Claimed, gathered and sent

Psalm 121:7-8 (Today's New International Version) 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Tomorrow the moving van arrives between 8 and 9 in the morning. I will say good-bye to the apartment that has been my home for the last 5 years. We will spend the night with friends so we can be rested for the drive to Gettysburg. Consequently, I will be away from the computer for the next few days as we travel and get settled. There is still a lot of packing to be done, but once we're on the road, I will relax. Our faithful God has brought us this far. Even 6 years ago, I could not have imagined this as the next scenario in my faith journey. Now, within a couple of short weeks my seminary career will begin with Summer Greek . I am in awe of God's grace and care for us. As Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism : I believe that I cannot by my own understanding ...

Emotions have been running high for the last week as we say good-bye to so many dear friends. It all started last Tuesday evening at a picnic with a small prayer group we have been a part of for some time. Dessert included well wishes, gifts, and prayers. It was overwhelming. Saturday evening was spent at dinner with long time friends of Ray's and the above process was repeated. By then I couldn't even read the card out loud through the tears. Sunday was the culminating event of the group good-byes, our last Sunday at Emanuel Lutheran Church , our spiritual home for the last five years; since my arrival in RI. The good folks there have encouraged me in the call to ministry and the journey that entails. Before the dismissal, our pastor called us forward so everyone could pray for us. We were presented with a lovely gift box of cards, letters, and gifts from our faith community, followed by a coffee hour in our honor. Again we were owerwhelmed. We had been concerned about finance...