Dear Friends in Christ,

     Just around the corner comes the November Barbecue! How amazed I was last year when I first witnessed this remarkable event. Of course, for me it began at midnight on Thursday. Maison Sherrill asked if I would come and have a prayer before the fires were lighted. When all was ready, we had a prayer asking God to bless the striking of the match and the lighting of the fires. We fed the flames for the next few hours and then (it seemed to me almost magically) pickup trucks loaded with pork shoulders pulled in, another crew of church members jumped out, opened the lids of the grills, scrubbed the grills clean, and started placing the meat. The cooking began in earnest. When the sun came up, all kinds of folks came out of the woodwork -- there was slaw to be prepared, and a labor-intensive preparation of sweet potatoes as well. Teams were lined up to serve tables, wash dishes, and take care of all the menial, behind-the-scenes things that make the Barbecue a great success. Linda loved those delicious rolls, and we made our contribution standing over the sink washing dishes!

     When we arrived back home, I turned to Linda and said, "A Church that can pull that off, and do it so smoothly and with such great harmony, can do anything!"

     When you think about it, I mean really think about it, that should be the way God's people go about everything, isn't it? With a spirit of unity and mutual camaraderie, with a clear vision of what they want to accomplish and how to accomplish it -- with positive, loving regard for each other. In the year since the last Barbecue, Linda and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the life and ministry of Rehobeth, and we have seen the Spirit of Christ moving through the church, blessing our relationships with one another, and setting the stage for some real blessings on down the road.

     November is a time when we celebrate the blessings we've already received from the grace, mercy and providence of God, and our hearts are especially filled with gratitude. I found an interesting statement in my reading this past week:

               "How wonderful it would be if we could help our children
          and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age.
          Thanksgiving opens the doors.  It changes a child's personality.
          A child [can be] resentful, negative -- or thankful.  Thankful
          children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw
          people."  -- Sir John Templeton

     This Thanksgiving, teach your children and grandchildren the secret that a grateful heart makes for a more abundant life. Do it by giving thanks in their presence.

May God continue to bless you with Grace and Peace,

Bob

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