Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the BIG day of "Thanks" so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Jena's folks are in town and Justin arrived safely home from college last Friday. I know it sounds cliche' to "give thanks" so maybe a more appropriate response is to focus on all the good things God has done in our lives as opposed to the list of complaints we usually carry around. It doesn't take much effort to find the things awry in our life but it is much healthier for the soul to reflect on the blessings. Today I am thankful and as Scripture says, "do not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

November, especially Thanksgiving, is always a busy time in our family. Corey celebrated his 14th birthday earlier this month, Kaiden will turn 5 on Sunday and Jena and I celebrate 8 years of marriage on Monday. Note to self: "if you need something to be thankful for, read the previous sentence."

Thanksgiving and the Holidays

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the Christmas decorations are coming out. It gets dark now at 5:30pm and cooler weather has come to stay. The holiday season is upon us. Trying to coordinate and plan family time along with budgeting for gifts can be a little stressful but for the most part it is the most wonderful time of the year. I am clearing out space on the DVR for all the Christmas movies! May all of you have a blessed time with family over the coming weeks.

Thanksgiving break starts next Saturday for Shelterwood. It is always a little crazy organizing the travel plans for all the kids but it is coming together.

Say the words

Halloween finally ended tonight. I say "finally" because it seems like decorations have been up in the neighborhood and seasonal isles out in the local stores since mid-September. Kaiden has a nice inventory of costumes including Iron Man, Spider Man, Batman and Optimus Prime, but we opted for a new Superman suit this year. One thing that I did notice; however, as I handed out candy to a cast of characters is that most kids don't say, "Trick-or-treat" anymore. They just stand there with bags open or buckets held out. Odd. Of course, I still gave them a treat but I did ask a few of them to say the words. Reminded me of a spiritual shortfall I make frequently. I get busy living a life of ministry or Christian service and I begin to expect things from God without asking. I just hold out my pillow case and expect a treat. There is nothing like good ole' fashion communication. In spiritual terms, we call it prayer. Don't forget to say the words.

Fall Family Retreat was incredible last weekend. This year we invited some alumni parents to join us and that was a smash hit with the current parents. The alumni provided much needed volunteer service, shared personal testimony and even held a special Q&A session. From the evaluations we received at the end of the weekend, the parent group sessions and alumni Q&A we're among the most appreciated times. I especially enjoyed the personal conversations with parents and the packed-out worship time on Sunday morning with over 230 folks present.

On Saturday afternoon of Parent Weekend, our founder, Richard Beach passed away in Denver, CO. Rich battled cancer for over 15 years. Doulos was started in Rich's basement with a few young adults he chose to mentor in obedience to a call from the Lord. Shortly after, he took in the first struggling teenager from a desperate parent. Interaction with Richard was memorable for all who were blessed to share it. A man of God.

Fall Parent Weekend

Shelterwood Fall Family Weekend is underway. Started last night, actually. With 28 guys and 25 girls in the program it has been interesting with lots of logistical hurdles, seminars, conferences and new faces. Next week I will bring some personal insight, but for now, you are welcome to check out out the Shelterwood Facebook link above for real time updates. It will be a long weekend but worth every minute. Parent Weekend has always been the most impactful and life-changing event in Doulos Ministries as we come face-to-face with the families we serve. I as sit here at my desk and pause to write this blog, your prayers and your support are making a difference.

The weather has been beautiful here in Kansas City. All the colors of fall are on display. There is also an estimated one million leaves in my backyard. I split time last Sunday between raking and watching my football team lose another game--all with the help from one of my favorite residents, Josh. We filled at least 40 bags of leaves, although I lost count after the fourth box of trash bags. I am starting to think Spring is my favorite season. The Fall brings the leaves. Winter brings the snow shoveling and during the summer you have to cut your grass weekly or be shamed by the neighbors. Gotta love Missouri!

Breakpoint

A few weeks ago, Shelterwood was featured on the Christian radio broadcast, "Breakpoint" by Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship. I actually had a chance to hear it live and it was pretty cool. One listener, a retired professional photographer from New Mexico, heard the show on the radio and decided to come out and take some promotional pictures for us. That was amazing. The link is below if you would like to listen. Look for the show title "Shelterwood." http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries.

Later this afternoon, one of our boys is graduating the program. A fine family from Missouri. Those are always fun to share and celebrate. Believe it or not, parent weekend is coming at the end of next week. We will have a property serve day tomorrow to prepare for all the families.

Last weekend, I had a chance to go camping with some friends down in Devils Den State Part in Northern Arkansas. Never been there before and it was worth the 300 mile drive south. Beautiful country, great hiking and plenty of camp stories.

Pause for the little things

Life at Shelterwood is still in the fast lane but sometimes it's nice to slow down. Like on Thursday mornings for chapel. Today was our weekly chapel service and it was nice to worship with the students and staff. The band has been progressing nicely and even though I have more work than I know what to do with, having 30 guys in the lodge and all, I still try and carve out time for music with the kids. The time commitment is a challenge but it's worth it.

By the way, with an Intake this past week, we are now at 3o boys and 25 girls. Yes, 55 total.

The family is doing well. A few weekends back, Jena and I took Kaiden to Santa Calligone Days in Independence. An annual festival with live music, merchandise booths and carnival rides. It was everything you would expect from such an event. Cotton candy, hot dogs, country music, and lots of locals.

Settling into Fall

It was quite a scene last Thursday as we held our first chapel of the year. We set up over 90 chairs in the Guys Lodge and they were all full. It was good to worship with the kids and the rest of the staff. On Friday, we celebrated another graduation. One of the kids I had the pleasure to spend time with on the worship team. A great family. Earlier in the day we received another family through the Intake process. The two extremes of Shelterwood life. A new chapter for two different families.

Fall weather here in KC is getting plenty of attention. We had some baseball size hail on Saturday that actually broke out one of the back windows on a Shelterwood van. The weather has cooled down and the leaves are starting to accumulate. There doesn't seem to be any mild seasons here in the Midwest.