Another Roadtrip

We are in for Branson, Mo for the weekend. A nice drive to visit some friends, hit a great church at Telos Bible Church on Sunday and a meeting at the Kanakuk Institute on Monday. Only regret is that we are not going to be able to spend more time with the men and women attending the Institute this year.

Oh, well. You cannot have it all, all the time.

As usual, I am enjoying a road trip, it seems to be my favorite mode of travel these days. We have the CD series, The Best of Prof, to listen to. It is a collection of talks by Howard Hendricks, collected over 50+ years of bible teaching by one of the best. Really looking forward to spending a few hours with the Prof on the road.

Flat Stanley is also coming with us. He arrived from our great-niece in Virginia for some time in Texas, and he gets a bonus trip out to Branson as well.

So, a lot planned for a short road trip. But we are looking forward to it.

A Glorious Day

I am enjoying today immensely, a day with family in Virginia. it will probably be in the 40s today(almost Arctic conditions for a guy who has spent the last five years in Texas). A crisp, sunny day.

It was a year ago today that I made the decision to pursue study at seminary based on changes in my business career.

And what a year it has been. I am ensconced in my studies (similar to immersed, but with the arms of a loving God wrapped around you) and getting near the end of the first term. I am heading into a Christmas season soon and looking forward to times of worship and prayer with my Lord. I am tinkering with ministry ideas and am excited about what the future holds as far as the Lord's plans for my life.

A glorious day, all in all.

And I want to share a verse that stuck in my mind a year ago as I read the Word in the morning:

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James1:27 (NASB)

Staying unstained, helping those who would be helpless without others. Sounds like a divine plan to cwork towards on a glorious day.

On the Road

Today we drive down to Virginia for more family visiting and to spend our Thanksgiving holiday before heading back to Texas. We like road trips and look forward to taking them. This one will be relatively short-250 miles-but it gives us a chance to spend some time together without the usual distractions of our daily life.

I think that is why I like them so much. That, and the fact that air travel seems to get less pleasant every time I do it. It probably is not the experience itself as much as it is that my tolerance level decreases in direct proportion to my aging. Another thing to look forward to.

I like visiting family, but I do miss my home. I guess you cannot have it both ways. The one thing that surprises me is that as much as i enjoy my classes at seminary, I really am enjoying the break. I hope the transition back to finish the semester is not too difficult. Makes me wonder how I will deal with going back to the spring semester after a 5 week break. Another issue for another day.

The one thing I am pleased with is that I find the time alone with the Lord that I feel I need daily. I always wonder whether I will be in the Word enough when I am traveling, but God does make sure I stay in touch. I am thankful for that.

I think it is so easy to get distracted when out of your regular routine. I am glad he does not get as easily distracted as I do. That would make life a lot more difficult if He did.