12-30-06

2006 is winding down and it is a good time to reflect upon the ups and the downs. Elizabeth is back from the Philippines visiting our daughter Georgia, missionary midwife to the Northern Tribes. We were lying in bed a few mornings ago reflecting on how good God has been to us when we see a pick up across the wheat field headed our way. He was bringing us good news. Chesapeake staked a well location a stones throw from the Lodge. Lorene told us to get our plans ready for the conference center. This year we moved into the lodge and converted the home we were living in, to a bunkhouse. We had many horses and cows born to us this year. We fenced the East side of the river for summer pasture for the cows --- They appreciated it!! Leroy, David, and John Mark helped us to get a fence around the swimming pool. Best of all we drew ever closer to Jesus and his children. To our children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors we thank you all for the opportunity to be a part of your refreshing this past year. We are planning on adding a bedroom suite on to "Grace Cabin" beginning after the New Year holidays. Jerry and Rick are going to do the work. I am working on a cattle guard and fencing around the Bed and Breakfast Lodge so we can keep the horses and cows out. We can then begin in earnest to landscape. This week we had two lovely ladies from the Oklahoma Agri-Tourism bureau come and take a tour and give us some ideas and suggestions. We are planning on getting a low ropes course completed as soon as Sarah Thiessen is out of college for the year. She is going to complete her practicum here working on the course. Of course I think her real motivation is that fellow (John Mark Phelps). I want to get a rifle range and trap house set up and was looking at the equipment for a zip line on internet last night. If you have suggestions for 2007 please let us hear them. God Bless you each one (Ridge & Elizabeth)

Ps 33:8
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand
in awe of Him. NKJV