I have come to agree with Dorothy’s statement in the Wizard of Oz that “There’s no place like home!” As most know, Sheryl and I spent 10 days in Greece.  We got to visit Athens where 3.8 million people live and drive the narrow streets! People drive fast while scooters zoom in and out of traffic. We got to visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon where many of the ancient ruins are still standing. While there, I could visualize Paul telling the crowd “To worship the true God the maker of heaven and earth” not the altar to “The unknown God.”

We went to Thessaloniki, a beautiful place with many of the buildings, which were built in 315 BC, still standing. I can visualize Paul encouraging the church there to pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks to the Lord!

Then we went to Ephesus where we got to see the marketplace where Paul may have sold his tents and we got to walk where Paul may have walked. I could visualize Paul in the amphitheater preaching against the Roman goddess Diana, setting the people in an uproar.

While in Turkey (which is in Asia) we got to see how silk is taken from a cocoon and made into rugs.  We watched as these beautiful rugs were made by hand, some taking over a year to complete.  Of course, we had to bring one home with us to show everyone. 

Brothers and Sisters, we spent 10 days on vacation, and got to see some inspiring sights.  We walked where Paul walked, we saw where the mother of Jesus lived, and where John was buried. We enjoyed the adventure, assured that we had a safe and welcoming home and family to return to at the end of our trip.  No matter how long you have been gone, home will be waiting for you.  We have a new understanding of the past, thankfulness for the present and a renewed appreciation for our future home in heaven.

If you have been away from God, remember that He is preparing a place for you and wants to welcome you home to your church family as we prepare for our Heavenly Home.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:1.

It will be great to get home!!!!