Vacation

We are in Day 5 of our summer vacation.

Day 1 of our vacation was spent in SW Missouri. I had always wanted to visit a couple of areas close to Joplin but had not had a chance to see. After a trip to Walmart in Joplin we were off to the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri. It was a beautiful place. We enjoyed the mile hike around the trails. We toured the lake, the house and cemetery. The Visitor's Center gave a great history on Carver's life.

The next stop was Roaring River State Park. We enjoyed the tour of the fish hatchery and walking the river. The spring and cave was impressive as well. I bet there were a thousand people on the river fishing on Saturday afternoon.

Our next stop was Branson. We enjoyed some shopping and a late movie. I took Deb to see "Letters to Juliet", a chick flick. She enjoyed it.

On Sunday, we enjoyed our usual trip to the Branson Church of Christ where Brian and Allison met us for worship. After worship we went shopping and ate a great Italian meal at Florentinos. It's a new restaurant on Green Mountain Road behind the Radisson Hotel. We then went to see the Haygoods' show. It was very good. After the show Brian had to have Maggie Moo's. Wish I hadn't ate all that chocolate. The caffeine kept me up all night.

Monday we spent at Silver Dollar City. It wasn't very crowded and not too hot. After we left we had pizza by the pool and the played mini golf before turning in for the night.

Debbie and I got up on Tuesday and headed to Berryville, Arkansas, to play golf at our favorite course, Carroll County Country Club. We played 36 holes. Brian and Allison hit the Titanic exhibit in Branson before heading home. We spent the night at our usual motel in Eureka Springs, the Apple Blossom Inn.

Today we played golf again at Berryville then hit Bubbas BQ for dinner. We played 40 holes of golf before a rain shower came through cooling things down.

Tomorrow we head towards NW Arkansas.

Dad is Home

Good news dad was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon. He is recuperating at home. Getting stronger every day.

Update

Dad is finally improving. He hopes to be released from the hospital over the weekend. My mom is still hanging in there. She has been a great support for him. I can't wait to play golf with him in about 60 days.

On another note, please pray for my former college basketball coach, Dale Neal, who had a heart attack on Memorial Day. He is recovering in Tennessee.

Update on my Father

The past two weeks have been difficult and very busy. With my father having heart bypass surgery on May 21, and then having stomach surgery yesterday afternoon, the past 2 weeks have been agonizing for the family.

On a good note, dad was able to leave ICU this afternoon and go back to the fifth floor at St Johns Hospital in Tulsa. According to Debbie he even sat up in bed and watched the news. Watching the world news right now would make anyone sick! Especially if you have BP stock!

He has a long road ahead. No food for a week. Then about 2-3 weeks recovery time in the hospital. We appreciate your continued prayers on his behalf. God has really been with him throughout this entire challenge.

Prayers Needed

My dad is having more surgery at this time. I am in Tulsa sitting with mom. Please pray for him.

Need Continued Prayers

My dad is continuing to have difficulties after his bypass surgery. I am back in Tulsa at the hospital spending the night by his bedside. We would appreciate your continued prayers.

Update

My father is having a difficult time after bypass surgery on Friday. Please continue to remember him in your daily prayers. Thanks.

Prayers Needed Today

I would appreciate your prayers today as my father has triple bypass heart surgery in Tulsa.

Chase

We enjoyed our dinner guest Friday evening. His mom and dad were fun as well. Chase your beautiful little boy!

New Video

I am not a huge Bill Anderson or Country Music fan but I really like his new music video "Thanks to You". It has a great message.

http://todayscountrymusicvideos.blogspot.com/2010/05/watch-country-legend-bill-andersons-new.html

KU Fans

This is for my University of Kansas friends.

http://www.basketballboogie.org/

Nice Truck

Brian and Allison's new Dodge truck.

Good Friends

Tonight we have dinner with a very special couple. Eric and Sarah. They were part of our Young Professional (YP) group at the Central Church in Topeka. Debbie and I were blessed to be part of their pre-wedding plans as we did pre-martial counseling with them. We enjoyed the time we spent with them the past few years, watching them grow in their love towards each other, and towards God. They now have a little baby boy named Chase. We will eat Italian food tonight in Pittsburg as we show them what SE Kansas cuisine is all about.

Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

Chorus:
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the victory cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the power of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us
What a love! What a cost!

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Update on Craig

Craig is about to finish up his junior year at the Fashion Institute in New York City. He is also moving in to his own apartment this week. Moving off campus. He's excited. His job at UG is going well. He will have a busy summer.

Water

Water is a very important natural resource. Especially in Columbus today. We spent abut 14 hours yesterday without water when the City water tower was hit by lightning around 1:00 a.m. on Monday morning. It shut down the community as well as the school. We have a large supply of bottled water as we head back to school today.

The Colors of Spring

The flowers were simply beautiful on Mother's Day.

Church was very encouraging today. We had a great Bible class discussing the Fruit of the Spirit-Joy. Worship was powerful. One baptism. The mothers were all recognized at worship.

We had dinner at Deb's favorite Mexican place in Joplin, then came home for our high school music concert.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day mom. I love you so much. Thanks for giving me so much especially my faith and trust in God you taught me at such a young age. You are very special.

Big Sugar

Last week we played golf at Big Sugar Golf Club in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. It was a beautiful Ozark Mountain course. It was also very difficult.

Wanted

This family came for the weekend.