11:30

Well, it's 11:30 and I'm posting for the first time today. Last week was a good week off, and I was really looking forward to getting back to business. I made a change several months ago that started my workday at 6:00 a.m. and usually started with writing. Last night I set the alarm for 6:00 and thought I'd get back in the swing today, but last night at 4:00 a.m. awakened by the midnight rendezvous of my wife and daughter, Ellie, I decided it was vanity to try and pick up at 6. So I got up at 7:30 and hit the dusty trail.

Had a great meeting with my friend Phil this morning. He preached on Friendship at his church yesterday and this morning was just a great time of reconnecting as friends. He mentioned his points from yesterday and they really resonated with me, especially because he has modeled them for me. Friendship requires refinement, honesty, and sacrifice. That's why I've enjoyed with Phil. Today we just took an hour to talk, and he was so open with me. You know it's foolish to think that when you know someone well, you know all about them. I thought I had heard every story that Phil had about ministry. Today, though, he shared another story that was I'm sure humbling for him, but showed the great strength of God's call on his life.

I may be a bit tired, but I love what God has called me too. I don't grow weary of it. Especially when I get to fight in the foxhole next to Phil Foster, my true friend.

--Ben