Give Thanks with Knowledge of the Holy

A cold, rainy, sleeting Monday morning, and I sit by the fire reading Tozer’s, “The Knowledge of the Holy,” Chapter 6, “THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF GOD.”

Powerful insight and powerfully true…

I was struck by the truth of it, as it raised my eyes to the hills, to my Help, the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth. And it pointed out vividly to me some truth espoused in my recent book, and truth revealed to me as I’ve journaled the last two years, about God and about our times.

Thank You Father for your very present help and closeness to those who seek You and Your ways. You certainly are “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Help us to seek. Help us to find. Help us to live while we do. You are what we need.

“for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28)

Perhaps it’s time to pause for some Thanksgiving. I am. I encourage you to do so as well.

Enjoy the national holiday! Enjoy your friends and family. Enjoy the air you breath, and everything good in your life. He’s given them all to you.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17)

I just finished a blog article I entitled “America Bless God.” And I recall David, the sweet poet of Israel, the warrior king of Israel, and the “man after God’s own heart” prayed like this:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;” (Psalm 103:1–2)

You choose! You always do.

Matt Redman’s famous, beautiful song also comes to mind, “Ten Thousand Reasons.”

His grace to you all, and Happy Thanksgiving!

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”” (Acts 17:26–31)[Bolding my own.]

I leave you with that excerpt from one of the most famous sermons in history, Paul the Apostle to the men of Athens, in a day of spiritual blindness, perhaps like our day.

Choose life. Choose wisely. Choose thanksgiving. Choose to see God as He Is, not what we’ve perhaps imagined Him to be. He’s adorable. Choose thanksgiving and adoration, today. By our seeking, and His revelation, may He grant us “THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY.”

[Photos by Mark B., neighbor and friend, Europe 2013]

America Bless God

My Father and My Son on my Birthday 2013… Lot's to be thankful for….

My Father and My Son on my Birthday 2013… Thank You Father of Good Gifts

In dark times with many challenges our forefathers paused to give thanks to God for his help and goodness, from their hearts. That’s good advice for us today. Let’s pause privately to do so where we are, and then in families and corporately wherever we can.

The roots of Thanksgiving as celebrated in the United States were recently spelled out to me beautifully by one of my best friends and spiritual mentors Charles Angel. You can read his article here.

Some historical insights he brings to light will warm your heart and refresh your mind as to God’s help in America’s rise to greatness, greatness we have enjoyed and enjoy today. Reflect and give thanks!

“As Thanksgiving approaches, which begins the Christmas season celebration, I think it remains relevant to remember those who braved a sixty-six day arduous voyage on the Mayflower to establish Plymouth in 1620 and set up the foundations for the God-given right of freedom for this Nation’s future generations. These Pilgrims chose to stand for the truth without compromise and for the hope that they and their posterity could experience liberty under God. It cost them everything to lay the groundwork of the most prosperous and free nation in history.

Their significant document, The Mayflower Compact, placed in the hands of the people the right to create laws and constitutions under God’s direction. This document became a basis for more than eighty colonial charters and covenants that laid the foundation for America’s Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It set the direction for this Nation, reading in part:

“…having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith...”

Then about 150 years later…

…That congressional resolution was delivered to President George Washington, who issued the first federal Thanksgiving proclamation, declaring in part:

“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. . . . Now, therefore, I do appoint Thursday, the 26th day of November 1789 . . . that we may all unite to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection.”

Then about 70 years later…

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation setting aside the last Thursday of that November. Despite the difficult circumstances, Lincoln called Americans to prayer with an air of positive optimism and genuine thankfulness, noting:

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God. . . . No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, Who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

So, in light of the above-noted statements and deeds that laid out the course of action and standards for America, what say you regarding how this great Republic is measuring up in 2013? Is Almighty God glorified by the actions of this nation? Is the Christian faith being advanced by the administrative, legislative and judicial branches of government at the federal, state and local levels? Is the Church significantly influencing secular society? To say that there seem to be a few “chinks in the armor’s integrity” would certainly be an understatement!

However, if we only look at the results of mankind’s efforts to meet the lofty goals set by our founders, despair will set in and thankfulness will diminish. Maybe our wise founding fathers knew that erosion along the way would be caused by our old sin nature, which cannot be redeemed by man’s laws, rules and regulations. To keep hope alive, it appears that their primary reasoning for the establishment of Thanksgiving was to redirect mankind’s focus away from individual circumstances and toward the Creator of heaven and earth.

Let us remember Him, now as then, and offer a prayer of heart-felt thanksgiving.

The Book Makes Fall Friends

“Life is a daring adventure or it’s nothing.” Helen Keller

The book is making new friends, the pace at just the right speed, steady as the Spirit leads. Slow enough to meet people, get involved in their lives to some degree, look into their eyes and journeys, pray over issues spoken and unspoken, enjoy their gifts, their lives, their characters, their personalities and their human being. Yet steady enough to get the book known in new circles of friends and keep me somewhat occupied with it’s mission in the world, without it becoming a burden or chore.

Pastor Patrick Kimberland with Dwayne

On a rainy Saturday morning, October 5th, I spoke to the Butterfield AOG men’s group about the book, our times, and issues facing men — also about the preeminence of Jesus and us deepening our relationship with Him through the disciplines. Many thanks to good friend Jeff Beauchamp who arranged this meeting with some excellent brothers.

Librarian introduces authors

On the beautiful Sunday afternoon of October 27th, I participated at a book signing and “Meet Our New Author’s Event” at the Van Buren, AR, Public Library, along with about ten other area authors and area citizens who came to listen, learn, buy signed copies, and ask questions about our books. Several books were sold and signed while making new and interesting friends.

On October 31st, Halloween Night, I was asked to speak at a church in Yates Center, KS, after a member read my book and recommended me to the pastor for their Hallelujah Night event. This was a great experience with some very loving, genuine people who live in community

Doug and I leave the house for a day spent together

and worship the King. A very nice extra benefit for me was getting to spend two nights and days with a long-time friend, former fighter pilot, and squadron mate Doug Lamb, reconnecting with his family due to the fact he lives only thirty miles away.

Marsha and the Ladies serve up a great meal for Hallelujah night!

Ummm Hmmmm…

Sarah Lamb Stockebrand, a princess to me, and a friend of the King.

Ahhh! The Country Life …

By the way, this Tuesday night, November 19th, I’ll be at the Harrison, Arkansas, Public Library for a book signing event. If you’re in the area, I hope to see you there! The journey continues!

Burning Bustle or Stop Drop And Roll

Dad in my brother Gene’s Jeep with Mr. Peabody

Curious title? Bustle is public enemy number one for me at the moment. It’s endemic of our times, so I predict it may be your enemy too — an enemy to peace, to hearing from the Lord, to spiritual growth, and to spiritual well being.

We run so fast these days. Aided by technology and affluence, we run so fast that we’re chronically exhausted, and our pace of activity has blinded us to our pitiful states. So we go on, from one activity frantically to the next until we fall exhausted in our beds, only to arise when able to begin the ritual again. Sound familiar?

Checking on the cows

Peaceful Day with Dad and Brother

I’ve fallen behind of late, reporting on the book, and spending quality time in spiritual pursuits, that means practicing the disciplines. One of my life axioms often quoted to my friends is, “It’s better to live life than to record it.” And it is, but living at a burnout pace is the ditch on the other side of the road.

This morning while reading and journaling, I was reminded of something my good friend Charles tells me quite often, “You need to slow down to the speed of life.

The next thing I found myself writing in my journal was, “Stop, Drop, and Roll!” Do you recognize the phrase and where it comes from? It’s what you’re supposed to remember to do if you ever find yourself or your clothing on fire! It’s not the intuitive or natural thing to do, but it will starve the fire of oxygen, putting it out, saving your skin and your life.

Do you see the spiritual analogy? I did this morning when I wrote it. I’ve been far too busy, on fire with activity. So I stopped, dropped, and rolled spiritually in my study and kitchen. I read the Word. I journaled. I meditated. I listened for insights and revelations. I quieted myself. Comically I saw myself lying there, smoke rising from my tattered clothing, relieved the flames were extinguished, listening intently in silence for the voice I’ve been missing because of the bustle. Enjoying the quiet, the peace, the rest, and the promise of hearing something from the Spirit of worth or of joy.

At times like this I am well aware of the bankruptcy of the bustled life. I’m also grateful for some intervention to help me off the hamster wheel of our twenty-first century existence, and the opportunity to set some habits or spiritual disciplines to guard against these fires in the future, to guard against bustle, to foster living at the speed of life.

Life is such a gift. Let’s live it as designed and intended, for our good and enjoyment, as well as those we love. And to befriend the King.

Lord make us aware. Lord help us to exercise our free wills, and choose habits and actions that foster a slower pace more conducive to hearing, seeing, and enjoying our spiritual lives and Your Presence. Amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;” (Revelation 18:4)

Friends of the Library and Friends of the Book

Amy & Chad stop for a hardback and some chat

September 10th, several friends dropped by the main library near our home and the city center to purchase books or have purchased books signed.

The library staff was most helpful and efficient in promoting the event and facilitating the same. They advertised the book by name in the local newspaper, “The Times Record,” as well as in a popular local magazine, “e Fort Smith.”

Have books – will sign 🙂

A place was set up for me at the main library entrance at the appointed time, and friends old and new begin to filter in, to talk about the book and enjoy friendship.

Val stops by for a signed copy and a visit

There were many surprises, including a former college professor, who saw the advertisements, and stopped by to purchase a book. Two dear friends from First Baptist who recently traveled with me to Israel purchased a book on Amazon, coming by for a visit and a signature. A young lady I

The Fort Smith Public Library on Rogers Ave.

came to know on a mission trip to Belize came by with her new husband for a book and a chat. A young man I know from the business world, coming to the library to study for a college class happened by and purchased a book. There were many more visits, and there was never a lull. Three hours passed very quickly as life and the book were shared with friends.

Many thanks to all who came! And to the Fort Smith Public Library for their “over the top” support of local authors!

The book journey continues….

Book Status August 2013

Greetings Friends of “Friends of the King”,

Many of you have expressed interest in the process of getting a book published and promoted. Lot’s of beautiful and exciting water has gone under the bridge since the book’s official drop date, May 23rd, and I won’t try to recreate that with you here.

But as of today, here is the status and some of the things going on.

[1] The official press release from the publisher, WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson, has gone out this week to over 500 media outlets with whom they have a relationship. Please pray that this press release finds it’s marks, helping the book to become known outside it’s present circles, perhaps nationally.

[2] The webpage for the book seems to be functioning well, making the information about the book easily found in one location. The Facebook page is helping get the word out to friends via friends. Thanks to many for your feedback, for liking the Facebook page , and for sharing the book information with your friends.

[3] I have a book signing scheduled at the Fort Smith Public Library on September 10th. If

Working on the book at the Apple Store

you’re in the area, or want a closer look at the book, I’d love to see you.

[4] I’m supposed to receive a report from the publisher soon with the number of books sold to date (WestBow Press & Amazon). From my personal records, I’ve distributed 19 hard backs, 152 soft backs, and 5 electronic versions.

That’s it for the state of the book as of the end of August 2013. Thanks for your interest and continued support, in action, and in prayer. May the Lord do with the book what seems best to Him. Remember to “Befriend the King!” Spend time with Him, and enjoy your journey.

Blessings and Shalom, Dwayne

Image texted to me from a friend reading the book at lunch

PS Simple ways to help! And much appreciated!!

[1] Pray for the book.

[2] Share the website and/or the Facebook link with your friends.

[3] Buy a copy for a friend who could use the encouragement or insights.

[4] Go to the “Friend of the King” Facebook page and “like” it.

[5] Pray for the book! 🙂

(I know prayer is there twice, but it’s more than twice as important as anything on the list! The power of prayer is potentially the power of God!!)

My Dad

Our family just celebrated Dad’s 89th Birthday!! We love and respect the patriarch of our family so much! Granddaughter Stephanie, with help from other family members hosted a beautiful party for him at his home. It was a most joyful event.

Dad, Kyle, Robert, and Gene

In “Friends of the King” page 62, after citing his favorite poem, “IF” by Rudyard Kipling, I said this about Dad:

The latter poem, as alluded, is my father’s favorite, and at eighty-eight he can still quote most of it. He has also lived it, and I’m forever grateful he did, in front of me, my brother, my sister, our friends, and his friends. One man like that cast a very large shadow of protection, wisdom, instruction, and life.

Stephanie, Dad, Freda

In his birthday card, I wrote these two Scriptures. I can’t say it better.

“A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7, 1901 ASV)

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” (Psalm 16:6, NASB95)

Thank you Dad, for your sacrifice, your love, and your character; for leading our family; for pointing us to the King, and for your service to the King.

Celebrate!

Coincidence or Synchronicity?

Three friends, and aspiring to be friends of the King

Three friends, aspiring to be friends of the King

Today started out as flurry of activity, but ended up in peace and rest.

After the normal early morning men’s meeting in Van Buren, I stood in the parking lot too long visiting. Now everything had to go perfectly to honor a couple commitments and make it to my house in time to pick up two brothers who were to join me for the peaceful, relational drive to a monastery one hour east of Fort Smith for a little solitude and spiritual retreat.

The first stop went perfectly, as if the Lord went before me. Then there was a long, fast drive to the south side of town to deliver five books to a good friend who had already bought books for himself and his three sons, but wanted five more for gifts. I was naturally honored to oblige. I wheeled into the Waffle House parking lot just as my friend and another good friend were sitting down for breakfast. We greeted each other with smiles, hand shakes, and hugs, and I plopped down at the end of the table and began signing the gift books as quickly as I could. I had told these two about the retreat, waiting friends, and that I was on the run.

Part of the helpful Coury House Staff, Friends

I had just finished signing number three, when the waitress started asking questions about the book, with my friends answering for me. Then she asked, “How much?” I turned and told her. She said, “I’ll buy one.” My friend buying the five quickly spoke up and said, “No you won’t; I’m buying it for you.” We all looked at each other smiling, and I asked, “Who do you want me to sign it to?” She replied, “Don Hutchings, my pastor.” “ I owe him everything. He led me to the Lord. I’ll read it first, then I’ll give it to him.” “Coincidence,” but Don is a friend of mine in another church in our city. Just as I hand the book to her, and start to sign the next one, my book buying friend, Shep, exclaims loudly, “Charlie Huff!” I keep writing and don’t look up, conscious of the escaping time, but I know I will. Charlie Huff is an old squadron mate of ours! The four of us flew F-4 Phantoms together in Fort Smith and around the world. What a “coincidence” that he would be in town, and show up at the same restaurant, at the same time, when we hadn’t seen each other for years? He asked about the book as he watched me feverishly signing, catching up through conservation at the same time. The others answered his questions, just as with the waitress, then Charlie said, “Well, I guess I ought to buy one!” Shep spoke up quickly again, as before, “No you’re not! I’m going to buy one for you!” So with five books turning into seven, I ran out to the truck to fetch two more. With all books signed and delivered, I’m about to head out the door and drive to my house, but I have a strong impression that leads to the next “coincidence.”

I had written a Scripture reference in Charlie’s book, but I had a strong impression to stop at the table where he was now seated for breakfast with his childhood friend, and ask if I could write another verse in his book. I wrote Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait upon the LORD, He’ll renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, walk and not faint.” I quoted it to him as I wrote. I don’t really know where Charlie is spiritually, but he looked me straight in the eye and said, “That was written over the door of life support in Ubon Thailand; I walked under it as I headed to fly many missions in Vietnam. It was very meaningful to him. “Coincidence?”

I told my friends about all this “coincidence” and the Spirit’s leading as we drove through fields and forests to the monastery, sharing our lives and relationships with the Lord. Then as we went to our rooms for the afternoon, I was lead to Matthew 16, and the point where Jesus started to set His face like flint toward Jerusalem, the time of laying down His life for others, even down to this day and to us. It’s recorded in Matthew 16. I read and journaled from Matthew 16:13 through Matt 17:8.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”” (Matthew 16:13)

Peter gives his famous answer, and enters his famous discourse with Christ.

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16–17)

I read on to Matt 17:8 before going to dinner with the guys.

“And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.” (Matthew 17:8)

From the prayer book

After dinner and a little rest, we joined the monks for evening vespers. Guess what Scripture they were singing and reading for their vespers? You got it. Exactly what I had read and journaled about that afternoon–out of all the verses in the Bible? What are the chances? “Coincidence?”

The Lord has a great sense of humor, and He likes to be intimate with His sons.

Among many other things, Ryan heard this, “Relax. Relax.” And later this passage in Eph. 3, saying we are His sons, we should act like it, and believe He will empower us:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14–21)

Brian heard among many other things, what the Lord said to Peter after he began to sink at the end of his water walking encounter with Jesus:

“Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”” (Matthew 14:31, NASB95)

Again, you are My sons. I will empower you. Why do you doubt?

It seems like a good and valid question, when you’ve come aside and immersed yourself in the Word, focusing on the Lord, sort of like the guys at the transfiguration… they “saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.” But in the world of business and education and life, the wind and the waves can easily get your attention and draw your gaze from the One Who saves.

I wish I could take credit for this outing to “come aside” but the young men I meet with on Thursday mornings to talk about spiritual things, and the Holy Spirit in particular, suggested it, and we put the date on the calendar a few weeks back.

I’ve been to Subiaco Abby serval times before and will be again, Lord willing. I think they’ll be back many times in their futures too. They seem greatly encouraged in what they heard and saw in the spirit during our twenty-four hour stay here. I know I was.

Subiaco Abby, Arkansas

If we will take the time to come aside, rest and listen; perhaps God will take time to meet us and speak? A meaningful, healthy life in our day depends on such.

Remember what the flight attendant says before every airline flight, “In case of a rapid depressurization, put your own oxygen mask on first; then help those seated around you.”

His blessings as you seek Him, Dwayne

“And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” (Mark 6:31)

“and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’” (Acts 17:26–28)

Synchronicity: “the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality ….” Mirriam Webster, m-w.com [A few more photos here.]

Friends for Life

Bill & Stephannie at Lake Louise

Friendship is such a treasure and a gift from above. There is a whole chapter about it in my recently published book, and of course it’s the major theme even from the title, “A Friend of the King.” Elizabeth and I were blessed in college to find and get to know several special friends, two of which are Bill and Stephannie. Our friendship now spans almost four decades, and although we’ve not often lived close to each other, they moved back to NWA a few years ago and we’ve reconnected. It’s the kind of friendship where nothing has changed; we just take up were we left off. We enjoy each other, and we’re loyal and devoted to each other.

We thought it best to practice on a small Fort Smith train

Life brings plenty of challenges, but when you see your friends from way back, continue to grow in their faith, pour into their family, their church, and their community, you really appreciate them more–for standing, for sacrifice, for service, for faithfulness. Noble people you’re happy to call “friends,” and happy they too are friends of the King.

Living as we do in busy times, with busy lives and busy schedules; the desire to be with each other and share the journey has caused us to fight the trend and slow ourselves to spend time together in Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Eventually it led us to get out of town on an epic (in my mind anyway) week trip to Canada, riding the train across the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia and ending up at Lake Louise in Banff National Park of Alberta. The dates were set, the planning put into motion, and before we knew it we were on our way on a beautiful friendship vacation to enjoy some of God’s most beautiful creation and to hang out together relaxing and resting. What a concept!

British Columbia by rail

What a blessing from the Lord! One for which both couples are very grateful. We can and should enjoy friendship at work and at rest. It gives both activities more meaning and joy. I think it’s something God intended for us to enjoy, and He enjoys with us.

Besides catching up on children, grand children, and the funny ways the Lord has led us and blessed us, we also shared our kingdom activity and interests. The time afforded us windows into kingdom work in each others churches and communities. We heard about the two Ethiopian kids their daughter and her husband have adopted and an orphanage they support through a foundation they started. I shared I had just left Camp Hope the day before, and when we touched down in Vancouver, I received the following text from a friend at the camp which excited them.

Big Horn Sheep

“Hey brother, thought you might want to know, 19 kids gave their heart to Jesus at camp. The spirit fell heavy on camp at noon on Friday and never left. I had 4 children in front of me at one time, eyes filled with tears, waiting to give their heart to the Lord …. God is so good!!”

Hearing and sharing heart warming reports like this is wonderful. It reminds you of the old saying about friendship. “Friendship divides our sorrow and multiplies our joy.”

Breakfast with Friends

At work or at rest, let’s purpose to do each with friends more and more in the days we have left. I don’t know about you, but in our day I think slowing and resting is probably more needed.

If you slow to ask Him, He’ll lead. I recently got acquainted with Psalm 23 anew. It’s clear from this passage that “He leads.” But I noticed that the first thing He does is He “makes us lie down in green pastures.” He makes us lie down and rest in a beautiful, pleasant place. Sounds inviting doesn’t it? It’s what’s in His heart for us. It’s what He did for us on this trip, and perhaps is doing for you in this season, or wants to. Be sensitive. Be willing. Be listening for His voice and leading. Godspeed as you follow.

“The LORD is my Shepard, I shall not want…”

“For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing,” (Isaiah 30:15)

Postscript: Just after returning from our trip, Stephannie was injured in an exercising accident and broke her right ankle in three places. Please pray for healing and for the family.

Camp Hope 2013

Much planning, much work, much preparation, much prayer and it all came together. Camp Hope 2013, the first Camp Hope is now history, leaving big smiles on faces and in hearts, along with a sense of awe at what God has done.

Who? Forty-one kids, and about thirty volunteer camp staff.

What? A summer camp for underprivileged, at risk kids.

When? July 24-July 27, 2013

Where? Shoal Creek Church Camp, New Blaine, Arkansas

Those are the facts, but what happened there is hard to describe. I should be able to describe it. I was there 3 of the 4 days before honoring another previously scheduled commitment. My main assigned job was camp photographer, so I roamed everywhere taking photos, and observing all the action as different cabins or groups of boys and girls went from activity to activity, enjoying, learning, interacting with each other and the staff. I also baited some hooks, toted some stuff to and around camp, helped with canoeing activities, told some Bible stories, and picked up small amounts of liter here and there. I ate with the campers, slept in a cabin, and worshiped with them at various times. I gave and received many smiles and hugs throughout each action filled but strangely peaceful day, as did the other staff and leaders. I feel like my contribution and part was small compared to the main leaders and volunteers, but important. I’m starting to see that everyone’s gift is important, as is every act of service or act of kindness, especially if it’s freely given from the heart.

But the fact is I find it hard, if not impossible, to describe what happened here. And that’s what I’m trying to do! I don’t know how to wrap my mind or arms around it? I think the other volunteers would say the same thing? A grin comes to my lips and my heart when I think about it, but not words?

There was plenty of hard work, planning, and action by the three main leaders, Steve, Wendy, and Sue, along with a gifted and giving group of helpers–worship leaders, cooks, counselors, medics, art and music teachers, activity leaders, etc.; but we all have a sense of awe about the whole experience and how it turned out. It’s a sense that the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.

We all know, I suppose, that the awe factor was the presence of God at the camp. He’s very good, very big, and moving in all areas of our human experience. When He comes it’s beautiful, peaceful, loving, and joyful to experience, but hard to describe.

Thank you Father, for loving these kids, and adults, and for your Presence at Camp Hope 2013. Amen. אמן A faithful Father and a faithful King you are. In ways seen and unseen, You changed us for good.

“For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:16)

“And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” (Exodus 33:19)

Camp Hope 2013 from Dwayne Bell on Vimeo.