Family and Friends

I have just returned from a trip to Florida and Georgia where I was reminded of how great a gift I have been given in the form of my family and friends. Barb and I were able to visit our son and his wife in Savannah, GA where they just purchased their first home. How exciting to visit the house with Kelly and see firsthand the wonderful provision God has made for them. Here are Barb and Kelly in the kitchen of their new home.When Robbie got off work on Thursday, he came home to his apartment where we were able to visit with him before we travelled to Florida where I had to attend some meetings. Here are Robbie and Kelly with their dog, Rosie, in their Savannah apartment.While in Florida we were able to reconnect with some friends we knew when I pastored in Tampa. They have all moved since we used to live there, but we were able to get together in Dowling Park. Here is Barb with 92 year old Velie McFarland and a group of women from her Bible study in Tampa back in the 1980's.While in Florida we also had the chance to take my parents out for mom's birthday which we were not able to celebrate with her on September 2nd. Here are mom and dad at breakfast in Dowling Park.Since we never know how long we will be able to share life with anyone, the chance to be with folks we love is always special. It was really nice that Robbie and Kelly were able to come down to Florida for the weekend and share this birthday breakfast with my folks and with us. Here they are with Barb at the same breakfast.It was also great for me to be able to attend an FSU football game with my son Robbie. While Barb and Kelly were shopping in Tallahassee, FL, Rob and I were able to attend the FSU/Wake Forest football game. While the outcome of the game was disappointing, the chance to attend the game together was a wonderful experience and we both saw people at the game we knew from when we lived in Florida. Here we are together high in the stands at Doak Campbell Stadium.I am so grateful to God for the family and friends he has given me and the opportunity which I had to share these wonderful times with them. I am looking forward to more such opportunities and wonder just who God will allow me to spend time with in the future.