tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14966431682063824252024-02-19T02:57:18.717-08:00Randomly Ruthful...he leads me besides still waters and restores my soul...Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-46643239700003981362024-02-16T05:17:00.000-08:002024-02-16T05:18:56.062-08:00Walking in Faith to the Miracle<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> "Please come and heal my boy!" (Gentile government official)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Do you have to see a miracle before you believe?" (Jesus)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Please, please, I'm desperate. He is about to die." (official)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"Go back home. Your son will live." (Jesus)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">(John 4:43-54, <i>paraphrased</i>)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The man believes Jesus and starts back home. I wonder if his thoughts were mostly hopeful or mixed with doubt the farther he walked. He received Jesus' word and acted on faith. He was willing to believe before he saw the miracle. How long was he in between the word of faith and hearing that his son was healed? When he discovers the boy was healed the exact time Jesus spoke the word, his faith is rewarded, he and his whole household believe in Jesus.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Will we act towards faith when the Holy Spirit gives a promise? How will we respond in between the promise and seeing the results? Will we keep walking when the way seems long? Maybe we'll even forget about what was promised. We have other things to turn to for help.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The story of the man who falls off a cliff comes to mind. On the way down he grabs a branch and hangs on. He cries for help and God's voice says, "Let go." He considers the instruction for awhile. Finally, he says, "Is there anyone else up there?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Are we placing all our trust in God? Do we find his instruction too scary, too difficult, too unreasonable as we wait for the answer? Is there an action I need to do to "walk towards faith"; towards the promise?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">How are we responding to these words of Jesus? </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:14) <br /><br />This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14)<br /><br />Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)</b></i></span><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, increase my faith. I want to believe you as the ruler did who believed before he saw the miracle.</span></div> <p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-90118951731022066242024-01-12T15:40:00.000-08:002024-01-12T15:40:22.966-08:00Be My Witness!<p> January is a time for reflection, not to the past, but to the future. Our church calls us to a 21 day of prayer and fasting. This year the theme and emphasis is-BE MY WITNESS.</p><p>We're daily asking the Holy Spirit to show us areas we need to surrender to him. As he fills us with power we can obey the commission to go make disciples. It's exciting to think about what God has in store for a people who are committed to seeking him for more passion to share Jesus with those who don't follow him. I was reading through some of my pervious blog posts tonight and found one that retold a story about an experience Lee Strobel had shared at some point. I'm using it again because it fits so well with our theme this month.</p><p>Lee Strobel (a pretty prominent Christian apologist) came and talked to us a couple of weeks ago and told a story about how, a couple of years ago, he was wanting to share his faith with a co worker that he had known for a long time. He knew the guy was an atheist but he really felt like God was telling him to go invite this guy to church on Easter <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6499_com_zimbra_date">Sunday</span>. So Lee walks over to this guy's cubicle and asks him to church. Of course the guy was like why would I want to go to church? So Lee starts laying out a few things about Christ and the reasons for believing, but this guy is resolute in that he is not coming to church. So Lee walked away from that meeting like, great God, that was awesome. Why'd you have me do that? Lee said, "That guy is still an Atheist to this day and he never did come to church. So a little while ago, I had finished preaching and I had a man come up to me that I had never met. The man said, I just wanted to share my story with you, a couple of years ago, I lost my job. I was having a really rough time and was trying to find work wherever I could. I didn't know God and was just trying to make it on my own. I was hired by a local business to do a random tiling job that had come up. The owner was taking pity on me and you don't know this but I was tiling in an office and was stuck down behind a cubicle when you came up and started talking to a guy about coming to Easter Service at your church. I heard what you said and I called my wife right then and said honey we've got to go to this church!" Lee called that ricochet faith and I think that even if we aren't technically evangelizing, whatever interactions we are having with people, if we are being mindful of our faith and trying to share God even in just being friendly, God uses our interactions regardless of the responses we get."<br /></p><p>BE encouraged. Our God is full of surprises. I want his love to guide me. I want to stay open and listening for his direction. </p><p>"Lord make me aware of who you are setting me up for. May I see everyone I meet as a beautiful person made in your image."</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-70617312124394903132023-12-08T11:11:00.000-08:002023-12-08T11:12:22.378-08:00Promises<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"> "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. </span><div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;">1 Peter 1:3-4</span><br /><br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I awoke this morning considering these verses. I live in this reality! I am participating in his divine nature, and I've escaped the corruption in the world. I still am effected by the corruption, just by being here, but I can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to give me God's desires and live in divine glory and goodness. How awesome is that!</span></h4><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When I consider my daily life and habits, my emotions on any given day, my responsibilities that might seem overwhelming at times and the sorrow of others around me, I count on God's promises being true and giving me all I need to live a godly, purposeful, and peace filled life. For instance:<br /><br />- I feel alone: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS<br /><br />-I've messed up, let someone down or forgotten something: EVERYTHING WORKS TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD<br /><br />-I've been unkind or complacent or rebellious: IF I CONFESS MY SIN, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE AND CLEANSE ME<br /><br />-I'm worried or keep obsessing about something I've done or didn't do, or need to do, and if I give it all to Jesus and ask him for help, HIS PEACE WILL KEEP CONSTANT GUARD OVER MY HEART AND MIND<br /><br />-I feel neglected or uncared for: HE CARES FOR ME<br /><br />-I don't have something I feel I really need or long for: THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR, NO GOOD THING WILL HE KEEP FROM ME<br /><br />-When I wish my circumstances were different or it seems others have more freedom and opportunity than I do: YOUR BOUNDARY LINES HAVE FALLEN FOR ME IN PLEASANT PLACES; I HAVE A DELIGHTFUL INHERITANCE<br /><br />-When I wonder what the future holds, and I'm past the prime years of life: I HAVE GOOD PLANS FOR YOU, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND HOPE<br /><br />-I realize how prone I am to failing and stumbling: HE IS ABLE TO KEEP ME FROM FALLING AND TO PRESENT ME FAULTLESS BEFORE HIS THRONE<br /><br />-I wake up feeling blah and insignificant: MY MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING<br /><br />-I'm tired and have too much to do: JUST COME, I WILL GIVE YOU REST<br /><br />-I feel inadequate. MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU.<br /><br />-from Psalm 23 I find a host of promises: I LACK NOTHING, I HAVE FOOD AND WATER, MY SOUL IS RESTORED, HE GUIDES ME IN THE RIGHT PATHS, I FEAR NO EVIL EVEN IN THE WORST OF LIFE BECAUSE HE NEVER LEAVES ME, HE GIVES ME DISCIPLINE THAT BRINGS COMFORT, MY ENEMIES WON'T KEEP ME FROM FEASTING WITH MY SHEPHERD, I HAVE MORE GOODNESS THAN I CAN CONTAIN, GOODNESS AND MERCY ARE FOLLOWING ME!<br /><br />I could probably spend all day and not be able to list all the ways God's promises make me aware that I have access to a divine realm where his Glory and Goodness are constant companions. I am living his abundant life, an incredible gift!<br /><br />Jesus, I love you. Thank you for coming to earth and making all this possible. I am thankful I can live with you always. I celebrate your advent now at Christmas and look forward to when you come again. </span></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-33898375292332146582023-11-21T09:58:00.000-08:002023-11-21T09:58:59.234-08:00Hawaiin Wedding<p> Cody, our grandson, and Yahdira, his fiancé, picked the place for their wedding and how could we not go on an exciting adventure to Hawaii to celebrate with them!</p><p>I had only dreamed of visiting Hawaii, but now it was becoming reality. The flights were secured at a fairly reasonable rate and within the next month, we had reserved a place to lodge where most of the other family was staying, Resort Lahana Kai on Maui. Next, we chose several excursions to make our trip memorable. Since we had just celebrated our 27th anniversary we decided to buy a catamaran sunset dinner cruise. For a more thrilling adventure we dared to try a bike ride down Haleakala, a 10,000-foot volcano. Our last planned event was a bus tour around the island of Oahu, the second island we would visit in our last few days before flying home.</p><p>We arrived in Maui, June 27, found the tram from the airport to the car rental, and lost a chunk of unplanned money in reserving the car. The agent had a foreign accent and paid little attention to the reservation I had previously made online. We waffled on whether we needed additional insurance and decided we did which wouldn't have been necessary, and when we had signed the agreement it was much more than the online reservation had indicated it would be. Our lack of experience was taken advantage of, but hopefully we've learned from the experience. From there we waited in the rental garage about an hour for our names to come to the top of a long list of renters and then, for a car to be returned for our use. The first available car for us was a red Dodge Challenger with a Hemi engine. We agreed to the bright sporty vehicle, feeling the euphoria of driving something we would never own and yet realistically counting the added dollars of gas we'd be using in the non-economy car. Adding some sweetness to our long wait was meeting up with Kira's parents who had landed in Maui about the same time as us and ended up in line with us at the same rental garage. </p><p>Our condo unit was spacious and well equipped with a lanai that gave us a side view through some palm trees of the ocean. We were on the second floor and across the inner courtyard from the unit where Josh and his family were staying. Sandy and Marvin, the other grandparents, took us to Walmart where we purchased some food for the meals we would eat at "home". (Kira's parents had been to Maui numerous times so they showed us around the town of Kehi, where we were staying.)</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSBMS4gm05fFocmu5KZor8CqC51e6ITt1ClM04D1Kbr5WQOPBHPVAyQAMPde9qhLMsjd7IiSwtaQYo0BT69xHzUsVSGwoQ5UFz9K4HBk9AIIJWP240KRbHW9w8HE6lS1eHjF3M8eO-RJUKcMV_nuCFoK-7daTqovhgSWUITvF8RSLX69eNnDX-jBd3N2k/s2016/IMG_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSBMS4gm05fFocmu5KZor8CqC51e6ITt1ClM04D1Kbr5WQOPBHPVAyQAMPde9qhLMsjd7IiSwtaQYo0BT69xHzUsVSGwoQ5UFz9K4HBk9AIIJWP240KRbHW9w8HE6lS1eHjF3M8eO-RJUKcMV_nuCFoK-7daTqovhgSWUITvF8RSLX69eNnDX-jBd3N2k/s320/IMG_0447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnS4vHRKjyrZdGu4POWw9e-_DH4KLfLPcR4lDMgVxK-8e6BZsNAX8szskHxHW9EIQ1bDMmXsjVcNql1mQRG0KHGwDH8cWhrTQZsVQfn8mQezgkU7jvt6-RD41M8jSNn3VMHVvFeQ0SZHhtAB4hmZq9bAdGx8h9n9_5BdMVZaTeTJDScl2lr30w8mYq7iX/s4032/IMG_4919%20-%20Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnS4vHRKjyrZdGu4POWw9e-_DH4KLfLPcR4lDMgVxK-8e6BZsNAX8szskHxHW9EIQ1bDMmXsjVcNql1mQRG0KHGwDH8cWhrTQZsVQfn8mQezgkU7jvt6-RD41M8jSNn3VMHVvFeQ0SZHhtAB4hmZq9bAdGx8h9n9_5BdMVZaTeTJDScl2lr30w8mYq7iX/s320/IMG_4919%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p>The second night after our arrival we sailed on the dinner cruise. I loved the time with the wind and spray of the ocean on my face, drinking a glass of wine and watching the sky cloak itself with the colors of sunset. The buffet displayed excellent food, a bit lukewarm, but tasty. I met a couple from California who had previously lived in West Lafayette, IN. and enjoyed connecting with them. (You'll notice my pronouns are personal rather than collective. Unfortunately, Kevin got seasick and missed out on enjoying the beauty and fun of the ride.) Besides the sunset, we witnessed a beautiful rainbow spanning the sky with each end visibly touching the horizon, and nothing to block the view.</p><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJclNKGP2ZpJXwTHvTWNil0SNZwx6uJ_2qDV0woVcC2eHNPD72jrh5715Vlkp4tPKQAL1OjySyjYfqSVeICXWx6LsX6vKGtwDMvddB_ziTprChne0ElC4-VD0iE7kYbTrT86nuPcv3pdKZKBIXm3IGpaaud0_McTvTmsESbvDG2U-RCHBb9Jxxk0O91eC/s4032/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJclNKGP2ZpJXwTHvTWNil0SNZwx6uJ_2qDV0woVcC2eHNPD72jrh5715Vlkp4tPKQAL1OjySyjYfqSVeICXWx6LsX6vKGtwDMvddB_ziTprChne0ElC4-VD0iE7kYbTrT86nuPcv3pdKZKBIXm3IGpaaud0_McTvTmsESbvDG2U-RCHBb9Jxxk0O91eC/s320/IMG_4786.JPG" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX1XvilW0gSS-E5hUJySOFiDJjZmi6o6ebLId0VIAvfBa8T-Qou7DvXbfW1mmFDxejgw4HSL0HXt2_ch0973YOArXDvBZJ0_xKa_prTMtUteQeq09x66FpL3FlmJxetOlpp7mJxKclDJv1_dPjBdTHwumlv0vJcsECsISLhUnlYBljUfpmy5mNIx3tkrL/s4032/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX1XvilW0gSS-E5hUJySOFiDJjZmi6o6ebLId0VIAvfBa8T-Qou7DvXbfW1mmFDxejgw4HSL0HXt2_ch0973YOArXDvBZJ0_xKa_prTMtUteQeq09x66FpL3FlmJxetOlpp7mJxKclDJv1_dPjBdTHwumlv0vJcsECsISLhUnlYBljUfpmy5mNIx3tkrL/s320/IMG_4801.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagCsIKeY_gHEfPd-zv3IHc_kGoiNuvtEdu2HzRWHg47sXntaEvX9DCh9NauegblvaEOZcffWvE_Sc615a1Byjf2Zr5U_ctK-MH5LIweN7CvHjeRO_qY325seLRjWeWFcKVBgusNOyt_rwmdCQnoPXp2-K39yWxSrpUF5rVSOCc6KoO0ffLjRWWRUH_9Qo/s4032/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagCsIKeY_gHEfPd-zv3IHc_kGoiNuvtEdu2HzRWHg47sXntaEvX9DCh9NauegblvaEOZcffWvE_Sc615a1Byjf2Zr5U_ctK-MH5LIweN7CvHjeRO_qY325seLRjWeWFcKVBgusNOyt_rwmdCQnoPXp2-K39yWxSrpUF5rVSOCc6KoO0ffLjRWWRUH_9Qo/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>The next two days before the wedding, we had time to do some visiting with the family over meals in town, beach hopping to some beautiful coastlines where we watched kite surfers and visited shops for souvenirs. </p><p>The wedding happened at sunset on a Kehi beach. Each set of parents and at least one set of grandparents from each side, along with siblings attended. Cody and Yadira were beautifully dressed with traditional garb and married by an officiator they had secured online and had never met before. He was an older gentleman and a bit comical in his native Hawaiian outfit, carrying a shophar and bag around his waist. He conducted a lighthearted ceremony making us all laugh as he instructed the couple what to say and how to say it, sometimes with loud lilting voices and fun-filled ways to say the solemn vows. He often invoked prayers in his native language, but we all understood the Numbers 6, Biblical blessing, he spoke over them at the end. There were skads of pictures captured afterwards, and as dark approached we were on our way to a steakhouse about 30 miles away where we all celebrated with a matrimony-worthy meal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcgM2PXoML4f4bgrVJo1-xHlfrkhbd226AnCLe9-T-btvEmbA7iML6DXhcfun02Ef39XjkcRb1l48niRONBT2EollSSaz-cOoAvg7hx1yzgWP-kjrkSOeqQ1bOwZ6iSdruR1CKngp_FU4xTk7-Z0IKo7GWWzAbkUctLusOHzv3g0_qNPDglJI-OwlGasG/s5896/Yadira%20and%20Cody-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="5896" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcgM2PXoML4f4bgrVJo1-xHlfrkhbd226AnCLe9-T-btvEmbA7iML6DXhcfun02Ef39XjkcRb1l48niRONBT2EollSSaz-cOoAvg7hx1yzgWP-kjrkSOeqQ1bOwZ6iSdruR1CKngp_FU4xTk7-Z0IKo7GWWzAbkUctLusOHzv3g0_qNPDglJI-OwlGasG/s320/Yadira%20and%20Cody-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTveaUiVIyH7tfLvAdoPEcgxG9fvlvOJcMByr3GefSnYMAh0xSTdJQAmwVjPjo4SJccdaN3cNxwyHS3zFV9_hfWMIYaU9NhvizxY9MOWITfYVASY9KzgjQBpWrYMH0xKycDD8ZPgQ6rczxQ1BaorV3Xt6VMBNVavyjwaFMJZ52v0qMucItmzjDJrL-KRdB/s6016/Yadira%20and%20Cody-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTveaUiVIyH7tfLvAdoPEcgxG9fvlvOJcMByr3GefSnYMAh0xSTdJQAmwVjPjo4SJccdaN3cNxwyHS3zFV9_hfWMIYaU9NhvizxY9MOWITfYVASY9KzgjQBpWrYMH0xKycDD8ZPgQ6rczxQ1BaorV3Xt6VMBNVavyjwaFMJZ52v0qMucItmzjDJrL-KRdB/s320/Yadira%20and%20Cody-67.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsmxKXbyrmNlcpws1ruLcpmmHP6oHMBuPx9jp_QRIjnMOGXD0CSo3BtRrpleZDxhCO-xleAcHbMTi1xJ49mU_Yi-1N6_W1XKieW7rdcN9frje9z_Zqtq84nmcUH6BvvX5YKHWkG_SfhyphenhyphenBDybtH5lkCYE3yvWfA1Fl_XY2VQoa6qX0VUZHWrk0LC3NNPOH/s6016/Yadira%20and%20Cody-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsmxKXbyrmNlcpws1ruLcpmmHP6oHMBuPx9jp_QRIjnMOGXD0CSo3BtRrpleZDxhCO-xleAcHbMTi1xJ49mU_Yi-1N6_W1XKieW7rdcN9frje9z_Zqtq84nmcUH6BvvX5YKHWkG_SfhyphenhyphenBDybtH5lkCYE3yvWfA1Fl_XY2VQoa6qX0VUZHWrk0LC3NNPOH/s320/Yadira%20and%20Cody-51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Our best adventure began about four hours later. After trying to get some sleep, we cruised through the dark in our sporty vehicle at 2 am, toward the biking company. Inside we donned wind breaker jackets and pants. After all the other adventure seekers arrived, we received instructions for riding and then boarded a bus for the hour's ride to the 10,000-foot top of Haleakala. We stepped out into 40 degrees weather, huddled along the railing facing the volcano base and watched the sky just beyond for the first rays of sunrise. Worth the early morning wake-up! As the day brightened, we marveled at the view, signed certificates in the gift shop to mark our visit and then hiked a short walk downhill to flat-topped ridges with good backdrops for picture taking. The bus then carried us to our next stop where we straddled the bikes they had unloaded for us and started coasting down the section of road with switchback curves. Thrilling and exhilarating! We had full control of how fast we went. I briefly cast my eyes from the road to the amazing view over the edge of the volcano. Amazing! As the road began to level out, we rode into a small rodeo town where we found a coffee shop and a place to breakfast. It was a short distance from there back to the bike company. Definitely a highlight of our Maui visit!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxAd-GVHeSa4GgHpUJD9a1KhurnmZZTX8NepBrJ7zW7eKsRlx86lAnu_4Atj7bl5WENGOdWFPo-IiTvQcgblswHXW7D6QV1zhBVPOQ0TPLekxSWdh0DO4pRoMBgFa1Rm0yzGgla6-G9s2RHC0VCyNUObgMtqESfX65VoN0w_MZLuCmfH0J7SfRtWHfIsz/s4032/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxAd-GVHeSa4GgHpUJD9a1KhurnmZZTX8NepBrJ7zW7eKsRlx86lAnu_4Atj7bl5WENGOdWFPo-IiTvQcgblswHXW7D6QV1zhBVPOQ0TPLekxSWdh0DO4pRoMBgFa1Rm0yzGgla6-G9s2RHC0VCyNUObgMtqESfX65VoN0w_MZLuCmfH0J7SfRtWHfIsz/s320/IMG_4830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgrfjs8E5T-ryUUNXesPzVSc0d1hw4rImpH1Xx66QyckTB34URUbByRbzWq_sPyc6cKH5VPS7BdtEWUOVhtwl8qrFdMdQU32FiO6PVybVDd1_mv1aM_p8oSdaCoX39SG5KJxCSOgqmrBSuATcfJLXVMhZ0CQoJnFJ6MyxHYZgIJFyMg5oyUnTBIDzcn5S/s500/hala%20us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgrfjs8E5T-ryUUNXesPzVSc0d1hw4rImpH1Xx66QyckTB34URUbByRbzWq_sPyc6cKH5VPS7BdtEWUOVhtwl8qrFdMdQU32FiO6PVybVDd1_mv1aM_p8oSdaCoX39SG5KJxCSOgqmrBSuATcfJLXVMhZ0CQoJnFJ6MyxHYZgIJFyMg5oyUnTBIDzcn5S/s320/hala%20us.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7W2o4za-WE_XjlWVfKlgHeaA0YH00Zh12iY_OyMucAH_-8IOCKcAwJPO28nwI43aZX285RNNls-RoIIPEV9npIsNgObKn5N9BIB4pAKGE7M12Huxfdmm1lnZNz_1HIBgyTUekFCuPfAxnCe7mK10IohDW8CihYcITZNb23JnYLcmJbmiGpu8rKSlSW55/s640/IMG_5034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="640" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7W2o4za-WE_XjlWVfKlgHeaA0YH00Zh12iY_OyMucAH_-8IOCKcAwJPO28nwI43aZX285RNNls-RoIIPEV9npIsNgObKn5N9BIB4pAKGE7M12Huxfdmm1lnZNz_1HIBgyTUekFCuPfAxnCe7mK10IohDW8CihYcITZNb23JnYLcmJbmiGpu8rKSlSW55/s320/IMG_5034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After seeing the Jesus Revolution movie earlier, I had looked up churches that Greg Laurie pastored. Besides several large campuses in California, I knew he had one in Hawaii. I googled the location which was only 45 minutes away from Kehi. We headed north Sunday morning to take in the service. The drive took us along the west coast of Maui with gorgeous scenery of ocean and mountains. The worship at Harvest Chapel was familiar, and Levi Lusko was the speaker via satellite. After the service we purchases sandwiches and chips at a grocer and found a spot along the drive back home to eat and take in the gorgeous ocean view. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP5oEwcADdJ8tGPeuZWoxLPRpSQ0pRNmjGqdLj5mcnyABRq-KIXYTspgYeXRDd-QCdDbDAQjv7HKa63F8k58Eqw0IIFE8EWyg_1NupjlayRB58dO6v5y6UpYR9vJzJve0pWLeLIOaUgPu5eTWL5X9we3bzW_TPNRXFbHmPv5RmiymGmvlKjiqDlhL1Vev/s4032/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP5oEwcADdJ8tGPeuZWoxLPRpSQ0pRNmjGqdLj5mcnyABRq-KIXYTspgYeXRDd-QCdDbDAQjv7HKa63F8k58Eqw0IIFE8EWyg_1NupjlayRB58dO6v5y6UpYR9vJzJve0pWLeLIOaUgPu5eTWL5X9we3bzW_TPNRXFbHmPv5RmiymGmvlKjiqDlhL1Vev/s320/IMG_4867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>That afternoon we went with Josh and family to Lahaina, an historic town just north of Kehi. We had dinner and shopped and took pictures by the huge, old banyan tree in the center square. How sad to hear a month after we returned that this town was destroyed by wildfire!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO2B4gsEkvxbiHufUsWltzB47kgvShOkQmPnD8lAWNxrdCfNL7PB3WOkqnKiGn6q7gAPCMoDJHVZjbNtCND4O_U2OpctwL4WeGHyeDgUsuZ_D4NWsYmZCmLRQ4U1hMBE5j2f4OkrRaVySeTuASzHeeK4AWgvSYUtSgz_ETLKOCKoGCjKDN2nC6tke8RW4/s4032/IMG_4915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO2B4gsEkvxbiHufUsWltzB47kgvShOkQmPnD8lAWNxrdCfNL7PB3WOkqnKiGn6q7gAPCMoDJHVZjbNtCND4O_U2OpctwL4WeGHyeDgUsuZ_D4NWsYmZCmLRQ4U1hMBE5j2f4OkrRaVySeTuASzHeeK4AWgvSYUtSgz_ETLKOCKoGCjKDN2nC6tke8RW4/s320/IMG_4915.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>July 4th, Kevin and I flew to Oahu for a two-night stay in Honolulu. We strolled Waikiki beach, found a brewery downtown for supper and the next day took a bus trip to tour around the island. Our guide shared interesting facts about Hawaii, and we enjoyed seeing the tourist sights-Diamond Head, Waimea Falls, Blowhole, a Macadamia Nut Farm, Dole pineapple plant, Chinaman's Hat, Turtle Island and drove by a section of celebrity houses. Our stop for lunch was at a roadside stand that served shrimp dinners. We sat picnic style on benches and observed mongoose coming out from the bush to snatch pieces of fruit thrown down for them. The tour was a great way to experience the island. We flew back to Maui Thursday afternoon and spent the night at an Airbnb close to the airport where our flight home took off Friday morning. (The flight was delayed because of a bee in the airplane!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0whORUH2Zl8qrtCUS2KgrK7YxObrp-xW837N_jzm9wAg3Pq0l8uchlgFBSXbjloSCwxF9lfvp683wiBp2gxdcH-W58uZW5Ra9e1tRdQrthP3-KPvT8U_6JvFxmkWhF9USb3iJKSv9e_ny1bZnXBGMC9shXDlsYAbSQwI-6vAX4_C4wSyy5Ix8HNBUuZi/s4032/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0whORUH2Zl8qrtCUS2KgrK7YxObrp-xW837N_jzm9wAg3Pq0l8uchlgFBSXbjloSCwxF9lfvp683wiBp2gxdcH-W58uZW5Ra9e1tRdQrthP3-KPvT8U_6JvFxmkWhF9USb3iJKSv9e_ny1bZnXBGMC9shXDlsYAbSQwI-6vAX4_C4wSyy5Ix8HNBUuZi/s320/IMG_4920.JPG" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y4N_st7HGpfRFTSFKUdO-NViYze6OOdEbQ8XTDWEbsw6bsb3Jbp3YRWeQY3WryYs9a7C8mn7FSDn6yHtjqLfo6Q0-fWrumvO5qmQiNoksQhQCkufmgGByZ0xMRSQsxBiPeZMv1r5X-f0gJN_77w2WipMpNBQCa3w01b7rqM_nWQsWoB5_NSmBqVwKk72/s4032/IMG_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y4N_st7HGpfRFTSFKUdO-NViYze6OOdEbQ8XTDWEbsw6bsb3Jbp3YRWeQY3WryYs9a7C8mn7FSDn6yHtjqLfo6Q0-fWrumvO5qmQiNoksQhQCkufmgGByZ0xMRSQsxBiPeZMv1r5X-f0gJN_77w2WipMpNBQCa3w01b7rqM_nWQsWoB5_NSmBqVwKk72/s320/IMG_5024.JPG" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdiW5IG7UKxOb8sprp_ukbGBOCqYJh3q16OYmC2Vu1j93gfPC1jH_y4QqIzMH5iteIF0gfO2gI35ef_zQ7zP_93WWbYTJoZ9nqYamA_qOSNSFaNi-ZarCg7rPdcJWEGcME7uDiRhEs8Vv_9-1WcrN2JNKbK5IOV6Re8dapMi7PZJy93FypTjqL9TppzZz/s4032/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdiW5IG7UKxOb8sprp_ukbGBOCqYJh3q16OYmC2Vu1j93gfPC1jH_y4QqIzMH5iteIF0gfO2gI35ef_zQ7zP_93WWbYTJoZ9nqYamA_qOSNSFaNi-ZarCg7rPdcJWEGcME7uDiRhEs8Vv_9-1WcrN2JNKbK5IOV6Re8dapMi7PZJy93FypTjqL9TppzZz/s320/IMG_5005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0OSbcugN3cZgxadI85bJJWTF6zTkt4aREo4ExoqbfO1boCGZDTItu4GcXW7lhoggZwT-zQqvyYy91-dawshIRF8BSzHVmX2xf9zflS2bUsBtHZBhwezBzKVcLvVd_qUi8b9vRaWTeLrzXXR1G5jBAvw9CymtaLjSl_6hNWVgJXYALo-ym1dcWf_qO3Dv/s4032/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0OSbcugN3cZgxadI85bJJWTF6zTkt4aREo4ExoqbfO1boCGZDTItu4GcXW7lhoggZwT-zQqvyYy91-dawshIRF8BSzHVmX2xf9zflS2bUsBtHZBhwezBzKVcLvVd_qUi8b9vRaWTeLrzXXR1G5jBAvw9CymtaLjSl_6hNWVgJXYALo-ym1dcWf_qO3Dv/s320/IMG_4981.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><p>I am so thankful for the privilege of seeing the most beautiful place on earth that I've experienced. Mountains and oceans were visible all the time and the climate is perfect. Someday I'd like to go back, but just to have been there once, was truly satisfying.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-26785347667706476922023-04-02T12:52:00.020-07:002023-04-05T05:39:35.087-07:00African Adventure, February 2023<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9mEpa7iclO17X-FPTDRoerz6Mg8o6HOhCv524W8pRccjZEokne6pC0Y3iJRtR9CKcY7OdiakSsfX379DO0aFWDba7EbHex022wJF-Xxe2-Rq4Vp6fv7_BwZ7x2lcq2GNhOmh09XsASTZ-gB80EDW3I4qLqFkF96L-HoRstQnUP59GhCCsxwnu9XJLg/s394/Picture36.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="394" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9mEpa7iclO17X-FPTDRoerz6Mg8o6HOhCv524W8pRccjZEokne6pC0Y3iJRtR9CKcY7OdiakSsfX379DO0aFWDba7EbHex022wJF-Xxe2-Rq4Vp6fv7_BwZ7x2lcq2GNhOmh09XsASTZ-gB80EDW3I4qLqFkF96L-HoRstQnUP59GhCCsxwnu9XJLg/w640-h429/Picture36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cory Captures This Awesome Moment!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Visiting Kenya was an unexpected blessing! We were invited, by our pastor, to visit, MpM, A Place of Life, a mission that rescue babies, run by Dave and Jen Bell.
Traveling there involved a nine-hour flight to Istanbul, three hours layover
and then a six-hour flight to Nairobi. Long flights were tolerable as we had
movies to watch and books to read. We arrived early morning in the Nairobi airport.
Since Kevin and I had our vaccination cards we were waved through while others
in our team had to bribe their way in. Dave and John (Dave’s long-time
employee) met us in Land Rover vehicles, and we rode 19 miles, but about 90 minutes, south to the
mission in Kitengela. The main road had speed bumps and rumble strips every so
often, to keep traffic slow. The path from the highway into the mission, was chock-full
of potholes and craters the size of kitchen sinks, making for a jarring, choppy
ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mile and a half stretch took
forty minutes in drive time.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Compound and Our Team</span></p><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Jon and Cathy Reese greeted us in the team house and showed
us our bedroom with our own bath down the hall. Breakfast was waiting for us.
The kitchen and dining area became our main hangout during our stay. We soon
learned not to use the water for drinking or brushing teeth, and how to wash
dishes with bleach water.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our teammates on this mission were Jon and Cathy, Scott and
Emme, a father daughter duo, and Cory, Amanda, Elijah, Lucas and Abi Witmer. We
learned to know each other as we worked and played together. Cory led us in a team
meeting every evening. The Bells-Dave, Jen, Ethan, Selah and Shaddi-would join
us for the evening meal. They resided across the compound in their own house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first two nights we were extremely tired but enjoyed
exploring our surroundings. The mission is on seven acres, gated and fenced in.
Besides the crops planted, the property includes a tilapia pond, a pool for
baby therapy and four houses. Great Dane dogs stand guard but were very
friendly to us. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBgJLGsxQtMsK_S3Fg2jLDL9XQqNmYg0AjYFL_3k5wEHy4BYinXyn4tubBaeAJ1JhRawFqs2Oh5RNyJ9leePLWDiGMwkQwn3IK0p33oSpYMV--tqH_fdMZIM22CHu7hTR7XAaRk26rNggOhVIJGyr7uKhUlQHdXJFCKrW-ymm3OFpMl5M-5QAw5Puuw/s2049/bells%20land.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBgJLGsxQtMsK_S3Fg2jLDL9XQqNmYg0AjYFL_3k5wEHy4BYinXyn4tubBaeAJ1JhRawFqs2Oh5RNyJ9leePLWDiGMwkQwn3IK0p33oSpYMV--tqH_fdMZIM22CHu7hTR7XAaRk26rNggOhVIJGyr7uKhUlQHdXJFCKrW-ymm3OFpMl5M-5QAw5Puuw/s320/bells%20land.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxHWBkc1RuXFP7fd_f-FtyVoYAI6lOSWQojEvegL7_4aJUF-8RynyclZes0tzDcZMS3T65rHt1JeooLnOh9CfGKwRiCObE4EjjRabqYGyIfU1gMd7SVipyrjbggjnx3hf3PaPNIwQss_nOGtNlfnIEy1tUhxaE3u6eKR7yGBNXypONTa5Akw2yPzvVA/s4032/bells.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxHWBkc1RuXFP7fd_f-FtyVoYAI6lOSWQojEvegL7_4aJUF-8RynyclZes0tzDcZMS3T65rHt1JeooLnOh9CfGKwRiCObE4EjjRabqYGyIfU1gMd7SVipyrjbggjnx3hf3PaPNIwQss_nOGtNlfnIEy1tUhxaE3u6eKR7yGBNXypONTa5Akw2yPzvVA/s320/bells.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Bells-Shaddi, Dave, Ethan, Selah and Jen</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDehQCJpUNjDv_Ks-GwfIKpnvPddvjKE9BEZ3by1aSiCsKDchg1_ySfg49me4oCtTgg5TBop3eYQB3c5tLNBIgr7pU_jcFP1Fdj1tadqkjOzlLXSXt46Fj7p-loDAdGlVEEV0HBstvC9GN8imep9NG8Nv3a7wOorx8-LFpaoi_qzfXdC9kxe9mngPOA/s4032/greenhouse.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDehQCJpUNjDv_Ks-GwfIKpnvPddvjKE9BEZ3by1aSiCsKDchg1_ySfg49me4oCtTgg5TBop3eYQB3c5tLNBIgr7pU_jcFP1Fdj1tadqkjOzlLXSXt46Fj7p-loDAdGlVEEV0HBstvC9GN8imep9NG8Nv3a7wOorx8-LFpaoi_qzfXdC9kxe9mngPOA/s320/greenhouse.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Work</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first project we tackled was harvesting some 500
fish to fillet and freeze. Everyone had a job, either entrapping the fish with
a net, scraping off scales, filleting or getting the fillets ready for the
freezer. Other than childhood memories of fishing with Grandpa, Kevin and I are
like, well–– fish-out-of-water when it comes to handling slippery, flopping,
dying creatures so, we contributed to the day’s event by helping Amanda in the
kitchen, feeling for, and then cutting out any overlooked bones in the now lifeless, closer-to-edible-like fillets. The fillets were then vacuum-sealed and frozen. Fish
is a great source of protein for the babies starting to eat solid foods. Supper
the next evening was a delicious cookout of fresh fish, breaded and fried just
right by Dave.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our biggest job was to tear down a deck and move it from one
greenhouse to another where it would be reconstructed to service the pool.
While the strongest among us did the heavy lifting, the rest of us painted. I
think we did some painting almost every day we were there. Besides the deck,
Kevin, Lucas and I painted a hanging swing. The paint was oil based, hard to
work with, and even harder to clean up, but we finished the job during our
stay. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In between working on the deck, baby time was scheduled for
a few hours every morning and afternoon. We took turns going to play with and
feed bottles to some of the 16 babies that were housed in their own building.
It was quite an operation to observe as Jen, and the four Kenyan women the
Bells employ, juggle infants at feeding times, give baths, and keep the older
babies occupied during play time. What precious little people! What an
opportunity to bless them and even pray for them as we held them close.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6kY7CigyAvNm6qkbKHBjrr1Gc5Gs6lClF4PTfM3T3ltFq1oi-VcbYrvJqMw4R-vgaho3Kx2OeAdN3iMckyoYzMvriSIuhJ_UXjD0ajePRRzrB25PWwOQLxm3WizAPo2VPEyfkoiXuFNmwFPs_sPY8cdJ5o53cuokvEInwgKYuwUt5A4IbNIjwykIhg/s4032/deck5.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6kY7CigyAvNm6qkbKHBjrr1Gc5Gs6lClF4PTfM3T3ltFq1oi-VcbYrvJqMw4R-vgaho3Kx2OeAdN3iMckyoYzMvriSIuhJ_UXjD0ajePRRzrB25PWwOQLxm3WizAPo2VPEyfkoiXuFNmwFPs_sPY8cdJ5o53cuokvEInwgKYuwUt5A4IbNIjwykIhg/s320/deck5.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitRXW6ISly676JGPnTLaf47yDgOCUtfBW9xajP_13iEeksCvGLSIjIhLUabJBct1xsFtXehGU0z5xIhOM5Cv3LGdKdcBTBcylzjj1GB4tO-222Av81HDV08ew2Vc-7V6uSx-t8pv_GTG16J8SYbBHHVXI0jEoPn4GkRSmuxGL2Be2B3M0jtXQbjOcCg/s4032/kevin%20fish.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitRXW6ISly676JGPnTLaf47yDgOCUtfBW9xajP_13iEeksCvGLSIjIhLUabJBct1xsFtXehGU0z5xIhOM5Cv3LGdKdcBTBcylzjj1GB4tO-222Av81HDV08ew2Vc-7V6uSx-t8pv_GTG16J8SYbBHHVXI0jEoPn4GkRSmuxGL2Be2B3M0jtXQbjOcCg/s320/kevin%20fish.HEIC" width="240" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XI-vBPc_tivNl4UVU8llmTu1Vx2BZzyJPFv1qfu8On6EZ5zil0SnhwH3n6I58HUv9VROgSHcOH6estz5fBe1J-V0XxSe3za0PpaAg42nVVxWG8nwsmha9G8KlrrKbQ9KvBw472DohIKWsIjT6dGwiaoL2vRcmQESSYfTnSflZLk-GbProF8JnjixYA/s4032/baby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XI-vBPc_tivNl4UVU8llmTu1Vx2BZzyJPFv1qfu8On6EZ5zil0SnhwH3n6I58HUv9VROgSHcOH6estz5fBe1J-V0XxSe3za0PpaAg42nVVxWG8nwsmha9G8KlrrKbQ9KvBw472DohIKWsIjT6dGwiaoL2vRcmQESSYfTnSflZLk-GbProF8JnjixYA/s320/baby.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEPVsqOC5J4ag02L7faTvXzMm38-OCCD7LilBXaf5zBw-fBicYF23i5L1XumxkVpvxZ8qyzOGAUTWrHQtna0jn0ozvGDXy_RMrxWc9RStRA5BaDsptsAwhVFF9Wv1dWcP2hi-s9Eseuh6pOYrm0cyQQadMkJbTexmSNpEjS-F1eseYKGliJA7Gfa11A/s4032/baby%20buckets.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEPVsqOC5J4ag02L7faTvXzMm38-OCCD7LilBXaf5zBw-fBicYF23i5L1XumxkVpvxZ8qyzOGAUTWrHQtna0jn0ozvGDXy_RMrxWc9RStRA5BaDsptsAwhVFF9Wv1dWcP2hi-s9Eseuh6pOYrm0cyQQadMkJbTexmSNpEjS-F1eseYKGliJA7Gfa11A/s320/baby%20buckets.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathing the Babies<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Play</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dave made sure we had play time, too! Three days after we
arrived, we packed clothes for two nights and drove five hours south to the Kalaguni
Lodge in the Serena resort area with acres of uninhabited countryside and unpaved
roads to drive through. Our time there included four excursions in Land Rovers, with roof extensions, so we could see out above the vehicle allowing us to watch
for animals. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome to see giraffes,
elephants, monkeys, zebra, several kinds of antelope, a variety of birds,
ostriches and wildebeest! Creator God provided the show for us. The lodge
accommodations were pampering and the dining hall buffets had an abundant array
of food. From the balcony of the dining area we enjoyed watching animals come
and go to a manmade watering hole. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKQaBn27AQxKaNiGamMGUgFyApwycWER_2h_-fZ7Z8sDC6D-uT-jSBJtWuRdKo5g6Ouv3pfUNTX36KZn9MEpl0mLM-jPOkISnwA3aTen-DljJYRsDSzV1LChtxabp-ghLt5WCGyrRS3Z02FmXXrDHiGEqWfdq-LBpa8cKZIR81KrnOzteOWCVcJRx8g/s2305/elephant.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2305" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKQaBn27AQxKaNiGamMGUgFyApwycWER_2h_-fZ7Z8sDC6D-uT-jSBJtWuRdKo5g6Ouv3pfUNTX36KZn9MEpl0mLM-jPOkISnwA3aTen-DljJYRsDSzV1LChtxabp-ghLt5WCGyrRS3Z02FmXXrDHiGEqWfdq-LBpa8cKZIR81KrnOzteOWCVcJRx8g/s320/elephant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYh9mO29Y9YoyRzrQ1KkEIQIPlSKOzn3AvxV9jUt6RPfEKL5Ixuj6Znpqgy_8f8ALCfRiLfU3JUbhgukhmI5gnKotzrHpGJJHo1sUy444SzP2Ph3EsmqyJgDBZ9ZICd_UhZjZHVEZNXwbkkSIecA6_qX-imXjj5H8EQY1EJQXNfpzzhFtF4EoaSY6-w/s2305/g3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2305" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYh9mO29Y9YoyRzrQ1KkEIQIPlSKOzn3AvxV9jUt6RPfEKL5Ixuj6Znpqgy_8f8ALCfRiLfU3JUbhgukhmI5gnKotzrHpGJJHo1sUy444SzP2Ph3EsmqyJgDBZ9ZICd_UhZjZHVEZNXwbkkSIecA6_qX-imXjj5H8EQY1EJQXNfpzzhFtF4EoaSY6-w/s320/g3.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin4FIAldN75-_cF-lnhWcB7uZr8xKOOBV3nzvhxcbhz9wZdafTg5wqjU0yZsRFGOleb3mVfkdKn3dkXAkxTBzUOjU7wnJFdyG7QIWXNf3gcKS7iht-Xd5oc7JC6Ufq5dtZFN9Sj9zpD8hynWRA9x13aLHaK9L_pVaRGlGwJShIOPWl2jdY3V_-dMRyA/s2305/hippo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2305" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin4FIAldN75-_cF-lnhWcB7uZr8xKOOBV3nzvhxcbhz9wZdafTg5wqjU0yZsRFGOleb3mVfkdKn3dkXAkxTBzUOjU7wnJFdyG7QIWXNf3gcKS7iht-Xd5oc7JC6Ufq5dtZFN9Sj9zpD8hynWRA9x13aLHaK9L_pVaRGlGwJShIOPWl2jdY3V_-dMRyA/s320/hippo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Watching the Mission in Action</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bells had planned a fun day for families who had adopted
their babies over the years. They gathered in a small amusement park for free
rides, a luncheon, photo sessions and workshop opportunities, where social
workers taught on issues pertinent to families who adopt. Our team helped
fasten wristbands, take pictures, and park cars. The Bells were beaming with
pride as they greeted parents who had made a family for their babies, and to
see the children thriving in their environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Bells work closely with another orphanage, Seeds in
God’s Garden, who take any of their babies that are not adopted by two years
old. We enjoyed visiting this ministry and all the resourceful ways they
generate income and care for the children.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_R5aIJe0isB2pg5svOGlJpGL5cB8itw_wEshy0R7mrTFq0kj-aOFcHLbAst0cD6o-VirWetRRhi1DLcpj_tCK-erx2Ua2UFGeets3f27RP-TprRi8K0DgJFbH7YZP4a8a0UXGIYcaM02j8d9MMOaLNQwkskMGO36FGBLR7HH0ocO7kPEUO-BmRzrgQ/s2049/jen%20baby.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_R5aIJe0isB2pg5svOGlJpGL5cB8itw_wEshy0R7mrTFq0kj-aOFcHLbAst0cD6o-VirWetRRhi1DLcpj_tCK-erx2Ua2UFGeets3f27RP-TprRi8K0DgJFbH7YZP4a8a0UXGIYcaM02j8d9MMOaLNQwkskMGO36FGBLR7HH0ocO7kPEUO-BmRzrgQ/s320/jen%20baby.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear to Mama Bell's Heart</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's Presence at Work in the World</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another outing involved going to a church in Nairobi where
the Bells attend. The service was in English with an international attendance
and contemporary worship. The songs were familiar, except for the one we
learned in Swahili. Afterwards we ate out in a restaurant serving American food
and did some shopping in a grocery store, where we found most of the items
similar to what we can buy in the States. The market, however, was a new
experience of haggling with the vendors to agree on prices. Here we found typical souvenirs like carved animals, tongs, fabrics and hats. We also bought
coffee and nuts in the grocery store to hand out when we got back home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The time passed quickly, and two weeks later we were headed
home. We said our goodbyes to the Bells, realizing how isolated they are and
how, especially the kids, would miss Emme and the Witmer kids. The Bell
children are home schooled, so they don’t have contact with a lot of other youth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Istanbul we had a planned 18-hour layover. Because of the
recent earthquake in parts of Turkey and Syria, the feeling of grief hung heavy
in the airport and city. We carried prayers in our hearts for those who were
suffering. The airline gave a free three-hour walking tour of the city and even
included a Turkish meal in a restaurant. During the tour, we had a few minutes
in the Old World Bazaar to buy some Turkish Delight and a Turkish towel. After
our 80-90 degree weather in Kenya, the 40 degrees in Istanbul was quite an
adjustment, especially since we only wore sweatshirts.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wKv5P5dqRD5khgJCvp-ml_GSyEvcKKXLBslCd9O5mvISTlJwStr503RL35s3E7-h0g3jkozdd49z_JEOMvuG2exxqfvFZY89LK6BumwzPJl6czcD2g5k-AX8ev9L1DfvJf7o7dX0pYrEP71yetYsOcEhmHRhZXClY7ArR_cRxNJ1Hfc-sI9hXU2sKw/s4032/turkey%20toweer.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wKv5P5dqRD5khgJCvp-ml_GSyEvcKKXLBslCd9O5mvISTlJwStr503RL35s3E7-h0g3jkozdd49z_JEOMvuG2exxqfvFZY89LK6BumwzPJl6czcD2g5k-AX8ev9L1DfvJf7o7dX0pYrEP71yetYsOcEhmHRhZXClY7ArR_cRxNJ1Hfc-sI9hXU2sKw/s320/turkey%20toweer.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istanbul Mosque</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_AOpUIZLDZrdF8jQ4DXvncXnkUb6jSHkgqFccxYSblFzY2scmfxGQdvln1Ljlf1_U0tEVR8CwuiOODD489SI5uA6Q-c7RUshoAuKW0vJp9uWuno8DmHO7vA1QSyZwWpth8EHh8swNA3rXaoUrzH1UhE3fMpu5R-Brqm7RZFC34a23QC0RmbdkX6X5g/s2048/turkish%20shop.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_AOpUIZLDZrdF8jQ4DXvncXnkUb6jSHkgqFccxYSblFzY2scmfxGQdvln1Ljlf1_U0tEVR8CwuiOODD489SI5uA6Q-c7RUshoAuKW0vJp9uWuno8DmHO7vA1QSyZwWpth8EHh8swNA3rXaoUrzH1UhE3fMpu5R-Brqm7RZFC34a23QC0RmbdkX6X5g/s320/turkish%20shop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istanbul Vendor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIrIRn-8F7YBwQHL06C9TPsa3pcG1XyNvifoa05IR6j08DwZlBl12O9UHxa1GL24IoYCUaqytUGbcmSSujw045vMPr1loo8YMV-dJ0Hp4r14i4hyHS5OIaJME6mPOHm9FeD007h_fefXeBUDzlYylR2I2K25Jj9jrxFh7W_FYV7gKJnPHIeYMR3qJxA/s2048/us%20owb.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIrIRn-8F7YBwQHL06C9TPsa3pcG1XyNvifoa05IR6j08DwZlBl12O9UHxa1GL24IoYCUaqytUGbcmSSujw045vMPr1loo8YMV-dJ0Hp4r14i4hyHS5OIaJME6mPOHm9FeD007h_fefXeBUDzlYylR2I2K25Jj9jrxFh7W_FYV7gKJnPHIeYMR3qJxA/s320/us%20owb.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old World Bazaaar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Safely Home</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was good to get back home and to savor the memories of
all we had experienced and seen. This is only a summary of the highlights. The
Bells are serving the least of these, and God has blessed their ministry. We
are thankful to have been a small part of MpM on this trip. <o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-90744035510223322912022-08-15T15:14:00.000-07:002022-08-15T15:14:27.634-07:00Known by God<p> Summer in Elkhart County, IN, brings the 3rd largest county fair in the nation within walking distance from our house. We frequently get asked if fair week is a nuisance because of traffic, noise and other distractions. Since we can walk to the fairgrounds, traffic isn't a problem getting there. If we're careful about when we drive away or return to our house that week, we experience little inconvenience. Yes, you can hear the screams of carnival ride-goers, music from the big stage performers, and the roar of tractor pull engines. Sometimes a waft of greasy fair food reaches our property as well as the faint sounds of animals lowing in their stalls. For me, it all breeds a feeling of excitement, busyness, and a once-a-year allowance for unhealthy eating. </p><p>Our church gets involved with opportunities for fund-raising with various tasks during the week. Last year I volunteered to work a shift in the ice-cream booth. This year 750 hours of peoplepower went into cleaning the eight sets of restrooms on the fairgrounds. Our church's nonprofit earned a nice amount of cash for our labors. But I've closed my chapter on that job; I'll serve in other ways.</p><p>Our church entered a float in the Sunday parade this year. The entry advertised an upcoming sermon series on Godly messages garnered from featured movies. The float had giant movie concession objects and a ticket booth. I was scheduled to walk behind the float, but the day before I had spent five hours of helping someone move, followed by five hours of cleaning toilets, and I needed to give my feet a break.</p><p>I decided to view part of the parade, timing my arrival to see our float pass by. I didn't realize several of my grandkids were walking with one of the fire department floats. As they approached where I was standing, I waved my arms until one of them spied me and yelled, "Hi Grandma!" A friend was sitting on another wagon and my flailing arm caught her attention and she called out a loud hello. Finally, our float arrived. I scanned the walkers looking for Kevin. He saw me first and waved. Someone else called out my name.</p><p>In the midst of strangers, I was one face among many, yet without saying anything I had been known and acknowledged. It was a moment of connection that no one else around me in the crowd could participate in. </p><p>God says his eyes scan the whole world to strengthen those who are committed to him with all their hearts... 2 Chronicles 16:9 (CEB) No matter who I'm surrounded by, or how many I stand among, God sees me and finds me. His look strengthens me and makes me feel loved. I am never lost from his view. </p><p>I had relationship with those who could pick me out in the crowd. In this case, a look was worth more than a thousand words. Thank you for always seeing me, Father, and for knowing me because I belong to you. Help me to acknowledge those who are vying for my attention. May many be strengthened because we lead them to you, who loves them and sees them. </p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-82540249979174163182022-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:002022-07-22T13:55:18.581-07:00Family Trip to Nashville<p> It was a long-time coming. Our first attempt to collect the family for a vacation together failed because of Covid. This month, three years later, we eagerly gathered at a VRBO booking in Nashville. Four townhouses side-by-side about five miles from downtown provided our accommodations. Everyone graciously accepted their pre-determined sleeping arrangements; most in a queen bedroom with a private bath, while some cousins slept on pull out couches. Out of 26 members, we only lacked 5. The oldest grandkids were preoccupied with their other-than-parent's lives, and one family had a work conflict which kept one spouse tethered to home.</p><p>Each carload arrived around checkin time on Friday; some going straight to lodging, some meeting up at a nearby restaurant, some attempting to join the restaurant group, but abandoning the idea because of busy downtown traffic. We unpacked in our designated houses and flitted in and out of all the other houses to satisfy our curiosity. One house was deemed our gathering place (GP) for evening activities.</p><p>Martin's BBQ was the first night's eating choice. The food was great, the conversation spotty as we tried to hear each other in the crowded restaurant. Back at the GP we discussed plans for the next day, and cousins wasted no time in checking out who-brought-what gaming systems and connecting them to the GP TV. </p><p>Breakfast on Saturday was each to their own, although Grandma offered monkey bread and shoo-fly pie at her house. Dan's family had made plans to zip-line, several families went to the zoo and the rest checked out the huge farmer's market downtown. What fun to hear about the adventures at the end of the day! Dan and his crew loved the zip-lining, and one grandkid came back proudly announcing she had overcome her fear of heights. Zoo visitors had petted a kangaroo and experienced a small zip-line ride. After comparing pictures, the "real" zip-liners were quite adamant that the zoo ride was not zip-lining! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSocMcUFdJlFbRzHo7H9Di-xduQrsux3-2jw-TAoxPW-52TID8Au8k7AJC-tYrf-faQQAM-3Oai9mcIwsdQ64X1VcwWpNiIjn39m80mwfC1XPjYTb3DF2Qh7PbkLkpQtRrvHekHQR5jFImN-CVr12QlGqDS8Qo9Op3LDjK6Xb69FVAYXjhv7PZS2HOg/s1280/gp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSocMcUFdJlFbRzHo7H9Di-xduQrsux3-2jw-TAoxPW-52TID8Au8k7AJC-tYrf-faQQAM-3Oai9mcIwsdQ64X1VcwWpNiIjn39m80mwfC1XPjYTb3DF2Qh7PbkLkpQtRrvHekHQR5jFImN-CVr12QlGqDS8Qo9Op3LDjK6Xb69FVAYXjhv7PZS2HOg/s320/gp.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa6q030FiTJocodwZatHxuxNHkJw9uW9AddsiXFi68gUJmh1Fsaj8KMINONAxA9_2e5s0lBz3SYGihvaQOVPSVh-2xkYHFQ2i7ha8evkverW293rWQflanfL-SK-xKPRDgxwmijFYO5kCnzZe-xy-EBZxIK4F1ALEZzmWymUVKenpLpbM73kpOUPr7Q/s1280/tv.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa6q030FiTJocodwZatHxuxNHkJw9uW9AddsiXFi68gUJmh1Fsaj8KMINONAxA9_2e5s0lBz3SYGihvaQOVPSVh-2xkYHFQ2i7ha8evkverW293rWQflanfL-SK-xKPRDgxwmijFYO5kCnzZe-xy-EBZxIK4F1ALEZzmWymUVKenpLpbM73kpOUPr7Q/s320/tv.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">We had pizza delivered for our meal that evening, followed by card games and visiting among the adults. The place was quite </span><span style="text-align: left;">a buzz with cheers of winning and electronic noises from the younger crowd huddled around the TV, jerking controllers. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFmM5pydFtTNC9naD26Z9nSX5qQMNk0ySOu24TiIGoe-H4hRhN2y4YlmmZ5IG7UUYkSg_6dXK76H-gtQgsEKSA2FVt0jNsC5JXwYYKi9iCkhHZe3vL-Zhtfx5q_Eff2qDr17B5JpDIETGfCOtbOatmHWUeRpR6rlkNJM8zp1Qt_oxfIdJV8sndWeQFQ/s2016/milkshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFmM5pydFtTNC9naD26Z9nSX5qQMNk0ySOu24TiIGoe-H4hRhN2y4YlmmZ5IG7UUYkSg_6dXK76H-gtQgsEKSA2FVt0jNsC5JXwYYKi9iCkhHZe3vL-Zhtfx5q_Eff2qDr17B5JpDIETGfCOtbOatmHWUeRpR6rlkNJM8zp1Qt_oxfIdJV8sndWeQFQ/s320/milkshake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We finished off the evening with a visit to the Milkshake Bar. The mountainous concoctions were fun and filling!<p>After a slow wake-up Sunday morning we headed to The Big Bad Breakfast restaurant for brunch. We spread out around three tables, mixing families and kids. (a server's nightmare, but they did a great job). Our next planned visit was the Opryland Hotel and Gaylord Retreat. The inside courtyard there is enclosed and showcases beautiful foliage, waterfalls and paths to wander on. It became the backdrop for family pictures-individual families, Kevin and I with grand kids, the whole group, Kevin and I with our kids and various other combinations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfiCEqsgSTnUPxiP1sevTkD_M6HfYz0RuEgYcU98_PDmTgFF3Ofw7ghh1y4hS1WRL265_bGJyuNigR9a4NjoNnlQ8pcTIgXARHRqFsLwroEAhSN3Y1AEl7DTAIPM_M0U31RN1_J3tev_ixXF4uKf-bKTPBAAi4avZ9g8Ns1tzK3P8vjeSXlH3M_PG7g/s1929/all%20of%20us.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1929" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfiCEqsgSTnUPxiP1sevTkD_M6HfYz0RuEgYcU98_PDmTgFF3Ofw7ghh1y4hS1WRL265_bGJyuNigR9a4NjoNnlQ8pcTIgXARHRqFsLwroEAhSN3Y1AEl7DTAIPM_M0U31RN1_J3tev_ixXF4uKf-bKTPBAAi4avZ9g8Ns1tzK3P8vjeSXlH3M_PG7g/s320/all%20of%20us.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Opryland Mills Mall was next door and most of us enjoyed visiting shops, buying souvenirs and killing time-(there were a few who petered out soon after we arrived). Papa/Grandpa Kevin made popcorn when we got back, and we filled the counter of the GP with an assortment of snacks, a group contribution. Then more games and visiting and a before dark Boce game among the men--serious competition when the tape measure is called for!</p><p>We visited between houses July 4th morning, enjoying the AC. The weather was hot and humid. but the connecting porches of the houses allowed for some shade when visiting outside. We said goodbyes to Austin and Rowan who left for home in Ohio. After finding a place to park in town, most of us set out on foot to site-see some of the building murals the city is known for. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaFEeWq87hv_DE4r5bY-zvcOcUPPfkzTj0RZtNd9f733WbMBZ_n0nxqXtgspcYUKCFab2XxL9L8NDHwcT8G9TP8yWvDqdv6Uc-uHitodMUwU2gofuFzySEFbiMLqrDiQUe6iyode1aZFkQTwPBxGBhBRluKpFjxcC3IuPn9p4Vo9ssDptdIAh2o5kog/s2016/wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaFEeWq87hv_DE4r5bY-zvcOcUPPfkzTj0RZtNd9f733WbMBZ_n0nxqXtgspcYUKCFab2XxL9L8NDHwcT8G9TP8yWvDqdv6Uc-uHitodMUwU2gofuFzySEFbiMLqrDiQUe6iyode1aZFkQTwPBxGBhBRluKpFjxcC3IuPn9p4Vo9ssDptdIAh2o5kog/s320/wings.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The tech savy among us shot a panoramic photo of all of us standing against a long guitar mural. Somehow Kira began the exposure, handed off the camera to Emmanuel while she quickly ran to the end of our line-up so we were all visible in the final snapshot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHqaPrCKSJWyhNIYyslku_mCdgMi76ER-BS_goy9RhGpAzQJW06klOHYSDz_Ye80EH8h6Gi0afUZfvq06oNhrj03zBHhhAKOWKnEpn34R3nEbsH-HhF0yT5sOPkUCKhYz9N3CVvFjf2jDMXcvvAOyoNBzTR8PIWM8TYcSstqrdJfKpliEUnEwGr5hIQ/s3079/guitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="3079" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHqaPrCKSJWyhNIYyslku_mCdgMi76ER-BS_goy9RhGpAzQJW06klOHYSDz_Ye80EH8h6Gi0afUZfvq06oNhrj03zBHhhAKOWKnEpn34R3nEbsH-HhF0yT5sOPkUCKhYz9N3CVvFjf2jDMXcvvAOyoNBzTR8PIWM8TYcSstqrdJfKpliEUnEwGr5hIQ/s320/guitar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We had called ahead for seating at a restaurant that advertised "hot" chicken, a specialty of Nashville that we didn't want to miss. The place was able to seat us all at one table. The waiter explained the degrees of hotness they offered, and we ordered according to our comfort level. The "mild" chicken on my salad was almost too spicy. A.J. and Auron went for the hottest. We enjoyed watching them sweat and tear up as they struggled to finish their meal. We split up and did various activities after lunch, meeting up again at the GP for leftover snacks and subs from a local Publix. Dan's family had enjoyed another mall trip and showed us their purchases. Nashville boots are the best.</p><p>Nashville advertised an elaborate fireworks show downtown, but we weren't interested in crowds and traffic. A bridge overlooking the city was within walking distance from our lodging and we headed that way just as it was getting dark outside. The view was perfect and the display was awesome. The show was 30 minutes of grand finale quality. We weren't close enough to hear the loudness, but saw the colorful balls explode above the skyscrapers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsvgHrWCWHUVthhknQfriO7wsbwlgRHHpAYMCwKjkSmEaMwgrZsnB_PxIr0ojUJ0qwx0HYA_pn2roL7jczoV0BNg6K_p6Lzm6QbB621FHi1W1e7AIq3zPOZcIwZD7TssbDECWcSSK0Pi2J7i32KDolOAky5vq5lmRLmP_UQ0hrUDrvnMYcagk8FL4xA/s2016/fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsvgHrWCWHUVthhknQfriO7wsbwlgRHHpAYMCwKjkSmEaMwgrZsnB_PxIr0ojUJ0qwx0HYA_pn2roL7jczoV0BNg6K_p6Lzm6QbB621FHi1W1e7AIq3zPOZcIwZD7TssbDECWcSSK0Pi2J7i32KDolOAky5vq5lmRLmP_UQ0hrUDrvnMYcagk8FL4xA/s320/fireworks.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Most of us wanted an early start traveling home. Houses were cleaned, luggage packed and we said our goodbyes Tuesday morning. "Let's do it again in 2024!" Kevin and I visited with Josh and Kira awhile longer as they weren't scheduled to fly home until afternoon. We had decided to visit The Ark in Williamstown, KY., spending the night in an Airbnb nearby to celebrate our anniversary.</p><p>Arriving at the Ark around 2pm we had plenty of time to roam the three levels of the Ark and enjoy a virtual reality show. The structure is impressive, and the exhibits helped us imagine how the experience might have been for Noah and his family. The Ark is a museum with an abundance of information to read. We found it interesting that the Ark can't be seen from the highway or even from the parking lot. After parking, a bus takes you to a building with shops and an auditorium and only after walking out on the other side of that building do you see the large "boat". I'm glad we can say we've been there. Our night's sleep was in a small cottage in a little village of similar cottages. The little "house" was like a hotel room, with a bed, bath, microwave and small refrigerator. Very innovative and cute.</p><p>We had planned on leaving in the morning and stopping for breakfast along the route home. By the time we got serious about stopping we were past lunch, getting closer to home and decided to eat at the Boat House in Winnona Lake. It was a great ending to a wonderful vacation.</p><p>Kevin and I reflected on the trip home about how grateful we are for a family that enjoys each other, gets along, values their faith, and has meaningful lives. God has been good to all of us in many different ways. We look forward to our next get together! In the meantime, we'll keep relating, even though not in person. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-83656802036525009632022-03-19T12:42:00.000-07:002022-03-19T12:42:14.410-07:00Is Banning Books and Blasting Educators the Best Way to Bring Change?<p> As I've been praying almost daily for revival, a section on my prayer list for families has stirred a longing for the kind of Christian parenting that I believe God wants for his people. I'm a grandmother now, so I'm not directly training kids, but I've had thoughts about the current political debates about banning books and requiring school professionals to post their lesson series online. There are some who would even limit what teachers can teach or say in the classroom. Besides the moral aspects of this, the restriction on free speech for teachers is very concerning. The profession was already languishing because of low salaries and education requirements that are an increasing burden on teachers. </p><p>What if Christian parents would begin finding or creating curriculum to teach their kids truth and Biblical world view from home? What if they had an open relationship with their children where questions were allowed and kids knew they could discuss things they heard in school with their parents, without parents becoming angry and placing all the blame on educators? What if parents created these kinds of spaces so they could discuss with their kids, why certain books in the library are not good for them to read? What if instead of marching into school board meetings to demand a voice and a change, they would sit down and talk to teachers and hear their concerns and intentions for the kids? Doesn't the best change come when wisdom is applied?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere." James 3:17 LB</span></h3><p>Christian parents should be setting an example of how to love others who disagree with us. Instead of being motivated by fear for their child's future or that they will be led astray from Biblical principles, or that they need to be protected from the current culture, they can be demonstrating how to defend their faith (in love) and how to prepare their children for such times as these, as God prepared Esther or Daniel in the Bible. </p><p>Ran<span style="font-family: inherit;">dy Alcorn's blog</span> recently confirmed some of what I've been sensing. The blog was titled: <i>Don't Feel Sorry for or Fear for Your Kids; Raise Them up to Walk in Faith. </i>Randy posted an article by this title written by Alex Cravens, a dad and youth pastor from Russellville, Arkansas. I'd like to pull out some quotes from that article.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control. Empower them to know they can change the world. Don’t teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that they can do something about it. Don’t be scared for your children but be honored that God chose you to parent the generation that is facing the biggest challenges of our lifetime. Don’t let your fear steal the greatness God placed in them. I know it’s hard to imagine them as anything besides our sweet little babies, and we just want to protect them from anything that could ever be hard on them, but they were born for such a time as this."</h3>I'll keep praying for God to raise up a generation that seeks him and is willing to follow him no matter the cost. That more 12-year-olds will long to "be about their Father's business."<p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-1109574379537393692022-03-10T13:06:00.002-08:002022-03-10T13:06:50.731-08:00How Are Ukraine, Centrifuge and Covid Related?<p> Christian Union ministries has published a book of devotions and prayers for the Lenten season. I was introduced to CU last year as I looked for material on praying for revival. I have found their revival prayer points very helpful in praying for God's Spirit to bring a fresh move on His church in America and on our country.</p><p>Day 2 of the devotional compared some of the upset and trials our country has endured through Covid, political dissention, racial tension, and now an uncalled-for war in Ukraine, as a <b>holy centrifuge.</b> "A centrifuge is a rapidly spinning machine whose
centrifugal force separates liquids and slings things into a new position and even a new
physical state." Could it be that God is spinning and separating out the dross in his people to reposition us for the work he is calling us to? The process is painful, and many have felt the stress and the tearing apart. </p><p>I'm copying from the meditation because I can't say it better:</p><p>"When all else is stripped away, we find that
our Stronghold still stands! Without a strong storm, one would never know the strength of
their structures, without a threatening surge of water, one would never know the strength of
the dam. The more our Stronghold is tested, the more we learn of His absolutely unfailing
strength and watchcare over His people. Evildoers and adversaries don’t stand a chance
against the jealous God of the elect...God will not be mocked by evildoers, assailants, or even plagues."</p><p>We see the strength of Ukrainian spirits in the midst of a very strong storm, the beauty of those created in God's image caring for one another with courage and compassion, and the sacrifice and love poured out on the needy by God's family, for one another, and for their neighbors. We believe that evildoers behind this war don't stand a chance against our mighty God who is working out His purposes on this earth. God will not be mocked; evil forces will reap what they sow.</p><p>Lord, spin out of me anything offensive to you and may what remains be a new passion for you, for the church and for the world. Mobilize your church here in America to work with your Spirit in prayer for revival and in repentance that keeps us humbly dependent on you.</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-70135224117149609982022-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:002022-03-09T09:29:25.247-08:00What About Your Fruit?<p> I'm participating in a Bible Study that uses Beth Moore's book, <u>Chasing Vines.</u> Christians are to bear fruit that show God's work and presence in our lives. The Bible lists the fruit of God's Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23--love, joy, peace. patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faith and self-control. Beth asks us to consider what kind of fruit have we seen developed in our lives, in our family or in our church, according to this equation: </p><p>_______+ TIME=_______ Fruit. </p><p>This was an interesting exercise for me. I'll share some equations I filled out.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Legalism +TIME= Underdeveloped, wormy fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fear + TIME= Blossoms that fall off</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prejudice +TIME= Misshapen fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Judgment of Others + TIME= Inability-to-ripen fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pride +TIME= Pretty fruit with a rotten core</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anger + TIME = Bitter fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Humility + TIME= Sweet fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love + TIME =Perfect fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joy + TIME= Shiny fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peace + TIME =Smooth fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Patience = TIME = Perfectly ripened fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gentleness + TIME =Unbruised fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Goodness + TIME= Luscious fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kindness + TIME= Bumper crop fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Faith + TIME= Everbearing fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Self-Control + TIME= Mature fruit</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We need to inspect our fruit. Seeing the fruit through God's eyes will allow us to discern its condition.</div><div style="text-align: left;">"We can distinguish between pride and confidence, between self-abasement and humility, between contentiousness and healthy confrontation." <i>Moore.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">May God give us eyes to see and to know how to change, either our gardening methods or the soil we're drawing nutrients from. We can pick off and throw out the bad fruit and study how to plan for better results next season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-56414520593009693742022-02-25T10:20:00.006-08:002022-02-25T11:53:42.310-08:00What Voices Shape Your Thinking?<p> I'm becoming more convinced that what we read and who we listen to shapes our views and opinions. We can have a similar world view, Biblical world view, and still disagree strongly with other Christians. Our nation is becoming more politicized and divided, not only between non-Christians and Christians, but between Christians, in small groups at church, and in lunch conversations with friends.</p><p>Some of the sources I choose to listen to are encouraging me to appreciate the checks and balances we have in government, to believe God is working for good in our nation and that statistics show some beliefs that are sacred to God's people aren't backed up by facts. </p><p>I am pro-life and very interested in seeing abortion eradicated in this nation. I was surprised to learn that abortion rates have been declining in the nation since it's peak in 1981. (statista.com) That doesn't mean we stop fighting against abortion, and I believe the decline is partly because of state laws that restrict it, so we <u>can</u> make a difference at a state level. This is one heated debate that has driven voters in recent elections. I also realize the importance of other issues and stances of our leaders. I pray for an end to abortion, whether through policy changes, reversed court decisions, elected leaders who will bring change, or the heart of our nation valuing all human life, including the life of the unborn.</p><p>Most recently I've been reading about and listening to Christian voices speaking about Nationalism. Extremist views expressed breeds more extremism. Where do we as Christians give our allegiance? I think we'd all agree that our first allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom here on earth. Can we love our nation and still acknowledge that our nation has flaws? While we are the strongest and wealthiest nation on earth, should we say that we are the greatest nation? What about citizens of other nations who love their home? Would we let them claim to be the greatest nation?</p><p>I listened to the podcast <i>Good Faith</i> today on the subject of Christian Nationalism. David French gave me a new perspective. 1619 brought a spirit of dominance and oppression to our nation---fact. 1776 brought a different spirit, of equality for all and a constitution that works for justice and liberty for all. The conflict of belief about our nation's history is caught between both those spirits and stories. I pray God's people will be salt and light to bring the message of freedom in Christ that will turn hearts towards the value and worth of every human life in our country so that 1619 is our past history and 1776 is our destiny.</p><p>I heard a believer criticize our government for caring more about Ukranian borders right now than our own borders and the immigration problem. I want to care for both. The whole world will be affected by what happens to the borders of Ukraine. My heart hurts for them in this moment.<span> </span></p><p><span>May God help us all to get to know his heart for our current culture and how to wield the weapons he's given us to fight the darkness we see. The weapons I see in the New Testament are praise and worship, prayer, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and his love that breaks down barriers and brings a sinner to repentance by kindness. Hatred, disdain for the other side, a "us vs. them" mentality and fear of what may come is not the way God has called us to live. We have a higher calling and the most powerful name to trust in for overcoming. And a mandate to make disciples of Jesus. That should take all of our focus, energy and devotion. I'm always challenged by Jesus' response to his disciples when they find him talking to the woman at the well in John 4. When they are concerned that he hasn't had food to eat, he says that his food is to do the will of the Father and to finish the work the Father has given him. Have you ever had such an intense focus on a project or task that you lost track of time and mealtime didn't matter? Would that there were times I am led by the Spirit to share the good news so that eating would be forgotten. </span></p><p><span>Lord, bring unity to your church. Bring a fresh move of your Spirit that would bring revival and repentance. Our ongoing hope is in you.</span></p><br />From the Good Faith podcast: <br /><br />C.S. Lewis writes, in his book, The Four Loves, about a love of country compared to love of origins, our homes. Lewis says that a love of country can lead to a “particular attitude to our country’s past” that has “not quite such good credentials as the sheer love of home.” We need to understand our full history. “The actual history of every country is full of shabby and even shameful doings … The heroic stories,” Lewis writes, “if taken to be typical, give a false impression of it and are often themselves open to serious historical criticism.”<br /><br />Holding, as Lewis goes on, a “firm, even prosaic belief that our own nation, in sober fact, has long been, and still is markedly superior to all others... “can produce asses that kick and bite.” “On the lunatic fringe,” Lewis warned, “It may shade off into that popular Racialism which Christianity and science equally forbid.”<p><span><br /></span></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-75866073192197137082022-01-27T10:54:00.001-08:002022-01-27T10:54:09.673-08:00I Want to Hear His Voice<p> I'm thinking about voices today. (Doesn't mean I'm hearing them). Everyone's voice is unique to them. That's why a mother will recognize their child calling, "mommy", even when among other moms and children. I recognize a friend's voice on the phone, because I have been with that person and I know what they sound like. Even when I read a letter or note from someone I know, I'm hearing them saying the words.</p><p>After I had left home and started college, my parents would call about once a week. I'd be summoned from my room to walk down the hall to take the call from the only phone on the whole dorm floor. The phone's receiver was usually dangling mid air on the curly cord, that was attached to its box on the wall, waiting for me to pick it up. If I stretched the cord far enough into the lounge around the corner, which was hopefully unoccupied, I'd have some degree of privacy. Somewhere in the beginning of our conversation or near the end my mother would say something like, "It's good to hear your voice." </p><p>Today, I'm finding it easier to text a message to family or friends than to dial their phone number. But my mother's desire to hear my kid's voices can only go so long before I reach out and make the call. As I'm reflecting on this subject, I wonder how much we are losing by not hearing each other's voices more often. Texts or messages can't relay tone or gestures or body language. We've likely all experienced an assumption or misunderstanding because we read a voice rather than heard the voice.</p><p>Those of us in relationship with the triune God are seeking to know his voice better. Few hear it with our ears. So, if we can't actually hear his voice audibly, how do we recognize it? The scriptures are full of examples of what his voice sounds like: thunder, rushing water, a trumpet... It can be loud, powerful, still, small; creation speaks without a sound or word. When God compares his voice to that of the Bridegroom, his tone is tenderness. When compared to a Shepherd, it conveys care and protection. A Warrior's voice is victorious. The Holy Spirit prayers for us with unuttered groanings. When his voice spoke to Paul during a time when Paul's life was in danger, it brought comfort and encouragement. His voice speaks direction, whether to turn to the right or the left. His voice comforts, invites to come, speaks justice and judgment. The voice of the King is majestic.</p><p>In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the good Shepherd. He says that the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them, and they follow him because they know his voice. How wonderful that he speaks to us, that we can know his voice. He's not a distant , silent God, but wants to communicate with us. I want to get better at listening. I talk to him, a lot. But I want to hear him more often and more clearly. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Here's my heart Lord, <br />Here's my heart, Lord,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's my heart, Lord.<br />Speak what is true.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Taken from Casting Crowns</i></span></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-10361824410087191592022-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:002022-01-11T06:46:12.998-08:00Lessons from the Book of Job<p>The last few years I've read through the Bible in a year by listening to the Daily Audio Bible app. This year I decided to use the app and read through the Bible in chronological order. So far I've read the first 11 chapters of Genesis and now we're in the book of Job. The Hardin family produces the app. Brian reads the daily scriptures in the first plan, while Jill, his wife, and their daughter China alternate reading the chronological portions. They all give thoughts at the end of the reading for us to reflect on.</p><p>The first reading plan has portions of the OT and NT and Psalms and Proverbs every day. I'm finding the chronological plan allows more concentration on just one book at a time. I also like the different voices, female voice perspectives. </p><p>I've never "enjoyed" the book of Job. It just seemed a repetition of Job's mourning and his friends' wrong advice. And could I take any good or truth out of his friends' advice since they didn't have their theology right?</p><p>This time around, I've been seeing more of the depth of Job's suffering and his response to it. I also listen to The Bible Recap app where Tara Leigh Cobble gives a brief summary of what the chronological reading of the day meant to her. Tara has brought out some of the verses in Job's discourses that show how deep his trust is in God. And encourages us to have patience with Job. Expressing grief doesn't mean you aren't trusting God.</p><p>In Job 14:5 he says, ..."man's days are numbered..." God is sovereign over my life span. We can't exceed God's limits. That should be a comforting promise. Then she shared a couple of questions that really challenge me. Where do I feel offended that he's in charge? Where do I want to be the God of my own life? Where do I feel he's infringing on my rights with his sovereignty? </p><p>I often pray Psalms 139:23-24. Seach me, oh God, and know my heart...and see if there be any offensive way in me. I've understood that as any way I'm offensive to God, but now I add anyway God has become offensive to me. I want to be led in the way everlasting where my heart is humbly acknowledging his sovereignty and submitted to his leading. </p><p>Job's statement in 19:25 is familiar. "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth...in my flesh I will see God...How my heart yearns within me!" This past Christmas advent brought a new longing in me for Jesus' second return. Even after not hearing a word from the Lord for 400 years, God's people still harbored an expectation that the Messiah would come. They were longing for a political deliverer, which we know now was not Jesus' mission. It was so much better that what they expected. Jesus' second coming will be better than what we can imagine also. Maybe I haven't lived in a longing for that because my life is comfortable right now. Maybe we associate his second coming with only judgment. But it will be Christ returning for his Bride. Like Job, I pray my heart yearns within me to see my Redeemer and Bridegroom.</p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-81830279404158218672021-12-18T09:02:00.000-08:002021-12-18T09:02:55.095-08:00The Year in Review<p>Coming into an uncertain, but hopeful 2021, we were beginning to shed more of the virus' restrictions, and many planned to go back to more normal living. Masks seemed more political than necessary. Churches encouraged in-person attendance while on-line services were here to stay. The vaccine brought new hope to many. Yet one thing we knew for certain; everything was uncertain. Except for One. His love, strength and comfort continue to fortify and foster us with defiant joy as His purposes for this world and for us his people continue.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Here's our year in review, courtesy of the Hochstetler calendar.</b></span></p></blockquote><p> <b>January-</b> </p><p>The first session of Jobs for Life was launched through our church's non-profit. Four students were enrolled in the 12 week course which teaches job related techniques like building resumes and the importance of character. Bible verses and stories support the lessons. Ruth was a mentor for a single mom with 3 teens who hopes to get a better job in the near future. Maria successfully graduated, and Ruth made a new friend. Kevin is hoping to get involved later in the year.</p><p><b>February-</b></p><p>Kevin continues a six month course online in business management. We collaborated on his assignments, sitting together every night at the dining room table.</p><p>My first ever Zoom baby shower brought relatives together from PA, VA and IN.</p><p>Kevin's dad, Stanley dies on February 14. He had been in healthcare with Parkinson's, but his death was unexpected. Kevin's parents had not seen each other for a year because of the lockdown in their retirement facility. The memorial was delayed until May. </p><p><b>March-</b></p><p>Four vaccine appointments on this page.</p><p><b>April-</b></p><p>Hair and doctor appointments as well as friend dates, makes life feel more normal. "Clean" is written on certain days, reminding Ruth that an Airbnb guest is arriving.</p><p><b>May-</b></p><p>Josh's younger daughter, Elle, graduates! We flew to Tulsa for a six day vacation. Graduation attendance was limited so Nana and Papa watched the event at Josh's house online. It was fun to finally see the brewery Josh and two partners opened last year.</p><p>Amanda came for a weekend to attend her grandpa's memorial. We were thankful for a warm, spring day as the Hochstetler family gathered to honor a man who lived faithfully to his God and his family.</p><p>Ruth takes a quick trip to Ohio to surprise Rowan for her 6th birthday. </p><p><b>June-</b></p><p>Kevin finishes his last class with top grades! What an accomplishment after a lot of time and effort. He hopes to find a different job experience.</p><p>The Schrocks gather at the end of the month in southern IN for Doris' memorial celebration. She had died the previous year. Josh and Kira were able to come.</p><p><b>July-</b></p><p>After two years of being apart, Jodi and family came for a visit. Ian is 13 and taller than us! Ruth spent a few days in FL before coming back with them to IN. What a fun, busy time!</p><p><b>August-</b></p><p>Twice, a get together with Austin and family was hindered because of illness or quarantines. </p><p>Another session of Jobs for Life begins. Ruth is helping with instruction.</p><p><b>September-</b></p><p>Ruth meets a pen pal/ twin of 59 years in Youngstown, OH. This was only their 3rd time to be together. A youth church publication first connected them. </p><p><b>October-</b></p><p>Amanda pops in to celebrate Kevin's mom's 90th birthday the first of the month. Elaine is in assisted living but is mostly healthy and able to get around with her walker.</p><p>Finally, a weekend visit with Austin and his family in OH.</p><p>Two weeks later we travel to VA to visit Amanda and family and my 93-year-old dad. He lives independently-very well and happy. It was a privilege to enjoy both visits.</p><p><b>November-</b></p><p>Josh and Kira came with their three young adult kids (we can't be that old!) for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit. We played a lot of games and ate our favorite foods. Dan and Kristina and family joined us for Thanksgiving Day. We're thankful for the one family who lives close by and our times together.</p><p><b>December-</b></p><p>We're ending the year with plans for a small family Christmas get-together with family in town.</p><p>While life goes on more normally, much has changed and the effects from the virus still linger. Variants push up cases, restaurants remain short of staff, or closed, and empty shelves in stores remind us that we are living in a different world. While jobs seem plentiful, Kevin has not found another position yet.</p><p> Though we don't know what the future holds, we know God is faithful and He will never stop working. What a hope we have! It's time to pray for revival and share the good news of the gospel. May God increase our love for others, our care for those who suffer and boldness to be his witnesses.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-5861053334851633692021-11-23T06:21:00.001-08:002021-11-23T06:21:17.547-08:00Stay Alert!-November 23<p> My take-away from Peter's words today challenge me to get my mind ready for action by being sober and setting my hope on the grace I'll be given when Jesus is revealed. I always want to be ready for Kingdom action. "Stay alert!", is how the Message Bible says it. Setting my hope on future grace means I'm anticipating more of Jesus. Where my mind is dwelling, is where my affections will be. I still have a lot to learn about doing this. It's easy to get so caught up in my activities and focus on the present thing, that I forget to invite the Spirit to fill me and lead my thoughts.</p><p>Then I've always loved the verse that identifies me (all believers) as Chosen, a Royal Priestess, a Holy Nation Citizen, and God's Possession. I'm valued, loved, elevated with saints, part of royalty with a royal title and function, and living under holiness law. But the next part of the verse is often overlooked. This grandeur is all for the purpose of proclaiming God's virtues and how I was granted this turn of events. For when I was in a dark place, God led me into His life-changing light. </p><p>Father, teach me more about getting my mind ready for action. Fill me with a greater desire to be in union with you where my affections are for you above all else. Thank you for bringing me into your Light. Give me opportunities to proclaim how you are and what you've done for me. Then I need boldness to actually step into those openings. Your will be done in me today. Amen.</p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-46333777361600314972021-11-22T06:39:00.002-08:002021-11-22T06:41:12.580-08:00November 22-Joy in Suffering<p>I want to be faithful with the gift of writing that God has graced me with, by writing more frequently. As an experiment, I'm posting thoughts about the readings I meditate on following the Daily Bible Reading Through a Year Plan. </p><p>The plan is in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. Honestly, I'm not finding a lot of inspiration from these chapters. I'd like to hear what Biblical scholars make of the temple and its measurements that God shows Ezekiel. I may do some research on that at some point. Today the reading included requirements for priests and their holiness. I don't think we hold God's holiness in the reverence it deserves. Open my eyes, Lord, to understand your holiness and how you want me to live and respond.</p><p>The book of 1 Peter made it's entrance into the plan today. Peter is writing to scattered believers who had to flee because of persecution. May his words of encouragement speak to all of God's family today who find themselves in very trying circumstances:</p><p>May grace and peace be yours in full measure! Remember your inheritance in heaven that can't be diminished by any earthly thing. What a joyful thought, even in the suffering. And what indescribable and glorious joy is yours because you love and believe in Jesus. He is saving your soul, right now! The trials are proving the character of your faith, which is much more valuable than the most precious wealth of the world.</p><p>Our Father, give comfort to those who are refugees in difficult situations today. Send your words of encouragement to them. May those who love you dwell in the joy of knowing you and hoping in the future inheritance that is theirs. May the rest of us in your family see and know about their proven character of faith. Preserve their stories, so we can learn and grow in faith, also. Cause us to remember these brothers and sisters, often.</p><p>The verses I discovered from Psalm 119 today are a prayer and a declaration. Remove me from the path of deceit! Deceit is a popular tactic of the enemy right now. Whatever method he chooses to remove me from any path going that way; I welcome it. I want to keep my eyes and heart focused on the path of his commands. He'll enable me to run along this path. (vs. 32)</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-47118886457278585032021-09-02T06:53:00.000-07:002021-09-02T06:53:07.141-07:00Continuing to Pray for Revival<p> This revival focus is not going away. Yes, I have to nurture it, share it with others and keep a daily practice of prayer centered on the heart of God for myself, my community and my country. I need continual openness to the Holy Spirit to fill and use me. I need his love to consume me. I need to be aware of my need for forgiveness. My community and country need the love and humility of Jesus to work together. They need to know God's kindness that leads to repentance, that whosoever believes in him shall live in everlasting life.</p><p>I use a great tool from Christina Union Day and Night ministries that keeps me going. It's a list of 41 prayer points that I pray through regularly. It might sound monotonous and boring to repeat the same prayers, but I find the Holy Spirit dwelling on certain ones which leads to additional prayers in that area. I'd like to share some of those with you.</p><p>Number 15. "Let love for God and allegiance to the name of Jesus Christ be paramount in our hearts and our churches in Jesus' name." May this be what your people are known for, Jesus. This alone-not by our political affiliations, our voices on cultural matters that only divide us, and not by what we are against. </p><p>Number 22. "We plead for the power of the Holy Spirit to fall on us and make us bold witnesses for Jesus, in Jesus' name." Father, do this in us; we can't make this happen by ourselves. Give us opportunities that we can't miss and the desire to care enough to share with whoever needs to hear.</p><p>Today I read a Bible passage from 2 Corinthians where Paul, the author, shares the ways he and other leaders in the church commend themselves to those under their care. Number 16 is a prayer for pastors to protect their flock with devotion to prayer and feeding them the pure milk of the Word of God. I'm adding a prayer today from the list in 2 Corinthians. Lord, help pastors across our nation have great endurance no matter what troubles they are going through. Help them to stay in purity, understanding their people, patience, kindness, filled with the Holy Spirit, having sincere love, truthful speech, the power of God, wielding weapons of righteousness, being genuine, always rejoicing, and out of their need making others rich.</p><p>You can find the prayer list <a href="https://www.dayandnight.org/a_prayer_for_national_revival" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p>May God raise up his church in these days to repent of our sins and pray for his refreshing and revival to come-soon!</p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-28068863580322861592021-06-21T08:10:00.001-07:002021-06-21T08:11:59.690-07:00What Just Happened?<p class="MsoNormal">Have you looked back to when the <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>pandemic</b></span> started? There
were myriads of losses since then, but were there any gains? <b><span style="font-size: medium;">What will you
remember from this time?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I revisited my journal from a year ago and read my first
reactions to the virus and the initial lockdown. I had compared the stay-at-home
order to a lengthy snowstorm. When any one thing affects everyone in the same
way, there’s a sense of oneness with others. We are all experiencing the
inconveniences, the common lot of changing plans and the equal challenges of
beginning the day, even if it’s the smallest decision of whether to wear boots.
The only thing we can totally control is our response to the situation. In the
case of snow, I’m swept back to the euphoria of a school day cancelled. Others
grumble about the cold and delays, wishing they had gone to FL a little sooner.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So for awhile, the lockdown was almost fun. <b>We’re All in
This Together </b>would have been a fitting title for this new adventure. Social
media became our best connection to each other and how the world seemed smaller
as leaders and artists of faith across the country spoke encouragement, called
us to action or regaled us with free concerts. I remember Kirk Cameron’s call
to prayer every day, and another leader’s invite to all sing the same song of
worship outside on the same day and at the same time as we followed the music
from the internet, and then post a selfie of our participation. Thank you,
Sandi Patty, for being vulnerable and for sharing daily of your experience with
Covid. Thank you, Selah, for singing to us from your front porch. Thank you, friends, for sharing scriptures and words of hope. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Our pastor, Jeremy, did a super job of drawing us together
with a short video of encouraging words every morning on Facebook. We
worshipped Sunday mornings together through Facebook or YouTube. We were
invited into all church Zoom Bible studies and Zoom discussion groups. I remember
thinking how united I felt with my Christian brothers and sisters, more than
any other time in my life. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fact that now I have only a memory of those feelings
speaks of how I’ve moved on and my question is, have I gained anything good
from that time? Emotions don’t sustain us, but was anything worth holding on to?
I remember a podcast conversation asking that question as we first began to
emerge from our cocooning. Did God give us a unique opportunity to fix our
minds on things above, let go of what keeps us distracted, and
advance our unity in the body of Christ? Not
for a moment, but towards some real metamorphosis. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alas! How quickly we became distracted by the<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> up-coming
election, by our differences in political stances, and our desire to return to
some normalcy</span></b>. I believe we did not seize the moment or allow hardship to birth new lasting changes. Since then we’ve seen social media become a tool for hateful
arguments, for angry demands to believe a certain way and a disregard for the
division that’s happened in the wake of those behaviors.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What is God’s call to his people right now? Since he doesn’t
abandon the work of his hands and since his church is the hope of the world,
what is he saying? <b><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m hearing a call to revival. </span></b>There’s a purging needed that
brings repentance. A humility that surrenders all to him. Loyal hearts that
love him so much that nothing in this life comes close to our joy in him. Lives
that are prepared for service by “gazing deeply into the perfecting law of
liberty and are fascinated by it and respond to the truth they hear and are
strengthened by it-they experience God’s blessing in all that they do!” James
1:25 PTP</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The world is being called to greater equity and compassion
for those less privileged. Black fellow Americans cry for it and are shouting
their pain. Government is trying to appease and win favor. Often the fight
against evil is with more evil, greater hatred and increase of power.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We know that Jesus and His kingdom come to earth is the only
lasting change for individuals and communities. How can we not be passionate
for his purposes in these days? Isn’t it worth all that we might be asked to
surrender? How we need to learn to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading! Will we at
least listen to the pain and cries of the persons in the world around us and
hear the motives behind the methods before we cry “evil”, “progressive”, “demonic”?
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and I want to be in that fight
with him, no doubt about that! But Jesus fulfilled that mission by giving his
life to set the captive free.</span></b> He brought healing and hope to the helpless, and
sought after the lost to save them. By his example, that meant touching lepers
to heal them; loving a rich young ruler and offering him a better way; calling
an embezzler and corrupt government IRS agent into his inner circle; breaking
norms and cultural prejudice to go out of the way to show a woman his
forgiveness and her worth; not condemning a woman caught in adultery, but by
extending mercy calling her to a new life; allowing his betrayer into the most
intimate setting of his last meal on earth and washing his feet; looking beyond
his pain on the cross to provide for his mother’s future; welcoming children;
and speaking words of truth to all who had ears to hear. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s entrusted the
ongoing work to us who believe in him and follow his commands. He has no other
plan.</span></b></p>
<p>Lord, I know how far I fall short, how little my faith and
compassion feel and how easily I’m distracted by this world. <b><span style="font-size: medium;">I can’t change me
by my own determination, so I ask you Holy Spirit to fill me and lead me into
all you’ve destined for me.</span></b> Give me a willing heart to hear you and obey. Help
me love and care for others like you do. Increase my love and allegiance to
you. Forgive my sins. Be my strength in weakness and may this all be for your
glory and our joy of life together. </p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-40612125674839872252021-04-29T18:29:00.000-07:002021-04-29T18:29:35.224-07:00Love Letters from 1950<p> I have had the privilege of reading the letters my parent's in law wrote to each other from June 1949-May 1950. The letters contain a story of their courtship. I didn't read every letter word for word, but I did open each one and read the highlights. They both wrote almost every day to one another. The letters are sweet and filled with Godly thoughts from two hearts that wanted to do God's will. They were certain of their feelings for one another from the first time they met. It was a pleasure to observe how their love progressed and to get a glimpse of how they lived their lives from day to day. </p><p>My mother-in-law was a young traveling evangelist in Illinois. Their story began when Dad went to one of the revival meetings she was preaching at and offered to take her home after the meeting. I am increasingly thankful for the legacy they left the next generations. To have this record of the beginning of their relationship is a treasure indeed.</p><p>The following is a summary of what I read in the letters and an imperfect attempt to portray the love they had for God and for one another. Enjoy this time travel into 1949 and how two lives came together for a lifetime marriage. They have both gone on to their eternal home and the God they served and worshiped.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Courtship of Allen and Doris</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">It began that Tuesday night on June 14, 1949. She was a
traveling evangelist speaking two and a half hours from where he lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why he decided to go to the meeting is
unknown, but after the meeting he asked to take her home. He sent his first
letter the following day. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jLfxoruCgDEd7jzaMLxNX6hGKerpktrAPyZUwN6r6tsvnaq3GIqe-v4ZWvbQkAaJVGRfatRT18mDy9J9UxMbN_zUUqXbPDPexIJDQHZw_U9cKMEi4-_JGMoTgy_tS4CwrdK55421JGeb/s640/allens+letter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jLfxoruCgDEd7jzaMLxNX6hGKerpktrAPyZUwN6r6tsvnaq3GIqe-v4ZWvbQkAaJVGRfatRT18mDy9J9UxMbN_zUUqXbPDPexIJDQHZw_U9cKMEi4-_JGMoTgy_tS4CwrdK55421JGeb/s320/allens+letter.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> I didn’t find a letter from her in response to that first
letter, but apparently he went back to the meetings the next two nights and traveled
back to Tiskilwa, IL Friday afternoon. He wrote to her before he left town. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What a wonderful day this has been for me.”…All
day long there has been a song in my heart and the song, ‘I’d rather have
Jesus’ has just kept bursting out…Doris, I
just can’t write what is in my heart now…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He signed it “Yours in Him, Allen”. <br /></p><p>Her first letter was written that Friday evening after the meeting. <br />“Dear Allen,<br />I’m thinking of you-maybe I shouldn’t but I’ve thought of you off and on all day. I have been true to my duties…but memories have never been far from me. My prayers have been punctuated with –‘Father, keep Allen safe and true to thyself and thy will be done.’” <br />The next two letters were written Saturday and Sunday, and the three were mailed together in one envelope. She also let him know she had been hoping to hear from him and then expressed this: “My heart is full Allen with things ‘unlawful for me to utter’ so God keep you Allen. God keep you.” The letters were all signed with “God bless you, Doris.” </p><p>From there began an almost daily correspondence from each of them to the other. There were gaps when they actually got to spend a weekend together. The letters after the visits expressed their feelings of loneliness and sadness of being apart with little about the activities they did during the time together. Before they were to get together on August 20, she revealed that she was eager to see him. “I’m afraid I’ve said it in so many different ways that I’ve lost all semblance of ‘maidenly modesty”. <br /><br />By the end of August they were engaged, although only the family knew until they announced it around Christmas. There are no details written about a proposal, but in 1949 a simple question with a simple answer would have sufficed and a ring was not expected, and to them would have been a worldly symbol. <br /><br />She was first to change salutations from Dear to Dearest and the closing of "Yours in Christ" became 'With love, Doris." It didn’t take long until he followed suit. The letters became sweeter and more expressive of their love for one another. <br /><br />They talked of chores they did during the day, visiting family, services they attended and the topics of the sermons. They shared Bible verses and how much they wanted to stay in God’s will. There were enclosures in the letters- cartoon clippings, bulletins of services they attended and occasional photos-black and white of course and surprisingly, still in the envelopes. An early letter of his contained a photo of him at a beach wearing only a pair of white shorts. She didn’t seem to think it too risqué. <br /><br />Both of them shared poetry they copied from books; she wrote her own poem to him at least once. They recommended books to each other or enclosed a magazine article for the other to read. Once he sent her an article that included a checklist of how a woman could know if she was ready for marriage. He assured her she had accomplished all of them. Early on in the relationship, he changed membership from his Mennonite church to her Free Methodist denomination. (She later changed to Mennonite and they attended the Mennonite church sometime after they were married.) <br /><br />Once she enclosed a flower that the child of the family she stayed with during one of the revivals gave to her and made her promise to send to Allen. It was very pressed and faded and the stem became detached as it fell out of the envelope. As they got closer to marriage they sent a few pictures of furniture, and they were pleased to learn they both had similar tastes. <br /><br />She had read a biography of a minister of God that she admired and decided to practice something that this man and his wife had written to each other while courting. They were messages in capital letters. Each letter stood for a word. From reading their endearing names for each other and letter closings, I was able to decipher most of them. Here’s an example: ILYHWAMH. (I love you, honey with all my heart). They coded some Bible verses this way for the other to solve. <br /><br />She often spoke of the revival meetings and how God gave her special grace to share the message. Before the meetings she dealt with nervousness, but God always came through for her. There was always a report of how many came forward to either get saved or sanctified. It was never large numbers, but each one was a victory for the cause. And if no one responded, there was still a sense that God was moving and the meeting had not been in vain. She would be on assignment for a couple of weeks and then have a short break before she was asked to go somewhere else, traveling by bus to get there. <br /><br />He was attending college and talked about his studies and preparing for tests and what grades he was getting. He would go home some weekends to be with his mother, who was alone, as his father had died earlier. His sisters were both married. He’d often give a ride to other students. He had his own victories to share about prayer meetings and how God had moved in their gatherings. Many times he mentioned passages of scripture he was reading. He received monthly GI checks around $240. <br /><br />She was weight conscious and sometimes shared how little she ate. He chided her to take care of herself. Once he corrected her spelling in a letter. She very humbly accepted his remarks and praised his excellence in an area she felt weak in. A few times they were annoyed and amused at the gossip that they heard about themselves. One time some woman wanted to correspond with Doris. It became obvious she only wanted to argue her point about why her denomination was the right way. Doris tried to be gracious, but didn’t engage in the argument, which Allen advised her not to do. The young, pretty evangelist, also, had some occasional admirers that she had to ignore and avoid. <br /><br />The letters mentioned an epidemic once, chicken pox and close family and acquaintances getting the mumps. The couple carefully tried not to get exposed. <br /><br />Although they were very proper in expressing their love, they talk about the sweetness of their kisses. In February, he began signing his letters with a symbol after his name. It was a circle with an X inside of it. How thrilling for her as she recognized it as a kiss and she began sending the symbol back to him. Eventually, the circle changed from the 4 arms of an X to looking like a wheel with many spokes. (Maybe the wagon wheel they kept in the living room of the house on CR 38 had a hidden meaning that we’re just now discovering!) <br /><br />She was more flowery in speech in her letters. His were shorter but filled with love and desire for her. One letter acknowledged this. She wrote, “I love to hear from you even it it is only a short one. Your short notes are “sorta” like an old fashioned kiss snatched until we can get something better. They are very sweet though so send them along whenever it is necessary. I know my darling that you are very busy and I’ll never complain that you are neglecting me as long as I know you love me deep down in your heart, and I am thoroughly convinced that you do dear…” <br /><br />Here are a few more excerpts from her letters as they got closer to marriage: <br />“I love you more and more. My heart is full of love tonight. I am sure the future generation will smile at the evolution of our little symbol from the (she drew an circle with an X) to ( she drew the wheel), but no one will know like we do how very very much it means. I sometimes feel like writing it like this. (she draws a spoke with multiple rays surrounding it-sunlike). But even then it is after all just ink and paper-a feeble expression of something else that is flesh and blood and fire-naughty me- Maybe I shouldn’t have written that. But I love you so-Your Doris” <br /><br />“Both your letters warmed my heart so this morning that I just felt like I was bathed in sunshine. I love to have you write that you miss me and that you are hungry for (the spoke symbol), because I feel the same way and I like to have company in my misery…” <br /><br />“Someday we’ll have a little handsome AJS, diluted with some DER.” <br /><br />“Honey, I love you and I’m so hungry for ( a two inch line with a spoke in the middle of the line), maybe I shouldn’t say it. I wish you were close enough and words wouldn’t be necessary. I had better continue to write for I am just sitting here, imagining and sighing great big sighs. Ha!” <br /><br />They were married on a Thursday afternoon, June 22, 1950 and the letters stop a couple days before the wedding. <br /><br />What a legacy they have left us! And what a great picture into the past and how they navigated a Godly courtship. I didn’t read every letter word for word, but they all held my interest, and I did open each one. Their love for God and the Bible and their commitment to doing His will is very evident. They honored their parents and family members. There is no mention of what was popular in fashion or music at the time, or about politics. She knew about fashion when it came to wedding dress styles and what to give her attendants for gifts. They were interested in buying new furniture for their first home. But beyond that they didn’t write about the culture outside of their communities. <br /><br />I found it interesting that she didn’t seem to struggle with leaving her calling as an evangelist to getting married. She just knew it was the next step for her and she expressed no regrets, even when others questioned her decision. <br /><br />I learned that the postal service has definitely digressed since then, as they were receiving their letters one or two days after they had been mailed. At least it was that fast between the 200 or so miles that separated them. <br /><br />I didn’t realize Dad was such a romantic or that he could express himself like he did in his letters. They were certain of their love and never wavered in their desire for each other. <br /><br />I hope I have represented them fairly, as I’ve been privy to their intimacy in courtship expressed through their letters, and I only want to honor and preserve their memories by sharing this snapshot story of their romance. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-61045027486597815192021-04-29T17:20:00.000-07:002021-04-29T17:20:55.480-07:00What is Greater Than Fairness?<p>Our pastor has encouraged us to read the gospels these last two months. It's been good to reflect on Jesus' words. Just when I think I have a passage figured out, along comes another thought that expands the text or gives a new perspective to another one. Here's an example that I'm currently working on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Isn't Fair!</span></p><p>I know a friend who is very frustrated with his work place. The complaint hasn't changed over the long years he's worked there. The boss hates confrontation, so the bad workers get away with their poor habits and the good workers are rarely praised. It doesn't feel good or fair to see so many who are slackers, liars, and take advantage of the company, treated without discipline and given what they don't deserve. The boss will sooner overlook poor performance than confront the worker.</p><p>My friend has put in long hours, worked hard and loyally at his job, but feels overlooked when it comes to appreciation from the boss, bonuses and better benefits. He can appreciate that the owner wants to be kind and show mercy, but if the workers who can be counted on are never acknowledged, it becomes hard to keep a good attitude. The disparity not only creates differences in treatment, but the slackers take advantage of the fact that they will never be held accountable for their actions, while the good guys have to work harder to cover for their mistakes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Prodigal Brother</span></p><p>Like the irritation of someone arguing against your feelings of injustice and offering no sympathy for your situation, Jesus' parable of the prodigal son brings an unwanted opportunity for self examination. We often focus on the Father's generous forgiveness for the younger son, which is amazing! But the scene with the Father begging the older son to join in the celebration was my rather-not-go-there realization. </p><p>Older brother had watched his sibling dis his father (in that day and culture asking for your inheritance early was like wishing your father was dead), squander his inheritance on wanton living and dare to come crawling back for mercy. The Father responds to the older son's anger, not with sympathy, but acknowledges his constant relationship with the son who has never left him and that all the Father has belongs to this son. It wasn't enough for the older son. His self-righteousness and following all the rules had been more important than the relationship he could have had with his generous father. He had worked hard to do the right thing, and now his low-life brother was getting the attention and fanfare. For what? The runaway deserved punishment, not a party! </p><p><i>Modern day version</i>- Faithful works overtime diligently for the boss and company while watching foolish co-workers disregard company policies and make poor excuses to the boss for missed days of work. The boss forgives their mistakes and shiftlessness, again and again and again. When raises gets passed out to all, regardless of performance, Faithful feels slighted. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Would You Do?</span></p><p>There are more questions than answers as I try to understand this. Discipline and order are necessary for a good working environment. Any boss who doesn't play fair will never have a company culture of peace and good will. The modern day version analogy with Jesus' story breaks down because the boss isn't Faithful's father and there is no repentance happening with his co-workers and their behaviors. How should Faithful deal with this? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does He Alone Satisfy Me?</span></p><p>As Christians, our heavenly father is generous and loves sinners. He doesn't deal everyone the same hand of circumstances or talents. Yet he loves us equally and what he desires more than anything is for his kids to be in love with him and to be with him. His resources available to them are limitless. ("My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:31.) Is this enough for me, even when it feels like others are being favored? <br /><br />John Piper said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." Is this true of me?<br /><br />I want to explore this theme more in some future post. I keep seeing other things Jesus said that are challenging my idea of fairness and where my focus should be. </p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-68957320044425120232021-02-17T11:05:00.000-08:002021-02-17T11:05:34.750-08:00Words to Prayer By<p>Repeating God's Word in prayer has been a practice I can gladly recommend. As I've recently considered some of the prayers I've hooked my anchor onto in the last year, I wanted to share how they've sweetened my well-being, like the chocolate pieces I reach for after dinner (and lunch and sometimes in between...😌😋); they are a sweet treat to my palate. </p><p>Here are some of the prayers that have been tethering me: </p><p>Prayers for our political leaders and justices:</p><p>Exodus 20:23(VOICE)- Even if the majority of people are doing evil, help them not to follow. Also, when they are called to give testimony in a dispute, help them not to let the crowd pressure them into perverting justice.</p><p>Proverbs 16:23(TLB)-Give them a wise mind with careful and persuasive speech.</p><p>Proverbs 2:8(CEB)-Guard the paths of justice [in our nation]</p><p>Psalm 94:15(NIV)- that judgment will again be founded on righteousness and all the upright in heart will follow it.</p><p>Prayer for family:</p><p>2 Thessalonians 11-12(LEB)-That each one would be considered worthy of the calling of our God and that he would fulfill every desire for goodness and work of faith with power, so the name of our Lord Jesus my be glorified in them, and you in them, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p>Prayers for me:</p><p>Theme verse for this year-Micah 6:8(NIV)-help me to do justly, love mercy and to walk humble with you!</p><p>When feeling a desire unfulfilled-Psalm 84:11(KJV)-Lord give me grace and glory. You say, no good thing will you withhold from them that walk uprightly.</p><p>When not seeing the results I want to see-Galatians 6:9(TLB)-Let me not get tired of doing what is right, for after awhile I will reap a harvest of blessing if I don't get discouraged and give up.</p><p>When feeling depressed-Psalm 27:7, 11, 14(TLB) Listen to my pleading, Lord! Be merciful and send the help I need...Tell me what to do, Lord, and make it plain...Help me to be patient and wait for you, for you will come and save me! Make me brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, help me wait. You will come and help me.</p><p>Psalm 103:1-5(KJV)-Bless the Lord, my soul and all that is within me(the good, difficult or whatever I'm feeling in that moment), bless his holy name...</p><p>Prayers we've been praying as a church:</p><p>Jeremiah 6:16(ERV)-This is what the Lord says. Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask about the ancient paths. Ask where the good road is. Walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.</p><p>Ephesians 5:18(KJV)-...be filled with the Spirit. (Fill me, then wait in silence for him to speak)</p><p>Hebrews 10:23-24(NIV) let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds.</p><p>He is never farther than a prayer away. Pray on then!</p><p>Let me know what prayers have been guiding you these past few months.</p><p>ruthshow1@gmail.com</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-8334807525898810112021-01-27T18:28:00.000-08:002021-01-27T18:28:14.005-08:00It's Been a Year!, Part 2<p> My previous post listed all the books I read in 2020. It was interesting for me to see what themes and messages I was ingesting while the year progressed. Because the post is fairly long, I thought I'd create a shorter version of my reading list. If you want to read the original post, where I give a brief summary of each book, you can access it <a href="https://randomlyruthful.blogspot.com/2021/01/its-been-year.html">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The First Book Kind of Set the Tone for the Year!</span></p><p><b>A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia</b>- Clara Benson</p><p>This was a quick read mystery. I enjoyed it, but the ending note I had about the book says, "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome."</p><p>I read this book early in the year. Dark and gruesome... Ummmm...Covid was on the way.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Grappling With Issues of Race and Politics</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b style="font-size: medium;">Allah-A Christian Response</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span><span>Miroslav Volf</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><b style="font-size: medium;">The Vanishing Half</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span><span>Brit Bennett</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><b style="font-size: medium;">The Hate U Give</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span><span>Angie Thomas</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><b style="font-size: medium;">The Third Option</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span><span>Miles McPhearson</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><b style="font-size: medium;">Dream With Me</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span><span>John M. Perkins</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>When a Nation Forgets God</b>-Erwin Lutzer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Compassion and Conviction</b>-Justin Giboney</div><p>I already had a desire to learn more about loving those not like me, evident in the Muslim book I read early on. After George Floyd's death, I really wanted to build empathy for the black community. I appreciate the four books I picked for that purpose. The theme of learning how to work alongside those not like me was important this year when it came to politics, also. Justin Giboney's book and the Nation that Forgets God, were helpful in bringing balance about how to view the huge chasm between people surrounding the presidential election this year. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Has The World Really Come To This?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Total Truth</b>-Nancy Pearson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fahrenheit 451</b>-Ray Bradbury</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Grace From the Rubble</b>-Jeanne Bishop</div><p>I believe we were set up for the extreme polarization that we saw among our legislators. Nancy Pearson's book, Total Truth certainly builds a case for how we as a culture let go of absolute truth and traded it for our own interpretations. How often did we hear about "fake" news? Lying became fashionable; our own president leading the way as one of the worst offenders. The term "alternate facts" was coined in this year. Is Fahrenheit 451 prophetic in how a society gradually devalues knowledge built on facts and holds no honor for the lessons learned in history? As we look at the future and wonder where a more progressive government will lead us, are we paving the way for left leaning policies because we've forgotten what it means to work together and not trust anyone outside our tribe? That fighting is the only way to get what we want because the other side is totally evil and not to be trusted? Will it matter that stories like the Oklahoma fathers, whose sons would have been considered enemies, can teach us how to offer forgiveness to one another? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What About Me?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b>Created for Connection</b>-Sue Johnson, Ken Sanderfer and Dr. Johnson</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b>Who Am I?</b><span>-Jeff Little</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><b>Every Good Endeavor</b>-Timothy Keller </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How do I stay connected to my people? Will I draw closer to those I love, so I feel safe when my fragility and insecurities leave me wondering who I really am? Because I'm just starting retirement, how will I find those good endeavors for my life, now that I'm not going to work every day? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Biographies</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thirst</b>-Scott Harrison</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Burn Your Bed</b>-Ed Speyers</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Following Jesus</b>-about Tanneken Fros</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Beauty in
Breaking</b>- Michele Harper</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Before You Quit</b>-Doug Gehman</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The biographies on the list remind me that God-like people can inspire us to stay the course, and Mr. Gehman tells me how to endure so that I don't give up when the journey brings trouble. Covid was trouble, and it was good to be encouraged by his words.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fiction Escapes</span><span> (Not mentioned in another category)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>Long Way Gone</b>-Charles Martin <br /><b>Wish You Well-</b>David Baldacci <br /><b>The God of the Hive</b>-Laurie King <br /><b>Mildred Budge in Cloverdale</b>-Daphne Simpson <br /><b>The House of Closed Doors</b>-Jane Stein <br /><b>Beantown Girls-</b>Jane Healey <br /><b>The Unfinished Gift</b>-Dan Welsh<p>Praise God for fiction books to lighten things up and bring a relief from heavy thinking and a brief reprieve from reality. I think my favorite in this genre was Mildred Budge. She made me laugh. I judged her as simple, until she was not, and she let me see how an ordinary life can make a difference.</p><p>I wonder what books I will discover in 2021?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-52253198414432608192021-01-27T17:39:00.006-08:002021-01-27T18:28:29.892-08:00It's Been a Year!<p>Somehow, the 2020 year seemed endless. After thinking through the year and writing my Christmas newsletter, I realized I had forgotten events that happened before the virus took control. Those things seemed part of another year, forgotten after the all-consuming Covid intruder stole our attention.</p><p>While the year brought many changes and restrictions, I did have time to read. I thought it'd be fun to look back over the list of the books I read in 2020. Do they fit into any kind of theme or underlying message I was unconsciously absorbing?</p><p>Here are the 27 books in the order read:</p><p><b>A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia</b>- Clara Benson</p><p>This was a quick read mystery. I enjoyed it, but the ending note I had about the book says, "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome."</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Allah-A Christian Response</b>-Miroslav Volf</div><p>Volf is trying to make the point that Christians and Muslims have the same God. I'm not sure if I agree with him, but it did help me to understand that he isn't writing the book as a guide for how to bring Muslims to salvation, but rather presenting a perspective to consider that might help Christians and Muslims work together and appreciate their similarities. He brings up an interesting point that Christians don't object to believing that Jews and Christians pray to the same God. </p><p><b>Thirst</b>-Scott Harrison</p><p>This was an inspirational memoir of the founder and CEO of Charity:Water, an organization that works to bring good drinking water to underprivileged communities around the world. Scott tells his story from his early years to being a night club recruiter to working with Mercy Ship and then to drilling wells in Africa. He was transformed by Jesus Christ. "Amazing story of how God uses this man and the work he is doing around the world. Scott has amazing gifts-passion, bullheadedness, determination, lots of energy and vision.</p><p><b>Who Am I?</b>-Jeff Little (Read for a church wide study)</p><p>Hopefully, I've dealt with a lot of my insecurities by this time in my life, but there is always more that needs Christ's transformation. Jeff uses Bible characters to exemplify the common themes of our insecurities, Moses-feeling unqualified, Ruth-dealing with aloneness...</p><p><b>Total Truth</b>-Nancy Pearson</p><p>A hefty read and very thought provoking. The author explains how we got from a culture of traditionalism to modernism to post modernism. There is now a fact/value split. Where once our personal preferences were overlaid on the foundation of public norms, scientific knowledge and facts that were binding on everyone, now our values and individual choices are solely judged and accepted as what is right by the individual's feelings or own experience. Religion is ok as long as it doesn't pretend to be knowledge. Quoting from the book, "Christians must find ways to make it clear that we are making claims about reality, not merely our subjective experience...Christianity is not an irrational, upper story leap, but a comprehensive truth that meets the human hunger for an overarching, consistent worldview. As Christians we are not offering a subjective private faith that is immune to rational scrutiny." There are certain universal truths of common sense. We are constructed according to God's image, live in God's universe and are upheld by His common grace that we all share.</p><p><b>Long Way Gone</b>-Charles Martin</p><p>It's always a pleasant read when you've got a Charles Martin novel in hand. I never have to brace myself for scenes that violate my conscience, and yet he is not a fluffy religious fiction writer. One of my remarks on this book was, "There were some parts that were too unrealistic." Imagined life is sometimes like that. :)</p><p><b>Wish You Well</b>-David Baldacci</p><p>Setting is in the VA mountains. A lawyer fights against big business to keep a property for a widow and her grandchildren. A different story for the author who writes a lot of spy mystery and suspense. Enjoyable.</p><p><b>Every Good Endeavor</b>-Timothy Keller</p><p>We read this as an assignment for an outreach our church is starting for those who are lacking a job or want to get a better job. Keller explains how work was always God's design and purpose for his creation. Christians do his work. So what about the good accomplished by non-Christians? Since we are all made in the image of God we can look for the good and true in everyone, acknowledging that all Christians are subject to idolatrous tendencies. We humbly need to stay submitted to our Creator. It's that common grace theme again.</p><p><b>Burn Your Bed</b>-Ed Speyers</p><p>Great biography of the author and his wife and their work in Suriname. Well written and very interesting.</p><p><b>The Faith of a Child</b>-Art Murphy</p><p>This was donated to the church library. It was published in 2000. I chose not to add it to the library. There were some good things to say about recognizing where a child is at in their faith and how to encourage their faith. Not sure I agree with the emphasis on finding just the right time to have the child "saved". I think children are continually learning and their growth path is unique to each one.</p><p><b>The God of the Hive</b>-Laurie King</p><p>Another good Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell novel. </p><p><b>Following Jesus</b>-Tanneken Fros</p><p>This is Tanneken's story. I enjoyed learning more about her life and how God has used her. "She is an amazing woman with a single heart for God."</p><p><b>Farenheit 451</b>-Ray Bradbury</p><p>What if the quest for knowledge and reading books was taken out of a society? Not just not present, but considered the enemy and any violators would be hunted own, their houses burned and their lives likely over? Quote near the end of the book-"Someday the load [of books] we're carrying with us may help someone. But even when we had the books on hand, a long time go, we didn't use what we got out of them. We went right on insulting the dead. We went right on spitting in the graves of all the poor ones who died before us. We're going to meet a lot of lonely people...and when they ask us what we're doing, you can say, 'We're remembering.' That's where we win out in the long run. And someday we'll remember so much that we'll build the biggest...steam shovel in history and dig the biggest grave in all history and shove war in and cover it up..."</p><p><b>The Vanishing Half</b>-Brit Bennett</p><p>In light of the racial tension our country went through the summer of 2020, this turned out to be a very timely read. It's about two sisters who approach their almost white skin life very differently. One marries a white man, never revealing her background. The other marries a very dark skinned man.</p><p><b>Mildred Budge in Cloverdale</b>-Daphne Simpson</p><p>Just a little Christian fiction read I had on my Kindle. It reminded me of Jan Karon's books. The protagonist is relatable and honest with an ordinary life lived alone, and full of surprises when it counts!</p><p><b>The Hate U Give</b>-Angie Thomas</p><p>A book I chose to read to build empathy for our black population. It highlights the disparities they face in their normal lives. I don't want to lose this desire to be part of what it will take to have a country where all are treated equitably.</p><p><b>The House of Closed Doors</b>-Jane Stein</p><p>Historical fiction. How out of wedlock pregnancy was handled in the late 19th century. A mystery. Clean and interesting read. </p><p><b>The Third Option</b>-Miles McPhearson</p><p>A black man pleads with us to take option 3. Not one side or another, but both-honoring one another, waking in forgiveness and confession, living not in fear, but blessing others, recognizing God's design in each of us, to hold honorable assumptions about individuals and groups, to have grace with each other in conversations about race, accountable to each other.</p><p><b>The Beauty in Breaking</b>- Michele Harper</p><p>Black medical doctor shares her stories of people she worked with and on in the ER. Not a Christian perspective.</p><p><b>Grace From the Rubble</b>-Jeanne Bishop</p><p>"It's a story of forgiveness offered and how father's bonded over love for their children. Oklahoma bombing. Very touching and good."</p><p><b>When a Nation Forgets God</b>-Erwin Lutzer</p><p>A pretty balanced view on the political scene. It calls God's people to repentance and being about the business of our heavenly kingdom.</p><p><b>Compassion and Conviction</b>-Justin Giboney</p><p>Very timely read for how God's people are to engage in politics.Truth and Love should always guide our actions and decisions. We love others who disagree with us and seek ways to work together, without compromising our convictions. I outlined each chapter with the main points because I really want to understand how to get this subject right. This year has forced us to be engaged in politics, whether we wanted to or not.</p><p><b>Created for Connection</b>-Sue Johnson, Ken Sanderfer and Dr. Johnson</p><p>The authors developed a therapy for couples-EFT, emotionally focused therapy. It's been successful in creating more secure relationships. Key questions is Are you there for me? A.R.E. accessible, responsive and engaged. Need to be safe havens for each other. Closeness to God and loving connection with others works in tandem. Feeling loved makes us kinder and more tolerant to all. Healthy dependency. </p><p><b>Dream With Me</b>-John M. Perkins</p><p>I appreciate this author and his passion for bringing the church together to become that diverse body that will be around the throne of heaven in worship. </p><p><b>Before You Quit</b>-Doug Gehman</p><p>"Perseverance in growth always requires trouble." Great book on endurance.</p><p><b>Beantown Girls</b>-Jane Healey</p><p>WWII had Clubmobiles, hosted by girls, that traveled to different army camps and handed out coffee, doughnuts, cigarettes and good cheer. This is a fictitious story of 4 girls who went to serve in Europe. </p><p><b>The Unfinished Gift</b>-Dan Welsh</p><p>Enjoyable novel. Wartime setting.</p><p>If you made it through to the bottom, here are some threads I see, that interestingly parallel with some of the events throughout the year. My note about the very first book, probably read in January, says "Then the story turns dark and pretty gruesome." Ummmm...Covid was on the way.</p><p>I already had a desire to learn more about loving those not like me, evident in the Muslim book I read early on. After George Floyd's death, I really wanted to build empathy for the black community. I appreciate the four books I picked for that purpose. The theme of learning how to work alongside those not like me was important this year when it came to politics, also. Justin Giboney's book and the Nation that Forgets God book were helpful in bringing balance about how to view the huge chasm between people surrounding the presidential election this year.</p><p>I believe we were set up for the extreme polarization that we saw among our legislators. Nancy Pearson's book, Total Truth certainly builds a case for how we as a culture let go of absolute truth and traded it for our own interpretations. How often did we hear about "fake" news? Lying became fashionable; our own president leading the way as one of the worst offenders. The term "alternate facts" was coined in this year. Is Farenheit 451 prophetic in how a society gradually devalues knowledge built on facts and holds no honor for the lessons learned in history? As we look at the future and wonder where a more progressive government will lead us, are we paving the way for left leaning policies because we've forgotten what it means to work together and not trust anyone outside our tribe? That fighting is the only way to get what we want because the other side is totally evil and not to be trusted? Will it matter that stories like the Oklahoma fathers, whose sons would have been considered enemies, can teach us how to offer forgiveness to one another? </p><p>Will I draw closer to those I love, so I feel safe when my fragility and insecurities leave me wondering who I really am? Because I'm just starting retirement, how will I find those good endeavors for my life, now that I'm not going to work every day? </p><p>The biographies on the list remind me that Godly people can inspire us to stay the course, and Mr. Gehman tells me how to endure so that I don't give up when the journey brings trouble. Covid was trouble, and it was good to be encouraged by his words.</p><p>Praise God for fiction books to lighten things up and bring a relief from heavy thinking and a brief reprieve from reality. I think my favorite in this genre was Mildred Budge. She made me laugh. I judged her as simple, until she was not, and she let me see how an ordinary life can make a difference.</p><p>I wonder what books I will discover in 2021?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-56377792448748336852021-01-20T18:15:00.002-08:002021-01-21T04:23:01.353-08:00Happy Is The One Who Inherits A Godly Legacy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ir-6sWXb2nUXkU0TmLVrbFnt-mDnd2voP3h8DtK9aXHGkpjkjkOJkjXIuknb1XXh7ZO4ZP873KrwpppPwHyCEQfEW2SkTpVt3261d9khLssJXCJr715YePCUy9hT0zqQYiDSTTPQy4Ml/s640/dad+and+me+2019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ir-6sWXb2nUXkU0TmLVrbFnt-mDnd2voP3h8DtK9aXHGkpjkjkOJkjXIuknb1XXh7ZO4ZP873KrwpppPwHyCEQfEW2SkTpVt3261d9khLssJXCJr715YePCUy9hT0zqQYiDSTTPQy4Ml/w300-h400/dad+and+me+2019.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer of 2019</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1OWzOPjYCSi9VMm3ujldFWxQJ_0eMhzCCR8VISMBbk_bi7CVi29mpTHT7A-8WILiRjU0-AFyk0eXYtAwmPGMmh4b_jApAHm8_bLnPB3AUBQaN4nSzX8DvGw6blX1d5PHfb4DsbpSdJKN/s1502/dad+in+fall+of+2020.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1OWzOPjYCSi9VMm3ujldFWxQJ_0eMhzCCR8VISMBbk_bi7CVi29mpTHT7A-8WILiRjU0-AFyk0eXYtAwmPGMmh4b_jApAHm8_bLnPB3AUBQaN4nSzX8DvGw6blX1d5PHfb4DsbpSdJKN/s320/dad+in+fall+of+2020.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall of 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><p> How many 67 year old women can call their 93 year old father anytime and hear his voice, full of joy and contentment, tell about his day and, then, hear his "I love you", as goodbyes are said? I am privileged to be one of them! We can't choose how our bodies and minds will grow old, but my dad exhibits how to keep a positive attitude in the process of aging. He has been blessed with good health and a sound mind, which he repeatedly gives God thanks for. So I write this tribute to him and his nonagenarian life.</p><p>In spite of a world wide pandemic that targeted his age group with its deadliness, Dad weathered the restrictions and isolation without complaining. While many in his retirement facility who needed healthcare services were locked away in their rooms from any outside contact, Dad could not invite anyone into his residence, but he did have the freedom to go out for groceries, appointments and necessities- in his own car, which he still drives himself. </p><p>There is never a phone conversation with him where he doen't at some point say how grateful he is for good health and that he has a good place to live. He often speaks of his love for Jesus and his longing for all of his family to walk in that same salvation. During the beginning of sheltering, I know he missed the activity and communication with the other residents. But, he kept himself occupied with reading, napping, computering and the calls from family and friends. He found comfort in looking through family pictures, making contact with relatives who he had not heard from recently, or had never contacted before. He was rewarded with several interesting family stories and connections. Every received correspondence gets pinned to his office wall, an array of love messages, like well earned degrees and certificates, touting his lifetime achievements in relationships.</p><p>He takes care of his needs. As chewing food became more difficult, he explained his process of breaking down meat chunks in his little grinder. Dad enjoys getting carry outs from his favorite restaurants, stretching the food into portions he can save in the freezer for future meals. Today when we talked, I could hear the dryer tumbling his small load of wash.</p><p>Dad is a carpenter and fix-it man. It was a sad day when two of his joys were taken away because of the virus. He could no longer go to the woodshop on campus, and he could not longer volunteer at the non-profit Mennonite thrift store he had served at every day for the last 23 years. Although he had to put down hammer and saw for awhile, he continued to collect bags to fold for the clerks at the thrift store. </p><p>It's common now to call and find him not at home. He's back to creating tables, foot stools and toaster tongs. Recently he told me of a new feature he's invented on his table design. Research and development was one of his career paths; his creativity hasn't stopped. He finds camaraderie with the other woodworking artists in the shop.</p><p>Evening chats will find him at home reading or folding bags. Even though he still can't volunteer in the store, he enjoys the brief contact with familiar faces when he drops the folded bags off. </p><p>With less foot travel in the hallways where he lives, I haven't heard much recently about his walker repair service. Known on campus as the walker fix-it man, seniors bring him apparatuses that need new wheels, or other adjustments. He orders the new replacements on line and soon has the walker back to its owner. He even bought an extra walker to loan out to "customers" while repairs are being made. This business, as with the furniture he sells, takes in no money, but he only asks the buyer to donate a suggested amount to his non-profit.</p><p>If I live as long as my Dad, I pray to have his good health and sound mind. I want to find ways to keep giving to others. I understand how important hobbies are for end of life fulfillment. Above all, though, I want to maintain a grateful heart and cheery spirit. I believe that starts now, for all of us, so that the practice serves us well no matter what is ahead. </p><p>Thank you, Dad, for this legacy. I know you'll read this soon. You're my biggest blog fan, and I appreciate your compliments and support. For all the times I've given you grief in my growing up years, I say thank you for loving me through it all and for modeling a life of faith. Now be careful in that workshop, and keep alert driving around! </p><p>I love you!</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496643168206382425.post-68853894133868684412021-01-10T13:01:00.005-08:002021-06-24T07:51:13.296-07:00It's Coming!<p> It's coming! I hear the sounds. The worship leader mentioned it this morning in the church service. Those calling us to prayer and repentance believe it's on the way. Our pastor is emphasizing Christian disciplines. Bloggers and Christian media are calling our attention to it. My vision of nursery preparation was posted <a href="https://randomlyruthful.blogspot.com/2020/08/lord-send-revival.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Do you sense it? Are you ready?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">God is up to something BIG! He's been preparing us for such a time as this.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The sad, sad day of insurrection in our nation's capitol this week is pushing us towards this God event. Behavior of government leaders is turning our hearts from trust in our democracy to the superior Kingdom that has and will prevail. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Wouldn't you love to catch a glimpse of what God is doing in secret as he gets ready to unveil his next move of the Spirit?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">How then do we prepare? I think it takes developing eyes that look for signs of where he's moving. Will I linger in prayer to hear his voice? He wants intimacy with us that will mess with our affections. Is he really our highest desire? It's time to find a way to renew interest in reading the Bible. (If you need a plan, I've found the Audio Bible App a great way to hear/read the Bible on a daily basis. Become part of a family that uses the app all over the world, some since it started 15 years ago. Even though Brian has done the reading for all those years, each day is a fresh, new recording. Sometimes he'll add commentary at the end to challenge us to allow that day's words to change us. You can even leave prayer requests or pray for others needs). </p><p style="text-align: left;">I thought this overview of some revivals of history was interesting and inspiring.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.revival-library.org/index.php/pensketches-menu/historical-revivals/general-overview-of-revivals">General Overview of Revivals (revival-library.org)</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">In considering what precipitated revivals, here is what Pat Morley says in his blog, Man in the Mirror.*</p><div style="text-align: center;">Ten Characteristics of Revivals</div><br />Each revival or awakening leaves its own heat signature; in 1740 youth led the way, in 1857 businessmen and prayer took center stage, and the 1906 Azusa Street revival was decidedly interracial. Yet all share common themes. What are the most frequently mentioned characteristics of revivals and awakenings in literature?<br /><br />1. TIMING: Revivals emerge during times of spiritual and moral decline, which leads to intense prayer.<br /><br />2. PRAYER: God puts a longing into the hearts of many to pray for revival.<br /><br />3. THE WORD: The preaching or reading of God’s Word brings deep conviction and desire for Christ.<br /><br />4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit takes people to a spiritual depth they could not achieve on their own.<br /><br />5. CONVICTION: Affected sinners are inconsolable except in Christ.<br /><br />6. GLORY FOR GOD: God receives praise, honor, and glory for bringing revival.<br /><br />7. REFORMATION AND RENEWAL: Revival produces lasting fruit. New ministries are founded and society experiences a reform of morals as more and more people convert.<br /><br />8. MANIFESTATIONS: Manifestations like fainting, groaning prayer, and miracles vary by culture and denomination.<br /><br />9. MESSY: Revivals are messy–controversies swirl about miracles, abuses, excesses, suspicions, and theological disputes (to name but a few).<br /><br />10. CYCLICAL: Revivals inevitably crest and decline. (Find citing for this list on Pat Morley's blog post)*<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Is America Ripe for Revival Today? (Pat Morley)</div><br />A majority of Americans believe our country is going downhill. Yet church attendance as a percent of population has held steady since 1990, and probably since 1940.51 America added 50,000 new churches in the last 20 years of the 20th century to total 350,000.52 The number of born-again Christians has grown steadily to 46% of adults today.53 Given the state of moral and spiritual decay, how is that possible?<br /><br />The answer is simple. Today, Christianity is prevalent but not powerful. The solution is spiritual revival and awakening.<br /><br />We’ve not had an awakening in America of historic proportion for a long time. With such a great tradition of revival and awakening, a great base from which to start, and a great need to counteract the increasing moral and spiritual decline, our nation appears ripe for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit.<br /><br />But history tells us that national revivals and awakenings cannot be manufactured. They are sovereign acts of mercy and grace by God Himself, when He supernaturally achieves in a short span what seems otherwise impossible. However, God loves to respond to the prayers of His people (e.g., <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">2 Chronicles 7:14</a>).<br /><br />While the decision belongs to God alone, He gives us the privilege of hastening the day through humble repentant prayer. Let us pray…." (Pat Morley)*<br /><br />Be encouraged. God will not fail to come to us as we pray and develop a deep longing for his move among us. As we look at the revivals of the past, God redeems the most troubling and difficult places of humanity. He raised up youth, revived business men, crossed racial boundaries and churches increased in size and numbers. It feels like the time is ripe. <br /><br />Have your way, Almighty One. Prepare our hearts to seek you.<br /><br /><i>May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more.…Ps. 72:5-7</i><br /><br />*Retrieved from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">A Brief History of Spiritual Revival and Awakening in America - Man in the Mirror</a><br /><br /></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18432488738487119228noreply@blogger.com0