"Isn't it Nice to be Home Again"

The above title is from one of shortest songs James Taylor ever recorded. You can find it on the "Mudslide Slim" album. Yeah I still say "album". Sorry, it's a generational thing. Anyway, after driving 1150 miles this week, I had that song on my mind and heart. It IS always nice to be home again! No bed sleeps as good as the bed you have at home, I don't care WHERE you are. The environment might be nicer or more luxurious, but the bed just ain't the same.

I confirmed one thing by leaving town. I am a bonified Blog junkie! I thought I was going to have to go thru some detox therapy while I was gone. So my confession is that this blog world is addicting. But it is a good addiction. I've had worse.

As always, I was with some wonderful people and had some great experiences. I had one REALLY REALLY negative experience that I will blog about later next week. For now, I wanted to share with you two things that I heard that encouraged me while I was on my trip. One came from Patrick Mead of Rochester, Michigan. I had never heard Patrick before, but I for sure want to hear him again! He is of British decent, so just hearing him talk is an experience. He had been given the topic of "Be Prepared to Give an Answer" as his key-note address at the OCU lectures.
Growing up, this scripture had been used like a sledge hammer to pound into us the concept that you better know your doctrinal stances on EVERYTHING, so you could be "prepared to give an answer". So, I was not going into this with the best attitude. Patrick blew me away, and everybody in there. The message was this: Jesus is the answer! Amen? I wish all of you could have heard it. If you want to purchase the tape, just contact OC and I am sure they can tell you how to purchase it. It would be well worth your money. The negative experience that I mentioned above took place after Patrick's talk, and I will tell you about it later.
I want this post to be a positive one.

The second encouragement I received was from a minister at the Alameda Church in Norman, Oklahoma. I don't recall his name. That night they were beginning a series on Job. The whole lesson was really good, but one part really stuck with me. This minister made the observation of how many times we turn our back on God because of suffering. The minister could not have been over 30, and he reflected on the fact that he and his wife had already lost a child. So, it became evident that he was not talking about the theory of suffering........he had been there up close and personal. It was experiential to him, not intellectual. And isn't he right? Many have lost their faith because of "bad" things that have caused them to suffer.
You and I both could name people that we have known that have made this choice. Then he made his point.........isn't it ironic that when God wanted to communicate how much he loved us, he did it thru the avenue of suffering! His suffering was our greatest blessing. I know that is not all that earth shattering, but it impacted me that night. I came away knowing and convicted that instead of running from suffering, I ought to embrace it. Easier said than done, huh? You bet it is.

So there you have it. Two ways I was blessed this past week. I will also tell next week about a third blessing.......one that came from Rich Little. He was at OC also, and it made me realize how much I wish he was back in Searcy. I know the folks in Naperville would not give him up without a fight! :)

It is indeed nice to be home again.......with all of you friends from my blogging world. You all are a blessing to me! Thank-you!