Hallelujah! We Are Not Alone

  Early last week, Rusty had an oncologist visit to review a recent Chest CT. These are done periodically to check his lungs since that’s the first place sarcoma likes to go. Everything still looked good. It seems the amputation has done its job at removing the cancer before it had time to spread.  On Friday, he finally had the surgeon’s visit he’s been waiting on for months. He was released to start the prosthetic process. It’s been a long road to get him where he is right now. It will still be a while before his new leg is complete, he’s able to walk on his own, and then eventually go back to work, but we’re finally headed in the right direction.  Thank you to everyone that has visited, called, texted, given us money, and most of all…prayed. We thank you all and we Thank God. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I THANK GOD - HOUSEFIRES Click here to receive an e...

I take care of the grass at Mom's camp up the road from my house.  Since it doesn't get used much, I sometimes wait longer than I should between cuttings which causes the ditch to be a challenge as the grass grows much thicker there and sometimes chokes down the mower. I'm always careful on the first few passes to make sure I blow the grass into the ditch instead of towards the road. This keeps me from breaking someone's window or causing the road to be slick for motorcycles. The only problem  is that makes it much harder for me to cut. It's difficult enough without the added clippings being thrown in the mix. It would be much easier to blow it all into the roadway without regard for anyone else.  This brings to mind the question... Just because you can do something, should you?  There isn't always a clear right or wrong answer to decisions we face. However, when the consequences of our choices affect others, the outcome is that much more important.  Paul speaks...

I’m a very hard sleeper and normally I sleep right through storms without it phasing me. However, very early this morning I was startled by an extremely loud clap of thunder that rumbled on for what seemed like an eternity. As the rain poured down outside and the sounds of thunder and lightning filled the sky, I thought of the mighty power displayed by the elements. I finally made myself crawl out of bed to pray and read scripture. I was drawn to Psalm Chapter 77 . In this chapter, the psalmist Asaph was having a difficult time. He cried out to God in distress and even questioned if he had been abandoned. He then remembered God's faithfulness towards His people and how He had freed them from Egypt.  What started out as a desperate plea, turned into a time of comfort and praise.   The flash flooding caused me to be late for work because our road was flooded and the battery on one of the trucks was dead. Joseph's yard was flowing like a stream and someone had to be rescued...

Last week, an unspeakable action was taken against someone for being bold about what they believed. I did not always agree with every statement this man made, as I'm sure many don't always agree with everything I say.  I've read lots of posts over the last several days, some in support of Charlie Kirk and some against his methods.  One thing everyone could agree on was that he had no issue speaking out about what he believed, and I would hope everyone would agree that  violent acts against someone with a differing opinion is never ok. It would be easy to question why God would allow such a terrible thing to happen to someone who openly professed Jesus as Lord. I certainly don't pretend to have all of the answers. However, this weekend I heard of many young people being shaken to their core and reaching out to the Lord for answers. I heard of many that attended church services for the first time ever or the first in many years. I've heard of people requesting Bibles ...

On Sunday morning, we walk into the large room we refer to as the Sanctuary. We greet each other with a smile and a handshake, take our seats, and get ready for the service.  An opening prayer and some announcements kick us off before we lift our voices in song and praise.  A message is preached, an altar call is given, the offering is taken, and we depart after prayer and another song.  We leave with the pastor's message on our heart and the tune of the last song resonating in our head. It was a great day to worship the Lord and proclaim our faith.  Too bad it only happens once a week... Or does it? Many times we associate worship only with what happens on Sunday morning.  While gathering with fellow believers is a great way to strengthen our faith, it can't be the only time we do so. Thankfully, Christian music and recorded sermons are easily available to us, but we can't forget the most important resource we have... God's Holy Word.  Through prayer, scri...

  This weekend, my sister and her husband came for a visit. On Saturday they asked Rusty what he wanted to do. The goal was to get him out of the house since he’s had to spend so much time cooped up. So, off we went to tour part of the Ozarks. We drove to Ponca and visited the Elk Nature Center, then on to Steel Creek to see the beautiful bluffs of the Buffalo River, before stopping for lunch in Jasper at the Ozark Cafe.  After we filled our bellies, we made our way home by way of Scenic Highway 7. The views were great and the weather was perfect.  We talked and laughed all along the way enjoying each other’s company. All while taking in the wonderful scenery of God’s magnificent creation.  As I enjoy the day off of work today, I'm reflecting on the wonderous works of our Creator and can hardly wait to see what heaven will look like. Happy Labor Day. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above  proclaims his handiwork. -Psalm 19:1 God of Wonders - Th...