From Kansas City to Rome

Had an amazing experience at Course of Study, learned lots, was affirmed in my calling, and am on a mountain-top high!

Headed now to Rome in Vacation Bible School as we learn what it was like to live in Rome immediately following Jesus' time on earth. Headed to see Paul in his jail cell and learn from Paul as he is writing, going to the crowded Roman marketplace, maybe even join other Christians in an underground church. (This is a Cokesbury VBS curriculum.)

I am glad to be back home, eager to see my homebound friends, to hear what has been happening in the life of Asbury, and to continue planning and worshipping. I was able to be home Friday night. Had Saturday with Ken and mowing, very relaxing and enjoyable -- those barn swallows come out and play with me when I'm mowing -- dive bombing for the insects. And while I thought I might skip church services on Sunday, we attended and I am so glad I did.

Pastor Kip's message was inspirational. I found myself listening to his "exegesis" and thought, if I can be God's servant as he is, I will be doing well. The Children's Message fit perfectly with the message. I asked how they did this; did Pastor Kip talk with them ahead of time as to the direction the message would take. And no, they only know the scripture from which he will be preaching. It is so obvious that God's Hand and Voice is in the whole service!

I loved to be with my friends, to hear what has been going on, and to share some of my mountain-top experience. I'm eager to begin my studies for a December 10th deadline and go to Course of Study in January 2010, and I'm eager to be about my servant ministry here.