Friday, August 19, 2005

Arrival in Massachusetts

We've made it safely to Massachusetts. As you know we'll be here for the next three years studying at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. It's an academically rigorous school, but we're excited about beginning our studies this September. The twenty four hour trip from Florida was tiring, but we're happy to have arrived in this beautiful state without any mishaps. Bob and Myrna, the older couple from whom we're renting, are very kind. We trooped up the steps and opened the door of our one bedroom apartment and upon the counter was a basket full of snacks and small gifts: a chocolate lobster, coffee and tea. That along with the food we discovered in the fridge made us feel very welcome. Bob and Myrna are a blessing from God.

Over the past few weeks we've been busy meeting new friends and settling into our apartment. During the previous Saturday, Melissa and I found a couch for five dollars while visiting garage sales. The lady said that it sat down in her basement and was never really used, but it had some stains and a few small tears so we went off to Wal-Mart and spent Sunday pinning new fabric to the loveseat. The now earthy green sofa looks great sitting in our living room and it's much better to relax in a well stuffed couch then our "other" living room furniture (folding chairs).

We also have jobs! After creating many resumes, making phone calls, searching and filling out applications, Melissa and I will begin training for our new jobs on Monday. We'll be working for a photography studio, going into schools and photographing children for their year books and student I.D. pictures. It's only a seasonal job, but it will last into December. It will also allow us to own only one car, instead of two, creating one less insurance payment.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Wedding

The wedding is coming soon and the "to do's" are climbing upon one another and forming what looks like an impenetrable wall. Honeymoon planning, suit fitting, travel, family and future are all coming together. Come and check out our wedding website and do not forget to read about our vision found in the future section of the website.

Sunday, January 02, 2005

Sermon

I stood silently before the sea of white haired listeners before beginning my sermon. Deadly still, they sat as if capsulated in time. I carefully arranged my notes and begin my sermon for the 204 listeners at Southern Charm Retirement Community. They laughed at my story at the beginning of my talk. Everyone was very friendly and relaxed. Did they know what was about to challenge their thinking?

I spoke on judging and love. Jesus teaching on judging is misunderstood and taken out of context by most, used instead as a shield against harsh comments by critics. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus taught in Matthew seven that we should be good judges, I explained. The main thrust of my sermon was taken from Paul’s teaching in Romans 14. There he writes that Christians should love and focus on the weightier teachings of scripture instead of focusing on disputable matters of which the Bible does not focus. The talk went well, though it reminded me of my need to drastically improve my public speaking ability.