That song has been going around in my mind for some time, even now, nearly a week after we left. Undoubtedly our time in San Jose was a big highlight of our trip—visiting Daniel and Dia in their home for the first time, going on delightful outings with them, going to church with them (three times!), getting to know the sunny cities in the San Francisco Bay area, and especially seeing how God even worked through the auto accident our first day there as part of the “good times,” memories that will be with us forever. We are truly grateful for every day that we were in the Bay area.

…more

We were taking a little hike to see the Octopus Tree. We didn’t really know what to expect and were anxious to get a glimpse of this wonder of God’s creation. When the tree came into view we were quite surprised by the shape and size of the tree. But that wasn’t the only thing that was a surprise to us that day.

…more

It’s not often that Flat meets someone like himself: a “travel buddy.” But in Astoria, Oregon, Flat did just that.

…more

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been away from Tennessee for over seven months. I intended to write a reflection on the first six months, but we were so busy in August just keeping up with our travel blogs, that I didn’t have a chance. So this morning I’m sitting in a church parking lot at 6 am, unable to sleep, and thought I’d give it a go.

…more

While we were at Fort Langley, two of the docents sang this song for us. Nette said this was one of the songs that was sung during the gold rush period. It struck a chord with us.

…more

Did you ever lose track of where you were and what day is was? Trips like this can make that happen! Friday, August 30, we left Victoria (the capital of British Columbia, which is on Vancouver Island, confusing matters) by ferry from Swartz Bay, and crossed over to Vancouver (city) via the port at Tsuwassen, south of the city, arriving at my brother Jon’s home in south Vancouver in the early afternoon.

…more

My “baby” brother Steve was born when I was thirteen years old, and the first thing he remembers about me was my high school graduation. When he told me that, I remember telling him, “But Steve, I’ve known you all my life!” I left home at seventeen for college, and married at nineteen, so Steve and I have had very little time together over the years.

…more

Family—we are constantly reminded of the importance of the family unit to everyday living. How much more important it is to those who are undertaking a treacherous journey, as were the settlers who by the hundreds of thousands in the 1830s through the 1860s started out from Independence, Missouri to find a new life in the far west.

…more

Today, August 13, we are celebrating God’s holy ordinance of marriage. When Eve was created for Adam, God gave instruction that they were to be one flesh. The first marriage was there in the Garden of Eden and God has been performing marriages of His people ever since.

…more

It was coming to be our last day in Yellowstone National Park and we wanted to get as much out of the park as we were able. We had already taken in many of the popular sites and many of the sites off the beaten path as well. But what were we to do about finding a place to spend the night?

…more

We had planned to just drive through the Badlands, but since we arrived mid-morning, we decided to check in at the campground ($8 for seniors, and no admission fee to the park), near the eastern end of the loop, drive through, see Wall Drug, and go back along the loop in the evening, stopping to watch the sunset.

…more

After we left my brother Garry’s house in Boone, Iowa, we decided to spend two days in Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa, adjoining cities with the Missouri River running between them.

…more

For a few hours today, we’re in Clawson, working in the house where I grew up. And perhaps for the last time, I’m sitting at my father’s desk.

…more

Yes, we’re in Wyoming, and we’re also in Michigan. Dave and Amy’s new house is in Wyoming, Michigan.

…more

It’s always good to discover new brothers and sisters in the family of God, but this Sunday was a special treat!

…more