It's the calm before the storm.

Yesterday, for the first Saturday since I don't know when, I laid on the couch, watched football, played with the girls, ate way too much, and accomplished absolutely nothing productive. It wasn't a "spiritual" Sabbath, but it was much needed rest.

Today is the antithesis of yesterday. This morning is Friends Day at MFCOC. Never in the history of this church have 600 assembled together for worship. My prayer is we'll scale that height this morning. Our post-worship luncheon was moved from the high school cafeteria to the middle school cafeteria since the high school cafeteria is serving as a shelter for Texas Gulf coast residents displaced by Hurricane Rita.

This week, in addition to Friends Day follow-up, we move into our new home! Our originial plans to build were scrapped by the swell in construction costs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We were able to find a nice, spec home that more than suits our family needs.

Between the move and the Friends Day follow-up, not to mention Mandy and Tori fly back to Arkansas next Saturday for a nine-day visit, this week is going to be a wild, hectic ride.

"Father God. My prayer to you this morning is not that you will bring us numbers for the sake of reaching a goal but that you will bring us opportunities for the sake of living out the mission of Jesus in this world. May our guests today see the way of Jesus in your people. May we be gracious and caring, compassionate and sharing. Let all of God's family in Marble Falls be an extension of Jesus Christ in a special way today and may You be blessed..."