For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. – Romans 3:23-24

Today is going to be a little bit of a “News Roundup” post. I have several photos I want to share so here they are, a group at a time.

This first slide show features three very cool photographs from “The A-Team” as they explore a little more of Central Europe before closing the door on international living and returning to the USA later this month.

Here is how our son Andrew describes this latest adventure:

“We are staying in a forest cabin near Lake Veľká Domaša in Eastern Slovakia, about 50km from the Ukrainian border. Today’s castle adventure was to Hrad Čičva, dating from the 13th century, but with a history going back to 3000 BC as a hill fort.”

We are so glad that Andrew, Alicia and Mr. T. are making the most of every opportunity to explore, as food adventurer Anthony Bourdain liked to put it, “Parts Unknown.” But we are also beyond thankful that they are heading this way soon.

Friends from afar

Friday evening we enjoyed the privilege of hosting friends who were at the Presbyterian church with us when we lived in Brandon, Florida.

Jon and Brenda Reinke, along with their three children, were an important part of the extensive community of young families that multiplied at FPC Brandon during that exciting and astounding season of growth and energy and creative mission.

It was great to find out what everyone is up to, to catch up on news, to tell stories, to learn the latest about so many of the good people we all love, to laugh together, to enjoy good food and to share the mutual faith that is the rock and the foundation of our lives.

Random Photos:

Finally, a short slideshow featuring several other random images from around Tarboro worth sharing.

There’s Max, of course. And Max with his friend Zeus (who is part of Gene’s landscape crew).

Also a few new photographs from walking the neighborhood. Both in the blaze of hot afternoon sunshine and then at night as some of the buildings look so impressive in the floodlights.

One of the reasons I enjoy taking photographs so much is that they help stimulate my thankful heart. It’s right here – the undeniable evidence that even when parts of life are stressful and discouraging, the overwhelming story is one of possibility and adventure and redemption.

These are all good reasons to show up for worship this morning (10:00 at HMPC) and to take the bread and the wine, the communion that reminds us we are all One in Jesus, no matter where we live… or how long it has been since we have seen each other… or what church you attend… or how long since you were in church.

Like the scripture from Romans pointed out so clearly:

We all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.

Romans 3:23b-24a