From the Home Place

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  • Very predictable!

    September 5, 2026

    Good morning! We begin this day with no wind, 56 degrees, headed for another 90 degree day. Looks like we have a 55% shot at some rain this afternoon, we’ll see if that plays out.

    Every evening when we decide to call it a day, Coffee runs to her bed in our bedroom and lays down. As soon as the Boss Lady lays down in the bed, Coffee charges around to that side of the bed to get her hugs and “good-night” kisses from the Boss Lady. Coffee then comes around to my side of the bed for a good belly scratch and then she goes to bed. Very predictable!

    Each morning when Coffee and I get up, I put her out the door for a potty break. When she comes back in, she has to run into the bedroom and make sure the Boss Lady is doing well, and then she comes and checks on me. If I’m typing a post, she then returns to bed until Miss Deb is up. All is nice and quiet around our outfit. That is until Miss Deb gets up.

    When the Boss Lady makes her morning appearance, Coffee grabs one of her toys and starts running around the house, squeaking the toy as loudly as she can! She never makes a sound, until we are both up and starting the day, then she gets so excited. Very predictable!

    At 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Coffee will lay at her food dish, waiting for someone to feed her. Very predictable! Whenever anyone grabs a set of keys and opens the back door, Coffee will run out to the Buggy and begin circling it until one of us opens a door and then she is in and on the seat, ready for a ride. During the ride she will sit in the middle, and grumbles until we open the front window, and then she sits quietly. That is unless I am driving too slowly, because then she grumbles until we speed up a notch. Very predictable!

    You get the idea – Coffee has several habits that are very predictable; and so do you. Most likely, you have a regular routine that you follow when you get up in the morning: bathroom, coffee and …. Very predictable!

    The same goes for when you are in a vehicle: radio on, air conditioning on, seat set and then you will usually have the same driving pattern… Very predictable! And then there are your evening habits, supper close to the same time, T.V., same chair and then bed close to the same time every night…Very predictable!

    Most like you and I follow similar routines we have had for years. How about time with the Lord? That one is usually variable; “sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.” And then there is the prayer life – who is satisfied with their prayer life, not me? Very predictable!

    You see my friends, our daily rhythms are very predictable. And most likely, we could all use some improvement in our devotional life. Well, the experts say it takes 28 days to form a habit, as such, follow the same routine for 28 days and it will become something you do on a regular basis. Very predictable!

    Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Why should I devote time to such a practice each day?” Because you need it, that’s why. We need to set aside a daily time when we visit with the Lord, read a bit of His “Love Letter” to us (Bible) and write down our thoughts. The whole process takes 15-20 minutes of your 24 hours. However, Satan will do his best to persuade you that you are too busy for such an activity. Very predictable!

    But if you will daily set aside a few minutes to read your Bible, jot some notes, and then pray, the Spirit of the Living God will meet you there. He is always there, waiting for us to get up and get to going. Very predictable!

    So, are we going to feed the black dog, or the white dog? Each of us will make a choice one way or the other, Very predictable! I can’t say for you, but in my life, I need to feed the white dog every opportunity I get. Yep, I need my morning routine to be Very predictable!

    Enjoying a good routine with you, Neal

  • Anticipation!

    September 3, 2026

    Good morning. We are starting this day at 55, headed for 89 for a high. With those kinds of temperatures, it doesn’t feel much like elk hunting season, but it is that time of the year.

    On Monday and Tuesday morning I left the house right at 3 a.m., with much anticipation, to go meet a young man so we could attempt to put the sneak on a bugle-cow. Both days, we saw elk. Each day we walked in to where we wanted to hunt while it was still very dark, in an attempt to be where the elk would come off a hay meadow, headed back to their daily retreat in the heavy timber.

    The first day, we delt with a steady drizzle of rain. Now mind you, neither of us minded getting wet because of the severe drought we are dealing with, and besides we were looking for elk, it’s not supposed to be easy. Around here, elk hunting is like any other sport, “no pain, no gain.” So, we marched on, wet and cold but still full of anticipation!

    We were almost at our spot, a good thirty minutes before daylight and guess what? They were already leaving their alfalfa breakfast bar and were headed for the dark timber. We laid there and watched them trail off into the dark.

    The second day we walked twice as far, attempting to catch them further down the trail, and it worked. My hunting friend on one side of a hill, and I on the other side. As a glimpse of light began to appear in the east, here they came. I listened to two bulls fight for superiority of the herd, yet neither of them showed themself to this old hunter. However, they crossed close enough on the other side of the hill that my compadre was able to take a shot, but no reward.

    For me, I laid behind my little soap-weed and my backpack, filled with the anticipation of seeing a really nice set of antlers cross in front of me. No such luck. I had cows and calves and a spike bull within 40-yards of where I lay, but no one worthy of flinging an arrow at. Within a few minutes, the anticipation turned into dissapointment, again!

    When we reconnected, my young friend was sad that he had missed his opportunity, yet we both praised God that we had been allowed to watch such magnificent critters at a close range! As we started our two-mile walk back to the pickup, we both praised our Lord for allowing us such an amazing privilege.

    You see my friends, anticipation often results in disappointment; yet disappointment can even be a time of rejoicing when we focus upon God’s provision and protection. And as I said earlier, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Neither of us filled our freezer over the last two days, but each man better knows and understands the other. Each man continues to rejoice about what we were allowed to do. Each man is immensely grateful that we had the opportunity to be close enough to smell the odder of musky bull elk, and that we are both exhausted!

    So, for today, we both have other things we have to do instead of chase elk. However, we each will live today in anticipation of our Heavenly Father once again revealing His amazing grace to us in some special way this very day. I pray that you too will live this day with great anticipation, perhaps not of that which you have to do, but in anticipation of the God of the universe revealing His love for you in a special way. Walk into this day with the anticipation of seeing God at work within and around you, and you will not be disappointed at the end of the day. Instead, you will end this day with a grateful heart that you were allowed to live and to watch as the King Himself, sends you a special gift!

    Living in anticipation with you, Neal

  • “Give thanks.”

    August 31, 2026

    Starting at 57, headed for 86, August 2026 comes to a close at the end of this day. The weird part is that most of the country around here is greener than it was in May. And all I can say is “Thank You Lord!”

    In Psalm 54:6, David proclaims, “Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O Lord, for it is good.” To which we declare, “Amen!” It is “good” to “give thanks” to our amazing God. It is so easy when things are going “good” that we can often forget to “give thanks” to our Heavenly Father who has blessed us with so much.

    Yesterday, Miss Deb and I were both blessed to get to visit with some of God’s amazing children. Even though we worshiped at two different churches, it was so amazing to get to be together with others who were also thanking and praising God!

    And then we were blessed to get to attend a baby shower, where there was much rejoicing for the new, little life that God has blessed a family with. Yet that baby was used by God to bless so many more of us other than just her immediate family. So, today I give Him “thanks” for allowing us to gather with others!

    Then last night, we went to the home of some dear friends for an evening meal. The meal was great, but the part Miss Deb and I most enjoyed was being around a “family.” The four little girls were so fun for us to be around! The older two ran and played and giggled, constantly causing both of us to smile and remember when our crew was that size. Oh, and then the two younger sisters, how precious it was to hold a little one! Their snuggles, their “baby smell” and using our old arms for what they were really intended for!

    Yep, Miss Deb and I both are giving God much thanks this day! I pray that you are able to do the same around your outfit. Stop for a moment and look around at the many blessings He has given you: for the stuff and the people that make your life more enjoyable – give Him “thanks!” If you know Jesus as Savior, give Him thanks! If you are able to get up and get around today, give Him thanks!

    And you know what, I think than our loving heavenly Father has given us so many beautiful blessings so that we will have some to share with those dear to us. Make a phone call, write a text, stop by for a visit; just do something to bless someone else this day! After all, we all know that just like Abraham, we have been blessed to be a blessing. For as King David said, we “willingly sacrifice to You,” though serving such an amazing God seems to be a very small sacrifice after all.

    So, close this time in a prayer of thanksgiving and go be a blessing!

    Thanking you for being such a great blessing in our lives, Miss Deb and Neal.

  • Loving the anticipation!

    August 30, 2026

    Good morning! Starting this day at 62, headed for a high of 82 with a bit of wind. After yesterday’s rain, I won’t complain if we don’t get anymore today. Tomorrow looks like upper 80’s for a high and a possibility of some rain, we will see what the last day of August looks like then.

    At 5 a.m. it looks cloudy and breezy outside. There is a bit of Fall bite in the air, so who knows what September will bring our way? According to the heavy fog we had in early August, we are supposed to get a shot of snow sometime around the middle of September, so the ‘ol wives’ tale goes?

    A week ago, the thirty-day forecast for September showed 60 for highs by the middle of the month, today they have adjusted that to 70’s and 80’s all month. I have no idea what the weather is like, but I’m sure enough expecting to be on a mountain side somewhere looking for a bugle-cow!

    When I was a younger feller, I always loved Spring. New babies everywhere, brandings and starting a batch of new colts. But now that all of that is gone from my life, I really look forward to Fall. I love the cooler weather, the fresh morning air and the possibility of looking for an elk. No don’t worry about the elk, it’s been a long time since one of them has ended up in our freezer, I just enjoy looking and listening, waiting for the possibility of catching one! For me, the anticipation and the recreation is the best part of hunting.

    My, if we only had that same mindset when it comes to serving our Lord. You see, for me, I get to serve Jesus, it is not a “have to.” When the Holy Spirit opens the door for an opportunity to serve the Lord, my excitement level jumps way up; much like when a bull elk walks into a clearing during season.

    I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it seems to fit well here again. When we were planting a church in Custer, South Dakota, there was an ‘ol lumber jack who had a bumper sticker on his beat-up pickup which read, “If it’s tourist season, why can’t we shoot them?” Living in a town that derived 90% of its income from the tourists, his bumper sticker wasn’t really admired by most folks.

    So, whether it’s tourist season, or hunting season, it’s always Kingdom season, and I’m full of anticipation! Every day of the rest of our lives, we get to do something that impacts the advancement of God’s Kingdom in some way or another. It may be verbally telling someone about Jesus, or it may involve doing something in His name for someone else, or it may involve just spending some of your precious time with someone who needs some company. You see, for some folks, this big ol’ world is a lonely place, and if we get the opportunity, I reckon we should be willing to set aside an hour or so just to be around somebody who needs some company.

    When I look back at most days and realize just how much time I wasted, I’m always reminded that I could have, should have, been investing some of that time into the life of someone else. After all, remember our rule: If God gives us something He expects us to pass part of it on to be a blessing to someone else?

    Well, if God blesses you with some time, get up and go to church, be sure that you invest some of that time into being a blessing to someone else. A smile is like peanut butter on toast; it just makes things better. A kind word is like adding jelly or honey to the recipe, and before you know it, you’ve done gone and been a blessing to someone!

    Why settle for just a PB&J hunk of toast, go ahead and invite someone to go eat lunch with you. That will cause a heap of smiles, conversation and probably even some laughter; all ingredients of a great day! Today, let’s all work at being a blessing in the life of someone else! Shoot, it will probably be so enjoyable that we will look forward to trying it again someday this next week.

    I don’t know about your life, but mine is richer when I live today with the anticipation of hunting season and Kingdom season!

    Passing along the blessings with you, Neal

  • “Better late than never!”

    August 29, 2026

    Greetings! Sorry it has taken me most of the day to get this post written, but we had to a speedy trip to Casper this morning and then we raced the rain back to Lusk. We won by about 30 minutes and then the rain, boy did she arrive! Plenty of sharp lightning, but thankfully enough rain to put out any smolders. For about 15 minutes it did dump a heap of water! As the old timers would say, “Better late than never!”

    You know, that’s a statement that could be said about a whole heap of things. “Better late than never,” if you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior as of yet. “Better late than never,” if you haven’t determined to be serious about Bible study and prayer. How about finally determining to making a disciple of Jesus Christ, “better late than never.” Oh, and then there is the “better late than never,” to share the message of salvation in Jesus with someone that doesn’t know Him yet!

    Yep, there are a lot of things in this ‘ol world that could be “better late than never,” but then maybe we should all be a tad cautious about throwing a saddle on that pony for none of us ever knows when it will be “too late!” Yep, the Lord could call any one of us home at any moment, so I reckon we would do well to not put off until tomorrow that which we feel Him nudging us to do today.

    And just in case you are wondering, if it’s been a while since you’ve attended church, tomorrow it would sure enough be “better late than never.” Get all spiffed-up in the morning, grab your Bible and your babe, saddle up your ‘ol Ford and head for church. Shucks, there will be plenty of folks there who will be plumb happy to see you and yours! And if one of them gets smarty and says somethings like, “It has been quite a spell since we’ve seen you around here,” just smile and reply, “Better late than never!

    Have a great evening and blessed tomorrow. Oh, and by the way, it might be a really good idea to stop right now and thank Him for the amazing rain He just sent our way!

    Looking forward to a great day of starting new and fresh tomorrow with you, Neal

  • This is the day!

    August 28, 2026

    Starting this day at 3 a.m. with an hour of prayer behind me, I’m excited about that which Almighty God will do with each of us today! With 61 degrees now, headed for 91, and no rain again today, we all need to do that which is good in God’s eyes. I pray that our Lord will use that which follows to wake each of us up with purpose, so that at the end of this day, we can each look toward Heaven and praise our Father for sustaining us though another day. For as Jesus said, “each day has enough trouble of its own,” (Matt. 6:34) so let’s use the majority of our day finding the golden nuggets buried within the word of God and the day before us! May the good outweigh the bad for each of you.

    Good morning to all. I hope you were able to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for today? Most likely when you crawled out of bed this morning, you had little idea of what today will hold for your life, but hopefully you really know the One who holds today?

    As with all of this thing called life, there are so many unknowns ahead of us that it is essential that we are walking closely with the Creator and Sustainer of life. I just watched a video of the massive flood in Nepal! Oh my, how quickly, life can change! Imagine walking across the street in your local town and suddenly a massive wall of water crashes over you! Please continue to pray for those dear folks who might be alive, that they will be rescued today, and pray for their families to find peace and the hand of God through all of this tragedy. And then pray that you and I will realize just how fragile this thing called life really is and that we will determine to live it to the fullest for His glory and for the good of those around us!

    So, now that you are fully awake, grab your Bible and read Colossians 3, allowing the words guided by the heart of your Heavenly Father to grip your spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clarity of mind and clear direction as to that which He desires to accomplish within and through you today. Please, walk boldly into whatever comes your way today. Be sure to use the many opportunities our Lord gives you to be Jesus in the life of someone else.

    Put on a smile that comes from a joyful heart, get out of your house and into the culture around you and show someone else that which the Holy Spirit is teaching you. Allow the Spirit of Jesus to flood over you in such a way that it changes how you see today. Pray, praise and proceed!

    Remember, “this is the day the Lord has made, I shall rejoice and be glad in it.” Wash your life with the living word of God, not the lying, life killing word of Satan. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:1b-2, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”

    Walking in a “worthy” manner with you today, Neal

  • Blessed to bless!

    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

  • In a Flash!

    August 25, 2026

    Good morning. Wow! What a light show shortly after 10 p.m. last night! As we were getting ready to go to bed, I could see that the sky was light-up to the south of us. One flash after another, lightening was dancing across the dark sky.

    I put Coffee outside for her last bathroom break of the day, locked the shop door and stood in amazement, watching the light show; also praying that our Heavenly Father would send enough rain to extinguish the fires that were undoubtly getting started.

    Miss Deb and I were both thinking seriously about getting some much-needed rest when the first lightning bolt exploded very near our house! We had our window open for some cool air, and I could immediately smell the burnt air from the strike! I don’t know if you have ever been that close to a lightning strike before or not, but if you have the burnt atmosphere is a smell that you will never forget.

    As the strikes continued for the next few minutes, I prayed and waited for the sound of sirens, and then there they were! I prayed for the fire fighters to be safe and that our Lord would help them to quickly extinguish the fires they would respond to as a result of very little rain after way too much lightening. As I lay there praying, sleep soon found me and now here I sit at 3:30 a.m., waiting for daylight so I can see just where that strike landed, hopefully all is well?

    I remember getting caught in such a storm when I was a young man. Miss Deb and I and the kids were living on the home ranch, and I was riding a fresh colt, checking pairs a few miles from home. I saw the storm brewing, so I and my compadre hit a long swinging trot as we headed for cover. I knew enough to sit low in the saddle and just focus upon keeping a very skidish kid headed for the barn.

    I had to get off and let us through a wire gate about a half mile from the house. It was a really tight gate that usually kept the roping steers in their pasture, so as I was closing the gate I had to really put some grunt into getting it shut. As such, my cheek was very near the gate loop that I was attempting to slide over the gate stick. At that moment, about a quarter mile up the fenceline from us, lightning struck right next to the fence, sending enough electricity down the fence that I received a burn mark across my left cheek, leaving a nasty taste in my mouth.

    I tied the reins around the colt’s neck and sent him toward the barn; I knew my odds of surviving another strike were better away from a very well-grounded horse. As I walked into the barn, soaked and still somewhat stunned, I remember the gratitude I felt that God had allowed me to get back to my little family!

    You see friends, when God whispers into your ear about how quickly life can change, family is usually the first thing we think of. I pulled the saddle off of a wet and dismayed colt, gave him a scoop of grain and quickly walked to the house to find my crew huddled together in the living room, wandering where Dad was. Needless to say, we were all very grateful to be able to give and to get plenty of hugs after that episode.

    So, for today, I hope there isn’t anything that threatens your life, but please take a moment to give and get hugs from those closest to you. For me, I’m going to spend some time on the computer and the phone letting my loved ones know just how grateful I am that our Lord has given us so many years together! May I suggest that you do the same; for in a “flash” it can all change.

    Expressing gratitude for every moment He gives us with you, Neal

    And by the way, the colt I was riding belonged to our eldest daughter. He was a classy looking brown colt, with a streak of white painted on his belly. We called him “Flash!”

  • Grow and Glow!

    August 24, 2026

    Good morning. At 4:30 a.m. the temperature is 63, after an evening low of 57. The thirty-day forecast shows evening lows in the low 50’s and upper 40’s for September, now that will be some good sleeping weather! Today, the weather man is predicting 90 for a high, with a small chance of rain. Wednesday is looking like a much better shot at receiving some rain!

    Yesterday I preached from Ephesians 4:14-17 about God’s desire for His children to “Grow up.” The Holy Spirit was kind as He helped each of us realize that growth in Christ is a constant process. One that is very strongly required by our Heavenly Father. You see friends, following Jesus is a constant growth process that is measured byour likeness of Jesus. Each season that I walk with Jesus, I should be becoming more and more like Jesus, or I’m just out for a stroll.

    Look at His first disciples, let’s focus upon Peter. Within a three-year period, Peter had gone from catching fish as a living, to now catching men because he was living with Jesus. Just look at Peter’s sermon in Acts 3:11-26; notice the boldness, clarity and purpose with which Peter preaches. This is the guy who couldn’t decide where he stood with Jesus a short time earlier, and now Peter’s declaration, application and invitation are truly the working of a Spirit-filler preacher!

    How was it that Peter was able to make such a life transformation? As the Bible states, “they recognized that these men had been with Jesus,” speaking of Peter and John. It seems to me that there two elements to this picture: 1) Peter has lived with Jesus long enough that he was absolutely convinced that what Jesus said was truly words from the Father; 2) John held Peter accountable as they worked together to advance the Kingdom of God!

    Today, we study this and we study that, but how often do we walk with Jesus during our day-to-day lives? You know, how often do we make decisions based upon biblical truth? How often do we treat others as Jesus would treat them? How often do we talk with Jesus about our life circumstances? How often do we declare Jesus Christ as our King in the ways that we live our lives, spend our money and especially in the ways that we talk and act?

    How is it that we can say, “I’ve walked with Jesus for thirty years,” and live and act more like the non-Christians around us than like Jesus? The disciples walked with Jesus for three years and their lives were absolutely transformed to the point that they would literally die for the cause of Christ, and I find it difficult to tell someone about how Jesus worked in my life yesterday.

    Through daily study of Scripture and prayer, we are learning to walk with Jesus, not just fulfill a spiritual obligation. In 2 Peter 3:18, Pete challenges us: “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Here’s the simple truth that we talked about yesterday during the sermon, “If I am not growing in Christ, then I am not glowing in life.” Remember the words of Jesus, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matth. 5:16)

    Remember, Jesus Himself declared, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14) Later in 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes this note to us as Christ followers: “God who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness.’” You see my friends, if our light isn’t illuminating the darkness around us, perhaps we are not as spiritually bright as we think we are?

    Allowing the light of Jesus to shine within and through our daily lives with you, Neal

  • “It’s a date!”

    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