IT IS DONE!

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Sunday and Monday were great days for me. On Sunday, Reunion Weekend ended with a great worship celebration and a reception honoring of the former pastor of the church. Then on Monday, I finished typing my thesis for my doctoral program. I was finally able to heave a huge sigh of relief.

But of course, all the action didn't happen on Sunday/Monday. The last week or so has been a whirlwind of activity. The counter tops for the kitchen finally arrived on Thursday (yes, three days before the dinner). The plumbers were here on Friday to get them set up. The Friendship class came in to set up and decorate for the dinner on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Beacon class was in charge of the open house. The dinner went off without a hitch (though we didn't get as much meat as we were supposed to get. Sorry!!!!). Then we gathered in the sanctuary for a wonderful worship celebration. Bishop Bob Hayes preached and inspired us to remember the past and to be busy working to create a past that we can be proud of.

On Sunday morning, the Challenger's prepared a wonderful breakfast. The worship service was inspiring, with great music by the choir and the Mullins Family Singers. Then the Explorers did a good job of hosting the reception. All in all, it was a great event.

As you know, for about the last six weeks I have been working on writing my thesis. I finally got the last typing and corrections done on Monday. I'm not quite ready to mail it in yet. I am scheduled to defend it on Friday, April 13th (O Boy--Friday the 13th--I hadn't made that connection until now!!!!!). So, keep praying for me. But at least part of that burden is lifted.

The next two weeks, we remember another time when someone heaved a sign of relief (or pain) and said "It is finished!" This Sunday, we remember his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On Thursday, we remember his last night on this earth. On Friday, we remember his painful death on a cross and we prepared for the sun to rise on Easter Sunday as we welcome the risen savior.

As we take a break from our weariness, let's not forget about the one who did the real work--the one who came to die on a cross for our sins. Remember and be thankful!

A New Update!!!!

www.ridgecrestumc.com

OK, OK! Someone who nags worse than my mother reminded me that I hadn't updated my update in a long time. I'm just joking about the nagging--I know that I haven't kept this up to date, but I have been incredibly busy.

I am writing this on Saturday at 5:45 am. I didn't sleep well. The next 36 hours will probably be some of the most hectic of my life.

So, here is the update. The kitchen at Ridgecrest is finally finished. We are missing one little counter top and a little bit of work is still to be done on the cabinets, but other than that, they are done. I will try to get some pictures taken and posted on the website. They didn't get the counter tops in until Thursday and the plumbing done until yesterday. So, the remodel came right down to the wire.

We have been working feverishly the last week getting ready for this weekends Reunion. We got it pretty much done. I still have a few little things to do this afternoon, but the church has not looked this good since I came here. We are ready for the dinner tonight. Bishop Hayes will be preaching. It will be a great evening, even if it will be stressful.

Tomorrow, we have a breakfast, worship and a reception. Piece of cake.

On my Doctoral Thesis. It is soooooo close to being finished. I have one little thing to type (the transcript of the last sermon--pretty short since most of the sermon was video). I need to finish corrections on three chapters. I need to work on footnotes and Bibliography. I need to print it, have copies run and mail it. I plan to work Sunday evening and early next week. Hope to be done by Tuesday and in the mail on Wednesday.

I am getting excited about the idea of graduating. I received a bill for my graduation fee. I received the instructions from the seminary (Brite) about the hooding ceremony--but I don't get my doctoral hood at that ceremony. I get it at the huge TCU graduation ceremony! I think this might actually happen!

Oh, well. That is enough of an update for now. Once the thesis is finished, I will get back to writing on a regular basis.

Be praying for me!