Misc.

Most of my posts are non-personal. Well, they may possess some personal content; by-in-large they are inspirations that have come and I put them to print. That is what I intended this blog to be when I started it; just a place to share some of the  thoughts that collected in my computer files. Today I am going to swerve away from the norm and add a little about life.

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As I sit and write I am sitting second seat in the van as the Kansas countryside slides past the windows. This morning we left Ulysses, Kansas for the trek home, taking our school-teacher daughter home for the Christmas holidays. For sometime we have wanted to be at one of her school programs and with a little doing, we were able to make it work. It was really enjoyable to see the children she teaches, 1^st , and 3^rd grade, and to listen to the Christmas program they put on. We spent half of yesterday at her school Christmas party, and the evening with friends. The youth group came caroling while we were there so that added a crowning touch to the evening. We are now looking forward to a Christmas at home with our families.

Due to circumstances, I have not posted much the last couple of months. Our congregation is in an extended revival, and the Lord has been working in my heart. He has been teaching me a greater trust and confidence in Him. He has removed some of the fear which has been a part of my life.

On December 4^th, my dad left this world to be with the Lord. The last few years he suffered from dementia, making him wholly dependent on others for his care. The small congregation at Mortons Gap, Kentucky, where they recently relocated to, does not have their own cemetery. We laid his tired body to rest on the the 9th, in a quiet cemetery on a hill surrounded by rolling farmland, a couple miles from where mom lives. It is hard to believe that he is gone. He peacefully slipped away, leaving us sad, but happy that he is not suffering. Our hearts are at rest that he is resting with Jesus, who he said he was ready to see. We were happy that uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends came to support us through this time.

I started this writing earlier this morning, and by now the day is spent; darkness has arrived and my wife is at the wheel. A few more hours and we will be home. We spent a few hours wandering around Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO.

We left home two days ago, in the early morning hours. That means this trip has been very short, but it feels like it is time to get home and take care of the chickens. It always is challenging and a bit stressful to leave them in the care of someone else. That being said, they were well taken care of; had some mighty fine church brethren looking after them. I really did not have to worry that much about them

Anyway, so long for now. Wishing each of you a Blessed Christmas!