We got our Saturday started off by visiting our friends. Turner is fine as usual. Brad brought a new friend Gabriel to meet us. Robert was a no show. The macaroni camps were active. Gradually we are seeing fewer friends, as Tim begins to make his rounds during the week checking on everybody. We are telling our friends, if they need help to go see Tim at the Hope House.
The center was a bee hive of activity as usual on Saturday. Wrapping bread. Walking the neighborhood. Picking up trash. Cleaning around the center. Bible study. Inspiring to see it all happening.
With the frigid cold weather on Monday, there was no afternoon activities. We did meet on Wednesday to full house of children. Lots of good interaction going on between the adults and the children.
Tuesday evening, the men were led by Brother Benny, reading from Colossians 3: 15-17. Good discussions on how we are called by God to follow the teachings of Jesus, giving glory to God for everything we do. It is not us who do the good works, but Christ within us.
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. Hope you were able to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and how we can all strive to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.
Thursday, finally the sun came out, temperatures warmed up to the 60's for our activities. Chapel was led by our friends Derek and Heather, and their pastor at First Methodist also named Derek. Our first Thursday tradition has become the celebration of coming to the table for communion. Pastor Derek reminded us, it is an open table, open to all as you are, open to those who are broken, open to those who need healing, open to the table where we are welcomed by our King. We also had the opportunity to reflex on this special time of year, by David McCormick marking us by the ashes of the cross. Special time.
Our meal was prepared by Ms Abbie and all her workers. Grocery bags were handed out. Clothes were given away. Children's church was happening. One of our smaller crowd in a long time gathered. Those who were there, needed to be there.
Don't forget to spring forwarded Saturday night. Don't want to be late for church services on Sunday!
We will have the youth from Airline Baptist with us this Saturday. Matt and Vicki will have their hands full! Come and meet all the young people.
Next week we will have a youth group from Tyler joining us. They will be arriving Tuesday evening at Grace and then working around the center the rest of the week. Lots of opportunities for you to come by and meet them all. Special young people, who will be spending their spring break with us.
Next Saturday will be our monthly breakfast, March 15th starting at 8:30. Come and enjoy the good food and good fellowship.
Prayer concerns for all who are not feeling well. Prayers for my wife, Ginellen who will be having surgery March 21. Prayers for Momma T and her mom. Prayers for all who are living outside in this long cold winter. Prayers for our community. Prayers for jobs for our community. Prayers for new babies being born, the Hunter's new granddaughter and the McCormicks.
It is time to begin collecting Easter eggs and candy for our annual Easter egg hide. I am guessing, maybe 8 years or so, we gather at sunrise Easter morning, walking the neighborhood spreading lvoe around through the eggs we hide. One of our favorite activities of the year. Everybody is invited to come and join in on the fun. It only takes an hour or so, leaving you plenty of time to make it to your church services.
Lomax asked me what I was going to give up for Lent. I told him, have been thinking about that. Maybe brussel sprouts or asparagus, or what about watching the news on TV. I don't know, shopping for clothes might be good to do or give up exercising!
Of course, giving up something I don't do anyway would not draw me closer to God, so what is the deal?
Years ago at Grace, I was asked to led a men's Bible group. I remember asking Sione to join me, because I said to him if they hear mr brian is going to lead, no one would be there! When the time came for our first meeting, I fasted for 24 hours, no food just water. For me to give up food for an hour is good, 24 hours is impossible!
What I remember during those times when the hint of hunger arose, I asked God to help, to take away those feelings, to let me move forward in the day without eating. I can tell you it worked! What a powerful 24 hours it was for me, fighting the feeling of hunger, but knowing God was with me every step of the day.
For the next 40 days we have the same opportunity. Jesus made the ultimate price for us, so that we may have everlasting life. How can we show Him, we truly lvoe Him? What can we do to grow stronger in our relationship with Him? Do less, be more quiet, slow down, talk less, listen more, pray more?
Just giving up something is not the reason for Lent. Giving up something, but replacing it with God's lvoe is. We are too weak to do it on our own, we need Jesus. No better way to become more dependent on Him than to start doing it right now during this season.
Hope we all let go and let God in our lives during these next 38 days. Realizing, it is not about us, but about Christ within us. Amen.
See you around the center Saturday and next week. Hope your week is full of joy and blessings! God is Good!
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