A good month

The fact that I haven’t written much here this month doesn’t mean there’s been nothing to write about. It’s been a very good month; it just hasn’t inspired me to write.

Perhaps the biggest developments for me were claiming music as one of my main passions; discovering I had a keyboard stored under the bed in the front room; and buying a guitar for $25 when I dropped off some donations for a garage sale. 

These three developments are tied to growing willingness to trust God & step out in faith, even when I can only see one next step at a time & even when the steps don’t seem to me to be moving me toward my destination. 

Pray. Listen. Obey. Trust. Give God glory, honor, thanks & praise. Prepare to be blessed!!

40 years & so grateful!

Grateful & blessed. It was good to worship with family & friends at Whaley, where 40 years ago today Gene & I got married. Instead of a wedding anniversary reception today, Ryan’s Backyard BBQ followed the church service. 

Some years, I’ve perhaps resented being a cheap date. Today, it was a blessing. The barbecue & sides were better than any we’ve had at a restaurant. 

It was raining when we left the church, so Gene dropped me at Mom’s while he looked at window air conditioners at Home Depot. After that he mowed, then we went fishing, where we enjoyed a peaceful evening with a few catches and a glorious sunset. We wrapped the day with ice cream from Braum’s. 

#simplepleasures #glorytogod #gratefulandblessed

(And the next day I caught a big one! Then we went and bought a queen size mattress. We didn’t get the air-conditioner until our next trip to the farm. It all worked out! #stillgratefulandblessed)

No place like home

I love to travel. 

My home is modest. 

There’s still no place like home. 

That said, I’m quite aware I’m at home more than just at this house. 

Home is where the heart is. 

My heart is comfortable here & at the farm & with extended family & at Whaley. 

For that & so much more, I am grateful.

Starting September right

Hal took us for an encore float on the Mississippi River today. I just wanted to go & didn’t care whether I caught anything; I’d leave the catching up to the guys. And for the first hour that’s how it went. Then I started reeling ‘em in too. By time we needed to leave, I was like young Pat at an amusement park or concert — I did not want it to end. I’m grateful to Hal & Gene & God! #sweetmusicoflife #startingseptemberright #mississippiriver #bassfishing #goxoutside