Author: rvingwithapurpose

Monday, February 25, 2019

Today was a cooler day with increasing cloudiness as the day progressed. It was pretty enough to sit outside for breaks and lunch but was getting cool again by the time we got home. Tonight it is raining again and is now predicted everyday for the next 10 days. Well, we enjoyed the little sun we had today.

Janet and Harry brought our devotion again today with Janet playing the beautiful harp. Janet shared with us today from the handwritten notes of her grandmother’s 1951 bible study on fear, conflict and polarization. It was a special time of sharing. Harry ended by reading the poem “Just Pedal.”

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping
track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether
I merited heaven, or hell when I die. He was out there,
sort of like a president. I recognized His picture
when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though
life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem
bike. and I noticed that Christ was in the back
helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we
changed places, but life has not been the same since.
When I had control. I knew the way. It was rather boring,
but predictable…It was the shortest distance
between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long
cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at
breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang
on! Even though it looked like madness, He said,
 “Pedal!”

I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are
you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I
started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and
entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m
scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
 gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me
their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine.
And we were off again.

He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage,
too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and
I found that in giving I received, and still our burden
was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.
I thought He’d wreck it; but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jumps
to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.
 
 I am learning to shut up and pedal in the
strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the cool
breeze on my face with my delightful
constant companion, Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore,
He smiles and says…
 
” Just Pedal.”

Author Unknown

Thanks so much, Harry and Janet. Great job.

After devotion we discussed our work plans and headed out to work. Max lead a team of Bob, Anne, Janet and Harry to the new job on Baker Drive. Anne, Dave, Rita, Mark, Lisa, Larry, Jean, Gary and Nancy went to Norwich Drive. Everyone was working in drywall and plumbing today at both houses. There was drywall compound, and tape enough for everyone along with some plumbing of bathtubs at both houses. Good progress was made at both but there is still a long way to go. Hard work and we are all tired this evening.

• 

• 

Lucky for us the church had a dinner for us tonight. The food was wonderful and the congregation so friendly and kind. Good night for everyone to get a night off from cooking. Everyone will be early to bed tonight and ready to go again tomorrow.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

On Friday we stayed in and worked around FRED and rested – trying to get over a persistent cough we both have. Possibly contributed to by the daily pollen alerts we get here. We did get out long enough to go to the grocery store and pick up a pizza.

On Saturday we were a little more active. While Anne worked on NOMADS Board business, Max drove out to check out the trails at the Frenchtown Road Conservation Area which is about 15 minutes away. It looks like it might be a fun place to hike when it is drier. Later we drove to Forest Community Park and walked for a while on the concrete sidewalks. Not exactly our favorite hiking environment but better than mud.

Today the team attended church at Francis Asbury UMC again. It’s always good to be with this welcoming congregation. After service the team went out to eat at City Café again. Unfortunately, this time we had to wait a good while for a table for 12. About 3:30 pm Lisa and Mark arrived – completing our team for the next two weeks. It was great to see them again.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Today started as a cool, damp, cloudy day. It ended bright and sunny. At least for a little while. The forecast for Friday and Saturday doesn’t look too good but maybe we will see some sunshine.

Today was a very busy day. Of course we started with devotion, today led by Dave and Rita. It was taken from Upper Room with basis in John 1:1-18. The light of Jesus shines through all of time. We were reminded to let His light shine though us. We were reminded as NOMADS we do that with our interactions with our homeowners. Thanks, Dave and Rita!

After devotion we had a guest, Kyle, come speak to us about Mardi Gras. We learned a lot about the Krewes, the parades – the family friendly and the not so family friendly – the trinkets that are thrown and the general time of celebration. We really appreciate all the beads Kyle brought to us. Wish we had a scale to weight the huge bag she left us. We learned a lot. There is a really good night parade scheduled for tomorrow night. We will see what the weather does. We would love to go but not enough to stand out in the rain for 3-4 hours.

We then all headed back to our job sites. Anne, Anne, Bob, Gary and Nancy work to complete Clyde and Paula’s house. Anne and Nancy installed the last two pieces of base and did some caulking in various places around the house. Gary installed the range hood. Anne completed and painted the area of drywall that had been a problem. The last door knob was installed and we all worked on the end caps for the kitchen counter. Once everything was complete we had a prayer circle with the family and team and the Bible presentation. This is always such a special time. Yes, there were a few tears. As we told the family, we will be praying for them and will keep them in our hearts forever. It was shortly after lunch when we finished up. We loaded of the tool and supply trailer and helped get it back to the church.

We then headed over to the drywall house with the rest of the team. We started filling in where we would help as well as just helping with the clean up. The drywall is almost complete and as much of the corner bead we had on hand was installed. The joint compound was delivered today and guess we will start the finishing next week.

After work, Max and Anne went to view another job site that some of us will begin on Monday. It will be another big job. Most of the large pieces of drywall are up but all the windows need trimmed out and then some scattered other work, and the finishing was started but now needs lots of sanding. This one will not be completed in a week. It was a very good week!

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Today was an on again, off again rainy day. We are again where the ground is just staying soggy. There are beautiful flowers.

Janet and Harry led devotion this morning. Janet plays a harp and Harry joins in on the autoharp. We really appreciate the added dimension to our devotions. They used Luke 18:17-18 as the basis to talk about the song “Jesus Loves Me.” The song was first written to comfort a dying child. Sometimes we just make things so complicated. We need that child-like faith. Thanks, Harry and Janet!

We again all headed back to our usual job sites. We hope to finish the St. Amant house tomorrow. Today, Bob got the last door hung and trimmed out. All the crown molding is now in place. We have just two more pieces of base to install. Thanks, Nancy and Gary. So thankful Nancy is feeling so much better. Thanks for all you prayers. Anne, Nancy and Gary worked on the kitchen ceiling and we are very pleased with how that turned out. Anne A painted the master bath border, and removed more tape in the other bath. Anne O did a great job on a problem drywall located in the kitchen. It should be ready to paint tomorrow. We all are feeling good about this job. The family will be so glad to have their home back.

Max and the drywall team of Jean, Larry, Rita, Dave, Janet and Harry did just that. Installed lots of drywall. They have a system down now and can really work as teams to get it in place. Max worked on patching holes in the ceiling. The dining room and bathrooms are about all that is left to hang. Of course since our scope has expanded to include finishing the drywall and installing the bathtub and handicap shower we will be there a while longer. We are pleased that it is going so well.

Rita bought us a delicious king cake after work so we got together for a few minutes this evening to enjoy that and just to visit. We have a great team this week. Hard working and so very talented. Praying we finish the week strong but most importantly with no injuries.