Look Out World!

If a picture is worth 1000 words, then there aren't enough words in any language for the picture of God's creative power in new life. Enjoy.

A Whacky Place

For those of you who don't live in Texas...there is something you must learn. You are either an Aggie or a Longhorn.

In the state of Texas, two schools rule college football (my apologies to those of you reading who went to Tech, TCU, Baylor, etc): the Texas Longhorns or the Texas A&M Aggies. There is no love expressed between these two teams. Allow us to illustrate. Brian grew up in the lovely state of Colorado, where he quickly became a Buff's fan (much to the chagrin of his parents who are die hard Cornhusker fans...or to his sister who is now a student at Colorado State University...sorry Megs). Now, one was either a Buff's fan or a Rams fan (CSU) and you didn't like it when the other team won. Now, there were exceptions to that rule...say when the Buff's played in the National Championship...then Rams fans cheered along for the other school from their state.

Not so here in Texas. When the Texas Longhorns played in the National Championship two years ago, Aggie fans routed for none other than the Trojans (USC). There is no love.

Well, this past weekend we were "blessed" to be in College Station (home of A&M) for a retreat. Many of those involved in the ministry downtown are graduates of this fine institution. For them...it was like returning to Mecca...most got misty eyed as we walked by the graves of Reveille I-VI, and became giddy at the obligatory howdy. A&M is a unique place...unlike most campus' we have been to; filled with all sorts of tradition carried into the world by its huge alumni. To A&M...we must give a whoop!

The Beacon and Eggs

Friends, we have to share with you one of the most thrilling experiences since arriving in Houston. This morning we were able to be a part of Beacon and Eggs. No, we haven't forgotten how to spell!

The Beacon is an outreach program run by the Episcopal Church for the homeless around the city of Houston. Chris Kennedy, who was the vicar at Christ the King last year, began to work with this incredible ministry. The beacon is open only on the weekends (one of the few who are) and serves lunch for about 500 people. Those who come to the beacon have the opportunity to launder their clothes and can take a shower. It is amazing to see what a church can do when they put their hearts and souls into it. The community in the city with which we are part, volunteers their time to help serve lunch, launder clothing, wash dishes, bus tables, pick up trash, etc. Pretty much whatever they need. For three hours we get to serve those society has cast aside. God is good and this morning we were reminded that we are extremely blessed.

Before heading over to the Beacon, we went to our dear friends Andy and Lanetta's loft for eggs and biscuits (ah, Brian loves the South). It was a great time for our city community to spend time together and then to serve those less fortunate. We are looking forward to our next trip to the beacon this Labor Day...they are hurting for volunteers since most people want to spend their Labor Day with friends and family grilling the burgers and brats. We'll be spending ours with the homeless of Houston.

Go salt the earth!!