BST's Blog

Oh my goodness. What a week! I have had Fresno revisited...with a vengeance. Some stomach flu hit me hard this week and I've been down. I haven't been that sick in years. Of course it would have to be THIS week.

I am writing from the balcony of the old Otter Creek building. Since our offices moved yesterday and the server isn't up yet, the only way I can prepare things for Sunday is from up here at the old building. It's sort of surreal sitting up here. All the hymnals and Bibles are packed so the pews are very empty looking. There's no more hustle-bustle in the halls. Everyone's over at 409 Franklin Road setting up their temporary offices (the office wing is under construction). It's quiet. Quiet enough to think and remember.

I remember a night in 1998 when I tricked Sheryl into coming to the building to help me "set up for Sunday". She walked in and there were candles everywhere. We got engaged that night. (we also drank wine in the sanctuary--and it WASN'T grape juice!)

I remember a day later that year in August when friends and family gathered and we were married here. I remember almost word for word what Mike Cope said that day. I remember Stephen holding me up at one point. I remember Kirk Nofsinger and Jeff Berry singing so beautifully. I remember John Catchings playing the cello with such grace. And then I remember Sheryl walking down that aisle. Beautiful!

I remember the first day each of our 3 kids came to worship here. Precious memories--all of them.

Now I'm sitting typing in scriptures for the last Otter Creek service at this building. It's a sobering thought. We really ARE but a blade of grass--here today and gone tomorrow. The sovereign Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.

Sunday will no doubt be an emotional day. Thanks for your prayers. I hope it will be both a day of remembering AND celebration.