For some reason, every autumn, my thoughts turn homeward. I guess because autumn in Arkansas is so very refreshing! The summers are long, hot and humid and life as a member of Victory Baptist Church was always a flurry of activity in the summer – teen camp (where I met my hubby!), bus ministry promotions, revival meetings, and a vacation if you could squeeze one in! It was go, go, go. Then school resumed and life took on a more regular pace. We have hot summers here in Texas – they last till October or November! But, unlike Arkansas, there’s not a distinct fall season. We have one, but it sort of blends in with winter, as we have mild winters. We do not have as many trees that change with the autumn season here either. Arkansas has beautiful colors! The crisp mornings in Arkansas, the beautiful leaves changing, the rhythm of school and church and soulwinning…oh how simple and wonderful those days were!
I guess what I miss most about Arkansas would be 2811 Karen Drive in Benton! My home! That was my safety net for all of life’s hardships. I knew when I crossed that threshold that I had a Mom and Dad who loved me and cared about my problems. My mom would let me chatter away while we (well, mostly she) prepared supper. She listened and then offered caring advice, usually from Proverbs, as she is the Proverbs Queen! Then, Mom would listen to the same news again as I told Dad about it at supper. We’d eat, talk, laugh, then we all went about our evening routine. Sometimes, Dad and I would take a bike ride together if the weather was good. Or, I would just do homework, Dad would watch a little TV and Mom would write lesson plans and grade papers – sometimes we all graded papers!
Yes, I sure do miss those days. At the time though, I was in such a rush to grow up, I didn’t really enjoy it to the fullest.
Now, some many years later, I look back with a heart of thankfulness on those wonderful, secure childhood days. I want to give my children the same wonderful memories that I have. I still long for Arkansas, but I know I can never recapture those days of yesteryear.I must look forward.

On July 29,2004 the Lord chose to take my Dad on home to be with Him. It was sudden. But, I knew exactly where he was, he was in our permanent home, Heaven. I recently had a dream where I discovered that my Dad wasn’t dead, he was in prison! How awful! But in my dream I was glad of this news because that meant I could go see him! When I awoke, I realized that I was the one “in prison”. Dad was truly free. I’m imprisoned in this flesh, in this wicked world, but Dad is free of the flesh, of sin and the world. You see, 2811 Karen Drive was just our temporary home. Today, friends, I miss Arkansas. But I long for Heaven even more. That will be my permanent home. That’s where my Dad is! That’s where my Savior is! Up there, I’ll never be homesick again. It will be wonderful! No pain, no tears, no fear, no locks on doors! Jesus is there, and there are streets of gold! And I don’t know for sure, but I bet they have gorgeous autumn colors there, too!