Shorty and His Friends

Last Thursday we had an interesting Common Grounds service. Common Grounds is our contemporary service held on Thursday evenings and includes a dinner with it. We thought that the service would help us reach the college students at Marshall, especially because of the meal. God has changed the focus of that service to include the homeless of our community. We have had several homeless people attend our service.

One gentleman has been coming for several weeks now and this Thursday he brought four or five of his friends with him. As they entered the social hall, he turned to his friends and said, "OK everyone, take your hats off...we're in the house of God."

One of his friends in particular caught my attention. He's a small, humble-looking fellow with rosy cheeks and a grey beard. He came in and began talking to one of my friends...she told me his name is Shorty and he lives in a tent by the river.

The group of men went and got themselves something to eat...we don't have a group prayer over the food but we have one later in the service. But Shorty folded his hands and prayed over his food, as did his friends.

There was just something about his good natured, happy self that caught my attention. This is truly what humbling ourselves for prayer must mean.

Thank you Shorty for coming and sharing your faith in such a great way! May God bless and protect you!!

Super Bowl and Souper Bowl

Today is Super Bowl Sunday...and this morning along with countless churches around this nation we celebrated Souper Bowl Sunday. Souper Bowl Sunday is a great tradition started by a youth group to raise money and canned goods, etc. for those in need. It's amazing what a youth group can do when looking for a mission and a purpose to join God in God's work on this earth. All of us can make a difference if we just open our eyes...open our minds...open our hearts and souls to see where God is calling us into action.

May the Super Bowl be a time when we not only tune in to see our favorite team and favorite commercials, but may we seek to do super things in the name of Christ.

Happy Groundhog's Day!!

Happy Groundhog's Day to each and every one of you!! Groundhog's Day is a special one in our household...it holds many memories and fun. Nine years ago tonight, Jim asked me to marry him in the midst of a magical wonderful Wizard of Oz scene that he created in his living room. ('Course I said yes!)

The day has held magic for Jim's Mom too...she called just a little bit ago to wish us a Happy Groundhog's Day.

And, today, good ol' Phil saw his shadow and back in he went. Yea!!! Six more weeks of winter...maybe (fingers crossed) we'll finally get some snow. After all, Tony Cavalier keeps promising a snowier February.

Here's wishing you and yours a very happy Groundhog's Day!