The Greatest Family Reunion Ever

I just attended our 75^th Annual Way Family reunion in my hometown of Snyder, Texas.  This was one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had in several years.  It’s pretty amazing that a family reunion that started way back in 1934 in Snyder, Texas is still been carried on today.

While in Snyder, we visited the cemetery where my Great Grandpa, William Mitchell Way is buried.  He was the patriarch of the Way family.  My grandmommie, Dovie Love Way Ware was one of his many children. We also visited her grave along with many of her brothers and sisters.

Saturday evening, we all gathered in the Barn at the Park in Snyder to eat, and visit with family members. Catching up on each other’s lives seemed to be the main priority.

One of my cousins, Sue Schaeffer just had a new Christian inspirational book published, “Portrait of the Called.” Other kinfolks had new kids or grandkids.
Story after story was told about family members that brought smiles to our faces and joy in our hearts.

Leaving the reunion was sad.  It seemed like we barely got there and then had to hug everyone goodbye again.

There is one thing, however, that brings me joy and that is the fact that most of my family members are Christians. That means one day soon, when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, returns to carry His children to Heaven, we’ll have the greatest family reunion ever.

We’ll finally get to meet the one who gave His life so that we might live. Can you imagine that friend? One day soon, we’ll see Jesus face to face. What an awesome thought!

We’ll also get to see many loved ones who have gone before, plus family members who have made Jesus the Lord of their lives. 

Friend, this Family Reunion will be an eternal, everlasting reunion where we’ll live together forever and ever. Nothing will ever separate us from those we love again.

Dear Lord, thank you for my family and thank you for inviting me to the soon coming greatest family reunion ever. Amen.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you.

Howdy Friends,

I ran across this story that I wrote several years ago.  It’s not my normal devotional, but I thought you might enjoy it anyway.

It’s one of those, “No Way Did That Happen!” stories, but let me assure you, it really happened.

LEXI AND BIG LADY

My great niece, Alexis Love Ballard was born in 1998, exactly six days after her great-great grandmother, Lois Banks passed away.

Lexi as we call her, grew into a beautiful freckled-face, auburn hair toddler.  Her parents, Xandy and Robert purchased the house that Grandma and Grandpa Banks lived in for years.

Living in grandma's house gave Lexi the opportunity to play in grandma’s huge fenced backyard among all the many trees and flowers that she had planted and nurtured.

On numerous occasions, Lexi would come in after playing and tell her mom that she had talked to Big Lady out in the backyard.

Her mom knew that she had a big imagination, especially when she said that Big Lady loved to smell all the flowers and she had purple hair.

Several months later, Lexi and her mom made a trip to visit her great grandparents in East Texas. While running down the hallway, Lexi stopped cold in her tracks as she looked up at one particular picture hanging among many on the wall.

“That’s her, that’s Big Lady.” Lexi screamed out!

Lexi was convinced that the Big Lady she saw in her backyard was the same lady in the picture.

You probably guessed it by now. The picture was of Grandma Lois, with her beautiful silver hair, which sometimes cast a purple tint.

Lexi is a blessing from God above. As for Lexi’s Big Lady, with the purple hair story, well, lets just say it’s one of those things that make you say, "Hmm!"

What’s Important Now?

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV

I came across the Win Principle several years ago.  It stands for,

WHAT’S IMPORTANT NOW?  

Ask yourself this question when making any decision. As a Christian, your decisions should be made by Godly principles found in God’s Word and by making your utmost priorities pleasing to your Lord and Saviour.

Friend, seeking God’s will first in all things will show you what’s important now!

Try it!

Dear Lord, Help me to always know that you and your perfect will for my life is the most important thing. Amen.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you.

Be a Blessing

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3:27: KJV

In 2000, when I had my gift shop, Grandma’s Gifts of Love, the opportunity came up to help someone in need. The Lord had blessed me and I was in a position that I could help others. 

I remember a conversation I had on the phone with this person. Reluctantly, the person thanked me for the kind offer, but declined my help.

I sensed that this person really needed help, so I shared this scripture found in Proverbs.

“God’s been good to me.” I said. “Now it’s my turn to give back, besides, I‘d miss out on a blessing if I didn’t help.”

Without further hesitation, this person agreed to let me help. 

It wasn’t about the fact that I was financially able to help; it was the fact that God had truly blessed me and I knew I had to help.

Through out God’s Word, we’re told to help each other. That could involve bearing each other’s burdens, praying for one another, helping out financially or maybe just lending an open ear.

When the opportunity arises and trust me, it will, make it a priority to help someone in need. By doing so, you’re sharing the love of Christ and that my friend is a blessing in itself.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galations 6:10 KJV

Dear Lord, Thank you for all your many blessings. Help me to always share those blessings with others. Amen.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you.

Living Waters

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isaiah 44:3 KJV

So far, this summer has been hot and dry. The temperatures have reached 100 degrees or more with heat indexes up to 107-109 degrees. That’s hot anyway you look at it.

I mowed this past week. It had been at least 3 weeks since I mowed last. Without thinking, I had my blade height set low. It scalped my front yard. When my parents saw it, they told me to never mow the yard that low when it’s this hot. They said it could kill the grass.

 I thought it looked pretty good, at least until; the sun began to scorch it. Watering my front and back yard would make my water bill skyrocket. All I could think about was how much we desperately needed rain.

Finally, the forecast showed rain, but in East Texas, you just never know. 

Yesterday morning during church, the preacher stopped preaching and we all heard it at the same time. It was rain. Loud rain. It was pouring rain from heaven. The preacher shouted and I think the whole congregation did too. I know I got rain happy.

It slacked off, but then poured again last night and this morning. You should see my yard now. The grass is already turning green.

Christians sometimes get in what I call a drought stage.  If we neglect to spend time with the Lord through prayer and reading His Word, our spiritual walk with Christ can suffer. Our hearts and souls sometime just need a refreshing downpour of the living water that comes from Jesus.

 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  John 4:13-14 KJV

Friend, when you drink from the living water that Jesus gives, you’ll never thirst again. Don’t live in a spiritual drought. Pray for a downpour of that living water.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the rain for my yard and for the living water for my soul. Amen.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you.

July 4^th Memories

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV

July 4^th has and always will be one of my favorite holidays. I have so many special memories of this special day from my childhood.

At the beginning of this week, I said, I’d share an article that I wrote in 1998 that was published in my hometown paper. After reading it, I think you’ll understand why I love this great nation of ours and why I love to celebrate this holiday.

Have a Safe and Happy 4^th of July!

JULY 4^th CELEBRATIONS AT TOWLE RECALLED

A trip to Towle Memorial Park in Snyder was a real treat for me as a child. It is a very special place for children and adults, too. Anytime is a great time to visit, but the Fourth of July is a breathtaking, spectacular event.

The entrance to the park is easily accessed by turning on Towle Park Road off of College Ave., better known as the Big Spring Highway.

This is a one-way paved street. To the left of of the street is a grassy area. This grassy median separates the entrance and exit. As you follow down the winding narrow path, there are many beautiful sights to behold. A large weeping willow tree stands off to the left with its drooping branches flowing to the ground. There are many other beautiful trees.

On the right side of the crooked path is a cement block fence surrounded by a partially paved dirt road. Cars and trucks, full of passengers of all ages, drive around this fence in hopes of catching a glimpse of little furry critters called Prairie Dogs.

After returning to the main road, a turn to the right takes you beside the public swimming pool. Children with pink rosy cheeks, arms and legs are gathered in the water.

The water makes rippling sounds while the children jump and play. At one end of the chain link fence, there is a miniature version of the pool called the Kiddie Pool.

There are mothers and children of all ages, from infants to toddlers.

Some children bellow out cries followed by water mixed tears, while others stand in the water shivering and giggling.

As you continue to follow the road around, your next sight is an awesome green landscaped area with picnic tables and lots of playground rides. Swings, merry-go-rounds, slides and monkey bars are just a few of the fun filled adventures waiting for each youngster.

Driving further into the park, the glimmering sun sparkles down on an oasis of water, better known to old-timers as “Catfish Tank.” Cottony white-feathered ducks swim gracefully across the pond. They gladly welcome any breadcrumbs offered to them.

Cars are scattered up and down the sides of the road. A space for parking is not easily found. Finally, an empty parking space brings a hearty “West Texas” smile to your face.

With the family scattering in all directions, the Armory full of arts and crafts seems like the perfect place to start. Reminiscing with old friends brings a warm feeling to the heart.

A walk through the carnival area brings great anticipation. The shrill screams of kids riding carnival rides shriek throughout the park. Although, these are mild compared to the blood curdling screams for those brave souls who dare to step on the roller coaster.

Carnival ride motors roar, as though they are off in the far distance. The fragrance of the diesel motors along with the smoke brings about an unpleasant odor.

This unpleasantness quickly disappears with the aromatic fragrances that come from the concession stands. Popcorn, caramel apples and cotton candy are everyone’s favorites.

The fluffy threadlike fibers of the rainbow colored cotton candy melts in you mouth in seconds. The rich thickness of the caramel apples is sometimes tough to chew, but well worth the effort. Popcorn is ordered, only if sharing with others and be sure to get extra salt and dazzling globs of butter.

The best is saved for last. As the sun slowly sets beyond the West Texas horizon, the crowds begin to settle down. Some folks are gathered with family members, others with friends. They are scattered all over the park in lawn chairs. Some are nestled on the ground on their blankets and quilts.

Every head is pointed upward watching and waiting. Suddenly, a whistling noise fills the air. Red, white and blue explosions of brilliant lights make starburst effects throughout the sky.

One rocket after the other, one spectacular light display after the other, until finally the last firework fizzles away. All that remains is a white puff of smoke and a reminder to all that being an “American” is truly a blessing. 

Dear Lord, Thank you for childhood memories and thank you for America. Amen.

Until Next time, Happy Trails and May the good Lord take a liken to you

America, The Beautiful, A Gift from God

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey. Deuteronomy 26:9

Several years ago, I went to Colorado Springs, Colorado to visit my nephew who was stationed at Fort Carson. Danny was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

While there, I got to ride the Cog Train up to Pike’s Peak. The view was breath taking. Once I reached the top of the peak, I gazed out onto a spectacular scene that I’ll never forget. 

During the cog train ride, the guide told the story of Kathrine Lee Bates, who at the age of 33, in 1893, took a train trip up to Pikes Peak.

While on the pinnacle of the mountain, words in the form of a poem began to come to Bates. She wrote them down after returning to her hotel. The poem, Pikes Peak, was first published two years later in a church periodical, The Congregationalist, to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Samuel A. Ward, church organist and choirmaster composed the music to the poem, which was then titled, America.

As I stood at the top of Pikes Peak, the words that Katherine Bates wrote suddenly came to my mind. I silently sang them to myself and then understood where the inspiration for this song came from.

Friend, as we get ready to celebrate the Independence of our Nation, let’s stop and take time to thank God for giving us this land, we call America.

We are a mixed nation with people from countries all over the world. However, we share one thing in common, America, a nation that allows us to be free and a nation full of opportunity.

My prayer is that God will continue to bless this great nation of ours. May the words that Katherine Bates wrote in 1893 continue to inspire all those who sing it today:

America! America! God shed His grace on thee, 
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

Free To Choose

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:18 KJV

Being an American gives an individual freedom to choose many things. You have the right to choose where you live, what you eat, what car you drive, your career, your doctor, freedom of speech and religion. These are just a few of the privileges that Americans choose everyday.

As a born again believer, free from sin, you can experience a new freedom found only in Christ.

The Amplified Bible states it this way.

And having been set free from sin, you have become the servant of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose, and action.) Romans 6:18 AMP

The Message Bible says it this way.

But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom.  Romans 6:17-18 The Message

Being free from sin frees you to live your life in the perfect will of God. You’ll also be free from fear. Your courage will come from the Holy Spirit and will empower you to go out and accomplish all that God has for you to do.

I’m proud to be an American and to have choices, but even more than that, I’m thankful that I’m a child of God. 

Friend, choose each day to read God’s Word and pray. Choose daily fellowship with God. Choose a church to call home where you can fellowship with other Christians. 

God gives His children these and many other choices. Let’s choose wisely and in so doing, reap benefits that are out of this world.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the freedom that comes from being your child and for all the Godly choices that you help me make. Amen.  

Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.