As I mentioned in an earlier post, my wife and I are in Redding, CA for a children’s pastors conference at Bethel Church.
Here are a few of the highlights so far:
1. Hebrews Humor: Immediately following registration, my first order of business was naturally to get a cup of coffee, and what, to my pleasure, was the name of Bethel’s coffee bar? You guessed it, “HeBrews Coffee.” Cleverness is one of the charismata, isn’t it?
2. Worship: Each general session started with a time of worship, and the presence of God was palpable. Quite extraordinary, although it shouldn’t be. It should be much more common.
3. Teaching: To my surprise, I’ve learned quite a bit. Not that I questioned the faculty or subject matter, only my interest level therein-my wife is the kids pastor afterall, I just tagged along for the ride.
4. Scenery: The location and view are incredible. Bethel Church is perched atop a hill with an amazing panoramic view of lush valleys and snow-capped mountains. It is breathtaking.
5. The People: Californians aren’t so bad. Everyone is surprisingly nice, from the people at the airport and rental car counter to the conference hosts and attendees, but I expected them to be, many being from TX, OK, AR, and other Southern states. 
Tomorrow I plan to hit the prayer center and a few other things I missed today because it was too cold.
Updated Blogging From Bethel Series:
Bethel Related Sites:
#1 by Larry Who on April 18, 2009 - 11:29 am
“Californians aren’t so bad…”
We will allow you to get away with this…for now. You, being a Texas lawyer and all, and not properly schooled in the “Art of Making Friends with Californians”. But don’t forget Clint Eastwood has a home in Redding and you certainly do not want to make his day, do you?
#2 by petermlopez on April 20, 2009 - 4:30 pm
Thumbs up to Californians. You guys were very gracious (until you get on the freeways, then you guys go nuts with the horns).