In the War

Hell Critters

It's Personal
Some of the Links and friends got together again recently for Aunt June’s birthday at Vickie and David’s house in Marshfield. Many of their friends and David’s family; Trudy, Pete, Ashleigh and family; Bill, Brenda, Rodney, Nickie and the boys; Mom, Peg and I; Carolyn Wulff and Suzie Blackburn were all there. I’m probably missing some people. It was good to be with extended family again and I always enjoy being with Aunt June.Listening to old family stories, exploring pictures, documents, etc. is fun and interesting, but what is mostly missing from this plundering in the past is reading or hearing about people’s lives in their own words. Memories fade. How I wish

Complaining Fast
When I began the list of stuff that I am thankful for, I’ll have to admit, I was feeling glum. “Count your blessings”, but sometimes we think we are appreciative and really aren’t. I wasn’t even through the first ten items before I once again had the joy of the Lord warming my heart. Now what was I glum about?Pastor Jerry challenged our church congregation this last Sunday morning to fast from complaining for six weeks. This was a component of my Daniel fast from January, and as I remember it, I didn’t do very well. I have thought and prayed about it and decided to go ahead with the fast, do my best, pay attention when I fail, try to figure o

The Thanksgiving List
This year, I am adding one item to a list of 49 things that I am thankful for.1. God’s love for me through the gift of Jesus Christ2. My wife, Peg3. My son, Dylan4. My mother, Marilyn (Grammie to some of you)5. My dad, no longer here, but whose life and words are written on my heart6. My honorary sons, Manuel, Knut, and Torben7. My memories of others who have gone on8. The rest of my extended family—laws and inlaws; I love them all9. My church family and the whole family of God10. M

Original Poem; Thanksgiving Play
The Thanksgiving PlaySitting cross-legged on the gym floor oppositea grinning Miles Standish, Massasoit was tickled.Mid-sentence into his sober speech he giggledinto a microphone, carrying up to the top seats,all the way up to his mom and dad whose faceswere now more stone-faced appropriate for his part.

On A Sunday
There is nothing like going away for awhile, even for just a few days, to help one appreciate home. I know this can be true no matter where home may be, but for me, it is on this ridge on the Ozark Plateau. God has been so good to me.From my chair on the deck, I can see and feel the sun breaking through the pines. Peg is working Z in the clearing, bending her in large and small circles, changing leads and figure eighting to go the other way. I can hear her low whoa’s when she’s rating and the clucks when she’s urging her on. I can hear the wind in the pines, the cheeps of the ground birds out of the wooded area nearby, a crow off in the distance, a