The Bible Story Lady-In Person

26 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

In my post of January 8, 2023, I mentioned my time in Dallas, Texas, my birthplace.  In thinking about the First Baptist Church of Dallas, I also mentioned Ms. Bertha Mills, the nursery worker who would take me on her lap and read a story.  I have vague memories of that.  My brother Bill says he really doesn’t remember that.

She wrote down some of her stories and published them in book form.  It was published by The Story Book Press out of Dallas, Texas, and copyrighted in 1948.

I contacted First Baptist Church of Dallas, and asked about any more information on Ms. Bertha they could give me.  Ruth Turner, the Director of the Truett Memorial Library for the church replied to my request.  She gave her permission to use any/all of the information she sent about Ms. Bertha.

Ms. Bertha died January 12, 1964.  The following article was in FBC’s weekly “Reminder” by the pastor, Dr. Criswell.

Last week we laid to rest in the arms of Jesus our sweet Miss Bertha Mills.  The record of her ministry among little children in this First Baptist Church of Dallas is nothing less than phenomenal.  It covers a full half century….will be preparing a beautiful memorial for this worthy and noble teacher….write a tribute in verse that would say better than we could in prose our tenderest thanksgiving for Bertha Mills.  It is so true to the spirit of this noble Nursery Leader.“

As I’ve said before, she was a much-loved lady in the church.  If I can figure out the copyright laws concerning her stories, and it is okay, then I will share her stories with my readers.  They are short, but very entertaining – to both children and adults. 

For now, this is all about Ms. Bertha.  

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.

Philippians 1:3

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Three Ways to Know

25 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 3/25/23

3 ways to know if God will find you strong and committed or find you lukewarm instead.

Some years back while writing my first novel, In the middle of the story, I got stuck and ran into a wall of nothing. No ideas, no thoughts. My creative flair had vanished.

Later that day, a friend picked me up for our weekly prayer group, and on the way, I thought maybe this time away from writing God will give me creativity to get the scene written.

Like summer lightening in Orlando, I was struck by my pitifully wrong thinking. I had leaned on the maybe-God-would-help-me notion.

Why would I think that? Is the God of the universe, a God of maybe?

And is the faithful Lord with power, compassion and mercy a God of maybe? Does He maybe hear our smallest requests and also our desperate ones?

There’s no maybe in His answers or instructions. But we in turn, head down the lukewarm road when facing challenges, failures or unwanted barriers that burden our days and disturb our nights.

And as we struggle to find our way out of troubles, trying to find answers and solutions, traces of the lukewarm maybe have to be erased. God knows our faith, if it’s deep or unsteady. Is our level of belief constant or does it waver according to our mood? Are our efforts led by God or by selfish ambitions?

Even if we’re not aware, God is because He says, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16).

3 Ways

Although this vivid description is sobering and a bit too graphic for some, here are three ways to change the lukewarm to a sound, strong, on-fire commitment to God:

  1. When challenges and hardships become furious enemies raging war against you, there is no maybe about God’s protection because: All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:11-13)

A lukewarm mentality doubts that strength is real and still trembles inside. Deep down it is uncertain of God’s help. And in weak moments it doesn’t fully receive God’s promise to uphold and protect.

In contrast, a believer who is deeply convinced of the power inside these promises, laughs at approaching enemies. He declares God’s help, mighty and powerful. He leads his life with the reassurance God is on his side, helping and providing.

  1. Someone with a lukewarm mentality becomes discouraged as he doesn’t see beyond the circumstance, its annoyance and its pain. In contrast, a mind and heart fully committed to be spiritually hot speaks with certainty that God will never leave them. He declares His power at work and believes in God’s protective grace as He carries this same promise God make to Jacob: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God… (Isaiah 43:1-3).
  2. A lukewarm person begins his days with the news of the world, the discouragement others repeat and with the gloom headlines display. But a committed on-fire-believer shrugs at the world’s bad news. Instead, no matter what shakes his surroundings, or ends his financial security or what negative changes take place, while others tremble with fear, the focus is on the victory God promises. He relishes on the freedom through Jesus. He counts on His help day and night as his soul sings: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

No matter what mountains of challenges quake, an “on-fire” believer overflows with security and conviction. They are displayed through his behavior, his decisions and choices. In the end, his life radiates and reflects God’s victorious outcome.

Within God’s victorious plans, He calls for a sound mind and a faithful heart. There’s no maybe. There’s no hesitation. There’s no uncertainty or doubt. Consequently, none of us can afford a lukewarm approach, instead, today we can begin a new spiritually hot, on-fire, triumphant life

Let’s Pray

Father, as we see the world getting darker and more corrupt, I will put unwavering trust in Your Word. I will increase my faith in You and fully commit to declare before others that no matter what happens, I lean on your power that’s at work, alive and active.

What do you need to do in order to avoid being lukewarm?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

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Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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2022 Road Trip-Part 18B

22 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 18 Continued (6/2/2022)

Leaving Wildwood, I headed south 20 miles on I-75 to look for the Fort Armstrong Historical Monument located in Bushnell, FL.  This Florida monument describes the 1836 Battle of The Wahoo Swamp during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).  General Richard Call lost his command because of the disastrous defeat his 2500 soldiers suffered during that battle.  It also tells that later that year, Fort Armstrong was built by Major Robert Armstrong and his men to protect against the Seminole attacks on the Fort King Trail.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was less than 10 miles south on I-75 to where I found the Richloam General Store & Post Office located near Webster, FL.  This former old 1921 Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Depot was the first depot in Richloam and Postmaster, Lucius S. Brinson, moved the Riverland Post Office to this building in 1922.  Soon after that Brinson opened and began operating a general store in the building, and it remained in operation until 1936.  The building was used as a private home until the 1950s, after which it stayed vacant until 1973, when Brinson’s son, John, renovated the building, and reopened it as the Richloam General Store & Post Office.  This building is the last remaining structure from the Richloam Community.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed south five miles on SR-421 to Linden, FL where I turned east 10 miles on SR-50 looking for the Paradise Airsports field located in Groveland, FL.  This small grass field caters to Ultralight aircraft and has a flight school in one of the ‘open-ended’ hangers there at the field.  I stopped long enough to watch a couple of colorful Ultralights take off and fly around.  I had always wanted to own an Ultralight, but never had the money or time to spare to get into the sport.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was another 15 miles east on SR-50 to where I visited the Central Florida Railroad Museum located in downtown Winter Garden, FL.  This small museum is situated in the old restored 1913 Tavares & Gulf (T&G) Railway depot that replaced the original 1899 station there in Winter Garden.  This museum is filled with antique railroad artifacts, photos, and memorabilia relating to the history of the railroad’s influence on the city of Winter Garden and the surrounding Orange County area from the late 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Leaving Winter Garden, I continued another 15 miles east on SR-50 to visit the Orlando Science Center located in the Loch Haven Park area of Orlando, FL.  This large privately owned museum has four floors filled with exciting exhibits, giant screen movies, interactive programs, the Dr. Phillips ‘Cinedome’ and more.  The lobby was overrun with kids, so I opted not to go thru the museum today.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I looked for the Orlando Fire Museum reported to be located there in the Lock Haven Park, but neither Greta (My Garmin) or I could find it anywhere.  I circled the park twice and never saw it.  So, I continued east for the last 35 miles of this trip on SR-50, which took me back to my home in Titusville, FL from where I started 18 days ago.  Boy, was I glad to be home.  My lovely wife, DiVoran, had cooked a delicious meal for my homecoming, and we enjoyed it together, on our screened-in back porch, over lots of conversation about what we both had been doing for the last two weeks.  Tonight, I get to sleep in my own bed which I have sorely missed.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

This brings to a close my 2022 Road Trip.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my adventures as much as I have enjoyed remembering and writing about them.  Join me again next time as I explore new areas of our wonderful country and visit new historical places and museums.  Keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.

Photo Credit: https://www.clipartmax.com/cartoon-driver-waving/

—–The End—-

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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Teach Me More

21 Mar

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps 87:11-16

Teach me more about you, how you work, and how you move,

So that I can walk onward in your truth

Until everything within me brings honor to your name,

With all my heart and passion, I will thank you, my God!

I will give glory to your name,

Always and forever! You love me so much, and you placed your greatness upon me. You rescued me from the deepest place of darkness, and

And you have delivered me from a certain death.

Photo Credit:Pixabay

Your nurturing love is tender and gentle.

You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Ah……Spring Time

19 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Reblogged from April 27, 2014

I  have a hard time deciding which is my favorite season of the year. I really love Spring. All the trees leafing out……..those with blossoms..blossoming …..all the flowers popping up their heads, full of color and fragrance. Just knowing the earth is coming back to life. The temperatures are mild with very low humidity – I really like that, since I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the humidity is practically non-existent. There are so many days here where we can open up the windows and doors and let all that fresh air flow through the house.

However, I also enjoy the Fall. Here in Florida, Fall seems to take a bit longer than in other places, but it does get here eventually. Once again, the humidity takes a dip, we can open up the house, and the living is great. I almost enjoy Fall more than Spring, simply because I know it will be months and months before the humidity hits us in the face again.

But Spring brings its own neat stuff. One of our favorite things to do – especially at Disney and especially at EPCOT, is to be on the lookout for new baby ducks. We’ve seen them swimming in the ponds quite often, so we look there. Occasionally we see them following-the-leader (momma duck) along some of the walkways.

They are just so CUTE! Just the other day we saw cars stopped along the roadway, to let the momma duck and her little ducklings make it safely across the street. So I guess we aren’t the only ones who enjoy that sight.

We were at SeaWorld recently, and we saw three sets of Spoonbill wading birds in their respective nests in one tree. We assumed there were either eggs or newly hatched babies in the nests, but the nests were too high in the tree for us to see.

Another favorite thing is for us to see the Sandhill Cranes with their babies. Those little fuzzballs really aren’t so little! And we especially get excited when we see mom, dad, and TWIN fuzzballs! Adorable!

As I said, Springtime is just the time for the earth – and life – to come back into its own. It’s such a joy to watch.

They (Your blessings) are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:23

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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2022 Road Trip Part 18 A

15 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 18 (6/2/2022)

Today after breakfast, I headed southeast 45 miles on SR-100 to check out the Gainesville Raceway located about 10 miles northeast of Gainesville, FL.  This raceway is the home of ‘Gatornats’ (The Baby Gators & NHRA Gatornationals drag racing).  There was nothing going on today, so I took a photo of their entrance sign and headed on down the road to visit the next museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I continued south 15 miles on SR-232 to visit the CADE Museum located in the Gainesville Depot area of Gainesville, FL.  This large museum is dedicated to inspiring and equipping young inventors and visionaries with the tools they may need to reach their potential.  This museum has two floors filled with educational improvement exhibits and interactive areas designed to guide the inquisitive mind forward.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed south 15 miles on SR-25 to visit the Micanopy Historical Museum located in the small town of Micanopy, FL.  The town of Micanopy (originally Wanton) has a history that dates from when Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto noted a Timucuan Indian village here in 1539.  The town’s slogan is “The Town that Time Forgot.”  The small museum can be found in the old original 1890 Thrasher warehouse building and displays local antique artifacts and memorabilia dating from the early 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Down the street I stopped to take a photo of the Old Evinston Post Office, which was originally built in 1882 for Simon Shettleworth for use as a warehouse.  It has been the Wood & Swink general store and Post Office since 1884.  The buildings in Micanopy/Evinston must have been constructed with loblolly or heart pine, because many of them, including the original Post Office building, are still standing and in use today after 130+ years of Florida weather.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As I was leaving Micanopy, I stopped at the old 1881 Depot Café hoping to have an early lunch, but they were not open yet.  It looked like it would be a very interesting place to eat.  Lots of local history.    Oh well, maybe the next time I’m in this area they will be open, and I can give them a try.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was another 10 miles south on US-441 to check out the Florida State Fire College located just east of I-75 in Reddick, FL.  This Fire College was founded in 1939 and is a training facility that trains fire fighters in the use of various types of firefighting methods and equipment.  I did not opt for a tour, but continued in search of my next museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Another 10 miles south on Old Gainesville Road took me to downtown Ocala, FL where I stopped long enough to take a photo of the city square with its inlayed tile patio, a gazebo, and many beautiful floral arrangements.  Ocala is another Florida city that can trace its roots back to 1539 when Hernando De Soto found another Timucua Indian village at this site.  The city of Ocala, which was founded in 1849, is named after that Timucua Chief, Ocali.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now it was another 25 miles south on I-75 to where I visited the Old Baker House Museum located in Wildwood, FL.  I have to say at this point, the traffic jam at the intersection of I-75, SR-44, and SR-91 was, by far, the worst I have encountered during this whole trip.  Miles of traffic backups in both directions of all three roads.  The Baker House Museum is situated in the old restored two-story 1890 home, built by Senator David H. Baker (1841-1917), and is filled with many of the family’s original late 1800s furnishings and other artifacts.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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King David’s Prayer

13 Mar

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps 86:6-10

Whenever trouble strikes, I will keep crying out to you,

For I know your help is on the way.

God, there’s no one like you

You outshine all others, and your miracles make it easy to know you

Lord Almighty, you are the one who created all the nations;

Look at them-they’re all on their way! 

Yes, the day will come when they all will worship you 

And put your glory on display

You are the one and only God.

What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you!

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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The Bible Story Lady

12 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

In my post of January 8, 2023, I mentioned my time in Dallas, Texas, my birthplace.  In talking about the First Baptist Church of Dallas, 

First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas – credit Fred Wills

I also mentioned Ms. Bertha Mills, the nursery worker who would take me on her lap and read a story.  I have vague memories of that.  My brother Bill says he really doesn’t remember that at all.

She wrote down some of her stories and published them in book form.  It was published by The Story Book Press out of Dallas, Texas, and copyrighted in 1948.  I have a copy of that book on hand.

Photocopy – front of the book

She had a way of telling a Bible story that children of all ages could relate to and enjoy and remember.  She had a heart for children and to see them become believers in the loving Lord that she followed.  God used her in mighty ways. 

For instance, on the front flyleaf of the book, someone wrote:

The author of these stories has been connected with The First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas for many years, long enough for a generation of children to grow to young manhood and womanhood and bring their own little ones to the church.  Many of them testify that the foundation for their faith was laid by these stories [from this book] and others, thereby proving the power of the story and especially the Bible story, to shape character.  The stories were written during the early years of the author’s ministry.  It has been proven through the years that adults enjoy them equally as much as do the children, so no attempt has been made to classify them as to age appeal.  Several of them have been recorded by Miss Mills and are available.

I have also copied the front page that Miss Bertha wrote to myself and my brother Bill (he was called Billy back in those days).

The Bible Story Book was printed and copyrighted in 1948 by The Story Book Press.  Miss Bertha had titles for her stories that included: Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Jacob’s Dream, Ruth and Naomi, David and Goliath, The Story of Jonah, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, The Boy King – Joash, The Childhood of Jesus, (many stories of Jesus’ ministry), Jesus Dying and Living Again, The Prodigal Son, The Story of the Good Samaritan, The First Missionary Pal and Barnabas, The Christmas Story…and others.

Miss Bertha was a prolific writer.  These stories were extremely well-written and entertaining – with the story of Jesus throughout.  She loved her Lord.

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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2022 Road Trip-Part 17B

9 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 17 Continued (6/1/2022) 

I was intrigued by the name ‘The Graveyard Mud Bog’ so, on my way out of Jasper, I stopped just south of town, off US-41, to see what it was all about.  Turns out I passed a dirt road, with a sign, to an old graveyard on the way to Mud Bog Park.  I guess that’s where they got that crazy name.  There was nothing going on at the Mud Bog today, so I continued south, looking for my next museum. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

After some 20 miles south on US-41 I visited the Steven Foster Museum located within the Steven Foster Folk Culture Center Park which is located on the banks of the Suwannee River in White Springs, FL.  I discovered that besides the museum, this 800-acre park includes a bell tower that chimes ‘Old Folks at Home’ and other Foster melodies throughout the day, a campground, hiking trails, bicycle trails, wildlife viewing areas, canoeing, and more.  The museum contains eight model dioramas depicting Steven Foster songs, and a collection of 18th century pianos and harpsichords.   

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

Now it was only 15 miles southeast on US-41 to visit the Columbia County Historical Museum located in downtown Lake City, FL.  This museum is situated in the old restored 1870s home of the John Vinzant Jr. family and has a large collection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia related to the history of Lake City and the surrounding Columbia County dating from the early 1800s. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

While I was in downtown Lake City, I walked over to get a photo of the Columbia County Courthouse which is located across the street from the Olustee Park.  The building was built in 1905 and was designed in the Classical Revival style.  It was renovated in 2003 for continued use by the Columbia County residents for what has now been 117 years of continuous service. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

I took the time to try and find the ‘Lake City Historic Railroad Crossing’ but couldn’t find a sign or Historical Marker for the site.  Not sure what the historical significance of the crossing could have been, other than Lake City having been the northern most point of the Southern Florida Railway beginning in the late 1800s.   

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

So, I gave Greta (My Garmin) the address of tonight’s motel, there in Lake City, and she took me right to it.  While checking in, I asked the desk clerk about good places to eat, and he said if I liked seafood, I might try Zebo’s Crab Shack there in town.  I ordered their steamed Snow Crab & Crawfish Plate which included fresh-water muscles, corn-on-the-cob, and hush puppies.  I enjoyed every bite of that delicious meal. 

Photo Credit: zebo’s crab shack lake city – Search (bing.com)

After that delicious meal, I headed back to the motel and recorded the day’s activities.  I tried to find something on TV but had to settle for the last part of an action movie I had seen before.  It was lights out for me after that.

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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Three Questions to Determine How Prepared You Are to Face Life’s Troubles

7 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 3/7/23

Are we living in dangerous times as troubles intensify? Facing them requires courage, conquering them requires faith.

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A couple of decades ago, it was a fall, breezy afternoon. The traffic was heavy in downtown St. Louis. My hands shook a little when I held my white cane and stood at the edge of the sidewalk. My very first attempt to cross the street on my own.

“Remember what I told you,” my mobility instructor said.

I gave a shy smile.

He placed his hand on my shoulder. “Listen carefully to the sound of engines, focus on each step forward, concentrate on the direction you’re going, do not hesitate or be intimidated, take firm steps swinging your cane from left to right.”

The loud and constant noise from car and truck engines before me was deafening. I froze, then looked in his direction and gave him a you’re out of your mind look. “I think we’ll go with plan B,” I said. “I’ll have a sighted person with me when I need to cross a street.”

That was the end of my mobility training. Go ahead, I give you permission to judge me as a coward and a wimpy blind gal. Without sight, crossing streets on my own was not happening.

You might also be intimidated by the traffic of troubles before you. You’re not alone. Some are paralyzed with fear. Some are confused. And others shrink back with helplessness. But perhaps you belong to the group who looks beyond the traffic, holds on to the white cane of faith and trusts in God’s understanding of your limited vision, of your uneasiness and the fear that attacks when crossing through the junk of life.

That’s why the answer to these three questions determines how equipped you are to face what’s before you and measures the level of your courage.

Three Questions to Ask Yourself

“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

When your Divine Teacher speaks, His voice drowns out the noise from the traffic of troubles, of persistent evil and approaching threats. And rather than follow the trending lines on social media, we follow Jesus as we hear His voice of comfort: “My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

And the closer we follow Him, the clearer His promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm32:8). As you cross, He will watch, guide, and shield you.

When you’re trying to navigate through days of desperation, looking at the financial struggles, broken relationships, situations you can’t change, God’s fingertips of love lift your chin for you to declare: “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

If He made all in the universe, He will make the way for you to receive His strength. He will make the path clear for you to follow His lead to keep you safe during the journey.

Is it the uncertainty of tomorrow, is it the stress you cannot handle? Is it the marriage that’s crumbling? Is it conflict with the kids?

No matter which one threatens your security or peace, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

No number of threats can bring you down, remove your courage or keep you defeated when you declare: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7).

You trust Him with each struggle, with each heartache and with each anxious moment, because He will be by your side as your steps take you to the other side where peace is found, safety awaits, and confidence is yours.

Let’s Pray

Lord, I confess I’m often paralyzed at the edge of the sidewalk of life, afraid of what could happen, but from now on, I will trust in You, listen to Your voice and with each step, hold on to Your hand for strength.

What keeps you from moving forth with courage? (For you: Bible Verses for difficult times.)

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

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