Tim, great words and wise words. Reminders are always good. My wife and I have been doing the week away together and alone for about 4-5 years now and I will tell you that it is one of the most important things we do. I'm right there with you - couples in ministry need to figure out how to make it happen. That may be the only part I've gotten figured out though. LOL. Still trying to figure out how to make the date nights work on a regular basis as opposed to once or twice every few months. Got the time thing with my son working pretty good - coached his baseball team this year for that reason and to intentionally build relationships with other men in the community. Still trying to figure it out with my daughter who is turning 12 and is now in my youth group (that's a scary thing). Don't want the only time we have to be when we arrive early to set up and prep for a middle school event. Got to work on that one. Anyway, thanks again for the reminder. We all need them regularly because the pressures and demands of ministry seem to cause us to have tunnel vision and miss meeting the needs and loving well our families.

Ron, love this concept. That's the way I've felt by some here in my setting for some years now. About 10 years ago I spoke out about the way a situation was handled here at the church. Because it involved another well loved pastor on staff, some of the elders that were very close to this pastor who was involved and were very influential with the rest of our board, seemed to "write me off." I lost my voice. Anytime I'd say something at an elders meeting, it would be met with blank stares and then they'd just move on with their conversation as though I never even spoke. Its taken these last 10 years to slowly begin building my voice again, but some still won't hear it because I said some things that had to be said 10 years ago. The timeout has been tough but I'm glad God can work even through that.

Shepherd.

Tim, so sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your family.

THANKS CLOVER!!!!