Saturday, November 18th -

Last evening some friends came by to pick up Margaret and Tom to go out to eat. They celebrated Margaret's birthday. (Sorry. Current age not available due to the bloggers desire to live)! According to Margaret, a good time was had by all.

Although the bloggings have been recently light, more blogging in the weeks to come will be expected as Tom and Margaret will be in Tennessee with more significant happenings occurring more often!! Please stay tuned as we plan to continue to keep all of you informed of the happenings in the lives of Tom and Margaret as they settle into their new lives in West Tennessee.

As mentioned recently, tomorrow will be a very trying day for Tom and Margaret. Sunday, November 19th, @ the 9:30 a.m. worship service at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, Margaret will be addressing the congregation and delivering the pastoral prayer. There will be a low-keyed reception for the Suttles following the worship service. This essentially is Tom and Margaret's opportunity to say goodbye to their dear, special, friends at Fair Oaks. If you are able to read this post in time, please offer prayers of support, strength, courage, and words for Margaret as she will be placed in a pretty difficult public speaking situation. There is no doubt that she will do a fabulous job, and yet, the occasion will be quite stressful on both her and Tom. Prayers never hurt!!

Prior to Jesus' departure from this earth, physically taking him away from family and friends, Jesus gave the disciples the Great Commission. He said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with always, to the end of the age." In other words, Jesus was instructing the disciples to carry on. "Don't stand here with your mouths hanging wide open watching me ascend frantically asking yourselves, 'Oh no! What do we do now?' Keep up the good work. Continue to glorify my Father. Continue to learn from my example and live accordingly."

He was telling his disciples that everything was going to be okay, because he would always be with them. No, none of the disciples understood why Jesus had to go (even though he had told them countless times). Yes, in the minds of the disciples, his ascension was premature, and perhaps not even fair. No, they at that moment, didn't know what they would do without Jesus around. In fact, several of them probably suggested that without Jesus present, they should just go back into hiding!

This parallel is appropriate. Certainly no one is suggesting that Margaret is Jesus! However, her witness in California has been Christ-like. Her realationship with her husband, Tom has been Christ-centered. And, perhaps most importantly, Margaret and Tom both, have tried their best to live their lives in Mississippi and California and will eventually live their lives in Tennessee according to those powerful words that Jesus Christ spoke before returning to his heavenly Father. Margaret and Tom boldy embrace the Great Commission; Margaret and Tom will continue to embrace the Great Commission, and all of us should take their lead, despite the mixed emotions we all might feel as the result of their, health, relocation, and unknown future.

Remember the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, ". . . . remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Thank God for that assurance! This is the very same assurance to which Margaret and Tom hold dearly. Likewise, may our hearts, ears, and eyes remain open - amen!