A Grand Korea Tour

A 10 day trip to Korea sounded like a fantasy come true! My Oldest daughter and I updated our passports, and were set to go! My youngest daughter, Judie, was already there in Korea, waiting for us, so we were excitedly on our way!

Judie, now in the Air force, was stationed in Seoul for at least another year. The Korean Tourism and the Military had worked out a reasonably priced tour for military families.

After our long flight, Judie escorted us to the lovely Hotel Hamilton, where we enjoyed a cup of genuine ginseng tea in the hotel restaurant. Later that evening, another restaurant, and more new foods dazzled our palates, while Korean dancers entertained!

Our visit included a tour that took us down the coast to visit the Korean ship yards, then on to Temples and parks. Another beautiful hotel that featured a lavish Korean buffet filled out our evening. Afterward, exploration of the hotel and the grounds beckoned. Two Japanese college students stopped us, and we humored their desire to practice their English language skills.

The Line of Demarcation was on our return to Seoul. It was a sombering experience! Prior to our entry into a building where a center line divided the room, our guide instructed us not to smile or wave at the soldiers who were on the North side of the line. Although the Northern soldiers were quite young and walked by the windows rather than marching, we were asked to stay on our side and not to cross the line. They seemed harmless enough, all the while smiling and trying to get our attention

The tour completed, we still had some free days which prompted a bus ride to another town for a visit to some factories. Already experienced, Judie taught us how to bargain and say the words, “Better price.” Because Judie could use the base Post Office, shipping could be done for a pittance! Our treasures preceded us home.

With so much to see and do, our minds could barely wrap around it all!

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Yoido Full Gospel Church, a Pentecostal church on Yeouido Island in Seoul, South Korea. With about 830,000 members, the large crowds were accommodated with seven Sunday services! Seated in the huge balcony, visitors from other countries listened to the service in sixteen languages via ear phones. Amazing! Later in another area, an American missionary explained the concept of Prayer Mountain, and home cell groups, which lead to the exponential growth of this church. It was phenomenal to see such organization and commitment!

All too soon, it was time for us to leave and bid farewell to Korea and to our Judie. Even though she would be rejoining us in a few months, leaving her so far behind was difficult.

As Christians, when our family or friends pass on and go to heaven, we are comforted in the knowledge that we will see them again. For now we may be sad, because they will be missed; but we also rejoice, since we know we will be reunited with them one day soon.

Jesus has gone to heaven ahead of us and is preparing a place for us. Entry into heaven is by “Passport,” which is by receiving Jesus into your heart. He will be there waiting to give us the tour of Heaven.

Though many of us will never be able to explore all the wonderful places on earth nothing will be more exotic, more breathtaking or more satisfying than when we arrive in Heaven! It will be the grandest tour ever experienced! You can count on it. What a Day that will be!

Excited by Life!

Jubliant - - Join the Airforce and see the World
image courtesy photobucket.com

Our youngest daughter’s automobile always seemed to need work! Fortunately, she had discovered a nice fellow who appeared happy to work on her car. He was also interested in her as a person. He was a bit older than she, but he was a very pleasant guy, and even agreed to go to church with her. To get better acquainted with our family he invited us to his apartment for a home-cooked meal. Obviously, he was looking for a wife!

One day, my daughter came to me with a question. She asked, “Mom should I marry this great man or should I join the Air Force?”

Knowing my daughter, I knew better than to come right out with it. As-sure-as-shooting, the minute a parent gives a straight answer to a question like that, their child is bound to do exactly the opposite! So I breathed a short prayer and made a reply. I said to her, “I am certainly NOT about to tell you what you should or should not do, but I will say this, the man is a wonderful person, but when he comes home from work, he will want to read the paper, watch TV and go to bed, while you want to go out roller skating. Also, you have always wanted to see the world and the military is a great opportunity to travel.”

My daughter responded, “Thanks Mom, I am going to join the Air Force.”

And that is exactly what she did.

Every so often, we would receive phone calls from this daughter. “Guess where I am?” She would ask. Sometimes it would be Hawaii. Other times it might be Spain or France. She was not assigned there, but she discovered that she could hop a military flight, and see the world, nearly free, when she had a few days off.

Beyond that, she was able to explore a variety of career choices. From a nurse, to cook, or even parking those huge airplanes with her small towing tractor; she would practice until she got it right. Her enthusiasm for life was unstoppable!

Soon she found that the military offered college courses! She began to study, and was eventually able to graduate and to receive her degree - - all paid for by Uncle Sam.

Things just kept moving along and through a dating service she met a nice man who was up for all she could think to do! Both seemed to be free spirits, and they each enjoyed having lots of good clean fun. Suddenly their separation seemed inevitable! My daughter had received orders to leave for Korea. They had a very serious talk and a decision to marry ensued. With a military flight to Hawaii, and then to Japan, the happy couple enjoyed a remarkable two-week honeymoon. How exciting! After that, it was back to work, she in Korea for a time, and he in the States.

With so much to do each day, our own excitement level stayed high.

Let’s think for a moment, what is the most jublilant thing that a person can do?  Different people will come up with different answers.

Truthfully though, when all is said and done, the most jubilant and exciting thing anyone can do is to serve Jesus Christ! There is always something awe-inspiring about the life He has planned for us! One final day, we will be able to take the “grand tour!” For all of us who know Him, it will be the journey of a lifetime - - and that is when we shall see Jesus face to face, in glory!

This post has been shared at One Word Carnival.  The word is Jublilant.

Victory Gardens

Image courtesy photobucket.com

During World War II, citizens were asked to participate in numerous projects to show their patriotism.

For the war effort, selected vacant lots were assigned to hold collections of rubber from small balls to large tires. Other unoccupied lots might be assigned to collect aluminum, so it could be melted down and re-used to build airplanes. The assortments were varied, and many. Pots, pans, and aluminum toys could be seen everywhere!

The nation was also asked to use dark green window shades that were nearly black on the outside. These would block any light escaping a building in case of a blackout warning.

Periodically the sirens were tested so people would be familiar with the sound.
Certain homes were given a special “Block-Mother” card to place in the front window, so that children who were not close to home could rush to a safe place, in the event that an air raid signal was sounded.

As an impressionable child of 10 years old, I remember that the schools were provided propaganda films to be shown to the children. We actually sang songs about Hitler, making fun of him.

One of the most important things that I can recall is that people were encouraged to plant small gardens. My parents always had a garden with rows of carrots, green beans, corn, radishes, lettuce, turnips and onions. In addition my dad had planted a row of seedless boysenberries and a pear tree. To add to our provisions we also had chickens, and rabbits that provided us with eggs and meat.

My teacher asked if anyone in the class had a “Victory Garden” at home. Of course, I did! Our home was situated in the same long block on which the school was located. It did not require crossing any streets, in order for the class to take the short walk to view our small farm. My teacher arranged the excursion, hoping that this would encourage others to plant a Victory Garden at their homes.

How proud I was! I would be the leader of the parade and show off our mini-ranch! All the children were excited to see our backyard plot.

Having this garden was as simple as planting some seeds and tending to them. Tenderly watering, and of course gently weeding the plants helped them flourish.
Beyond that, it took time for the garden to grow and mature.

In life, that is the way it is with us. A pastor or teacher plants the Word of God in our hearts. Others may water the Word, and on occasion, “OUCH!” - It is time to pull some weeds. It is the matured Word of God in our hearts that causes us to lean on Him for direction in our lives.

As you ponder your past and consider the future, I’d like to leave you with this.

“May your life bloom and produce good fruit (and vegetables) so that there is Victory in your Garden!”

2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

This post is a chapter from my book:  "Rescue the Stories Book One."  Order TWO copies now to receive the special that is being offered.  Use the buy now button on this site. Order 2 and I will send you 3 plus free shipping.    What a Bargain!!


 

Birth Certificate

The year was 1931, and the old dimly lit ranch house belonging to my Grandparents welcomed into this world the first-born daughter to my mother and father. The attending nurse was able to stay, and instruct the new mother in all that was necessary to care for her new baby, but the hurried doctor was anxious to leave for a scheduled fishing trip. In his haste, he neglected to fill out the paper work for a birth certificate. Ultimately, the birth of the new baby was never documented at the county recorder’s office.

A few years later, during World War II, each family was requested to report to their local grammar school to apply for food and gasoline ration books. Proof that each person was a member of the household was verified by presentation of a legal birth certificate.

By this time, there were two other children in the household with recorded birth certificates, but none for the oldest child.

The oldest child agonized with a whiny complaint, “Now I know that I was adopted, and I have suspected it for some time!”

Because she was the elder child, she was expected to take on more responsibility. This caused her to feel put upon and somehow, different from the other children. Because more attention was paid to the baby, and the younger brother, it also stirred a bit of jealousy. Her mother assured her that she was not adopted, and that steps were already being taken to prove that she was indeed a bona-fide member of the family.

The doctor had since passed away, but the nurse was located. Her memories of the birth at the old farm house were clear, and she was willing to sign an affidavit of birth for the anxious parents. With that behind them, the paperwork was taken care of speedily, enabling each family member to obtain their ration books.

As we reminisce about the importance of having our names subscribed to a recorded certificate-of-birth here on this earth, it is also of the utmost significance to understand the eternal magnitude of having our names written down in God’s book in heaven!

Entrance into heaven is only as we are able to present to the gatekeeper, our Second Birth Certificate. Some call it being Born-Again, which is an excellent term for receiving Jesus into our heart.

One day Jesus spoke to a man named Nicodemus, and told him, “Unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The well educated man did not understand and asked Jesus, “Must I re-enter my mothers womb and be born a second time?” Jesus explained to him, that the new birth is a spiritual experience, and comes about by inviting Jesus to be your savior and Lord.

If you have not already done so, it is essential that you do so today! Jesus stands at your heart’s door and is knocking for entrance. The door of your heart is decision and voice activated. Just speak with your mouth and invite him in.

Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

Painting Backgrounds

When I was very young, I can remember my Sunday school teacher placing pictures on a plain, blue flannel board, as she taught the Bible lesson. I was always curious as to how the picture stayed on the board.

A few years later, I became a teacher and discovered the secret! A small piece of flannel had been applied to the paper characters used in the story to create adhesion. It was like magic to the children!

Many years after that, my mother’s neighbor, Mrs. Fisher visited our weekly Women’s Ministry meeting. She was an artist, and in charge of the visual aids Department of a local church. She also used her talent to paint backgrounds on flannel. These gorgeous backdrops for the story characters were used in presenting the Bible lessons. Some boasted mountains behind a valley of luscious green grass. In others, street scenes jarred the imagination with cobble stone lanes or depicted rooms inside of a home.

Mrs. Fisher offered to demonstrate to our group how to paint these lovely backgrounds. Our ladies were thrilled to think that she would volunteer to teach us! She assigned a paint list and directed us in purchasing our own oil paints. We all came prepared to work.

Some of the backgrounds were utilized in the local Sunday school, while others we painted would be sent to Missionaries for their use. Soon the group increased as other ladies joined the project.

Because it was summer vacation for my teen age girls, I brought them along to learn how to do these paintings. Sister Fisher (as we called her) wrapped a small piece of flannel around their fingers and then dipped into the color they had selected to begin their painting. My daughters were energized as their instructor guided their fingers over the backgrounds!

Amazingly, all my daughters agreed that they never believed they could create something so beautiful on their own. But, with the guidance of the “master’s hand”, the flannel storyboards fairly sprang to life!

I often stagger in astonishment when I view the transformation in the life of a new believer in Jesus Christ. The dull drab blue background begins to change before our very eyes as the Master’s Hand forms a new creation.

Often the change is slow, but other times it is immediately displayed on a radiant face. The conversion experience begins inside the spirit and flows outward as it is revealed, not just on the countenance, but also in the life style of the new person in Christ.

Master teachers, leaders, and other Godly examples of influence are of tremendous importance to disciple and encourage newly born- again believers. Perhaps you can be that person who will give confidence and support to others. Step right up, the line forms here!

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Titus 2:15 Speak these things, and exhort, and encourage with all authority. In gentleness, make sure you earn everyone's respect.

A Weighty Situation

You may have talents or gifts that flow from within you, but, as for me. I generally need some outside motivation in order to get things done.

I hate to say it, but I suppose it stems from a weakness of mine for putting things off. Procrastination is a big word and, unfortunately I have learned its meaning the hard way!

I told my husband the other day,

“I am going to set my timer for one hour, and when it rings, I will go outside and walk around our grounds and out to the gate.”

He looked at me rather puzzled, and then I remarked,

“- - - and I plan to begin this next week.”

We both laughed!

I need to loose weight. There seems only one method to get it done besides diet, and that is exercise. Yes, that is what I need to do. At least, that is what all the health pundits advise. Moving around more gets the heart to pumping, the lungs to working, and the blood to flowing.

Admitting that there is a problem is only the first phase in change. Putting action to a decision is what will get the job done.

It is the same with any type of addiction. The person may claim he wants to quit his habit. Nothing will happen until he admits that he has a problem and is helpless to change without some outside help. When that choice is made to do something about it, it is only then that the person can be liberated!

Along with the oven-timer bell that I plan to set, I am also doing something else. I am asking God to set a timer bell in my spirit that will alert me what to eat and what not to eat. With both of the two bells working I should get somewhere with this weight problem.

I must leave for now; my kitchen timer bell just went off. It is time for my little walk.

Psalms 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Red Wagon Escapades

It was only a child’s Red Wagon, but it carried my brother, and me to the corner store, as mother towed us. On the way home, groceries occupied our spots so we had to walk. As we grew older, my brother still found ways to use the wagon. With one knee inside, he would push it along as fast as he could, and ride.

One day, when he was about 8 years old, my brother had a plan. He decided to take the wagon to the top of our hill, and ride it down toward the main highway. Gaining speed as they coursed down the hill, my brother and the wagon precariously crossed one intersection, and were headed directly for the busy highway! Caught up in the moment, my brother did not think to put out his foot to slow down the wagon. Cars whizzed by in both directions of the heavily trafficked boulevard, and it seemed that he was headed for trouble!

He speedily approached the thoroughfare, and as though by a miracle, the cars seemed to part, and allow him through! He crossed the highway safely enough, but smashed directly into the curb on the other side, dumping himself and the wagon into the gutter!

Not one vehicle came close to hitting my thoughtless brother in his Super Boy attempt. Quickly a crowd of people gathered to see if he was hurt, but only a few bruises and a cut lip evidenced his joy-ride. A kind gentleman, loaded my brother and the wagon into his pickup truck, and escorted him safely home. While it may have been thrilling trip for the moment, my brother never tried that excursion again!

I am reminded of the story in the Bible when the Red Sea parted for Moses, and the children of Israel. Even though the Egyptians were hurriedly chasing after them, they were able to pass through the Red Sea on dry ground. All of God’s people were spared, but in their attempt to harm God’s people, the enemy quickly perished as the water in the Red Sea, rolled back over them.

I am happy my brother was spared that day! Also I rejoice when I think of all the times, the Lord saves each and every one of us from harm, as we cross many dangerous “highways” in life.

The protection, and goodness, and mercy of the Lord always goes before us! At times, His mercy will even follow us if we foolishly get ahead of his plans too quickly!

Deuteronomy 6:24 That's why the LORD our God demands that we obey his laws, and worship him with fear, and trembling. And if we do, he will protect us and help us be successful.

Post Office FIX

Today is a guest blog from my husband Robert. See his other articles at:
http://www.musingsbyrobert.blogspot.com/

Hardly anyone approves of the decision to close the Marysville,California, mail processing facility. Trying to convince seven northern California counties that their mail service will not be impacted is nonsense and unacceptable.

Once this move is accomplished there will be no returning to the service we once had.

The problem amounts to lack of management skills in running the postal system. I suggest Management resign instead of firing most all of the workers in Marysville.

The postal service has been in a decline for years due to poor management. It was all too evident that the Internet, Fed Ex and UPS were going to take away their customers, because the post office has not changed with the times.

We in California and all other States deserve to have decent mail service.

I have one suggestion for a temporary trial method to help this situation. That is to sell advertisements, on all envelopes, stamps and any thing else they provide, for a fee. Would it help? Who knows? Would some law need to be changed? Well do it.

We must admit that the Post Office has great potential for advertising. I would like to hear alterative ideas. Soon we will be paying double what we pay now for our postal service. That makes it a problem for concern. This fix will cost us little and perhaps bring a profit to the Post office.

Blue Bottom Kettle Calamity Averted

We hastily departed to begin our long trip for our doctor appointments.
The plan was to stay over night. Generally, we returned home the same day, but this time the doctor had scheduled a follow up appointment for the next morning. Rather than make two trips, it made more sense, to spend the night.

We had only gone a short distance down the road, when I exclaimed to my husband, I don’t believe I turned off the kettle, after I boiled the water for my tea!

My husband glared at me, “I can’t believe you would do such a thing as that; surely you must have turned it off.”

He continued, “If you really do think you left it on, you can phone our neighbor, and perhaps they can somehow get into our house, and see if it is on.”

Once my husband is set on a direction, he almost never wants to turn back for a “just in case,” scenario. I sheepishly dropped the subject, but it didn’t mean I put it completely out of my mind. Silently I prayed - - Dear Lord, please send your angels to watch over my house, amen!

After being gone a total of thirty-six hours, we arrived home the following afternoon! My husband unlocked the kitchen door, and was greeted by a frightening sight!

Fused to the burner of our electric stove, with the burner still on HIGH, the kettle with the blue bottom was extremely HOT! The kettle was badly damaged, but other than that everything else was fine.

My heart sank a little, and then suddenly I found myself bursting out loud with praise,

“Thank you Jesus, but for by the mercy, and goodness of God, our house was preserved and did not catch on fire!!”

In order to assist my forgetfulness, I have cultivated a new habit. Now, whenever I boil water, I turn on the kitchen timer. When it rings, the burner gets turned off!!! New habits are good, but God’s Mercy is even better!

Psalms 23:6 “Surely goodness, and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

And He shall send his angels to watch over you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Learning by Example

When I was a child growing up, my mother always told me, Hazel, you are the oldest, so you must be an example to the other children.

When I received Jesus as my Savior, she then told me, Hazel others will be watching you to see how you act, and behave, so be a good example for them. Remember you are the Best Christian that someone knows!!

I later learned that I did not need to experience the consequences of walking in the ways of the world. I could learn from the example of others, and steer clear of those things that could harm me, and take the proper path of life.

As we read and study the Bible, we can learn many things by example to help us in our Christian walk; such as what to avoid and who to follow.

Many examples in the Bible are written for our learning experience. They were given for our instruction and to serve as a case in point to show us the best way to live.

Consider these scriptures written by Paul

1Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Timothy 4:12 Be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Philippians chapter 3: Brethren, join in following my example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

And who is our great example? The answer is clear; it is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John l3:15, For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you.

Jesus also said, “If you know these things, blessed are you, if you do them.”

Yes, we certainly can learn from the examples of others, and then we become an example, for good, so that others may learn from us.

The Hiding Place

My teenage daughter had not been feeling well, and I had just obtained an interesting book. I decided to read out loud to her to help take her mind off of things. The book was intriguing so each evening, thereafter, before she went to bed, I read a chapter to her. It took us almost 3 weeks to finish the book, but it was something that touched both of our hearts. Briefly, the outline of the story is as follows.

Behind a bedroom closet, in the Ten Boom home, a secret room served as a hiding place for rescued Jews. From there, they were smuggled to a safe place away from the German occupation of the Netherlands.

Only thirty inches deep, the tiny hiding place could hold up to eight people! Access was provided by a small hatch door. Upstairs, waiting Jews occupied several unused rooms, ever-alert for the sound of a buzzer. In the event of a raid, this system would warn them to rush to the hiding place!

Food was rationed but Corrie ten Boom was able to secure additional ration books to smuggle food for those she rescued. Because of her efforts, many Jews were saved from being killed! She and her sister, suspected of hiding Jews and breaking rationing rules, were eventually arrested and sent to prison. Their Christian faith kept them from bitterness and despair, even as they suffered from hard work, from vermin, and from lack of food.

With small pages of the Bible that had been hidden in Corrie’s clothing, she and her sister were able to hold Bible studies without interruption from the guards. A flea infestation in their prison quarters guaranteed that guards would not bother them! The fleas provided a HIDING PLACE, so Corrie and her sister could freely have a daily time of worship.

Corrie’s sister died in prison, but Corrie was eventually released and returned home. She began to write, and soon after, the book The Hiding Place was published.

I find it interesting that the Bible speaks of various hiding places, and secret places of many types.

In Exodus 2:2-3, the mother of Moses hid the baby three months. “And when she could not longer hide him at home, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she hid it in the flags by the river’s brink.”

The morning newspaper of Joshua’s day might have read, “Harlot Hides Spies!”

Joshua 2:6 says, “Rahab had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid the spies with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.”

God always has a plan. You are not hidden from the Lord, and He knows your every step. You may not be able to write a book as Corrie Ten Boom did, but you can let your light shine where you are.

This brings us to one final thought about secret places. Jesus encourages us in Luke 11:33, not to hide our candles, (our testimony) but rather to hold our light high, allowing it to shine where all may see our witness. No, let us not be ‘Secret Christians’ but let us be among those one who vibrantly share their faith with others!



Hid with Christ IN God

 

Broken Windows

The noise of cracking glass from our neighbor’s window, swiftly summoned my attention to investigate! Just as quickly, the telephone rang!

It was a school holiday, and our children were home and bored. Our son and his uncle of the same age were trying to occupy themselves. It seemed good sport for them to see how far they could use their sling shots to shoot marbles from the back porch! Not thinking of the consequences, they proceeded with their fun and exciting game!

The phone call was from our neighbors, informing us of the incident. Since my husband was also home on this day, he marched both boys to the backyard fence to apologize. He guaranteed the lady that we would pay to replace her window and that the boys would definitely be accountable for it! Our kind neighbor assured us that her insurance would probably cover it, and as long as the boys were sorry, she was satisfied.

I am reminded of times, when I was reckless. As a very young child I once picked up a rake and was going to hit my brother on the head with it as a joke. My mother stopped me in time, and explained what could have happened to my brother, if I had proceeded. Wouldn’t it be lovely, if there was someone to stop us each time we were in the process of doing something foolish?

Isn’t that the way with life? We often do not stop to think of the consequences of our actions! However, with the inward voice of God to guide and assist us, we can avoid ‘broken windows’ in life, and they can be prevented.

As we mature our understanding also improves. We, who are Christians, have the Holy Spirit to turn on His warning lights for us. Because, those signals are often soft, we need to keep our spiritual ears open to hear his voice.

And what is our part? It is up to us to stay tuned-in, to listen, and then to obey. If we neglect to listen, we may end up with a broken promise, or a broken life. The good news is that God’s insurance is available to cover and repair it. Old things can pass away and everything be made new in Jesus.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Hidden Things

Usually my small children would accompany me on my frequent trips to the grocery store. On one such occasion, I was stopped by a clerk who informed me that my young daughter was stealing candy! Looking at my little, innocent child, I could detect no evidence of his accusations.

Staring, intently and directly into his eyes, I told him, “I do not understand!”

“She is hiding the candy in her underpants!” he pompously pronounced.

Quickly, I lifted up her tiny dress and sure enough, there was enough candy stashed to feed a little league team! That aside, I must give her credit for creativity in finding a first class place to hide her goods!

Hastily, I apologized as I retrieved all the sweets and returned them to the store employee. How embarrassing! Needless to say my shopping trip, for that day was short lived!

The Bible has quite a lot to say about “Hidden things.”

Early on, Adam and Eve started by hiding themselves in the garden. They hid from the presence of the LORD God, among the trees of the garden, thinking that God would not see them there. How foolish they were!

Joshua 7 Relates how Achan hid some garments, silver, and gold in the earth under his tent, but he was discovered, because God revealed to Joshua the truth.

Isn’t it rather silly to think that we can hide things from God? Nothing is hid from Him with whom we have to do.

Psalms 69:5 O God, you know my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

The good news is that once we repent of our sins, God remembers them no more. He hides them under the blood of Jesus, and there’s no more condemnation. Now we can run to Him and have fellowship, instead of running away, and hiding, and always waiting for the other shoe to drop!

Our old life is dead (gone) and our new life is hidden in Christ! What an amazing discovery it is to find that God has provided a hiding place for us! We can hide ourselves in God. As David says in the Psalms: The LORD is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. To hide in God is a great hiding place!

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Change Happens

Change can be painful especially if something has become a tradition!

A remark you may have heard before: “We have always done it this way! “

Today is a guest blog by Robert. I hope you enjoy his musings!

View him again at: http://www.musingsbyrobert.blogspot.com/


THINGS CHANGE ( by Robert

There is an old saying by Benjamin Franklin that says; the only thing certain is death and taxes.

Another thing that is close to being a certainty is change. Things change, and force us to change, or face some consequences. Not all of change is bad.

A good change was when they homogenized peanut butter. As a kid when we would buy peanut butter, we would have to stir up the oil that had risen to the top of the jar. You usually spilled some of the oil over the side, making a mess you had to clean up.

Here are a few quotes about change I like:

Change always comes bearing gifts. ~Price Pritchett (beware)

He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson

It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory. ~W. Edwards Deming

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. ~Victor Frankl

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine. ~Robert C. Gallagher

If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change. ~John A. Simone, Sr.

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. ~Confucius

Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed. ~Irene Peter

Stubbornness does have its helpful features. You always know what you are going to be thinking tomorrow. ~Glen Beaman

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~Author unknown

What you have become is the price you paid to get what you used to want. ~Mignon McLaughlin,

Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable, and free of conflict have not learned their history. ~Joan Wallach Scott

All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. ~Ellen Glasgow

If you want to make enemies, try to change something. ~Woodrow Wilson

After you've done a thing the same way for two years, look it over carefully. After five years, look at it with suspicion. And after ten years, throw it away and start all over. ~Alfred Edward Perlman,

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me. ~Author Unknown

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not - - -

The Secret Place

In the process of building a new home, I asked the contractor to place a small, short door in the wall of the bathroom, allowing access to a hidden space under a stairway. Carpeting and a light were added! Equipped with puzzles and a myriad of small toys, this little hiding spot was a constant delight to our grandchildren and their friends! What enjoyment was realized as they escaped to this tiny “Secret Place!”

I am reminded of Susannah Wesley, the mother of Charles and John Wesley, with her 19 active children. Even with all the commotion of her daily life, she seldom gave the Lord less than a full hour for prayer. At her time of prayer, she would take her apron up and pull it over her face. Her children were instructed never to disturb their mother when she was praying in her apron. The apron was her “Secret Place!”

The Bible tells us in Psalms 91:3, to dwell in the “Secret Place,” of the most High God, and he who does so shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Notice the words: Dwell and Abide!

Yes…it’s not a place where we happen to visit now and again, but it’s a place where we learn to live. The secret places like that on earth afford only something temporary.

Psalms 31:20 states, “He shall hide you in the secret of His presence from the plots of men.”

There is no set time, or assigned place, or set position to enter into His presence. At any time, no matter where we are or who is with us, we can secretly slip into that hiding place with the Lord.

“Walking in the Spirit,” is the same as living, and dwelling continually in the Secret Place of the Most High. If we take that position, then we can both walk, and talk with the Lord at any moment, and at any time.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

New Neighborhood

A grand opening advertisement for a well liked store had advertised a free pancake breakfast! Pancakes, sausage, juice or milk; what a treat! We knew the kids would love it! Our first stop was decided.

Having circled all the specials for the three popular grocery stores in our area, my friend and I set out in two cars - she with her three children, and I with my three. We had selected a route and would meet at each store location. These bargains didn’t stand a chance!

Innovative shopping centers were being built in the new neighborhood to which we had moved. Each week, it seemed that a new grocery store opened its doors. We each knew just how much we could spend and wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to save big!

One of these days, and probably sooner than most of us expect, there will be a curtain raised and the grandest of grand openings will occur. New dwellings are already being prepared for all Christians in heaven. The festivity will be one of triumph with a glorious celebration called the ‘Marriage Supper of the Lamb.’ Now this is one grand opening no one should miss!

There will be no lines or specials. All people will be able to get the same great deal, but only for a limited time. That time is now! - - Make your reservations today! Enrollment is easy. Simply place your trust in Jesus as your Savior. He will write your name down in His guest book. No money will be needed as the price has already been paid! Jesus paid it all!

Romans 10:9 & 10 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.