A Special Meeting of Blogging Buddies
his is a rather unique type of post for this blog, but I wanted to share about a blessing today. We had the distinct joy and privilege of meeting one of my loyal readers and dear friends in person today! It took a very long drive to Cairo, GA (pronounced KAY-ro, not like the city in Egypt) to do it, but it was definitely worth it!
Today, we got to meet blogging buddy Gordon Cloud of Heavenly Heartburn, along with his dear wife and sons, and the congregation of Pine Park Baptist Church where Gordon serves as pastor. Gordon has been a regular reader and commenter here on Theological Musings since earlier this year (sometime around March, I believe), and we have developed a very strong friendship as a result of our many conversations and debates here.
(from left: my lovely wife Christy, Gordon’s wife Amy, me, and Gordon)
Gordon and Amy are wonderful people, and have been extremely gracious hosts to us. We did not arrive here in Cairo until 1:00 AM this morning, and so we did not get to meet the Clouds until we arrived at the church this morning for the service. After spending the night at the Best Western here in Cairo (where I’m “liveblogging” our visit, thanks to the free wireless internet!), we arrived at the church and got to finally meet in person. (Also, a special shoutout to one of Gordon’s regular commenters, Ron, who we had the joy of meeting and fellowshipping with, as well.)
Gordon was gracious enough to allow me to minister in music in the morning worship service. Christy and I ministered for about 20 minutes as part of that service, after which we spent a wonderful afternoon with the Clouds at their house. Amy Cloud can cook!! 
We had a great meal together and spent the afternoon discussing all kinds of things. For those who are interested to know, I managed to bring up the cessationist/continuationist debate within the first 15 minutes of conversation 
but we waited until much later in the afternoon to really talk about it. I haven’t convinced Gordon yet to leave his cessationist views behind, but I took it easy on him! hehe
Seriously, it was a terrific time of fellowship, and we were delighted to fellowship with them in person. We joined their church again for a Christmas presentation and covered dish “birthday party for Jesus” this evening, and now are relaxing in our motel room. Tomorrow, we’ll have an early lunch with the Clouds again before the 10-hour drive back to Boone.
Of all the things I love about blogging, meeting new people and making new relationships is very high on the list. My friendship with Gordon has been a great blessing, and that blessing got much sweeter today! Thank you, Gordon, for letting us come!!
Until next time,
steve
December 17th, 2006 22:17
Bro. Steve you know in all the fellowshipping I forgot to get your email address. Mine is on that beautiful snapshot on that little bag I gave your family this morning . If you don’t mind you can use my address to send it to me ? Thanks, RON.
December 17th, 2006 23:09
I agree with all you have written here…Especially the part about Amy’s cooking
I know you agree that we were blessed beyond what we could have imagined and look forward to many more times of fellowship with this wonderful family.
Thanks Gordon and Amy!
Christy
December 17th, 2006 23:15
[...] Steve has also written a post about today’s events. So, go check out his thoughts about our time with our new friends in Cairo, GA. [...]
December 18th, 2006 00:08
Steve, Christy and Dylan, I just want y’all to know what a blessing you were today. I hope that one day the Lord will allow you to realize how much today meant to my family and me.
The fellowship was awesome. I often blog about koinonia, I truly feel that we experienced that today. The music was incredible as well. You guys are welcome here any time.
December 19th, 2006 10:31
I agree with Gordon. The fellowship was great and such a wonderful time of relaxation for us. Words cannot express what it did for us. Thank you also for the wonderful piano playing in the service, My heart was truly blessed.
December 20th, 2006 17:49
That’s so very cool that you guys got to meet. I have a met a few people who have now become great IRL friends and it’s neat.
By the way … we Georgians are funny about how we pronounce things, aren’t we? You’re right about KAY-ro.
What about these:
Houston (County) — pronounced HOUSE-ton
Albany — pronounced all-BEN-ee
Monroe — MUN-ro
There are more, but I won’t bore you with them (LOL)
Oh, and your Christmas CD is all the rage over on the Five in a Row Holiday message boards!
Blessings!!
December 20th, 2006 23:10
Heather, I don’t think I realized you were in Georgia. If we had known that, we might have tried to hook up with you, too, while we were down there.
I wasn’t aware of Houston County or Monroe, but Albany did throw me off a bit when Gordon pronounced it the way you typed it here.
Ron, my email address is steve@theologicalmusingsblog.com — pretty easy, huh?
December 21st, 2006 07:14
Steve -
yes — I’m just outside of Atlanta in the ‘burbs.
Blessings!
December 21st, 2006 08:28
I grew up in Atlanta (1955-1973) and still have lots of family there.
Atlanta used to be fun!! Now it feels like one continuous traffic jam to me.
December 21st, 2006 10:02
Thanks Steve , You see I put my one finger typer in motion before I put my brain in gear? I found your address on Monday . Have a very blessed Christmas? RON.
December 21st, 2006 18:36
Ded -
you are right — it is one continuous traffic jam (LOL), but it is still a fun place with a lot more to do than in previous years. They are completely revamping and revitalizing the city and it’s great to see all the changes. We like it here — it’s home
Blessings!!
January 2nd, 2007 23:32
How fun! Sounds like you guys had a great time. I’ll make sure to pray for your friend Gordon in my personal prayer language.
Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.
Blessings,
Trish
January 2nd, 2007 23:41
Trish, that’s too funny!! Thanks for stopping by.
April 9th, 2007 22:16
[...] I get to know someone online, I find myself wanting to meet them in person. Back in December, I wrote about meeting my good blogging buddy Gordon Cloud in [...]