Imagine being free of the things that hold you back. It takes so little effort to let them fall gently away from you.

Flag Counter started April 3, 2008

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manager.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

— Luke 2:8-14

Our most sincere “Merry Christmas”
to you and your family for this Christmas
and many more to come,

Richard & Tina

Harrisonville Wildcats vs. Clinton Cardinals, November 1, final game of the regular season.

This little cheerleader-in-training was darling!

Final score! We are on the road to Monett Wednesday night for the first playoff game!

Click here or here for the playoff bracket to see how we do and where we are going.

I found a web page here with great information about the teams in the West Central Missouri Conference, and it had the Harrisonville game information for 2004-2006 also. You can see their last loss was September 1, 2005 against Belton. Belton is a Class 5 school while Harrisonville is a Class 3 school (the bigger the class number, the bigger the school). The last 4 games of each year were playoff games. In 2004, they lost the MO Championship game, but they won in 2005 and 2006.

I was just listening to a country music radio station and heard this song for the first time. With the miracle of google, I found the lyrics in just moments. What a tear-jerker song! You have to listen to it to get the full effect.

If you’re reading this
My momma is sitting there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
War was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God
And we’re both watching over you

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed where it would go.
If you’re reading this I’m already home.

If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
Hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I’d follow in his shoes

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed where it would go
If you’re reading this, I’m already home

If you’re reading this, there is going to come a day
You move on and find someone else and that’s okay
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma prayed where that it would go
If you’re reading this
If you’re reading this
I’m already home

Click here for photos from before and after John’s Memorial Service.

I’ve been writing some and pulling together John’s writings and drawings, but don’t have anything ready for “publication.” Yet. Will someday though!