Weekend Getaway

This is definitely a weird Saturday for me. Why, you ask? Because I slept in a little bit and I didn't go to the church to finish up sermon, outline, keynote and everything else that has to be done for Sunday.

We're in Virginia staying with our good friends the Wardles (Buck & Laurie). We drove up late Wednesday and then took Lydia to Liberty University for their College for a Weekend on Thursday. I have to admit that I was very impressed with Liberty - from the academics, faculty, student life, the campus, to their vision. Lydia is staying with Emily, Buck & Laurie's daughter, who is a freshman at Liberty, and having a great time. They had 1900 visiting students, 600 parents, and 100 Youth Leaders in for the weekend.

After checking in and getting a tour we had dinner and then drove back to the Wardles - they live a little more than an hour away. We got up early on Friday and went back to Liberty for their chapel service, lunch with the President, and several meetings - admissions, finances, etc. We gave Lydia a hug and won't see her again until Sunday afternoon. She's enjoying experiencing college life and hanging out with her friend Emily. We're having a great time with the Wardles - eating too much, laughing very hard, and getting some rest.

A couple of interesting or funny notes: Jonathan Falwell, the Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, spoke at chapel on Thursday. His text happened to be Philippians 2:1-5, the passage I'll be preaching from next Sunday in our series on Philippians. Loved worshipping with over 10,000 students. Tons of Liberty students were wearing, "Beat Coastal" t-shirts. At first, I was offended! What kind of welcome is this?! Then I realized that Coastal Carolina is their big rivalry in the Big South Conference.

I'm not sure if this is the place that Lydia will end up at, but it's been a worthwhile, positive experience. She still has some time and we have a lot to pray about. It doesn't hurt that tonight they're hosting a Casting Crowns concert. We'll be heading home on Tuesday.