CHARACTER MATTERS

 

Chris and me on our HR.  Photo by a professional photographer.

When Chris and I lived on our boat in Mexico we were very careful to follow all the laws of the country. We were instructed that we were guests. We knew that according to the law of their land that we would be considered guilty until proven innocent unlike the laws in the U.S.  So what is going on in the world right now?  It seems people who do not obey the laws are allowed to come into any country illegally.  What has gone wrong?

The way I see it is this— It isn’t the color of the skin but the content of the character.  If we are obeying the laws of the country there should be no problems.  It is the content of the character that is lacking.  If the laws were enforced in all countries and we had enough people to throughly investigate immigrants to come in legally we would not be having this problem.  The chaos now is the Marxist plan to control the world. Meanwhile the governments are run by a people who have a death wish. God has put governments in place to be the agent to bring punishment on the wrong doers.  Apparently He has taken a pause. But someday everyone will be accountable to God—God is still in control.  The final battle of Ezekiel 38 and 39 is coming soon.  

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

FATHER'S DAY AND YOU

 

The above article mentions that Mrs. Dodd's father was a disciplinarian.  In some families this is necessary.  But in my case I would have been crushed if my father had been harsh with me.  The only time he seemed displeased was when I would bring a "C" home on my report card.  He was ok with "B's"!  

Grandma Isabel was the secretary for the Father's Day Association Committee.  She saved the minutes from each meeting so we are able to have a peek in to what went on.  I really like how they closed their meetings with Genesis 31: 49  “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other." 

What was your father like?

BABIES ARE A BLESSING

Grandpa Claude meets Heather 1971. Photo by Chris. Outfit courtesy Aunt Emily.

 

Heather and Jes 1978. Photo by Chris.

My mom treated us kids like we were real people.  She was interested in all that we said and did. She disciplined us and set boundaries by sighing or looking a certain way so that we would realize maybe we were making a wrong choice.  Sometimes she would even verbalize her desire like --"I wish someone would wash the dishes."

Now our daughter Heather is good with children.  As a 6 1/2 year old she made friends with her newborn brother, Jes.  She babysat her cousin Jennifer one summer.  She enjoyed her cousin Sarah at a wedding where she took videos and photos. Her cousin Grace met her at a young age.  

Heather and Jennifer 1988.  Photo by Grandma?

Sarah and Heather 1992.  Photo by Chris.

Heather and Grace. Photo by Grandma?

And of course she was proud of her own babies.  

Heather with Sammantha. Photo by Chris.

Me with Natalie

We have been blessed with our babies who have grown into God fearing wonderful people.  So I encourage all those out there who are dealing with sleepless nights, diapers, messes, and lives that are not your own-- hang in there.  

Nehemiah 8:10  Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

I LOVE A PARADE

 Honor Guard for the Torchlight Parade -- photo gallery

Granddaughter Samantha's high school band in Torchlight Parade 2023--  Facebook

The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, the 86th,  on Saturday, May 18, featured 21 bands. The theme this year was "Dare to Dream" in honor of Expo '74.

 A new group in the parades are acknowledgements of fallen heroes. It is a solemn fact in our world even when we are not at war. 

In 1942 the parade was canceled due to WW II.  My cousin Audra was one of the Lilac Princesses. 

More details.

I had the honor of marching in the parade in 1965.  Ed Reed carried the guidon.

I have always loved to watch parades and to march in parades. My daughter and granddaughters would record any parades on TV for me to watch when I came to visit. My question is this-- have you ever marched in a parade?  Did you enjoy it or did you dislike to march? 

CORRIE TEN BOOM-- HOW I OVERCAME HATE

 

Where has the ability to discern right from wrong gone?  It was missing in Holland when the Nazi's took over in 1940.  Jews and those who helped the Jews were being shipped off to concentration camps. Now, here in the United States, some students and outside agitators have not been able to discern that their actions are anti-semitic.  They have been blinded by their own hate or greed.  

Once again the Judeo/Christian values are being ignored.  Some say it is their right to attack the "oppressors." They have no desire to debate in a civilized manner.  Their minds and hearts have been taken over by rage.  It's mob rule.  Israel has the right to defend itself.  Those opposed to Israel have the right to have civilized debates but some choose to use shouting, threats, name calling, and violence. 

Corrie Ten Boom, Holocaust survivor, tells how she was able to forgive the man who had betrayed her family in the above video. May all learn from her and strive for peace. 

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

 

Natalie in dance class second from left.  Photo by Chris.

Dancing and singing have always been a big part of my life. Thus, I was delighted when my two granddaughters were born as I hoped that they would both enjoy dancing and singing as much as I had. They tried dancing. But the interest wasn't there. I believe both granddaughters and one grandson like to sing though.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, my parents (part of ‘The Greatest Generation’), enjoyed the dances held by various civic groups and clubs at The Natatorium Amusement Park dance pavilion; this provided much needed entertainment in Spokane during that difficult time. On any given night, several thousand dancers would pack the pavilion often attracted by popular local big band names—the music was often broadcast on live radio. When Phil Harris, musical director for Jack Benny's radio programs, played at the dance pavilion the large room was overflowing with even more dancers

After World War Two, my generation, (The Silent Generation 1928 to 1945), attended many sock hops and formals in high school and college. Even later those in Generation X (1965 to 1980) found their way onto the dance floor.  But when we went back to the1995 homecoming there was no dance at EWU. I can only guess that interests had changed. There seemed to be less joy in the air at that time.

But all is not lost.  Each generation can still continue to have joy.  Here is a piece written by Ed Decker who teaches us that we can still have joy as we age when dance floors have less appeal to us (not that the desire isn’t there). Joy comes to us at any age every morning when we dance with Jesus!

II Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

ATHEISTS DEFEND CHRISTIANITY

Christopher Hitchens said that "religion poisons everything." Marx said that "religion is the opium of the people."  Science was supposed to solve all problems.  Recently many "religious" people are walking away from Christianity. But now--  many atheists are defending Christianity.  They say it is a very good thing for the world.  Tom Holland's book "Dominion; How the Christian Revolution Remade the World"--  explains that because of Christ's resurrection, and  rising from the dead, cultures have been revolutionized.   The Judeo- Christian values in our society legislate morality-- we have laws along the same lines as the 10 commandments-- don't kill, steal, lie under oath, etc. The following are You Tubes and articles that tell about the change of many hearts toward Christianity. 

Richard Dawkins defends Christianity.

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Abigail Shrier

@AbigailShrier

I am not a Christian, but I am grateful to live in a Christian America. Christianity inspires defense of our freedoms, lends free markets higher purpose, and puts people with different politics in the same pews. To all Christians of this blessed land: Happy Easter!

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Jordan Peterson's wife Tammy joins the Catholic church. He is supportive and believes it is a good thing. Read the article here.

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A Christian revival is underway in Britain.  Read the article here.

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Some celebrities have been drawn to Christianity-- Ayaan Hirsi, Russell Brand, Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Craig T. Nelson, the University of North Carolina coach Hubert Davis, among others. 

Luke 15:10 "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”