A Western Odyssey: Day 2

Santa Rosa, NM to Valle, AZ

This morning in Santa Rosa, NM I [Bill] detached my bicycle from the back of the van and prepared to take my morning ride before we continued on our journey. As I did I greeted (or was greeted) by a gentleman who I learned was leading churches in two distantly separated cities, in association with Oral Roberts University. While we didn't get into a deep discussion, I did appreciate the way God orchestrates our lives. This becomes more clear as we continue our jounery, but that is for a later entry.

I should have taken pictures of my rides, as I have come to appreciate the country more having ridden about 10 miles at each night's stop. I have come to have a different appreciation for the green country that I cycle through each day here at home, and yet appreciate arid beauty of the country God has made in AZ.

As we continued our journey to the Grand Canyon, we made an unscheduled stop at the Petrified Forest National Park. We stopped at the visitor center and saw the 'mandatory' video about the 'millions of years' necessary to create the trees of stone. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with the family about the differing theories about how it happened, and was impressed with Josiah's recognition that the video didn't get it right. He has been learning from the Johnathan Park CDs.

After getting an audio tour CD, some obligatory postcards and grabbing a bite to eat from the snack shop, we continued into the park. Unfortunately we didn't have the time available that we should had to check out the entire park. In fact I would recommend that one should really drive the park backwards, as the more rewarding specimens are located at the south end of the park, which we did not have the time to see.

This was our first experience with 'the Badlands'. Not having been to the Grand Canyon yet, we were impressed by desolation and the size of what we found.

How different our trip would have been without our own personal botanist. She was fascinated with plants at almost every stop we made.

Going through the pictures, I have come to realize just how much digital photography has changed our lives. While Sharri insists that we take 'people pictures', out budding artist has learned that to get good pictures, you take MANY pictures (can we say 220 just of the petrified forest stop). Sharri wants people for the memories, Rinnah the many for artistic inspiration (she takes after her daddy). I am a blessed man.

A Western Odyssey: Day 1

Our 2009 vacation odyssey began when I received an email from 'Vision Forum' advertising 'Generations Radio w/ Kevin Swanson'. This podcast in turn advertised 'Renewing the Family Camp'. On a whim I visited the website and forwarded a link to my wife, just as point of interest.

The next thing I know, my wife and daughters are planning an extended expedition into the western wilds of our nation.

Before long I find that we are packed and loaded in the 15- passenger van our family calls 'The Church Bus.' This is is the first year we allowed our daughters to drive, and drive they did. I don't recall either Sharri or my self ever getting behind the wheel on the first leg of our journey.

From Lamar, MO we drove to Santa Rosa, NM. I thought with all the hours I wasn't driving I would be able to finish two or three books by the time we returned beginning with D.A. Caron's "How Long, O Lord.". Between the rustic, arid scenery and the new G.A. Henty audio book "Under Drake's Flag" I read very little.

We stopped for dinner in Tucumcari, NM for dinner, we just as we were about to leave, a storm left a portion town without power. As we were filling up at a different part of town we saw a magnificent rainbow, such a reminder of God's Promises in Genesis 9. Our pictures really don't do it justice, as it was very brilliant, and nearly Complete, as a double rainbow.

Visitor in the Night

Early Sunday morning, 4:00 am, our dog awakened me, which is not uncommon, but she was animated enough to encourage me to investigate. Without turning any light on, I looked but saw nothing, so went back to my yet warm bed.

Upon pulling the covers over my weary body, there was an eruption of growls, barks, and snarls involving more than one animal.

Off fly the covers, I immediately grasp the bedside pistol and flashlight, and fly to front door, turning on the porch light which cast a yellow glow upon the scene.

In this pale light I see our animated chocolate lab, who appears fine but highly agitated. As my eyes rapidly scan the seen they settle upon another animated body, though much slower. A raccoon. Since there is a space between the two, I allowed the dog in, quickly deciding to let the dog stay in the garage until the next morning.

This accomplished, I returned to the door and proceeded to the porch, as the raccoon preceeded to climbing the posts. By this time my wife had joined me, and we both wonder where the children are, wondering to find a camera. Shortly however, we decide to return to bed as adrenaline declines and weariness returns.

Exciting, but I assumed that life would return to normal the next morning.

As we were making preparations to gather with the church known as Grace Place, I noticed that dog, after being released, is again become very animated.

Our raccoon has not departed as expected.
Nor does he show signs of departing.

Rather, he seems to advance when approached, arching his back as he does so, obviously preparing for conflict. So I contact our pastor, who is an avid outdoorsman, for a consultation. I was seeking a second opinion about the potential rabidicy of the 'coon. I then informed our worship leader that the trombonist will likely be late this morning.

Deciding on a course of action, I instruct one of my daughters use a hoe to 'encourage' the raccoon to leave the sidewalk area, the other to return the dog to the garage, as I retrieved my 12 gauge shotgun. Upon returning, I find my daughter has retreated to the house, the raccoon is again climbing a post and I am left wondering how to get him off without damaging my porch.

While I take one last picture with me cell phone, our visitor decends from the post on which he took refuge. He was generous enough to move to the edge of the porch, at which time I became convinced of the effectiveness of 00 buckshot at close range (about 5 feet).

Had this been the end, we would have been quickly on our way. However, we took the next 15 minutes waiting for the animal to die, moving the corpse, incinerating it, disinfecting the area and mothballing it (as we didn't want the dog getting into any of the remains, however, the dog did receive its vaccine in September, so I am thankful for that visit to the vet).

After an exciting morning, we finally found ourselves heading off to church, with a story to tell.

Writing Assignment: Mary's Questions

This story is inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's "Virgin of the Rocks."

Mary’s Questions

In the dry, deserted, cliffs where a few sporadic, wild flowers bloom among the crevices and in the hollows, the sea-blue water down below. A beautiful young woman kneels on the rocks as she ponders the future of two apparently ordinary young men.

“Their lives have hardly begun, but do they have any idea who they are and what God will do through them?” She wonders, “How often will their paths cross as they grow up? Do they understand what God has called them to do?”

“I can see them running about with the other boys playing games. I can hear their childish laughter ringing out around the dinner table. Only Jesus is my own son-- the begotten Son of God; yet, I also wonder about John. I know his role will be important in proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. I wonder how Jesus will reclaim the Jewish people. How will the people respond to Him?”

“What a blessing to Elizabeth that she should have a son in her old age-- and what a son, he will be such a blessing to Israel. I am still amazed that I should be chosen out of all the women of Israel to be the mother of the only begotten Son of God, the Savior of the world it is incomprehensible-- and humbling.”

“John will be the herald of for the Messiah, preparing the way for Him. What a blessed calling that he should be that man-- the Elijah of this generation. John will prepare the way and Jesus will rule forever; may the Lord be praised forever! The prophecies about the Messiah shall come to pass!!”

Then, like a beautiful yet haunting shadow, the words of Simon ring in her mind, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed; and a sword will pierce through your own soul also; so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”

“A sign that is opposed … a sword will pierce my own soul.” Those words echoed through her mind as she once again raced to find an explanation that fit with the prophecy and what she understood as God’s plan for her son.

“The fall and rising of many in Israel made sense. There are many people who fall when there is a great change in power, just as there are a great many that rise. A sign that is opposed that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed can even work with his rise to power; those who oppose him oppose the sign of God. The actions of those who oppose him will reveal the thoughts of their hearts-- this could possibly make sense, but doesn't explain why a sword will pierce my own soul. I know he will face hardships in defeating the Romans; that will trouble me, but not like a sword piercing my soul.”

“The reference could not be that he would reject me or turn from the faith-- he is the Son of God. Could it be possible that he could disappoint me-- he is my son and the Son of God-- I can’t imagine that that could truly be what pierces my soul.”

“What if Israel was slow in following him and, rejected his claim to be the Son of God? What if they punish him to the full extent of the law for claiming to be equal with God?’

“No, God could not allow His son to see death. He is to reign in victory forever. I could not bear, cannot believe that they would murder him-- surely God would not send His Son to die at their hands. It could not happen, God would step in and open their eyes to see that Jesus is really His Son- the great deliverer-- surely they would recognize him.”

“What if they don't? They would kill him, no; God would have to intervene on behalf of His Son- surely He would have to intervene.”

“Where would John be in this? He is to proclaim the Messiah’s coming and if they reject the one he proclaims what will they do to him? Would he be thrown in prison? Would he also be killed?”

“I can’t believe that Simon and the prophets meant he should be killed, the prophets also say he will come in glory-- the prophets also give the picture of the Messiah as the suffering servant. I will go crazy if I keep going- I must think about something else!”

“The prophets make it so clear in places-- that he shall suffer-- It can’t be the case, I refused to consider it. I can’t keep going on this line of thought; I will go completely crazy.”

“They are such beautiful, strong boys just learning to walk and talk now, but before I know it I will turn around and they will be grown and making their mark on our turbulent times. I wonder…”

Post may be edited at any time.

So You Want To Date My Daughter

Congratulations, you have clearly been recognized as a red blooded male with good taste. However, our family does not participate in a practice referred to as dating . . .

Instead, we encourage courtship.

Courtship is the process by which members of the opposite sex evaluate a perspective mate and develop a relationship in an appropriate manner. This process includes members of both families in family settings, opportunities to see each other in action, so to speak.

Questions prospective suitors should be prepared to address:

1. What role does Jesus Christ play in in your life, home?
2. What are your physical expectations in courting/ dating my daughter?
3. What is the purpose of marriage?
4. What does it mean to be a man?
   How does this apply to your life?
5. What are your expectations for a wife?
   What will her role be in your home?
   
6. Are you prepared to support a family?
   If not, why not?
7. What are your greatest strengths?
   Weaknesses?
8. Why should my daughter consider you for a husband?

[This page is subject to correction/update at any time. Please check back as I update it. B.E.]