Right in the middle of our time in Colorado, we were given a fun opportunity to fly back to Nashville Tennessee and speak at the National MOPS convention. (David) To say that I was outnumbered at a Mother’s of Preschoolers Convention would be a gross understatement. Right before going up to speak I needed to make a quick (I emphasize quick because we were on in a few minutes) trip to the MEN’s room. Hustling, I dashed into the men’s restroom only to find two women in their tending to their children. Shocked, a little embarrassed (because I thought maybe in my hurry I entered the wrong room), and at a loss for words all I could do was stand there and stammer. Thankfully one of the ladies said, “No, no, no. You are in the right place.” That experience is going on my list of… You haven’t been to MOPS until… list. Our trip to Nashville was very quick – less than a 48 hour turn around. One bonus for us – we were able to see our new grandson, recently moved to Nashville with our daughter Alyse and her husband Jason. It was a wild and quick trip – but it was well worth the effort. And we still haven’t told you about our appearance on the Focus on the Family TV show as well as two weekend family camps for staff and friends at two different Young Life properties. But I think we will save that for another posting (which I promise will be soon).

One thing I was reminded of this summer – Keeping your family healthy isn’t a passive undertaking. It requires investment (monetary, time, energy) and it requires an ongoing commitment. Do not grow weary in doing good! It is a sacrifice but I will tell you what every couple will tell you as they reach their 30^th, 40^th, and 50^th wedding anniversary – IT’S WORTH IT! I’m convinced the family is where the enemy has chosen to wage war with God’s people and it starts with our marriages. If you are still married – then fight! Not with each other but with an enemy that comes to kill, steal and destroy. If you need help – get help. There is no shame in going to a counselor or talking with a pastor or an elder. You family is worth it! And if you’ve already gone through a divorce, then know our God is a God of redemption and a another chance. But if you have kids, don’t ignore the reality of divorce. Your child will have pain in their lives because of a decision they had nothing to do with. Pretending that isn’t so, doesn’t give your child the best chance of being healthy and one day starting a healthy family of his own. There is a reason God says, “I hate divorce”. It’s because HE LOVES US so much and He knows what is best for His creation. It isn’t to produce guilt or condemnation for those that have been through a divorce. No it’s a statement of instruction for those of us that are still in a marriage. We sat with some couples this summer on the brink of divorce and our word to them is the same word we have for you now reading this – FIGHT! Your marriage and your family is worth it!