From the Home Place

February 5, 2026

Twenty-five degrees at five, headed for 61. Today will find Miss Deb and I, and Coffee, loading up in our car for a road trip. Looks like a great day for a drive.

Please allow me to recap my yesterday for you: Up at 2:15 for a long period of prayer. Before six, Miss Deb was up, getting ready to go to teach fifth and sixth graders here at our school. After a couple of hours of study for Sunday School and sermon, I went outside and cleaned up after Coffee.

I then worked at doing some organizing in the shop and made a quick trip to dump trash. Coffee had to go along as we would find a place for her to run and explore for a few minutes before returning home. I then read another commentary for Sunday and grabbed a snack for lunch.

After a long visit with one of our church planters, I then showered and put on my go to town clothes so I could go renew my driver’s license – I then found out that they are open only on Wednesday. I gathered the mail and returned back home to mix, bake and frost cupcakes for Miss Debs class. My frosting was not nearly as pretty as what Miss Deb makes, but the kids ate them anyway. As soon as Miss Deb arrived home from school, we were off to the local high school to watch middle school boys basketball. Lusk was playing Guernsey, so we knew boys from both teams. Guernsey’s coach is a young lady we consider to be our granddaughter, she led her young fellers to a two-point victory!

Back home by 6:30, a bite of supper and then I went to my office to have a Zoom meeting with my guys. What an amazing group of young men! We spent an hour sharpening each other’s sword for the spiritual battle we all find ourselves in. We looked at Scripture, talked about life and prayed. It is always difficult to say “Good-by” to these amazing young men of God.

A time of visiting with Miss Deb, and Coffee said it was time for bed. A good night’s sleep and back up at 4:30 to pray, study and type this note. Here we go again!

As I have said before, Miss Deb and I are so enjoying where God has placed us and the opportunities He gives us each day. Today should provide several opportunities to visit with folks we know and others we will perhaps get to know. God’s grace is so amazing!

I have no idea what your day will hold, but I do know Who holds your day. May I encourage you to look for the opportunities of this day, not just the things you “have to get done.” As Jesus stated, “each day has enough trouble of its own,” but each day also provides plenty of opportunities as well. A quick run to the store or post office, may provide an opportunity to speak a pleasant word into the life of someone else. A road trip will provide time to visit with a passenger, or time to listen to music or a podcast.

No matter what your day holds, praise the One who holds your day. Perhaps, find a few minutes to sit with Him as if visiting with an old friend. Prayer does not always have to be formal. Watch for the little moments of His provision and protection. When a task is completed, thank the Lord for His assistance. After all, you are not going to do much without His provision of life.

Speaking of life, why not “LIVE” today? I so remember the day that Dr. Hendricks asked us guys to pray for him that “the day I quit living and the day that I die have the same date.” I would really appreciate such a prayer for me as well. For each of us, as long as God gives breath, live! Oh, my friends, do not allow Satan to steal your joy of life, regardless of your circumstances. Always remind yourself Who it is that has given you life, and Who it is that sustains your life. Remember, we serve a mighty God, live like it!

“Heavenly Father, we praise You for the life we get to live with You, looking forward to eternity with You. Holy Spirit, help us live today as the special gift it is, may Your joy be within us and speak loudly through us. Lord Jesus, as You gave your life for us, may we do the same for those You bring across our tracks today. And at the end of this day, may our lips sing Your praise! We ask all in the name of Jesus, our Lord, Amen.”

Please realize, this day will most like be what you make it. May His grace abound upon and through you.

Living life with you, Neal