What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? – Romans 8:31

Today’s post reads more like a news roundup, featuring several interesting stories from Sunday here in Tarboro.

There was church in the morning. Then more from Rebekah’s ongoing refinishing project in the dining room (a.k.a. her workshop). And, finally, swinging by an estate sale in the afternoon.

Great music and sweet moments at church:

This week at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church we celebrated Dedication Sunday. Rebekah and I have always loved this day because it is our opportunity to publicly testify to the fact that we are all-in and we don’t hold back when it comes to supporting our church home, the mission of the greater church and the important ministries that mean so much to this community.

One of the great privileges of our lives has been – and continues to be – the opportunity to be generous. Not because we have left-over resources to contribute, but because charitable giving is a central value in our life together.

Something else beautiful happened at the children’s message. Between Scouts and dance and other out of town events, none of the kids were in worship today. But then – in a move designed to be supportive and encouraging to our director of children’s ministries – Lindy, Jennifer, George, Steve and Chauncey all came forward and perched where the youngest children usually sit. It was a sweet moment.

Refinishing:

Meanwhile, back on Saint Patrick Street, Rebekah is making great progress on the dining room table and continues to fill the house with finely sanded wood-dust!

She has scraped, stripped and sanded the surface until it is as smooth as glass. Next up is the stain. This project is going to be very impressive by the time she is done.

Estate sale:

One of the grand old houses on Saint Andrew Street is finally being prepared for the market and – hopefully – a brighter future. So Rebekah and I walked through for the tail end of the estate sale.

What is amazing to me is the volume of (mostly completely useless) stuff that tends to accumulate in many historic houses, and also how much of it people seem to be willing to purchase and then rehouse in their own homes.

I am not a minimalist, not by a long shot, but I can easily see how I could become one. Because, and especially after an afternoon like this one, it wouldn’t take much for me to happily reduce our collection of stuff by a good fifty percent.

The good news is that there are already people who have this home in mind for a renovation/restoration. It’s an exceptionally fine house featuring iconic architectural design and exquisite details. I can’t wait to see what happens over the next couple of years.

Enjoy the balance of the photographs. Also remember – and this apparently random thought is for a couple of people in particular – there is absolutely nothing that has the power to separate us from the generous grace and healing love of Jesus. Nothing. – DEREK

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

… And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8