Wondering Thoughts

Turning Good at Taco Bell

Beloit Daily News has a great article about a guy in Beloit who served up some goodness for Maggie Lee for Good. The seemingly small act of kindness he did multiplied quickly.

Loafing Around

I whipped up a batch of Easy Vegan Wheat Bread. I decided to knead this batch rather than the bread machine. The jury is still out on taste.

Over the Red

Texas Street Bridge tonight

3 Great Philanthropists

I attended the National Philanthropy Day Recognition and Luncheon today to celebrate with 3 of our church members. Skip and Debbie Sayres/RSI: Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation and Paula Hickman, Outstanding Fundraising Executive.

Kudos to you three for your salt and light in this city!

Crossings Is Moving

I am putting together pictures of Frost Chapel in preparation for our Crossings move there from the gym. More pictures and explanation to come.

"Two Widows and a Prince"

"Two Widows and a Prince" from john henson on Vimeo.

Looking Out On My Yard Tonight

My tree anger swells as I look out at my yard tonight, seeing that all the labor I gave to raking up the ankle-deep leaves doesn't matter.  My yard is covered once again.  The leaves are not ankle-deep yet, but I'm sure Ida will help push more than a few to the yard. They are beautiful, but only not when detached. 

Gathering Leaves

by Robert Frost

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

Slab

The slab crew was out early this morning to pour cement for our new youth building.

Readings this Week

The changing and dropping of the leaves, the shortening of the days and the cooling of the temperature are all reminders that we have entered into November.  One of the other signs that (or that should) accompany these is that our hearts are beginning to swell with reflection as we prepare to officially give thanks later this month.  The Scriptures in the lectionary this month give us great reasons for thanksgiving; beginning with the truth that God is our Provider.  And I can’t think of a better way to begin our church stewardship emphasis this month than with the thought that God has given us everything we have and has promised to continue providing for our future.  

As you read the texts this week, let your heart begin to swell with gratitude as you remember your Provider.

1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28

A Season of Reflection

The changing and dropping of the leaves, the shortening of the days and the cooling of the temperature are all reminders that we have entered into November.  One of the other signs that (or that should) accompany these is that our hearts are beginning to swell with reflection as we prepare to officially give thanks later this month.  The Scriptures in the lectionary this month give us great reasons for thanksgiving; beginning with the truth that God is our Provider.  And I can’t think of a better way to begin our church stewardship emphasis this month than with the thought that God has given us everything we have and has promised to continue providing for our future.  

As you read the texts this week, let your heart begin to swell with gratitude as you remember your Provider.

1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28

*Photo of FBC steeple by Randy LeBlanc

Maggie Lee for Good Reports

It has been a week and we are still at the tip of the iceberg for reports coming in from good deeds done.  I opened an envelope from students at Barret Elementary last night and was greatly moved by the thoughtfulness of all the good things these students did last week.  The idea came from Joshua Charles, a student there who had been praying for Maggie Lee while in the hospital and, according to his mother Monica, wanted "to do something immediately."  He also told her that "this will make Maggie Lee's parents a little happy and proud."  It is an amazing bundle of papers with "What I Did For Maggie Lee for Good Day."  Some of the responses will be posted on the Maggie Lee for Good website.  

This is but one of countless responses we have received.  While we can't report on all 17,800 something, we will be posting as much as we can.  While our pain of losing Maggie Lee is felt more and more each day, we are amazed and ever-grateful for the way she is being remembered and for the participation in turning a lot of good out of a bad situation.  

A few articles reporting on the day are:

My brother's blog (be sure to read comments for reports)

Bob Allen's article at ABP

Shreveport Times article

Also, on Facebook, search for the Maggielee . . . for good! group