Every cloud has a silver lining!

Wednesday had been a pretty full day, that usually happens after you are out of the office for a day. I found myself looking forward to getting home, relaxing and going to bed early. About four-thirty my personal cell phone rang (or I guess it would be correct to say it toned). It was Rian. He, Erica and Reid were on the road having ended their spring break escapade a day early. They were stopped at a station in Weatherford feeding their pickup truck some high priced, low octane petro. He wanted to know what our plans were for the evening and if we were not busy would we like to meet them for dinner and a quick visit. Contact was made with Krl and while she was feeling very poorly (headache and sinuses=fever and aches), she agreed to get ready. It was my job to decide on a restaurant that had "good food" and adequate parking for their pickup and RV. I threw them a curve and selected the Baggage House in Baird. Since Rian was headed west this would be no inconvenience and soon Krl and I were on the road to meet them.

The Baggage House is a well kept secret. Located in the small community of Baird and housed in the old railhead baggage house, it is pretty unique. It is staffed with friendly folk and the clientele is "next door neighbor" friendly. I would enjoy dining here just for their appetizers! When we walked in Rian had already ordered a platter piled high with onion rings, zucchini sticks, and fried mushrooms. Reidman did the "bluebell deal" and ate all the zucchini sticks he could and left the rest for us! The menu has a wide assortment but they do an excellent job on "West Texas" fares.

Krl and I were thrilled to see "the little man". We had not seen him since Christmas (in February) but he warmed to us very quickly! He is really well behaved, even after riding four-hundred-fifty miles. It thrilled our hearts to get to spend time with him! Oh, and it was good to see his Mom and Dad too. Time just flew by much to quickly. When I went to tell him 'bye he was buckled in and already watching "Elmo". He had to tell me all about it. I may be figuring out why I turned out the way I did, I was deprived as a child. (How did I ever make it this far without having a DVD player in a vehicle? But that is another blog!). Anyhow, I could tell Reid's Mom and Dad did not share Reid's enthusiasm over "Elmo" and I think it is a good possibility "Elmo" may end up in the "commode" once they are back home.

I finally returned to the house to find we had had a visitor during my absence. There is a constable that has been "attempting" to serve me with a subpoena for a deposition. I realize I am not the easiest person to contact but this guy is pretty pathetic. I refuse to do his job for him, he knows my basic scheduling, and he knows I work out of town. To leave a card telling me to call and he would meet me at the "county line" is a little much. I am out and about, if he does his job, he can make contact. It would appear that he is getting frustrated and it is kind of getting funny from my perspective. Last year a constable (I don't know if is the same one) was attempting to serve me papers. At that time I was on a truck, helping a friend out. That constable signed off on the papers and left them in the outer entry way saying he had "personally served me with the papers". For all he knows the neighborhood cats found and used his papers. (Oh, I also noticed that in this instance the charge was $100). What is our world coming to when people in positions of trust, sign off on paperwork that is incorrect and untrue. I feel sure if that happens again I will be in the DA's office working to have the culprit charged with official misconduct and removed. If you are going to accept the pay you had better be prepared to do the job!

My day today is "up in the air". When I left the office last evening there were five possibilities. Office. Fort Worth-Dallas. Farm store. Wichita, Kansas (for Friday morning). Or spend the day in the fleet shop. I hate sleeping with one ear tuned to my cell phone. (Three options are located within six miles, the other two would require advance notice). One thing about it, I have plenty of variables in my work.

There have been many questions about recent developments at Highland, especially with the emerging role of women in worship. Click here for Mike Cope's January sermon on emerging roles of women. You can also get there from his blog.

FATHER, thank YOU for unexpected blessings, unexpected boosts. Thank YOU for giving us highs to counter the lows. I am thankful for time spent with Reidman and his parents. I ask for safety for them as they complete their trip. FATHER I lift up Krl, Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Jess, Anna and those still recovering from their injuries for YOUR gift of healing. Bless them and comfort them. I pray for those hurting from loss. Fill their void with YOU. I pray for those looking for spiritual answers. Guide us and direct us in YOUR way. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. My soul sings of YOU.