Newton Hills State Park, Canton, South Dakota
On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had fled. Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” ~ Genesis 31:22-24 Based on Laban’s dealings with Jacob thus far, and his past attempt to keep Rebekah from Isaac, I think it’s safe to say that Laban was livid when he learned of Jacob’s departure. Furthermore, I suspect that he harbored that rage for the next seven days as he pursued Jacob. I believe that nothing short of God’s command to Laban would’ve protected Jacob from either death, or capture and bondage once again. Are you wondering at my use of the word ‘bondage’? Well, wasn’t it? Laban kept Jacob there against his will by garnering agreements (which Jacob was loath to break) that kept Jacob in his service for at least 20 years. No Jacob wasn’t in chains, but he was bound there just the same. Even as an idolater, Laban obviously fears God, or he wouldn’t have given any thought to God’s command to tread carefully where Jacob is concerned. Sometimes, I think we’ve lost our fear of God. We no longer consider the respect and fear due to Him. I think because so much is focused on God’s Love. Yes, He loves us, but He also demands our reverence, respect and obedience.
We started our morning by going to first Baptist Church of Canton, then it was off to a state park.
Good Earth State Park southeast of Sioux Falls is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat adjacent to the most developed and populated part of our state. The site itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States. The river, abundant wildlife, fertile flood plains, availability of pipestone (catlinite) and protection from winds made the area an important gathering place for seasonal ceremonies and a significant trading center for many tribal peoples from 1300-1700 A.D. ~ gfp.sd.gov
This is what we checked out today. They have several miles of walking trails, as well as a nice museum, and you won’t believe what else . . . .
They actually have marijuana plants growing alongside the trail!
Silly us, not knowing any better, we were looking at one of the plants and a guy walked by saying, “Don’t do it!” We must’ve looked at him kinda funny because then he added, “It’s marijuana.” Really??? We didn’t really believe him, but as Blaine was getting his phone out to see what his plant app had to say, a woman in her seventies walked by and said, “Thinking about harvesting some for yourself?” So we asked her, and she confirmed it. And later, the app also confirmed it. Crazy!
The hills here are relatively steep, and at times, still damp from the rains, but it wasn’t bad. Most of it was graveled. The Big Sioux River was really rolling today, as well.
Doesn’t it look real?!?
If you look real close you can make out a buffalo-type shape, especially the rear legs and feet.
There was a sign that said he’s an escape artist.
Can’t say I blame him . . . would you want to stay around a place where everyone called you Cheese?
She’s the one who asked us if we were planning to harvest. Nice lady!
Guess what we’re looking at?
It’s actually the river here that divides these two states.
The trail went from gravel, to a bit of damp mud (nothing like yesterday!) to grass/weeds.
but instead, it went around it. And then we were done.
Nice place! Friendly locals!