What a chaotic whirlwind of a week. Finally, an opportunity to take a breather and blog out some thoughts and impressions.

First, to all my Village friends and family, thank you from the deepest part of our hearts for the send-off on Sunday. We were overwhelmed, to say the least, by the expressions of love and care. The cards, the plaques, and the genuine words of thanksgiving will be lifelong treasures for me and my family. Thank you!

Now, on to Marble Falls. Trae loves school and so do I. I thought Jessieville and its conservative values was a dying breed. Marble Falls ISD is cut from the same cloth. The school cafeteria is decorated with Veggie Tales characters. The dress code is old fashioned (what should we do with all Trae's flip flops since she can't wear them to school?). A moment of silence is honored each day and prayer is specifically mentioned in the School Handbook.

Only one problem: I didn't know that, in addition to the Pledge of Allegiance, there is a Texas pledge of allegiance. That might be stretching our comfort zone just a tad.

All in all, we are excited and thrilled to be in Marble Falls for a new adventure. That excitement is not an indictment on the old adventure -- our life and ministry in Hot Springs Village -- but a recognition that God has a great future charted for His people in this part of the Hill Country. Mandy, Trae, Tori and I are excited about traveling into that future, waiting and watching for the hand of God to move in a mighty way.