From the Home Place

August 30, 2026

Good morning all. We are starting this day at 54 degrees here in Lusk. Before this day is complete, the high temperature should be around 84 degrees, with a 55% possibility with a little rain in spots.

Yesterday, Dolly Parton cashed in her chips due to a fast-growing cancer the way it sounds. Though we all probably have tapped a foot to one of her songs at one time or another, Miss Dolly will best be remembered by me for an interview I watched years ago. In that interview Miss Dolly spoke of her deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that her life dream was to “politely impact as many lives as possible with His kindness.” When I heard her make that statement, I thought she had said more in those few words than most folks say in a lifetime.

As Miss Dolly went on to share how she wanted the kindness her momma had taught her, to live on in positive ways to bless the lives of others. At that time, I changed my former opinions of this dear lady. No, she did not live a perfect life, only one person that I know of ever did that, and we crucified Him. Yet Miss Dolly did bless all kinds of people through all sorts of avenues.

A mindset that I could use more of. It is always a blessing to bless others, but I often I miss the opportunity to be a blessing because of my greed. I know that I could, and probably should do something for someone else, but then my wallet cringes as I think of the things I need those funds for.

Theologically, I know that I cannot out give my Heavenly Father, who has promised to meet all of my needs, but practically, I often think I have to do His job for Him and be sure to take care of me first. In Mark 6 we read the words of Jesus as He sent His first disciples out: “And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff-no bread, no bag, no money in their belt.” They were not to even take an extra shirt.

These men were to learn what it truly means to live by faith. Remember, Jesus had already called them to leave their jobs and to follow Him. Now He is instructing them to take nothing but a walking stick and to go live as He lived. In verses 12-13 we read, “They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.”

You see, these men were living the same life that their Leader had been living in front of them. The power of influence! As a Christ-follower, I have to ask myself, “If people are copying my life, will they end up at the foot of the cross, living for the Savior; or will they end up in a nice home, with a bank account, living for self?”

Let’s be clear, as far as I know, Jesus never said that it is wrong to have stuff, the problem arises when my stuff has me. As our Heavenly Father blesses us, we need to be looking for avenues to be a blessing to others. You know, like Miss Dolly did with her life. After all, just like Dolly, one day we will leavomh every bit of our stuff behind and enter into the presence of All-Mighty God! At that time, I wonder if God might ask me two questions: (1) “What did you do with the sacrifice of My Son?” (2) “What did you do with the blessings I gave you?”

Learning to let go with you, Neal