Signs in Texas

The first sign I saw as I drove into the small Texas town was:

A huge smile comes across my face – tears wet my eyes and I know it is all going to be alright.  I am a notice signs from God person.  The signs He sends me aren’t always conventional (are any signs from God conventional?) but they are my signs.  And that sign helped us more than once…. But you need to also know that had I not turned around on I 37 and went back to the exit I missed – I would not have seen this sign in this location.

Side bar.  While growing up in Perrin my parents had several sets of close friends but perhaps the closest was the Sam Samaniego family.  You have read stories about them before – but Papa Sam, Mama Shirley, Stephanie and Sammy were our dear friends (later they added Jason & Derek and Derek’s twin brother).  There was even a time that Sam & Shirley lived 2 lots down from me at Possum Kingdom Lake and my boys grew up knowing them too.  Stephanie is my sister. Oh and you should see the looks when I say that.  She is dark skinned, dark hair, slender and absolutely beautiful.  She recently said that I could pass for her mom’s daughter before she could – that’s true.  My brother and Sammy had their share of having fun growing up too.  And I can still hear the pain in my brother’s voice when he told me that Sammy was gone and we have since lost Papa Sam & Mama Shirley too. This family has endured many hardships – and I know when I think of the Samaniego name I think of God’s people, people who love Jesus, people who know that God is in control.  I wish I knew how many prayers Mama Shirley said for all of us!  So seeing the Samaniego sign – gave me a calm assurance.  I had to circle back to get the picture – found a house for sale that was great and our story continues…

While waiting for Son one to meet me in this town I drove around and just looked and made phone calls – and got organized.  After he got there we looked at one way out (all of about 5 miles but it seemed forever!) – then when we were coming back in to town – I wanted to show him this place by the Samaniego sign – so we went.  As we were driving back to look at others, he received a phone call from an agent about a house we saw and wanted to see.  I did not do a real good job of remembering streets but I felt like I had a general idea of where we were going.  I went the way I wanted to go only to realize that I really did not know where I was and just as I was going to turn and go another way – Son one wants me to stop.

Perfect idea. 5^th wheel set up for short term rent (Son one says he noticed it because of the electrical hook up – all those years of growing up with a mechanical contracting business can sure make a difference!).  What a great idea – we looked, met the owner – who lives right next door and 10 minutes later Son one called and said he would take it for at least a month. 

Oh – Papa Sam’s given name was Ernest.  

Son one's landlord’s name? Ernest. 

Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.