Today I left Dry Ridge excited to get back on the road.  The visits with friends, time with the Lord, and just chillin' out were great.  I got on the road about 10:30 and made good time around Cincinnati, through Indianapolis, and on to Chicago.  Had some confusion with the trip map and took a wrong turn.  I pulled off the highway to find out exactly where I was and ended up at the exit for Northwestern Univ. where Blake is studying.  I called Brad about this wierd coincidence since we had been talking about him just a few hours before.  Not the time to visit however.  I figured out how to get out of Chi-town and hit the 4:30 PM Saturday rush hour.  BIG City traffic is awesome, NOT!  I arrived in Madison about 7:00 but could not find the hostel.  I called once for directions, but it didn't help much and then my phone died.  I stopped at a hotel across from the Capital to ask directions.  That did not help either.  I finally stopped in the middle of a street to ask a Motor Cop.  He gave directions but I kept saying, "I just did that, but the street is One Way, the wrong way."  He finally said "Follow me."  He took off fast and I followed fast.  He turned on a street he had not mentioned and we found the place.  I wonder how many people show up here with a Police mototcycle escort???  Didn't want to deal with eating out or cooking so I had PB&J, got my PC hooked up and updated my blog.  While typing I noticed a map on the computer table for Hostels in Canada.  Great! except there are none in Northern BC or Southern Yukon.  Bummer.  I'm going to bed now so I can get up early and on to Bemidji, MN!!!

Although I am a Pepsi fan and not a Coke fan, this old advertising slogan fits.  I had planned on stopping my first night in Dry Ridge, KY and visiting some friends at in the area.  It seems the Lord had other plans in mind and I believe He wanted me to stay two days extra.  It has been a great blessing; time to spend in the Word, prayer, fellowship, and resting.  It truley has been a pause that refreshed spiritually.

 

Wednesday, 9/19   I left Charlotte at 6:30 AM to make sure I missed rush hour traffic.  It was great.  I made it to Asheville and only missed one turn getting to Laura's school.  We had a great visit for a little over an hour.  She introduced me to her roommate, showed me her room, and around the campus.  It is a beautiful school and seems to be just right for her.  She has worked very hard and made some great decisions.  I am so proud of her.  From Asheville, I continued west to Knoxville, TN and had lunch with my friend Judge.  It was good to see him again.  From Knoxville I headed north to Dry Ridge, KY.  I arrived about 7:30 PM and got to visit some and to bed early.  Several people suggested I stay for a while and the next morning was when I got the impression I needed to stay two more days, not one and not three, but two.  This area of KY is so beautiful, quiet, and restful.  I really love it here.

 

Thursday, 9/20

After meeting with the staff at the ministry for morning prayer I went out to The Ridge to spend some time with the Lord, reading the Word, and praying.  It was refreshing but hot in the direct sun.  After a few hours, I took a walk over The Ridge and down into the small valley.  A small, black dog named Suzy was with me as I read and followed me on my walk.  Down in the valley it was very cool because of the large trees and the small, clear stream flowing there.  Soon after we got down there, Suzy decided to take a swim to cool off.  She jumped into the water and churned up a cloud of black, stinking mud behind her.  She didn't even notice.  She just kept swimming and lapping at the water.  When she got out of the water, I didn't even want to touch her.  She startes rolling in the grass, seemingly trying to get the smell off her.

 

While I was at the ministry, I had asked the Lord to show me what my sin looked like.  I realized this was a picture for me.  Sin is like a beautiful body of water with a stinking, muddy bottom.  It looks refreshing and fulfilling, but when we are in it, it is black, foul smelling, and clings to us.  The only thing that will wash us clean is the blood of Jesus.  "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."  At the Thursday evening Worship Service I felt the Lord's propmting to share this with the students at the ministry.  Along with the picture/parable I shared the Good News from I Cor :9-11 "...Such were some of you: but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."  After a long evening talking to friends, I fell into bed just before 1:00 AM.

 

Friday, 9/21

I awoke at 8:30, and just had enough time to shower, inhale a banana, and drive to the ministry for the staff prayer time.  We heard a good sermon on tape by A.W. Tozer on Worship.  The Ridge was calling again and I spent a while enjoying the Lord's presence, reading and praying some.  I also started getting ready to leave, repacking, reservation for Saturday, and some calls.  Lunch with more friends and to the ministry office for computer time.  This evening I get a haircut from Brad and will be ready for anything!  Tomorrow on to Madison, Wi.

 

Loose ends are being tied up. Real estate is being spun off and closed out.  Notice on hovel has been given and belongings are being sorted, trashed, and packed.  Good byes are being made.  It looks like Tuesday, September 18, 2007 is the day the great trek to Alaska begins!