no tomorrow

Our first full week of November has come to a close. The leaves in this part of the country are beginning to change in preparation for our winter months. Beautiful driving through the countryside seeing God's canvas to perfection.

Another week of fun and adventures. We got to see all our friends Saturday morning, even Richard. Being the first of the month, he is usually gone, but said he had just been to New Jersey to help his sister through the storm damage. A man who lives in an abandon gas station, helping others, that is pretty cool. Tim took us to the two new camps, he and Matt have been visiting these past few weeks. One camp is under the bridge in down town Shreveport, with 5 or so guys living there. Dr Phil and I looked to the other side of the bridge, there was another camp. Then down the way a little ways under a railroad bridge was another camp. Not sure what God is up to, exposing us to all of this?

There are pictures up of all the activity that went on in the garden area Saturday afternoon. One group of scouts began the process of making a brick patio area. Can you dream one day sitting on the patio, visiting with friends, feeling the cool breeze in your face, heaven. Another group of scouts began the huge process of removing all the glass from the greenhouse. That part has been completed and now they are going to install plexiglass, amazing work.

The children in Shreveport had Monday and Tuesday off from school, so we had no activities going on. Wednesday, made up for it, with an entertaining game of kick ball. Fun to watch and hear all the excitement in the children's voices.

Tuesday evening, Mr Matt led us in our men's Bible fellowship. Not sure what God is up to, but God has gathered some remarkable men. It is great hearing from each man about what God is doing and has done in their lives. How their experiences can help each other with their challenges. We read Romans 2 talking about being careful not to worship our traditions and forget about God. We have to be sure our hearts are in the right place. Not on man but on God.

Thursday brought us people from everywhere. Big crowd in chapel and for supper. Unfortunately, Pastor Willie was delayed, but Noel filled in and we sang hymns while Wes played the piano. We closed in prayer and made our way into the fellowship hall for salad, vegetable lasgna and dessert. Our friends from the New Room shared with us, an overflowing blessing of food, so we shared it with our community. Krysten heated it up and made the salad, heard it was delicious!  Ms Abbie, Ms Lisa and Momma T helped with the groceries and everybody had a good time.

Following our meal, Momma T and others transformed the chapel into a book signing room. Walking into the chapel, it kind of makes you want to buy a book, whether you want to or not! Both authors joined us for the evening. Harold shared many of his thoughts and hopes about God and how we can transform the world through God's grace. We talked about using the book as our study guide in the coming weeks for Bible study on Thursday nights.

Lots going on this coming Saturday, something for everybody. Momma T and Ms Patty will be hosting their final U2 Saturday of the year in the garden starting at 10. Ms Beth and Ms Hat will have their tables set up at the Makers Fair in downtown by then. The scouts will be back to continue work on the patio and greenhouse. Our visits will be going on. Dr Phil will be having his book signing starting at noon in the chapel. Some work will going on in the center putting together book shelves and removing some damaged ceiling. So come by or go by and check it all out.

Next Wednesday, the 14th, we will have a turkey carving contest! One of our long time friends, again has blessed us with cajun fried turkeys and we will pick them up Wednesday. We need to slice them up for our meal on Thursday. We will have 6 turkeys to cut up, so all the help we can get will be appreciated. The turkeys should be there by 4:30, so come and cut up!

Next Thursday will be our Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. We try to decorate the tables a little bit, so come and help out if you can. A big crowd should be there. All the help we can get will be appreciated.

On Thanksgiving day, we will have a meal only. We will warm something up and serve it to those who come. We had around 25 or so join us last year. Will try to get a TV going, so we don't miss the football games!

Prayer concerns for our country and our leaders. That they may think about what is best for the country not each other. That they remember God in all their decisions. Prayers for William. He is struggling with life and how he fits into it all. Prayers for the children in our community. It is sad, when they get together tempers flare and fights break out. So much going on in their little lives, and most of it is not good. Prayers for Mr Scott and Ms Sarah. It was time for them to say goodbye to one of their loyal friends, Casey.

Had to leave early this morning to get my work done, so I could attend a funeral at Grace. A long time member of Grace and one of the best singers I have ever heard, left us this week. He and I worked together in the sound booth at Grace for many years. He will be missed by us all. Please keep his family and especially his children in your prayers this week.

Hope everybody has a great weekend. Enjoy your time with your family and friends. Life is too short, lvoe one another like there is no tomorrow. Amen.