And again I say REJOICE!

It's time to go to Waco to see dear friends.

Before we even got in the truck, my phone rang and it was Dorie Bardell from Casa Grande, AZ.  She has recently had knee replacement surgery.  About a week ago, Dorie called me with a dilemma of where she was going to stay when she got out of the hospital, so I suggested that she call Julie, another friend who attends our church services at Sunscape RV Resort, but doesn't live there; she lives in CG, proper.  Dorie thought that was a great idea, so she called Julie and now Dorie is staying at Julie and Dave's until her knee heals enough for her to go home to Sunscape.  Anyway, back to the phone call. Dorie was in immense pain, to the point of tears, so I prayed with her.  Then she began to tell me what a blessing it has been to be with Julie.  She also told me about the nurse that came yesterday.  The nurse is the wife of the pastor of the Picacho First Baptist Church, the church that the Sunscape church people gave enough money to so all fifteen of their youth group could attend church camp this past summer.  Lisa, that's the nurse's name, told Dorie that her son and her son's best friend both gave their lives to the Lord at camp and made decisions to follow Jesus and His plan for their lives.  Dorie said they were all crying and rejoicing.  Lisa also said that they couldn't wait to come over to Sunscape to share their camp experiences with us and show pictures, too.  What a blessing!!  Also, thank you for continued prayers for Dorie as her knee heals and blessings for Julie and Dave for caring for her.

While we were rejoicing, Dennis Maloney, general director of CRM, called.  He was giddy about a report of a CRM tag someone had placed on KOMA, a Norman, OK radio station, during the last OU football game.  He said the spot spoke of CRM and the free medical clinics that CRM has helped to get started.  Now, the mystery is... who this put on the radio???  Dennis figured Don had it done, but he didn't.  When we figure it out, I'll let you know. 

Dennis said there was also a report of a non-believer who went to the free clinic in Branson, Missouri and said, "That was the best service and the best I have ever been treated, anywhere."  And the best part is that we know he heard the gospel while he was there and he still had wonderful things to say about the clinic!!  Praise the Lord!

This sure has been a day that has been easy to rejoice in!

Now for a few pictures of our day, random, the way I do them best.

Don't you just love old houses like this.  This one has been converted to the Magnolia Inn in Cameron, Texas.

Right out of a story book:

The sun did shine today and the blue sky was brilliant.

Wink and Dovie, the sweet couple we visited today.  We met them at Cracker Barrel in Waco and then drove out to their house to visit for awhile.  They told us about the wonderful time they had on an Alaska cruise about a month ago, with their two daughters.Wink loved telling us about their cruise. (He worked for Don at the 7-Up bottling and distribution center in Waco for over ten years.  Oh, the stories they could tell... on each other.)

On our way back to the Q, we drove by Lake Belton.I don't remember ever seeing a wild flower like this in Texas.  Don and I named it the "Lone Texas Star."The "Lone Texas Stars" grow on a single stem about 8"-12" tall.Lake Belton through a dead tree.Evidence of recent rains in this area.

I think this is my favorite photo capture for today. Hawk in flight.And this picture is for grandson, Logan.Our trip home also took us through Killeen and Fort Hood, Texas.Stephanie, this is Jasper Street in Killeen where your mom and dad lived when you were born.  By the way, Killeen looks nothing like it did in 1972.

The San Gabriel River.

I wonder how Harold's doing these days? (The sign hanging from the porch roof says "Harold's").  I think this structure needs to be in the Old Settlers' Village where we're parked.I have a new target for my lens.... interesting church buildings.  This one is in Georgetown, Texas and you can see the top of the bell tower from miles away.Lampasses River.  Love seeing this much water in the Texas rivers.        

We got back to the Q in time for Don to put a new splitter switch on the TV so we can watch local channels when we want to.  Tonight.... the Biggest Loser starts with Abby Day Rike being a "star."  The end of the first show and her team of two is in first place!!!  Abby went to school with my girls from elementary all the way through high school.  What happened to her two years ago is something out of a horror movie.  She is truly an inspiration.  

>>Whatever it is, it's rare and it's inspirational.<<

We are so blessed.