Island Resort Campground, Newark, Maryland
But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” ~ Genesis 48:19 This ‘switched’ blessing was done intentionally by Jacob. Not out of favoritism, nor poor eyesight, nor in the deceitful way Jacob did to his own father, Isaac, but in God’s way, just as He told Rebecca when Jacob and Esau were still in the womb (Genesis 25:23). I wonder if this brought back memories of how he acquired his father’s blessing? I wonder if he ever shared his sin with his own sons? Isn’t it wonderful to love and serve a God Who forgives us and uses our faults to further His Kingdom?!? There are many tidbits of information about Ephraim and Manasseh in Scripture; like during their time in the dessert with Moses, God called for a census of men twenty and older. The tribe of Ephraim totaled 40,500. Joshua (the one who f’it the battle of Jericho) came from Ephraim. Manasseh’s total was 32,200. Gideon (the fleece guy from Judges 6) came from the tribe of Manasseh. In trying to understand the ‘group of nations’ portion, I discovered the following by commentator, Matthew Henry:
God, in bestowing his blessings upon his people, gives more to some than to others, more gifts, graces, and comforts, and more of the good things of this life.
He often gives most to those that are least likely. He chooses the weak things of the world; raises the poor out of the dust. Grace observes not the order of nature, nor does God prefer those whom we think fittest to be preferred, but as it pleases him. It is observable how often God, by the distinguishing favours of his covenant, advanced the younger above the elder, Abel above Cain, Shem above Japheth, Abraham above Nahor and Haran, Isaac above Ishmael, Jacob above Esau; Judah and Joseph were preferred before Reuben, Moses before Aaron, David and Solomon before their elder brethren. See 1 Sa. 16:7. He tied the Jews to observe the birthright (Deu. 21:17), but he never tied himself to observe it. Some make this typical of the preference given to the Gentiles above the Jews; the Gentile converts were much more numerous than those of the Jews. See Gal. 4:27. Thus free grace becomes more illustrious.
With dates like these on the post, you’d think we did nothing for days, but that’s not true. We just didn’t do enough blog-worthy stuff.
We moved after only two nights, which is practically unheard of. It took us two hours and forty-five minutes and 105 miles to land at our next spot in Delaware. It took longer because we stayed off the expressways and drove through quite a few small towns with traffic lights.
In the future, we’ll either look back and smile, or with wishful thinking . . .
I actually have a tale to tell about Delaware, but first, did you know that Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution? Many people don’t know that, but I’ve known it since the third grade – – and that’s a really long time! My third grade teacher, Mrs. Hartwell (I actually remember the names of most of my teachers 😊) assigned us to do a scrapbook of a state. Mine was Delaware. I don’t remember how I ended up with it, but I did. My mom knew someone who lived there and she wrote a letter (yes, I’m that old!) and ask them to send some information, and they did. I must’ve had a six-week deadline, or else mail service was faster way back then. Anyway, the other thing I remember about this project was that Mrs. Hartwell really liked the finished product and gave me an A+. Dana Spueller (the smart boy in class) only got a B+. I felt very smug. Oh, the things the mind remembers!
Anyway. After all that, here we are.
Lums Pond State Park, Bear, Delaware
On the 23rd, Blaine sucked it up and took me clothes shopping for several hours. I could’ve made him endure even more, but I took pity on him.
The last place we stopped at was a Safeway grocery store. It was here that we discovered – – at the check out – – there are no plastic bags in Delaware! It’s a State Law. You either bring your own (too late) purchased bags or buy their paper ones for 5 cents. Fortunately, they’re large and heavy-duty bags. We bought four. We’ll put them in the Jeep to be reused while we’re here. And I can use them to wrap shipping boxes in the future! Not that I do much of that these days, but still . . . .
He went for a bike ride to decompress.
That evening, he colored my hair because it was getting too blonde. Yeah. That’s it. Blonde. 😊
The 24th was Sunday. At the Glasgow Baptist Church, we met numerous friendly people (one couple is originally from Ghana, Africa). Their names were Augustus and Comfort. Several others who gave their names, but we can’t remember, and John. John discovered we were from Ohio and began talking baseball with Blaine. He’s an avid Indians (Guardians) fan, even though he’s lived in Delaware all his life. He was even wearing a Chief Wahoo tie today! He also presented us with four fresh-picked large ears of white corn.
The pastor spoke between each hymn (old ones! Yay!!) and then turned the pulpit over to a missionary evangelist. He was very passionate at the pulpit. It was a wonderful morning of worship and fellowship!
Sunday afternoon, Blaine went for a bike ride, but I stayed in to avoid the heat out there. I’m much more fragile than he is. 😊
Our daughter-in-law, Elise sent us great pictures!
Tomorrow, we’ll do something. But if not, at the very least we have to plan for the next three days.