Back From Oblivion

The past number of weeks have been very full and thus the Capranica has had to suffer from neglect and dormancy. Here's a brief update on the goings on around the world of The Capranica: Kelly and I thoroughly enjoyed time with my mom and dad a few weeks ago. Our jaunts to La Jolla and Oceanside were especially beautiful. In Oceanside, before taking mom and dad to the airport in San Diego, we had lunch at Ruby's out on the pier. Throughout our walk down the pier, during lunch and heading back to the car, the dophins were entertaining us with their amazing gymnastics. I finished preaching through the book of Revelation and have begun a seven week exposition of Malachi. I continue to study and prepare for my next DMin seminar as well as finish up on some material in my present class (ending Oct 30). At the church, this a very, very busy time of the year for me. It is budget time and there is a host of work to prepare for it. Also, we are gearing up for our annual Christmas Concert. Our choir and a few other ensembles begin extra rehearsals during the week and there is a formidable amount of extra work for promotion and preparation. Our Christmas Concert is a major outreach event in our community each year. Oh yes, there is also this little issue with our home: The Capranica Villa. Back in May, we removed all the concrete sidewalk and patio. I must say, no one is better with a jack hammar than Pastor James Billings. His proficiency in breaking up a good sized and very thick concrete patio has made me wonder if "jack-hammering" should not be added to the list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. Last month, the old nasty mobile on our new property was taken apart and removed! This was a major step forward. Just yesterday, the contractors began the work of digging out a depression our new house will be set in. We anticipate the arrival of the new home on Tuesday. Our aim is to be in the house by the end of the month. More to come on this. Yesterday we also had the joy of spending a brief time with a profound man of God and a precious personal friend. Chaplain Kevin Banks (Captain, U.S. Army) had just finished desert training in Barstow, CA, in preparation for being sent to Iraq. He will serve our country and Christ in Iraq beginning December 15. Mentioning him now suggests that I should probably blog about him soon.