I’m sitting here in Starbucks in Bolingbrook, Il., for some quiet time with the Word and to use the wifi (and coffee too, obviously). It’s been a great joy to spend time with Steph, Frank, and the kids…a GREAT joy. They are all doing quite well. We had the chance to worship with them on Sunday morning. Their air conditioning wasn’t working either, but it was a rainy day and not too hot. It was encouraging to see how God is using Frank and the whole family in ministry here.

After church on Sunday we got the call from Tim II that Dana was on her way to the hospital, a couple weeks early, to deliver their third child. So, late Sunday afternoon, Claire Alyse Jordan was born, 6 lbs. 14 oz. with dark hair and eyes. She is beautiful! Everybody seems to be doing well. Marilyn and I can’t wait to see her in the flesh sometime this weekend. We are grateful for the miracle of technology so we were able to “see” her shortly after she was born.

Our plan is to leave Chicago tomorrow morning and head for Indianapolis to visit with Sarah, Joe, and the kids for a few days before we head for home on Saturday. So, the first couple of weeks of this “get away” was really about getting away, alone, praying, reading, reflecting, and planning. The last couple of weeks has been about getting away and seeing the children and grand children. So, I am looking forward to spending time with the Mc Daniels then heading home to see Claire…then worshipping together with you on this coming Lord’s day.

See you Sunday, Lord willing.

In Him,

P. Tim

I missed doing my blog on Wednesday since I was driving home from Detroit, where I preached and fellowshipped with a great friend. Thursday, Marilyn and I drove to Bolingbrook, Ill. to spend a few days with Stephanie, Frank, and the kids. The Lord blessed our travel…no problems. It is absolutely great to see them all. Next week, we’ll head for home via Indianapolis, where we’ll spend a few days with Joe and Sarah and the kids, Lord willing. Then Sunday the 31^st, we plan to be at Calvary, ready to continue in our series in Acts. This time away continues to be filled with blessings, challenges, some heart break, many great joys. I’m glad to be away for a while. I miss home. Please be praying for the Van Dames with the home going of Halver. Sam Harbin will be doing his funeral on Monday. See you Sunday the 31^st, the Lord willing.

In Him,

P. Tim

Well, I think my “batteries” are starting to recharge a bit. There is something incredibly energizing and spiritually refreshing in “getting quiet”. So far I’ve pretty much kept to my plan to study/read for the mornings, do physical work in the afternoons, and relax in the evenings. It seems to be working so far. There have been a couple of specific answers to prayer, for which I am grateful and encouraged. The fog is starting to clear a bit. My thinking/planning processes are starting to un-clog as well. This is all quite good news to me. I have snuck into church a couple of times for a moment or two to get something done, but largely I’ve kept myself out of the building. So, dear church, I’m continuing to think of you, pray for you, and look forward to worshipping with you again at the end of the month.

In Him,

P. Tim

So, here I’m in the middle of my first week away. The Lord has blessed with good weather and safety. I’m spending my days so far in a basic pattern of studying/reading/reflecting in the mornings, doing physical work in the afternoon (long overdue work), and taking it easy in the evenings. There is a lot time to think and pray. So far so good. Right now I’m in town at the public library, using their wifi and taking care of some necessary correspondence. No big epiphanies or life changing ideas yet. I’m basically just throttling down, getting quiet, so I can hear Him speak through His Word as I read, listen to sacred music, and reflect on what He has said. I’ll keep you posted!

In Him,

P. Tim