happening just 168 short hours ago. A transformative eye-opener of a weekend. I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness, openness and generosity shown to me and to each other to help make the weekend the grand experience it was.

As I sat and watched the five tables all speak on Sunday evening, I realized that the miracle that happened at Phillip was going on all over the place. Think about the difference in the mood in the room, the intimacy with which we were all comfortable, and the general mood difference from the first night "this is my new best friend Barney...." to the raw emotion and very genuine love shown 72 hours later.

I just knew Mike Turner was looking at me Thursday night when he said we needed to 'observe silence until after worship Friday morning.' I thought maybe it would be difficult for me, but I managed. I actually found it very nice. I was sorry I couldn't talk a few times, just for the logistics of so many people being in one place at the same time. I turned the lights on a little early for Timm Smithh's (I think his middle name also ends with a double consonant) liking Friday morning as I thought all were already up. But beyond that, it was the perfect start for the weekend.

How 'bout how Chris made it rain right when he spoke of the 'living water?' (He confessed to me later that it caught him a bit off guard as well - remind me to not play cards with him - what a game face).

I hope I was not too much of a nuisance with the BARNEY! bit, but sometimes, (most of the time), I just can't help myself. Believe it or not, I really was trying to keep a lid on it...

I would like to offer a special praise to the Table Mud (can't remember the real name - Abednigo or something...), for the way they made one of my best friend's life alter in such an amazing way. I know they were merely the tools the Lord used to do it, but wow. Thanks, gentlemen. And I am sure his family will thank you as well. They loved him before because he is a great Dad and husband, but man.... the post-Emmaus him is a beautiful thing.

And I think my family is better off now as well. This week was not a great one to examine, as I was gone for most of it, but I can feel in me a better man, husband, and father than I have been. I have less trouble focusing on those around me. I am not the center of my universe any longer and it has really opened my eyes. Thank you, Lord.

Okay, I have now deteriorated into rambling, and will end this post. Praise God for how He is working in my life and please, Lord, let me hear when you speak to me. Let me discern Your will for me.

Gentlemen, honestly - God Loves You and So Do I