Autumn

Fall has arrived. Our corn has been harvested. The trees are starting to turn and leaves are beginning to carpet the ground.

When I last wrote I asked for prayer for my friend Brian who had suffered a major heart attack. The majority of you reading this will already know that Brian passed away back on the 12th. There was a memorial service for him on the 16th in Kentucky where he lived and then a funeral here at our church a week ago (the 23rd). Brent did an amazing job speaking at his brother's funeral service that day.

Vicki and I drove up and visited with Debbie and her daughters a few days before Brian passed away. As hard as it was to enjoy a meal together without Brian there I am glad we had that visit.

As Kenny put it, our little corner has taken a hit over the years. With Aunt Mar, my mom, Don and Katie Henry, Mrs. Sue, and now Brian gone it seems like more of us are up the road in the cemetery than in the places where we'd like for them to be. That has been hard. I look forward to the day when death has lost its sting.

Life moves on and we must move on with it. While Vicki and I were in Kentucky to visit Debbie and the girls (that was on the 7th) we also checked out the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Both museums are very well done and we thoroughly enjoyed them. Vicki and I also noticed that there was a general difference in the people visiting the museums as opposed to other public places where we find ourselves. It seemed to us that we were surrounded by people who were happier, more courteous, and more friendly than the typical mix of folks you rub elbows with in public. It was refreshing. I would love to know a museum employee's take on our observation.

The preceding weekend we drove to Cookeville to visit the boys. We got the chance to test drive some electric cars at an expo, which was fun, hike at Burgess Falls, and go to church with the boys. A pleasant surprise was to see one of my former students who graduated with Ben and is also attending Tennessee Tech get baptized that morning. Ben was also part of a little commissioning service that day before heading off to Romania.

Ben had a good trip to Romania and has returned safely. We have heard a few details but not enough to report here so that story will have to wait until we see him over Thanksgiving and can hear more about it. In the mean time, school and work are keeping me and Vicki busy. Vicki also made a quick trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with Mrs. Ann Morris from our church so that Mrs. Ann could visit her daughter who lives there. They were gone the 15th through the 18th and had a big time. Jenna and Nolan are busy as well and I only run into them at church on Sunday mornings. They have gotten some kittens but lost one to an owl, they think.

So with that said, Happy Halloween. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, then Christmas and the New Year. Where is the time going?

Joe