Southern Hills RV Park, Hermosa, South Dakota
Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I’m a man with smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.” ~ Genesis 27:11-12 I love that line – “I would appear to be tricking him”! Isn’t that exactly what he and his mother are planning? There’s no ‘appearance’ about it. He’s not opposed to the deception, he’s afraid of getting caught. Other translations use phrases like, ‘He will see that I am trying to trick him’, ‘I shall seem to be mocking him’, ‘I will be revealed to him as a deceiver’. Have there been times in your life that you’ve attempted – or maybe even succeeded – in a deceptive act? How did you feel about it? Did you regret it? Did you triumph in it? If you were caught, did you sincerely apologize? Make excuses? Continue to deny it? God knows our hearts, even if no one else does. No matter how we try to hide in the darkness. He knows. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (I John 1:9)
We found a much better church Sunday! Calvary Chapel Community Church. It’s small-ish, and non-denominational, and before we even got in the door, we’d met about a half dozen people. 😊
They not only say “Hi!”, they smile, ask your name and give you theirs.
And once you’re in the door, more people greet you. And there was a young woman who was “assigned” to greet us, who talked briefly with us and then escorted us to a seat. A few moments (and handshakes and smiles with people around us), she brought another couple over to sit with us who were also visiting.
The entire atmosphere of the church body was completely different this week, and those attending were from all walks of life – old, young, biker jackets, handicapped, cowboys/girls, business . . . We’ll be going back! Jesus must surely smile down upon this family. The message today was part two of a series on the difference between the rapture, and the Second Coming. I always have trouble following Revelation stuff, but we got the gist of what he was teaching. They – like us – believe the dead in Christ will rise first, and then those of us who remain are gathered together (that’s the rapture) before the Tribulation period. After the Tribulation period, Jesus will come back and Satan will be defeated. I’m certain the pastor described it much better. But that’s it in a nutshell. 😊
Back at home, we did nothing of note. So I have no further information for Sunday.
Moving on to Monday . . . .
Due to the heat around here, we were out early this morning. It was our day to ascend to the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps. Yep! Right here in South Dakota! Believe it or not!
Black Elk Peak’s elevation is 7,242’, but of course we didn’t have to climb that high. We just did 1,500’. Yeah, you read right. JUST fifteen hundred feet. And Blaine made the six-mile out and back trail into a loop, so we actually hiked just over eight miles.
Even though it’s the highest point, it was an easier hike than when we went to Little Devils Tower the other day. Or maybe we’re just in better shape now . . . . hmmmm . . . .
Just in case you were wondering. : )
It was beautiful, despite distant views being marred by the western smoke screen that’s covering a large portion of the US right now.
Once we arrived at the former Black Elk fire tower, we noticed that others had climbed out to a large rock, so of course we had to go! It was a nice place to rest and take in the 360⁰ views. Not so many ladybugs here as at LDT, but there were some.
The walk back was equally as nice. Nicer actually, since most of it was downhill. 😊
Our drive back home took us by George’s profile again, and since it was a much prettier day than the last time, we stopped and took more pictures.
As we drove through Custer State Park, we came upon a large buffalo herd hanging out at the local watering hole. Great way to end our day!
Tomorrow we go to Rushmore! Get ready for a lot of pictures and history!