Tulsa Workshop

The Tulsa Workshop was wonderful. I spent every morning learning from two lovely women. Throughout the day, we attended classes from wonderful speakers. During the evenings, we were blessed to hear from Bruce Marchiano (he played the role of Jesus in the "Gospel According to Matthew), Jerry Taylor (a professor from ACU), Randy Harris (also a professor from ACU), Terry Rush (preacher at Memorial Drive Church of Christ, Tulsa, Oklahoma) and Jeff Walling (preacher at Providence Road Church of Christ, Charolette, North Carolina). We also were able to be led in worship by Free Indeed, the worship ministry team at Memorial Drive and many other groups, including an amazing contemporary acapella group called "Watershed." Overall, the entire weekend of learning and worship was a true blessing.

However, one of the best parts of the weekend was catching up with old friends, some older than others! A youth minister (Rick O'Dell) who may know more about me than I have forgotten, The director of World Wide Youth Camps whom I have not seen in years and seeing reminded me of how young I once was. We were blessed with chance to stay with a couple in OKC on our way through and see their extended family, one member whom I haven't seen since he was a preteen. While in Tulsa, we ran into friends we usually only see at Tulsa anymore. But two friends really made it special for me. One specifically drove two hours to eat lunch with me and the other friend, and it was true blessing. On the way home, we stopped by and visited with another couple in OKC for a couple of hours. The contact with people always makes this trip worth the expense, the stress and the eventual weariness that overtakes me when I get home.

I also have to mention that two people from our local congregation came over dinner one night, bearing suprise cheesecake (for my birthday). That was a lot of fun and we lucked out because the weather was extremely nice that day.

All in all, it was great weekend!