Things to do (and how to do them)

This is a busy time of year for many people. I'm no different. We can look at the busy-ness with dread, or, we can look for the positive. I hope to face the next week (and more) with anticipation and hope. The choice is ours, you know.

CONFERENCE CONVENTION
This week our region of our church's denomination has their annual gathering-of-leaders. I usually look forward to this time, but I always end up disappointed. So many people seem to despise getting together, or they allow their insecurity or bitterness or hurtness get the best of them - and it hurts the fellowship. I want to go to conference with a hopeful attitude again anyway.

Shouldn't this be a great time? I mean, we should be looking forward to seeing old friends, to making new friends, to spending time with people who should have the same goals and desires as us. It should be relaxing and invigorating at the same time. But, I'm probably as bad as anyone at letting my insecurities get the best of me. I don't want to do that this year. I don't want people to just come and go and run off at night by themselves or go sit in their room alone. I want people to want to be together; to hang out; to laugh; to share stories. I wish I knew how to help make that happen.

The one real negative - other than the fact that no one seems to like anyone else - is the business aspect. I don't mind that we "do" business (it has to be done); I just don't like "how" it's done. Regular people like me aren't informed of anything all year long, and then we are expected to come to conference and look through a year's worth of minutes, and be able to make an informed decision. I have asked and asked if we couldn't have access to information beforehand by posting it online or something, but... well, let's just say I have problems not only with the system, but the responses I get too. So... I will just ignore the business, as usual. :)

POLLING PLACE
I just found out last night that our church is going to be a polling place for the election in May! Jane noticed it on our card that came in the mail. I knew the county had asked me about it, and I said I didn't mind, but I don't recall being told it was going to happen. Oh well. As much as I don't care for politics, I see this as a real positive. It's a chance for our church to serve our community. We have an excellent facility and great parking for just such a thing. And I hope some people might even provide refreshments and things as well. I'm excited (but, do people really vote in May?).

GUESTS & MISSIONARIES
This week/weekend we will get to see our long-time friends John & Jennifer Young. They have been serving as missionaries in the UK for the last several years, and will be heading to the Philippines in May. They are good friends from Illinois and it will be great to visit. They are also speaking in our church on Sunday.

Jane's brother will also be here. He's coming to conference, and staying the weekend. Always good to visit with him. Plus, he's bringing our car back from Illinois. It broke down on Jane last month when she visited her mom. We've been driving the truck for too long.

MISC.
Too much other stuff to mention. The visit to Anderson U. went great though. Isaac is registered for classes this coming fall. Majoring in Bible & Religion or Christian Ministries (I think). And Scott did a great job preaching yesterday. I look forward to watching him grow.

Peace, friends. Revolution. Now.