North Florida Writer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Life Around Us
  • Contact
  • MY BOOK PAGE

It Was a Day I Will Never Forget

11/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
In memory of Dad on the 62d anniversary of the day he went to heaven,. I''ll see you again one day.
 November 30, 1956, exactly sixty-two years ago today, was a Friday just like most Friday's were for a young boy of nine.  Friday meant that the weekend was almost here and I could look forward to playing football, having my favorite lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup and also spending time with my Lionel train on its basement track.  Along with several neighborhood friends, we loved to rearrange the track layout and see with that big old heavy engine could pull.  And that Friday morning went by fast and living only a block away from my neighborhood school, I came home for lunch.

Something seemed amiss with Mom when I walked in saying hi.  She just got off the phone and wasn't her usual cheerful self, seeming absorbed with something on her mind.  She bounced back, however, and fixed my sandwich  and sat with me while I ate. As I finished, she said she must go on an errand and I should go on back to school early. She hugged me and said she'd see me after school.  I had no idea what was going on but I knew something wasn't quite right.

Arriving back at school twenty minutes before the class bell rang, I joined in on a kickball game and forgot all about what was going on back home.  Then in our first afternoon class we studies Virginia history before attending the weekly student assembly in the school auditorium.  We were watching a National Geographic educational film about wildlife in the Arctic region when I was tapped on the shoulder by Miss Harris, my teacher, telling me I was called to the   Principal's office.  Oh, no, I thought, what have I done.  Principal Lucille Wheeler was a disciplinarian of the first order and when summoned it usually wasn't for something good.  She had a different countenance on this day as she gently told me that my father died over a hour ago.  She hugged me and told me how sorry she was and sent me home with Mrs. Lee, a neighbor who came to escort me.

That kind neighbor told me something very important on the walk home.  She said I should always be thankful that I knew my father well, for her father died when she was less than one year old and she only knew him through pictures.  That stuck with me for a lifetime as I think about those much less fortunate than me who never saw their dad, while I knew my dad as a kind and conscientious man who always put his family first.

Dad was buried on Sunday on a cold winter day and I remember the large crowd, the flowers and how everyone was so kind, but I refused to go to school the next day.  Mom was worried about me and talked to my pediatrician who just told her to be patient and let me work it out for myself.  By Thursday, I realized that feeling sorry for myself was not going to do me any good and that evening Mom and I had a long talk.  It was the first time I saw her cry since we learned of Dad's death and she let them flow.  But then she looked up at me, wiped the tears out of her eyes and said something very profound.

"Son," she said, "we will be fine.  The life will be different but we will be fine. Your job is to help me and your big sister and brother to make this a family again.  We'll always miss Dad but God had other plans.  Now we must make the most of it.  And go ahead and stay home tomorrow and think about that, for one of your friends will bring all the homework you missed.  I want you to do it this weekend and then get back to school on Monday."

Well, that afternoon, my friend Bobby did indeed arrive with my homework assignments,   but he did more than that.  He invited me to come play football down the street, something that we usually did nearly every afternoon after school.  I joined in the game and it brought me back, that and the words of my mom.  And I decided to move on, to try to grow into the man that my father would have expected of me and to live my life to the fullest.

Now, in my older years, I remember that event on that day so long ago like it was yesterday.  But I look at it differently, for I know that perhaps God's plan was for me to be independent and learn to do things for myself.  After all, my dad had a tough upbringing, but he worked his way through college and medical school to become a doctor. He would have probably spoiled me rotten like so many self-made fathers do, wanting an easier life for his children than he had himself.  And while I chose a different path, I did make my own choices and never asked anyone else for anything for nothing.  And as I look today at a society when so many expect things to be given to them, things which they never fully appreciate for they never earned them, I am glad that life required me to look at things the way I do.

And now, on this cold November 30th, I have shared that day with others as I do every  year.  And now it's time to turn to the joy and happiness of the season which I start tomorrow on the "Road to Christmas."  And to dear Dad looking down on me from heaven above, I can just imagine the wonder s\what Christmas must be like up there in the heavenly realm. I am sure it is beautiful beyond human comprehension. And something else, Dad, I plan to one day come home like you have and see you and Mom together again in a grand reunion.  Won't that be something?

0 Comments

THE ROAD TO CHRISTMAS BEGINS ON SATURDAY

11/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
A beautiful way to enter Asheville, NC at Christmastime.
Saturday will kickoff of our "Road to Christmas" celebration for 2018  on northfloridawriter.com.  The most wonderful time of the year begins  for us on that day and my blog posts will all be related to Christmas, past and present.  There will be serious discussions of faith, fun time with Santa and all the Christmas joys for children, some memories, beautiful pictures and we'll just see how it flows. The main point, however, is to keep it all about Christmas and what it is meant to be.

Tomorrow, the last day of November, I will close out the month with a true but sad story that impacted my life on this very day sixty-two years ago. It took me a while to get over it, but my faith helped as did family and it made me stronger and more independent than I might have been otherwise.  I will tell you that first Christmas after the event was a tough one as it was for the entire family, but we weathered through and made it.  And now when I look back at it I remember it while knowing that with the coming of Christmas the somber must give way to the joy we should all have knowing that we will celebrate the birth of the King of Kings in the form of God and Man. For it means his life on earth, to teach and preach and save the world with his life sacrifice began.  It ended with us all being forgiven by Him, leaving the only task for us to solidify our standing with Him was believing in Him by faith and giving our life to Him.

So, open your heart this Christmas season with joy and love, for the birth we celebrate was God's way of trying to give us what we needed to gain salvation.   It's the greatest gift we could ever be given and it started with that birth in a lowly manger.  Enjoy the lights, the shopping, the laughter of children and the merry gatherings with all the good food and fellowship, but as we  traverse our winter highway, never forget the real "Reason for the Season."

I hope you will join me and use this little bit of Christmas which I try to provide to enhance your appreciation for the good fortune we have been given by a Living God. God bless you all.

0 Comments

THIS YEAR FOR CHRISTMAS, WHAT IF.........

11/28/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
A most efficient organization: Nearly all contributions go to a worthy cause.
We Americans are truly an amazing people, but sometimes that isn't always good, because we are also amazing in the way we  spend money, often  making  a sailor on liberty after long days at sea look like a saint. By the way, no offense is meant to sailors, it's just an old expression.  And Christmas is one of those  times when many of us throw caution to the wind and spend well beyond our means as we get lost in the season.  But what if we made a conscious effort to change our ways this year?

I can hear the response now and it sometimes goes like this: "I like my Christmas season just the way it is and if I overspend, well, I can catch up in the first three months of the new year." Sadly, I just read a good article on that subject in a financial periodical and it estimates that a majority of those who overspent still have some of last year's expenses  on their credit card balance. So much for that issue.

But that's really not the point here, but it is a sad fact. However, what if we solved the problem by not spending so much money on "stuff" but investing some of our time to do something good for others, those who are not likely to have a Merry Christmas due to the many problems they might face.  We could volunteer some time like these two ladies with the Salvation Army, an organization that likely leads the pack in using the resources gained for their primary mission. We could spend some time working in a  soup kitchen at a church or other helping hand organization. Then there is the simple  task of visiting someone we know who is sick or lonely, maybe a bedridden soul or an elderly lady from our church who no longer can physically attend services.  She would certainly love to see someone other than the pastor to visit with her. What if we committed one or two days of our time over the Christmas season to do such things?  It might really surprise you.

I remember as a younger man  when I was the adult leader of our church youth group and the time we spent an evening visiting nursing homes  to sing Christmas carols and just spend a few moments with some of the residents.  Many of them had relatives who just didn't visit any longer and the smiles on their faces as they listened to the singing and got a chance to see young people again was truly magical.  We did it several more years because it was received so well but, more than that, the young people felt  pride in knowing that they had given something of themselves for no reason other than love and good will.

And as far as the other issue, that of spending goes, here's a way to accomplish what is needed and leave money left over for other things. Try limiting the gift giving within your family to one gift per person.  We started doing that years ago and we found it made such good sense.  For what people really want is time. Time with one another to share, love and enjoy each other's company. If we put the effort into that, and less into the ordeal of trying to outdo each other and what we can give and  get, the true Spirit of Christmas will rise to the occasion.  You'll feel better, you wallet will still be of use and I truly think God will be smiling down on you, particularly when he sees you heading out on your "meals on wheels detail," passing out "toys for tots," or spending time with a young child in the hospital dying of cancer.  The more you give of yourself with love and care, the more you get in return for Christmas.  It's not the material things, it's the feeling you get when you open your heart.

Try it, I think you'll find that you'll not only like it, but love it and the returns will be many fold in ways that you'll never believe could be true.  God bless you all.

0 Comments

Because He Lives, We Can, Too

11/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Another blessed soul is welcomed by Jesus
Yesterday I experienced a very unique church service which truly touched my heart.  I briefly mentioned it on my Facebook author page but think it's worthy of further exploration today.  It involved the death of a very sweet woman, one who carried the countenance of God wherever she went and it was sad to see her die in her forties.  She suffered from cancer, fought the battle hard, but in the end she lost the battle but won the war for her soul as anyone who ever met her could attest to.  I didn't know her well, but she always took the time to say something upbeat and positive to all of us who attended church with her.  What I want to focus on, however, is the way our Pastor  blended the memorial together with the regular church service as if it was a natural, even though he said it was a first for him in his long career in the ministry.

Pastor Paul announced that we'd skip the individual praises, prayer requests and announcements due to the time constraints of the occasion and we moved right into the memorial service.  A number of family members and close friends, good country folk who knew this woman well, were surprisingly elegant in their individual eulogies. It was as if the Holy Spirit was directly guiding them in what they said so well and indeed, I believe that was the case.  Then the Pastor offered comments and a prayer, ending the memorial portion of the service with his own wish that when it was his turn to return home, he hoped that people remembered him with such kind and  praising words.

The sermon was about God's love, how He wants each of us to know Him and how disappointed He must be when we mortals let Him down.  But the hope for all of us came when the Lord offered up His Son for our sins and how that forgiveness always awaits us.  All we have to do is accept it and believe and we will inherit a place that has been  prepared for us.  And this is the point where he tied the life of the dearly departed into the sermon's conclusion, saying that we all hope to see our loved ones who have departed us again. He suggested that if we live our life like that nice lady lived hers, we will, for there was no doubt in his mind that she was already in the place Jesus prepared for her. And she was now wrapped in the loving arms of the Savior who has welcomed her as she contemplates an eternal life without pain, suffering or worry.

The icing on the cake was a wonderful celebration of her life with a luncheon where we who were church members got to know our visitors and we all watched in wonder how the countenance of the grieving husband changed into a smile. I truly believe that at that moment he knew what his dearly departed expected of him and that he committed to fulfilling it and then seeing her in heaven when his time on earth is done.  It was  a touching service and a touching finale.  God be praised!

0 Comments

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Where's the Line to See Jesus?

11/24/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The children line up to tell Santa what they dream of for Christmas.
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we move rapidly toward Christmas,  that beautiful and wonderful time when life takes on a magical air and we all, young and old alike, become a kid again, if only for a short period.  The retail sales establishments, of course, have been planning for this event for months since it is so important to their bottom line at the end of the year.  And while many started putting up displays in weather where we could often still wear shorts, the Christian calendar will begin the official season on a week from today, the First Sunday of Advent.

Perhaps nothing lightens up the eyes of a child more obviously than the annual trip to see Santa.  The anticipation is in the air and the smiles are on their faces as they stand anxiously in line waiting for the opportunity to sit in Santa's lap and tell him what they truly want for Christmas.  Sometimes the wait at the big establishments is for hours as parents and children live on the dream generation after generation.  I's memorable, fun and just part of growing up, but it does bring with it a question that each of us should ponder and it's this:

                                      WHERE' THE LINE TO SEE JESUS?

Think about that question and ponder it.  We are willing to drive long distances, stand in line waiting for hours and all for the fun of watching our children have the opportunity for a short, personal visit with Santa.  But at the same time, we often have difficulty finding the time to  visit with Our Lord and Savior, the one whose birth far exceeds  the magic and mystery of Santa as a back-up prop.  We can find millions of excuses to use for not spending time with Jesus, yet we will jump over any hurdle for that illustrious visit with Santa.  It just doesn't seem right because, frankly, it's not.  We should be ashamed of ourselves.

A few years ago, a pretty young woman who is a gifted singer, Becky Kelley of St. Louis, performed a new song about this very subject.  The title is the same as the question just posed: Where's the Line to See Jesus.  It's a beautiful song and she sings it accompanied by her father, Steve, in a rendition that was adapted to video presentation on U-Tube.  It tells us in word and picture just what I wrote about, only in a much more convincing fashion.  So, I hope readers will listen to it and take the words to heart, for they are all so very true.  And it's okay to carry on that  tradition of visiting Santa and awaiting his visit, but just  remember that we need to put the "Reason for the Season" first and that reason is Jesus' birthday.  That event is what made Him both Man and God on this earth, to preach, teach and ultimately die on Calvary's Cross for our sins.  Without the forgiveness that event gave us, we would have no hope for something after mortal life. With it, when we accept it, we gain Everlasting Life, a gift far more valuable than anything Santa or anyone other than Jesus can  provide us.  It is the ultimate gift that never dies.

Here's the link to the music.  Just cut and past it into your browser.  When it begins to play, it will start with an ad in song, so just hit the skip ad  marker on the video and it will  take you to Ms. Kelley's performance.  I hope you'll find it moves you as much as it did me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY

If this doesn't get us in the proper holiday Spirit, I don't know what will.  Be blessed.


0 Comments

Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving:  George Washington Says it Best

11/22/2018

0 Comments

 
PictureGeorge Washington seeking divine guidance in the struggle underway.

It's personally sad to contemplate, but there are some among us who would eliminate Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, claiming that America is now such a multi-cultural nation that we should not force our old fashioned value structure on others.  To that I say hogwash, since the historical and cultural background of America is such a  major part of what America is.  Millions have come to these shores seeking to become Americans, recipients of the American Spirit as well,  and part of that means adopting her heart and soul as their own as well.

For the few who want to spoil that, the many will not change.  Those who disagree may, of course, keep their views to themselves in a free society but we must never allow them to alter the tradition that the overwhelming majority of honor in recognizing the central nature of our Creator to our nation and the blessings that He has so graciously given us.  Thanksgiving is a special time when all good Americans gather together to thank the Lord for the many blessings that we all have and it's appropriate that we do so.

If you have any doubt about the direction that our Founders set for America, read the Declaration of Independence which clearly states our reliance on The Creator and his grant of inalienable rights which government does not have the authority to remove.  And one of the best examples of America's need to thank God for all that He has given us while also acknowledging our commitment to Him as a people is the 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation from our first President, George Washington.  Washington appreciated the sacrifice that so many made under his leadership as a General in harsh conditions to earn our freedom from British oppression.  And He knew without the grace of God that America would have never gained her independence.

So, as we prepare to  celebrate Thanksgiving Day today and all that it represents and means, Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 is offered in its entirety below.  Read it, ponder it and wonder at its wisdom and value for as a people graced by God we are truly blessed.  A suggestion might be reading it as part of your celebration since so many of us are so poorly educated today about our historical foundation. Make no mistake about it; this land we love was a creation of God.

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington


God bless America as we gather together for this great holiday!

 



0 Comments

NOSTALGIC MEMORIES OF THANKSGIVING TRAVEL

11/21/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
All of us have memories of travel for Thanksgiving.  It’s a wonderful time to gather together in thankfulness with those who are far away that we love.  The memories are good ones, we always forget the not so hot moments, but even they are funny when we look back at them later.  One such occasion in my family was about twenty years ago when we were living in Jacksonville.  We wanted to go home to Virginia to visit family and our plans were to fly to Norfolk, then rent a car at the airport and drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. We would visit at the home of my father-in-law in the quaint bayside town of Onancock on the Eastern Shore.

Always looking for a good deal, we decided to fly out in the wee hours of the morning on Thanksgiving Day.  I had to work all day Wednesday and did not want the hassle of a late- night flight, then the two-hour drive to Onancock. Besides, Thanksgiving morning flights came with a huge discount and according to the ticket agent on the phone, there were quite a number of empty seats, allowing us to spread out a bit with an empty seat in the middle of the row.  I could really stretch out. 

The airline agent on the phone informed me there would be a stop with change on the way due to the heavy volume of previous night flights but that it would only lengthen our travel time by about an hour.at Thanksgiving time. I made the arrangements and bright and early we arrived at the airport and picked up our tickets, took a seat in the waiting area and awaited boarding. The plane was on the tarmac and passengers joined us but there were only about forty, which even at this strange flying time seemed very small. After all, connecting flights to Norfolk were through either Atlanta or Charlotte and were usually quite full any day of the year.

I pulled out my ticket and looked at it and quickly found out why.  Our connecting flight was taking us to “Motown,” Detroit, the Motor City. Talking about going around my knee to get to my thumb, I couldn’t believe it. But then I realized the mistake I had made for I told the telephone agent I was willing to take a connecting flight as I wanted to save money and she took it upon herself to find the cheapest flight, which happened to be via the roundabout route through Detroit. So, sitting there building a slight stew, I had no one to blame but myself.

Luckily, the layover in Detroit was very fast and the connection was at the gate adjacent to arrival, so when we made it to Norfolk, we were only forty-five minutes behind schedule. We were blessed by a strong jet stream that pushed the plane along its way.  As we walked off the plane in Norfolk and went to the rental car station, I decided to splurge a bit and got an upgraded rental.   At least I could go into the in-law’s house in style while my wife told her mom about my cost saving flight arrangements.

But even the car pickup wasn’t without an issue, for when I was dropped off at the lot and the bus headed back to the airport, I noticed a significant dent in the fender and I didn’t want to be blamed for it. So, I flagged down the next bus and told the driver. He laughed and told me not to worry.

“Every car on this lot probably has least one dent, Captain,” he said in a joking voice, “This is Navy Town USA and they send all the minor defects to us to rent.”

 I did write out a note and asked him to give it the person on duty, citing lot and space number and condition and I made a note to memory about it for later and then we were off.  Well, the big Town Car was nice and drove like a charm and the traffic was light since most travelers already had completed their journey. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon as we drove across the bay and we made it to Onancock by three, two hours before dinner would be served.

The weekend was a long one, we stayed until Monday and all went well on the trip back until we started our descent into Detroit. The rental car company acknowledged the car was fine so at least that potential problem was out of the way. But looking down at Detroit on a drab afternoon with snow falling, I could see that most of the runways were covered.  The Captain came on before touchdown and told us connecting flights would fly, but there would be significant delays. My mind thought back to college days and flying home under similar conditions and being grounded for nearly twenty-four hours in Chicago.  The good news, however, was that the storm was ending so that runway clearing would begin soon.  And I had to thank God for clearing us to land on the last open runway at the airport.

We arrived at four and decided to get a bite to eat.  That was fortunate since we didn’t depart until almost nine. And Wayne County Airport was in the midst of a big renovation, so with the large going home crowd of impatient flyers, the limited places to sit due to the construction, I’ve never been so glad to get on a plane with a seat instead of sitting in a crowded hallway on the floor. But we did make it.  A day that should have ended with arrival home l at six-thirty didn’t end until eleven and I had to go to work the next morning.

We made the trip several more times before loss of parents, but from then on, I decided to drive. We took our time, often took less crowded back roads and saw places of interest that we would have never seen otherwise. And now I always try to look for the blessing in the clouds of daily life even when it looks gloomy . There are many when we open our eyes and look.

 
 
 
 

1 Comment

Thanksgiving 2018: Be Thankful for Your Many Blessings

11/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Nicely set Thanksgiving table
One of my favorite holidays of the year is almost here.  Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, often with many traveling long distances for the occasion.  Friendships are renewed and updated with talk of things that have transpired since you last met and a wonderful meal is shared, usually with everyone leaving the table having to loosen their belts. Many, my family included, offer a special Thanksgiving prayer for those who can't be with us and for the bounty of food which we are about to enjoy.  Then, after the feast, many gather around the TV for the big game which usually ends up with several snoring as the result of too much to eat.

But do we really appreciate what it is we celebrate or do we just go through the numbers by memory from years past?  I think on this day, several days before the big event, we should truly ponder all of the blessings that we have and which we so often take for granted.  Take the time to sit down and make a list.   You'll be surprised at how blessed you are and what's more, by looking at all the blessings you have, maybe, just maybe, you won't be so self-centered in what you are asking for.  Sometimes they are material things, like your home or that special car that you wax and wash every week. Or they could be someone, not something, like a wonderful husband or wife, fantastic and cute children or that very special friend who is always there for you.

But I also think of something else and, as I get older, these blessings are sometimes the best because you can refer back to them as you look over your life.  These blessings are all of my great memories, memories of where I've been, things I've  done and all those wonderful people, or even the pets, that I've known in my life.  This area is very special to me, particularly when I go all the way back to my childhood and remember those "Summers at Old Nags Head" which played such a great part in making me who I am today and what I believe.  And those glorious golden days on a beautiful beach are always on my list of things I'm thankful for that I try to mention in my thanksgiving prayer to God above.

Compiling such a list opens our memory bank to come alive and it provides things that we should always be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day.  Come to think of it, they also make a great way to aid in forgetting those worries on your mind when you turn in for sleep each night. Do you remember what the great Bing Crosby sang many years ago about this very message? Well, here are the key words.

"If you worry and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. And you'll go to sleep, counting your blessings."

Try it, you might just find its the medicine you need to cure your insomnia. And, what's more, it will make your life more satisfying as well.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving week, my friends, and get ready.  That wonderful day of fun, food and thanksgiving is almost here.

0 Comments

Yes, We'll Gather at the River

11/18/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  Revelation 22:1

It's Sunday, the Sabbath, a day for worship and rest.  It's the day that serves as the foundation for our week ahead.  We Christians start the day with worship and praise for the One who has promised everlasting life if we believe in Him and follow His guidance.  Our time worshiping him with others is a fitting way to get ready for the start of another week.  We recommit to Him publicly and commit to go forth with Christian spirit and love.  It is designed to help us focus on the central part that He plays in our lives and on keeping us true and righteous.

So we'll gather at the river, the river of the water of life, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.  Like those people pictured being baptized in the River Jordan, the river of the water of life is present in our gatherings in churches throughout the Christian world just as He is with us wherever we go. He is our hope and our salvation.  Just as water is a central ingredient in sustaining life on earth, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is central to overcoming our mortality. Our everlasting life to come is totally dependent on Him and His grace.

Dear Lord,  Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to give the ultimate gift, His life in return for ours.  Help us to always appreciate this gift and to love Him and devote ourselves to Him.  And help us to go out among friends and strangers as well and witness for Him.  It is our responsibility to spread the word of His love and hope so that others might also live forever.

Give us strength to deal with adversity, to overcome those who would do us harm and ridicule us, and to be steadfast through good and bad knowing that, in the end, we will be the recipients of the most wonderful gift of all, eternal life with Jesus and Thee.  We ask in His name, Amen.  


Rejoice knowing that with Jesus you have the most precious and wonderful future to look forward to forever. No armies are great enough and no rulers are powerful enough to take this gift away from you.  They are nothing in comparison to Him.  Fear not and praise the Lord.




0 Comments

The Wonder and Joy of a Crisp Fall Day

11/17/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mist forms in the crisp air over the warmer lake as the sun turns the picture into gold.
I love the fall and as a native Virginian I often long for a crisp, fresh morning like those I remember growing up. We get some of those down here in Florida, but seldom do they match areas where the third season of the year is lengthy.   Yesterday, however, in mid-November, we've finally come to a day that lives up to fall. I knew the previous night it was coming for a front passed by with rain and the wind picked up,  sure signs that a change was underway.

Arising early in the morning, the house was chilly but I decided not to turn the heat on yet. It would be the first time since last March that I even considered it.  Instead, I got out some jeans instead of the often appropriate shorts and a heavy flannel barn shirt as I prepared for my chores.  Walking outside, the steps were wet from the rain and the sky was overcast, but off to the east where the sky was changing from the dark of night to gray, I could see that the clouds would soon be breaking.

Despite the heavy  flannel work shirt and gloves, it was chilly, but I knew my preparation for feeding in the barn would warm me and I enjoyed  the clean crisp air that replaced the  usual humidity of warm weather.  The horses were frisky in the pasture, a sign that they noticed the chill as well and I know I had to take care to step back as they came in.  As long as no visitors are present, I let them run in since they all know their stall. Taking them out was, of course, a different issue since they would devour the yard around the barn and the house if I let them.

The barn cats were sitting on the ledge near their feeding place and the outdoor dogs, Val and Sal, the Great Pyrenees, entered  the barn to greet me and look for their food as well. They were especially chipper since it was quite chilly,  just the way they like it.  The colder, the better is the way they see things with their double coats of fur. Before putting out the grain and doling out hay for the horses, I checked the thermometer and found it was thirty seven degrees, chilly indeed.

Once the  horses were in their stalls which I secured, I fed little Angus, our Shetland pony and his sidekick, Sammy the goat. They have a special paddock and despite their continual squabbling, they are miserable when apart. Today was no exception in the disagreeable department for, as I went to their feed buckets, Angus nipped Sammy and he in turn, reared up and banged Angus with his head.  Angus thought nothing of it, chasing Sammy around the paddock until they both realized that there was food in their buckets.
 
Before returning to the barn to put the horses out to pasture, I spread scratch for the chickens and looked for eggs and then fed the koi in the fish pond.  When I put the last of the horses out, I looked to the eastern tree line and saw fast moving clouds of purple, then pink and golden and I knew the sun was about to show itself. I went inside, grabbed a cup of coffee and stood at the fence to watch the  beautiful spectacle  unfold.

The first indication was the sky brightening and then fine rays of sun shining through the line of pines to our east. It wasn't long before the rays were reaching beyond those trees and starting to shine down on the land about me and the added  brightness brought something else to view. A family of deer was grazing in the field and a flock of turkeys was also nearby.  They weren't frightened of me, for they know that I am not a hunter and that my property is safe during hunting season.  Even the horses follow peaceful coexistence with them since neither is a threat to the other.

As I savored my rich coffee and looked at the scene I see so often yet never tire of, I realized that the reason I wanted to live in the country was clearly present right now. The peace, the serenity, the beauty and the abundance of different, but all very special creatures makes this homestead so special for me and my wife. And I know that it is all part of the wonders of this world that we all owe to God.   Thank you, Lord for giving me this beautiful day and for making it fulfill my wish for a real fall day even down here in the Sunshine State.   I couldn't ask for a better start to what  turned into a most wonderful day. 

And now, the day after, I begin my day with a repeat performance, sunny crisp and cold. I guess that living in Florida has made these days so precious to me.  Rather than finding myself complaining about the cold, I revel in it since it isn't an everyday event.  It is, rather, a special treat which reminds me of days long gone by.  Life is truly wonderful when we take time to really savor all that it brings to us.  It is precious, so enjoy every minute of it and realize how blessed we all truly are.


0 Comments
<<Previous

    ABOUT ME

    Hi, I'm James, a writer who studies nature,  animals and all things created by God. I also write from time to time about what I think God expects of us.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these subjects. I hope you enjoy my comments.

    Archive

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    America
    American Sports
    Animals
    Armed Forces Day
    Conservatism
    Doctorpatient0717615167
    Elections-2016
    Florida
    Florida-politics
    Freedom
    Freedom-of-speech
    Geese
    God
    Gods Glory0546cd6883
    Health Care
    Honor
    Integrity
    Jesus Christ
    Koch-brothers
    Leisure-time
    Love
    Military
    Nature
    Primaries
    Proverbs
    Safety
    Savior
    The Future
    Top-political-donors-list
    Tyrannical-government

    RSS Feed

Thanks for contacting northfloridawriter.com.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Arian Zwegers, trvlto, thomas pix, taberandrew, Justin A. Wilcox, Glyn Lowe Photoworks, ckay, phalinn, curtis palmer, bnpositive, oddsock, HooLengSiong, jespahjoy, illustir, ljlphotography, Out at Bob's, The Labour Party, ljlphotography, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, eli.pousson, JasonParis, Fibonacci Blue, wht_wolf9653, bsabarnowl, ` TheDreamSky, Ken_Hoffman, dsearls, NCinDC, James Byrum, DonkeyHotey, Waiting For The Word, cliff1066™, possan, dpape, David Holt London, akeg, Waiting For The Word, Glyn Lowe Photoworks, MilitaryHealth, yukali, infomatique, goforchris, cliff1066™, Wootang01, dctim1, Donald Lee Pardue, LizMarie_AK, campdarby, CedarBendDrive, bill85704, faeparsons, TMAB2003, cliff1066™, Rennett Stowe, KOMUnews, cliff1066™, chris.huggins, USDAgov, mat_walker, gruntzooki, DonkeyHotey, ljlphotography, Elvert Barnes, Paulsasleepwalker, facebook.com/snapshotsofthepast, foto3116, Miller_Center, digitonin, BostonCatholic, Watt_Dabney, jepoirrier, EpicFireworks, derekskey, cletch, DonkeyHotey, KOMUnews, DonkeyHotey, ravensong75, Alan Cleaver, Francisco Diez, hermmermferm, cod_gabriel, Marxchivist, Fibonacci Blue, dbgg1979, “Caveman Chuck” Coker, David Barrie, rjs1322, Just Another Wretch, Keith Laverack, Waiting For The Word, whoohoo120, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, Brett Jordan, yisris, Michael Hodge, Waiting For The Word, MilitaryHealth, doceggman, AlmazUK, taberandrew, cliff1066™, krossbow, shinya, The Jewish Agency for Israel, kudumomo, “Caveman Chuck” Coker, cliff1066™, johntrainor, emilio labrador, cliff1066™, EraPhernalia Vintage . . . (playin' hook-y ;o), **emmar**, Mrs. Gemstone, Andrea Westmoreland, Jeff Kern, Waiting For The Word, Abdulsalam Haykal, Donald Lee Pardue, roberthuffstutter, Dougtone, b1mbo, DonkeyHotey, paularps, kaatjevervoort, Simon Davison, BONGURI, Marion Doss, ex_magician, Bergfels, Brett Jordan, Tim Evanson, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Jeff Kubina, sskennel, DonkeyHotey, VirtKitty, Rodrigo_Soldon, resistealeau, MilitaryHealth, edalisse, Mervi Eskelinen aka tasselflower, Kaz Andrew, nitram242, Andrew Aliferis, uitdragerij, Paul J Everett, Joe Shlabotnik, Jeffrey, Harry Thomas Photography, Tim Evanson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region, Ron Cogswell, Nationalmuseet, escapedtowisconsin, Michael Cory, DonkeyHotey, timsamoff, mrbillt6, bnilsen, themonnie, valeehill, dichohecho, Waiting For The Word, technochick, cliff1066™, RTD Photography, Randy Wick, Enokson, Rising Damp, DonkeyHotey, Waiting For The Word, SteveNakatani, Fovea Centralis, Dru Bloomfield - At Home in Scottsdale, lisaclarke, Mulad, Roswell_UMC, Bengt Nyman, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, FreedomHouse2, SuperFantastic, Rory Finneren, Alaskan Dude, Larry1732, Mr. T in DC, ikewinski, Ivy Dawned, RLHyde, Waiting For The Word, heartajack, dyogi, dailymatador, David Paul Ohmer, Pleuntje, Leonard Bentley, midwestnerd, Donald Lee Pardue, DonkeyHotey, Oli-Oviyan, PatrikWalde, flamesworddragon, The U.S. Army, Zach Heller Photography, DonkeyHotey, EvinDC, Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections, Ronnie Macdonald, Gerry Dincher, The U.S. Army, Jeff Belmonte, DonkeyHotey, Texas Military Forces, jim.greenhill, Ben Sutherland, the Original Jeff Martin, Loz Flowers, CBP Photography, spbpda, OCVA, Hot Rod Homepage, brianholsclaw, dozodomo, quinn.anya, KOMUnews, wtstoffs, Leo Newball, Jr., lilli2de, dmott9, Justin A. Wilcox, sören2013, boboroshi, newagecrap, CoreBurn, simminch, ninahale, EvinDC, Mister Awesome, HeyRocker, beggs, Donald Lee Pardue