Life out front

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours. ~Mark Twain

I joined what seemed like the rest of Shreveport out on a walk yesterday in the early evening. I was trying to help slim one of our widening chihuahuas as well as give our ticky terrier mix a release of energy. As I walked, the smells of spring were in the air. Blossoms, buds, and bees are showing up already, getting a little help from the 82 degree temperature today. The crazy thing is that our early summer temps disappeared some time last night while we slept, bringing in a cold reminder that winter hasn’t given up yet. Mark Twain must have lived in Shreveport.

Reblogged from jinnyhenson:

Last week, Jack was asked by one of Caddo Middle Magnet School’s counselors, Mrs. Guerrero, to speak at a meeting for parents of prospective students. This event was geared toward private school parents whose children recently tested for CMM.  I asked him what he planned to say about an hour before the event just to make sure he would not quote Hank Hill or something. Ya just neva know. Seated next to me at home, Jack gathered his thoughts and a serious visage overcame him. He then launched into a speech …

Thanks to Mike Pavell for the much needed blog encouragment.

Church for the Highlands is going well and some of the projects that have kept me busy are developing their own momentum.  We seem to be in a new phase, as we are seeing more people come in from the neighborhood (on foot, by city bus, or by catching a ride from someone). The racial and cultural diversity of Highland is becoming more visible in our worship and gatherings. Part of this new phase involves broadening our leadership, as we grow, through deeper involvement in issues and ministry in our area. We couldn’t even begin to meet the needs around us without the partnerships we develop with other churches and organizations in the neighborhood.

A great example of the kind of partnership is with the Highland Blessing Meal ministry that is beginning on April 12. This will be a weekly meal on Thursday nights at the Highland Center gym, put together by a diverse network of local churches and organizations. The idea grew out of a desire to meet a weekly hunger need in our community, one that continues in the spirit of the Thanksgiving Blessing. It will involve table cloths, real utensils, round tables, family-style dining, prayer requests and a short devotional time. We are primarily using a model from the Agape Meal in Ft. Worth, a ministry of Broadway Baptist Church, Ft. Worth. A more detailed explanation of our plan is here: Highland Blessing Meal.

Reblogged from jinnyhenson:

When Chick-fil-A owner John Roden of Bossier City, Louisiana, heard Maggie Lee’s story at his church in early October, 2010, he wanted his restaurant take part in Maggie Lee for Good Day.  He shared the story with his marketer, Renee Wilson, who contacted us and asked if we were open to his Chick-Fil-A Restaurant (and, eventually the other two in the Shreveport / Bossier Area) to join in the second annual event. Of course we were ecstatic to have Chick-fil-A on board. A week later Julie Babboni …

Our church is providing free tax help for $50k and under filers.  We are an official IRS VITA location, set up to prepare and file taxes online.  Our preparers (angels, really) have passed an IRS Preparation exam and know how to handle most any situation.  It has proven to be a real challenge for our small church, but seeing people breathe easier after getting notice of a return makes it all worthwhile.  It is also good to know that we are providing free preparation, unlike the tax preparation shops with predatory loan practices on the returns.

By the way, a good friend asked why my thoughts were no longer wondering here on the blog, so I’ve been encouraged to get back to blogging.  Thanks, Mike.

Though our daughter’s death still doesn’t make sense to us and never will this side of heaven, we are able to see the many ways God and has not allowed tragedy to have the final say. As we mark two years since Maggie Lee’s death, it is helpful and deeply consoling to look back at what people have done to help bring out the good. Jinny wrote the following article recently in the Shreveport Times:

With the kids in bed, the cards long-since opened and the spoiling replaced by laundry hurriedly done before tomorrow when we hop on the hamster wheel and do it all again, I wanted to write you a note. I saw you in Jackson, Mississippi at The Batson children's Hospital ICU with your 8-year old granddaughter who looked four because she was so contracted. You worked full-time and came to stay with her at night to relieve your daughter. I caught you … Read More

via jinnyhenson

This April  16th at The Barnwell Center in Shreveport, LA, people from every walk of life will gather for a free, common meal and with one simple purpose; to celebrate caring in our community. Community Renewal International renamed its annual event for Maggie Lee when they witnessed what good deeds were done in our community on Maggie Lee for Good Day 2009. There will be face painting, a great spread for lunch, free pet pictures benefitting Robi … Read More

via jinnyhenson