BST's Blog

Today was the perfect Zoo day! Sheryl was so smart to buy the season passes. We met Jill, Mack and Champ out there and the kids all played and screamed for a couple of hours. It was a fun day except for a goat with some attitude who didn't appreciate Maddie touching it's horns. (petting zoo part)

I have decided not to go to Groesbeck tomorrow. It was a really hard decision and I am, even now, vacillating back and forth on it. However, I think it's for the best. My heart will certainly be there tomorrow. I think I will be able to visit the cemetery in a couple of weeks.

I had such a serendipitous experience on my way home. My best friend and brother, Stephen, lives in the DFW area with his family. I was delayed because of weather and had a 2 1/2 hour layover. It was the perfect amount of time for Chili's and fellowship! Actually, fellowship seems trite in describing that afternoon. There's no way to describe my friendship with Stephen. He was my roommate through ACU and afterwards--even in Nashville. He counseled me through many things. He has been a brother through very difficult times. When we're together, we just pick right back up. I probably either talk to or email my 3 college roommates at least once a week. Those guys have remained my closest friends. We've seen each other through a lot--good and bad. My heart has been heavy for the Baileys over the last month. It was so great to see him and hear how God is working. What a blessing we have in the family of God. (that sounds kind of corny, but how else can you say it? It really is amazing.)

Tonight we sing for the Christian Student Center at MTSU--a huge university outside Nashville. This is our 3rd year to do this welcome back to school party. The first time I went, I had really low expectations. I don't know why. I was completely BLOWN away! It has been a highlight of my summer ever since. Those students pack the place and their passion is hard to describe. They are just extremely on fire for Jesus. It should be a great night.

Father, God, thank you for family. Thank you for my aunt Ruby who loved you and was faithful to you. Thank you for her spry attitude. Thank you for making her ornery. Thank you for the splinters she pulled out of my feet over the years (not very carefully, I might add). Thank you for the way she loved my father and my family. Thank you for Frankie who has taken such great care of her for the last 10+ years. Thank you, Lord, for that cemetery. Such a beautiful place of peace. Thank you for the heritage that it represents to me. Thank you that the grave is NOT the end.

Thank you for family like Stephen and so many others who are siblings in Christ to me. Praise your name for filling my life with these who have been your voice, arms, and legs for me over the years. I am truly blessed.