October 31 - “Festival-izing”

Our house guest Josiah bailed on us early yesterday. He went across the street to scarf down on donuts and ride to church with the boys. I’m pretty sure his early departure was more about the donuts and less about the glorious singing rendition he received to “encourage” him to rise and shine.  I did get a hug before he left. Before Nana got her hug. 

 

We had a really big crowd in church for Kel’s teaching on marriage.  Obviously, the Lord drew quite a few there who needed to hear it.  After church we went right to work, getting everything set up after church for our Fall Festival. We did take a brief break to enjoy some pizza from Way West Grill, though.  I was excited to see so many stick around to help with the set-up. It made the really tough parts (like setting up the two bounce houses) much easier. The festival itself went really well.  Kids were given Halloween bags to color with gospel tracts inside. Jim and Doug and Corey played live music as Cat Herder, Mad Scientist, and Gold-Face.  The chili dog I had was really good.  A new idea burst onto the scene with the Halloween pinata.  All the games were attacked by the kiddos of all ages who came. And best of all, there were lots and lots of blue shirts – Seasiders wearing their brand-new shirts to identify them as someone with answers – in more ways than one. 

 

When the community folks left, we still faced the massive chore of tear-down and clean-up.  The youth kids took care of hauling chairs back upstairs.  The blue-shirts pitched in and packed up the games for another year.  Leftovers (candy and soft drinks) were sent home with us for the Halloween outreach party tonight.  With great effort by Pastor Kel, Christina, Mr. Bob, and Mr. Bill, both bounce houses were deflated and shoved back into the party trailer, also to be used another day. 

 

After swinging back by the house to let Josiah pick up his sleeping bag, we took Cailyn back home. It was great to have a chance to sit around with Nathan and April and just chat. It has been a long time.  The trip into Texas made for a long day, but it was all well worth it.

 

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

 

Father, thank you for the great response of Seasiders as well as community folks.  Amen.