Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Habitat Forming



Every Saturday morning since July 12th, Vero Christian Church has had volunteers working at Grace Woods. That is the Habitat for Humanity subdivision going up close to Thompson Elementary school in the southern part of Indian River County. See, we as a congregation are sponsoring one of the homes being constructed in that subdivision as the labor sponsor. The home will be occupied by members of our congregation. Since July 12th, I have learned much about construction. I am the least skilled of the laborers you would find on a construction site. I teasingly have told the construction supervisors that my skill level ends at "carrying heavy things." Nevertheless, I have not only carried heavy things (helping to fly trusses on five different homes), I have done roofing work, soffit work, set pre-hung doors inside a home, and various other odds and ends as needed. Members of our congregation have been out sometimes in force, sometimes in pairs, but we have been out every Saturday watching, participating, and marveling at the ministry of Habitat for Humanity. Homes are dedicated and people move in every couple of weeks. The sense of satisfaction from a hard morning's work easily outweighs the sore muscles and physical exhaustion of working in the Florida summer heat.

Our work with Habitat is a habit forming endeavor. I pray that more from our congregation will catch the fever, and that after the home we are sponsoring is finished, we can still have a crew out for Habitat on a regular basis.

Last week's VCC crew, pictured with this post included: Katie, Becky, Bob, Tim, Turtle and me (I took the picture, so I am not in it).

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Sappy Birthday To Me



I turn 50 tomorrow. There, I’ve said it and we can get that out of the way. Anyone who has known me for very long at all, knows that I am not big into my own birthday scene. It’s just another number, and I really don’t care. I get much more excited about my spiritual birthday (I turned 23 on August 27th) than I do about my physical birthday. However, I know that others like to celebrate, so I am trying to do better about being gracious in all of that hoopla.

I must tell you though, that my beautiful Bride Peggy outdid herself this year. Yes, we have already celebrated my birthday. Peggy arranged for all our our children (Ian, Emily, Elliott, and Abi) to be at the house Monday evening for a Surprise party. Oh, I mean a “Suprise” party...at least that is what the cake called it. We love Publix cakes, but love their hearts, they spell worse than I could ever hope to spell. The cake tastes delicious, and that is all that matters.

Having my family around me to celebrate my birthday is all I could ever wish for. I don’t need any gifts (although Emily’s purchase of some Turkish Delight did indeed get me singing the David Crowder Band song of the same name). I don’t want any gifts. I just want to be surrounded by the people I love the most. That is what Peggy provided for me this year. She is the best!

Of course Elliott had to photoshop a little “suprise” picture that wound up as the desktop photo on my iBook. Very funny. Very funny indeed.

Emily had to take off for school Monday night, and Ian had to work all day yesterday (as did Peggy), but Elliott, Abi, Jayla and I got to hang out, and it was one of the more relaxing days I have had in a long time.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a loving family. Yes, my birthday hasn’t officially taken place yet, but it has already been the best one ever!