Oh Those Country Churches!

Wow, so today Pops and I decided to try out a little country church that his boss/friend told him about. Apparently he and his wife just started going there, and said that we might like it.

I hate to say it, but this was the first time I've been to church with my dad the entire time I've been out here at the ranch. I think that that's reflected in my poor spiritual life as of late. Not to say that church is the only important part of my relationship with God, but it sure does play a part. We thrive in community. I believe this with all my heart, but lately I've been searching for community outside the church. Whether it be with friends or at work or whatever, I have almost shunned the church entirely. I have such a hard time being there sometimes. But Donald Miller says something interesting about church. He says that that's the real place where we learn to love other people and I'm thinking that he has a real valid point. I'm commanded to love those around me like Christ did, and what better place to do that then the church? There are some people that are hard to tolerate in church, let alone love. So it really is a learning experience and a growing experience.

Anyways, all that to say that it's been a while since I've been in church and I had some reservations about it.

Well, this place was seriously out in the country.
Part of the directions were that we'd hear banjoes and hillbilly music as we got closer. And I could've sworn that I heard some faint yodeling and washboard percussion. But I'm not sure. There were also like a parade of country animals on the roads. We saw deer, cows, wild turkeys, and roadrunners all over the roads. It was nuts!

But we finally made it and it really is the perfect picture of "country church." Like when you imagine a country church, this is the mental picture that pops into your mind. There were only like 12 people there, but it was actually really good. The message was good and the people were friendly. I could ask for nothing more.

But yeah...don't give up on church and on the people there.
We were created for community, especially community where we come together to worship and praise the one true God. I think I lost sight of that, but...lesson learned. haha

Typical

So yesterday I had something of a traumatic experience.

I few days ago we had a tire go out on the riding mower here at the ranch, so yesterday we took it with us into town to get it checked out. Well, Dad was at work so he sent me to get it looked at. When I got there they sent me to the back where the shop was and had one of their guys look at it.

So the guy was fiddling around with it had he said that it looked like the tire was too big for the rim. I told him that I didn't know anything about that tire, since it's not our mower and everything. So he says that maybe it's not. (Turns out it was)

So he tries to air it up. First they blast it with this stuff, I don't even know what but it gets the tire back into the rim. Then he begins to actually air it up. Well he goes for a while, and then suddenly the tire explodes! And it explodes in his face! I'm standing about 10 feet away so it didn't do anything to me, but he's jacked up. He's bleeding from around his eye and it looked like he had a pretty good gash on his hand. I couldn't believe it. I just stood there with my jaw on the floor. They had to rush this poor guy to the hospital! I've never felt worse in my entire life. And I know that technically it wasn't my fault, but I feel bad because it was my tire that he was looking and had I known more about it, it might have prevented this unfortunate accident.

Anyways, they politely asked me to leave and I noticed, as I drove by later, that the car they had taken him to the hospital in was back so I'm guessing that he's ok and his injuries were minor.

But man was it an ordeal.
I seriously can't stop thinking about it. I feel terrible.
I could use some cheering up

PS - Happy birthday Mom and Anna!

Oh the joy of being home!

I got to go home this past weekend for 4th of July and my mom and sister's birthdays. For those that don't know, they happen to be on the same day...weird right? They were both born on July 10th. But they're at camp this week so we celebrated early. haha

It was so nice being home. Words can't really even begin to describe.
Now don't get me wrong...I've really loved living at this huge ranch and getting to spend time with my dad, but I've missed being with my friends so much. It gets really lonely out here sometimes and it's been great to have some time with those that mean a whole lot to me.

So Wednesday when I got home I imediately headed over to Trever's house. He's one of my best friends and we chilled and played some Rock Band. He needs alot of prayer folks. He's been through alot this past year, and I think more than anything he's having a hard time forgiving himself. He feels that he's beyond forgiveness and can't change his ways. I know this isn't true and I pray that God would make that real to him this week at camp. Please be praying for him.

Thursday I went and saw Hancock (don't waste your money). I also got to spend some time with Courtney. I haven't done that in a very long time and I really enjoyed it. We just watch America's Best Dance Crew...which is actually a really good show. It's the only thing I watch on MTV. haha!

Now 4th of July was kinda lame. Since our whole family was getting together on Saturday, we didn't do anything for America Day. But I did get to watch Be Kind Rewind with Courtney and that was awesome! One because I got to hang out with her some more, and two because that movie is just great. I highly recommend this one, guys. Go out and buy it! Oh, but we did throw my sister a surprise party and that was alot of fun. She didn't expect it at all. It was a good chance to hang out with her and her friends...most of whom I don't know very well. Plus Disch was in the States! It was so unexpected, but I was glad we were able to text for a little while. I miss her :(

And Saturday was the big day. WONDERLAND PARK!!! It's the best amusement park ever. And it's been a family tradition to go there for the July birthdays for as long as I can remember. If you're ever in the Amarillo area, you should go. Plus they're almost done building three new rides. They haven't built new rides in years and years. It's so much fun.

So that's the weekend in a nutshell. Sunday, I headed back to isolation. haha
Please be praying for the lonliness. It's getting harder and harder to deal with. I could definitely use it.