So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
Photo Credit:Pixabay
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.”
I’m going to digress a bit from “church” here – and yet, it is all related. As I’ve mentioned in previous musings, church was a very real part of my life…ALL my life. I have vague memories of our church in Dallas, Texas (First Baptist Church),
Credit to Google Search and FBC Dallas website
but just snippets – smells (Pine-Sol),
Credit Google Search
the checker-board floor tiles (black and white),
Credit Pixabay
and Miss Bertha, the nursery lady who would take me on her lap and read a story.
Scanned from the front of her book
But since we moved to Albuquerque when I was not quite four years old, my main memories of “church” was our church in Albuquerque (First Baptist Church, on the corner on Broadway and Central Avenue, also known as U.S. Route 66). I literally “grew up” in that church. I have fond memories of the friends I made there – some I still am in contact with.
Photo credit First Baptist Church, Albuquerque Google search
But in this particular posting, I would like to tell about a camp that both my brother, Bill, and I attended each summer when we were old enough to attend. If you remember, my father was the New Mexico Sunday School Secretary for the Southern Baptists – that’s why we were in Albuquerque. All of the “heads” of different departments of Southern Baptist life in New Mexico were headquartered in an office building in Albuquerque.
The Baptist Building – 1954 – main entrance
The Ministry Heads – 1954 – Daddy is on the left, standing
One of those departments was the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). That lady was Miss Eva Inlow. Miss Inlow’s father had started a camp in the mountains East of Albuquerque, for young people (teenagers) from all over the state, and it was called Inlow Youth Camp. I remember looking forward to going to Inlow Youth Camp each and every summer when I was old enough. I don’t remember that Bill and I ever attended at the same time. I suspect the camps were geared to specific age groups at different weeks.
I googled Inlow Youth Camp and this is what came up:
Credit Google Search and Inlow Baptist Camp website
Inlow Baptist Camp, started in 1941, is nestled in the beautiful Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. Inlow is a rustic retreat from the distractions of everyday life. The woodsy surroundings offer a beautiful place to worship, fellowship, relax and learn. Summer at Inlow is a pleasant atmosphere for youth camps and family camping. Fall, winter, and spring each have a different flavor for church retreats, youth camps, staff training, picnics and meetings. Inlow is a ministry of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico.
I’m glad to see that it is still in operation, and has expanded it’s ministry.
We slept in cabins, on bunks. I’m sure they had showers, but I don’t remember them. I do remember quite well the latrines – outhouses with four or five “holes”. A funny memory for sure, and none too pleasant when we had to clean them! There was a “store” where we could purchase snacks if we had the money for them – we had a “bank account” set up by our parents with whatever cash they wanted us to have. There was a dining hall. But my biggest memory was the chapel or church building. We had church services there every day, and Bible study times there. We had counselors to lead those times, as well as to be shoulders to cry on, and watch over us in the cabins.
There were all kinds of outdoor activities to be held there, as well. I remember running a race around the campground – and probably coming in last…I wasn’t a very fast runner!
But it was a wonderful time in my life. Here is a picture of a group of us sitting by our church, waiting for our ride to camp. I’m not in this picture, but I loved all these kids.
And here are more pictures of our time at Inlow Youth Camp:
Two of my best friends
That’s me…and my best friend
Some of the boys – not all from our church
Some of the girls and counselors
~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~
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.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” my friend said as she tapped my arm. “I can’t believe I asked if you saw that movie. I keep forgetting about your…”
I laughed. “Of course, I saw it,” I said, “even without eyesight, I can still enjoy the dialogue, plot, message and story line.”
I confess though, learning to enjoy movies while blind took time. When I first lost my sight, I feared my life would be so insanely limited, I’d spend my days with wrinkled tissue in hand seated on my sofa of self-pity. But when Jesus opened the eyes of my heart, all changed. I embraced courage to try new things, to explore options, and to plunge into areas that some view as seemingly illogical.
It’s in our praises…
In the middle of today’s mess, God is also asking us to do something a bit illogical. When disturbing thoughts invite depression, He provides the answer. The solution isn’t so much in persevering during trials, or persisting during tough time. Rather, it’s in our praises…at all times.
But how can we manage that? Praise Him when things crumble around us? Praise Him when all seems out of control? Praise Him when pain never stops?
Like the blind going to the movies, the concept of praising God when the chains of despair grip tighter defies logic. But these men in the Bible did that very thing: Joseph, when unfairness shook him. David, when he faced his sin. Nehemiah, when he saw destruction. Elijah, when fear gripped him. Paul, when he was in chains.
None of them demanded explanations. Instead, they had blind obedience to God when He directs to praise Him…in the bad, the ugly and the sad. Each of them came out triumphant before depression pressed in. That’s because they knew that although God doesn’t give explanations, He gives promises.
And as each one prevailed back then, they will prevail today as well. Even as we’re caught in a spiritual, destructive war. We march to the battlefield with confidence by our side because we possess the most powerful weapon to prevent depression—to praise God. Praise His Holy name. Praise Him for what He’s done and praise Him for what He’s about to do.
Five Declarations
What will He do and when? We don’t know. But while we wait, let’s get bold. No matter how upside down this world gets or how deep our personal distress, we’ll not retreat. Instead, we’ll recharge our courage to make these five declarations:
Should my efforts fail, my ways end up wrong, and my plans fall apart, depression or sadness will not come near me because “my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever” (Psalm 44:6-8).
The world may turn darker and become hopeless, “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long” (Psalm 71:14-15).
No matter what bad news rattle my world, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).
Even when my life didn’t turn out as I wanted, “I will praise you “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You” (Psalm 63:3-4).
I will silence words of negativity, pessimism or gloom. Instead, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You…” (Psalm 71:23).
Dare I admit that through my blindness I praise Him? Not because I like being blind but because His healing is already mine. Whether it manifests itself today or in heaven, I spend my days singing the melody of praise as it ushers in a colorful portrait of joy.
Maybe blindness isn’t what turned your world dark, but whatever it is, victory is yours when you remember that when your lips praise the King of kings, lamenting or complaining end. When in your mind you Praise Him, negative thoughts vanish. When your habit becomes to praise Him, depression cannot come in. You become a triumphant warrior as you stand under the banner of praise.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for showing me the way to guard against depression, anguish and distress. My lips, mind and life will learn to praise You in all things, at all times and in all ways. Thank You for the security we find in Your promises. Amen.
Are you willing to begin the new year with a habit of praise?
Janet
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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.
We are almost a week into a new year. December is a pleasant blur. We celebrated the holidays in the North Carolina mountains. Our daughter drove up from warm and sunny Florida just in time to experience very unusual cold temperature.
Shortly after she arrived, the temperatures sank as far as 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -17 degrees celsius. She enjoyed the frigid weather, I did too in between praying that our water pipes would not freeze.
In recent years we have adopted a traditional Christmas afternoon drive.This year it was too cold and the roads were still icy so we delayed our drive for a day. We stayed cozy in our PJs, drank homemade eggnog and watched Christmas movies.
We live close to several waterfalls and people on Facebook were sharing pictures of them being frozen. This is not an every year occurrence and I was excited on the 26th to to see them.
We were unable to visit our favorite Dry Falls. The parking lot was full and traffic was backed up into the highway. Even so, it was a fun and memorable day. All too soon, the day arrived for our daughter to return to Florida.
She left at 7:30 am and at 9:00 am were on our way to celebrate Christmas with cousins near Boone, NC. We had reserved an adorable small cottage not far from our cousins house. To our amazement and delight, the modern furnishings were accented with an assortment of antiques. I had never seen a fan like this one.
There was also an assortment of vintage Tonka trucks and a lot of pewter pieces.
2023 arrived with no fanfare or loud fireworks and after a pleasant but tiring day with my cousins, we slept peacefully in the cozy cottage. A nice way to enter a new year. We only spent two nights at the cottage but I hope we can return and stay longer.
On January 3rd we had an unexpected visitor. My husband opened the front door and the visitor flew past my husband and made itself at home.
Not going. No way no how.
It had been a long day and we were tired but my husband tried to be gentle with our visitor. It gave us quite a bit of exercise trying to convince it to depart. After almost an hour, it finally decided to fly through the open door to the garage. We shut it quickly and decided to help it make its way out of the garage the next day. We didn’t see the little bird after that. We think it flew out when we raised the garage door.
Severe thunder storms were predicted for overnight and man, they were not wrong.. Booms, crashing and vivid lightning seemed to go on and on. Thunder in the mountains creates a serous echo! The next morning I checked my new rain gauge.
Soon, we will close up our mountain house to spend winter and part of spring in Florida with our daughter. We are truly blessed to be able to enjoy both the cool temperatures of the mountains and the sunshine and color of a Florida winter. We will catch up with precious friends, worship at our home church and maybe even throw in a trip to Disney World. A big plus…fast internet! Our mountain internet is awful and drives me to distraction
2023 is here and I will rejoice and be glad. In the blink of the eye, 2024 will be here.
After a quick breakfast this morning, I headed southwest 30 miles on I-75 skirting Cincinnati, OH, where I picked up I-71. I had wanted to visit the Creation Museum, but it was too far out of my travel route so, I just continued south another 30 miles on I-75/I-71 to where I visited the Ark Encounter located in Williamstown, KY. I had hoped to beat the crowd, if possible, but there were lots of people already waiting in line to buy tickets by the time I arrived at the attraction.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
The wait to purchase a ticket was short, and the agent gave me a ‘Double’ discount for being a Veteran and over 65 years old. I was pleased with that start of the day. However, the wait for the bus to the Ark entrance was another story. It was like being at Disney. The lines went back and forth forever, it seemed. Once we arrived at the Ark, I was blown away by the size of the thing. At 510 feet long, 85 feet tall, and 51 feet wide; it is huge! They told us it took 3.3 million board feet of lumber, 1000 workers, and six years to build. This photo doesn’t begin to show the size of the Ark, as it is far behind me. Just try to see the people down near the right end of the Ark. You can hardly see them for how tiny they are by comparison!
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
It was a pretty good walk from where this picture was taken, where the bus dropped us off, to where we actually entered the Ark. There was a sloping ramp for wheelchairs on the outside, and elevators for those who needed them at the main entrance. Then it was one long ramp after another to reach the first level.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
The Arc was divided into three levels. The first, or lower level, was specifically designed for, and held, models of large caged animals. I never did see where they would have kept the really big animals, like the elephants and giraffes. The cages for these animals emitted very realistic sound effects of the various types of animals. Food storage bags for these various animals were arranged, floor to ceiling, on the other side for easy access.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
Tons of animal food storage bags gave the impression that it took a hugh amount of food to keep all those animals fed. It was amazing at how organized the animal cages and food storage bags were. I guess it needed to be that way in order to be able to take care of that many animals for a long period of time.
The second, or middle level, held the smaller animals, reptiles, and birds. There were also sound effects of the many various types of birds. Food storage containers for the many types of small animals and birds lined the walls from floor to ceiling on this level also.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
The top level was set aside for living quarters, food preparation area, and workshops for Noah and his family. There was a large amount of food containers and clay oil jars lining the walls. Many of these items were located close to the food preparation area for ease of access.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
I would have thought that food preparation for Noah and his family was the least of their problems. My guess would be that feeding and caring for all those animals would have taken up most of their time every day.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
The Bible doesn’t mention that God told Noah how long he would be in the Ark. Noah must have planned for a long voyage, or, he was used to a very comfortable living, as the family living quarters were quite luxurious for the ‘zoo boat’ they were in.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
And of course, Noah needed to preserve as much history as he could for future generations, so there was a library, or study, of sorts. This room was filled with scrolls, charts and writing materials for Noah to record the past history, his experiences in the Ark, and the New World he and his family would find at the end of their voyage.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
And, of course, there would always be the need for a workshop, to make repairs to any part of the Ark as the need arose. You know, like broken animal pens, leaks on the boat’s hull, and other such mundane tasks.
Photo Credit: Bill Lites
There was a lot to see and read on each level. I didn’t read everything and only spent two hours going thru the Ark. A person could easily spend the whole day in the Ark and the other things that are a part of the Ark Encounter attraction, such as the Ararat Ridge Zoo and even a camel ride if you dare.
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.
You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You.
Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us. He has humbled those who were proud.
Lord, you make the path smooth for good people; the road they travel is level.
We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire.
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.”
I guess I am just like most people when it comes to New Years – “I AM going to lose those _____ pounds this year!” “I AM going to get the house in order!” “I AM going to scan all those pictures and get them in an album!” etc., etc., etc.
So, resolutions not-with-standing, what are my memories of New Years past? I guess my favorite memory is of growing up in my church in Albuquerque.
Photo credit First Baptist Church, Albuquerque Google search
For many years, on New Year’s Eve, the church would have a program that started about 6:00 p.m. with a dinner. Now, this was a fairly large church, and we had a paid staff who made the meals every Wednesday evening, before the regular activities began. And those ladies made the BEST dinner rolls!!! Nothing I’ve ever been able to duplicate!
Anyway, dinner started at 6:00 p.m. After that, I remember either a movie shown on a large screen in the sanctuary, or games. Perhaps there were games for the smaller children – I just don’t remember. But then there was a time of “remembrance” or sharing. Just being thankful for the year that was passing away, and looking forward to the new one approaching.
But the best thing about the entire evening, was that, after the sharing time, we would – literally – ring the outer edges inside the sanctuary, holding hands to make a funny-shaped circle, and pray in the New Year. We could hear the fireworks going off, and people yelling outside the church building. But inside, we were asking God to bless the New Year, and us in it, and our part of it. It was an extremely wonderful time.
And then I remember some New Year’s Eve’s in our small church in Virginia.
Seaford Baptist Church, Seaford, Virginia Oldest buildings
We would gather for a time of sharing and remembrance, then share the Lord’s Supper together, and then pray in the New Year. I do remember one year that Karen and Brian married (on December 30). As we were sharing thoughts, I shared that I would have to learn to keep my mouth shut and be a good mother-in-law!
The pastor would try to do the Lord’s Supper differently some times, to make it more meaningful for us. I remember a time when he had a loaf of bread, and we pinched off our own little piece. I also remember a time when there was a community cup for each family to share the “wine” (grape juice in the Baptist church!).
But in all the memories I have, it always culminated with prayer for the New Year. And I can’t think of a better way to start any New Year, than asking God’s blessings upon it.
May YOUR New Year be blessed beyond measure.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 15:13
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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