Discovery

 Just finished putting the "final" touches on a major road trip plan that is almost nine months away. It involves meeting all our kids and grandkids in Yellowstone National Park in June and thereby celebrating our 50th anniversary. Yellowstone is a great locale for rediscovering the beauty of God's creation and the loving chaos of family.

That trip plan involves three days travel on each end plus reserving a place close to the park big enough to house 19 people for four nights. Success! It's done; but because of Covid uncertainties, everything includes the right to cancel with full refunds up to just a few days out...peace of mind. Those of you who know us well probably remember our anniversary is actually in January; but that isn't the greatest month for road tripping to a place like Yellowstone especially at our age.

With that task completed Delores and I decided to have a one-hour adventure looking for wildlife in Maury County Park and some the meadows around the industrial areas close to our house. We were also spying out places for a small group of church friends to get together for a picnic lunch this Sunday that includes lawn chairs, blankets, and BYOF (bring your own food). Laughter and fellowship sure to be present in large quantities. We've all been cooped up way too long during this pandemic. We're ready to paint the park red.

photo by Einar Storsul
on unsplash.com

The weather is supposed to be sunny with temps in the low to mid 70s hinting about the advent of fall. We "trust" the meteorologists to get it right this time. We were told to expect rain from Sally as she moved inland earlier this week, so we rushed to mow our lawn before that could happen. Alas, the yard is nicely shortened, but there was no precip from Sal.

On our short trip yesterday, we located several beautiful spots on the greenery of Maury County Park that will be perfect for our post-worship meal. Additionally we discovered 18 deer, one ground hog, and lots of squirrels. Fortunately there was not an ant in sight. We are anticipating a great time with friends this Sunday. Isn't discovery a blast!

Anyone who reads this and can find us is welcome to join us. Just remember to come with a spirit of joy, a smile, a chair, and BYOF!

Comfort

The title and key verse of my blogging adventure this time from The Message in Luke 11:25 is the phrase "swept and dusted but vacant." Jesus teaches that when conquering any sinful, addictive, or unhealthy behavior, we need to replace it with something or someone productive and beneficial.

There have been times when Delores left for a professional trip or to care for grandkids, and I did not accompany her. On such occasions it was my habit to make a Kroger run to buy comfort foods...ice cream, cookies, pound cake, cashews, etc. I'm hoping to let Jesus put an end to that unhealthy custom.

I remembered Paul's writing about comfort. Amazingly I found that passage without Google or a concordance! In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NIV) that traveling author uses the word comfort nine times. He begins  with "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." God is the answer to my emotional eating. He has recently led me to daily meditation, prayer, Bible reading, and back to blogging. I have asked Him to help me use healthier ways instead of comfort food as the answer to stress or loneliness.

He has given me an additional solution for healthy living: Planet Fitness. In the past a three-mile walk in the forested hills of Maury County Park has helped me relieve stress and added a comforting behavior. During wintry months this proves challenging. Working out at my new "gym" would seem to be another God-given response in my journey to a healthier lifestyle. Thank you, Lord, for filling the vacancy!