Renewed in Grace - Together in Texas!

This July, Wayne will be celebrating 10 years in the ministry! I can't believe it's gone so fast and yet so much has happened in the past 10 years. 
 The synod has started a new "Pastor Partners" program to strengthen and support pastors from seminary to retirement.  To celebrate the 10 year milestone, "Renewed in Grace" retreat was offered for the first time to the WLS graduating classes of 2001 and 2002 - both classes that Wayne was in since he had the 5 year college program. Our church flew us down to San Antonio last week to attend (without kids!). 
Before you wonder how the kids did, let me assure you they were fine! They each stayed with families gracious enough to welcome them into their homes for 5 days. And because we were so confident in the competence of the aforementioned families, we only called them once midweek to confirm they were still alive and well. Once this critical information was confirmed, we celebrated by toasting their good health with the Margaritas we happened to be holding at the time:)
Returning to the part of being strengthened and supported, we were treated and blessed by some of the most gifted teachers of God's Word as they imparted their wisdom and built us up with God's promises. The opening and closing worship services were steeped in rich truth, incense hymns being offered up and soul's nourished by Body and Blood. 

The Bible studies were guided by a humble but extremely gifted man who drew us into a study of Philippians as we gnawed and chewed our way through the meatiness of the text. Workshops for both pastors and their wives tackled topics unique to each. Workshops for couples were also included in the agenda as we've recognized that teamwork and how we deal with one another is vital to how a pastor lives out his divine call in the ministry. No pressure:) 
Meanwhile, friends were reunited! New friendships were made! We stayed out wayayyyyy too late thinking we were our 10 years AGO selves. The first evening we were full of energy - out to 2 am. The next night was lights out by 12:30am. The third - I was propping by eye lids open at 10pm. 
The hotel was right on the San Antonio Riverwalk. It was beautiful! So many things were in walking distance and we enjoyed a walk to the Alamo.

We shopped a nearby Mexican market place. And of course, we enjoyed good food including a good ole' Texas brisket and real Mexican cuisine! Such a treat!
We look towards the future not knowing what it will bring but we "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."Philippians 3:14