Time is running out !!

Yes, 2010 is now recent history. Please consider the fact that "time" will run out on May 21st, 2011. ~~ The Holy Bible has revealed to many Bible scholars that May 21, 2011 will be Judgement Day. God will call the believers home to forever be with Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Are you ready?? Please check FamilyRadio.com or eBibleFellowship.com for specific information.

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows

Words and Music by William J. Gaither

Since I started for the Kingdom,
Since my life He controls,
Since I gave my heart to Jesus,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,
The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;
Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

Ev’ry need He is supplying,
Plenteous grace He bestows;
Ev’ry day my way gets brighter,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,
The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;
Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The month started with me receiving gifts. The month ends with a welcome gift!! I learned moments ago that I won't have to move from one site to another. Frankly, I have lacked the energy--and/or desire--to raise stabilizers, hitch car and trailer, shift down five sites and "set up" again. Furthermore, from that distance (the furthermost corner of the RV Park), I was skeptical about whether I would receive a strong WiFi signal. Family Radio --via the Internet--is so important to me!! Instant availability to my e-mail and forums, and capability of developing my blog, is meaningful!! I'm so grateful because "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life's Book

Life's Book

No matter what else you are doing
From cradle days through to the end,
You are writing your life's secret story--
Each day sees another page penned.

Each month ends a thirty-page chapter,
Each year means the end of a part--
And never an act is misstated
Or even one wish of the heart.

Each day when you wake, the book opens,
Revealing a page clean and white--
What thoughts and what words and what doings
Will cover its pages by night?

God leaves that to you--you're the writer--
And never a word shall grow dim,
Till the day you write the word finish
And give your Life's Book back to Him.

Author Unknown

Heartfelt Sympathy !!

*SINCERE* *HEARTFELT* *SYMPATHY* to my friends and family suffering from the effects of major storms!! Florida has experienced the coldest December on record. There has been over $275,000,000. in crop damage. But New York City is buried in snow drifts. Communities in Southern California are buried in mud from the recent drenching rain. Holiday travelers are forced to spend days in airport terminals due to cancelled flights. ~~ Personally, I have been warm and dry, and comfortable. I have been confined to my tiny T@B, laying flat on my back on the bed. I've had more time than normal to watch TV news reports. The flu bug is sticking to me like a magnet!! ~~ I'm blessed: My supervisor calls to check on me, and neighbors knock on my door when they haven't seen me for a couple of days. If I need help, it isn't far away.

The Sound of Music

Did you watch The Sound of Music on ABC television on Sunday night? Did you watch the cast reunion today on The Oprah Winfrey show? This is the 45th anniversary of the movie.

Because I've always been "in love" with the film, earlier this year, I made a point of visiting the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. I enjoyed the Continental Breakfast, I took the history tour, I hiked to the chapel.

The Chimes of Time Ring Out the News

I'm not as old as Methuselah (Gen. 5:27) but I'm old enough to remember a song from decades past. Do you remember It Is No Secret What God Can Do?? It came to mind very recently and I found myself singing the song. I marveled that I remembered most of the words and the tune. Here are details about Stuart Hamblin and the origin of the song.

The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
For I have news for you

It is no secret what God can do
What He's done for others, He'll do for you
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

There is no night for in His light
You never walk alone
Always feel at home
Wherever you may go

There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don't run away and hide

It is no secret what God can do
What He's done for others, He'll do for you
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

Listen to It Is No Secret What God Can Do.

Virtual travel

My cough is gone; I'm feeling much better. Thanks for your prayers and e-mail messages expressing concern. ~~ My little T@B trailer will never survive a hurricane!! Here in Orlando, we're "rocking & rolling" with 25 to 35 mile per hour wind. It is sprinkling rain; it is dark and gloomy!! ~~ I traveled (thanks to Google) to my former residence near Charlotte, North Carolina. ~~ I visited my youngest son in New York City, and a granddaughter near Buffalo, New York. ~~ I traveled to Camarillo, California, to visit with my middle son and grandchildren. ~~ Finally to Bend, Oregon, to visit my oldest son and his family. ~~ Disagreeable weather everywhere!!

~~~~~~~~~~
Local Text Forecast for
Orlando, FL

Dec 26 Today
Variable cloudiness and windy. High 52F. Winds WNW at 25 to 35 mph.
Dec 26 Tonight
Some passing clouds. Cold. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph.

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Local Text Forecast for
Charlotte, NC

Dec 26 Today
Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. Cold. High 34F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 2 inches.
Dec 26 Tonight
Snow flurries early. Then partly cloudy overnight. Cold. Low 17F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.

~~~~~~~~~~
Local Text Forecast for
New York, NY

Dec 26 Today
Windy conditions and morning snow showers will evolve to a steadier snow and blizzard conditions for the afternoon. High 32F. Winds NNE at 25 to 35 mph. 5 to 8 inches of snow expected. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Dec 26 Tonight
Snow will be heavy at times. Gusty winds will create blizzard conditions, especially this evening. Low 24F. Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. 6 to 10 inches of snow expected. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

~~~~~~~~~~
Local Text Forecast for
Buffalo, NY (14261)

Dec 26 Today
Flurries and a few snow showers throughout the day. High 22F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Dec 26 Tonight
Scattered flurries and snow showers. Low around 15F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 30%.

~~~~~~~~~~
Local Text Forecast for
Camarillo, CA (93010)

Dec 26 Today
Chance of a morning shower. Partly to mostly cloudy. High 63F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Dec 26 Tonight
Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 43F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

~~~~~~~~~~
Local Text Forecast for
Bend, OR (97701)

Dec 26 Today
Snow showers early will give way to a mixture of rain and snow showers for the afternoon. High 38F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 60%. A slushy accumulation of less than one inch.
Dec 26 Tonight
Snow showers. Low 29F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60%. About one inch of snow expected.

~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript: In my real world [big smile]---at 2 o'clock---I braved the elements to dump the porta-potty. The fancy thermometer said 44 degrees but indicated "feels like 32 degrees." ~~ The trailer is still bouncing around in the wind!! I'm jumping for joy because I don't have rain or snow, or hurricane-strength wind!!

Joy to the World !!

I've been enjoying the Bill & Gloria Gaither Christmas program Joy to the World. Jake Hess sang the following:

C is for the Christ Child born upon this day
H is for Herald Angels in the night
R means our Redeemer
I means Israel
S is for the star that shone so bright
T is for three wise men they who travelled far
M is for the manger where He lay
A’s for all He stands for
S means shepherds came
And that’s why there’s a Christmas day

T is for three wise men they who travelled far
M is for the manger where He lay
A’s for all He stands for
S means shepherds came
And that’s why there’s a Christmas day
And that’s why there’s a Christmas day.

Christmas dinner

Black tennis shoes were a glaring miss-match with the black satin pants and velvet pullover!! I was able to get the dressy clothes out of a duffel bag in the KIA. I didn't have the energy to unload a lot of things to locate the duffel with dress shoes. ~~ Seventy-plus Wycliffe associates enjoyed a delicious dinner and fellowship. I stepped out of the room when a coughing spell caught up with me. Weather-wise, a nice day in Florida. According to forecasters, miserable weather all over the nation.

Looking up

What value am I when I'm lying flat on my back in bed?? When I'm "up," I cough until I'm exhausted!! So I recline on my bed and stare at the ceiling. I listen to the beautiful Christmas music on Family Radio. Occasionally I watch some television.

For about one week Southern California was drenched with massive amounts of rain. There was flooding, and mud slides, and displaced families. It will cost millions (billions?) of dollars to clean up the area, repair roads, rebuild bridges. California (like many states) is operating "in the red." I could develop this thought but you understand my thinking.

Mankind builds skyscrapers, freeways, dams, automobiles, computers, etc., etc., but can't control the weather. I have made every effort to follow a healthy lifestyle but I am incapacitated by a cold germ or a flu bug.

As a society, "we" are rushing around at this time of year. Rushing to the Mall to buy gifts, standing in line to mail packages, buying basket-fulls of groceries for a big holiday meal. "We" spend money we don't have; we add the purchases to our credit card debt. Little or no thought is given to the reason we have this holiday. (Jesus is the reason for the season!!)

Just some of the thoughts that have raced through my mind as I'm staring at the ceiling. I came to the computer, I wanted to record my thoughts... but have to lie down again because of strenuous coughing.

The Holy Bible says that "all things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to them that are called according to His purpose." There's a lesson for me here. What is it??

Wishing you health and happiness!! Merry Christmas from Lorraine.

Deck the Halls with Gingerbread Houses !!

First Runner-Up: Noah's Ark

Did you see the Gingerbread houses on the Good Morning America television program?? These are from the website, not the actual winners. View The Ultimate Gingerbread Houses. See a video regarding the 2008 entries. The competition is held at the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. ~~ Click this link to see my vehicles at the Grove Park Inn.

Lost: A companion !!

Little old lady sick!! I've been so grateful for good health!! Now I have a very sore throat, have a cough, and "lost my voice." My volunteer service has included long lists of phone calls. Yesterday I returned to my T@B at noon (unable to continue with calls). I napped for a couple of hours.

Needing groceries, I left the RV Park at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. Meandering--with no particular destination--I was caught up in traffic to Orlando International Airport. That's the last place I wanted to be during the busy Christmas season!! Little old lady lost!! I turned to Carmen (my Garmin GPS) for advise about returning to Wycliffe. Near "home," I shopped for groceries at the Publix supermarket. I browsed every aisle and was shocked--at checkout--to find I'd loaded items totaling $73.64. Yipes!! Home about 6 PM after the thirty-six mile outing.

Little old lady sad!! I'm grieving the loss of a friend: I can't find my camera!! I've searched... I can't imagine where I misplaced it. I'm so desirous of "a place for everything, everything in its place." Where is my camera??

Little old lady lazy!! To bed early last night. Slept until 9:15 this morning. I'm not going "to work" today. (Cough, cough. Pardon me!?) Offices are closed the next two days. I have five days to regain my voice.

Dear blog-reader friends: I hope and pray that you are healthy and have a very blessed Christmas!!

~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript 12/22/2010, 2:45 PM: The lost is found!! Please rejoice with me!! Now I can identify with the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-10.
~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript 12/23/2010, 8:25 AM: Inquiring minds want to know "Where did you find the camera?" It was between, and behind, the driver's & passenger seats of the KIA. It had been on top of stuff in the passenger seat. I searched the T@B thoroughly and thought it might have fallen off the table into the waste basket. Perhaps I accidentally threw it out with the trash?!?! It's a miracle I found it in the KIA!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~

The Birth of Jesus - A Revealing Response

Charles Stanley preached a powerful sermon this morning (from First Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA). Perhaps you will take forty-five minutes to watch and listen to The Birth of Jesus-A Revealing Response.

(I watched Charles Stanley because we didn't have a WiFi signal. I couldn't listen to Family Radio.)

Repeat of previous Sunday blog.

It's Sunday and my choice of worship is Family Radio. I'm repeatedly invited to accompany an RVing neighbor to their church. I explain that I don't attend the institutional church. "I listen to messages on a web site via the Internet and WiFi." Briefly I share that God my Heavenly Father has led me on a journey that opened my eyes to revelations not widely accepted by most denominations. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

Those of you who have followed my blog know that I'm a woman of faith and have traveled for months relying on God's itinerary. Many times, I didn't know where I'd be the next day or the next week. Other RVers couldn't grasp my lack of devotion to an established route. They had their plans well defined. ~~ Even as I write this, I don't expect everyone to understand. But, I feel led to share "where I'm coming from." I listen to a different drummer. I'm a horse of a different color.

God is my pilot; He speaks to me!! (There was a time when people were institutionalized because they "heard voices.") At this time, I've been at Wycliffe Associates, in Orlando, Florida, since November 12th. ~~ Next week????

This specific sojourn started in New Brunswick, Canada, in early September. I watched whales jumping in the Bay of Fundy; I saw the ebb and flow of the highest tides in the world. I might have visited Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia but heard the Holy Spirit say "We're going to Escapade." My response: "Oh, I hadn't planned to go that far West. But, OK!!"

Indulge me, please, as I take you through the individual steps that ultimately brought me to Orlando. (1) At the Escapade, I visited with several groups that were recruiting volunteers: Sowers, Nomads, Doves, etc. Talking to the Sowers, I was told "We only take couples." A man walked up and was listening to the conversation. He said: "Wycliffe Associates takes singles." Within hours I had accessed the website and filled out the preliminary application. (2) Amazon(dot)com was another institution that was on-site recruiting Workampers. I listened to the presentation but did not make a commitment. (3) Quite frankly I believed I was being led to volunteer at the Galilean Children's Home in Liberty, Kentucky. That did not materialize (I was willing but not called).

(4) I was hired by Amazon(dot)com. While waiting two weeks to actually start work, I organized and reorganized. During that time I had such an intense desire to listen to Christian music and hear Christ-centered teaching!! Via WiFi and the Internet, I found Family Radio (programming I had listened to for over forty years, in California). I left Campbellsville--and potential employment with Amazon--when I learned I might be handling X-rated and pornographic items. (5) I kept praying for direction about where God wanted me. Should I go to Escapee's headquarters in Livingston, Texas, and volunteer at their CARE center? (6) I had a phone interview with Wycliffe Associates but was told there were no RV sites available in Orlando. Perhaps their location near Dallas, Texas, could accommodate me?! I continued to trust that God my Heavenly Father would reveal my volunteer destination. The call came on Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

(To digress for a moment: I'm now working in the recruiting department and see that it is a **MIRACLE** that I'm "here"!! The screening process is quite detailed but I did not provide the references they require. I didn't list a minister. I didn't specify years of work experience, and/or variety of jobs held during the years. In my humble opinion, God shortened the process and cut through the paperwork!! Thanks in-part to the recommendation of a dear Christian friend in Clayton, Ohio.)

If the reader will go back a short distance in the blog, you'll see that I have a campsite in the exceptionally nice Wycliffe Associates RV Park. I have an excellent WiFi signal!! I can listen, endlessly, to Family Radio. Yes, I'm back to the topic of my choice of medium for worship. I'm ultra conservative about the music I listen too. I don't like the contemporary music in many of the churches; I love the beautiful old hymns of faith. I prefer the King James Bible versus the modern translations.

In the six years since I left California, Family Radio has, by God's grace, been broadcasting Judgment Day of May 21, 2011. Disagree with me (that's OK) but I believe God my Heavenly Father wanted me to hear the message and prepare for the day when Jesus will return for the believers. "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17) ~~ Question: Where would I be if I had not listened to "that still small voice" in New Brunswick??

Please see my blog Where will you spend eternity?

Just as I was ready to hit the "publish" button for above (12/12/2010), the Holy Spirit said "Tell them about your faith." ~~ Briefly: There are large, beautiful motorhomes and 5th-wheel trailers parked near me. Some of my neighbors question how I can live in such a tiny trailer. Honestly, it isn't difficult to "live" in these tiny quarters. My needs are simple!! My desire is to live humbly and be counted as one of the five wise virgins with oil for [her] lamp when the Bridegroom [comes]. Read the parable in Matthew 25:1-13.

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Twelve Days of Christmas

A girlfriend wrote: "There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

"This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

- The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
- Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
- Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
- The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
- The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
- The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
- Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
- The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
- Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
- The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
- The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
- The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

"So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish. Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone!"

~~~~~~~~
So I (Lorraine) spent an hour (or more) reading information provided by Google. Here's a good website re: Twelve Days of Christmas.

Time traveler

For many years I have loved the music of Marty Goetz. At 4:40 PM I felt compelled to search the Internet for information--and a concert schedule. To my amazement, Marty is performing tonight in Orlando. As much as I would love to see and hear him (again) I won't attempt to drive in to a city I have never visited. (Furthermore, it has rained almost all day!!) He will be in Florida after the first of the year. Maybe I'll have courage to drive to one of his concerts?!?! Please take a few minutes to listen to this gifted artist.




Thirty years ago my son, David, spent as much time as possible with Marty. I thought he (David) might pursue a musical career. We were attending First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood (Hollywood, California); Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie was our pastor. We were blessed with powerful preaching and exceptionally beautiful music. The services were aired via a television program called "Let God Love You." Read Dr. Ogilvie's prayer for today.

As I mentioned earlier, it has rained most of the day. I've spent the entire day on the computer!! I've walked down "Memory Lane." I've been a "time traveler."

Jesus is the Reason for the Season !!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Christmas card to friends and family.

(Click the above "link" to view the card.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serendipity !!

I did not attend devotions this morning. My body is still healing from the food poisoning and/or overindulgence of items not a regular part of my diet. ~~ I arrived in my office at 9:15 and found a note lying on the computer keyboard. I'm so grateful for kind words from a missionary I met two days ago.

Dear Lorraine

I want to write this quick note to you to say thanks for talking with me the other night. Thank you for the encouraging words you shared with me. I really appreciated it and enjoyed talking with you. Please pray for my family (Rosalie, wife, and children, Bethany, Gwen, and Faith). Thanks.

Thank you also for being so willing to help out and volunteer with WA. Your willingness and participation is and will help advance God's Kingdom.

In Christ,
Dwight Erickson


~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scripture verse printed inside the note card: "When your Words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight...." (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 8:00 PM: I was so motivated by Dwight's "thank you," I stayed at the office computer until 6:30 (and didn't leave for lunch), and made over seventy calls during the day. I enrolled three or four new (potential) volunteers!! I love my new job!!
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Food, food everywhere !!

Yours truly has been quite health conscious for three decades. Recently, I've succumbed to eating snacks and food items that are available everywhere. Rich tasting desserts are preceded by an array of main course potluck homemade items. Unending snacks spread on beautifully decorated tables in the office. Shame, shame on me!! I sample a little bit of everything!! Last night, and today, my body is rebelling and I'm really experiencing intestinal distress. (I'm sick!) Keep me in your prayers?!?! The temptations will escalate during the next few holiday weeks. The potluck suppers, and opportunity to dine out with fellow volunteers, will multiply (I'm told) as the RVers begin to arrive and fill the campsites. Activities every day.

Fortunately, I've been able to "sleep in" and take it easy this morning. My work schedule doesn't start until noon; I'll be making phone calls to the West Coast.

Good news--bad news--about baby carrots

Lorraine may be her own worst enemy?? I'm a BIG consumer of baby carrots. Read the email message I received from a friend. Thanks Nancy. Maybe my recent illness could be attributed to chlorine poisoning?!?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc.

The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots. Most people probably know this already.

What you may not know and should know is the following: Once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them (this is the same chlorine used in your pool). Since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine.

You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots, this is the chlorine which resurfaces. At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables which are practically plastic?

We do hope that this information can be passed on to as many people as possible in the hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed. Chlorine is a very well known carcinogen.

Please let us make this information available to as many people as possible. If you care about your family and friends, pass it on.

Why Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus

Friends are so gracious about sending messages that I would **never** have found on the Internet. Sincere thanks to Debbie for this one!! ~~ Thumbs up for Jesus; thumbs down for Santa!!
~~~~~~~~~



Why Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus

* Santa lives at the North Pole - JESUS is everywhere.
* Santa rides in a sleigh - JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
* Santa comes but once a year - JESUS is an ever present help.
* Santa fills your stockings with goodies - JESUS supplies all your needs.
* Santa comes down your chimney uninvited .... JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart.

* You have to wait in line to see Santa ... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
* Santa lets you sit on his lap - JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
* Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly - JESUS has a heart full of love.
* All Santa can offer is HO HO HO - JESUS offers health, help and hope.
* Santa says "You better not cry" - JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
* Santa's little helpers make toys ... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

* Santa may make you chuckle but - JESUS gives you joy! that is your strength.
* While Santa puts gifts under your tree - JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

The Silent Monks

Please take a few minutes to enjoy The Silent Monks and their presentation of The Hallelujah Chorus.

Weather report: Orlando, Florida

My sympathy to friends and family that are experiencing snow and misery in their home states. "The South" has received an Arctic blast that has citrus farmers working around the clock to protect their orchards. Strawberry fields, and lettuce fields, are being covered in a effort to save the berries and produce. It's 42 degrees as I write this (5:55 PM). The weather forecasters say it will be 18 degrees at 7 AM tomorrow morning. The current temperatures are the coldest since 1989.

Last night we had cold, rain and wind. The patio lights rattled against the side of the T@B, due to the wind, and kept me awake. My TV antenna was on the ground this morning, with a broken base. It had been sitting on top of the electricity post.

The strangest thing happened last night: My two clocks that receive a signal from a satellite were grossly inaccurate this morning. When I checked, during the night, I recognized that they were wrong so didn't rely on them to get me out the door on time this morning. The weather, indubitably, but so curious.

Fortunately, gratefully, I'm warm with the little ceramic electric heater. Today I dressed sensibly in layers so did not suffer during my walk to and from work, or in the office.

~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 12/14/10: I did not enjoy getting out of a warm bed (at 6:15), in a warm trailer, to hike over to the shower!! The thermometer--sitting on the picnic table--said 30 degrees (at 6:45)!! The TV weather forecasters were saying "Factor in the wind and it's in the teens." Twenty-six degrees at 7:20 (at the picnic table). I'm not complaining: Al Roker (NBC Today show) was reporting from Dunkirk, New York, (on the shores of Lake Erie) where it was 12 degrees!! (Read my blog regarding my visit to Dunkirk in May 2010.)

A horse of a different color !!

It's Sunday and my choice of worship is Family Radio. I'm repeatedly invited to accompany an RVing neighbor to their church. I explain that I don't attend the institutional church. "I listen to messages on a web site via the Internet and WiFi." Briefly I share that God my Heavenly Father has led me on a journey that opened my eyes to revelations not widely accepted by most denominations. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14: 12)

Those of you who have followed my blog know that I'm a woman of faith and have traveled for months relying on God's itinerary. Many times, I didn't know where I'd be the next day or the next week. Other RVers couldn't grasp my lack of devotion to an established route. They had their plans well defined. ~~ Even as I write this, I don't expect everyone to understand. But, I feel led to share "where I'm coming from." I listen to a different drummer.

God is my pilot; He speaks to me!! (There was a time when people were institutionalized because they "heard voices.") At this writing I've been at Wycliffe in Orlando, Florida, for one month. ~~ Next week????

This specific sojourn started in New Brunswick, Canada, approximately three-and-one-half months ago. I watched whales jumping in the Bay of Fundy; I saw the ebb and flow of the highest tides in the world. I might have visited Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia but heard the Holy Spirit say "We're going to Escapade." My response: "Oh, I hadn't planned to go that far West. But, OK!!"

Indulge me, please, as I take you through the individual steps that ultimately brought me to Orlando. (1) At the Escapade, I visited with several groups that were recruiting volunteers: Sowers, Nomads, Doves, etc. Talking to the Sowers, I was told "We only take couples." A man walked up and was listening to the conversation. He said: "Wycliffe Associates takes singles." Within hours I had accessed the website and filled out the preliminary application. (2) Amazon(dot)com was another institution that was on-site recruiting Workampers. I listened to the presentation but did not make a commitment. (3) Quite frankly I believed I was being led to volunteer at the Galilean Children's Home in Liberty, Kentucky. That did not materialize (I was willing but not called).

(4) I was hired by Amazon(dot)com. While waiting two weeks to actually start work, I organized and reorganized. During that time I had such an intense desire to listen to Christian music and hear Christ-centered teaching!! Via WiFi and the Internet, I found Family Radio (programming I had listened to for over forty years, in California). I left Campbellsville--and potential employment with Amazon--when I learned I might be handling X-rated and pornographic items. (5) I kept praying for direction about where God wanted me. Should I go to Escapee's headquarters in Livingston, Texas, and volunteer at their CARE center? (6) I had a phone interview with Wycliffe Associates but was told there were no RV sites available in Orlando. Perhaps their location near Dallas, Texas, could accommodate me?! I continued to trust that God my Heavenly Father would reveal my volunteer destination. The call came on Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

(To digress for a moment: I'm now working in the recruiting department and see that it is a **MIRACLE** that I'm "here"!! The screening process is quite detailed but I did not provide the references they require. I didn't list a minister. I didn't specify years of work experience, and/or variety of jobs held during the years. In my humble opinion, God shortened the process and cut through the paperwork!! Thanks in-part to the recommendation of a dear Christian friend in Clayton, Ohio.)

If the reader will go back a short distance in the blog, you'll see that I have a campsite in the exceptionally nice Wycliffe Associates RV Park. I have an excellent WiFi signal!! I can listen, endlessly, to Family Radio. Yes, I'm back to the topic of my choice of medium for worship. I'm ultra conservative about the music I listen too. I don't like the contemporary music in many of the churches; I love the beautiful old hymns of faith. I prefer the King James Bible versus the modern translations.

In the six years since I left California, Family Radio has, by God's grace, been broadcasting Judgment Day of May 21, 2011. Disagree with me (that's OK) but I believe God my Heavenly Father wanted me to hear the message and prepare for the day when Jesus will return for the believers. "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17) ~~ Question: Where would I be if I had not listened to "that still small voice" in New Brunswick??

Please see my blog Where will you spend eternity?

I'm not finished. Just as I was ready to hit the "publish" button, the Holy Spirit said "Tell them about your faith." ~~ There are large, beautiful motorhomes and 5th-wheel trailers parked near me. Some of my neighbors question how I can live in such a tiny trailer. Honestly, it isn't difficult to "live" in these tiny quarters. My needs are simple!! My desire is to live humbly and be counted as one of the five wise virgins with oil for [her] lamp when the Bridegroom [comes]. Read the parable in Matthew 25:1-13.

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Eight months ago today I drove away from Shelby, North Carolina. Eight thousand, seven hundred sixty-five (8765) miles. What a ride!! ~~ I praise God for keeping me and my vehicles safe!!
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Let's say THANKS to a member of the armed services

A dear friend, with a father that is a decorated veteran and was a POW, sent the following message. Perhaps you, too, would like to send a card to our military serving overseas.

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XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a "thank you" card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq/Afghanistan. You can't pick out who get's it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank yous.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!
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Burr, it's cold !!

Only three days ago I wrote: "I'm grateful for sunshine & warm weather!!" I started this blog at 9 o'clock and it was 36 degrees outside! The weatherman said "feels like 26 degrees." I haven't ventured outside!! I'm so thankful for the little electric heater. (I will be working until 8 or 8:30 tonight so won't start until noon.) The temperature may only reach 55 degrees today. ~~ It's very windy, but bright sunshine.

Did I hear a question? Staff in our department will be making phone calls so have to schedule our work hours later in the day. At mealtime we'll fellowship over pizza.

Speaking of phone calls: Via the phone and computer, I've been doing virtual travel. I mentally recall my last visit with grandchildren in Bend, Oregon. ~~ I reminisce the fellowship with a lifelong friend living in Eugene, Oregon. ~~ Ashland, Oregon, is where I visited maternal grandparents. ~~ San Francisco is where my third son was born. ~~ The list is long, the memories are precious!!

Epcot

I'm en route to Epcot. We'll be seeing the Candlelight processional and other sights,

Before Devotions this past Monday morning, a fellow Wycliffe Associates volunteer approached me and asked if I'd like to go to Epcot with them this Sunday afternoon. I was thrilled and expressed my gratitude that they asked. The invitation got better!! Her husband works at Disney World and has free passes and free parking; I was (am) to be their guest.

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Postscript, 12/06/2010: I was home at 10:35 PM Sunday night. I was too exhausted to update the blog at that time. We walked many miles!! I did not dress in layers; I did not have adequate apparel to keep warm!! The wind was strong; the temperature was dropping!! (Unseasonably cold weather in Florida right now. Freezing temperatures!!) Blame the "fuzzy" last picture---getting on the tram---on an old lady photographer shaking from the cold!!

Picture #12 is the l-o-n-g, l-o-n-g line of people who paid $50. each for a "dinner ticket" that guaranteed them a seat for the annual Celebration of Christmas. My friends and I listened from a nearby outdoor food court. I apologized my way through the crowd to briefly take several pictures. The Bible passages were read, by Susan Lucci, regarding the birth of Jesus. Music by the London Philharmonic orchestra; traditional Christmas carols sung by the 1200 voice choir. After the poem "One Solitary Life," we listened to the glorious Hallelujah chorus. A very inspiring performance!!

Pictures #13 & #14 of a gigantic gingerbread house.

Picture #20 of the prices for food in the area with American attractions. We opted to go to the Great Britain area for fish and chips.

We rode the monorail from Epcot to and from Disney World. We saw the fireworks at both locations from the comfort (and warmth) of the monorail. Spectacular--but no pictures.

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Postscript, Sunday 12/12/2010, 7:00 PM: Last Sunday evening was mild compared to the arctic blast that has blanketed the Southeast. Most of the nation is suffering from bitter cold and snow.
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