From Arkansas To Texas

We finished off this past week with various doctor visits and tests in Arkansas where our primary doctors are. Praise to God as all turned out well - a minor surgery for Fred revealed a single cell carcinoma on his face which the doctor assured us that all seems clear at this time. Just something we need to watch. Our travels back to Texas included driving through a huge rain storm and a stop again with Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney in Oklahoma, where we were treated to great meal and fellowship. Traveling from Arkansas to Oklahoma we saw many fireworks stands in anticipation of July 4th. Many of the area teenagers ( as well as adults) sell fireworks during this approximately 3 week period to earn money for school clothes, college expenses, even a car. From what we have been told, it is a very lucrative venture.

and the rain came down

they got their hay loaded just in time

rain and wind

one of the many fireworks stands

The rain stopped in Oklahoma, but picked up again in Texas, just as it was my turn to drive. I do not like driving in the rain, but at least it was not a raging storm. We arrived in Alamo on Thursday, to find our plants had grown a lot (but so did the weeds). It again took us about two days to get things back to somewhat normal and settled in.

 

Today is the first birthday of our twin great daughters - if you remember we all were praying for their safe delivery last year. God certainly answered our prayers, as today they are normal 1 year olds - delightfully cute and lots of fun. We did not get to attend their first birthday party - but here they are - all full of cake!!!

 

good stuff

where do I start?

 

Mom and Dad get the honor of cleaning them up

 

 

As we reflect on the celebration of our Independence on July 4th, let us make this a day to remember what our great country was originally founded on - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This happiness comes from being able to makes personal choices - choices concerning who we marry, where we work, especially where we worship. So many people in other countries cannot even choose their spouses, or their careers, or how they choose to believe. That right is not available to them - they are often persecuted for beliefs contrary to what their political leaders think they should believe. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Pray for healing for our great country this week.