The past week was a tough one for losing weight because I was out of my normal routine so much. Since it was the last week here for Jacqueline and her family, we celebrated with:

• a farewell meal with her in-laws, who also live in Rock Hill
• a birthday party for Liam, with cake and ice cream – of which I partook

Then I flew to Baltimore with her and the kids, which meant airport food – not exactly a lot of healthy options. All of that to say I didn’t lose any weight this week. That is now two weeks in a row without losing any weight. I know some of you are doing better – because one person told me at church last night he had now lost 9 pounds. I need to get on the ball.

Speaking of last night, we made the right call to have all our regular Wednesday night activities as usual even though a lot of churches canceled due to the forecast for snow. We had about 85% of our normal crowd present and the weather was not a problem. Overnight we missed the projected snow fall and the office opened at 10:00 am as had been prearranged.

As a general rule, I like preparing for the worst but not allowing fear of what might happen to drive decisions. Often the worst does not happen – both with the weather and in life. So be ready, but don’t be paralyzed.

Jacqueline and the kids are now at home in Italy. They arrived late Tuesday afternoon SC time. It was a long trip that began with them flying from Charlotte to Baltimore Monday afternoon. I flew with them to help out with babysitting, moving luggage, etc. I was also there in case they got bumped from the military’s rotator flight – which would have meant a return trip to Rock Hill and another attempt to get on a rotator flight next week. Not being guaranteed seats was kind of stressful, but that’s how it works. Roll call was at 8:55 PM Monday, but their flight was delayed until 2:55 AM. Another reason it was good I was with them. I watched them and their stuff while they got a little sleep in the airport. I stayed with them until they went through security about 1:30 am, then caught a shuttle to a hotel for 3 hours of sleep before getting up to head back to the airport for my flight home – which was delayed by one hour after we boarded due to weather issues in Charlotte. Needless to say, we all slept really well the next night in our respective homes.

We enjoyed having Jacqueline and the grandkids with us these past six weeks and are thankful for your prayers for them and us.

Pastor Steve Hogg