That's Tootles, Again, Letting Us Know That It's Alright To Go, Now! 

Three Days Of Sojourn

Everybody is going to ask me at some point in time if we had a map. The answer is "yes" and we employed it to the very best of our corporate abilities. The problems began with the way the roads are numbered. There are two #1 exits off I-29 about three miles apart. One takes you where we were headed, the other winds down along the Red River on gravel roads(and the inevitable detours)and to make things as confusing as they can get, they both take you to the same place, eventually! My suggestion for the serious traveler intent on reaching his\her destination would be to never, ever under any circumstances set any deadlines or appointments when pursuing a destination with persons of an artistic bent. We were lost, but not so much that it caused worry! The sun was rapidly disappearing when we rounded a corner and almost simultaneously halted our two vehicle caravan in the center of the road and jumped out wielding cameras on the unsuspecting wilderness. I had three going in no time and the artist in the Escalade had more than one, I'm sure. Thus it went for the next half an hour. Drive a mile or so, stop, take pictures, stop. Pause at a farm, get directions, stop take pictures; all the while darkness rapidly closed around us. Finally we found where we were supposed to be an hour or so back, and many miles. It may sound strange, but the whole of the three days away went exactly like this, and we were blessed beyond belief. All I can say without doubt is that God had a plan, and we were part of it. I suppose we really never were lost. We were going where we were supposed to go! That included reaching a town about an hour from the hotel, unless you go our way, which lasted over two hours and stretched about 123 miles. We talked about the unusual circumstances of the journy this morning over coffee. One thing is certain, it was memorable beyond our wildest expectations. God allows things like this to happen to folks, I think, just to find out how we'll react. I pray we got it right, and I know from viewing the pics tonight that we did the "right" thing. We took being late, getting lost, dirty, dusty, not to mention tired and turned it into a cause for rejoicing. I wish all of life's challenges could be met just like the past few days. Carrying on to do the best and make the best of every moment. After all, isn't that what "true" living is really about? God bless, Preacher.

This Was The First Casino\Hotel I Found Where Alcohol Is Forbidden! 

I'm Working On Ways To Stay Focused! 

Now Serving In The Trillions! 

Listening For The Approaching Thunder!

This past week has been spent in working far above the earth. Muscles that have not been truly "used" in ten years have sought to function as they did on the Hilton project in Rapid City. Reminders of which parts of my body have grown stagnant with disuse now bear witness daily to how sedentary my life style has become. Preachers, piano players, poets, and songwriters just don't spend enough time in physical trials to keep up with the increasing demands of a body that is aging. Social security is something I can remember family members looking forward to fifty years ago. Today, my prospects for receiving something back on 40 years of investment in the system are pathetic. Thank God I've invested well in my spiritual security! I'm not going to do a thing on the system here, that would not be any more profitable than that monthly check I may be able to draw one day(right now it wouldn't even cover the taxes on the home I'm living in).
A friend passing through on his way to the Blackhills Motorcyce Classic spent a few days with me this week. In the process of having breakfast this morning Richard shared this card. I immediately recognized the potential it had for topic material and scanned the thing in. I suppose there is something that can be said to the negative side of all these bits and pieces of information we glean from living, but this one just insisted on being shared today. I leave here tomorrow to begin what will be several weeks of intensive ministry on the road. The work will not be physically demanding as the activities of this past week were, but it will tax the temper of my spirit, and in that area I find myself exceedingly fit. Excercising the spiritual side of our triune nature is essential if you and I are going to live up to the challenges our Lord laid before us when He ascended into heaven. I suppose the easiest way to get through this life is to not worry about it and let somebody else take care of reaching the lost in our world. That's a thought I don't entertain for even a moment, because it isn't someone else's duty, it is mine! And it is the sworn duty of every person who is a member of the Crusader's for Christ that are gathering in Sturgis as I tap out this message. And it is the duty of the members of the Bond Slaves as they ride the roads in this direction in preparation for making a "difference" in the lives of others. Right there on site in the normally sleepy little burg of Sturgis churches are preparing themselves feverishly during these last days before the full scale assault takes place. Some who are there the whole year through are getting ready to fling their doors open wide once again. Others are preparing to lock and bar the doors for a few weeks! The list of Christian clubs on the way to western South Dakota is staggering. Many individuals will be coming up the drive and passing by our door as they roll through seeking to focus on the Great Commission as it pertains to their personal spiritual security. I don't believe you will ever see so many workers in one place all striving for the same goals as you can witness the next few weeks. Just in case you're curious, there are four accessible web cams in Sturgis operating 24\7 that you can tap into to check out what is going on. But the "real" work, is the same as it was this beautiful Sunday morning in every Bible believing church. Servants of Christ (Yeshua) helping others along the road to a very rewarding retirement, were rejoicing in the eternal hope of salvation. I pray this is a good day for you! If you have a moment say a prayer for all the bikers out there moving toward a modern day mecca of revival and renewal. Things are heating up on the highways. South Dakota is about to more than double it's number of residents for the next several weeks. The fields are "white unto harvest" and it is time, once again, to listen for the sound of distant trumpets announcing the arrival of heralds heaven has called forth to proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord once more! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

One Thing No Life Should Be Without!