Baby it was cold, really cold Saturday morning, but Scott and the family of servants led the way around to the camps. Some folks went indoors at some friends house, others braved the weather. Robert stood up in his tent, to think either I am growing or my tent is shrinking! All the snow was pushing down on his roof! Not sure how Hat does it, but she found our missing Brad. He is at the same place William is at. Jerry had another episode Sunday evening. Joey called Alan and Alan being the kind hearted soul he is, braved the cold and rain to pick him up and took Jerry to the emergency room. Jerry stayed over night and is back at the camp.
I shared some stories about Common Ground, Willie preached about the grace of God to the men's breakfast group at Brookwood Baptist Saturday morning. Always good to tell others what ya'll are doing.
Sunday evening, we hosted our first and hopefully more to come, class of Grace members learning about discipleship. Our long time friend Pete and our new friend, Pastor Juan came up with the idea of a way of bridging the gap between to the neighborhoods. They met for an hour and half and then was given a tour of the center. This is only the beginning of new relationships being formed.
Again, I want to apologize for missing this week's activities. Not sure who I made mad, but I was again summoned to federal court as a potential juror. I was summoned in January and here I was back again! Don't mind being summoned but sure messes up your schedule. This case was going to last two weeks, so I held up my hand and cried like a baby to get out! Must have worked, by 5:30 they finally made their jury selections and I was not one of the them!
Tuesday evening, I missed our men's Bible fellowship to attend a committee I have been asked to be a part of. Messed up my whole week missing our men's fellowship! The committee will not only effect Grace Community but also Common Ground. Exciting to talk about a new relationship between the two.
Monday and Wednesday we continue to meet with our children. Our loyal servants continue to be present for our children as they learn to read. They are changing lives.
Our first Thursday chapel group of Heather and Derek was not able to be with us due to the baby being sick, so Brother George and Brother Spencer filled in at the last moment. God is so good at providing men of God for us to use their gifts. A delicious meal was served, clothes were given away, bags of groceries were handed out. A good evening.
Our longtime friend, John Williams brought a friend with him to help work on the Bright House electrical issues Thursday evening. They stopped their work, long enough to enjoy the meal. John's friend Jim liked it so much, he wants his life group to come and help out! God is good.
Prayers for Brad and William as they go through their recoveries. Prayers for our friends living outside who are struggling through this cold weather. Prayers for Liam, young son of Heather and Derek. Prayers for those of our community who are traveling. Prayers for God's direction in our communities, that we may follow as the doors become open. Prayers for Joey and his community. Won't be long Joey will be back with us!!
I am going to whine! Forgive me, but it has been on my mind for several weeks now. We talk about our trials at our men's Bible study on Monday night. The one common place where we all seem to struggle, to be the men of God we are suppose to be, is when we are driving! I have been asking God, why? What are you trying to show me? I have attended more meetings, read more books, listened to more speakers, than I have in many years, why?
At dusk, just before you turn on your headlights to see, is a time that frustrates me. The headlights of your car should be on, not for you but for others. When you are waiting to come onto the road, your turn signal should be on, not for you but for others. When the traffic light turns yellow, it is not meant to speed up but to stop so that others can come across. As we have seen in last few years, texting can be dangerous, to you as well as others. Both Juan and I experienced drivers, videoing the snow while driving! I will say, I was not very Christ like as I trying to stay on the road following them!
What is God up to? What is He trying to share with us? One conclusion I have come to, is our society has become very selfish. What's in it for me, not being concerned for others. When we ask for help, I hear, what's in it for me?
The church, our community, our society is at a crossroads. We can go about our business like we have for the last century, caring for ourselves avoiding dealing with others, doing business as usual, give up and shut the doors. Or we have the exciting possibility of changing lives. I hear God telling us, it won't be easy. We will meet lots of opposition along the way. We will be chastised for making changes.
But I hear God saying, If you hang in there, if you lvoe Me, if you are obedient, if you are faithful, it will all be worth it! We will have the opportunity to experience God's Kingdom in ways we have not thought of! Our lives, the lives of others will be changed, so others will experience the lvoe of Jesus. How exciting to be a part of a community where that change is beginning to take place. Won't you join us? Amen.
Help me to be a better driver this week! Hope your week is full of joy and blessings! God is good . . . all the time!
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