Nothing beats watermelon! I remember sitting in the rain, eating watermelon in my swimsuit. The apartments where we lived, were located on the outskirts of our small town, and were just within viewing of our local water tower. I mention the water tower because, that was the reason we were siting in the rain spitting seeds at one another… or better yet, pinching them between our fingers for more force.
I remember the water tower, because the local fire department would always use these hot rainy days for their certification or training exercises. I was so fascinated with their ability to carry all of their gear up those ladders, fully covered in their fire resistant armor, as I called it.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I have always had a great respect for law enforcement and all of our emergency responders, and I think this had something to do with it. I was so impressed with all these men, and they were always so kind to us kids who were watching. My home life was not fun, and my father was a 1st rate butnugget, but I guess the kindness of these masked strangers, brought some joy into the life of a small blue eyed girl, sticky with watermelon juice, and desperate for hope…
As silly as it sounds, I actually thought that if I just typed in the question, I would have my answer. It is a little more than than, as I discovered.
The only reason I even went looking was due to the fact that I mainly only have favorite biblical historical figures, and I thought you might be tired of hearing it…lol… and in truth, I am actually impressed with whoever it was that had the courage to challenge others to accept a new idea or belief. Times were different back then, and they did not have the internet. Anything new or unproven was usually rejected, sometimes with very harsh recriminations to whomever was seeking change.
I feel how real the struggle must have been for people like the apostle Paul for instance, who had the responsibility of spreading the gospel. Whenever I read any of the letters that he wrote, I get a strong sense of one attempting to structure and organize like maybe half a dozen Christian Universities, all at the same time, from a remote location (often prison). He was charged with organizing a bunch of unruly land owners and sheep herders, into the body of the church.
Paul received mainly a bunch of complaints, whining, name calling, and judgy folks thinkin they had it all figured out. No one wanted to do it his way, and they argued with Gods council, nonstop at times. Still he persisted in following a path that he believed to be right and true.
I sit here in comfort on my laptop, happily clickity clicketing all my little pearls of silly wisdom, of which may or may not be worth anything… all the while, I sip my warm coffee, with my rich vanilla creamer… man do I have it easy.
In a time where information is available willy nilly, and folks can watch a video of someone making popcorn with a bag of skittles, and are willing to nearly burn their houses down in an attempt to replicate this modern video miracle, I do wish to appreciate and give a shout out to Them That Went Before us…you all shaped our world… God Bless your brave souls…
Somehow, the thought of walking along the paths of our distant past… walking where Moses walked, or following the Nile along the journey where his basket was carried to the palace of the Pharaoh.
It brings me a great amount of comfort and peace when I remind myself that others came before, and walked the paths we walk, though in a much different time…
Yet, they rested under the same stars, awakened to the same morning sun, and existed in the same breathable air, though it was much purer than it might be today.
What about the hills and valleys that David wandered as a young boy, tending his fathers herd? He spent years with God as his closest companion, there in the middle of nowhere…
I cannot say that I wish to go to any one specific place, because history happened everywhere, and that is what draws me. I have an enormous desire for tracing steps of those in history, because it is not so much what they accomplished, but that they did it with so much less than us on the average day.
I am actually impressed with the VR advancements made, as it offers an immersive experience for so many who would not otherwise be able to experience some of the worlds most beautiful wonders.
I have done a decent amount of traveling, both within our great nation as well as internationally. At this point in my life, I am much more comfortable at home, though I still dream of far off distant lands, but maybe for reasons other than most… it simply brings a bit of joy to me when I think of walking where they walked…
… like the frozen peaks of a mighty mountain range. Sadly, little can survive there.
What about finding church in nature?
Can all that quite beauty and solitude become a church, of sorts? Meditating in peace, while trying to safely navigate this lost and fallen world?
Can Church be found in a book, but not in a heart?
What about where 2 or more are gathered?
Do I fit into the Church, or is the Church supposed to reside within Me?
Google says that the Bible mentions the word Church about 120 different times.
Somebody on Google also says that there are estimated to be between eight and 16 million actual church buildings in the world.
Another person says that there are 37 million churches throughout the world.
Oh yeah, and I also read that there are more than 45,000 Christian denominations in the world. I think I found all this information in under 5 minutes on the great World Wide Web. What started out as my morning quiet time in the word, turned into 2 days of trail walks, another day pondering my own church experiences, and then finally, the above mentioned 5 minutes of “Google is your friend”!
Honestly, at this point, I was feeling like a deer caught in someone’s proverbial headlights! I know we all believe that google is our friend, but let me tell ya, not only is it your friend, but EVERYBODY’S friend! Electronic Overshare Overload is what I will consider reality! Jokes aside, the web can be a great resource, within reason. Too much of a good thing can be not so good for us. Well, at least that’s how that old saying goes, anyways.
I am realizing that I am not interested in what the WWW thinks, nor am I certain as to where I stand with my own beliefs, regarding this subject.
However, here is the awesome truth about faith… I do believe in WHO God is and what He says to me! If I am to believe that the Bible is 100% truth, it goes to show that I will find the honest answers to my questions within this very book, right? Within this one book are my answers, written down simply and clearly, assuming I am truly seeking the HONEST answer.
With this truth upon my heart, I am embarking on a journey of knowledge, that I may see with clarity a Godly understanding of Church, His purpose, and how I fit into the body of Christ (His Church).
You know I will not go all the way to some clarity, without returning with some really great stories for you all. Keep a weathered eye out for me, and I will see you on the (metaphorical) flip side…
Technically, I guess it may look like we already retired, but most likely it is just the practicing part…lol…who knows, but my house already has wheels, so I am always packed, hehe…
Well, I know that I got out of bed different. I am not who I was yesterday, nor even who I was last night as I drifted off to sleep…
I am pretty sure that I feel different than yesterday, so that is incredibly significant in the notable department…
I am going to be a completely and notably different soul tomorrow morning when I arise, as well…
What might be the most notable thing happening this morning is that it was not me who enabled my earthy body to wake at all! To rest through the dark hours of night, and awaken with a full heart is a gift to be treasured, so I guess that it would by my answer regarding what I consider notable…plus, it is only 6:30 and I still have half a cup of coffee to finish, so the world is still my oyster…
Oh, yeah… I did discover something else notable, for me at least!
I realized this morning during my time in study. Did you know that the book of Song of Songs is directly in the middle of the Bible? A love story for the ages/puts 50 shades of grey to shame story? I am quite sure that the one who breathed life into this book I carry with me, did this for a purpose… I wonder …
This is one of my ancestors, so I can say this out loud: She does not look like she EVER read anything happy! My family line are all a bunch of sour, bitter, and unfriendly folk, at least the only memories I hold of them seem that way unfortunately. I can totally hear her husband telling her, smile or something, this guy won’t be back through this way for at least a year so suck it up buttercup, I already paid him 4 chickens and a goat!
I think I look happier, so things are changing and that is NOTABLE…
You should know by now that I always go big or go home…
I will start with puppy breathe, but it won’t end there…
What about Kitty purr motors…
Everybody knows about baby nose boops…
…and yes, I most certainly did put that picture at the end. I can’t help it! Come on, your sayin that it would not be totally hilarious to attempt a nose boop with an Orangutan…
Little ones that were trapped within the grips of winter emerge with such excitement for the outdoors…
Life is bursting in every direction we look…
The days begin to lengthen, and the warmth and life that the sun brings, stirs the heart with thoughts of back yard parties and trips to distant peaceful camping spots…
Every time spring arrives, it brings with it the sweet promise of new life, new birth, and new purpose…
The old is dead and gone, and the seeds planted spring up and bloom…
… I wonder if we see more rainbows in springtime than any other part of the year? Now I know that most should agree somewhat on the meaning of a rainbow, that is if we are looking in the same book…
Whatever your book, or material you formulate your ideas from, I welcome you to share with me… I love to share things with you, but I love it even more when you share some of you with me…
Don’t quote me, but, isn’t that what the word prompt questions are for? If it isn’t, well then, don’t I feel silly…NOT!
Journey With Me! 