But first, let me say, I heard many positives about David Paladin, I mean shepherd #2, filling in for me Sunday. The goal the last couple of weeks is to give a different perspective of the birth of Christ. It really isn't for you to see us dressed up like shepherds, as it is to give you a closer view of the One who lay in the manger. This week we will complete our series with a lesson called, "Do You Know What I Know?" In other words, what did they know that others around them didn't seem to grasp?
While you all had a great day of worship together, Missy and I attended the New Hope Church of Christ. This is the place Lex calls home since beginning at Oklahoma Christian University. As parents, we cannot tell you how much this church has meant to us all the way in Florida. This place has taken him in, gotten him involved, and helped him to grow spiritually. A very loving church. It is a reminder for us to go out of our way for those who come to Vero. It could be a college student from another state, a middle age person who comes by themselves (maybe single or maybe their family will not come with them), a elderly man or woman looking for a place to belong. Reach out to them if it were your own son or daughter.
Something else Missy and I experienced was a day at the National Museum. Most of you remember April 19, 1995. This was the day of the Oklahoma City bombing at the Federal Building downtown. We love museums, but this was one of the most symbolic, humbling, and organized we had ever toured. I will not bore you with all the details, only to say it gave us a new perspective on a tragic event. It helped us reflect on our God amid these times, as well as the importance of a community acting like a loving family. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few thousand for you to ponder.
Here is a view of the street (now water) this tragedy happened. Across the water are chairs representing the victims who died and where they were in the building.
This is a picture of the statute, "And Jesus Wept" with the memorial in the background. In front of Jesus, which is not shown, are 168 spots, each representing those who died. The Lord is facing them weeping for them.
Ok, I promise not to give any more details of our trip. These are only symbols of time of refreshing. Of course we were in Oklahoma to watch our son graduate from college. A first for us. We are so proud of Lex and the man he has become. We only ask the prayers of this church be upon him in his next journey. He begins his masters in January. For us, we see it more than a piece of paper, but the next step preparing him for the ministry.
Here is another one of our college graduates, Jessica Wild. Lex said he took great pleasure in graduating one day before Jessica. :) I know Joe and Glenda were excited, as well as the rest of the family.
If you have a college graduate or good news to share, please let me know so we can share it with the rest of the congregation. By the way, I love pictures.
I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again Wednesday night. Until then, continue to pray for the people of this church. Find someone to serve. Share God's love to those who do not know true love.
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