Man, it seems like I was just sitting here writing this note. It can't be a week ago all of this was happening! Wow, where does the time go?
I guess the weeks go by so fast because we stay so busy around the center. Saturday was a perfect example. We had one group visiting our friends who live outdoors, we had another group helping around the center and we had a group in our garden learning about the first Thanksgiving. Great Saturday. Full of adventures, full of activities and full of life. Mr Scott said they met a record group of folks. No major problems with our guys, just living life as best they can. Brookwood Baptist again came and helped get things done around the center and the Bright House. Amazing group of people spending time with us. Then Momma T and Ms Patti held their U 2 event learning and making all sorts of stuff. Cute seeing the children running around the garden with their colorful head dresses on. Warms my heart to see such activity going on. I think God is well pleased.
Big crowd of children Monday afternoon for our homework help. After the chaos was over, there was some discussion about the direction we need to be taking with our afternoon activities. Are we at a point now of offering more assistance to those who want to learn or are we there to offer a place where the children can come and play, get a snack and feel lvoed? Krysten will lead the discussions and see what we can come up as we move into the spring semester.
With the help of some super friends, John Sauls will be taking our plans for the kitchen remodel to the city for permits so we can begin our project. John Williams has ordered the wiring and the supplies has been delivered. We are in the process of ordering a new stove to go along with the new vent hood. We plan to knock out some walls, put up some walls and make the kitchen a place where learning, dreaming and cooking will take place. Can't wait to see it all come together.
We had a great Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Chris Ledbetter delivered some table cloths and Momma T and her crew spent the afternoon decorating the tables with magnolia leaves from the garden. Each table had candles glowing. Hat brought coloring pages and adults and children had fun coloring. Just as we were about to pray, Robert, Ms Ruby's husband walked in. As we talked about last week, Ms Ruby passed, so Pete said our prayer for the food in honor of Ms Ruby. Great moment, very touching. Robert was still trying to cope with his loss and it was great to see the community come up to him and offer their sympathies to him. Another touching moment was one of our children, Shabronica, brought over a picture she drew and addressed it to Ms Ruby and gave it to Robert. Ms Lisa and Krysten brought Thanksgiving type foods and put them in a bag, so the community received two bags Thursday night. I thought the community really appreciated that gesture, because when we told them about it, they began to applause. Hat shared her blessing of being a part of Ms Abbie's crew as the community ladies come together each week and pack the grocery bags to give away.
We had a good Bible study Thursday night as Joey led us in reading Acts 21 and 22. Paul goes to Jerusalem and continues to preach the Good News. Many listen but also many began to beat him. How often do we get into trouble when we share with the church, it is great to gather, but what are you doing for the poor? Is what you are learning on Sunday evident on Monday? Thank goodness Paul had some men around him who supported his vision. We need the same. When you are taking the journey God has placed on your heart, it does not always seem to be supported by those around you. We need to be in a community where we can express our feelings and know we will not be judged but lvoed.
Prayer concerns expressed Thursday evening. Williams asked we continue to pray for him as he struggles with his desire to drink. A terrible, terrible disease. For our outdoor friends who will need warm clothing and bedding during these cold nights. For Charley's health. For our family who will be leaving Friday at 3pm for Haiti. Ms Sarah, Mr Scott, Dr Phil and John Sauls will led the team. They will return next Sunday. Pray for those who this time of year brings feelings of depression and despair.
A reminder, this Saturday will be preparing pancakes and hot coffee for breakfast. If you want to help cook, be at the kitchen at 8, if you want to eat, be there at 9!
Several months ago, I mentioned to a group of men from Airline Baptist about having a men's Bible study for the community. I told them, I thought it would be a good way to begin to build relationships in the neighborhood. A couple of weeks ago, when Airline came back to work around the center, a man came up to me and said, he had been praying about that study and he felt he would like to lead it. So, on Tuesday evening December 6, starting at 6:30, we will begin our men's study, gathering in the chapel, and see where God led us. If you know of men who might like to join us, please let them know about it.
This Thursday, Thanksgiving day, we felt it important to be at the center to have a meal, give away groceries and just be there for the community. We asked the folks Thursday how many may come and several hands came up. Most of the community will be with their families but for those who do not have family here, we will be there. Krysten will be buying items for a sack lunch and we will give it away for those who come. We will open up at our regular time of 5. If you are able to come, please join us.
As we move into this Holiday season, may we stay focused on why we gather, why we lvoe, why we do what we do. We are told our actions speak louder than words, so if we continue to walk our walk of obedience, faith and compassion, not succumbing to the bustle of greed than others will learn, it is not about us but about our baby Jesus.
Hope you all have a great weekend and a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Amen.
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