Today

What a remarkable week! Hope yours was as good?! God is at work in our lives, and ready to do some remarkable things! Hang on for a crazy ride!

Last Saturday as my wife and I were driving to my brother-in-law's funeral, I got to thinking about our breakfast being cooked and served at the center. Tim and Dawn were in charge of it all, cooking, serving and cleaning up. How remarkable that it all was happening. Tim, not too long ago, was living under a bridge. Tim turned his life over to Christ and is now, holding down a job, on our Board, living in house with some of our family, has his own set of keys to the center, our outdoor friends leader, helps with tutoring, a mentor to some of our young people, a leader in our men's Bible fellowship, always wanting to help others. What a testament to living a life for Christ! Dawn, originally from Australia, finding her way to us through her obedience to God. Stepping out in faith as she becomes a member of our neighborhood. Wanting to share her lvoe of Christ with others, lighting the way for us as we visit our outdoor friends. Our community is truly blessed by the two of them and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill their lives with lvoe.

Scott, Matt, Dawn and Tim had company on their visits Saturday morning. Pastor Roger and Pastor Betsy from Grace brought a guest pastor from Africa, Pastor Mande to meet our outdoor friends. The visits made an impression in them all.

The camps were doing much better this week. Some work is happening for the guys, which keeps them busy. No drama this week.

Tutoring is still going strong on Monday and Wednesdays. Ms Lauren is leading our Centenary students and running a tight ship as the neighborhood children come and learn. Great to see each room being used, learning going on, and relationships being formed.

Tuesday afternoon and evening, many of us got to be a part of a book signing by our friend Judy Chrisitie. Judy is a becoming a legend in all the books she is publishing and we get to ride along her coat tails! She graciously allows us to receive a percentage of all the book sales taken place for the week. Ms Lisa reported, we had received around $500 so far.

Matt led our men's Bible fellowship Tuesday evening, reading from Hebrews 11 talking about faith. Not sure the chapel is large enough as more and more men are showing up each week. It is great to see so many men, both young and old, wanting to hear the Good News and how it might work in the their lives. We read about faith and how it is so important to God. Verse 6 says, without faith no one can please God. Do we live our lives in faith in God or ourselves?

Wednesday afternoon, we walked the streets around the center and handed out flyers for National Night out next Tuesday, October 1st, from 5 - 6:30. Ms Abbie went to the houses at the end of our block, to get signatures so we can block off our street. One of the neighborhood ladies walked with us and visited with our neighbors encouraging them to come. We will be cooking some hot dogs, asking our neighbors to bring side dishes. Looking forward to meeting them all.

Another packed house Thursday evening. Sarah and Scott were out of town, but God knew that, so God sent the youth from Cyperss Baptist and Ms Sara from Christ Methodist to us and they handled children's church! That was awesome. We were treated to song and fellowship by the youth pastor of Cypress, Pastor Greg. Then we all enjoyed the food brought by Cypress Baptist for our meal. Another big crowd, lots of new faces and good times.

Prayers for those of us having to deal with the health of our parents. Hard to see our love ones struggling with illness. Prayers for our Board on Saturday as we share what God is leading us to do in our neighborhood. If you have something God has been telling you, that you would like to see happen, please send an email to Ms Lisa, today.

In one of my phone calls from my sister last week, she was talking about her husband, her best friend, her lover for over 67 years. They met when she was a teenager, got married at an early age, had two sons, having been together for 67 years. Working together for the last 47 years in a family business, depending on each other for strength and guidance. It is hard to say goodbye. Glenda, said to me at some point, I wish we had stopped working together and retired. There were things we wanted to do, but now we don't have that chance.

I have been thinking about that statement, things we wanted to do but never did. Was reading in the Bible, not sure where, talking about a young man accumulating all his stuff, excited about his wealth, and God saying, he will never get to use it, I am going to take him home. 

My brother-in-law was busy in his garage working on his motorcycles, for a ride they were going to take, and went to bed that night, never having the chance to ride again. The Pastor at his funeral, said he talked with Jackie each week, about life, about their struggles. The Pastor said, he told Jackie he might like to get on a motorcycle again, putting off that ride with Jackie, and now it is too late.

I know we say, we are not promised tomorrow, but does our lives reflect that? Do we tell the ones we see everyday how important they are too us? Do we tell those, who lvoe us the most, how much we lvoe them? Do we tell our children, how much we lvoe them? Can't tell you how many times I have heard, can't wait until I retire, so I can do this or that! What if, like my brother-in-law, that day never comes?

God's Kingdom needs you today, not tomorrow. The children need a friend today, not next week when you find time. Our neighborhood is falling down around us and needs your heart today, not when it is convenient. A hug is needed today, not tomorrow after soccer practice. A kind word of encouragement is wanted on Friday, not on Sunday when no body is around. We talked about at the funeral, we only see our family at funerals or weddings! Why is that?  Is it because we are too busy? Busy at what? Building up God's Kingdom or ours?

We hear it everyday, don't put off tomorrow what you can do today. In our hearts we say ok, but our minds says, don't worry about it, you will have another day. Jackie and Glenda will tell you, no you don't. Live your life for God everyday. Bring glory to Him at every moment. You will be blessed. Our community will be blessed. God will be pleased! Amen.

Have a great week. Enjoy God's blessing all around you. Lvoe today!

Actions and Words!

Has someone been praying for rain in this part of the world!? Well it has worked! We have been hot and dry for many weeks, grass is brown, the plants are wilted, but God provides just at the right moment! Cooler temperatures and welcomed rain is on tap for the weekend, yeaaa!

Hard to describe our visits on Saturday. We were at our low points and then we get to the mountaintop, what a ride! Turner is doing fine. There is a new person close to his camp, we did not wake him, but will check on him this week. We asked Turner to watch over him and he said he would, isn't that cool! We get to our next camp and the beer has been flowing steady already, 10am in the morning! Hard to see. We then get to our third camp, and more of the same. So sad to see men waste their lives away on alcohol, when God has so much for them to do. Matt and Tim had just left after wishing Travis a happy birthday. Robert was able to stand for a moment, saying our circling prayer, asking for deliverance from our faults. I was thinking, looking at a huge church on the hill, how many folks sitting in the pews, would listen a man who was stumbling with his words trying to talk to God! I guess, no better time to do so?!

I will admit, it was hard to see the guys that morning. Wondering if we are doing any good by coming by? Wondering if we are disappointing God by seeing these addictions continue? When does it end? 

Then we arrive at Smokey's apartment. Smokey opens the door with a big smile and tells us to sit down. We notice a table in the middle of the room, he opens his stove and pulls a plate of warm fried chicken and sets it on the table. He opens the refrigerator and brings out potato salad, cokes and cookies. In the freezer he has ice cream! What a celebration! Remember Smokey has no car, rides the bus when he can, but mostly walks. I asked Smokey how did you get all of this food here. He said, he walked and then stopped along the way under the shade to rest for a few minutes. The grocery store is a good mile or so from his apartment. Isn't that awesome!

Smokey begins to talk, with a look I have not seen in him before. One of joy, peace, compassion. Smokey talks about his life, his struggles and then a renewed joy in his relationship with God. How everything in his life, now is focused on God and what God wants him to do. Smokey's struggles with the establishments seems to have come a close. His disability, his apartment, his social security problems have all been resolved and he was thanking God for it all. 

Then Smokey says, he has been praying, asking God how can he give back. Smokey tells us, last year at our Christmas dinner, with Santa Claus greeting the children, Matt and Ms Vickie sitting on Santa's lap, the dinner, the gifts, it all made a huge impression on him. Smokey says I have been praying for a year, asking God what can I do. Smokey goes on to say, how much he appreciates all of us, who week after week checked on him at his camp. How we continue to come by and visit with him, take him to Bible study and Thursday meals. Then Smokey opens up his wallet and give us a several hundred dollar donation! He said, he wants the children to have a special Christmas this year! His way of saying thank you to all of us.

Folks, I can tell you I was speechless. From seeing the depths of despair earlier in the morning, to seeing a man so full of life and God, it was breath taking! Dr Phil, Mr Scott and I talked about, you never know how your actions or words affect people. So we need to be all mindful, the Spirit needs to be flowing in and through us all the time. A true blessing to be a part of.

Our tutoring afternoons are going great. Monday and Wednesdays you can walk into the center and not hear a sound other than spelling, math or reading going on. Ms Lauren and all the college students are doing a great job. Ms Lisa is there to watch over everything but she has been doing more helping with homework than policing, it is great!

Tuesday night was another huge gathering of men for Bible fellowship. The circle is almost full, so the rows of chairs  are being used. Men - young and old, neighborhood and homeless, gather to talk about God. As the reading was talking about the Body of Christ, you could sense a family of men beginning to develop. White, black, rich, poor, young, old, something special is happening and God is at work in His Body.

Wednesday evening, the guys from the Bright House hosted our family gathering. Good food, good conversations and good times! We talked about relationships. How some are hard between boss and employee, between husband and wife and friend to friend. One underlying theme seem to be if we take the approach Jesus takes with us, His loving nature then things can work out.

Thursday was again full of activities. Ms Abbie led our community choir in song, Pastor Eddie shared the Word. Ms Abbey and Ms Ardis getting the meal ready, Ms Lisa preparing the grocery lists, Momma T  leading the young girls Bible study, Tim, Matt, Ms Vickie visiting with everybody, St Luke's Medical van full of folks getting tested, amazing night, with over 150 folks being served. What a blessing to seeing it all happen.

Prayers for William. He continues to try and continues to stumble. Smokey waiting for his eye surgery. Sonatra. Sonatra is out and beginning a new life. Joey is working out a schedule of activities for Sonatra. After talking with Sonatra to see if he is willing to move forward in his recovery, then Joey will send out a schedule for us to plug into to help Sonatra along the way. Cari and Pete Bollinger. Cari is taking another stronger round of chemo therapy. Ms Dorothy is going through radiation treatments to see if the doctors can reduce the size of a tumor. Henry as he celebrates a month in his new school in MInden. Dr Phil as he travels to Oklahoma today for a week of wilderness living. Dr Phil is joining his daughter as her Jewish community will be living out in the wilderness, celebrating the journey their ancestors took many, many years ago. Prayers for my sister as she struggles with loosing her husband Wednesday morning. We will be traveling Saturday to Lake Charles for the funeral. Prayers for families struggling with health issues and the aging of our parents. For many years our parents take care of us, now as they grow older we are called upon to take care of them.

Don't forget, this Saturday breakfast will be served, cooked by Tim. Momma T and mr brian will be gone, so Tim will be working his magic alone. If you would like to help him, the cooking will be starting at 7:30, with breakfast being served at 8:30. Tim has surprises to go along with our biscuits and eggs. Come and enjoy the good food and conversations.

Tuesday evening, September 24 at Barnes and Noble, our friend Judy Christie will be holding a book signing. Common Ground will be the recepient of books bought for us at that time. For those of you out of town and would like to help out, Ms Lisa will send a reminder and coupon number to use on line.

Then the following Tuesday, October 1, we will host a block party on National Night Out. It will be a good way for us to meet our neighbors. More information will be coming next week, but put it on your calendars to come and hang out with our community.

Lots of exciting things going on in and around the center and neighborhood. Due to all of you allowing God to work through you . As we talked about Tuesday evening, we all need to come and be a part of God's work, because God gave us all different gifts and talents. If you don't come, we will not be blessed. Everybody is important from the head to the toe! Amen

Have a wet, cool weekend! Have a great week with all the blessings God will provide!

Community

With taking a few days off last week, it seems it has been forever since I have written. Thanks to Joey and Lomax and others who contributed to our story last week. It is so reassuring knowing, in your absence, life goes on and you have community to help make things happen. A blessing.

Mr Scott reported on Saturday's visits, some drama in the camps and new friends to share it with. We had a couple of new friends from Grace wanting to visit our friends, so they got to see life. Many years ago, when it seemed every Saturday we were faced with some form of drama in the camps, one of our friends made the comment where there is drugs and alcohol, you will have drama. Another reason, for prayers to rid the dependency of this terrible addiction.

We were contacted a month or so ago, by a young man living in Houston, wanting to visit our community. Well he has arrived and spending time with Lomax and Joey. Ricky has stepped in and quickly become a new member of our family. If you are around, be sure to welcome him and get to know him.

When I got to the center Monday afternoon, Ms Lisa and her crew of Centenary students were preparing the children's area for after school activities. What a blessing to have these young people willing to step up and share their lvoe with our children. Lauren and Princess, our summer interns have returned, along with a new student, Parrish, along with Joey and Lomax, we have a great group of young people.

Don't know how many of you are keeping up with our Gus, but the Lord is blessing him with many, many gifts. Gus has written a book, The Truth about Walls and Bridges. You can find the book at his blog:

http://friendshipcommunitylongview.blogspot.com/2013/08/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_27.html. Another exciting thing, is your donation to purchase the book goes to restoring his Community House! Gus and his community have purchased two houses and are in the process of restoring one of them so they can share God's gift with others. Very exciting, thinking how all of you touched Gus with your lvoe and now Gus is doing the same in Longview.

Tuesday evening continues to bless our men of the community, with the reading of the Word and the sharing of their hearts. The group of men this evening had all ages of men, from one of our young neighborhood children, a Byrd student, to a grandparent bringing his little grand child. Matt read from 2 Chronicles, talking about God telling the people to go to battle, but not to worry, because your battles are mine. How often do we go into our battles and not let God into our lives until we mess it up so bad, the only thing left is to turn to God. We must turn to God first, we must let go and let God in our lives, for nothing is too small or too great, that God can't handle it.

Wednesday afternoon was our first day of tutoring. Walking into the children's area, was great to see every table full of our children being helped by all our friends. Different rooms being used to help with homework. Spelling going on. Math problems being solved. Ms Lauren is our leader and has taken on the task of putting up goals for our children. Great to see such enthusiasm being displayed and lvoe all around.

Thursday afternoon, not sure how to describe all that is going on. From washing of laundry, to the music and preaching in chapel, to helping little ones in the children's gathering area, preparing 80 grocery bags, young ladies Bible study going on, preparing a meal, serving and cleaning up our meal, checking out our clothing room, the handing out of grocery bags, what an evening of fun and joy. 

Thanks to all for making it happen. Pastor Jackson and Wes in chapel, Sarah and Scott and their young students helping with the little ones, Momma T, Ms Abbie, Ms Lisa and BJ in the grocery, clothing area, Ardis, Tim in the kitchen, dining area, Ms Vicky and the Airline Baptist folks, Beth and John and the Digging Deeper class. Wow! God continues to bless us with special people who are willing to share God's lvoe with others.

Prayers needed for Ms Dorothy. We don't have the complete story, but she is not doing well. Fell, hurting her shoulder and then found out some more bad news about her health. When we find out more, we will report her situation. William as he continues to struggle. Prayers for Smokey. Smokey had to go to the hospital with appendicitis. He had the operation to remove it, but now is suffering from the toxic elements that got into his blood stream. He is home and taking medications for it. Prayers for our direction in the community.

The thing, that comes to mind as I sat down for supper Thursday night, is how everything is running along. After chapel, I went in through the grocery room, there Ms Lisa was checking off the names, saying hi to the children. Ms Abbie handing out announcements, Travis and Rickie helping with the bags, walking through the clothing room, BJ keeping things organized, people going through the clothes. Then walking into the fellowship hall. Folks serving I have never seen before, people both visitors and community cleaning the tables, stacking the chairs. The dishes getting washed by some of our outdoor friends, Ms Sarah having her small group session in the children's area. 

Just amazing to see it all happening before my eyes. From a time not too long ago, when there were 3 of us maybe 5 on a good night, to now, folks showing up we don't know their names! Don't remember in the beginning being able to sit down and eat, to where I walk in now, get a plate and sit and visit. Isn't that what it is all about? Having the courage, the faith to let others come and share their gifts with our community. Learning my ways may not have been the best, allowing others to say, what about doing it this way.

Community is about learning from each other. Community is about letting go of our ways and letting God lead us. Community is about being there for support as new ways and new ideas are tried. Community is about listening. Community is about lvoing. Community is about all of you. Amen and amen!

Have a great weekend, have a blessed week. God is sooo good!!