fall is here

Sorry for the slow update, but still trying to get caught up. Not complaining, being with our grandson is awesome, but it does take some time to get back into our routine. We have finally gotten some much needed rain and the cooler temperatures have replaced our 100 degree days. Leaves are changing their colors in preparation for a new season. Hopefully in your home town, you are experiencing some of the same.

What a Saturday we had last week. We got started off by enjoying Momma T's world famous breakfast casserole and coffee as we welcomed the Koionia Sunday school class from Grace. Following our breakfast we took them on a tour of our center and shared our story with them. They jumped right in to repairing some wood on the building, installing new carpet in the chapel, a new light in front of the chapel, moved the ladies restroom door to another wall, painted the children's office floor, pulling some weeds around the Bright House, cleaning up some vines in the parking lot and painted the ceiling in the children's gathering area. They worked tiresly all morning long. Awesome job.

With John Sauls in charge of all the work, I was able to sneak away and make our visits with our outdoor friends. We talk about how we want to build relationships with our friends. Wanting more than just handing out goods. Well the first two stops, as we were getting out of the van, I heard from the guys, look who's here, grandpa! Let me see some pictures! Gave me big hugs! I was overwhelmed with their excitement. They who have nothing, sleeping in tents, struggling with life, acknowledging me and what God has blessed our family with in our grandson. I was humbled and over joyed by their genuine care for me.

Also going on Saturday morning, Momma T and Krysten were manning the book table at Barnes and Noble. Judy Chrisite had written another book and asked us to participate in her book signing. There were books on our table, that folks would pick up and go buy for us to put into our library. Again, overwhelmed by the generosity of people who would take their time and money and support our efforts. Judy has always been s big supporter of ours and we are grateful for her continued blessings.

I was absent from our tutoring days this week, but hear we continue to have many tutors for our children. I did spot new students from Centenary helping us out Tuesday afternoon.

Met with Mike Boggs Wednesday afternoon to discuss projects for his men's group from Airline Baptist. They will be coming Saturday, Nov 5. I had wanted to get by earlier to remind folks we had moved our meals, but did not make it. Lomax said only a handful of folks had come by for our meal. He told them to come back Thursday.

My late arrival on Thursday, I missed all the fun and activities Ms Sarah and Mr Scott had for our children at their Fall Festival. We were experiencing some rain and cooler temperatures, so they moved the games inside to various rooms. By the looks for the faces of the children, everybody had a great time. The children all had their bags full of goodies as they headed home.

I walked into the fellowship hall just as Ms Ruby was blessing our meal. I looked up and it was hard to find a seat, people were everywhere. One of the largest crowds ever. We were all surprised because of the rain and cold but they came. Lots of new faces. We will see how the Thursday meals, go but if last week is any indication, we are in for a crazy ride. Very exciting.

We did not have our chapel time due to still more work to be done. We are close and maybe looking to around Christmas time to open it up. Can't wait for that time to happen.

Following our meal, Ms Lisa had a short meeting to discuss the start of our kitchen remodel. All the monies has been sent, so now we have the tasks of spending it! John Sauls and Momma T will lead us through the process. John Williams will begin to install new wiring, some walls will be coming down and we will start to see some progress very soon. Very exciting to be thinking about one day having a kitchen were we can be training chefs to prepare gourmet meals, training waiters and waitress to serve tables and work with the public and providing a place where the community can come together and get to know each other.

After our kitchen discussions, Joey led us in our Bible study in Luke chapter 19 and part of 20. We read how people were rioting against the followers for sharing the Good News. People still get upset today, if we do not submit to their rules. Somehow if we follow the laws of Jesus, is being disruptive. Maybe it is, maybe we need to do more of it?

Prayer concerns, Hat's back problems, Dawn's life challenges, Byron trying to get a job, outdoor friends struggling with addictions and leading to bad choices and Joey and Lomax as they set out on a road trip next week.

Hope you have a great weekend and a great next week. Come by and hang out. Would lvoe to see you all. So much going on, if you don't come, you will miss all the blessings. Lvoe to all.