Conclusion

I was sifting through my document files today and ran across this article I penned for the final issue of the TEAM Newsletter at SIBI. I really enjoyed being the editor of this newsletter as well as attending the Women's program at SIBI under the very capable direction of Terri Fanning, Dean of Women. I hope this encourages you today in your walk with Christ. ~Melissa~

Where has the time gone? Has your head been spinning lately as you look back since the beginning of this term, 9 months ago and wonder where the time went? I have. When we pulled into the parking lot at Sunset for the very first time in July 2002, I had no idea what changes would take place in my life. What have we learned in the last 2 years?
Cline told Jay and I when we came here, that we were brought here for something special, " for such a time as this". I believe that we all have.
I have more friends now than I did before I came to Lubbock. I have a lot more head knowledge and I can dig out any of my SIBI notebooks and tell you what I learned in each class. My kids have a larger world view thanks to the great mission emphasis here at Sunset Church of Christ. Ladies, we have learned how to exegete, share the Gospel, study for tests and write a paper on a variety of biblical topics. Miss Terri has taught us to speak to the multitudes in a way that makes the message both clear and relevant. But . . . what have I really learned here at this place? Beyond the books, tests, papers and stress filled nights of studying, something special seeped through the pages of the Bible straight into my heart. Let me share with you the most important reason that I value what I have learned here at Sunset. I met Jesus . . . again. Do you remember when you got past all the facts and figures of the Bible and really found out who Jesus was, what was important to Him and how much He loves us? At SIBI, I discovered that I know a lot about Jesus but how well I know Him depends on how much time I spend with Him each day. Do you agree that this time with Him is hard to schedule in?Here we are at the end of the school year and I want to leave you with this: Study the Bible, learn all you can, but be determined to let yourself come to know and love the One who died just for you. Pick up the word and fall in love with Jesus. Know His heart, His mind, and His love for you. He wants to know you think He is important enough to share your relationship with Him with others who are lost, hurting and dying.
Miss Terri taught us in Public Speaking to always have our conclusion written out so we will have a stopping place at the end of our topic. So, here is mine. . .
Love one another and know that Jesus has no greater joy than to see His children are walking in truth.
I love you, sisters. I will miss you and pray for you often.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jer. 29:11-13 ESV