For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

Today marks another serious work day over at the Wake Forest house, so I am happy to offer a simple “Photo Friday” collection of images and turn to the task at hand.

I will begin with two pictures of the youngest grandchildren. First, Geoffrey surveying the coming Central Florida storm from the front walk at his family’s brand new house. It has been nothing but rain this past week and there is a lot more to come.

Then “Mr. T.” dancing in the rain in Midland, Michigan, taken from a delightful video that involved a lot of happy splashes. Such joy.

The Tar River in Tarboro spilled its banks again early this week, another reminder of how powerful and relentless water can be. I am currently in the middle of reading “Isaac’s Storm” about the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, a vivid reminder that – more often than not – it’s not the wind, it’s the water.

Then a couple of foodie photos as we try to reestablish good eating habits after our vacation. Shepherd’s Pie and then a shrimp salad with heirloom tomatoes.

I have to include something from the new house, as Rebekah checks out what to do with door handles in the front entry. Those wood floors are going to be beautiful.

And finally a reminder that we will meet for worship Sunday morning at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church. In this political season defined by so much hostility and angst and fraught with division, remember that absolutely everyone is welcome at worship. Church is the one place where all we have equal opportunity to focus on God’s grace, where we all stand in the common truth of our need for that grace, and where we can encourage one another in every way by extending grace.

In love, and because of love – DEREK