A Reason To Carry On

I was at home most of today helping with work that was going on all around me. Tammy and Ramona Matthews came over about 7:30 and started painting baseboards (see picture to left). I apprecaited this help so much, as we were trying to get them done before the guys arrived to put them down! Tammy and Ramona are people of confidence and faith, and Maggy and I enjoyed being around them so much today. Ramona organized the ladies of her home church (University Church of Christ, Monroe, LA) and they made/froze 14 casseroles. They were delicious at supper tonight. The Matthews will leave tomorrow for New Orleans, in some relief efforts over that way at the congregation my parents attend, Hickory Knoll Church of Christ. About mid-morning, Dennis Dauphey (right) and Danny Dodd arrived from Pensacola. These two men were with us when we first walked into our house after the storm. They have both been here to help at various times. This time, it was Dennis' idea to come and put down the baseboards in my house. This is no easy task ... my house is not level nor square ... but he made it work! I regard Dennis as a hero ... coming to our rescue more than once. Dennis is a deacon at the Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, FL. I appreciate both Dennis and Danny giving up their day to help us out. Danny Dodd spoke at tonights' Good News Nights. He will speak again next Thursday. He had a great lesson that was very fitgting for our circumstances. Afterward, we had four representatives from the Oklahoma Christian University group speak about their experiences during the week. There were not many dry eyes as we listened to them tell about how their lives had changed. Then we watched a slide show with some pictures of their work. Unfortunately, I haven't been around to take as many pictures as I would have liked. The OC group will leave in the morning. A group will leave early in the morning heading home to Vernon, Texas, and a group left early this morning for Osh Kosh, Wiconsin. Every week we fall in love with those who come to help, and every week we have to say goodbye to them. It surely brings sadness to our hearts. Margo and Mary will leave us tomorrow and head back to Bloomington. What a sweet blessing they have been to us. When people leave they often tell us that this has been THEIR blessing, not ours. They shed tears and talk about the people of this community who have touched their hearts. All of the groups have their own unique character. Each one has blessed us beyond belief. Now I know my life has given me More than memories Day by day we can see In every moment there's a reason to carry on --- Kenny Loggins & Stevie Nicks, Whenever I Call You Friend Below: Danny Dodd, Dennis Dauphey, Ramona Matthews, Tammy Matthews. And NO, they are not standing in a clothing store - that's our auditorium with clothing for any who care to come and get what they need.