10/4/2025
"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted
with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing
men, but God who tests our hearts."
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Early to bed and early to rise do not always set well with this late to go to bed, not as early to rise gal! Today my sister and I spent quality time being refreshed amidst the company of a bus load of Christian men and women headed to Dayton, Virginia for a day of crafting. The ladies were gun ho to shop, while the men sat in lounge chairs, in the shade, sipping lemonade, munching on goodies, and enjoying the conversation. In some ways I felt as if I should be sitting on the curb myself, as I am not used to being away from home on Shabbat, unless there's a funeral or other family event to attend, but I think the Lord didn't mind so much having fellowship with good company. The trip began with prayer, and the bus driver, who was a Vietnam veteran, sang us a soulful hymn and amused us with his winning personality and funny quips. I spent the time weaving in and out of the excessive crowd of shoppers, avoiding yellow jackets that were being lured by the scent of homemade candles and homemade pastries and desserts! Since I'm allergic to bee stings, I void anything with a stinger! Let me just say it was challenging!
Dayton is located in the Shenandoah Mountains, an area I love, but then I am so partial to mountains, as you know. I had hoped to see all the colors of autumn, but strangely the trees had not yet turned. I plan to return there within a couple of weeks for my second adventure, but this time one of my own making, so hopefully the trees will be ablaze with color. Dayton is a small town, with a population of 1756 (2024), situated two miles south of Harrisonburg, and it is a largely agricultural area with a rich culture and history. It has working farms mostly owned by the Mennonite Community, and the town has museums, historical buildings, shops of skilled artisans, handmade artwork and crafts, home baked goods, and so many other unique shops. This is one reason I want to go and just spend a few days visiting places I was unable to see, talk to the locals, learn more of the history, visit the old library, and write my story. I kinda want to see if I can find a room to rent on a permanent basis so I can finish my book in the quietness of this nook and cranny location, but God will have to work that plan out, that is, if that's His plan. I just know that I need to return and visit a spell, set on the curb, and then we'll see. Since moving from New Mexico, I haven't been able to find my "hiding place" in the woods, so this may be a lead. It's the first time I've felt hopeful in the four years I've been back home.
While riding back home, I thought about the times and places in my life I'd visited, places I've love to see again, things I've missed. Once upon a time I went to dinner theaters, concerts, the opera, Shakespeare in the Park, walked in the park, rode my mountain bike and hiked up many hills. I retreat to Sipapu Resort in the hills behind me, where I'd enjoy the snow in winter and the walks by streams in the other seasons. Now the prices are way out of my range, but it would be nice to visit once more. I miss Rascal and Lady, my two border collies who used to accompany me on daily walks when I rested from designing jewelry or designing handmade crafts and projects for customers. I've walked many miles and worn several hats in my multi-faceted mix of medical and artisan gigs. My life has been a blend of many fancies for which I am so grateful. When I gave up the dream I had because of my family responsibilities, God blessed me with a detour that wove a beautiful tapestry of magnificent colors and designs. When I think about the awful things that happened, they pale in comparison to the wonder of what God has done in spite of cruelty, hardship, trauma, and shame. He truly is a wonder-working God, and the Lover of my soul.
When I heard Pastor Jack read 1 Thessalonians 2:4 printed above, I saw the words "approved" and "entrusted" in a new light, revelatory light, as promises have been spoken to me by God, that I thought were lost. Dreams, visions, words, and so many scriptures come alive, and my faith is renewed again. The trip to Dayton was for a different purpose, that I can clearly see. I don't expect anyone to understand all that goes on in this mind of mine, but that's not important. The only thing that matters is that I hear God's voice and obey. I guess God wanted to highlight that fact, because He gave me these words twice:
"A humble and contrite heart knows that it can merit nothing before God, and that all that is necessary is to be reconciled to one's helplessness and let our holy and almighty God care for us, just as an infant surrenders himself to his mother's care." - O. Hallesby
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