Walking Through Deep Waters

Mountain Springs Bluebird

The good people of Newton County are broken hearted on this beautiful spring day. What should be a happy, fun-filled, end-of-school time has turned into one of sadness and hurting. In the span of two weeks, there have been four tragic accidents involving students at Jasper High School. Seven girls, doing what girls do--attending a festival, having fun together, horseback riding, going to her first day of a summer job--were involved. Five will live, hopefully without permanent injuries and nightmares of the accidents that changed things forever. And, two will live only in the memories of friends and families they left behind--too early.

Two of the young girls were in Jack's class. Another, Julie, helped train our horses only a few weeks ago. These girls survived, but barely. Our special heartbreak is our neighbor's daughter, Paige. It was the first day of a summer job--one she knew would be hard work, but fun. Her car hydroplaned on the slick pavement just a few miles from us, not far from her new job in Ponca. What is so heart wrenching, is to know that her dad, the sheriff, was the first to arrive on the scene not knowing that what he would see would change his world. Paige had an enthusiasm for life that was rivaled only by her mother, Angie's. May the good Lord give her, Keith, and Kent a peace about this that only He can bring.

Maybe, in their youthful exuberance for life, they were doing things a little too fast or without the caution that comes from years of experience; which comes from seeing these sad things happen too often; which, in turn, makes us older and more cautious, but little wiser. They were doing what all young people do and oblivious to the consequences. Those left behind to grieve will wonder why this could happen to their friend. Maybe they were listening to the comforting words of the pastor,, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:8-9.

Summer will be here. The FCCLA team will go to Florida for nationals--something Paige was so looking forward to. Kids will ride four-wheelers a little too fast, take risks, drive to summer jobs without caution, forget to watch for oncoming cars when crossing the street, and do all the things we did, and survived, when we were young. And, then school will start again. For Paige's family and many friends, there will be a void that won't be filled. For many--teachers and students alike--an empty desk, a name in the roll book, a missing club president, a lost cheerleader, will again remind them of Paige's spirit and what they are missing.

And, Keith, Angie, and Kent. We give you our love and prayers. God gives you His love and His word.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you...Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:2,5

Finding the Good Times

Buffalo River Memories

Do you listen to the nightly news? Wouldn't you like to throw something at that anchorperson who, almost cheerily, reports, "gas prices have reached another all-time high today"? Doesn't your heart break at the latest reports on war casualties, or news that another child was molested? Isn't it maddening to hear about celebrities gone wild? While we know these things exist and have to be dealt with, it is comforting to realize that there is still good news out there.

Here is my version of the nightly news:

This weekend, an extended family from the Springfield area found relaxation and made wonderful memories at Mountain Springs Cabins. They resolve to come back again and pick up where they left off. Their hike to Hawksbill Crag was a highlight of the trip.

Saturday, a Mountain Springs family, ages 18 months to 96 years of age, celebrated an early Mother's Day, and a few birthdays. On Friday, part of the group was spotted at Branson Landing dining at Bass Pro's White River Outpost Restaurant on Lake Taneycomo. They were photographed as they relaxed by the "dancing" fountain energizing with caramel lattes and brownies. They were later seen walking through the parking lot carrying a large number of shopping bags and lots of happy memories. When asked to comment, they said they would return someday--with more money!

Sunday morning in Newton County was a day for many people to worship the Lord in one of the many churches throughout the county. Though there was still room for more, there was a sweet spirit as they sang and praised God for safety from the recent storms and abundant rainfall that will mean a good hay crop. Those in attendance were thankful for jobs, families, and being able to be in the Lord's House on such a beautiful day in the Ozarks.

Sunday afternoon, two deleriously happy grandparents took their grandson, with his parents, picknicking at Steel Creek Campground on the Buffalo National River. While there, little Jack Henry was introduced to the the joy of skipping (throwing) rocks in the river--a pastime for all ages who visit the river. They hope to be blessed with the pleasure of returning many more times to watch as he improves his skills at rock skipping. He is reported to have said "PopPop", which 'some' people interpret to mean "I Love my Pops, especially when he rides me on the tractor".

Today, with the Lord's help, we can expect more extremely wonderful spring weather, bluebirds singing at the window, goldfinches and hummingbirds by the dozens at the feeders, cattle contentedly grazing on the hills, flowers blooming in the backyard, and peace on the mountain.

Count your blessings! I am counting mine right now.

From the rising of the sun, to its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3