It was a cold and cloudy Friday morning in January. Nearly 1 year ago to date and around 4:45am. There I sat in the shop behind my house, 1 light on and struggling to begin exercising. I found myself lost in thought as I stared at a blank white board across the room.

Questions began floating through my mind. 

• What is it that people really need?
• How am I, and Lone Oak, supposed to help them in the most meaningful way?
• What is my purpose? Lone Oak's purpose?
• Where are others struggling the most?

As I pondered these questions I started thinking about all of the other responsibilities I have. The kids, Jennifer, the house, school board, church council, my community, my parents in Kansas, Lone Oak, writing, speaking and my personal health. My priorities. 

I began to feel overwhelmed.

I took a deep breath. 

I wondered how it would feel if I just stopped thinking, asking, planning, processing. 

I’m confident it would have led in the direction of so many others that don’t take the time to ask the right questions. Like life on a treadmill. White-knuckling the steering wheel each day. Work. And work more.

No clarity. Stress. And limited joy. 

That felt helpless. 

So I worked through it. Got time in the quiet. Answered the questions. Set the plan. Remained disciplined.

The gift I give myself nearly every morning is that time in the quiet of my own space, free from outside distraction and the “daggers” the world can, intentionally and unintentionally, impose on each of us. 

That safe space is vital to my happiness. Vital!  Even if it has to be at 4:30am. 

I’m a fixer. I wish I could waive a wand and make your struggles go away. But any qualified counselor would tell you that only YOU have the ability to fix what’s your’s. “You can lead a horse to water, but they have to drink.” You are the only one that has the tools and ability to go through, up or around each of your own hurdles. Those tools simply need to be revealed and used.

What I decided on that January day is that I can at least provide the starting line to the life others desire. I can share the water, the tank and the time to drink. 

A place with less distraction. A time to get quality rest and positive encouragement. A place where you're safe to be transparent. Your authentic self. Happy and loved for being YOU…not some “character” you're sharing to be accepted by others.

A place to discover the tools and the path to conquering those challenges over moments, days, weeks or months.

In the months that followed my own discovery, we began creating that place. It's not perfect. Thank you for showing us grace when expectations may not be met. But each day, we get closer.

Here is our 2023 year in review entitled, “Ongoing.”

Like a collegiate basketball coach once stated in an interview a few days after he won a national championship, “I never feel like I truly win. There will always be another level in which to advance.” 

This list is intended to serve you. We feel fortunate to simply be on purpose. Something I discovered when someone once “led me to water.”

Improvements & Additions… (Click here to see our photo Gallery)

• 76 RV Pad sites (full service)
• Opened a FULL SERVICE CAFE
• 5 additional HOTEL ROOMS & 1 GUEST HOME
• Installed a PICKLEBALL court under a pavilion
• Finalized 12,000 square feet of covered ARTIFICIAL TURF
• REMODEL THE THEATER meeting space
• INCREASED ANIMAL FARM experience with chickens, pigs, goats and more
• STALL BARN prepped for rentals 
• FACELIFT on our precious chapel
• SOCIAL MEDIA outreach increased by over 150%
• New WEBSITE (and have reached over 60,000 views)
• Launched ONLINE RESERVATION system
• Initiated a monthly BLOG
• Added 500 meg internet package
• Improved all SIGNAGE
• CLEANED and DETAILED all hotel rooms
• Installed additional indoor and exterior LIGHTING

We’re grateful to have had John Schneider (Bo Duke) and so many other actors and actresses on site for movie filming throughout this past year.

Just as importantly, individual families, long & short term RV stays, church retreats, hotel room overnights, Cafe guests, corporate groups, field trips and so many more have felt the peace and calm of Lone Oak. 

We feel fortunate and grateful for your continued support!
Come see us in 2024!

Remain Encouraged,

Brian

(Learn more about Brian by CLICKING HERE)

My humble request.     Can this note encourage someone else? Leave them feeling less alone? If so, please share.

1. Forward this to a few friends.
2. Copy & paste the web link to your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter feeds. 
3. Encourage others to CLICK HERE and sign up for future articles, discounts and upcoming events.