Well hello there, my, it's been a long, long time. If you recognize that opening from a famous country song, well, you can feel better about yourself because that's the only prize I have for you today. It is Tuesday, November 16, 2021, and, I am in the upstairs office because the ladies' Bible study is meeting downstairs. I have been away, not only in mind but also physically. We spent an entire week up in Branson, Missouri. We spent a lot of money in Branson. I think they consider themselves to be an entertainment venue. We had a great time with Marilyn's sister, Dorothy, and her husband Jimbo. When I returned home, Mr. Bentley was very happy to see us. That photo above is one I snapped a few minutes after we came in the back door. (Without the Christmas stuff. I added that. Just so you know.) We did have a good time but the words of a very influential philosopher echoed in my mind upon our return. I can hear Paw Paw Mac, "I would go but I didn't leave anything there and I didn't lose anything there." Confession time: I did make a couple of video calls to check on things here but also to talk with Mr. Bentley. Okay, I said it. Paw Paw Mac again, "Son, have you lost your ever-loving mind?" Yep.
We've been working in the Santa Enterprise some. Last Saturday we traveled up to Mount Enterprise, Texas, for family portraits. We had a wonderful time. The lady photographer is a pastor's wife and we have known them for many years. We made a trip to Del Rio, some 10 years ago with them when he was the mission's coordinator for the American Baptist Association. We had not seen them since that time, but, when we showed up Saturday, it was like a homecoming of sorts. Their son, Dawson, was there to help out and the last time we saw him he was maybe 12 or 13. He now has his associate's degree in music from Texas Baptist Institute. Even Dawson considered us like family, and so we are, all together, a part of the family of God. They must not have cable in Mount Enterprise because we had many families that had 3, 4, and 5 children. We had a great time, but, it was taxing on our bodies, to say the least. The photo is of yours truly with Charlotte and Emily. This was Jill's first time to do these kinds of photos and we feel blessed to have been able to go and work with her. They are already booking folks for next year.
We had worked really hard last Friday to get ready for our granddaughter Amanda Faith's baby shower which was held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our home. It was advertised as a come-and-go affair but most of the folks came and stayed which really filled up our home. It was great to hear so much laughing and talking going on. I was in the living area watching over Mr. Bentley and the Christmas decorations since we had many kiddos running here and there. We must have had between 30-40 folks who showed up and they gave Amanda and Manny a wonderful shower to help get them started with our great-grandson, Gabriel, due to arrive in late December. May God bless and keep them as they prepare for and await this child. Amen. I could tell about all the aches and pains involved in catching the ever-turning merry-go-round of life, but, since we are not in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I will save it for then. The theme for the baby shower was little pumpkin and they had decorations to match. Y'all be safe out there and know that God is faithful, always and forever, He is faithful. Please say a prayer for our Jimmy who checked himself into the mental health facility yesterday. The holiday season wreaks havoc with those dealing with depression-related mental illness. Wishing each one a wonderful upcoming Thanksgiving Day and may it be one where we all find ourselves giving true thanks to our Great God. Amen. ......until next time.
