Rapid City, SD
Today I drove through the Badlands of South Dakota (south west of Pierre). That was lots of fun. Saw some mule deer (about 20 yds away), some mountain goats or sheep (not sure, but on one of the dirt roads there were 2 younger ones on the road about 30 yds away, and one of them ran towards my truck like he was going to attack), a porcupine and lots of beautiful landscapes. There were supposed to be some Bison, but I never saw 'em. I couldn't ask for better weather...sunny but cool. All I could say as I drove through the Badlands (and also away from Pierre) was "Thank You God" for such beautiful country. I realize some people would find the grasslands boring since there is not much to see, but I find it beautiful and relaxing. And I thank our Creator for making it.

I need to confess that I fell prey to the fear of man on this trip. During my stay in Rugby I had a low tire and had to take it to a shop to get it fixed. As I was driving to the shop, I saw KFC on the dashboard and moved him to the floorboard...all because I was fearful of what the guys at the tire shop would say. KFC, please forgive me. :)

Time for the 2nd half of Monday Night Football, so I will close for now.

Roots, Cemeteries, High School, South Dakota
I am sitting in a hotel in Pierre, South Dakota as I write this. The last couple of days have been fun and eventful. I found the cemetery where my grandparents are buried (Rugby, ND) with no problem. Then I set out to find the Fulda cemetery where my great-grandparents are buried. The directions I was given were "take highway 2 to Oppens corner, which is where the 5 multi-colored cabins are on the left. After Oppens corner, go 1 mile and take a left ON AN UNMARKED DIRT ROAD. Go south on that road for about 7 miles and you will see the church and cemetery on your right.". Well, I found Oppen's corner and then made the left turn a mile down the road. Nothing but hay fields and maybe a house or two in the distance. Nothing but hay fields. Let me repeat so you get the picture...nothing but hay fields. For nearly 7 miles, nothing but hay fields. And then, you see the church and the cemetery. And then nothing but more hayfields. Really cool, let me tell you. Here is a pic of the church and cemetery.....


Are you ready for something really cool? I'm out at the cemetery, with no one around, 7 miles down a dirt road off of a small hiway...when all of a sudden I see a vehicle approaching...I watched as it passed by and just chuckled...it was a UPS truck! I guess BROWN does deliver anywhere! :)

After the cemetery, I headed to the town of Towner, where my mom grew up. I went to her high school and checked in at the office. I told the lady why I was there, and she had me go down a hallway where they have pictures of all the graduating classes from past years. That was awesome as I found my mom's picture and even my uncle's. A couple of the kids saw me taking pictures, so I showed them mom's pic. Neat experience. I also went to the church where mom and dad got married, and saw the lot where mom's house used to be.

Oh, KFC just reminded me to show you a pic of the decor at the Econo Lodge in Rugby. I'm thinking of doing my bathroom like it...


After visiting Towner, I headed to Minot to stay with an Aunt. One of her 7 daughters took me out that night to visit her son at the bowling alley and look around town. The next day I visited another Aunt in an assisted living house. I think she remembered who I was and we had a good talk. I told Jesus that whether she remembered me or not, I wanted to visit her and just let her know she is valuable. That night the aunt I stayed with gave me some old black and white pics, and we spent a couple of hours identifying who the people were. That was lots of fun.

I left Minot this morning and headed for Pierre, South Dakota. It was an interesting trip. One of the highlights was when I pulled into Linton, North Dakota for a potty break. The town has a small "downtown", and as I pulled into a parking space this is what I saw...



If you can't read the sign, it says "Wangler Chiropratic". That was so fun to see that. They were closed so I couldn't talk with the owner.

The first half of my trip was spent visiting family and friends, which has really been great. But now I am ready for the second half. No one to visit. Just sight seeing and enjoying God and His creation. That ends this addition of "the adventures of Wangdangler". Look for Jesus today. He is right where you are!

Kewl stuff in North Dakota
North Dakota is the home of my dad and mom. I have not been here too often, and have been looking forward to "touching my roots" as it were. I drove from Grand Forks to Pleasant Lake to visit an aunt on her farm. As I drove the 7-8 miles of gravel road, I was in awe at how beautiful the flatlands could be ( a few rolling hills, small lakes everywhere). After going 7-8 miles, I found the old schoolhouse my uncle used to attend (somewhere around 1920). Very cool. After visiting with my aunt, we checked out the old barn (I remember visiting there in 1970) and some other buildings. In one of the buildings is an old Plymouth my uncle left there (been there for 20 years, said he was going to pick it up soon after he left it there...that never happened). I took the front license plate and will either give it to him if he wants it. I'm staying in Rugby, which is where my dad grew up. Talked to him and he told me how to get to the cemetery's where his parents and grandparents are buried. Will check them out tomorrow. I prayed earlier today that I could somehow touch my roots and that has happened. God is so faithful. Lots more to say in person.

God's creation is too cool
Arrived at Youth With A Mission in Rockford, MN Friday and will be heading up to North Dakota Monday. It is good to hang out and also enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Just finding simple pleasures in trees with colorful leaves, a hawk flying, chilly air and rain...all given from God for our pleasure. Each time I'm out enjoying it, I remind myself that, even if I was in the hot, balmy streets of India, I would still praise God for His creation. Think about God's love for you today. Whether you believe in Him or not doesn't matter, He exists and He loves you.

Chicken picture?
Let me try to upload this pic ONE MORE TIME! :) Computer stuff is fun but can be annoying.

Here is the other pic...sometimes they don't show up :(
Yo! Here's th'other pic (now hopefully the chicken statement will make more sense). Sometimes the pics don't upload correctly...

Restful day, enjoying Jesus
Today is a restful day, no travels. I am staying at some friends house and have the house to myself. Finished doing laundry, ordered Papa Johns pizza for lunch (man, was that good!) and now just doing some things online. I will leave tomorrow for Rockford to stay with friends for a few days before heading up to North Dakota. Weather has been fantastic, but the cooler weather and rain is moving in tonight. Here are a couple of pics for your enjoyment...

(for you animal lovers, don't worry. No chicken was harmed during the filming of these pics.)

Read alot in Matthew 11 - 12 this morning. I don't want to be like the Pharisees and deny the Holy Spirit's involvement in my life. At the Encounter I went to a few weeks ago, I was overcome with the Holy Spirit (slain in the Spirit is another way to describe what happened). And this morning, while praying, I asked God to reveal Himself to me, and suddenly I started laughing! This is a common way that the Spirit lives through me. Often during times of worship, I will focus on the truth of the words we are singing and will just start laughing. I love to express His joy.

My friends, I am far from perfect. All too often I shy away from telling you about Jesus and what He has done for me and in me. My joy and excitement come from being forgiven for very bad choices (sin) and knowing that He has paid for those sins by offering Himself in my place. I am so grateful to Him for His love for me. Jesus reminded me today in His word "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Friends, go to Jesus. Find the rest He has for you. Find his perfect peace. Until next time...

Fishin' and a hikin'
Mood:  energetic
St. Paul is a beautiful area. Got here Saturday late afternoon. Staying with my old college roommate and his fam. After church, Randy and I and his son Matt went fishing on one of the local lakes (hey Texas people, their lakes are real...). Randy's son caught the first fish (and the biggest). And here am I catching a Northern Pike!

Fishin from a canoe was a little tense, with the canoe rocking back and forth occassionally. Today I bought a new pair of hiking boots and a cool hat...

I love Jesus and thank him for this time of rest and refreshment.

Hot tubbing in Wichita
Mood:  chillin'
KFC and I made it to Wichita. Staying at the Hawthorn Suites that has rooms with indoor whirlpool. VERY NICE. Here's a pic of KFC getting ready to dive in...

What a great drive today. Sometimes the music was CRANKED UP and I was shouting praises to the Lord. Other times, music was turned off, windows rolled down, and just enjoying His creation. I've been told that the first week or two of this trip will be like an exodus - leaving everything behind...totally disengaging from previous responsibilities...I'm looking forward to it and asked God to experience this exodus to its fullest. Next will come a time of wilderness followed by crossing the Jordan. As I am enjoying all of these material blessings, I remind myself that even if I were in a garbage dump, He is still worthy to be thanked and praised.

Gas'd up and ready to go
Mood:  energetic
I'm gassed up (my truck, that is) and almost ready to leave. I have a traveling companion . His name is Kevin Franklin Chicken (named after the character Sinbad played in 'Houseguest'). I call him KFC for short.

Time is awastin' and I need to pack up my laptop, some clothes and bogey on up the road. KFC and I are eager to enjoy God's awesome creation, and to enjoy Him.