My life in a nutshell

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. Things here have been a bit crazy lately. I'm precepting two sections of Intro. to American Christianity, taking three courses of my own, and trying to get things ready to take my comprehensive exams in February. This week is fall break. I meant to spend the week getting ahead on things to come, but have spent most of it catching up on sleep, chores around the house, and, well, sleep. So, I'll use tomorrow to prep for my presentation on Monday and maybe write my book review. Or, perhaps I'll write the book review on Saturday. Sunday brings the usual - teaching children's Sunday school, worship, and then handbells in the evening. Then it's back to the usual grind of classes - reading, writing, teaching, and grading!

This week was also Pastor's convocation at the divinity school so some of my former colleagues were back for the conference. Some of them came over to the house on Monday night to celebrate the upcoming birth of Baby Whitesides with his beaming mother. We had a nice time catching up and I enjoyed hearing their stories of life in the parish and in the other ministry capacities in which they are serving. I admire them so much for their strength, courage, and wisdom. I'm not sure that I could do what they do. And, I'm quite sure that I couldn't do it with as much grace and pizazz as they do. They are truly amazing men and women of God whom I'm proud to know.

While they were here, I also got to enjoy a wonderful worship experience on Tuesday night in Duke Chapel. Dr. Davis preached a message based largely on Proverbs 31 (there was a New Testament text too, but I don't remember it right now). The Proverbs passage stuck out because it is such a familiar text and because it was her own translation. Chad read the two scripture passages and I just sat and received a good word. It was a message I needed to hear about wisdom and work and stewardship. I have not been feeling well lately and had actually considered skipping the service and picking Chad up later, but somehow I knew I needed to be there. It was good. God is good.