We were getting a little homesick for our own bed so we left a day early to head home.  We got in last night at 1:00am and it was nice to sleep in a little this morning.  We had a great trip to Oklahoma.  Many have asked how Sonya’s dad is and he is doing pretty good.  He still has his ups and downs but he is doing well.  We appreciate your continued concern and prayer for him.  By all means he is a miracle.  we should have lost him long ago but God continues to bring him through.

When we got to Oklahoma we just hung out at the house.  We had gone sight-seeing so much in Hot Springs that it was kind of nice to unwind.  I flew back in Friday for Sis. Weston’s funeral and then back to Oklamoma Saturday to finish up vacation.  Sunday, Sonya’s brother came over and we barbequed.  He is the master of the pit.  He smoked some chicken and pork ribs and when they were done, they melted in our mouths.  It was a good day spent with her family.

Then before we left on Monday, we took our bi-annual trip to the thrift store and swap shop.  I love these places to look for Classic books.  I bought a book by H.A. Ironside and an old book about the history of the reformation.  As many of you know I love books. I collect them.  I am running out of room for them but when I find more I cannot resist.

Just wanted to catch up on the last half of our vacation.  It is good to be back home.  Vacation has been good but we miss our church family.  It will be good to be back in the pulpit Sunday.

We are headed to Oklahoma today for the second leg of our vacation.  We have had a good time in Hot Springs but we are looking forward to spending time with Sonya’s parents.  We haven’t seen them since October.

As for blog posts, I am not sure when the next one will be.  Check back on Friday evening.  Sonya’s parents do not have internet access but I will try to find a place with Wi-Fi.  We miss home already but vacation has been good.

Monday in Hot Springs we visited the Wax Museum, the Mountain Tower in Hot Springs National Park and the Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo and Downtown Hot Springs.

Our cabin at Five Points Lake Resort

Here are some pictures from our drive to Hot Springs.  This is the town square at Pittsburg, Texas.

Last night, we had the hotel pool to ourselves.  Hannah got acclimated to the heated pool and all night cried to get back in the “tub”.  When I say all night, she woke up at 2:30am talking about the tub and “wimming”.  She had a blast as did Josh.  Josh thought it would be good to get a swiiming pool at the parsonage:)

This morning we went to Tiger Creek which is a rescue shelter for big cats.  When I say big cats I am not talking about overfed domestic cats.  Tiger Creek is home to tigers, jaguars, pumas, bobcats, panthers and lions. 

We took a guided tour through the park and saw some of the most incredible animals that God has created.  There was almost every kind of tiger species and their largest tiger weighed a whopping 675 pounds.  It was impressive.  There was a slightly smaller cat that I believe is more awesome than that, the lion.

As we looked at the Lion with his mane in perfect condition and beheld his silent power, I couldn’t help but think about the symbol of this animal.  The Bible declares this is a powerful animal with a prowess to stalk and hunt.  It can silently and patiently wait for his prey and devour it in a moment.  This is where the Bible declares that Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 

There is yet another lion the Bible speaks of that can devour Satan.  The Lion of the Tribe of Judah!  This lion embodies the majesty of Heaven.  Jesus is the perfect picture of the lion who is termed the King of the Jungle.  Jesus is the King of Kings!  As our eyes beheld this incredible animal, it only made us desire to behold the Risen Son of God in the Kingdom of Heaven, where the Lion will lay down with the Lamb.