Back to School

If you are a parent, a grandparent, or a student (or if you ever fit into one of those categories) the words “back to school” are full of emotion and memories.

In my family, there is only one active student right now - sweet Meme (19). Our 3 grandkids are too young, and Ash and Jonathan have already passed that chapter of their lives. Meme is a sophmore at Mississippi State. This past week has been sorority ”rush,” but Meme came down with the flu along with two dozen KD sisters. Pray for her and them. 

There are over 150,000 Chinese “students” in the USA today (Mainland Chinese and family members that are involved in some type of academic or research program). Over the past week universities have started assimilating thousands of new international guests. ’Bama, for example, received over 80 new Chinese scholars.

Tonight Carolyn and I will have 30 or so Chinese at our home for a back - to - school party (University of Central FL). These international friends continue to shock us with their intelligence and kindness. Our relationship with these emerging leaders brings us encouragement about the future of China and the world. It will be an honor to have them in our home again. Pray that they will experience the type of love and hospitality that can only be explained by the existence of a loving and all-powerful God.

First Steps

After months of gentle nagging by loving family, staff and friends, I have agreed to join the blogosphere (the world of blogging). I’m not sure what a blog is supposed to be, but here is a general description of jamesloftin.com:

• Posts will be relatively short — less than 500 words.
• I will only occasionally include personal tidbits from the Loftin world – although my children and grandchildren will definitely appear in posts from time to time.
• I will include impressions, longings and questions about life as a Christ follower — How can we bring God glory by using our resources to make a difference in the world?
• I welcome comments, will read all responses and intend to respond within one week.

Wherever you are in your life journey, I am certain that you have something to teach me. I pray that my words encourage and challenge you. I pray that you laugh often, cry sometimes and are always moved toward living more faithfully in response to Jesus’ invitation.

I pray that my humble thoughts will cause you to pray for me, my family, and the ministry God has entrusted to us.

Ahh, my first steps in the world of blogging. You may now be thinking of old cliches like teaching old dogs new tricks or better late than never. True, but here I go.