The Beach or The West

On the way to school this morning I asked who wanted to go to the beach and Sophia’s hand shot up. I then asked who wants to go to Jackson Hole and my son raised his hand. Since we don’t do separate vacations we are now comparing our experiences in both places. The beach, my daughter says, has become a family tradition after spending several years renting the same house on the same week in Hilton Head, SC. I could probably walk through the beach house with my eyes shut. I know it well. And, the trip to the beach is just 75 short yards from the back door. I miss it already can you tell? So, you get the picture. Beautiful weather, a heated pool and great company with Kim’s oldest sister Annalisa, her husband Jack and their daughter Eva. Fun. Golf. Bicycles. Great sandwiches. It was a great way to unplug and just chill. I’d do it again.

Jackson Hole is another picture altogether. Last year we were there for a week in the summer and a week in the winter. Eli liked both seasons the same. In the summer we went fishing for trout, standing on a small wooden bridge just about 75 short yards from the back door of the cozy guest home of a much bigger home on 35 acres. For both those weeks we pretended it was ours. Actually we probably spent more time in the house last year than the people who own it. Glad they were paying the taxes. Anyway, surrounded by unbelievable beauty. Tetons. Wildlife. Horseback Riding. Fishing. Campfires. Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful. Eagles. Buffalo. Elk. Winter time was filled with skiing, throwing snowballs, building lopsided snowmen, sledding until you hurt, wondering when it was really going to snow, tubing and so much more. Okay, so you get the picture. An amazing place with so much to do. Outside of relaxing, fishing and a campfire or strolling around on 35 acres you must drive to all the other destinations but the drive ain’t too bad. Everywhere you look it’s another beautiful picture. Last summer was truly a step away from the hustle and bustle and a true unplugging for our family. I’d do it again.

Hopefully we will be able to choose our trip soon. I’m anxious to know if I’ll be sitting by the pool or standing on a bridge hoping a fish jumps on my lure.

The Beach in March

Just back from Amelia Island, FL where I led worship at Mike Silva International, Friends Conference during 4 days. My wife Kimberlee joined me along with Nick & Camille Perreault and Andrew Collins. Nick and Andrew both work in our office in Nashville where Nick is Art Director and Assistant Editor at Experience Worship and Andrew heads up our Customer Care Department at Belden Worship Resources. Camille is attending Watkins School of Design with a focus in photography. Kimberlee also works in our office as the Editor of Drama Ministry.

We were all so excited to get to the beach but were welcomed by a chilly 57 with a strong breeze blowing most of our time there. We were pretty spoiled during our stay as each morning brought a wonderful breakfast and ended with an amazing dinner and dessert. Throughout the mornings we joined a number of people at the Conference for devotions, worship through music and times of prayer and reflection. What an amazing time. Mike Silva’s devotions were passionate and Rick Rigsby brought powerful sermons ending with a message on Astonishing Faith on Saturday evening. Powerful!

Coming next is Alaska in April.

Regi