Up Coming Story Event ... Tales of Laguna Pueblo

As I travel across this land, I am reminded of a story I started to write about 10 years ago. It is time for us to have a new adventure, so a new story is a good addition to this trip.

In the days, weeks/months, ahead I will share each chapter here with you. So stay tuned!

New from the BOLCF Kids' Korner: The Continuing Life of Samuel

Click the link below to watch as Sis. Betty Tracy teaches:

The Continuing Life of Samuel

1 Samuel 8:1-3

Noah’s Ship of Grace

Intro: Parents, this is one of my "Read to me" stories. Until your young people can read it for themselves, an adult, or an older child with understanding, should read it to them. There are lessons to be learned and a verse I shared at the end for memorizing and to help them understand what God is teaching us in the words below. I hope you and your children will enjoy this "Read to me" story.

~*~

Long ago, near the dawn of all time, lived a man named Noah and his family. Among the people of the community Noah was a man of upright character and thought by all to be most righteous, especially by God. It was said of him; “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” And after he was 500 years old Noah had three sons: Ham, Shem, and Japheth.

The whole earth was filled with wickedness and violence. God saw the corruption of the earth and its inhabitants. So God came to Noah and said; “I am going to destroy the earth and all of its people, for they have become filled with wickedness and violence. I want you to build a huge boat, an ark if you will, to save a people for myself. Build it out of gopher wood. It should have many rooms and be coated with pitch inside and out. I want you to build it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make an opening for light and put a ledge around it 18 inches high. Put a door in its side and build lower, middle and upper decks within its walls. Because I am going to bring a great flood over the whole earth and destroy everything that breathes in order to live. Every person and animal on earth will die. But My promise is with you and your family – you will enter this ark, you and your wife, your sons and their wives. And will bring two of every kind of living creature, male and female, to put into the ark with you and keep them alive with your family. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of living creature that crawls along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You will take every kind of food for you and for them.”

Noah did everything that God had told him to do. Noah and his sons built the ark following the plans that God had given him. I believe that others of Noah’s family may have helped in the building, also, people like Methuselah and his son Lamech, Noah’s father and grandfather. People lived much longer during this time in history, Methuselah lived to be 969 and Lamech lived to be 777. So it is quite possible that Noah had their help for a part of this building project because it took Noah and his family about 100 years to complete this enormous project.

When the ark was completed the Lord called Noah, his sons and all of their wives to enter the ark. Then he gave Noah more complete instructions on what animals he was to take into the ark. God said; “Of the all the clean animals you are to take them in by sevens, the male and his female, and of the unclean animals by twos, the male and his female. Of all the birds that fly you are to take them in by sevens, the male and his female; to keep them alive so that they can refill the earth after the flood destroys it and all the people and animals that live on it. In one week I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and nights. Again Noah did everything the Lord God told him to do. God called all of the animals to Noah, and he put them in the areas he had built for them in the ark.

On the seventh day, all that were to be housed in the ark were aboard and God closed the door. All were “snug as a bug in a rug,” so to speak. And the rain started to fall just as God had said it would. Noah was 600 years old when the rain began. Not only did it rain great bucketsful from heaven, but it says in the Bible that the “fountains of the great deep” were broken up, too.

Deep within the center of the earth, there is a hot core of melted rock and minerals, or metals, called lava, which can spew forth from volcanoes during earthquakes and eruptions. I believe this is what the Bible means by the “fountains of the great deep” breaking up.

Also below the earth's surface is the water table that supplies much of our drinking water and is the source for many of our lakes and rivers all over the globe. When the earth quaked and volcanoes erupted, this unseen water also escaped its underground rivers and lakes and mixed with the rain and the lava that was traveling over the surface of the earth and destroying everything.

The Bible says that all the high mountains were more 22 feet underwater and that every living thing on the face of the earth was killed; all the people, animals, birds and insects. Literally, everything that had once breathed was now dead. All except for Noah and those who were with him in the ark.

All of this water covered the whole earth for 150 days, but it didn’t stay there. The Bible says that God remembered Noah and all the people and animals with him in the ark and He sent a great wind pass over the earth to dry up the floodwaters; and that He also stopped up the fountains of the deep. I imagine that when the earthquakes stopped and the waters flowed over the lava it was cooled which made it into solid rock and then the water table re-stabilized.

After five months of traveling on top of the floodwaters and experiencing the world’s very first rainstorm, the ark finally came to rest on top of the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to dry up from the earth’s surface and three months later the ark’s passengers were able to see the tops of the mountains around them. Forty days later Noah opened up the Window of the ark and let a raven out. This raven flew around and around until the waters were lower and it was able to land. He also set a dove free, but the dove could find no place to land, so she returned to Noah in the ark. A week later Noah sent the dove out again, as it was getting night she returned to Noah with an olive leaf in her beak. Noah knew the waters were low enough that she found the top of the olive tree to rest in.

Noah waited another week and sent the dove out once more, this time she didn’t return to Noah; so he knew that the water was dried up enough that the dove could live on its own outside of the ark. But still, the people stayed inside.

After they had been in the ark 11½ months, Noah took the top off and let the sunshine in upon the people and animals. After such a long time in one place these passengers, people and animals alike, began longing to be outdoors. I know that after a long, snowy and wet winter, like we tend to get here from time to time, I look forward to the warm spring days when I can get outside once again. I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like to be trapped inside their ship for this long a time. But God kept all of the people and animals safe and well, mentally and physically, while they were in their necessary confinement.

When the top was removed from the ark, Noah and his family saw that the water had all disappeared and that the ground was dry again. But God didn’t let them out of the ark for another seven weeks. At that time God unlocked the door and told Noah to leave the ark with all of his family and the animals they had cared for during their voyage. Do you know not one life was lost inside the ark during the flood and the months afterward as they floated over the earth? All that was taken into the ark left it on the day that God opened the door. And I imagine a few more besides, as they were in this floating zoo for over a year.

When the ark was unloaded, Noah built an altar and made a sacrifice to God; worshiping Him there with his family. It was a large offering; one of every clean animal and bird that had shared this ship of grace during its first and only voyage. God enjoyed this act of worship. In fact, the Bible says it was a pleasing smell, like that of a beautiful perfume, as the smoke rose to heaven. And He made a promise to all people within His heart. His promise was this; “I will not curse the ground again for man’s sake. Neither will I destroy again all living things, as I have done. While the earth remains seedtime and harvest, hot and cold, summer and winter, day and night will also continue.” God confirmed this promise to Noah and his family, and to all people everywhere and in every age, even to us. His confirmation of this promise is seen in the rainbow when it appears in the sky.

Now after each rainstorm you can see God’s promise in the sky, if you are paying attention. God shows us this promise by putting rainbows in the sky. Never again will the Lord God destroy the whole earth by a worldwide flood. In the book of Numbers, the Bible says, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. Has He said and shall He not do it, or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?”

Because God doesn't lie, we know that He can be trusted to keep this promise and all of the promises He has written in the Bible.

Learning Grace:

Memory Verse:

“But Noah Found Grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8 KJV

Questions to think about and answer:

What is Grace?

How did Noah “find” grace in the eyes of the Lord?

Did Noah and his family deserve to be saved from the flood? Why/Why not?

Why do you think I called the ark Noah’s ship of Grace?

Do we have Grace today?

Is there an ark of Grace now?

Who gives us Grace?

Do (or can) we earn Grace?

What is our reward for having Grace?

What is the “reward” for NOT having this Grace?

Grammy Leigh and Hippity Hop's Summer Adventure - Part Two

Sunrise over Southwestern Wyoming, 8/4/17, through the smoke of all fires in the Western States
...we lose the smoke as we cross the continental divide later today.

As the day dawns anew, Grammy Leigh, Bro. Dave and Hippity Hop roll up their sleeping bags, deflate the air mattresses and crawl into the “Haul Me Home” truck to begin another day of their journey toward Shelbyville, Tennessee.


A little later Grammy is traveling on to her Daughter's in Richmond, Kentucky … with a planned day trip down to Bowling Green, KY for an Eclipse Watching Party on August 21, 2017. But today’s leg of the journey should end up in or near Cheyenne, Wyoming. But for now, she is looking forward to spending some time with her family in Tennessee. So on to Shelbyville.



"Leigh, why don't we stop for a bite to eat in Evanston, WY before we head east once more?"

 "That sounds like a good plan, Brother. I really could use a cup of coffee and a bite of breakfast would be good, too. Maybe we can get a few carrot sticks as a treat for Hippity Hop, too."

So the first stop of today's journey is the "Little America" truck stop in Evanston and breakfast for our friends.

Once back on the road again our little band of travelers head east once more. As they journey east, Grammy Leigh noticed that their route actually crosses the Continental Divide of the Americas twice between Rock Springs and Laramie Wyoming.

As today's 500-mile goal is to be Cheyenne, Wyoming - though it is a little short, Bro. Dave decides to take a lunch and nap break at a truck stop near Rawlings, WY. When the truck is parked, Bro. Dave pulls down the picnic basket, ice chest and a couple blankets while Grammy Leigh gets Hop out of his kennel and places him on a leash with his harness. He needed a break from his confinement, too.

Lunch and a two-hour rest break over, our gang reloads the "Haul Me Home" truck and rejoins the never-ending, eastward bound caravan.

About 4:00 pm Bro. Dave says he is in need of another short rest break.

 "Hey Dave, it looks like we are just a few minutes from a geological point of interest, the 'Gangplank.' It is said to be the easiest route from the Great Plains into the mountains and onto the West Coast. We can take our afternoon road break there and maybe learn something new."

 "That is a great idea, Leigh."

So the pair, and our bunny friend, pull off the highway into the truck parking lot beside the "Gangplank." Ass our group stretches their legs and takes in the views all around them, Bro. Dave stops in front of the commemoration sign.

 "Hey Leigh, the sign says that this formation is about a Billion years old and leaves the plains behind, rising into the mountains. Even the Union Pacific Railroad uses a part of it to leave the Great Plains behind for the mountains."



 "Dave, you know I don't believe the earth is that old. I believe that the Bible bears record that it is between 10,000 and 12,000 years old. I have read many articles in Biblical Archaeology that state scientists are proving the Bible is truth more and more every day."

Satelite view of Gangplank, WY

 "OK, sis. I know your point of view, so let's just enjoy the view."

 "You're right. Brother. God is good, and He gave us many beautiful views to share on this trip. So, let's enjoy them and each other's company."

I-80 from the Gangplank Point of Interest Area

About that time lightning flashed, thunder rolled and Hippity Hop tugged on his leash in great anxiety. Then the sky broke loose with warm, summer deluge and our little trio ran to the truck and quickly crawled inside. Their rest break ended, and just a little wet for their troubles, our group re-enters the Interstate and their day's journey.

The cloud burst that started at the "Gangplank" hadn't let up when Bro. Dave and Grammy Leigh stopped in Cheyenne for dinner. Having planned to sleep under the stars throughout this road trip, the tent Bro. Dave had packed into the truck was not easily located when they stopped for dinner. So Grammy Leigh decided to get a motel room for the night. This would give them a full night's rest, some time to relax in front of the TV and a shower before they returned to their road trip. 

The first exit into Cheyenne yielded a good choice of motels, a couple fast food joints, and a small diner at the local, roadside truck stop. Grammy Leigh said that a real meal would be preferable to fast food, so they ate at the diner. 

Finding a motel room was not as easy as finding a place to eat. All of the motels that were close to the interstate had no rooms available. So Bro.Dave and Grammy Leigh decided to pull into a nearby Mc Donalds to get a soda while Grammy checked online for motel rooms. When she found one that looked good, Grammy called them:

 "Hello. Is this the Sidney Best Western? Thank you. I was just on trivago.com checking for a handicapped room in Sidney with two beds and your ad showed one available. Is it still open?"

"Thank the Lord! Can you hold it for me for a little while?"

 "Hallelujah! Are you pet-friendly? Good, I'll take it. We are in Cheyenne, WY so it will be about two hours until we get there. How much will it be?"

"Yes, my brother has an AARP card. A 10% discount sounds awesome, thanks! We'll see you soon."

Bro. Dave made his usual walk around the trucks while Grammy Leigh walked Hippity Hop on his leash to stretch his little, bunny legs. Once their walks were complete and every body was loaded in the "Haul Me Home" truck and headed down the Interstate toward the Sidney, Nebraska Best Western Hotel, and a full night's rest.

Driving the last 85 miles to the hotel took a little more than two hours. When they arrived, they quickly checked in at the front desk then walked down to their room with their suitcases and Hop in his kennel for a long, hot shower and a couple hours of  TV before drifting off to sleep.

As it continues to pour down rain, and our happy trio prepares for bed, I will leave you here in Sidney, Nebraska until we meet again.

Grammy Leigh and Hippity Hop's Summer Adventure - Part One

“Hey Everybody, Grammy Leigh is about to start on a new adventure. Gather around quickly ... here she comes. Let’s listen as she gets ready,” BoBus the hound encouraged.

“Oh good. I’m glad that you’re all here already. I have some news I want to share with you. So let’s quiet down, I don’t want to have to repeat my instructions. I have an announcement to make. I have to take a trip back east with my big brother, Dave. We are delivering some furniture to my mother in Tennessee and then I will go on to Kentucky to my daughter’s. Her oldest son, my grandson, is getting married soon and this trip is the only way for me to get there for the celebration. I will be gone from the farm for about two months, so let me tell you all what needs to be done and what I expect while I am gone.”

Grammy sat there with all of her farm hands and critters to tell them of her plans for the trip and what she needs each of them to do while she was away. When Grammy Leigh finished her talk with everybody, she went into the farmhouse to pack her suitcases.

While Grammy was sorting her clothes for the trip she saw Hippity Hop (also called Hop) hopping across the yard and into the rose garden for a nap in the shade. Grammy got to thinking about leaving Hop Hop behind while she traveled.

Grammy knew that Hop needed more personal interaction than most of her critters. So she decided that she would take him with her. So, after filling her suitcases, Grammy found the small traveling kennel for Hop to ride in the truck with her and Bro. Dave.

As Brother Dave loaded the “Haul-Me-Home” truck, Grammy made sure all of the farm chores were done in the big barn. When all was ready, Grammy put Hop in the kennel and got into her seat in the truck while Bro. Dave placed their suitcases into the truck and the picnic basket between the seats in the cab of the truck. Then crawled into his seat behind the steering wheel, ready to start the truck engine. Before Bro Dave brought the engine to life, Grammy prayed:

“Dear Lord, protect this truck and all of its contents, including the living ones. Set your angels upon each wheel, before and behind, above and beneath us as we journey across the country to visit our family. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

After her prayer, Bro. Dave started the truck engine and proceeded to drive out of the driveway of Grammy’s farm; it was about noon on August 3, 2017.

That first evening as the sun began to set Brother Dave pulled off the Interstate in Coalville, Utah to find a nice place to camp for the evening. After talking to a friendly cashier in a mini market across the street from where he parked, Dave pulled the truck around the corner and down the street about a quarter of a mile. There on the right-hand side of the road was a mown field, with a sign posted in front that read, “Summit County Fair Parking >>.” Seeing the open gate Brother Dave turned into the field and parked the “Haul-Me-Home” truck just off the driveway under the trees on the left side of the field.

As Bro. Dave looked for the best parking place, Grammy Leigh took in the scenery ‘round about the field where they were to park. Down the right side of the field ran a fence that enclosed the neighbor’s farm animals. The front pasture section held a couple of cows and their calves. But in the back pasture, there was a merry menagerie of goats, horses and their colts and a few stray sheep.

This group of four-legged friends was quite playful in the gathering darkness. Their playful ness enticed our Hippity Hop.

“Brother, I think if we place the mattresses between the trucks we will be better able to keep an eye on everything.”

“That sounds good, Leigh. Let’s do that,” Bro Dave replied.

Once the beds were down for the night, Grammy pulled out the picnic basket and they shared a dinner of sandwiches, pudding cups, and fresh peaches. Even Hop had dinner, but he had some bunny kibble and water, with a serving of Sweet Timothy Hay for dessert.

Just as Grammy Leigh and Brother Dave were falling into a restful snooze, our bunny friend escaped from his kennel to stretch his little, legs. Hippity Hop quickly made his way through the parking field to the Western end of the pasture next door. It only took him a moment to find a hole in the fencing which allowed him to hop on into the pasture. Once on the other side of the fence, Hop began to frolic with the animals living there. He ran with the colts and dodged the gopher holes with the baby goats, and other lots of other games that the residents of the pasture taught him. After about two hours of frolicking with his new friends, Hippity Hop returned to his kennel to rest before their journey across the country continued.

As our merry, little band of travelers sleep through the remainder of the night, I will let you rest also. Until next time ... be blessed of the Lord and give Him the Glory in all things! Good Bye!

The Angels' Song

Luke 2:8-20

The Shepherds’ Visit

Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger. When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child, and all who heard it were astonished at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean. So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.

~*~

We have all heard the story of Jesus birth the first Christmas and the taxation that Caesar Augustus had which had initiated that fate-filled trip to Bethlehem. But I want to tell you another side of this tale that you may never have thought of … that of The Angels’ Song.

Well over 2000 years ago now, God our Father set in motion His eternal plan for our Salvation. It was a very intricate plan that took many years of planning and preparation to complete. I believe it all began with the stars.

You see the star the Magis’ followed into Bethlehem began as stars that converged before Christ’s birth to form the ‘Christmas Star,’ or more correctly the Christmas Constellation, that announced His coming. This special constellation He placed in the skies above the Eastern Empires. Some wise men of these regions started searching heir historical archives when it was first sighted to find its significance. They learned that this new ‘star’ was a sign to tell of the birth of a new and important king for the nation of Israel … a leader that they had been waiting on for hundreds of years.

This prophecy of Israel’s new king was well known throughout Israel and all the nations where the Jews had been in exile during their dispersion. This was a part of God’s plan from the beginning, for His Salvation is not just for Israel, but for all people, everywhere.

While the Magi prepared to ‘follow the star,’ our Father was off in other parts of the globe making other preparations. One such task was to prepare Elizabeth and Zachariah for the birth of their miracle baby … a male who born to them late in life and was to announce Jesus and His ministry, preparing people for His coming.

Another was to get Mary - a young, godly woman from Nazareth in Galilee - on board to bring this special Child into the world and raise Him, training Him for the job He would carry out in His lifetime.

God also had to let Joseph know that Mary hadn’t been unfaithful to him and that they should carry out their plans to be married and raise a family. God also told Joseph that the child she would bear was His Seed, His Son, that Mary and Joseph would be raising.

That is enough of the backstory.

While God was making all the preparations throughout the universe for Jesus’ birth, I believe He gave Gabriel - one of His chief, or archangels - orders for preparing His angel army for this special occasion. In fact, Gabriel was given the job of telling Mary and Joseph of their roles in God’s plan. But Gabriel’s job was far from over with these announcements. This was just the beginning...

Gabriel also had to ensure the angel army knew their part. This is where our Christmas story really begins.

Throughout heaven, Gabriel announced a meeting of all the angels. He brought them together to tell them of the need to form a choir and to learn some special songs because they would be proclaiming the birth of The King … Jesus. Let’s sit in on the angels’ meeting.

 “Hey, everyone,” Gabriel called, “gather around. There is much we need to talk about today.”

 “What’s going on?”

 “What’s Gabriel saying?”

 “OK, gather round, everyone and listen. Our Father, God, has finally decided it is time for His great plan for the earth’s Salvation to be set into motion. And you all have an important part in this plan. You are going to tell the King’s first visitors where they can find Him. And you get to do this with God’s glory and His music. God has written special songs for you all to sing on that night to a group of shepherds on a hillside outside of King David’s hometown of Bethlehem.”

 “So what do you want from us, Gabriel?”  Adriel asked.

 “As you have the most interest Adriel, I want you to be the choir leader,” Gabriel replied. “You will speak to the shepherds and give them God’s message while the choir sings softly in the background.”

 “The rest of the choir will sing of God’s glory during and after Adriel makes this most important announcement of the birth of His Son, Jesus, in the town of Bethlehem. These shepherds are perfect representations of the vast majority of humankind. They are simple folk who work hard to support their families and love the Lord with all their hearts. So learn the songs well and prepare for the most important day of all time thus far!”

After getting the angel army choir set up for practice, Gabriel had other heavenly duties to take care of. So he left the choir in Adriel’s care and went on about his work.

Adriel took his role as leader and director so seriously that he sought an appointment with Father God to find out just how He wanted things done and what He had chosen for them to sing. I believe their meeting when just like this:

 “Adriel, what brings you into my throne room?” Father God asked.

 “Father God, I want to make Your announcement just as special as You had envisioned it.”

Adriel responded, “What am I supposed to say? What shall we wear? What shall we sing? How will we pull all this off in time?”

 “Adriel, my son,” God replied. “You are right, this is an awesome and wonderful         announcement. It must be done just right. That is precisely why I have chosen you and your angel army choir to tell the human shepherds of the birth of My Son, Jesus. They will be the first people on earth to visit Him and bring Him honor in My name.”

 “Archangel, Gabriel just shared that part of the mission with us. So, what songs do you want us to sing during Your announcement, Father God?”

 “I have written a special piece for this event. A man named Handel will write it down for Me many years from now, but you angels will sing it to the shepherds on that special day. I call it the Hallelujah Chorus.

 But I have a speech for you to give that is just as important as this piece of music. It goes like this: ‘Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.’ Do you think you can learn these words in time, Adriel? They are essential and need to be just right.

 “Yes, Sir! I can … I will learn them. This speech will be perfect! Thank you, Father, for trusting me and the Angel Army for this important job. I know we will do this just like You planned.”

God was never afraid of how the angels would perform. He knew they were the right creations for this job. For He knew of this assignment before time began and created them perfectly for all they would need to do throughout eternity. His words were to calm Adriel. To give him the encouragement he would need to lead the Angel Army Choir and make the announcement all creation had been waiting for.

Now filled with his new-found, godly encouragement for the tasks ahead and a sound bubble containing their music, Adriel called the choir together to go over their upcoming assignment.

 “Gather ‘round, gang,” Adriel yelled, “I have the music Father God wants us to sing to the shepherds on earth. Let’s start learning it.”

The angels practiced several hours that day and every day for many months as they awaited the day they would make their announcement. Now the day has come and they were ready. As the Angel Army Choir gathered for their journey toward earth, Father God came into the hall.

 “Children, gather in and quiet down please,” called Father God. “I want to have a few words with you before you fly off for your assignments. You all know of the song and the announcement you are to share with the shepherds of earth this night. Now I want you to know what this announcement is all about. Tonight in a stable near the town of Bethlehem, My son - Jesus - will be born of a virgin named Mary. He will lead a righteous life and die to return to My Kingdom Family as My children … My heirs. This announcement is for the whole world, rich and poor alike. That is why I have chosen this family of shepherds near Bethlehem to be the first to hear of Him and to see Him. They are hard working common folk, neither poor nor rich, very average among the people of earth.”

 “Wow,” replied the angel choir. “Thank You, Father, for sending us to earth. We won’t let you down.”

 “I know you won’t, my children.” He said. “Now go, clothed in My Glory. Sing for the people of earth.”

 “And Adriel, Fear Not!” God continued, “You will speak My words with great confidence this night. You and the Angel Army Choir will bring me Great Glory with your words and deeds.”

And with those words of encouragement Adriel and the Angel Army Choir flew off toward earth and their God-given assignment to announce Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and the world. Let’s follow and see what God has set into motion.

Low in the evening sky above the hillside meadows outside of Bethlehem the Angel Army Choir and Adriel their leader halted their flight. Softly the choir starts singing the Hallelujah Chorus. Just in front of the Choir is Adriel, resplendent in God’s Glory and Light. This Light gradually grows brighter, drawing the shepherds’ attention to the sky. When the sky around Adriel was almost as bright as the noonday sun, Adriel began to speak God’s message to the shepherds.

 “Don’t be afraid and listen carefully! I bring you a message from Father God. This news will bring great joy to all the people of earth! Today, in the city of Bethlehem, King David’s hometown, the Messiah - the savior of the world - has been born. His name is Jesus. To prove what I have said let me give you a sign; you will find this baby boy diapered, wrapped in a blanket and lying in a feed trough in the stables near the town below.”

When Adriel had finished his announcement, the Angel Army Choir began singing louder. Loud enough for the shepherds to clearly hear their words of honor and glory to God. After several minutes, the Angel Army Choir flew off, still singing their song. As they disappeared into the night sky, the shepherds began talking about what they had just seen and heard.

 “Wow, brothers. The angels said that Messiah was born in Bethlehem,” said Jacob, the head of this shepherd family. “Didn’t the prophet Isaiah tell us of his birth long years ago?”

 “Yes, he said God would give Messiah this miracle birth to prove He is our Salvation.” agreed his brother Salmon.”

 “Let’s go into town and find the manger-bed where the angels said He will be sleeping,” said Jonah, the youngest shepherd.

Having decided to go see their Messiah, the shepherds left their sheep in the sheepfold with a large rock rolled up to block the entrance and walked down the hill and to the stables just outside of town. There they found the baby Jesus lying on some clean, soft hay within a feeding trough.

Bowing to their knees, these men worshiped the Christ child from hearts filled with pure love toward God. Then they left the stable area and traveled throughout Bethlehem telling all they met about Jesus and the angels’ message. Once the whole wakeful population of Bethlehem was aware of the evening’s importance, the shepherds returned to their fields and flocks on the hillside just outside of town.

And the rest, as they say, is History. Well actually, HIS Story!

So while we celebrate the birth of our messiah, let’s remember the Angel Army Choir and their marvelous announcement. And let’s share His good news with everyone, every day of the year.

A Tale of Thanksgiving

I didn’t die. I lived! And now I’m telling the world what God did. God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn’t hand me over to Death. Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates! I’ll walk right through and thank God! This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise. Thank you for responding to me; you’ve truly become my salvation!

Psalm 118:17-21, MSG

I know that we have all heard the traditional Thanksgiving stories; how the Pilgrims came to this country, barely made it through their first winter with the help of some Native Americans who lived in that area. But today I want to tell you another tale of thanksgiving … a tale much older than the birth of America.

Long ago in the land of Israel, just after Jesus was crucified, the Christians was still in shock over all that had happened since the death and resurrection of their Master. Stephen – the very first Christian martyr – had been stoned while the religious leaders and chief priests looked on. One of these men, a Pharisee named Saul, watched over the belongings of those who through the stones.

After this stoning, Saul met with these leaders of the Jewish Temple to ask for letters to the leaders of synagogues, the local Jewish centers of worship, in the city of Damascus. They gladly gave Saul the letters he wanted. These men were happy that Saul was going to travel through the land to capture and bring to Jerusalem any men and women he found who were followers of “the Way,” this is what believers were called by the Jews before the name Christian – or follower of Christ – was used.

On his trip to Damascus, Saul took a group of men with him to help him with those he was about to arrest. He knew that he couldn’t handle the number of people he would be taking back to Jerusalem alone. Taking these men with him worked out to Saul’s benefit. For while on the road, though still a distance from the city, Saul had a close encounter with Jesus that would change his whole life.

Walking to Damascus from Jerusalem would take four to five days – a person could typically walk 10-15 miles a day, and up to 20 miles when you consider that most people walked everywhere they went. If I understand what the Bible says about this in the book of Acts, Saul had almost reached Damascus. I’d say that he was about a day’s travel outside of the city when he met the Lord. The Bible describes it as a bright light that dazed him. I think this light might have been just a glimpse of the glory that Jesus received when He was glorified by the Lord at His ascension.

Whether it was a bright light or the Light of His Glory, God blinded Saul by it to get his attention. For from the middle of this Light came Jesus’ voice calling out to Saul, asking why he was persecuting Him and His followers. Hearing the loud voice from heaven, Saul’s companions were confused, for they couldn’t see who was speaking.

You see, Saul was a very godly man before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul had been taught by the top Hebrew scholars of his day. He had become a Pharisee to live a life of devotion to God. He even thought that by arresting and jailing Jesus’ followers was what God would have him to do … but he was wrong. This is why Jesus used this blinding light on the road to Damascus to get his attention. Jesus had a plan for Saul’s life, just as He does for each of us.

After his encounter on the road with Jesus, Saul, with the help of his companions as he was now blind, continued his trip to Damascus, but with a new purpose. Now Saul was focused on learning all he could about the calling he had on his life.

Once in Damascus, Saul stayed with a fellow believer named Judas where he spent his time in prayer and fasting, having dreams from the Holy Spirit. While Saul was praying, across town a man named Ananias receiving his instruction from the Lord to go and pray for Saul. Though he argued at first, Ananias did go to where Saul was staying and prayed for him to receive his sight once more.

After his healing Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus, working alongside his new brothers and sisters in Christ while he learned more of the Way. He was preaching in the very synagogues where he had planned to arrest those he now worked with.

This change in Saul’s life is just what Jesus was talking about when He told the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin to His followers, not many days before. Luke 15:10, MSG says it like this:

“Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she’ll call her friends and neighbors: ‘Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!’ Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.”

Yes, even the angels of Heaven give thanks when just one person, one lost soul, returns to God’s family in earnest!

Many days later, Saul had more than his Salvation to be thankful for. For some of the Jewish religious leaders sought to kill him because he had “changed sides” in their minds. So the believers learned of their plans before they were able to carry them out. They came to Saul with this information.

The Jews watched over the city gates 24/7, looking for the right time to capture and kill Saul. But the body of local believers took Saul by night in a large basket and hauled him up and over a lower portion of the city’s wall to escape the plot of their leaders.

You can be assured that he was singing praises to the Lord once he was safe from this threat of death. I believe his praises echoed those of King David that I quoted earlier, but will repeat here:

 … I didn’t die. I lived! And now I’m telling the world what God did. God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn’t hand me over to Death. Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates! I’ll walk right through and thank God! This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise. Thank you for responding to me; you’ve truly become my salvation!

Psalm 118:17-21, MSG

So at this time when our nation is celebrating Thanksgiving, we who are citizens of Christ’s Kingdom have much to be thankful for beyond the food on our tables, the clothes on our backs and the homes that we live in. We have Jesus - our Lord and Savior, His life, death, and resurrection – to be thankful for. So give thanks from hearts overflowing with gratitude.

Until next time!

Grammy Leigh

Lydia and Joy Stealer

Intro:

As sometimes is the case with our plans, it looks like my trip this week isn't going to happen at this time. But Satan can't succeed in his attacks against us UNLESS we GIVE him a foothold in our hearts and minds. He can only do what WE ALLOW him to do. On this note, I want to share a story I wrote for my church family a few years ago. It's called Lydia and Joy Stealer.

Lydia and Joy Stealer

Lydia is a servant of the Most High.  She is very conscious of being open to His leading her into various ministry opportunities.  Even her job in the working world allows her to come into contact with many people in person in her work place, as well as on the phones, helping them with their find solutions for many for their daily problems in the words of the Book.

Most people who had met Lydia would say that she was a very happy person.  So full of laughter and good cheer that she almost always wore a smile on her face and sang songs of the Most High wherever she went. 

Living in the city of the Most High was a criminal named Joy Stealer.  Now the Joy Stealer was a loyal servant of the Enemy of the Most High.  His crime was to take away the happiness and good cheer of all the servants of the Most High, thus getting them to leave His service and wander aimlessly among the Wastelands of Despair.  In this way he added to the followers of the Enemy.

For many years Joy Stealer had followed the servants of the Most High weakening their defenses and throwing stumbling blocks into their paths, and he was very good at his job.  But he try as he might Joy Stealer could find no way to break down the defenses of Lydia and take away the happiness she had flowing forth through her life.  So Joy Stealer sought the help of other servants of the Enemy.  He sent minor slaves to spy on her day and night to learn what could be used against her to make her falter in her service to the Most High.

Darkness and Depression each found places of rest among the folds of Lydia’s robes.  They rode along with her for many days making notes to take back to Joy Stealer.  After about two weeks of this research to find a chink in Lydia’s armor Darkness and Depression reported back to Joy Stealer their findings.

“Master,” Darkness started, “We have found no failing in her that you may exploit.”

“What!” yells Joy Stealer, “Than why have you returned?”

“Well, Great One,” Depression continued, “She has no weakness, however we did notice that she ALWAYS wears an MP3 player with stereo headset over her ears.”

“That’s right,” Darkness agreed, “she listens to the music of the Most High both day and night continuously.  She never removes the speakers from her ears.”

Now Joy Stealer had an idea.  “I will plug her ears so she cannot hear the music of the Most High.  She will think that her MP3 player has quit functioning and look for another.  While she is seeking I will fill her life with so many of these people she is so willing to be of assistance to that she will be totally overwhelmed and exhausted and her loyalty will slowly begin to falter.     

After getting a good nights rest, Joy Stealer began this new tactic to attack Lydia and turn her from the service of the Most High.  He began it very slowly, blocking her hearing for just an hour or two at a time until by the end of the first week he had totally blocked the music from her ears altogether.  In the second week he started adding more and more responsibilities and people with needs in her path that she had to take care of.

The smile was now starting to fade from Lydia’s face and the songs of joy had all but vanished from her heart.  By the end of the third week exhaustion was taking a toll on her physical well-being.  She wasn’t sleeping well at night, as the toils of the day wouldn’t leave her mind.  She wasn’t eating properly either, as the constant turmoil was keeping her stomach rolling and nothing tasted good in her mouth any more.  Joy Stealer had done his job very well thanks to the research of Darkness and Depression.  So well even that he had brought them back to Lydia to place her in such a state of gloom that she would forever forsake her job of service to the Most High.

But the Most High was not one to accept the loss of even one of His subjects without a fight.  He sent His Son, Peace Giver, to personally sing in the ears of Lydia His most precious songs of comfort and joy.  To Peace Giver the Most High gave the gift of invisibility so that Joy Stealer could not see or detect His presence.  This allowed Him to stand right behind Lydia and sing right in her ears.  Joy Stealer couldn’t hear Peace Giver’s singing either for he had no peace in his being.  Only those who chose service to the Most High and had made a place for peace to live in their hearts could hear the music of the Most High.  This gave Peace Giver the clear advantage in the battle for Lydia’s mind, and He made full use of this advantage.

Peace Giver sang his songs of comfort and joy loudly and constantly in Lydia’s ears.  He had no need for rest or food as he was sustained totally by the love of the Most High.   During this battle for her mind, Lydia didn’t realize that the music of the Most High had disappeared from her hearing.  She had thought that the MP3 player had malfunctioned, so she thought to replace it.  But no MP3 player seemed to play the songs of the Most High that she had long cherished, so she gave up on trying to replace her player and gradually dismissed the lack of it’s music.  It wasn’t that any of the equipment was faulty; it was the plugs put in place by Joy Stealer that filtered out the music.  But Peace Giver was there singing all the while. 

Lydia finally got so sick and tired that she began to call out to the Most High for health and strength.  This prayer started cracking the plugs placed in her ears by Joy Stealer.  Now Lydia began hearing strains of the songs sung in her ears by Peace Giver.  Her body was very weakened from the many weeks it had been deprived of its music.  Her mind was tense from it’s over working to meet the needs of those she had thought placed in her path by the Most High – yet which were in truth the trap of Joy Stealer.  But hope was beginning to return with the renewed connection to the missing sounds of the songs she had long been accustomed to hearing both night and day for all the years of her service to the Most High. 

Although she had been sharing her trials with her mentor, Mrs. Calming Comforter, Lydia had found no peace in Calming’s words with out her music. 

Today as she left her office for a weekend retreat at the Sea Shore, the plugs that had blocked the music fell from Lydia’s ears and she could clearly hear the beautiful voice of Peace Giver singing to her the precious songs of the Most High.  Joy Stealer had lost the battle for Lydia’s mind – and ultimately for her service.  She has now recommitted herself to the job given her by the Most High in which she worked serving those of His kingdom in the solving their problems, whatever they may be.  And she has again in place the headset of her MP3 player so that she can hear, night and day, the songs of the Most High; especially those she had heard sung personally by Peace Giver as He sang in her ears during the battle fought for her mind and her service.

Joy Stealer has been sent out of the city of the Most High to wander with his cohorts Darkness and Depression in the Wastelands of Despair until the end of all time when they three would join the Enemy in the pits of Hell for Eternity.

~*~

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.  John 16:22-24

And Always Remember: 

 Do Not ALLOW Satan to Steal Your Joy!