From the Home Place

August 23, 2026

Good morning! Starting with 61 degrees at 5 a.m., headed for 93 for a high, with a 55% chance of rain. Yesterday afternoon, we had a 100% chance of rain and the radar showed a severe storm hitting Lusk, we got a sprinkle, so I’m probably not going to hold my breath expecting measurable rain today. Today looks to be a hot and windy with a WNW wind, the kind we get in the winter???

Miss Deb and I drove a couple-hundred miles yesterday to get groceries and supplies. Along the way we spent a gift card and ate a meal at a sit-down restaurant. We most often do fast food and keep running, but yesterday we stopped for a bit and enjoyed a meal together. It was kind of like a date!

When we were a young couple, we would go on a date at least once each month. As parents, we explained to our children that dating was an important process that helped us stay well connected. Dating gave us time to visit about things within our lives that were attempting push us apart. And that my friends, is why I consistently have a “date time” with God as well.

I am of the opinion that any time two people develop a strong bond with each other, Satan will do his best to bring about circumstances, comments and busyness to push that bond apart. That statement holds true for a marriage relationship, friendships and for a spiritual relationship as well.

As the preacher said at our wedding, “That which God has joined together, may no one separate.” Little did he know that Satan is the primary “one” who attempts to separate husband and wife, family members, close friends, and believer and God. That is why each relationship requires effort and time to continue to grow.

It appears that too many folks who have asked Jesus to be their Savior are like the old ranch couple who found themselves in the pastor’s office for counseling. The wife commented, “He just doesn’t love me anymore!” To which the ‘ol rancher replied, “That’s nonsense, I told her I loved her 40 years ago when we got married and that still stands until I tell her different.”

You see dear friends, too many folks treat God in a very similar way – the only time they express their love for Him is when difficulty arises, and that is exactly one of the major reasons that God allows difficulties to show up at our doorsteps.

So, back to where we started – When was the last time you went on a date with God to visit about your relationship with Him? I’m talking a real “sit-down” meal, no more fast-food dates. A relationship requires commitment and time, neither realized during “fast-food” visits.

Today, instead of going to “fast-food” church, give effort and time to improve your spiritual relationship. Go to church and renew your love and commitment to your relationship with the One who just wants you to sit down, spend some quality time with Him and to hear you say, “I love You!”

And by the way, there will be some people there who need you to make a similar investment in your relationship with them. Slow down, dedicate time and effort to the relationships that have the greatest value within your life; because we all know how our enemy will do everything he can do to push us apart. “That which God has joined together,” deserves our time and energy to help it grow!

Writing these lessons is an expression of my appreciation of you, and you express the same as you commit time and effort in reading them. As such, we improve our relationship. Perhaps we need to do the same with a spouse, a friend and God? It is never a waste of time of have a real “date” with those whom we love.

Dating God and others with you, Neal