Introduction

The straw baling season was over on the Rodman farm, and we were ready for some relaxation. We had planned on a mini vacation, but I had concerns about a sore on Jim’s leg. He reassured me that he was taking antibiotics and so we headed south for some much-needed R&R.

Our vacation was a combination of business and pleasure. We drove south to Florida to look at a home we rented for a couple of months this winter. Pictures can be so deceiving, but we found the outside to be well taken care of. I had the opportunity to meet the owner in person and she was a wonderful lady. I look forward to getting to know her better this winter.

Part two was to stop at a friend’s farm in Mississippi. Farming practices and crops are different across the country based on soil and weather. Jim was excited to learn more about this area and cotton production which we do not grow in the north. We enjoyed our stop, and it was a beautiful peaceful drive.

Part three of our journey was for me. I have worked on Zoom with my publisher, Diane, for several years, but we had never met in person. We were going to visit her and Rich in Texas and I was beyond excited. You could say I was ecstatic about the opportunity to meet her personally.

This is where our journey took a sideways turn and we were abruptly derailed from parts four and five of our vacation. God in His wisdom brought us into a season of blessings, which is beyond our comprehension.

As people, we focus on our work, and our busy lives making it easy to lose sight of the blessings which surround us each day. We can either slow our lives and focus on God, or He will do it for us!

In Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowd was focused on Him. All of the coats and palms were spread on the ground before Him in reverence. Our Savior was the center of attention as crowds praised Him saying, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9).

And so I give all praise and glory to my Lord and Savior for the blessings we received during our BIG Texas Journey. A journey like no other. It was scary at times, yet there was a peace that cannot be explained, except by the hand of God. Many of His saints and angels blessed our lives in ways we will never be able to repay.

One may ask, how can you have blessings in the midst of adversity? John Maxwell says it best...The blessed life is blessed because Jesus is in it.