Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
The only time we left the coach today was to go to church. It rained ALLLLLLL day, much of it a downpour! I guess even the Sunshine State has to have rain occasionally . . .
Blaine spent the afternoon trying to find places to stay this summer. He was quite frustrated. You’d think up around the Lake Superior area there’d be campgrounds, but there weren’t many, and even less that would take our big rig. I know he was working hard on it because he stopped once to take an Aleve.
I can’t do much to help out, so I did what little I could and read a bit and made Cabbage Soup for dinner. Those of you who are soup lovers, or just looking for something tasty and fast, check out the recipe at the end.
Church was marvelous! Village Baptist Church was only about 5 minutes away. It’s quite large and apparently has at least 9 buildings of some kind, based on what we read in the bulletin. Walking into the sanctuary was a little like walking into a movie theatre – at least that’s what the seats reminded us of. Another unusual point of interest was the baptistry. We found it hovering above the choir! I sure hope it’s built with very strong support!
The entire church is going through the “Experiencing God” study – from Sunday morning, to Wednesday night, Sunday School, etc. I don’t know when they started and I’ve not personally done the study, but I’ve heard great things about it.
This morning’s sermon was on preparation. The fact that we need to prepare ourselves to experience God. Nowadays many of us want an experience (of any kind), without any of the preparation that must go into getting ready – anything from a wedding, to retirement. From landing a good job, to having a good reputation.
We want the reward without the work.
Even when God brought the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, he told them the land needed preparation (over a year) before they could enter. (Exodus 23:28-30)
The message this morning was based on Joshua Chapter 3. It’s about when the Israelites have to cross the Jordan River – at flood stage. First, all the people had to consecrate themselves (verse 5). “Consecrate” means to dedicate a life (or object) to sacred purpose/use. Then God told them that He would go before them in the Ark of the Covenant (for those of you who aren’t familiar – think the first Indiana Jones movie). The Ark could only be carried by priests (4 of them). It was carried by two poles that went through rings on the sides. The Ark itself could never be touched. So God went before them in the Ark so that everyone (not just the Israelites) would know that God was with them.
Why is that important? Because the river is at flood stage which means it’s 10-12’ deep and fast-moving. Why does that matter? Because God told them that the river would stop only when the priests stepped in. Why? It demonstrates their faith.
The priests had to be prepared. They had to know God well enough and trust Him enough to step into a flooded river. Think of all the videos you’ve seen recently on the news of flooded rivers. Now imagine yourself being told that as soon as you step into it, the water will stop; and not only will it stop, but you will be standing on dry ground! Imagine! I can imagine it. I can imagine standing at the edge. I can imagine being terrified. I can imagine doubting. I can imagine dying suddenly because the Ark tips and I try to save it and touch it and no one is to touch it. (that happened in II Samuel 6:6-7) I can imagine all kinds of things. I can imagine wanting to have faith enough to step in. But I can’t imagine having the faith to actually do it.
They did. And He did.
The point is – – we can’t just experience God in the miracles, we need to experience Him in the journey. Without the journey, we really can’t appreciate the miracle. The joy is in the journey. The joy is in experiencing God, recognizing Him, in all the small “God Moments” of life. I love my Lord and Savior, the God of all Creation, not because of the miracles, but because He’s the God of small things. The One Who delights in being involved in even the tiny moments of my life.
CABBAGE SOUP
3 C. beef broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. tomato paste
½ C. cabbage, chopped
½ C. onion, chopped
½ C. carrots, chopped
½ C. fresh green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ C. squash (yellow, zucchini or both), chopped
½ t. basil
½ t. oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
FYI – I don’t actually measure the veggies. I’m certain I use more than the recipe calls for. 😊
Saute onion, carrots and garlic for 5 minutes. Add all the other ingredients EXCEPT the squash and simmer 10 more minutes. Add the squash and simmer 5-10 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings
TOTAL MILES: Big. Fat. Zero! (Unless you count walking into the church and back!)
Year to Date: 88
Daily Average: 3.14 (Just when things were looking up! ☹)