Enjoying the Journey

“Then they said to him, ‘Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.’  The priest answered them, ‘Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.’” (Judges 18:5–6)

Some of my best childhood memories were made on the summer road trips my family took to Nevada to visit my dad’s family. My parents went out of their way to take us to see the wonders of the West: the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Yellowstone National Park, the Redwood Forest, and many others. Of course, a trip through California wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm. One particular memory of a Cabbage Patch Kids store in Los Angeles still stands out. Continue reading “Enjoying the Journey”

Developing Deep Roots

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jer 17:7-8)

Most of Oklahoma, but especially the area in southwestern Oklahoma where I grew up, is experiencing extreme drought right now. Less than a year ago, we had one of the wettest summers on record. It rained so much that I couldn’t keep up with the yard work. When it finally stopped raining long enough for me to mow, the thick grass was so tall and wet from the rain that it was hard to get the mower through it. Continue reading “Developing Deep Roots”