I went out for Chinese for lunch. While I was there a family with four young boys came in. The oldest was maybe 12. They were all very well behaved, but even given that the only thing I could think to describe the four boys was "managed chaos."
I have gained a new-found appreciation for what my parents must have had to deal with raising four boys.
I have also gained a new-found fear of ever having that many children.
My fortune cookie read: "You will cross desert sands on your way to a fun vacation." The only vacation I'm planning on taking was to Alabama next week.... did something happen to Arkansas recently that I was not aware of.... like a major ecosystem shift of "Inconvenient Truth" proportions?
Also, after taking a very long break, I have written another 101 word short story: Philip and Percival
You inspired me to read through Psalms 119 again while waiting for my ride to services. The ride was late so I read it three times. The following verse struck me:
My visit to Houston was great. The people at Southside Church of Christ were very encouraging to me, and they were a great joy to spend time with, worship with, and preach to.
But now I'm in Wichita again, and that's good, too. :)
I have been finding great comfort in the 119th Psalm recently. It is like it is putting to words my own spiritual dilemmas and feelings, better than I could ever write myself.
And still a reminder that the last devo of the year is this coming Saturday at 2pm at the Stracks.
I am flying out to Houston next weekend. I will be visiting the church that is supporting me currently. There are over 300 members there... that is by far the most people I will ever have talked in front of... I am extremely nervous.
The following week, I'm thinking that I will take a couple days and visit my grandparents in Kansas City, and also visit my hometown, Weston, and see how my old friends are doing.
And because Haylea's birthday party is planned for Friday night the 21st, the final teen devotional will be at the Stracks on Saturday the 22nd starting at 2pm (we'll probably get the study started around 2:30). I still seriously do not know if I'll still be in Wichita in 2009. So, this might be your last chance.
Then next week, I'll be driving down to Alabama to visit my family for Thanksgiving week.
I would gladly get up and lead singing for that many, and I've done songleading for over 400... but getting me up there to just speak would be an accomplishment. ;) Are you planning to be at the Hamilton Grandparent's for Christmas? I believe Uncle Steve and his family are coming, and Jason and Jacqueline are going to try to go too. =)
You will do well. I realized this weekend that I can't even talk to a group of four people that I don't know well without getting tongue-tied and flustered. Okay, so I've known that for a long time, but I've been holed up for so long in Wichita where I'm comfortable with most of the people that surround me that it just seemed more pronounced this weekend. Blech.
Hey, man. Don't let numbers bother you. The lesson is the same whether it's five or 500 people. If anything, let the number work in your favor. By that I mean realize how many people your message is getting across to, and how much better the chances are that someone in the audience truly needs to hear what you have to say.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
