Because they knew their drive to and from South Dakota and Wyoming would be a long drive, Dave and Jan made it their aim to stop along the way for some breaks in their summer travels in July (2017). Thinking that they had five days to arrive in South Dakota, and calculating that four days would be enough, they planned a stop for two nights of camping and a day of exploring in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Driving north on California’s Highway 395 they arrived in the Twin Lakes area just west of Bridgeport, California.

The drive toward Twin Lakes from Bridgeport already presented some tantalizing views of the rugged terrain.

Dave and Jan found the view of nearby mountains from the Forest Service Crags Campground where they set up camp also very appealing.

The campground was shared with others who live there on a more permanent basis.

Tuesday’s hike toward the Matterhorn followed the route of beautiful Horsetail Creek.

The stream came crashing down the mountainside with a pretty impressive roar.

Though they were not overly abundant, there were very nice wildflowers to enjoy.

There were some very peaceful water scenes in the saddle area above the first climbs.

Farther along the trail the Matterhorn began to come into view on the horizon.

We are told it is possible to climb to the top, but that will have to wait for another day!

The Twin Lakes region clearly deserves more exploration, but it was a refreshing stop “along the way.”  Dave and Jan never cease to enjoy the expansive beauty of the Sierras and the many other displays of God’s creative genius in the world around us!

You have probably sung (or at least heard sung) the song “Home on the Range.”  But have you ever wondered where it is that the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play?  Dave and Jan have enjoyed seeing them all in the states of South Dakota and Wyoming.  On their recent vacation trip they enjoyed seeing some of each – along with other animals not named in the song “Home on the Range.”  Driving south of the Tetons they saw some impressive specimens of Buffalo.

One of the things Dave and Jan enjoy doing is seeing wildlife during their camping and hiking experiences.  This year was particularly interesting in that respect during the time they spent with Andrew and Alissa and family at the cabin in Wyoming’s Big Horn National Forest.  Deer sightings were a frequent experience without leaving the cabin.  Dave watched this young doe foraging in the field directly in front of the cabin.

Just a short drive along the main road to the cabin there were many animals to be seen.

We even got a good look at Bambi – or one of his close relatives anyhow.

Also in the area there were antelope for the deer to play with.

There were herds of elk grazing on the hillsides during our evening drives.

And the family especially enjoyed seeing the moose grazing along the stream.

True to the song, as we enjoyed our temporary “home on the range,” seldom was heard a discouraging word.  It was a special treat to see so many of our animal neighbors while we were enjoying time with our “kids” and our grandchildren.

The main purpose of Dave and Jan’s recent vacation trip to South Dakota and other locations far from home in Brea was to spend time with their family – specifically son-in-law Dr. Andrew Crandall (congratulations on the doctorate!), daughter Alissa, and four grandsons who live in South Dakota (far from Brea).  It had been a year since they were last together, shortly after the birth of Ephraim, so there had been some significant growth.  Ephraim, for example, is no longer a little baby!

It was fun once again to see these dear youngsters have fun at play – and even pose for a picture (left to right:  Ephraim – one; Silas – two; Levi – six; and Elijah – four).

Levi was always eager for another ride on the ATVs at the Wyoming cabin.

Among many things to do at Rimrock Camp there were scooter boards – like the one Elijah was enjoying when this picture was taken.

Elijah also got in on some playing by father Andrew – on his small guitar.

And “Annie Oakley” (aka Alissa) got in on the fun with the cabin’s BB gun!

Elijah, Levi and Silas enjoyed playing with art supplies as they created their own personalized bookmarks with Grandma Jan.

And Levi and Elijah also enjoyed some spelunking with Grandma Jan.

The trip was very enjoyable as a time of family fun.  Dave and Jan look forward to the next time they can connect across the miles with their “dear” South Dakota family.

After Dave and Jan enjoyed a reunion with Andrew, Alissa and their four sons (Levi, Elijah, Silas and Ephraim) at the family camp held in the Black Hills just west of Rapid City, South Dakota (Rimrock Camp), the family drove on west to spend a few more days together at a “cabin” in Wyoming’s Big Horn National Forest.  Andrew routed us through scenic Black Hills forest roads by way of Roughlock Falls in a beautiful forested canyon in South Dakota.

Alissa had connected with the Shaffer family who own the “cabin” to which we were headed, making it available for the enjoyment of ministry families.  Leaving highway 16 we drove south around six or eight miles on a paved road, another half to three-quarters of a mile on a dirt road, then left around a mile on a smaller dirt road, then left again through a gate in the barbed wire fence and another half mile or so on a rutted dirt road to the “cabin.”  What a pleasant surprise!

Though it was in a remote location (electricity provided by a gas-powered generator, and water from a well), the “cabin” was anything but primitive.  It was clearly constructed by master-builders, with beautiful furnishings and fixtures and decorations.

There was lots of time for relaxation and recreation and exploration of the 84 acres which belong to the Shaffers.

We enjoyed day trips to nearby points of interest – like the James T. Saban fire lookout . . .

. . . and Sheep Mountain . . .

. . . and Crazy Woman Creek . . .

. . . and there was more!  Much more!!  But, as you can probably tell, it was a beautiful week with the family.

Many thanks to Alissa and family for making the arrangements and sharing their time with us, to the Shaffers for sharing their amazing “cabin” and all of its amenities with us, and to the Lord for creating such beautiful places for our enjoyment and our discovery of more of His greatness in the Big Horn National Forest of Wyoming!

Not having seen Andrew and Alissa’s family in South Dakota since the birth of Ephraim in June of 2016, Dave and Jan looked forward to a “family reunion” with the Crandalls in mid-July, beginning in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  After several days on the road, camping along the way in their tent-trailer, the family got together at a “family camp” at Camp Rimrock just west of Rapid City.  Left to right – Silas with Alissa; Elijah; Andrew with Ephraim; Levi; Dave and Jan.

Family camp included morning vesper service activities for those attending.  Son-in-law Pastor Andrew shared a lesson directed specifically at the children attending at one of the camp’s fireside settings.

Meals were prepared by an excellent chef in the camp kitchen and served either in the dining room or at picnic tables outdoors in front of the lodge.

Afternoons included a quiet hour following lunch, then free time for families to enjoy the camp grounds – including tubing on the beautiful stream which flows through the campground.

Even baby Ephraim enjoyed the water – in a kiddie pool someone brought to camp for the little ones.

There were some fun family games to play during the cooler morning hours on a forested hillside.  Andrew and Alissa worked at getting their family balanced on a small wooden platform placed on top of a log.

“Grandma Jan” joined the Crandalls in a time of close family fellowship on a much smaller wooden platform!

Elijah and Levi demonstrated their skill at hanging spoons on their noses during an evening “talent night.”

Dave and Jan pitched their tent-trailer next door to the Crandalls’ cabin for overnight accommodations.

Family camp was a fun time of family togetherness at Camp Rimrock – a camp which has served the needs of our family on several occasions now in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  And the fun wasn’t over with the end of camp – because Alissa arranged for further family fun in an amazing “cabin” in the Big Horn National Forest of Wyoming.  So stay tuned for more . . .

While son Stephen and family were away from their home for a trip with Meagan’s family to Seattle, Dave and Jan decided to spend a few days camping in their tent trailer. The original thought was to head for the eastern Sierras, but the winter’s unusually heavy snow pack made that impractical.  Heading south to Cuyamaca State Park, east of San Diego, was under consideration until weather forecasts predicted near 100 degree temperatures in the area.  So cool weather predictions for the Monterey Bay area sounded like a winner – especially because Dave’s three sisters and their families live in the area.  Dave’s hope to land a campsite at the Veterans’ Memorial Park (known as Deer Flats when he was growing up in the area) at the top of the Peninsula was realized with a very nice site.

Just a couple hundred feet from the camp site is Huckelberry Hill nature preserve with miles of trails to enjoy – across the fence from the Monterey Presidio military facility. The hike to the top of the hill was aided by a series of 185 steps (by the count of park authorities) – good heart strengthening exercise.

Views of the city of Monterey and the bay from the top of the Peninsula were quite spectacular.

And there were even wild huckelberries to be picked and sampled along the trail!

Tuesday included a fun bowling outing arranged and paid for by Dave’s sister Jan.  We have no pictures to show because Dave and Jan’s camera stayed in the car, but sister Jan is an excellent photographer, and she was taking pictures of the group (Dave and Jan, sister Jan with grandchildren Conner, Cameron, Azela and Jaze and brother-in-law Steve, sister Susan and her son Jared, his wife Joy, and their son Daniel).  Back at the house where Dave grew up in Seaside we enjoyed a visit with the family and his sister Susan provided a meal featuring enchiladas and blackberry pie!

Wednesday’s activities included an enjoyable hike and visit with Dave’s sister Jewel, her husband Rick, and their granddaughter Alexandra – from the Seaside beach to New Monterey’s Cannery Row along the bike and pedestrian trail which extends from Pacific Grove to north of Marina along very scenic coastal views.  Jewel, Rick, Alexandra and Jan posed at one of the bay views atop the famous Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey Bay.On Wednesday evening family members enjoyed a dinner meal at Seaside’s Googie Grill where Dave (joined by Jan this time around) enjoyed his second plate of the Danish dish “Frickedeler” (meat balls and gravy, mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, a small serving of cranberry sauce, and plenty of french bread) – a tasty specialty at the grill.

Thursday began the drive home with an overnight stop at the county campground at Santa Margarita Lake.  It was a very enjoyable, quiet, scenic stay in a campground nearly empty and apparently not very known well – but well-worth another visit.

The trip was a very enjoyable camping experience – both in Monterey and at Santa Margarita Lake – and we always enjoy the times we spend with family members who live in the Monterey area where Dave grew up.  But it is always nice, following such a trip, to return home – this time to enjoy again the transformation which recently took place when carpet was removed and hard wood floors resurfaced in our living and dining room areas.

Dave and Jan are grateful to the Lord for the blessings of life and health and strength in their retirement years, with the freedom and resources to enjoy camping and family experiences like the recent short camping outing.

The trip Dave and Jan took recently to Prescott for the memorial service of Dr. Al and Sheila Diddams put them in contact with some other very special friends besides those in the Diddams family.  Two people who have been close friends and ministry partners served as the Balsleys’ hosts after the hotel stay associated with the memorial service.  Bill and LaVeta Sparks were the CAM International missionaries who moved from Mexico to Tucson to help care for aging parents and served in the pastoral role for the Hispanic congregation which was a part of Mission Park Baptist Church for many years.  After moving from Tucson to a retirement community in Prescott, Bill and LaVeta became acquainted with the Diddams, so Dave and Jan enjoyed visiting with both families whenever their travels took them to Prescott.  While they spent some time together during this visit in Prescott the Sparks introduced Dave and Jan to Lynx Lake in the hills near Prescott for a picnic and a short walk.

Jan also took a short hike up the trail to Thumb Butte for a few pictures.

Among the people who traveled to Prescott for the Diddams memorial there were a number who were a part of the Gallup Baptist Church family in New Mexico when the Balsleys were there in the 70’s and 80’s.  Traveling the farthest for the occasion of the memorial service were Steve and Peggy King, founders of the UIM (United Indian Missions) International camp south of Gallup – Summer Park Ranch (now Broken Arrow Bible Ranch).  Steve was also serving as pastor for the Gallup Church prior to the Balsleys’ arrival in Gallup,

After the King family moved from the Gallup area to Shingletown, California – and because their son Rusty was a Downs Syndrome son – Steve and Peggy founded another significant ministry for handicapped adults, Mountain Jewels Home (which became Mountain Jewels Ranch when the home moved from Shingletown to a ranch setting in Little Valley, California).  The amazing story of the Kings’ lives and the significant ministries they founded is told in a book which Peggy wrote entitled “Like Salt and Pepper” which is probably available at we3kings@frontiernet.net.  Traveling with Steve King were his wife, Peggy, and their son Rusty – now living with them in their retirement years.  So it was great to see Peggy and Rusty as well as Steve King in Prescott.

Of course, while Dave and Jan were in Prescott their first granddaughter, Erin Lauren Balsley, was born to Stephen and Meagan, so it has been fun getting acquainted with her since returning to Brea following the Prescott trip.

Jan enjoyed taking a picture of Erin in a doll crib which first held her dolls as a child – then years later son Stephen and daughter Alissa, and more recently grandson Ryan and now granddaughter Erin (lovingly guarded by Lola).

It has also been fun introducing grandson Ryan to his first bicycle – a skill which Dave hopes Ryan will master in days ahead so they can ride their bikes together!

Our lives have been enriched in so many ways over the years by the friends and the growing family the Lord has blessed us to enjoy.  The joys and blessings of family life are among life’s best – and that certainly includes the joys and blessings which come from our experiences with people like the Diddams and the Sparks and the Kings who are a part, with us, of the family of God!

Dave and Jan were honored to be asked to take part in the memorial service for two very special friends who were key players in the life of the church they served in Gallup, New Mexico (Gallup Baptist Church, now Grace Bible Church) forty years ago. Dr. Al and Sheila Diddams were two people who played a significant part in the Balsleys’ lives in the early years of their marriage and family and ministry. The Diddams were a rich source of wisdom and knowledge on many subjects, so Dave and Jan turned to them for help with church life and family life (especially when children came into their lives) and medical questions (for which Dr. Diddams, a highly respected surgeon, was a valuable source). Here is a picture of the Diddams at their home in Dewey (near Prescott) Arizona several years back.

Sheila Diddams headed for heaven on Christmas Eve of 2016 due to diabetes complications. Her husband, Al, died two months later (February 26th). They were living at the time at King Bruwaert House, a senior care home in Burr Ridge, Illinois – and services were held in that area at the time of their respective deaths. But, because their last lengthy residence was in the Prescott area, where they were active at First Baptist Church of Prescott (now Solid Rock Christian Fellowship) and had many friends, they were interred at the National Cemetery in Prescott and a memorial service was held in their honor on April 21st. Their five children (young people when we were together in Gallup) and their spouses were all present for the service (along with other friends from Gallup days), so it was a special time of family reunion for them, and Dave and Jan thoroughly enjoyed seeing them all once again.

                                      (Susie, Steve, Scott, Shannon, Stan)
Dave and Jan had just checked into the motel in Prescott and gotten dinner when they received a text from son Stephen saying that he and Meagan were at the hospital (7:00 p.m.) because Meagan was nearing the time of the birth of their second child. They were admitted at 8:00 and Jan spent sleepless hours wondering what was happening (while Dave slept soundly, of course).  At 12:08 A.M. on April 21st Erin Laurel Balsley made her appearance – the first granddaughter for the Balsleys after five grandsons.

Meagan is enjoying some time off for recovery and to get acquainted with the new addition to the family.

Gramma Jan, of course, is in “Gramma Heaven” with the arrival of Erin!

And “big brother” Ryan is getting accustomed to the arrival of his sister.

Our lives are rich with special relationships. We are grateful for the 4 South Dakota grandsons we have been blessed with and are looking forward to connecting with them this summer. We thank the Lord for the blessing of family – both our immediate family and our extended family who make up the family of God! We rejoice that loved ones in Christ, like the Diddams, now “absent from the body” are “at home with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8).  And we are very thankful for each new entry the Lord brings into our experience – especially the addition of grandchildren!

The Church at Green Hills, where we are among the newest members, has been presenting “The Living Nativity” – the Christmas story – for nearly 30 years running.  It is an excellent retelling of the familiar story of the birth of Jesus – with several well-attended showings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings one week-end before Christmas.  With an attractive staging – including live animals – it is a very nice production.

This Easter season, for the first time, the church has presented “The Road to Resurrection” – taking groups of twenty people from scene to scene from the week leading up to Easter.  The presentation began with a Palm Sunday scene, when Jesus arrived in the city of Jerusalem to Messianic acclaim by the crowds gathering for the annual Passover celebration.

Our next stop found us in the Upper Room with the disciples of Christ at the celebration of the Passover, where we had the opportunity to taste each of the elements of a traditional Passover Seder meal.

Our host explained the significance of each of the items which make up the traditional Passover meal.

Our next stop took us into the dungeon where Barabbas was imprisoned, awaiting the decision of the people whether he should be put to death for his crimes, or should be set free because the crowd insisted on having Jesus crucified in his place – though Jesus was innocent of any crime.  When Barabbas learned that he was being set free, he wondered aloud how it could be that an innocent man was to die a cruel death in his place – as he very well should have wondered!

From the dungeon we made our way to the scene of Christ’s crucifixion where one of the soldiers who was assigned to put Christ to death explained his amazement at the scene which unfolded as he told of the cruelty of Christ’s death and his surprise at His demeanor when, from the cross, He extended forgiveness to those who were demanding His death.

Following the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, we were introduced to Mary Magdalene as she prepared spices to take to the grave out of her desire to express her devotion to the Savior, who so dramatically changed her life, by anointing his body according to the custom of the Jews in that day.

Because Easter had not yet dawned, we were left to ponder all that Jesus experienced in that final week before the truth became evident that He could not be held by death!  As the Apostle Peter expressed it to the Day of Pentecost crowd in Jerusalem fifty days later – “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.”  As a southern preacher appropriately announced to a Good Friday crowd one year, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”

We are very grateful to the Lord for this year’s healthy winter and spring rains which have been so beneficial to our drought-stricken state of California.  Predictably, they have resulted in lots of grasses and flowers for our enjoyment – and we have been enjoying them very much!  Dave has been taking advantage of his full retirement to get in some very nice bike rides to some of the many area parks and open spaces – like nearby Chino Hills State Park (a four-mile ride which still puts him in Brea).

Lots of colorful mustard blossoms decorate the hills at Chino State Park.

And occasional patches of California Poppies add their gold to green hills.

Dave couldn’t get “Bob” to pose nicely, but he did get his first look at a Chino Hills Bobcat (though he has seen them in nearby Powder Canyon before).

Weir Canyon Regional Park is located in the Anaheim Hills southeast of Brea.

The ride from Weir Canyon to Irvine & Santiago Oaks Regional Park was a challenge!

The Orange County Nature Conservancy stretches for miles south of Weir Canyon.

Dave and Jan enjoyed a Monday afternoon hike at Black Star Canyon further south.

It was refreshing to hike to the sound of running water – a little unusual for the area.

And there were tree blossoms to enjoy along the Edwards Ranch road which passes through Black Star Canyon.

But we didn’t even need to leave Brea to enjoy some amazing blossoming trees!

We are enjoying Southern California’s pleasant early spring weather.  But there are always things to enjoy for those who see the Lord’s creative genius in the created order which surrounds us – wherever and whenever we happen to be!