From the Home Place

August 12, 2026

At 4 a.m. the temperature is 59 degrees, supposedly not to get over 81 for a high today, with a chance of some thunderstorms this afternoon. We shall see how all of that plays out. According to AccuWeather’s long-range forecast, yesterday was the last above 90 degree day of this year, I’m not putting much stock in their forecasting ability.

Yesterday was a tough day around here. The Lord called a dear friend home. Though my heart was sad that I didn’t get to see Todd one more time on this side, I’m excited for him and his family that we all know he is walking with Jesus today!

I figure when the Apostle Paul stated that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” he clearly stated that the moment a believer’s life ends, their eternity with Jesus begins! I sure wouldn’t wish my friend back because of that amazing truth.

I firmly hold onto the truth that “Jesus wept” at the grave of His friend Lazarus because Jesus knew what He was calling Lazarus back from, eternal joy. I wasn’t very far into this thing called “walking with Jesus” before I realized that for the Christ follower there are a lot of worse things than death. Because Jesus has defeated death, it is no longer an enemy of the believer, it’s just what we could call a rite-of-passage!

So for today, I continue to pray for the man’s widow and family who have to continue on without him there to help in their journey. Yet Todd taught all of us that if we look for the best in every situation, we are sure to find it eventually. This dear man showed me how to “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” Thanks my friend! Though I will miss his welcoming smile, I would never ask for him back.

I reckon when my graduation day comes, most folks will tell the Lord, “You can keep him, and good luck.” Yep, when our day comes to leave this ‘ol ball of dirt behind, I sure pray that it will be a great day for you as a follower of Jesus Christ. You see, it is one thing that is guaranteed about this life, we all get a turn at death. Make sure that you know Jesus Christ as Savior before that moment comes and marks a date on your headstone, please.

Miss Deb is on an airplane headed back home, I’m traveling to Cheyenne to see the “ticker doc.” I’m sure your day is busy as well. Remember, “we all run, run, run, and then we die.” Be sure to walk with Jesus here and there.

Looking forward to graduation day with you, Neal