Bloom Where You're Planted! 

Some Things To Do Before It Gets Really Hot!

One dozen long stemmed roses blossomed into short lived glory last night and this morning very early. I considered taking pictures of them as I have with so many others that have come to rest in our home, but this time I couldn't. Our patio and backyard are filled with flowers of every imaginable color, and those I will be taking pictures of, the living works of art that decorate our lives but for a season. Cheryl has a garden filled with perenials that are fast becoming thirsty enough to walk to the house and turn on the water. That's my way of acknowledging the oppressive heat that accompanies the early "dog days" of summer. I grew up hearing that phrase every year when it got like this in South Dakota, mostly from people who were really old, like my grand parents, like me, now! Some flowers bloom often, some only once and others try, but never seem to quite make it. Does that remind you of people? It certainly does remind me of a lot of folks that are in need of nurture, watering, and fertilizing so that they, also, may grow and blossom into the glorious creations they were intended to be. There are times when life is as oppressive for us as the heat is for the blossums, and it makes it very hard for people to bloom. That's where you and I come on the scene with our watering cans of faith! A virtual conduit of the Spirit of God that is striving to assist every individual with whom we come in contact to grow and burst into beauty. Tomorrow is Sunday! Once again we have the opportunity to attend a church, share with others that join with us to give thanks and praise to our Creator for all He has given us. The best rays for tanning won't be coming around until church is out, and it might just feel really good to sing some songs with the other flowers in the garden, and bloom for an hour or so in the refreshing breeze of God's Word. Spending time with the Lord tomorrow may be exactly what we need to keep us free of the heat. God bless, Preacher.

Digital Photo Of An 'Oil On Canvas' Created By One Of Our New Friends From The Art Festival! 

If The Government Says It's Not Healthy, Why Don't 'They' Come Remove It? 

Giving Voice To The Thoughts Of My Heart!

The laundry, utilities, and central bathroom share a wall in our home. They also share the dubious distinction of having been remodeled this past week. Now that it's over I have but one thing to say, "who's idea was this?" Between the two of us I think we've got about 60 hours into the project. I'm really thankful it finished today! The temps outside climbed, managing to peak around the "uncomfortably warm" stage by 3 this afternoon. The air conditioner puked. It took five fans running constantly to keep the indoors at about 82 for most of the day. Whoosh! This is the time that it really feels good to be out in the open air rolling down the highway, unfortunately I was painting in a space just a little smaller than a double up at the pen. There is an upside, though, the paint really dries fast when it's this hot! I suppose no matter what is happening in life there is always something positive to focus on if we have a mind to. This leads me to a thought: When we start counting our blessings, do we start with the really big ones, and work our way down? Or do we start with the little bitty ones and work our way up? I guess from my perspective of prioritization I'd have to say I start with the big things. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then come the relationships, and finally the stuff that fills the space of my days. Barna wrote 20 years ago("The Frog In The Kettle")that the most precious commodity in the world would be time. He was, and is, exactly right! None of us really minds working hard, but we want our time to be spent well no matter what we are doing. I think of Ken tonight(stepfather to five of my children)who passed away Tuesday due to a heart attack he suffered on Sunday, at the age of 45 he had hardly begun to live. Our friend Gary who passed away in the spring at the age of 43(his heart just quit beating)is another one who comes to mind, along with about a dozen others this year in their early fifties. First I pray for the individuals, that they had received Christ as Savior. Second I pray for all those who were looking forward to spending a good chunk of life with them. Finally I pray for those who may learn something from these others I have mentioned here, to prevent this from happening to them. Life is a journey, not a destination, and the whole point of having a life, in my opinion, is to be given the opportunity to accomplish good things for others for a long time. Today Cheryl and I are celebrating once again, an anniversary. This makes eight years(but then, who's counting?)we have been blessed to share one another's love and each other's lives. I pray we have another 30 or more in us to share together. God only knows what can be accomplished through faith. My prayer tonight is that there were many things in your life today that truly brought about it being, "A Good One!" Sometimes we just deserve a great day! Other times I am so thankful that I don't get what I truly deserve, for I know in my heart I am deserving of very little if it doesn't bring glory To God. As always; In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Hot Days, Cool Nights, & Great Rides! 

'Tis A Gift To Be Simple, 'Tis A Gift To Be Free!