*Sunrise over Ocean Pond, Valdosta, GA.*

August has come and gone and we reluctantly accept that the summer of 2026 is truly in the books.

The last official month of summer did not disappoint. Though chock full of warm, perfect-for-pool days, farm-to-table meals, slower paced than normal life, and leisurely time with friends and family, the highlight was a four-day trip to Valdosta, GA, where we spoke for a marriage conference at Northside Baptist Church.

This conference had a long run-way leading up to it. John and Tammy Eunice, friends for over 3 decades, have had it in their heart to bring us to their home church for many years and to all of our delight, it finally happened. Apparently all that was needed was to convince another couple from the church to get on board with the idea, so they brought Jaime and Ammy Gibbons to the HIM marriage retreat this past January.

They left convinced.

And so, the four of them sold the idea to the church and it happened.

It was a most delightful weekend, August 7-8, and we all loved it so much, we’re re-booked for August 2027.

After flying to Jacksonville on the 6th and arriving in time for a late dinner with the Eunices (who were caring for their 6- and 8-year-old grandchildren while their parents were adjusting to life with twins born just days earlier), we had a “get to know you” lunch with Pastor Robby and Laura Foster, as well as the Eunices and the Gibbons Friday noon. We felt an immediate connection with the Fosters, discovering through conversation that our hearts beat in sync for the gospel and God’s design for marriage and family. They have been faithfully serving at Northside for over 14 years and as we would see, have shepherded the congregation well.

*Lunch together with the Eunices, Jaime and Ammy Gibbons, and Robby and Laura Foster at “Fancy Girl Farms” was so enjoyable.*

After lunch Friday, we were honored to record a podcast with Charlie Banks, media specialist for the church. Charlie asked great questions and our time together could’ve gone on for hours. The podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

*Charlie Banks is a very gifted media specialist and we thoroughly enjoyed dong a podcast with him Friday afternoon.*

The conference launched Friday night and we were all very thankful that about 250 people filled the pews—from engaged couples to a couple married over 50 years. There was a palpable sense of expectation that filled the sanctuary.

Worship led by husband and wife team, Andrew and Karlee, beautifully set the table for the evening, during which we gave two talks with a dessert break in between. Saturday started with breakfast and we gave two talks that morning before the conference ended at noon. Throughout, the attendees were so engaged and responsive, and our conversations with many were very encouraging.

So many people worked to make this event a great success. The Eunices and Gibbons did the lion’s share by planning and executing, but they were surrounded by a committed team of volunteers who did everything from welcoming and registering attendees to setting up beautiful tables for breakfast Saturday morning and serving the meal. Another group provided childcare and still others did clean-up.

We were most blessed to have Dave and Diana Watts, our trusty book table managers, drive up from their home in Florida to serve with us by taking care of the book table and they were such a huge gift to us personally. It’s impossible for us to do the book table and interact with folks, and having the church provide volunteers to run the book table who know nothing about our books really doesn’t work, so having the Watts—who know our books inside and out—take that piece over for us makes a world of difference.

*Congregational worship set the table for the sessions.*

*The organizers were thrilled to have 250 out for the conference.*

*Both very talented musicians, Andrew and Karlee led worship.*

*The gymnasium was set up for breakfast Saturday morning and great fellowship was had around the table while yummy food was consumed.*

*John and Tammy Eunice are some of the best the south has to offer.*

*Jaime and Ammy Gibbons invested a lot in making this weekend event happen.*

*The whole team, with Pastor Robby and Laura Foster to the far left. What a privilege to partner with all of these!*

*Dave and Diana Watts are the consummate book table managers and we are so grateful for them.*

A very special surprise was having Jacob and Becca (Black) in the audience—with a 3-week-old baby and a 2-year-old son! Becca spent many summers with us at our New England Camp Berea family camp and it was such a joy to see her all grown up, married, and raising the next generation for Jesus. They drove 4 hours to be a part of the event!

Another highlight of the weekend for us was driving with the Eunices out to Ocean Pond, the place their then 17-year-old son drowned in 2015. James David was duck hunting with a friend on a very cold January day and he somehow fell into the water (while his friend was spotting ducks from the land) and very sadly didn’t make it out alive. We walked through this tragedy with the Eunices then and being able to stand in this sacred place with them all these years later somehow brought some closure for us. We’ve watched the Eunices allow the Lord to use their loss as a testimony of their faith and confidence in His goodness and faithfulness even in the face of deep grief and hundreds (probably thousands by now) have been brought closer to Jesus because of how they have responded. It was a privilege to stand with them on the banks of this massive pond and listen to them chronicle the events of that fateful day in January. Suffering either drives one away from the Lord or draws them closer, and they have chosen the latter.

*Sunset over Ocean Pond where the Eunice’s 17-year -old son drowned 11 years ago was both sobering and sacred.*

After doing a Q & A with their adult Sunday School class Sunday morning, we drove back to Jacksonville to fly home. We left part of our hearts in the sweet town of Valdosta, which stirred all of my love for my southern heritage. Spanish moss hanging from trees. Grits, collard greens, and sweet tea on menus. Sultry humid summer air. Warm, friendly, “bless you” people everywhere. Church attire still consistent with tradition. “Ya’ll” and “Honey” interspersed in all conversations.

I love the south. It was pure joy to have soulful memories stirred during our four days in Georgia.

We were most surprised in Nashville (our return to D.C. included a brief stop there) when Rob and Gabby Warren boarded our plane!! Gabby, as many of you know, is our able assistant, and Rob is her able assistant, and we adore both of them. What a fun serendipitous meeting we had waiting for luggage after our plane landed!

*A surprise meet-up with Gabby and Rob Warren, who happened to be on our flight from Nashville to D.C.*

It was our joy to return to New England for a week of vacation Aug 20–27. Our dear friends, John and Marilyn, annually rent a place on the water in Ogunquit and invite us to share some days with them there. Imagine that!!

So . . . we drove to Maine on August 20, making a stop for dinner with another set of dear friends, Dawn and Paul, who have recently relocated from Danvers, MA, to Rochester, NH, and are currently living with her sister, Darlene, while their house is being built. It was such a treat to have a true “farm to table” meal as we ate from the bounty of Darlene’s incredible garden. Though too short, it was a rejuvenating stop interrupting a long day of travel and we were grateful.

*Paul, Lucy, and Dawn Amico, and Dawn’s sister Darlene, treated us like royalty during our brief dinner stop.*

Our days in Ogunquit were everything you’d imagine a seaside vacation on the beautiful Maine coastline would be, especially when sharing it with some of your very favorite people on the planet. Early morning sunrise walks on the beach. Constantly changing seascapes reflecting a kaleidoscope of blues and grays fringed with white foam. Birds and boats and people on the move. All things lobsters. Floating down the Ogunquit River in 66-degree water and feeling refreshed after the numbness wears off. Walking the flower-lined Marginal Way, past beautiful ocean mansions on one side and the rhythmic movement of the ocean on the other.

Pure delight.

Our time with John and Marilyn was highlighted by celebrating John’s 70th birthday with a lobster dinner at "Barnacle Billy’s." So fun to get to be with them to celebrate that milestone!! We also spent a lot of time solving the world’s problems, eating great meals, and playing “Farkle” to close out most days.

It was a true vacation.

*That’s a “lobsta” in honor of John’s 70th!!*

*We pounded out many miles on the Ogunquit Beach.*

*Paul, John, and I floated down the 66 degree Ogunquit River, (which empties into the ocean) several times. Refreshing!*

*The receding tide left reflecting pools on the shore in the early morning.*

Paul did give up a day on the beach to drive in to Boston’s farmer’s market and procure our raspberry supply for the next year of jam making. Loaded with 32 flats of these berry gems, he then went to Richard Hendricks’ home, where the two men processed all 32 flats, which became 47 5-cup bags of pulverized berries that were then loaded into his freezer. Five days later, we drove home with those frozen bags of future jam, which are now at home in our freezer. Yay!

*Paul’s trip to the farmers market was “fruitful."*

*Team Richard and Paul processed all of those berries, which are now ready to be made in to jam over the next year.*

After having a H.I.M. Board meeting the night of the 25th, and spending the 26th meeting up with a number of friends, we loaded up the car and drove home, refreshed and renewed.

We celebrated Paul’s 76th birthday on the 29th, and on several days around it, while on the other coast, grandson Brandon celebrated his 16th. Yikes!! That happened fast! We’re so thankful he’s “leading the pack” of cousins in healthy, God-honoring ways and can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to lead and grow him.

*Paul was well celebrated on his 76th birthday.*

To wrap up August, we were delighted to host longtime friend, Philip Northington, for a perfect summer-ending swim and barbecue. We’ve known Philip since he was about 7 and were delighted to reconnect with him after “serendipitously” running in to him at the House of Prayer on the National Mall during the State Fair. Only God . . .

*We had a great afternoon and evening catching up with Philip Northington.*

We’re so thankful that as we head in to a full fall, we have had our batteries recharged by a very summer-y summer. September has begun with true “dog days”—temps in the low 90’s—which have extended the seasonal delights of the months that connect spring and fall. We’ll squeeze every last drop out of these sweet days, which will soon sign off for 9 months before they visit again.

What’s not to love about summer?

Speaking of which: summer of 2027 dates include speaking at Forest Home July 25–31! Hope to see you there!

#So blessed.