From the Home Place

May 16, 2026

Maybe? It is looking like we could get some moisture of Sunday evening and Monday. Sure, some of it may be in the form of snow, but it’s moisture!

Yesterday was a great day for me, I went branding. In the saddle by 7 in the morning to gather cattle. Branding by 8. I wrestled calves all morning with three great young men from our study group. It was really fun to get to know both of them better, along with meeting many new folks. The Lord was kind and as far as I know. There were no serious wrecks or injuries. It sure is fun to be living back in cattle country!

As we were gathering cattle, I was blessed to get to visit with one man about the value of growing up on a ranch. Oh, for sure, country kids miss out on a lot of things their town-raised friends get to do, but there are a ton of things that those country kids get to do that helps them to have a firm understanding of life. Take branding for example. This particular activity helps young folks develop good work ethics, to become community minded, to learn to laugh at life, while keeping safe at the workplace. Branding parties teach courtesy, kindness and how to jump into action to help someone who is struggling. Yep, branding parties teach young folks life-long skills.

These same kinds of skills should be evident within a local body of believers. We should all work hard, with a good attitude as we serve the local church. As Christians, we should have a healthy community mindedness, a willingness to help one another as needed. Also, we should be willing to quickly assist others who find themselves in difficult situations.

As I write this, it seems like these are all characteristics displayed by Jesus as He walked here on earth. I wonder, was Jesus a country kid at heart? It sure seems like a real possibility.

Yesterday, I met so many folks that I probably would not have been introduced to in any other way. Let me tell you for sure, it was very enjoyable to get to visit with so many great folks. I’m still telling Miss Deb about this person and that person I was blessed to meet yesterday.

So, tomorrow when you go to church, don’t just go to attend church. Go to be a part of a community, meet new people, lend a helping hand, watching to see if there is someone there who is new in your community of believers. If that new person shows up, welcome them in by getting to know something special about their life. Perhaps, invite them to sit with you during the service.

Hebrews 13:2 instructs us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Who knows, there just might be an “angel” show up at your church in the morning? May I encourage you to be sure “to show hospitality.” Even if they are not a real angel, they just might become a new friend.

Looking for earthly angels with you, Neal