It's the Horch family!

My Mom and I lived in the same town off and on for many years. Yet, each time she saw me, her face lit up like it was the first time in ages.
On Monday, September 14th, my road trip schedule was the drive from Des Moines to Chicago.
Jeff, Anne, and Jack's schedule put them at the Des Moines airport on the way to Nashville.
A wonderfully happy crossing of the paths!
So, of course, I made my way out Fleur Drive to the airport and waited to see this happy threesome.
Honestly, I knew how Mom felt! There they were - within 10 feet of me---and my heart was happy.
A quick visit allowed me to hold my newest grandson, hug my big kids, and get back on the road.
Scripture tells us God sings over us. Isn't that an amazing thought? We are told His banner over us is love. How marvelous.
Knowing how much I love my children and my grandchildren gives me just the slightest hint of the Father's love for me.
The Westminster Confession says "the chief end of man( and woman) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I am glad He enjoys us, as well.

Julia and Sarah

"Guess what we are having for dinner? Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon!" I barely stepped into Sarah's beautiful house when we exploded with excitement.

"And, I have invited two friends --- one is a chef."

The drive from Liberty to Des Moines was joyful as I drank in the lush greens, yellows, and blues of the Iowa landscape. The rolling hills made my heart happy.

I laughed out loud as I passed a farmhouse with a long line of air-drying clothes. Where is Norman Rockwell when you really need his paint brush?

"You are kidding ---- a Julia dinner? I can't think of anything better."

We enjoyed great food, funny story after funny story, and then retired to the "music room" for singing, playing, and listening. Great joy!

Sarah turned a Beaverdale bungalow into a welcoming, colorful, textureful (not sure that is a word) center for entertaining. The constant flow of neighbors and friends fills her house with blessing.

The fact it took Sarah all day long to prepare Julia's delight was no deterrent. Even as we oohed, ahhed, and "YUM!"ed, Sarah talked of the next thing and how much easier it would be. That is a true lover of hospitality.

Her spectacular bathroom is a huge surprise as you climb the narrow steps to the second floor. Much fun! The Diet Coke is hers --- a fitting accessory.

Time with Sarah --- and her time with Julia----made the overnight in Des Moines deliciously delightful,.

Where Did The Choir Go?

Childhood habits don't easily die.... like going to church on vacation. As a member of Fort Thomas Baptist Church, one of our traveling duties was to faithfully worship with the community of faith. In order to encourage us, our Sunday School superintendent expected bulletins from far-flung Baptist churches marking the dates of attendance corresponding to our absences from the home church.

Even before eating my "hot breakfast" at the Fairfield Inn in Liberty, MO, I scanned the yellow pages.

"Second Baptist Church?" The breakfast room attendant smiled and grimaced simultaneously. "That one is kinda for old people. My church is just wonderful and you would love it. It is Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Just follow the road in front and you will get there. The pastor is really cool. He never wears a tie."

What in that sentence should have left me running for Second Baptist? Not sure, but I made my way to her church's enormous campus, visible for miles.

I chose the 11:00 service ----- old time thinking. Why hadn't I shifted my paradigm knowing my own church in Dallas moved the old people to the early slot (older people don't sleep as late) and saved the prime times for drums and clapping.

I opened the handout. It couldn't be a bulletin for nothing mentioned the morning service except the little box reading: Saturday - Band-led; Sunday 9:15 - Choir and orchestra-led:11:00 Guitar-driven; cutting edge.

Notice anything? The first two are "led." The one I chose is "driven."

I actually enjoyed sharing time with this arm of the Body of Christ

One great advantage: I prayed for my family out loud and no one heard ---- they just saw me fervently engaged in praise.:)

Oh, yes, in my Bible is the date stamp in case someone questions my whereabouts while out and about.

Angels on the Route

Remember Baxter Springs two years ago? My friend, Linda, has a house smack dab on Route 66. My 2009 Fall Ramble wove its way through that familiar and friendly territory. It was fun to catch up with her and her animal menagerie (cats now number 7).

This time something is new ---- and old! Sue Gast, Sue Ramage, and Kathie Larson bought a 19th century building and completely redid it to house their restaurant: Angels on the Route. If you just happen to wander through someday ---- STOP! And stop hungry. They advertise their specialties as coffee, soups, sandwiches, candy, and frozen custard.

Not being a coffee connoisseur, I skipped that one, going straight to the soup (potato chowder) and sandwich (reuben on marbled rye). Thankfully, I didn't leave without the frozen custard...just heavenly.

These newcomers to Route 66 have made their mark.

I longed for a Corvette, but just being in this town, and enjoying the afternoon conversation break before heading on to Liberty, MO, was delightful.

Life's sweet surprises are so tasty. If you don't get in a hurry on the way from A to B, some wonderful experiences await. The Cruiser and I know "no hurry" is the best way for us.

And, a rousing few verses of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!" sung loudly as we traveled through Oklahoma weren't bad, either. The Cruiser is most patient and seems to actually enjoy my screeching.

Road Trip? YAY!

"I am leaving at 6:00AM on September 12th." Of course, that meant sleep would evade me on the 11th. Isn't that always the way?
My goal- Liberty, MO......
My fun stop- Baxter Springs, KS

Read about that next.....just know the Cruiser and I are rolling and happy together.

And Let There Be Trees

Who could tell this house started as a slab just a few months ago? And now there are trees, shrubs, and miscellaneous plantings. When Mary Helen gets her hands in the dirt, there will be color galore.

In about three weeks, she and Smith will pack up their temporary residence and settle into the new house. Step by step this process has taught us all what building a dream entails.

Years ago my across the street neighbors planted a stick in their front yard. While we were busy with life, that tree grew and grew into something magnificent. Mary Helen's trees will bring shade, softness, and texture to their front yard.....and they will grow and grow.

We are to be like trees ----planted by streams of water. Not a bad assignment!

Secret Place

"Come see the secret place ---- it's my clubhouse!" Bree Anna excitedly welcomed her friends to the house, rushing them under the stairs and into her private world.

As I walked by, I could see rays of light from three flashlights peeking out of the darkened sanctuary. She decorated it with her drawings and furnished it with two large lounging pillows ---- a perfect hideaway from big brother.

All my life I wanted a secret room. Undoubtedly, I am way too big for Bree Anna's place under the stairway. But, I still dream of turning a bookcase and discovering a tucked away room known only to me.

For a year or so this one will intrigue her as she creates a world of her own, but soon she will outgrow the space and have to duck to enter. Yet, for right now --- it is a magical place where little girls can giggle, tell scary stories, and pretend to be all by themselves in the house.

Last week the verses about "you are my hiding place" came to mind as I thought about some difficult situations. He shelters us, protects us, wraps His arms around us much like Bree Anna's little room does for her. She feels safe in there; I feel safe in Jesus.

I love her happiness as she explores the possibilities of her room. Next time I am sure we will eliminate even more of the clutter to enlarge her domain. After all, this is no longer a storage closet--- it is the private world of Bree Anna Richardson. And how thankful I am for her and her room.

As she grows up, I want her to know she will always have a special place in the arms of Jesus. He will always be her hiding place.