Summer Friday

Hope you all have survived the summer week. Here in this area, it has been hot, dry and exhausting. You step outside and your shirt is wringing wet. Saw the weather report for next week this morning and more of the same to come! It has tried to rain, but you have to be on the right side of the street for it to happen? Oh well, the joys in living in the south! In a few months, when it gets cooler, we will say, can't wait until the summer months get here and we can have some warmer weather?!

We can get our review of the week started by our Saturday visits with our friends. Good visits, good times talking to the guys. Gus joined us and invited them to join him in the Friendship Room later on that afternoon. We changed up our visits a little by not going directly to the Hamilton stop. Just as I was returning home, Terry Strain calls. She got a phone call from Ms Evelyn, who is the matriarch of the downtown area. Ms Evelyn was waiting for us at the Hamilton stop! Man, I felt bad, but shows we have started something that some have become depended on. Another gentleman at another stop told me, he looks forward to our stops each week. Can't wait to see us and visit with us. He said we are such a blessing to his friends. So how do we stop going? What's the answer?

Another story from last week, I forgot to mention and one that typifies our community. One of our friends needed my truck for hauling furniture to his apartment. Unfortunately mr brian made a ton of excuses and our friend said I will call Mr Scott. He did and it took two day to finish hauling the furniture! Talking about getting your shirt wet, Mr Scott was drenched! Mr Scott, without hesitation, stops what he is doing and helps out a friend. Mr Scott, shops, hauls, orders, drives, visits our friends every week and without fan fare, with out notoriety. He is example of those of you who do the work behind the scenes and never get the recognition you deserve. Thank you so much for being such loyal and faithful servants.

Saturday afternoon, the Friendship Room came to life. Gus has worked hard all summer long and with the help of Hat, Joey and others, it was filled with lvoe. Great stories we heard about their experiences with several of our friends, spending time reading, playing games, watching TV, washing clothes and getting out of the heat. One of the stories, is example of what our community is all about, is Hat and Gus are now helping two of our young men learn to read and prepare them to pass their GED tests. When you become involved in community you begin to learn, to understand, to be a part of their lives. There is such tragedy in their lives of hurt, anger, mistrust, they have no one to help them out of their despair other than us. We are not offering a fancy program with requirements and strategies. We are just there, sitting around a table, playing a game, reading a book, helping their minds explore new and exciting things. Thank you folks for being willing to be in community.

Early Monday afternoon, I was picking up our new tile for the chapel floor, arrived at the center to find children running everywhere. I began to notice, they were in groups, with colored neckerchiefs,  going to different places? To the front porch of the Bright House, to the garden with Ms Patty, to the side of the building in the shade, running inside to the fellowship hall. All having a great time. The interns were putting on the summer camp's version of the Amazing Race! It was awesome to see the children and interns having a great time. With the close of summer camp coming up this week, what a summer it has been.

Tuesday and Wednesday, our community had the privilege of Ms Emily's youth group from First Methodist join us. They painted, cleaned, straightened in the mornings and then helped out with camp in the afternoons. Great experience in developing relationships between both groups. I guess it was pay back, but several of our interns spent Wednesday evening in an over nighter with Ms Emily's group at First Methodist. We have been blessed this summer with special young people and they will be sorely missed when they leave us.

Tuesday evening, I sneaked into a meeting with John, Tania and our plumber, Jim Bevel. Jim and his company continues to be such a blessing to our community. Even though Ms Lisa has received funds for plumbing work in the center, Jim has never taken a dime for all the work he has done. And Tuesday as they were discussing plans for our new kitchen, Jim says, God is good. I just obtained a new vent hood, I just got a new dishwasher, I have these steel tables, we need to use here! I was trying to be diplomatic and not jump up and down, but inside I was screaming God is good, God is good! Amazing things are happening and continue to happen!

Wednesday for our supper, we changed up our pattern of doing things a little. We asked the folks, once they finished their meal, to go through the clothing room first and then go by and get their grocery bags and then head out the door. We opened the food pantry room as soon as we started our meal allowing folks to come and go as they pleased. Allison was in the food pantry room and everything seem to flow much better. We had the blessing of having some youth, their pastor and the pastor of Clearview Church join us for our meal. They got their early enough to help pack the grocery bags, then helped us serve and then helped with the clean up. Great group of young people, hoping we will see more of them. Also on Wednesday, Ms Lisa had our first "Ask the Lawyer" session for the community. There were a few takers and I think more will come as they become more familiar with our community.

Thursday evening, we had leftovers. Not a big fan of leftovers but Momma T was not there due to Weekend of the Cross activities, so we were stuck! Beth, Charley, Hat, Dr Phil, William, and James endured the meal. Lauren joined us as we started reading Chapter 5 of Acts. More reading about the Spirit. The first part was about, what would happen to you if you lie to the Holy Spirit. God being God, offers you to come clean if you make mistakes, but He will judge you if you continue to lie or your heart is not in the right place. We read about how the Holy Spirit could not be silenced, even to a point where the disciples were transformed from a jail cell to the court yard sharing the Good News. And then we read one of Dr Phil's favorite passages, 38 & 39, if the work is of man it will come to nothing, but if it is of God you can't overthrow it. God is bigger than any of us and if He wants it to happen it will.

I reflected back over that last night and early this morning. I met with a new friend from a church in Bossier, who is bringing a mens group to us to help out. I was talking and showing him around and saying, it is happening, maybe not as fast as mr brian wants it but it is happening. This gentleman spoke up and said, you have come a long way in just a year! I stopped talking and started thinking, wow, it has just been a year! I had not realized that or even thought about that! It has just been a year, we were given the building. We are now feeding, teaching, learning, cooking, laughing, praying in a building that did not exist a year ago! mr brian wants things to happen yesterday, but God is providing a place for us in His time and man is His timing awesome!

Also, I get the feeling, we need to take a breath, maybe slow down, appreciate from where we have come from, appreciate God's amazing blessings for our community. Listen to each other, get to know our neighbors. Maybe when groups ask what can we do for us, maybe say, come walk with us, meet our neighbors? I don't know what is in store for us, but if it is of God, then amazing things will happen. God's way will not be over thrown. His Kingdom will be glorified. Wouldn't it be awesome for our community to be a part of this? Wow!

Don't forget, Friday (today) and Saturday, we will be hosting a feeding site for the Weekend of the Cross participants. Mr Tom will have all the food and drink, we just need to come and help serve it. The children will be hot and tired, so the more we can do for them, it will be appreciated. They should be arriving around noon on both days. It won't take long to serve and clean up, maybe an hour at the most, so come if you can. The children and their leaders will appreciate it.

Prayer concerns. Lomax and his grandparents. Lomax has been spending most of his time with them this week. I have not talked to Lomax, but those that have, said his grand father is not doing well. Lomax, please let us know if there something we can do for you.

Ms Sarah asked for prayers for all who are involved with Weekend of the Cross. This is a weekend of youth from all over the state, that comes here to paint, clean up houses around Shreveport. Ms Sarah asked for prayers of safety and health as the youth do all of this out in the hot summer temperatures. Prayers for Ms Sarah who is one of the leaders this year and to Momma T who is one of the site leaders.

Prayers for Beth as she struggles with life issues. Prayers for Charley as he begins preparation of another Kairos weekend in September. And a praise report, William is 3 weeks sober and feeling good. Prayers for Gus as he travels back home, in preparation of moving to Longview.

Thank you all for being such loyal and faithful servants. You all have such unique and special gifts and helping others is what you all are about. May we continue to be about God and not about ourselves  and enjoy the many blessings God will bring to us. A special lvoe to you all, you deserve it. Amen and Amen!

Hope all of you had a great week, with many joys and blessings, and the challenges were met with the help of the Holy Spirit.

We can start off this note with remembering our breakfast buffet last Saturday, yummy. All sorts of good food, cooked by all sorts of good help, was enjoyed by all sorts of good folks. Momma T had the help of a group of young people from Alexandria from the Horseshoe United Methodist Church. They were friends of Ms Ellen and were visiting with us. After they finished cooking and eating! they joined us for our visits. Always good to have new faces to introduce them to our old friends. One of the highlights of our breakfast was enjoying the peaches picked from our tree. First fruits of the Cedar Grove peach orchard! Maybe Ms Patty we can do something about expanding our orchard of one tree!?

On our first stop, the only person at the gas station, was a long time friend of ours and Issidor, Daniel. I told Daniel, I will let Izzy know you are in town. We met Robert shortly after that and he traveled with us the rest of the morning. We visited the Bridge boys camp. It had been awhile since we were there and found Carl relaxing in their living room! They had couches, chairs, ice chest full of ice and waters and the entire area carpeted! I mentioned to Carl, they may need a vacuum cleaner next! Carl said he was trying to get an apartment this week and that would only leave Mike there. We will go by this week to see if Mike is there? Pulled into our Hamilton stop and there was already a long line of folks. Too many to name, too many to feed and clothe. Icee Joe did the best he could but it was more than we could handle. Where are all the agencies that are there for the guys? Something is not happening, that should?

As I was returning the van to the church, I rounded the corner behind the center and there was Izzy sitting outside. I had already forgotten to tell him about Daniel, so what a "coincidence" Izzy was there. I stopped the van and told Izzy, Daniel is under the bridge and wants to visit with you. Izzy couldn't get out of his chair fast enough and say can you take me? I said, I can take you to him but don't have time to pick you back up later? Izzy said, no, no, no, we have to go get him out of this hot weather! I need to bring him here! The thought never entered my mind, but that was all Izzy was concerned about. His friend needed his help and he was going to do whatever it took to get him out of the heat. Izzy said he had been down to the bridge several times last week but could not find his friend. I showed him a different spot and there was Daniel, laying under the bridge, trying to survive. We put Daniel in the van and took him to Izzy's house. Dr Phil said, it was great to see two old friends sitting under the shade of trees, enjoying their time together. An example of our community.

Gus, Ms Abbie and myself had the pleasure of attending worship time at Brookwood Saturday night. Always a blessing to experience the gifts of one of own, Spencer as he shares his talents with us. Can't wait to hear him in our chapel one evening!? An example of God expanding His Kingdom in our community.

Summer Camp continues to be a blessing to all who come and all who are helping out. Monday was roller skating time! Did not notice and crutches needed as they got out of the vans! The interns have added to the staff this week and what a blessing it has been. Two of the older boys, long time friends of ours, have become helpers, staffers, leaders in camp. A great role model for the younger children to see members of community stepping up. A big thanks go out to our interns for allowing the Spirit to flow through you to expand the Kingdom of God. Wow, another example of our community.

Monday evening, we had a huge group of middle schoolers from Grace Avenue Methodist church, somewhere in Texas move into the warehouse and have been working at the center for three days. With the help of Gus, Ms Sarah and others, they have done all sorts of things around the center. Everyday I would come into the center and I would see changes. It is awesome we have become a place where young people can come and experience community. Another example of our community.

We had a group of volunteers from CASA have their monthly meeting at the center. Ms Lisa shared our story with them and then took them around the center. They work with children like our who have challenges in their little lives, helping them along the way to make better choices. Hopefully we can work together in some way so that all children will have a chance to make a difference.

We had a nice group of folks from Calvary Baptist church join us Wednesday evening for our meal. They helped serve the meal, pass the plates, fill up the cups and visit with the folks. Hopefully they will come back for another visit. We did have another one of those moments, we do not like to experience, but we did. Not sure what happened but two ladies standing in line to get groceries, started yelling at each other. With the help of David McCormick, we moved them outside and the confrontation continued for a few minutes more. Thankfully, nothing happened more than verbal words back and forth but it was not pleasant to see. Many folks were upset at this happening, I heard comments like, isn't this church? We are all supposed to be respectful of each other, at least here? Why do they have to act like that?

None of us like to see this type of behavior, but it just reinforces to me, why it is so important for our community to be here. Life is messy, life is hard. Our community faces challenges everyday of abuse, neglect, anger, frustration. When you are in the streets, it gets messy. We have to learn it will be hard at times, things will not go smoothly all the time, but that should not discourage us. We are not in this journey alone, God is there. If we are not there, who will be? The next day, thinking back on what we saw and experienced, a thought came to me, how can we get those two ladies to Ms Tywana's Bible class on Monday night? An example of our community.

We had a big group sitting around our tables Thursday evening, well I should say we had a big group at the start! We lost some of our interns along the way due to exhaustion from summer camp activities! Henry, Hat, Charley, Beth, James, Lauren, Joey, Dr Phil, Allison, Kelli, Byron, William, and Chuck were there at various times of the evening. Don't ask Henry what we talked about, he slept through the evening! We finished up Chapter 3 and also chapter 4 of Acts. Boldness of the Holy Spirit is what comes to mind about our discussions. Peter preaching before all the people, not worrying about the consequences. Where did his boldness come from? Not too long ago, Peter denied Jesus not once, not twice but three times and in a few shorts months, he was preaching the Good News, bringing 5000 into the new Kingdom, being arrested, not succumbing to the wishes of the leaders of the church, but only concerned about spreading the Good News! How awesome is that. Many times we pray, asking for guidance, for faith, for boldness as long as it fits into our box, but what happens if God says, go and visit those who have no homes, feed my sheep, clothe the naked, welcome strangers into your home, share your story, are we willing to step out, willing to be persecuted, willing to lvoe others in way that society will say, that is strange?An example of what our community is all about.

Gus will be busy again this week! We have another group of young people coming from Duncanville, Texas. Allison and I don't know where that is, so someone help us out? In fact, I think we have folks coming just about every week for the next several weeks. Ms Lisa and Mr Scott are working on a calendar and will have it up and running soon.

Prayer concerns from Thursday evening. Lauren asked prayers for her brother, Taylor as he leaves with her in a couple of weeks for his freshman year at the University of Arkansas. Lauren will be a senior!

prayers for Ms Sarah, Momma T and the other leaders of Weekend of the Cross. We will need help serving some of the teams, next Friday and Saturday, 29th and 30th. Need to be at the center kitchen around 11:30 each day as they start arriving to help serve a meal prepared by Mr Tom.

Mr Brian and the interns will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs to the VBS group at Grace Saturday night. Help is needed. We will start cooking around 4 and serving at 5:30 at the YMCA camp next to Grace.

prayers for Lomax, and his grandparents. When Lomax is not working, helping with camp, he makes a run over to Center, to help with his grand father and supporting his grandmother. Tough times when illness hits a family, especially the elderly.

prayers for Kelli and her granddaddy, Mac. He is going through health issues. Also for Kelli as the challenges of life become stressful.

Another example of our community. One that is willing to pray, one that is willing to listen, one that is concerned for others.

What does your weekend look like? Enjoy the blessings God has for each of you. Each one of your are special, unique, awesome followers of God. He is doing special things through you. Another example of our community. I am blessed beyond words to be a part of our community.  Amen.

Hope you all had a great week. mr brian was doing good Thursday night making notes of our conversations around the table of the week, but being mr brian, he forgot his notes at the center, so please feel free to fill in all the left out items!

We can start off from last Friday and Saturday. Gus and I met a group of youngsters from across Texas as they came together to share their time with us. I left Gus in charge for the two days and he did a great job. We started off with 8 young people, but as the day went on Saturday, more and more groups showed up. The biggest task was the painting of the walls in the chapel. It was completed and looks great. Some painting was done outside on the breezeway. Thanks Gus for being there.

Sunday afternoon was the Women's Tea Party hosted by Kelli and her sister Molly. I asked one of the ladies Wednesday about her time with them and Ms Betty said she had a great time.

Sunday evening, the Board met to talk about where Common Ground is going. Mr Scott led the discussions on our various ministries and what we felt Common Ground should be doing. When some of us met Cassie from The Hub, the first thing she asked, where is your ministry focused? Good question and one that led most of our discussions for the evening.

The Wednesday meal will continue but maybe look different in the future? Maybe change to another day? Thinking back over the years, can't tell you how many folks wanted to help or be a part of our meal, but their church obligations prevented them from helping out. Don't really remember why we chose Wednesday other than that was the only night we were not doing something?

With the chapel coming back to it's glory, chapel time will become a part of our meals. How that looks and who leads it was discussed. Several years ago, while we were still in the building, the chapel was left open most all day. Several of us would start our days there, in prayer, in silence. mr brian mentioned he would like to see the door never locked once they are opened?

Our outdoor friends visits were discussed. Most of those who participate on Saturdays, do not like the way we have become a traveling road store. There is a need for helping the guys on the weekends, but we have been trying to come up with a way to do that? With Cassie's offer of opening up the "new" Basement on the weekends, that may be a way to solve our situation? I emailed Cassie further about this possibility and she is all for it. She would like to meet with us to discuss how they handle situations but other than that she is welcoming us. Be thinking of someone who might like to lead this new adventure? Our young people continue to visit during the week and for those of us who would like to go, we would have that opportunity.

One of our main topics, was how do we become more involved in our neighborhood? Once the "new" Basement is open on Saturdays, that would free us to begin to visits with our neighbors on Saturday mornings. Several different organizations are beginning to move into our neighborhood and we need to be a part of that and lead the way for a better community. When the neighborhood needs help, they need to know Common Ground is for them and will do whatever we can to help them out. One of our challenges, is a lot of the neighborhood does not know us but they know the building and the hurt feelings they experienced there in the past. We need to let them know, we are different, we are there for them, we are there to lvoe.

We were challenged to bring new people to our community and see what we are doing. Will you help us in this challenge?

We will come together next month and talk more about where Common Ground is going. Please send emails to Ms Lisa of your thoughts and dreams for our community.

Thanks to Allison, we began our name tags for our Wednesday meals. I walked around meeting folks and putting names to faces, it was great. I told the folks, my challenge is for me to write their name on a tag as they walk through the doors! One of our children, took some of the name tags and starting "working" the room also. It was good to see. Ms Sarah asked some of the adults to help, but got no response? Several of the children jumped in and helped Michele wash the dishes, clean the tables and chairs, very, very heart warming to see.

We had two members from Clearview church come and helped serve the juice. We hope to develop a relationship with them and see where things may go?

On Thursday, John Sauls and Momma T met with Lee, our design person about the kitchen update. Lots of good ideas were flowing. excited to see it come to fruition.

Thursday, we had a big crowd around the table for supper and Bible study. Curtis, James, William, Henry, Macy, Ellen, Charley, Beth, Hat, Momma T and Joey. Hat provided the salad, Brookshires provided the chicken and Momma T provided the dessert. We started reading Acts 2: 42 and the first part of Chapter 3. We read about the disciples forming a family of believers, giving what they had to those in need. Gathering around the table after going to church. And God blessing them by bringing more followers. Questions were asked, where did we get off tract? Worshiping traditions instead of God. Serving ourselves instead of others. Becoming independent instead of dependent on community. And how do we get back on tract?

Just as we were talking about family and community, we had one of those God "coincidences". Dr Phil walks in with most of his children and their significant others. Matt from the Rutba house in North Carolina and his girl friend, Philip and his community friends from San Antonio, and Charlotte from France and her boy friend from ? It was great to see his children together and reminded us, how important family is and should be in our relationships with others. Also, I think it is Dr Phil's birthday today!!

Following our discussions, Joey led our saying of goodbye to one of our college family members. Macy will be in another camp next week and then begin training for resident hall  leader as she prepares for her last year of college. It has been great to have you with us this summer Macy. Your smile, your compassion, your calming presence, your lvoe for our children has been an inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for being a part of our summer.

Guess who we found as we were leaving the center Thursday night? Our Lomy was standing outside! looking as lost as ever! It was great to see him. Can't wait to hear about his adventures.

Got of phone call from one of family members who is a member of Brookwood. Really got several phone calls over the weekend, but since I was out of town, did not call him back until Sunday evening. Don't want to say too much yet, but they are planning a unique, special event for our community for the fall. It will be a good way for us to begin our presents felt in the neighborhood.

Also, Ms Abbie and I are planning to take Gus to experience Brookwood's Saturday night worship time this weekend. Worship time starts at 6pm. Spencer will be playing. Come and hear what we maybe able to hear on a regular basis?

One more note on Brookwood. Got an email saying they are starting back the Second Saturday work days and we will again be one of their sites. They will begin coming back in August on the 13th.

Gus applied for a full tenure professorship position at Kilgore Jr College last week. They called him back for a second interview and to show them his teaching techniques. Not sure he was able to get in the car before they called him and offered him the position! Congratulations Gus or I should say Professor Gus! Now we will have him just 45 minutes away! Awesome!

Ellen is having some of her friends from Alexandria join us this weekend. They will be here working around the center. Come by and visit with them.

This Saturday is our breakfast morning. Biscuits, gravy, bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee are on the menu. Come and join us at 9am in the center.

Prayer concerns. Ellen's brother is a Boy Scout camp in New Mexico called Philmont. My son went there and what an experience it is. They hike for two weeks, carrying everything on their backs, food, water, tents.

Prayers Kelli for travels home. Mary not feeling well. Blessings for Krysten making it home safely. Prayers for our children in the neighborhood. Tootie Rootie cried for 45 minutes on Ellen's lap Thursday afternoon. Worm was not herself. We have no idea what is going on in their little lives, what they are having to deal with, it is such a tragedy for children to deal with such drama in their little lives. Prayers for Charley as the doctors try to determine what is going on with him. Prayers for all who are dealing with this oppressive heat and not being able to get any relief from it.

I know I left out things that happened through the week. So much going on and more exciting news in the future. I think back on what we read in our study, God blessed the disciples as they continued in God's plan bringing more and more followers to them. As we continue to talk about the direction of where Common Ground is going, as long as we stay focused on God's plan for us, He will provide, He will bring those who need to be here, He will provide a way. We need to be obedient, we need to pray, we need to be faithful, we need to be patient and we will get to experience the amazing majesty of God.

Hope you all have a great weekend and an even better week. See you Saturday morning. Amen.

mr brian's blog

Just beginning to send out our weekly note and read Dr Phil's heart of what we, Common Ground needs to be about. Very well said Dr Phil and really, not more needs to be said. So I will update our busy week.

Can I have an Amen! The chapel ceiling is painted! Thank God for John Sauls, his patience and fortitude, as he dealt with mechanical difficulties, poor lighting, lack of good help to accomplish what is the beginning of the restoration of our chapel. It is gorgeous.  Please excuse the left over red film over everything! The red haze even reached the air conditioning unit on the roof! At some point, a comment was made, I wonder if Michangelo had this much trouble painting the Sistine Chapel? I just know, it is pretty, worthy of a painting or something?

Mr Scott and his group got back early from their Saturday visits. After meeting record numbers last week, being the first of the month, we guess the guys were else where? No major problems were reported from our friends.

Sunday, Lomax, Anna and the rest of the group left for Haiti. No one has heard from Lomax, but Allison reported reading on a blog, ever so often the group has to stop what they are doing and go find our Lomy! He has a tendency to wander off? Can't imagine that! Must be looking for a  Starbucks?

Sunday afternoon, several of us had the pleasure to meet with Cassie, Tina and Terry from the Hub. Not sure how to describe our meeting other than to say, it was awesome. These young ladies are examples of it is not about us but about others. Cassie offered us to partner with them in anything we might feel led to do. She said, you want to use our place on the weekends, here's the keys! I was sharing with some of the guys, after our talk with them, a huge burden seem to lift from my shoulders. We are not in this alone but God is bringing others to walk together in the building of God's Kingdom.

As I was leaving the center Tuesday evening, gentlemen who do not get enough credit for all they have done for us, showed up with pipe, wire, and determination. John Williams and John Sauls armed with drills and curving equipment worked until 8:30 to run wiring for the dryer. Another example of people, who without fan fare or notoriety go about what they feel God is leading them to do and using their skills and gifts to accomplish it. Thank you so much guys for your hearts and willingness to serve others.

Another huge crowd on Wednesday. We had a lady from First Methodist make our entree and served over 100 plates, until it was all gone. I tried to work in the kitchen  but Michele Sauls would not let me, so I stayed in the dining hall visiting with the folks. It was great. Next week, Allison and I will try to start making name tags for everybody so mr brian can start to remember their names.

Went by early the center early Thursday morning to get a sander from Gus and he said, I want to show you something? He took me into his, I mean adult room and my first thought was wow. He has transformed a sterile environment into something homy, comfortable and calming. I didn't want to leave! Curtains, pictures, plants all come together to make a special place. There is still more work left but what a transformation is happening. Please go by and enjoy the room and let know Gus know how much we appreciate all his hard work.

Thursday was an unusual day at summer camp. As Joey said, only God could have accomplished the miracle that happened. Beth was unavailable to come and led the field trip to Sci-port. I suggested earlier in the day, postpone the event until another time. But how do you tell the children, who have looked forward to the trip all summer long, we can't go? So the interns, came together, prayed, brain stormed, discussed and end the end, made the trip and it was one of the best outings ever. Thank you guys for allowing God to work through each one of you and share His lvoe with our children. Another God thing happened Thursday, with Beth and Charley gone, there was no one there to fix lunch before the field trip. Jalissia came and jumped right in and fed all the children and then she was a group leader for some of the children. Amazing to see God's work first hand.

We had a great Bible study Thursday night. Lots of good food as always from Momma T. Eggplant casserole was prepared, thanks to our garden, salad and a yummy dessert. We had a good group, James, William, Joey, Hat, Krysten, Alli, Mary, Dr Phil, Allison, Beth and Ellen.
Following our supper, we moved into our study of Acts reading chapter 2. Talking aobut the Holy Spirit coming down on all those who had gathered in Jerusalem. Wouldn't it be nice if that same Spirit could somehow invoct the same fire in the hearts today? And we talked about Peter, who 40 days earlier, still did not "get" it but when the Holy Spirit entered him, he became bold, compassionate, knowledgeable about his new found faith. Do people see that same fire in us?

Prayers for Charley Ackerman, Alli's sister, Molly as she travels here, Ellen's grandfather, William, James looking for employment, Momma T's mom and dad, travel mercies for Dr Phil's children as they travel here to be with him, Krysten for life decisions and the direction God is leading her, travels for Allison and John as they travel to Colorado, and mr brian as he sneaks away for a golfing weekend with his son and high school friends.

Joys were expressed by Ellen as she shared what God is doing in a camp she has been a part of from the beginning. Allison shared with us she has decided to begin the journey of becoming a pastor. We were excited and told her she already has a ministry to lead!

We will have a group of children working at the center all day Friday and half a day Saturday. They will be painting the chapel walls. Please go by and let them know how much we appreciate their hard work.

Dr Phil brought us all Common Prayer devotional books. Pretty cool realizing, when I do my devotional, each one of you will be doing the same thing!

This Sunday at 5pm, the Board will come together to begin the process of decerning what God is placing on our hearts for Common Ground. Everybody is welcomed to join in, not sure there will be time for everybody to talk? but your presents will be welcomed. If you would like to send Ms Lisa, your thoughts, dreams, of what Common Ground has meant to you and where you would like us to go, please send her an email.

Thank you all for being who you are and allowing the majesty of God's awesome power to work through you. Amazing things are happening. Amen.

God's Plan Friday July 1st

Where to begin? Not sure how to let you all know what is happening around our community?

We can start off with visiting our largest number of outdoor friends on Saturday! Mr Scott and Dr Phil led the expedition as they made their first stop in Stonewall to visit Catfish. He seems to be doing fine, lives in a trailer with electricity, his dogs and chicken! Can't believe the chicken is still alive! Making the drive down to Stonewall put our group later than usual to our downtown stops and everybody was waiting on them. I think Mr Scott said there was 28 friends at the Hamilton stop! Wiped out everything from the van which left very little for the Labor Ready stop. We understand Richard is in the hospital and will be transferred to a nursing home from there? We had a new visitor with us. The new associate pastor of Grace, Chuck Christensen. He has a heart for the least of them and wants to get more involved with us in this area.

Had another great week of summer camp. For those of us at our Thursday night meeting, we received a newsletter about summer camp, complete with pictures. Ms Beth, can someone scan the newsletter and send it out to our group next week? I did get to see some of the left over plastic from Tuesday's water day! Ms Beth posted pictures of the afternoon. Thursday, they went on a field trip to Gators and Friends. To my knowledge, all children made it back, with no lost of hands or fingers! Next week, the field trip will be to Sci-Port. Attendance has reached the maximum with more children wanting to come and be a part of the camp. That is a blessing and also a challenge. Some discussions are gong on, on how to allow more children to become a part of the camp. Again, a great job is being done by our interns and Ms Beth. Thank you all.

Tuesday evening, Gus prepared a meal, and most of the interns, along with Pastor Chuck visited the camps. My heart is so joyful at the thought of these young people taking time to spend it with the least of them. Amazing folks we have.

Wednesday was another recorded breaking crowd at our meal. At 4:45, I said to  Mr Tom, we sure have a lot of spaghetti to eat for the rest of the week? Well, by 5:30, we ran out! Joey and Lomax, continue to provide a Bible study time for the children. Allison, did a great job of putting puzzles together with the children. Ellen and her friend Matt, worked math problems on the board. Lots going on Wednesdays and if you are looking for something to do, we could use your help. As I was leaving our meal, several ladies of the community were in the garden picking vegetables, very cool. Thank you Ms Patty and Momma T for your time and lvoe of plants.

Thursday evening, we had a board meeting. I will admit, it is not my favorite part of being in a community, but it has to happen to make things go. It is good  to get together to hear from others, their thoughts and ideas. When you see Ms Lisa's two page agenda, you can see how much is going on and the challenges we face. If you would like to read what happened at the board meeting, Amanda takes great notes and will have them ready for review shortly. I will say, everybody is welcomed to join us during our time together, there is no secret hand shake or pass word needed to get in, just your caring heart.

This is a secret, so don't tell anybody, but one of our interns has applied for a job in East Texas for the fall! His pastor and friend, has moved to Longview and there was an opening for a teaching position at Kilgore Jr College. He applied and ended up with two other offers! The interviewing process is still on going, so no decision has been made yet by the college. He wants to start a homeless ministry in Longview and on weekends, he wants to come back and visit us. We are so excited! Remember, this is a secret!

There is a group of young people from various Methodist churches from Texas coming July 8 & 9. They are being housed at Noel and will be doing projects around town. One site will be us. The coordinator will be here this week, seeing what we have. I will meet with them and show them the chapel, with hopes they can paint the walls? Unfortunately, I will be out of town that weekend, so will need someone to oversee them and help out?

Don't forget, this Sunday, at 5pm, Cassie and the Hub community will meet us at the center and talk about our hopes and dreams and how we can work together. I know a lot of you will be gone or busy with holiday activities, but if you can come, please do so. I need to email Cassie to be sure she is coming? If something happens and she can't, I will send out an email.

Also, this weekend, we will have a special friend joining us for a visit? It's been awhile since she has been with us and we are so excited to have her around the community. Please come by and welcome Krysten while she is here!

We talked a little at the board meeting about where is Common Ground going? We tabled the discussions for a later time, but got me to thinking. So much is going on in and around our community, all of it is good, but are we "doing" too much? Each one of us has passions for lvoing others, it is hard for us to say no, but are we doing a disservice to those who we see each week by spreading ourselves too thin? Ms Lisa found a book about non profits and the growing pains experienced by them. She said, she was reading one chapter and she thought she was reading about common ground!

One of my desires is to know everybody's name who we see each week at our meals and try to know their stories. A gentleman walked up to me this past week and he told me his story of needing an extension chord because his electricity had been turned off. I did not know his name, but he comes every week. I should have told him to go to the Catholic Services office at St Catherienes but I didn't think of it at the time and now I have no idea where he lives or how to get in touch with him? We visit, 41 guys on a Saturday in a span of 3 hours, not having a clue who most of them are? We use to go around to the different camps, sit down on buckets or bridge posts and visit, hear their stories and get to know the guys a little, now we are a rolling van store.

I have told Mr Scott, just tell the guys we are stopping these handouts. I do that and don't go. It easy to say stop, when you do not have to look them in their sweaty eyes, drenched shirts and say, we are not coming back. None of us can do that. It breaks our hearts. It is not about us, but about others.

The interns are struggling with how to say no to children. The word is getting out on the streets, there is something going on at this strange building, the children want to experience this unique lvoe, but there is no room in the inn! How can we say no or sorry or we can't do it? We are not made this way. How can God's Kingdom grow if we are forced to say no? It is not about us, but about others.

What if one of the guys we visited on Saturday was Jesus? What if one of the children was Jesus? and we turned them away? It is not about us, but about others.

We talked about spending money on the kitchen, to get it up to code. I told the LANO folks a month ago, we are not spending your money so we can have a nice kitchen, but we want a kitchen where we can train chefs, train waitresses so our community can go out and find jobs. It is not about us but others.

Our task at hand is to figure out, how to make this work? God has a plan. God continues to bless us because we have stayed in His will, followed His path. I believe, these challenges are being created so we can stretch our faith, think outside the box, come up with new and exciting plans. God is bringing new servants to our community to provide a way we can meet these challenges, we need to use those who He is bringing.

Continue to pray, continue to seek His will, continue to dream, continue to support each other, continue to lvoe and all things will be done. I have no doubt about that. I continue to check my patience at the door, remembering from where He has brought me in just a few short years. He can do the same for all of us and our community.

I don't want us to stress over all of these moments, but to enjoy the blessings. We have so much to be thankful for. Enjoy the times we have, the people we meet, the challenges we experience. We have been praying for many years to see what we are experiencing at the moment, a community center for God's people. Now we need to pray for guidance as we get to experience the growing of God's Kingdom.

Please have a safe and happy 4th this weekend. Be careful with those firecrackers! See you around the community. Amen.