Day Eight: Saturday, April 11, 2009
Heading Back Home
After a blessed week we are all heading back today. Gary and Peggy and Jeremy and Erin left at 5:30 to drive to Houston to fly out of Bush International.
It's nearly 8 a.m. and the rest of the group is beginning to gather for a continental breakfast before we pull out.
We left about 9:30. But before we did we gathered for one more blessed time of prayear together.
Gator Park
We we came in we had seen the signs for Gator World near Beaumont, Texas so Renee thought that if we were able to leave early enough we would try to stop there on the way back to the airport. We found it but by the time we sax the place we were by the off ramp.
Houston Hobby.
Back Home by 8.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Day Seven: Friday, April 10, 2009
Day Seven: Friday, April 10, 2009
The Final Day of Work
Stuart, Bob, Wes and I all met out in the dining area for our usual morning coffee and prebriefing.
Titus-Part Four
Gary led us in the final study on Titus.
8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Because we have trusted in God we are take great care that we devote ourselves to doing that which is good.
Corn Dogs?
The question on every one's lips at breakfast was "Corn dogs?" Except they weren't corn dogs but a breakfast treat know as sausage dogs. A sausage link dipped in corn dog batter. I was so fascinated by that I can't even remember what else we had except bacon!
Last Day at the Gator House
We made some last minute switches and we put together the first sheet rock team lead by Jeremy. They were going to do Cissy the cook's house. The second sheet rock team (Chuck, Mike, me, Jeremy Petersen, Joel, Michael, Cindy, and Rose went back to the Gator House to finish up all the left over sheet rocking. We also took Bob Easter and Wes Baker back.
We started out poorly as I didn't realize that you weren't supposed to sheet rock on the inside of the door frames if you were putting a door there. So we put up a whole bunch until Stuart came and told us we needed to take them down. We had a bit of a hard time hitting our stride but we wound up finishing all the dining and kitchen area and the entry way as well as all the closet and door finish work.
Finishing the hallway.
Tricia fixed a delicious Texas Taco Soup for lunch. Full of beans and hamburger, spicy and poured of taco chips, it really was amazing. Not sure the beans may have been such a great idea.
Tricia bought us a cake too.
Rose and Cindy were our insulation team.
At the end of the day Tricia had us all sign a panel in the closet as a memorial to our week with them and the work we did on their home.
Julia and Zoe in their room. They put in most of the sheetrock screws here the day before.
Alyssa hard at work on cleanup
Zoe and "father."
Top Rockers at Sissy's
At the last minute we decided it was necessary to send the top sheet rocking team to the cook's house. This was at the special request of David Wagner the church business manager. Jeremy, KC, Emily, Walter, Cody, Sara, Jessica all went there to do a top notch job. Matching factory seem to factory seem and all. When I thought I might be leading the team there, I actually was getting a bit anxious so I was actually quite relieved to have Jeremy and his team go.
Painting at Amber's
A covey of girls finished up the painting at Amber's house. This group was lead by Renee and included Meagan, Ophelia, Erin, Hannah, Zoe and Julia.
Tiling at Winnie's
Gary and Peggy finished up tiling the living room and bathroom floors at Winnie's house. Gary Frey and our van drove by to check it out and see if his missing drill was there.
Final Goodbyes with Robert and Tricia at the Gator House
We finished up at about 3 and began saying our good byes to Robert and Tricia.
Man Fun
When we were at Al-T's somebody bought a bottle of pickled quail eggs and Jeremy brought them out for a man eating ceremony to reconfirm their manhood.
Lasagne Dinner
We had lasagne, corn, carrots, bread and an incredible assortment of Blue Bell Ice Cream. After dinner we sang for Emily Peterson and her birthday and then for Stuart and his 50th which is on Monday. Robert drove over and joined us even though Tricia had stayed home to sleep. What a joy it was to get to know them. May God continue to speak to his heart and draw him yo himself.
Good Bye Truck
We circled around Stuart's truck to pray before KC, Rose, Jessica, and Bob took off for their 2000 mile driving journey back to Sacramento.
Sharing Service
We went back up to the junior high room at 8:30 for our debriefing and had a blessed, joyous time together. Pretty much everyone shared their heart about what God had done this week. So much has happened that only God could have orchestrated. And clearly we are all changed people.
Louisiana Mosquitos, Not Gators Eat Us
We promised the kids to take them over to that small lake we had been to just inside Louisiana. We nearly filled the two vans and got there in the pitch dark. No gators to be seen, but you could not imagine the number of mosquitos that attacked us. I had to go back to the van there were so many. I bet I had ten on my legs when I got back into the light.
The Final Day of Work
Stuart, Bob, Wes and I all met out in the dining area for our usual morning coffee and prebriefing.
Titus-Part Four
Gary led us in the final study on Titus.
8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Because we have trusted in God we are take great care that we devote ourselves to doing that which is good.
Corn Dogs?
The question on every one's lips at breakfast was "Corn dogs?" Except they weren't corn dogs but a breakfast treat know as sausage dogs. A sausage link dipped in corn dog batter. I was so fascinated by that I can't even remember what else we had except bacon!
Last Day at the Gator House
We made some last minute switches and we put together the first sheet rock team lead by Jeremy. They were going to do Cissy the cook's house. The second sheet rock team (Chuck, Mike, me, Jeremy Petersen, Joel, Michael, Cindy, and Rose went back to the Gator House to finish up all the left over sheet rocking. We also took Bob Easter and Wes Baker back.
We started out poorly as I didn't realize that you weren't supposed to sheet rock on the inside of the door frames if you were putting a door there. So we put up a whole bunch until Stuart came and told us we needed to take them down. We had a bit of a hard time hitting our stride but we wound up finishing all the dining and kitchen area and the entry way as well as all the closet and door finish work.
Finishing the hallway.
Tricia fixed a delicious Texas Taco Soup for lunch. Full of beans and hamburger, spicy and poured of taco chips, it really was amazing. Not sure the beans may have been such a great idea.
Tricia bought us a cake too.
Rose and Cindy were our insulation team.
At the end of the day Tricia had us all sign a panel in the closet as a memorial to our week with them and the work we did on their home.
Julia and Zoe in their room. They put in most of the sheetrock screws here the day before.
Alyssa hard at work on cleanup
Zoe and "father."
Top Rockers at Sissy's
At the last minute we decided it was necessary to send the top sheet rocking team to the cook's house. This was at the special request of David Wagner the church business manager. Jeremy, KC, Emily, Walter, Cody, Sara, Jessica all went there to do a top notch job. Matching factory seem to factory seem and all. When I thought I might be leading the team there, I actually was getting a bit anxious so I was actually quite relieved to have Jeremy and his team go.
Painting at Amber's
A covey of girls finished up the painting at Amber's house. This group was lead by Renee and included Meagan, Ophelia, Erin, Hannah, Zoe and Julia.
Tiling at Winnie's
Gary and Peggy finished up tiling the living room and bathroom floors at Winnie's house. Gary Frey and our van drove by to check it out and see if his missing drill was there.
Final Goodbyes with Robert and Tricia at the Gator House
We finished up at about 3 and began saying our good byes to Robert and Tricia.
Man Fun
When we were at Al-T's somebody bought a bottle of pickled quail eggs and Jeremy brought them out for a man eating ceremony to reconfirm their manhood.
Lasagne Dinner
We had lasagne, corn, carrots, bread and an incredible assortment of Blue Bell Ice Cream. After dinner we sang for Emily Peterson and her birthday and then for Stuart and his 50th which is on Monday. Robert drove over and joined us even though Tricia had stayed home to sleep. What a joy it was to get to know them. May God continue to speak to his heart and draw him yo himself.
Good Bye Truck
We circled around Stuart's truck to pray before KC, Rose, Jessica, and Bob took off for their 2000 mile driving journey back to Sacramento.
Sharing Service
We went back up to the junior high room at 8:30 for our debriefing and had a blessed, joyous time together. Pretty much everyone shared their heart about what God had done this week. So much has happened that only God could have orchestrated. And clearly we are all changed people.
Louisiana Mosquitos, Not Gators Eat Us
We promised the kids to take them over to that small lake we had been to just inside Louisiana. We nearly filled the two vans and got there in the pitch dark. No gators to be seen, but you could not imagine the number of mosquitos that attacked us. I had to go back to the van there were so many. I bet I had ten on my legs when I got back into the light.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day Six: Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day Six: Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Arcade group left at 4:30 this morning to head home. They had changed their plans from serving in Mexico to Texas and by coming on Thursday they could save a whole bunch so they came on Thursday last and left today. Apparently our boys set up a stereo by their door and played the opening song from the Lion King to wake them up.
Looks like it could rain today.
We had to meet in in dining area since there were no chairs in the junior high room. What a blessing to sing "Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings." The singing was the best of the week so far. "Refiner's Fire" was also great. We are "ready to do His will."
Study in Titus-part four
Savior apart from Behavior
Chapter three verses 4-8.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Verses 1-3 talk of how we were: foolish, disobedient, slaves.
But the kindness and love of God appeared and he saved us. Not because of ANYTHING we have done. We have been saved by faith until the end of time. No way could we every lose our salvation.
Salvation is repeated four times in these verses. He saves through the washing of rebirth, renewal. You are clean. You are a new creation. Through the holy spirit. Solely by his grace. So that we might become heirs with a hope of eternal life.
You an heir, go share.
Day Four of Work
After Bible study we had more bacon for breakfast. Then we did the usual dance of who is going where in what van. My sheet rock team and the electrical team was going back to the Gator House and a bunch were going to the Painting House. This house is owned by Amber and her husband and was one of the places that Stu and Renee went to last fall. We dropped Renee there on our way to the Gator house. Gary and Peggy were also doing tile at Winnie's House.
Rocking it at the Gator House
Julia and Zoe as promised.
Mike Ross-Super Rocker
Ben Gladstone and Gary Frey soldering a broken copper hot water line. This leak was what had turned the under the house area into a swamp and hence the name "Gator House."
The electrical team taking their lunch break.
The boys enjoy a meal together.
Thanks Community Church for the great lunch!
The electrical team at work in one of the bathrooms.
Casey digging deep.
Bob and the pastor of Community Church who works in one of the houses every Thursday and in case I have not said it he is Lisa's father.
Mike getting to work with the Skill saw. Casey is coaching again.
The Sheet Rock team was amazing today. We finished all the bedrooms and closets and the entry way. "We will, we will…ROCK you." The team to the best of my recollection was made up of Jeremy Gayton, Chuck Arnold, Mike Ross, Walter Peterson, Cody Noland, Zoe and Julia for awhile, Jessica Nemy, and later we were joined by Joel Frey. And of course, me. I guess we did so well that they are going to split us into two groups and send one to our cook's house to do some sheetrocking for here. I think that means that they were blessed by our work.
The Electricity Boys (Bill Hudson, Bob Easter, Wes Barker) also were amazing. They just about got the full house rewired.
Over at Amber's House Renee, Sara, Zoe, Julia, Ophelia, Cindy, Rose, Matthew, KC, Erin, Emily worked all day. They painted and a bunch of them completely cleaned their yard.
Gary and Peggy and Jeremy Petersen laid a tile floor at Winnie's. Gary Frey and Ben were also there and put in a hot water heater among other jobs.
Barbeque Brisket for Supper
Tonight we had barbeque brisket for dinner that was unbelievable and were we all ever hungry. the hot peach cobbler wasn't bad either
Tired? No, Let's Go to the Park After Dinner. Orange Lions City Park
As we were driving to work everyday the kids saw a playground structure they called the castle. So after dinner we took them over there to play.
Debriefing and Communion Service.
After we got back we had a blessed debriefing session at 8:30. The kids shared about how much Amber's husband was blessed when he saw what all the kids had done to clean up the back yard. Zoe also led the girls in their Fruit of the Spirit song. And I led our group in a chorus of "We hang, we hang…sheet rock."
KC had gone out with Robert to a local fireman training and throughout the time they had together God gave him great opportunity to share Christ with him. May the Lord continue to work in his heart.
Jeremy lead us in a blessed time of communion. He shared with us some of what he had learned from a study on communion he had done before he married Erin. He and Matt Bragonier served us all. The spirit was definitely moving among us.
The Arcade group left at 4:30 this morning to head home. They had changed their plans from serving in Mexico to Texas and by coming on Thursday they could save a whole bunch so they came on Thursday last and left today. Apparently our boys set up a stereo by their door and played the opening song from the Lion King to wake them up.
Looks like it could rain today.
We had to meet in in dining area since there were no chairs in the junior high room. What a blessing to sing "Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings." The singing was the best of the week so far. "Refiner's Fire" was also great. We are "ready to do His will."
Study in Titus-part four
Savior apart from Behavior
Chapter three verses 4-8.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Verses 1-3 talk of how we were: foolish, disobedient, slaves.
But the kindness and love of God appeared and he saved us. Not because of ANYTHING we have done. We have been saved by faith until the end of time. No way could we every lose our salvation.
Salvation is repeated four times in these verses. He saves through the washing of rebirth, renewal. You are clean. You are a new creation. Through the holy spirit. Solely by his grace. So that we might become heirs with a hope of eternal life.
You an heir, go share.
Day Four of Work
After Bible study we had more bacon for breakfast. Then we did the usual dance of who is going where in what van. My sheet rock team and the electrical team was going back to the Gator House and a bunch were going to the Painting House. This house is owned by Amber and her husband and was one of the places that Stu and Renee went to last fall. We dropped Renee there on our way to the Gator house. Gary and Peggy were also doing tile at Winnie's House.
Rocking it at the Gator House
Julia and Zoe as promised.
Mike Ross-Super Rocker
Ben Gladstone and Gary Frey soldering a broken copper hot water line. This leak was what had turned the under the house area into a swamp and hence the name "Gator House."
The electrical team taking their lunch break.
The boys enjoy a meal together.
Thanks Community Church for the great lunch!
The electrical team at work in one of the bathrooms.
Casey digging deep.
Bob and the pastor of Community Church who works in one of the houses every Thursday and in case I have not said it he is Lisa's father.
Mike getting to work with the Skill saw. Casey is coaching again.
The Sheet Rock team was amazing today. We finished all the bedrooms and closets and the entry way. "We will, we will…ROCK you." The team to the best of my recollection was made up of Jeremy Gayton, Chuck Arnold, Mike Ross, Walter Peterson, Cody Noland, Zoe and Julia for awhile, Jessica Nemy, and later we were joined by Joel Frey. And of course, me. I guess we did so well that they are going to split us into two groups and send one to our cook's house to do some sheetrocking for here. I think that means that they were blessed by our work.
The Electricity Boys (Bill Hudson, Bob Easter, Wes Barker) also were amazing. They just about got the full house rewired.
Over at Amber's House Renee, Sara, Zoe, Julia, Ophelia, Cindy, Rose, Matthew, KC, Erin, Emily worked all day. They painted and a bunch of them completely cleaned their yard.
Gary and Peggy and Jeremy Petersen laid a tile floor at Winnie's. Gary Frey and Ben were also there and put in a hot water heater among other jobs.
Barbeque Brisket for Supper
Tonight we had barbeque brisket for dinner that was unbelievable and were we all ever hungry. the hot peach cobbler wasn't bad either
Tired? No, Let's Go to the Park After Dinner. Orange Lions City Park
As we were driving to work everyday the kids saw a playground structure they called the castle. So after dinner we took them over there to play.
Debriefing and Communion Service.
After we got back we had a blessed debriefing session at 8:30. The kids shared about how much Amber's husband was blessed when he saw what all the kids had done to clean up the back yard. Zoe also led the girls in their Fruit of the Spirit song. And I led our group in a chorus of "We hang, we hang…sheet rock."
KC had gone out with Robert to a local fireman training and throughout the time they had together God gave him great opportunity to share Christ with him. May the Lord continue to work in his heart.
Jeremy lead us in a blessed time of communion. He shared with us some of what he had learned from a study on communion he had done before he married Erin. He and Matt Bragonier served us all. The spirit was definitely moving among us.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day Five: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day Five: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
As the day began it had to be about 20 degrees warmer than it was in the morning yesterday. Almost didn't need a coat or sweatshirt.
Titus Devotions-part three
Gary led us again at 7 a.m. and the team was visibly tired. We prayed for a couple of us who were feeling the effects of working in all the dust and had sore throats.
Peggy and Walter lead us in worship from the back.
Verse 11-14
First half about teaching was on the teaching ministry of grace. What not to do and what we ought to do.
Paul describes the blessed hope. Eternal life IN Jesus Christ. The appearance of out Lord Jesus. In this we rejoice Our faith is built in a relationship. We are preparing for an eternal relationship with Jesus.
Second half of the passage is about transforming.
What is supposed to happen between his two appearances? He gave himself to redeem us. God himself is being traded. To redeem us from all wickedness. We are no longer slaves to sin.
We are freed from the penalty of sin. He then gives us the righteousness of Christ. Cleansed and purified. To purify us as a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Eager to do what is good.
May we all be zealous for good works today.
Off to work we go.
A bunch of the girls went to paint at a house we had not been at before. Gary and Matthew went back to do plumbing and assorted other tasks at the crack house. The sheet rock team went back to the sheet rock house to finish up.
The sheet rock house.
Finishing up the last little bit
Gary checking his phone!
Jeremy and his crew.
It is finished.
Every one else was at the Gator house working there. After we finish with the sheet rock at the first place we will move over there.
Deciding what's next at the Gator house after the sheet rocking crew got there at lunch time.
Barbeque at the Gator House
When we got to the Gator House we found out the the owners Robert and Tricia were going to barbeque us all hamburgers. What a great way for them to thank us. Casey prayed and then asked Gary and I to pray too. We were blessed. Eventually most of the group who were painting came over too.
Two old dudes.
Rocking the Gator House
Our three teams started rocking the Gator House. One was lead by Jeremy, the other by Brennan and then there was Chuck's group with me and Mike.
Zoe and Julia
Zoe helping with the sheet rocking.
Quitting early. Dinner at Community Church
We had to quit a little early because we were going to have to pack up all our stuff so the youth could use our rooms for their Wednesday meetings. But late in the day we got a call from Lisa who said we didn't have to move after all as they had changed their service to accommodate us.
We still went over to the main church and had dinner. Another delicious meal of hamburgers, pizza, onion rings, fries, coleslaw and an incredible banana pudding with vanilla wafers.
Afterwards we brought the kids back to the youth group and then Gary, Renee, Peggy and I drove over into Louisiana.
Special note.
If you are a parent with a kid on the trip and you are actually reading this, send me a message and I will send you a special picture of him or her.
As the day began it had to be about 20 degrees warmer than it was in the morning yesterday. Almost didn't need a coat or sweatshirt.
Titus Devotions-part three
Gary led us again at 7 a.m. and the team was visibly tired. We prayed for a couple of us who were feeling the effects of working in all the dust and had sore throats.
Peggy and Walter lead us in worship from the back.
Verse 11-14
First half about teaching was on the teaching ministry of grace. What not to do and what we ought to do.
Paul describes the blessed hope. Eternal life IN Jesus Christ. The appearance of out Lord Jesus. In this we rejoice Our faith is built in a relationship. We are preparing for an eternal relationship with Jesus.
Second half of the passage is about transforming.
What is supposed to happen between his two appearances? He gave himself to redeem us. God himself is being traded. To redeem us from all wickedness. We are no longer slaves to sin.
We are freed from the penalty of sin. He then gives us the righteousness of Christ. Cleansed and purified. To purify us as a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Eager to do what is good.
May we all be zealous for good works today.
Off to work we go.
A bunch of the girls went to paint at a house we had not been at before. Gary and Matthew went back to do plumbing and assorted other tasks at the crack house. The sheet rock team went back to the sheet rock house to finish up.
The sheet rock house.
Finishing up the last little bit
Gary checking his phone!
Jeremy and his crew.
It is finished.
Every one else was at the Gator house working there. After we finish with the sheet rock at the first place we will move over there.
Deciding what's next at the Gator house after the sheet rocking crew got there at lunch time.
Barbeque at the Gator House
When we got to the Gator House we found out the the owners Robert and Tricia were going to barbeque us all hamburgers. What a great way for them to thank us. Casey prayed and then asked Gary and I to pray too. We were blessed. Eventually most of the group who were painting came over too.
Two old dudes.
Rocking the Gator House
Our three teams started rocking the Gator House. One was lead by Jeremy, the other by Brennan and then there was Chuck's group with me and Mike.
Zoe and Julia
Zoe helping with the sheet rocking.
Quitting early. Dinner at Community Church
We had to quit a little early because we were going to have to pack up all our stuff so the youth could use our rooms for their Wednesday meetings. But late in the day we got a call from Lisa who said we didn't have to move after all as they had changed their service to accommodate us.
We still went over to the main church and had dinner. Another delicious meal of hamburgers, pizza, onion rings, fries, coleslaw and an incredible banana pudding with vanilla wafers.
Afterwards we brought the kids back to the youth group and then Gary, Renee, Peggy and I drove over into Louisiana.
Special note.
If you are a parent with a kid on the trip and you are actually reading this, send me a message and I will send you a special picture of him or her.
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