Freed-Hardeman Lectureships 2011

 On Wednesday morning, as soon as Terry could teach his morning class, we left for FHU. It was a beautiful drive until we got as far as Tupelo, and then the snow flurries began. By the time we arrived in Selmer it really was snowing heavily. There were a lot of cars which had slid off the roads, and one serious accident about 20 miles from Henderson. We were so grateful when we slid into town safely:) Terry and I stayed at Earl and Lora's, along with our old friends Don and Joyce Shackelford. We enjoyed reminescing about our early years with them in Italy (Joyce was so understanding when I cried over my first attempts at a cake for my 2 year old Brandon's birthday:) The solution was to visit our dear friend, Mario's, bar, for a much better cake than I could have ever come up with on my own. The boys spent the first two nights over at Jon and Kristin's (our old home) and then the last night with their friend, Alex. We enjoyed our tour of the newlyweds home. I thought it might bother me having someone else in "my" home. But all I saw was my son and his wife and how happy they are (and how talented Kristin is at creating a warm, inviting home...well, it's warm now after we had to replace the heating and cooling unit while we were there...OUCH!)Jon had gifted them with a new Ludwig drum set which they have played non stop since coming home. Fortunately, I have it set up out in the cabin along with the piano, guitars, keyboards, etc. I can't imagine why?? It was nice to see old friends and get caught up. I spoke on Thursday morning from Zephaniah 2:3 on Seeking humility. The study benefitted me much more than I could have possibly shared. I was unaware of how often God speaks on humility until I had compiled all the scriptures together. I see humility as a character quality that God esteems highly, and I want to find ways to encourage my family in this quality as we strive to find ways to serve Him and to bring glory to Him. Listening to Dan Winkler on Wednesday night was a real gift. His humility and example of forgiveness is faith building. Even after losing his son, Matthew, at the hand of his daughter-in-law, he has chosen to respond as Christ commands, and not as the world would. He has allowed God to turn tragedy into a powerful message. He never mentions the event, or the subsequent trial and media coverage. He DOES claim bragging rights to his grandchildren, though. I loved sitting and listening to Terry speak on Friday morning.As  I was blessed to hear one good speaker after another, and sit amongst men and women who have lived long lives serving Him, I was so profoundly grateful. To listen as Leon Sanderson, the son of L.O.Sanderson led singing, with men like Earl and Don on either side of me, I had a small glimpse of what heaven will be like. I was encouraged and uplifted. I need to get busy. There is work to be done in His Kingdom. To whom much is given, much is expected. I can't live long enough to do even a fraction of what I owe. Thank God for grace and mercy.