A day trip to Gardner

When our friend Tarenda moved to Gardner, our Community Life Group at church made plans to go visit her and see her new home.  We were able to do that last Saturday.

We met at Culvers.

Her garage was so organized!  She even had pictures of the puppies she has had up.

She gave us a tour of her home.

We told her we would help with projects.  One project was to take apart her outdoor table and chairs.  It wouldn't fit through the door.  She wanted it in the basement for the grandchildren to use as a paint table.

Good job, fellas!

I told the guys to act buff.  Only Brian complied to that!  Ha!

The ladies were helping her hang photos.

Loving on Susie.

We also shared together in the basement and spent time in prayer.

Sarah was spending the night with Tarenda. but the rest of us left and stopped in Emporia at Pizza Ranch for dinner.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

                                                                                        – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Two tri-state markers

Sunday morning we attended church with Josh's family.  Emeri must have already joined her friends when we took this picture.

The pastor spoke about the importance of foundations.  What foundation is my life built on?  Don't build it on the world's philosophy.  

Jesus said, "Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock.  But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds on a house of sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."  Matthew 7:24-27

"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following the truth - the teachings of Christ."  Colossians 2:8

Eli helped take down the backdrop.

For lunch we went to First Watch, a "cafe for health-minded breakfast, brunch and lunch options".  It was bustling and hard to find a parking spot!  Very delicious!

We had a little time before we needed to get on the road.  

Reggie let Al hold him for the first time ever!  Josh helped Al update his computer.  He will need a new one soon.

We said our byes and then headed back to Kansas.  Decided to go on new roads, like we like to do!  We took the backroad to Tontitown as we often have.  

Then on toward Siloam Springs, where Josh and Staci attended college.  North on 59 to Gentry, across on 12 then here's where we picked up the new road.  Highway 43.  It basically followed the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Then we came to the convergence of 3 states - 

AR-MO-OK tri-state marker

Population 922 in 2020. 

 "Southwest City, Missouri, was first settled in the 1840s and was known as Honey Creek Town before being officially platted in 1870. Its history is defined by its location in the southwest corner of the state, bordering Oklahoma and Arkansas, which made it a key point along early trails, a gathering place for diverse people, and the site of incidents like a major bank robbery in 1894. The area's history is also tied to the broader history of the Osage Indians and its role during the Civil War."

As we continued on, the roads were like a roller coaster and we just laughed and got a kick out of the ups and downs and twists and turns!

We were headed for the tri-state marker for MO-OK-KS and we followed Maps. When we got close to Joplin, it brought us in on the west side past the Sandstone Gardens.  We stopped there once.  

We drove under I-44

At the cul-de-sac, we turned into the casino grounds,

                     and just a few feet further we turned south on a dirt road.

What an unusual marker!

You can leave your name on it.

We were in Kansas.

The straight roads confirmed it.

A full day in 2 states

On Saturday, we had a super full day!  First, we drove to Artist Point Saddle Canyon for a view:

It was Brews Beer Festival week so we passed numerous motorcycles.  Staci noticed several waving to fellow cyclists with their hands down by their sides.  I looked it up and I guess it is a "thing".  A sign of camaraderie and solidarity within the motorcycle community.

Emeri took us to where she works and we got some delicious breakfast.

.

Then a walk around the Farmer's Market.

Eli didn't spend the day with us.  Sad.  His parents told him that we were coming, but he says he never was told.  Miscommunication happens.  He had to work that day.  He tried to find someone to take his place, but couldn't.  On our way to Branson, we stopped to see him and order a bit to eat!

We had purchased tickets to see Sight and Sound's "David" and since he couldn't come, Staci's mom, Lisa, came with us.

It was sooooo good!  If you are able, go see it!  It really shows how God can love a sinner and can use him.  David fell into such sin (adultery, murder) but God forgave him and used him for His glory!  

"There is no pit too deep, that God's love is not deeper still", as Corrie ten Boom has stated.  I think of the Psalms and how much those songs David wrote have ministered to me!  Thank goodness for how God transforms lives!

Afterwards we went to eat at a restaurant overlooking the river.

A full day.  A full heart!