Answered Prayer

I am so glad that God is still in the prayer answering business. Sue became very ill week before last with what we thought was the flu. After a couple of days in bed it became much worse so I took her to the emergency room at the local hospital. She had bronchial pneumonia, and a gastro-intestinal infection as well. She was admitted to the hospital and put on three antibiotics by IV. She was there for eight days and lost 15 pounds. That's a lot concidering the fact that she's not very big to start with. After a fast contact to several folks that I know to be strong prayer warriors, a prayer chain was started on her behalf. She was released from the hospital and is doing much better, but is still trying to regain some of the strength she lost during this time.

And folks, God really is in the business to answer prayers. He always answers, but not always with what we want. He knows best, and He has a master plan. I have learned not to question Him but rather to try to accept what He sends my way. There have been times when I have prayed so hard for healing for someone, and yet it seems God in all His infinite glory had something else for them.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people ??? I wish I had an answer, but I don't. I am reminded of an old gospel song that Jimmy Swaggart used to sing titled " I don't need to understand, I just need to hold His hand ".

Things are going well with Texas BBQ & Beans in our local spot here in Carterville MO. We are three weeks into it and selling lots of BBQ. If you are ever in the area, stop by and mention our blog. We'll treat you to some of the best South Texas style BBQ you will find this side of the Red River.

Until then, as always, Via Con Dios
Don & Sue

Time for an update

I really didn't realize so much time had passed since the last post I looked back at the most recent one. And that was at least a couple of months ago. Time is just going so fast these days. Someone once said not so long ago that we are never so busy as we will be when we retire. And that, folks, is as close to truth as we can get. There is an old saying back down in the hills of East Tennessee where I came from years ago about being "busier that a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs". But lest anyone think I am complaining, let me clarify by saying this. I am enjoying life to the absolute fullest, and God is in complete control of it all !!

Sue and I made a trip down to South Texas a couple of weeks ago. She finally got to meet all of my older children, as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
And yes, Sue handled the shock very well. We have a lot of photos of the whole bunch, as well as some taken down on the beach where they all live. I will try to get some posted soon.

Texas BBQ & Beans is really picking up steam. I mentioned in a previous post about the place in Carterville MO where we intended to set up our BBQ business locally year round. The waiting is over, and we will be opening for business this week. We are still going to use the mobile kitchen, but it will stay parked in one spot. For the beginning, we will only be open Thursday thru Saturday.(I need to hold onto some semblance of my retirement status) We will be offering the usual fare of South Texas style Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef shoulder and smoked sausage, along with whole and 1/2 slabs of loin back ribs. Our ranch-style beans are world class. We use four different varietys of dry beans, lots of onion and garlic, crisp bacon and lots of bbq meat, and smoke them to perfection !!!! And for those hardy souls who are out and about early in the day, we offer hot biscuits and sausage gravy with coffee and/or hot chocolate.

May the God of all creation bless you beyond your greatest expectations. The apostle Paul wrote "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of man the things that God has prepared for those that love Him". God said it, I believe it, and that settles it !!

Via Con Dios
DM