Christmas with Tamra's Family

It was another Christmas to spend with family. This time it was Tamra's side. We laughed, we ate, we opened presents, we ate, we told jokes, we ate, we took pictures, and did I mention we ate??



Collin gets a good morning hug from Taylor's (Tamra's niece) dog, Mocha.



Can you believe it? We all made it to one place at the same time!!




The kids and the Grandpa & Grandma - Collin, Taylor, Adam, Robert & Bonnie.



Taylor (Tamra's niece) and Adam & Collin unwrap the gifts.

You buy them dog toys and buy them dog toys and what do they play with? A milk jug!!

Troy (Tamra's brother) and his wife Tammie open presents.

The best gift was just spending quality time together. I pray that you may do the same with your family. Merry Christmas!

The Last Time??

Did anyone else see this spectacular event on December 1st? If you didn't, you missed one of the most beautiful sights of the night skies. Venus and Jupiter made the closest passes towards each other that they will make until the year 2042. I may not take a shot like this again??

This is not an unusual sight to many of us - a doe whitetail deer and a yearling fawn. But to many others, this is a rare sighting in the wild. Consider yourself blessed if you're able to see this on a regular basis. Another one of God's creations, made just for us. I have a tone of deer photos now.....maybe I won't take anymore???

Another sunset. I always say, I'm not going to take anymore sunrise or sunset pictures. I couldn't help myself on this one. In fact the D.J. on the radio was talking about it as I was clicking away with my camera. It was phenominal! God pulled out all the stops on this one! I may not take anymore sunset pictures for a while now!!???

In fact, I may not pull my camera out until I see another one of God's handiworks.........excuse me, gotta go! And where's my camera!

We Need Your Input

Thought you might enjoy seeing an evening at the El Dorado Just house. Collin had a friend over and he wanted to have his picture in here too, so I'll put that in too. This is Aaron. He played football and now basketball with Collin.

This is Aaron's friend Collin. He's kind of funny at times!

This is the oldest El Dorado Just boy, Adam. He's sorta silly too!

Here's Tamra watching Adam......she keeps a level head.

And here's what happens when Tamra doesn't watch over Collin:

As you can see, this is what happens when a family doesn't have cable or satellite. For those of you who do not wish to see my children and their friends grow up to be demented, please comment on this blog, urging Tamra to support her husband with his quest in acquiring ESPN.

Thank you and God Bless America and the sports networks! (I'm Randall D. Just and I approve this message.)

Perplexed

A quick question: how do we teach them? It has occurred to me that several of our community's youth claim to be Christians but are among those who "talk the talk, but don't walk the walk." When they are around their "church friends" they act and talk one way, but when they are around others, they act and talk the way of the world.

What has happened here? Why is this? I'm certainly not suggesting that I am perfect, or my earlier years were any better. I am suggesting that there is something missing in the lives of many of our youth.......I think that something is parental guidance and discipline. A number of these kids that have these issues don't have a Mom and a Dad to lead them down the path of righteousness. One parent may be a believer. Or one parent may be too soft in the disciplinary scene.

So what happens now? (I'm thinking out loud here.) Our church has the unwritten rule of, "it takes a village." It's up to us as Christian brothers and sisters to help out in this matter. If you remember, when babies are dedicated to the Lord, we say that we will help see to it that this baby is raised properly in the way of the Lord. Even if they don't go to your/our church, it's up to us as Believers to assist the youth to stay on the straight and narrow.

Now I've got to get busy. I've got a kid or two to talk to. If you would, say an extra prayer for the youths and for me as I go about the Father's business.

Thanks! Have a great weekend!

Unbelievable

We witnessed an event that we all thought couldn't happen here in little old El Dorado. Our church's associate pastor had the vision of bringing Judgement House (A walk through drama that presents people with choices and ultimately gives them a choice of accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ in their lives.) to town through El Dorado First Baptist Church. How could we do it? We've never done anything like this before. We don't have the money! We don't have the time!














The "Heaven" scene



Adam & Collin in the cafeteria scene.


The "Hell" scene

People went to work. Some organized, some cooked, some constructed sets, some prayed, some gathered snacks, some gave money, some sewed, and still some more prayed.

The results: It was like a mini revival. Groups came in from everywhere to attend. Walk-ins showed up by the scores. People returned for another viewing. People were on fire for God! They couldn't get enough!

"Teacher" Randy and students in the classroom scene.

Tamra in the home scene

All total, 1047 people attended the presentation of Judgement House. 111 people made first time decisions for Jesus. 142 people rededicated their lives to the Lord.

Unbelievable? Did we make all these preparations and do all this work just to see the Judgement House fail? Of course, not! But we really didn't think this would happen. Not here, with just our minscule group. You see, God accomplished his plan in spite of us, not because of us. Unbelievable, isn't it?

Too Busy

(This photo has nothing to do with the subject matter of this blog, but I thought some of you may enjoy seeing a photo of my class reunion. )

It was eighteen days ago when I posted my last blog. What happened? Where did the time go. I guess that I just got busy. Hmm! Too busy! Isn't that the story of our life?

We were studying in Sunday School this morning some of the things that prevent us from living a life of faith. The subject of being busy and caught up in life came up. It wasn't in the list, but I believe that it should be among the top five of the "barriers of faith."

So, what have I (we) been doing the last eighteen days? Try the following:

1) A Men's Retreat for all adult males from our Church. We got together at the World Impact's Morning Star Ranch near Cedar Point, KS. It was a great time of bonding, eating, learning how to love our wive's better, and good ol' fellowship. (I did have to take my camera and take a couple photos, of course.)

Some of the guys and me sat on the benches near the cross on top of the hill and swaped stories.

The cross on the hill at sunrise.

2) Football. Collin's last game was this past Thursday night. He really enjoyed the season and the team ended up with a respectable five wins and two losses. Collin says he's going to miss it. That's the way you want it - wishing you were still playing the game.

Collin (#78) put a block on a Hayesville opponent.

3) Practicing for Judgement House. Our Church will be ministering through the Judgement House live drama, with presentations starting Friday, Oct. 24 and running through Thursday, Oct. 30 (None on Weds., Oct. 29). If you have the opportunity to come to Judgement House, I think it will be worth your time. This will be especially good for those who don't attend church. (please pray for us during this time, and for those attending.

4) Working Cattle. This is the time of year when cattle are taken out of the pasture and taken home to the winter grounds. I missed the loading at the big pasture in Chase County because of the Men's Retreat, but I got in on the vaccinations and sorting.

Rod & Erika take a break from working cattle to pose for the camera.

Dad & Donny Hett run a cow out of the squeeze chute.

5) Just plain ol' work. You'd think it would slow down for us at the Park, but that's not the case yet. We shift to a different kind of work: training, trail work, resource management, special hunts, and educational programs.

Our handicap accessible hunting blind we made for the Youth Deer Hunt.


Tagging Monarch butterflies that will fly to Mexico.

Interestingly enough, our sermon in Church this morning was on waiting to hear on the Lord. WOW! Pretty cool, huh? So, my suggestion for us all comes from Psalm 46:10. I'm going to try to take my own advice this week!

This also has nothing to do with the blog content, but I thought Adam's latest drawing was neat.

Connections

As I previewed in the last posting, the story of the Elk Hunt II is about to be told. Since this was our (big brother/pastor Rick, younger brother/teacher Rod, western KS hunting buddy Craig and myself) second hunt together, we had high expectations and we weren't let down. The first full day of hunting found us in a high mountain meadow, each in our own little spot - camouflaged from our prey. I had no longer sat down and was trying to organize my hunting gear when.... KABOOM! "What in the world?" I thought! Did somebody already shoot at an elk or did a gun accidentally discharge? I sat a few seconds and I heard Rick whistle. I ran over to where he was hidden in a clump of Spruce trees and he pointed towards the woods. There lay a cow elk. He had hit it in the spine and dropped it in its tracks. So, we dressed the elk and carried it down the mountain. Craig went and got a pack horse while we went back up the mountain for the rest of our equipment. We got back to our upper camp with all of our gear and the bagged up elk by dark.

Rick poses with his downed elk in the edge of the woods.

We hunted the next day and went trout fishing between hunts. Rick was the first to wet a line and, you guessed it, caught the first fish - which just happened to be the biggest fish caught on the trip. (That's right, the Ranger and outdoors man got skunked.) We ate good that night, though, enjoying fresh trout and a big bowl of chili.

Rick shows off his big Rainbow Trout and Rod covetously looks on.

Our upper camp in the edge of the Spruce forest.

Other highlights of the hunt included: eating lunch at numerous scenic vistas (one being at the ever enjoyable 11,000 feet; following elk trails through the woods and realizing that those animals have to be part mountain goat; listening to the coyotes howl a nighttime mountain chorus; taking a bath in ice cold mountain streams; and getting snowed on in the woods and in our tent.

The view looking west towards Derby Mountain from our camp.

The four mighty hunters pose on an alpine meadow.

Now, brother Rick joked that his success was because of his direct connection he has with our Creator. Interestingly, my devotions this morning were talking about fairness. In fact, it was saying that we are not the arbiters of fairness. God is, and he knows far more than we do about His plans and purpose. The question isn't about fairness. In the end, it's about trust in a faithful God who knows what He's doing. (He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice. Deut. 32:4) Isn't it great to know that life is not always fair, but God is always faithful?

Rod grazes with the horses (he was craving some roughage).

How about you? Do you have "connections?"

A Taste of What's Ahead

Here's a little taste of my next blog posting. It's too late to post it all now so keep checking and I'll soon tell you the story of "The Hunt."

Confession is Good for the Soul

Yes, folks, I have to confess - I cheated on my brothers and hunting buddy Craig. I couldn't resist it. I just gave in to my sinful carnage. As you can see in the picture, I started our elk hunt early. My little walk in the woods turned into a full-fledged elk hunt. At least I didn't pull the bow string and let the arrow fly before I came back to my senses and caught myself. Oh, the agony, if I would have carried through with the shameful act. But they say it is as bad to think it as it is to carry it out, right? Woe is me. What will my fellow hunters think of me? Oh well, you know what they say.....

The boys have been busy working on school projects and sports practices. Collin earned a starting spot on the 8th grade offense, playing right tackle. He's really enjoying it so far. They have their first game Thursday evening so it should be fun. (He's #78)

Adam is already working on his basketball skills, amongst his studies and his job at Arby's (and drawing, of course). Unfortunately, he has to work during Collin's game Thursday. He is taking advantage of our home court (the driveway), though. I think he's ready to push right on past football and get to the round ball.

As far as Tamra and me......you know, we're just happy to have all this activity. I was talking to a brother from our Church at the Dillon's gas pump today and we were discussing how fortunate we are to have everything at out fingertips. Yes, gas is high priced, but we still are able to get it. We have all the food we could ever want and we even have the choice of what we want, most of the time. Good water is available to us out of the tap and we always have clothes to wear. God has supplied our every need and sometimes it's easy to overlook that. What an awesome God we have!!

Round and Round We Go

Well, the "big wheel" is turning! The activities of the school year have started and there's no turning back. The boys are both heavily involved in school; Tamra's keeping them, me, the houshold and herself going; and I'm gearing up for whatever comes next.

As you can see in the first day of school picture, the boys are still running very close to being "more taller than Dad." Collin has me by at least an inch and Adam by 3-4 (depending on how much I slouch). Collin said many of the kids asked him what happened and how did he get so tall? (I told him to say that it came from Dad, but I haven't heard that yet.)

Adam is still working at Arby's and will continue to work as much as he can until basketball season. Then, he will probably just work Saturdays. As you can see from the picture, he continues to practice the "jam." He still would like a couple more inches to be consistent at it, but we'll see what happens.

Collin is out for 8th grade football and has survived the first week of practice. The team had a watermelon feed after today's practice and the boys seemed to have no problem inhaling watermelon. There was also a tug of war contest, in case they hadn't expended enough energy.

Tamra found a German Shepherd puppy so we lost her attention and assistance with the watermelon serving immediately. The puppy was thrilled with all the attention. Tamra has been working a couple days a week at Bird's CPA office (it's not so "taxing" to her now that she has the hang of it).

I'm still carrying my camera around and waiting for my big break. (You know the photo that will win me the free trip to Alaska to cover the wildlife of our largest state.) So far, my winnings have been having a few of my pictures published in the KDWP magazine - which I thought was really cool until I read the bi-line on the title page and they put in someone else's name. Hey, it's the thought that counts, right? (Just in case you're curious they are in the July/August issue on pages 40 & 42-44.) I think I heard somewhere that I get an expense non-paid trip to Cassoday, though! Just for my self-gratification though I did include a photo for you that I took Wednesday of an Indigo Bunting. (That's a bird for you non-ornithological type.) They're awesomely beautiful birds, seen rarely by the common Joe.

I've been meditating on some messages that I've heard this last week about being the same Christian everywhere you go, no matter what you are doing. It's been interesting that I've heard this same subject over and over recently. (Maybe God's telling me something?) This is one of my prayers for the new school year and I ask you to lift me up in this. I pray that I'll be like the man who "lived better than he preached."

Live it Louder!

I'm talking about Camp Galilee Oh Eight. Tamra, Adam and I spent most of last week at Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas at church camp, where Tam and I were team leaders/counsellors for a group a high school and college kids. We had a great time, of course, but more importantly were the lives of the youth that were changed. Kids today are faced with an enormous amount of pressure, which we talked about throughout the week. Praise God that they (we) have a way out, through Him.


Our small group (Team Purple)

Our theme song this week was Let the Redeemed Say So. It's a modern worship song that talks about us being salt and light in the world, showing the world heaven. Our theme Bible verse was taken from Psalms 107:2, Let the redeemed of the world say this .... It was so encouraging to see kids that were initially strangers and rivals come together and be joined under the umbrella of His blood, becoming brothers and sisters in Christ by the end of the week.

The camp members gather for praise and worship.

Once again, the hand of the Lord was upon us the whole week with: brake trouble on the church bus going to camp, rain falling the night of our scheduled campfire and worship time, and the boat having mechanical problems. These minor setbacks showed us that God was in control and we just needed to depend on Him for his timing and guidance. (What a novel concept, huh?)
I'd ask you to pray for our youth as they get ready to return to school this week. They'll be faced with major issues in their lives again and they'll need the Armor of God (Gal. 6:10) covering them and preparing them. I'll be praying especially for our small group: Carlton, Megan, Christopher, Anna, Holly, Sarah, Mark, Wes, and Ciara.

The campfire at our late night worship.

Our team competes in the van pulling contest.

The view of the swimming area on Bull Shoals from the lodge area.

Also please remember our Sunday School prayer requests: 1) Darla's brother; 2) Annessa's mother's friend; 3)Jeanna's Dad Curtis 4) the strike at Beechcraft 5) Richard's son Kevin; 6) Mike & Chris' week.

Remember, as this busy week plays out..... we're too blessed to be stressed!