Arkansas ~ My First Guy Trip

May 29-31, 2010

Arkansas ~ My first "guy trip," as my mother-in-law called it. She's used to traveling with all guys, but this was a first for me. We got a meeting at Pastor McFadden's church in Arkansas, and Bro. Buddy handed the job over to his three boys for the very first time; I went along to keep them out of trouble. =D

Russellville, a town we passed by. Looks like a nice place to be! ;)

The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Psalms 74:16

And this is what kept me busy on the road: reading, taking pictures, laptop, and eating! I love my new purse!!!

We stopped at Chili's for lunch on Saturday after leaving the house at 5:30am. The boys were more interested in their iphones and chatting with people who weren't at the table than those who were. Poor me! ;( =D

Aaron...trying to make the healthy choice!

His mom recently took him off sugar, so she asked me to keep an eye on him.

He chose for the broccoli out of obligation...not choice. =D

Aaron loves to get right in the middle of things. =D

He kept us laughing 80% of the time. I sure love my 2 newly-aquired brothers!

Crossing the Mississippi River!

Sights you'll see in the South...

This is a Christian nation!

After about 12 hours on the road we arrived at the McFadden's place, but the drive through Arkansas countryside was lovely! We passed fields and fields of rice, some of which were flooded. What a unique way of growing food!

This is the McFadden's house and yard. The view to one side of the house was an almost-endless field. Beautiful!

This reminds me of Holland. Makes me a little homesick. =(

The cool couple! =D

Church on Sunday morning was great! Aaron showed a short clip about the boys home for Sunday school. Then Clay preached the morning service. He talked about a well-known pastor who was always busy with the ministry. His wife sometimes felt forgotten, so she began hiding from him to see if he would find her. The fact that he always looked for her until he found her hiding place proved that though he was busy, he still loved her and wanted to be with her. Clay said during his message that God hides Himself from us so we will desire Him more earnestly. It was excellent! The fellowship with the church folks was wonderful too; the people were so friendly. I even got to sing with the boys during the night service!

Sunday afternoon relaxation! The McFadden's little grandson, Cody, spent some time with us; he was cute!

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:37-38

Russell and I enjoyed the yard and the beautiful view.

For the evening service the boys sang 2 songs, then I joined them for another 2. Then Russell preached about "The Bubbles of God's Will." The message was born from a conversation Russell and I had while we were courting. We were discussing how sometimes it seemed that we were stuck in bubbles. Like glass prisons, they allowed us to see our friends moving on in life but we were stuck in a capsule of time and unable to escape. Then we concluded that the bubble was for our protection, and as long as we were stuck in the bubble of God's will that is the best place to be! His preaching was good!

I still can't get over the fact that Russell is married...and I'm married to him! Every time he gets up to sing with his brothers, his wedding band seems to shine out. Russell told me several Sundays ago that he was up in front of church singing with his brothers when he reached down to adjust the volume on the piano for Clay. Clay, who was playing the piano, noticed Russell's ring and pointed to Russell's ringed-finger momentarily as he looked up at Russell with his mouth hanging open with renewed surprise. Apparently Clay also seems to think it is something that Russell is married. =D

Our first meeting was great! Mom Maynard texted Russell as we drove home that night asking how it went. Since I've appointed myself Russell's secretary while he drives, I answered her text with this: "I think we were a blessing, but I know we got a blessing!" Bro. McFadden teasingly asked if we would come back next weekend. =D The Lord was very good! My favorite part was being able to direct a couple in the church to some good Christian music---the John Marshall family and Abigail Miller. "Christian" music is sadly lacking these days, so I find great delight in helping those who are searching to find wholesome music. Praise God!

We encountered this huge church on the road home.

The sun looks so much brighter after the stormy clouds roll away.

I LOVE Cracker Barrel!!!

He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Psalms 104:19

I love being on the road; I've told Russell I could easily become an evangelist's wife. But I must say I was very happy to get home and in my own bed after 19 hours on the road!

Thank God for my little tin can home! =)