Michelle Adams graduated this year from Gretna High School. She was her class Valedictorian, pretty impressive, eh? 
We had folks there from Saint Andrews UMC where Michelle attends, along with a lot of family and friends. 
There were a lot of Michelle's friends there, a bunch had also graduated this year.
Mark Adams was the cook on the grill. He rolled in with a custom grill on a trailer.
They played badminton, croquet , and a bean bag toss game. 
Again this year I was asked to be the speaker for the graduation. It was unquestionably an honor to be asked. I told them about a guy I served with in the Air Force who described going back to college as joining the "Last Chance Club". The idea was that for those returning to college after being away, most of them realized this was their last chance to make it. Most people probably thought that the students being sent to Fray was their last chance as well. The point was that for my friend and for them it wasn't the "Last Chance Club", but the "New Beginnings Club". I even used John Mark from scripture as an example of someone who got that second chance, overcame, and made good. Expectations do not determine Outcomes.
Graduation at Fray is an exciting thing to watch. The students first got to choose whatever color robe they wanted to wear, it did not have to be their home school colors. Secondly, each student could ask whoever they wanted to give them their diploma. Thirdly, principal, Janeen Abbott, before each presentation, shared something special about each student. Sometimes what she shared was funny, but sometimes the story was heart wrenching. Most all the graduates had had to deal with some hardship to make it to graduation day. Finally, each presenter would share something about the graduate. It impressed me that each one mentioned how bright and intelligent the young person was and how they expected great things from them. 
Last Saturday, A.J. and Lisa Nuchols had a cookout to celebrate the graduations of their daughters. Katie graduated from Lynchburg College and is now teaching elementary school in Lynchburg and Rachel graduated from Gretna High School and is headed off to the University of Virginia. They also recognized Lisa's sister Patti who graduated with her degree in education.
They had the cookout at their home. Their house has been home to 7 generations.
The tables were spread over the front yard, with boards set on bales of hay. The only thing they asked each person to bring was their own chairs.
It was an absolutely beautiful day, perfect for non-Olympic style badminton.
A.J. stood up and announced that the food was ready and he hoped everyone was hungry.
Now, when A.J. mentioned a cookout, I thought about going to Sam's and buying bulk hot dogs and preformed hamburgers. I couldn't have been more mistaken. A.J. said he had a steer processed (that is the proper way to say it nowadays according to A.J.). They did have hamburgers (custom made), also New York Strip steaks, Barbecued Ribs, and London Broil. It took three large cookers on a trailer to cook all the meat. 
There was also a huge cooler with big baked potatoes and a large salad.
When it got dark they made a big fire in the side yard. We went over and sangs some songs.
Lisa and the girls sang some very strange songs that Lisa claimed her grandmother sang to her as lullabies. 
It was a wonderfully relaxing day. Food, Fun, Fellowship, and kick it off with a crackling fire. Just think I get the awesome privilege of being the pastor here. Man, God must really like me alot. How do you say thank you for this. I guess you simply say, "Thanks A.J. and Lisa and Thanks God, thanks a whole bunch."