there just aren't words to express...

There really aren't. We're finally back home with family, out of the tuxes & wedding dresses (and especially the unforgiving shoes!) and I'm just looking back on the past few hours and the first wedding of one of our children...and all I can think of is the rush of emotion I felt today.

I've said the words before on behalf of other wedding families - that the presence of the guests made a special day even more special - but I never understood it like I do now. When we called our elders & pastors on stage to pray over Brent & Sol, I was just overwhelmed as I saw my children surrounded by people we have the privilege of serving with, people we love, people who are our friends - folks, hear me when I say it: this is what life is all about!

It's not about the accumulation of stuff - the car or the house or any of the things that we so often work so hard for. Life is about relationships. It's about being connected with others who will walk with you through bad times and good times, through funerals and weddings.

Chris and I are proud parents today. We're thankful to see our children entering into their own destiny as adults. But most of all, we're thankful for the people we get to do life with at CLC. Little did we know, 18 years ago when we moved to Tinley Park with our 4-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter, & 12-year-old son, how rich our lives would become in this place. Thank YOU, Lord, for planting us here, and sending such great friends for us to serve You with. We can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for us all!