The Flint Hills Trail

My daughter Kaitlin and I loaded up our bikes and headed out to the Flint Hills Trail just west of Osawatomie today. We biked the trail about four miles N.W. and then returned four miles for a total of eight miles. It was an enjoyable ride through prairie and then along the Marais De Cygne River in a wooded area. We loaded up on sunscreen and bottled water. Kaitlin was pretty tired by the time we returned, but enjoyed the ride through the countryside. The Flint Hills Trail is a rails to trails project that really accentuates the subtle beauty of Eastern Kansas. We don't have mountains or ocean beaches in this tall grass prairie land of Kansas, but there is a simple beauty all around if we are willing to be aware and observe a little closer. It seems to me that after our salvation in Jesus Christ, that our relationship with Him is nurtured the same way. Jesus is not loud and pushy and does not clamor for our attention. But, if we are willing to seek Him a little closer, we can have a relationship with the Lord that has a hidden, subtle beauty. It's important to be aware of the physical world around us, but, it is much more important to nurture a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I love the USA! The city of Paola (north of Oz) always has their fireworks display at Miola Lake on the eve of the fourth of July. Tim Bailey and I had the best seats at the lake for the display. We launched two kayaks and watched the display on the water. It was a perfect night, not too hot or muggy, and the fireworks were good. An hour or so before the fireworks, I taught my daughter Kaitlin and Tim's daughters Allexis and Allie Bailey to paddle. They wore a PFD and I didn't let them get too far from shore. I think they really enjoyed it. What a great privilege to live in a nation where we are free to pursue our hobbies and enjoy our families. God bless the U.S.A!