Rendezvous with my Eyelids

Last night and all day today I've attended the Foursquare Gateway District meeting here in St. Louis, and I really have to say that I've completely enjoyed it. The speakers have been great; the pastors from all over five different states are a joy to meet and get to know their stories; and the worship is just awesome.

Last night Wayne Cordiero (I think I may have spelled that wrong) spoke and it was an incredible message on speaking the language of the people; tonight Ricky Temple taught with much wisdom and a very practical message noting some of the things that he's learned through his many years of ministry. During these things and just in talking to the different people that I'm meeting around-- I like to glean from them their experiences. Why? Because they have many years serving, much wisdom that I could learn from. I always feel that way going to missionary conferences as well.

I have much I could say about all that I've learned and the people that I've met-- some dynamic, very sanguine people; some reserved people full of experience and richness-- all anointed with a passion for what they're doing and reaching the cities where they're serving-- we're all walking down the same path... just separated a bit by location.

One of the things that is interesting about here at the conference is that most people assume that I'm one of the teenagers who is here tagging along with a pastor parent. I'm trying to dress older (you're probably laughing, but it's true), but I've been asked everything from, "So, is she [me] your daughter?" (a couple asking another couple I was sitting with); "So, how old are you?"; "Are your parents pastors?"... The list goes on. I just smile and try to explain in a sentence or two the journey that's brought me here recently. So apparently, the dressing older thing isn't working.

It's good though-- Thankfully, God has blessed me with the ability to be sanguine when I need to be... a facet of my character that hasn't been pulled out in a while. I'm not normally a sanguine person-- I'm more melancholy/phlegmatic-- if you've done the studies, you know what I mean by those terms... I'm more the question/thinker/planner... But as I once heard it said-- a melancholy can wear all the hats. And that I can certainly do when placed in those situations.

I don't know how I got into that spiel. Sorry about that. But anyway, I'm going to get to bed... Each day this week, I progressively get up earlier and earlier and the day seems to get longer and longer (which would make sense)... Today in fact, I had an hour and a half free until dinner at the conference and so I curled up in the back seat of my car and took a nap out in the parking lot. I was tired and could feel my body beginning to drag (despite much coffee) and that nap was just what I needed.

However, I don't want to do that tomorrow. So, goodnight.