6,500 miles. . .home again

So, we traveled 6,500 miles and yesterday we drove home to San Antonio. The Jetta perked along with only a little trouble- air bubbles in the fuel line and somewhere in Kansas we lost fifth gear (do I sound like the wife of a shade tree mechanic?). . .it's good to be home.

There's lots to share about road trip, summer 2009-but first to unpack, re-adjust toTexas heat and . . . Aye, the mail!

Today we were together with our dear church family- in the past five weeks, we've been with Christ's body, the church, in five different locations- in each gathering Christ was exalted:
week #1 we worshiped with the church in Lake City, Colorado-that Sunday the church met in a park (I met a woman who knows Joshua and Naomi!)

week#2 we gathered with the body of Christ in Mountain View, California; after the meeting, we ate together- a gourmet sandwich lunch.

week #3 we met with the church in Applegate, California- in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas; we met the sweet couple who pick up John's mom for worship every Sunday morning.

week#4 in Puyallup, Washington-we gathered with the church in a rented facility, enjoyed outdoor fellowship (how delightful to meet a woman who knows my good friend in San Antonio!)

week#5 we drove through the Bitterroot Valley (with binoculars poised for duck sightings) to worship with the church in Stevensville, Montana.

Hmmm, sometimes I struggle to love the church (then I'm not always easy to love. . .)

but Christ loves his church-He bought her with his blood-so I'm committed.

Lord, help me to exalt you alone, to persevere in putting off sin, so that I can love and serve your church until the end. . .