My day has pretty much been nonstop. I had a small time frame to finish up my sermon, so after I hit publish on this morning's post, I focused and knocked it out. This probably isn't the best way to do things, but I tend to pick my text Monday or Tuesday, go with my first instinct on what my sermon will look like, pick a title and then just spend the week half pondering it. Friday I will scribble out some notes or an outline and usually (hand write) the first paragraph or two. By Saturday (in theory) it is already off to a great start and I won't need much time!
{Imagine a picture of me surrounded by bibles and theology books working intently}
By 12:15, I had typed the final amen, grabbed a quick shower and then started working on this evening's Family Worship service. This was something new that we were trying - just for the summer. There weren't a ton of people, but I actually felt like it was an awesome service and I got a great response from the people there! It was a non-traditional setting, but still very meaningful.
{Imagine me in worship}
Okay, so clearly I've been bad with my camera today. But really, it's just been nuts! So after the service, Bruce asked me if we could get a pizza and I happily obliged. One of our church members, Mike, who was at the service said, "You should go to Caserta Pizzeria in Providence!" Unfortunately, other than the mall once and one of the hospitals to visit a church member, I have never been to Providence and don't know my way away. So when this church member offered to go with us, because he and his daughter hadn't eaten yet. An unexpected "Let Us Break Bread Together" meal!
Now - can you believe I didn't have my phone OR my camera on me? I'm not sure what happened. So our church member's daughter ( / my rock-star youth group member) offered to take pictures on her phone and text them to me.
Phew. Crisis averted.
The walk through Providence was so much fun - what a neat city! We walked through the Italian district and the smells were just amazing. Check out these fun cakes at a bakery we walked past ...
It was around 8:00 by the time we finally reached the restaurant and we were more than ready to order! We all split a half cheese / half pepperoni pizza - the crust was amaaaazing.
After dinner we took a walking tour of Providence. The architecture of the city is really neat (I can't wait to get back there during the day with my camera), there is a ton of live music, everything is walkabout and there is a place to go on a gondola ride! I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but it just seems like a fun city - I'm glad we live so close!
One of the last things we walked past was the Wall Of Hope, which was created in the year following Sept. 11th. People all over Rhode Island were invited to express their feelings through art on tiles and it all came together here. No one was turned away because of lack of funds - very cool. More information can be found here and here.
Last night I went to bed feeling really anxious about all that needed to be done today so that I could get through tonight and tomorrow and right now I really cannot believe how much better I feel about everything. Bruce told me last night that I really need to start letting go of everything I am trying to hold onto and just let myself live and be in ministry - and I feel like that's what I'm starting to do.
Great day - great night! See you tomorrow with my sermon - the title is, "Weak Servant, Strong Servanthood".
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I love the purse cake! So cute! But I think I'd be afraid to eat it, because I wouldn't want to ruin it.
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