Family Beach Pictures That Didn’t Make It
For the past several weeks I’ve been on a July “study break.” This is a month that I usually don’t write new messages (I still speak at other churches some) or hold any intense meetings. I keep up with email, chat with a few staff, attend a few meetings, but for the most part it’s a break from the day to day grind of leading a church.
I don’t have enough room to list all the benefits to my body, soul, and family but I will say I’m so grateful to be a part of a church that recognizes the importance of such rhythms.
The highlight of my time away had to be our annual family vacation to the beach. Such great memories of one, hot, wet, sandy, water-slide filled vacation. The kids are getting ready to go back to school and I’ll get in the car this morning and go to work but we’ll never forget the memories we’ve created this summer. Never.
And as a bonus, instead of showing you our family beach pictures I thought I would show you the ones that did not make the cut. They’re probably a better representation of our life anyway.
How was your summer?
I appreciate that top pic, Pete. My three boys are now all in their teens. I can’t do shots like that any more!
Ha! I know it. They get heavier each year.
Glad you were able to re energize. We still miss you! See ya Sunday.
It looks like a lot of fun. Recharging is so important.
Our summer’s been great! We just returned from our beach trip and I’m sorting through all of our photos. My family & I also got the chance to stopy by Crosspoint yesterday on our way home to Indy. My daughter loved KidzWorld, we all felt welcomed and had a great time of worship with your church family.
So glad you guys were there Heidi. Hate that I wasn’t there to see you guys personally.
Pete – I think it’s SO great that your church gives you that grace…and that you take them up on it! Our very small church would like to give our extremely hard-working pastor some time off like that (currently he has two weeks of vacation, but rarely takes all of it). Any ideas on how to convince him it would be worthwhile – and how to keep the church functioning in his absence? (He’s our only full-time employee!)
I know it’s tough in smaller churches but it can be done.
In fact I tell churches you can do it now or you can run the church by yourself for 6 months while you’re looking for a new pastor because the old one burned out.
I hear you! We’re going to try! God bless you and the family! (My “baby” boy is getting married in two weeks and I wish I had a nose-picking picture to put in a slide show! Hang on to that one – it’s a keeper!)
Headed to Gulf Shores very soon for a much needed time away. So great that you recognize the importance of down time. Too many good pastors suffer burn out because they try and do too much.
I love the fact that the pics are real. Kids being kids. Life is way too short to pretend our way through life. Sounds like your sabbatical has been full of rest, some fun, and making some memories
Pete, the pictures that didn’t make the cut are awesome! Especially the nose picking! I am adjusting to retirement or rather trying to; seems strange not to be getting ready for school! I enjoy keeping Jonathan’s 14 yr old and his 5 yr old sometimes. Avery keeps me updated on new technology and Maddy just keeps me updated on whatever is new in the 5 yr old world.
I’ll let you get back to world while I’ll have another cup of coffee! Love to you and yours! You have a beautiful family!
Thanks Mrs. Couey. Always great to hear from former teachers!! You shaped our lives.
Very nice. Oh the reality that can be caught in a single image.
How was my summer…one of the best I can remember.
Glad to hear that Dan.
Good that you are recharging your batteries! Blessings, Mary
How did they not make the cut? The first one especially is fantastic… I do see how the last one didn’t make the cut
Love the pics! Real life.
Reading Plan B. Thanks for your words and pointing us to Jesus
Hope you enjoy it Teena.
I love this representation of your boys!
Welcome back!
My summer has been life changing.
Save that last one. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did someday.
Love those pics! Our summer has been a recipe for burn out so far
My husband is working loooonnggg hours and I took on a three day a week waitressing job. The craziness will be over in a couple weeks and then we go on a two week camping trip to Banff!! I can hardly wait…
Great pix Pete. Many blessings to you as you rest and rejuvenate in God’s goodness.
Initially, I thought that first pic was you doing a pushup with all your boys on you.
I think these may qualify for awkwardfamilyphotos.com
I wish I could do a pushup with my boys on my back.
Your pictures made me laugh! Nose-picking one is a keeper.
My summer has been pretty great…don’t want it to end like most people!
My husband is a pastor in Maine. We have 5 little boys…I just love the nose picking pic, because I can totally see one of my boys doing that!