On and Off the Road

Here it is Saturday already and I think I am finally finding time to write this past almost two weeks blog. It has been a event filled few days with many miles traveled. We left Joshua, Texas and made our way to Red Oak, Iowa to visit fellow Chaplains Jack and Karen Gregory and Bill and Ali Artherholt. Bill and Ali were off to Georgia for a few days to attend the graduation exercises of their grandson from basic training. Red Oak is a quiet little town with small town atmosphere almost taking you back to the days of easy, calm living. First on the agenda was to attend the farmer's market, where we saw homemade relishes, bakery items, and jellies as well as home grown vegetables. We purchased some wonderful dandelion jelly as we walked in the lush town square and then visited one of the local resale shops. Red Oak is the home of a small movie theater which for only $2 you can savor amazing delicious popcorn at a very reasonable price and enjoy an entertaining movie. Have you seen "Hail Caesar"?  Please don't!!!!  One of the strangest movies I have ever seen - good and fun entertainment but totally crazy. At least the popcorn was great. Bill and Ali arrived late Saturday night so we were able to worship with them and the Gregory's on Sunday. Karen prepared an amazing afternoon lunch where the six of us talked and laughed over past adventures. We loved the daily morning devotional time on the Gregory's patio, reading God's Word as we enjoyed the beauty of His creation around us. Bill and Ali took us to Omaha, NE, (yes, we made it to another state) to see the amazing bronze sculptures larger than life size. These sculptures were commissioned by a gentleman who owned the bank as a tribute the pioneering spirit of those who ventured into uncharted lands to establish their homes.

early morning drive from Arkansas - mist in the air

older neighbor of Jack and Karen - his mower just putts around the yard as he mows 

so serious about his project

 

a black squirrel - his fur is so glossy - are they  specie or just a strange twist of nature?? they are beautiful regardless

in Omaha with Bill and Ali

can you believe that every bit of these sculptures are made of brass - they look so real

she looks so happy as she gathers flowers along the trail

a family looking forward to a new home in the West

this lady was made as an exact replica of the deceased wife of the gentleman who commissioned and paid for the sculptures - the bank building which he is affiliated with is the tall building in the background

a difficult journey

wild joy

geese flying from the pond  into the atrium in the background

they even flew through a building

a family anticipating a great adventure 

westward ho

looks like Ali is trying to help while Fred is studying on the best way to get out of the mud.


Our next stop was in Oxford, Wisconsin where I will continue this saga next time.

While we were in Red Oak, we attended church services with the Gregory's and Artherholt's while also helping to serve coffee for the early service. Pastor Dave reminded us about how our life is filled with choices. God created us with a free will- who we choose to follow is really up to us, God or the world. There are three things that we are responsible for: our words, actions, and attitude. We are certainly not responsible for others words, actions, or deeds. Our values are what is really important to us - if your values are not enough then you have the wrong values. Our #1 value should be who or what we serve - God or this world. Take a look at your values and then decide if your current values are really important. Our culture today separates us from our beliefs.

Reexamine your values - are they making you happy? If not you need to change them.