Family Work Day

Where has this week gone? We spent the past two days taking care of our twin great granddaughters. One day they were good and played well together. Today was the direct opposite. Guess they got used to us!!  They fought and argued, sat in a time out, I even had to threaten to tell their Dad. (He is the disciplinarian in the family). We are trying to help out until school starts so will have them two days next week. At least it will be Mon and Wed so we have a day to rest up. 😏 They do keep us hopping though and we love them to the moon.

Saturday we celebrated our son-in-law's and Fred's birthdays. 4 of our 5 great grands were here as well as two of the grandchildren. It was a beautiful day without mishaps or arguments between the kids and a good time of binding for us adults. Lots of good food, especially Wausau Hospital brownies, complete with candles.  One of the great grand kids asked if they really came from the hospital in Wisconsin!! Actually, they are almost a family tradition at most get togethers - the recipe came from someone years ago when 3 of our daughters worked at the Wausau, WI hospital. 

the two birthday boys, our youngest daughter, and great grandson (the only great grandson) Jaylen

from the right - twins, Kenzie, Kinley, the twins'older sisters, Shelby and Harmony, in the front are Brielle and only great grandson, Jaylen

the kids having fun with bubble gloves - plastic gloves that you dip in bubbles and wave around

Another daughter, who lives nearby, had some trees felled s they were hollow and starting to lean pretty badly. We, as a family, went over to "make wood", as we called it in WI. Actually, cutting up trees for firewood. We used to do this every fall when we lived in WI, as we heated our cordwood house ( check out cordwood houses on google) with 12 fulls cords a year in a wood stove, made by Fred. It was a family affair, with other neighbors who also heated with wood, and lasted all weekend. Those who could not not work in the woods for some reason or another (allergies, back back, etc.) were assigned to the kitchen at our house. They fixed the homemade lunches (which were large meals- prepared in advance such as homemade tomato soup and dumplings, or meatloaf , or  chicken, home canned pickles, homemade bread and the ladies favorite desserts).   They also did the clean up and kept everyone in water as needed. It was a really fun time, a time for fellowship with neighbors and bonding together. this year was a smaller version - our minds said let's do this, and our bodies said are you kidding???  We still have one more week-end of hard work this coming week-end.

cordwood house we built in Ringle, WI

inside walls

some pieces of the huge tree and a huge brush pile

                                                   grandson Seth attacking a stubborn stump

almost a full load of firewood for the outdoor fireplace - part of the crew taking a much needed break -we went through lots of water that day

                                         son-in-law, Scott, hard at work

                                             now I am sure this could be used for something - a gnome house maybe

 

A few more ladies whom you do not want to be your role model:

Job’s wife – the woman who offered horrible advice. A story of when bad things happen to good people. The devil accused Job of being righteous only because he was prosperous. God allowed the devil to take away everything from Job to see if he remained righteous.  Job was going through a difficult and painful time. She, too, felt the impact of losing all of the flocks, their livelihood, investments, servants, and children. Instead of being supportive and comforting to her husband, or even turning to God in this time of trouble, pain, and confusion, she allowed bitterness to take over and screamed at Job with perhaps the worst advice in all of history. “Curse God and die”. This is exactly what Satan wanted Job to do as a result of all the terrible things that had happened to him. Ladies, we can be the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit to our husbands or we can be the angry voice of Satan. Which one do you choose to be?

Moses’ wife – the woman who did things her way. The main plot of Zipporah's story, which contains a few large holes, is this: Moses, a fugitive from Egypt, where he killed a man for abusing a Hebrew slave, happens upon the seven daughters of Jethro, the Midian priest. The daughters are at a well in the desert, trying to water their sheep. Moses scares off some bullying shepherds who are harassing the girls. A grateful Jethro gives Moses his daughter Zipporah in marriage, despite their religious differences. They marry and have two sons, Gershom and Eliezer.  After God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, Moses sets out with his family to return to Egypt to free his people from slavery. During this journey, a strange incident occurs one night in their tent. God tries to kill Moses. Zipporah, somehow sensing that God is angry that their son isn't circumcised, immediately grabs a stone and cuts her son's foreskin. Cutting away the foreskin is a sign of identification among Hebrews, according to God's covenant with Abraham. Then she flings the bloody foreskin at his feet. Then she says: "Surely, a bridegroom of blood thou art to me'  So, the Lord let Moses alone. Then she said: 'A bridegroom of blood in regard of the circumcision.' When God confronted Moses for his disobedience for not circumcising his son, Moses life was in danger. Although these actions may have saved her husband’s life, she did it with disgust. Zipporah was a Midianite and did not believe in circumcision. There is always drama when we decide on our own way over God’s. Don’t be a drama queen who insists on her own way. 

Are there any of these ladies who mirror your lie today? Strive to become a daughter of the Lord.

Hurricane Season

This is the hurricane season for 2020 and  it certainly came in with a vengeance. A lot of S Texas was hit, as well as our park in Alamo. There were 27 units which were damaged, some worse than others. Ours was not hurt, nor were any of our closet neighbors, but some folks had serious situations Most of these people live up North, so this will put an extra strain on them. Our park manager spent most of Sunday informing those who had damage.We just praise God that no one was injured in our park. We are in Arkansas yet,so we would have to travel to S Texas had we had damage.

Our 7 year old twin great grand daughters somehow convinced GPop and GMom  that we needed to take them to "that Mexican restaurant by the gas station" so they could have bean burritos, chips, and cheese dip. So Saturday we took the plunge and off we went to the Mexican Restaurant. The girls were exceptionally good and well behaved thanks to their parents. They then thought we should "buy them a toy". So we went to a dollar store and that is where the fun began. They went from sweet girls to the enegizer bunny x 2 in 1 second flat!! Each one wanted to take off in a different directionand could not make up their minds whatsoever. After about 45 minutes later we headed for check out, where they spent another 10 minutes deciding which treat to purchase. No wonder we have our children when we our young. Kenzie got the Sorry game, and even convinced GPop to play a game with them!

                                                           Kinley and Kenzie - I think I have it right!

                           another great grand daughter, Harper. Next Saturday there will be two other greats                                                    here, so I will have pics of those two cuties

Some of you who know me, know that I have a passion for women role models. Be it modern day women, women from history, or especially women from the Bible. They all lived in different eras, but many of them possessed the same qualities – ladies who loved God and were faithful to Him. There are many women in the Bible from whom we can learn about faith, obedience, and the heart for God.  These are the ladies whom we strive to pattern our lives around.  Remember Abraham’s wife, Sarah, who believed God ‘s promise that she would bear a child in her old age, and even Rehab, the prostitute, who hid the Hebrew spies because she came to believe in their God – the God who redeems and saves lives. And there is Hannah, who was barren and poured her heart out to God so strongly that Eli thought she was drunk.  Who can ever forget Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Ruth, or Esther? But there are a few who you do not want to be like – perhaps just during certain times of their lives or maybe even all of their lives. These stories show us what not to do, how we should not live – models we certainly do not want to be like. 

Eve – the first women of all who wasn’t satisfied. You know the story- she had everything, married to the perfect man. She had a beautiful garden to call her home which she never needed to weed, no noisy or nosey neighbors. Certainly, no job stress for her or her husband, no debt, absolutely no bills to pay, no in-laws, no noisy whiny children who always seem to be demanding and disobedient. She did not even have laundry to do because they were naked.  Hallelujah!! Her life was just as perfect and complete as she was. No health problems, no monthly mood swings, no hearing or sight problems, addictions, no aches and pains and no extra pounds. It certainly was as heavenly as it sounds. But perfection did not seem enough for her. She was persuaded by Satan that there was more to life than what she had. Satan convinced her that there was something more that she needed. Have you ever in to your life had those thoughts? Some women you know probably acted on them by changing jobs, locations, even the point of upsetting their whole families in search of something better. Don’t be a woman who believes she needs more. Trust the limitations that God has put on you and your life and be content that this is where He wants you to be right now. Otherwise you may become like Eve -she had it all but lost it all because she wanted more. I like to believe that Eve was again happy for the most part by bearing sons and living her life out as Adam’s wife. But look what she lost.

Lot’s wife - the woman who looked back. God commanded Lot and his entire family to flee from the detestable city of Sodom. In the Genesis account, God reveals to Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah are to be destroyed for their grave sins. Abraham pleads for the lives of any righteous people living there, especially the lives of his nephew, Lot, and his family. God agrees to spare the cities if 10 righteous people can be found. Two angels are sent to Lot in Sodom but are met with a wicked mob who are then struck blind by the angelic guests. Finding only Lot and his family as righteous among the inhabitants, the angels warn Lot to quickly evacuate the city and to not look back. As they flee the destruction, Lot’s wife looks back upon the city and is turned into a pillar of salt. One of the most prevalent sins in Sodom was the homosexuality of the men, engaging in sexual relations with the other men and boys. Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrha.  Thus, He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Don’t be a woman who looks back at what she used to have or longs to be in that place. Instead, forget the past and move forward into the future that God has panned for you.

There are a few more ladies I will present to you in upcoming blogs. Check back next week!!

Relax and Reflect

It seems that during thsi time of the peandemic, we find ourselves with a lot of time on our hands. I certainly do - especially as we are on leave for a couple of months. Using this down time is a perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and reflect on the world's events in reference to God's view of it. We have a mess in our world today, not only with the virus but the expanse of evil in the world today due to the fact that we are living in the world's wisdom. We need to diagnosis the sickness before we can find a cure. We are living our lives by the philosophy of Hedonism - to live for pleasure. As we continue in the Book of James, let us go back to James 4 and realize that there is a better way of life. If we want to live a life of Christ we need to take up the Cross and follow Him. Having a selfish philosophy will destroy relationships. What in life are you pursuing now? Do you pray for just your own pleasure or wants or ask for favors for yourself? Anyone who chooses the world becomes an enemy of God.  God loves you and is jealous when you share your love with the world. What is the cure for this sickness? The cure is God's sustaining grace. "But He gives you more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  James 4:6. There is a saving grace from salvation as an encouraging grace. But He also gives us sustaining grace We are sinners, we fall, we do need His sustaining grace. Because God loves us, He gives us more grace no matter how much we fall by giving into worldly pleasures. The lure of the world is real - we struggle as we try to overcome sin and continue our relationship with God. God wants us to set the sail to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned and your joy to gloom.Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.". James 4:7-10.We need to apply this if we are to overcome this sickness and let God work in us, We need to be in the right posture to win the battle. Submit yourselves to God. Put Him at the center of your live, Resist the devil and worldly pleasures. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Humble yourselves before God and He will lift you up. As in the story of the Prodigal son, God will come to you. We need to wash our hands in the confession of sin. Do not take your sin lightly because it cost Jesus Christ His life, We have to humble ourselves when we realize we cannot do it on our own. The Father rejoices when we come home. Do not let this season let you drift away from God. 

Upon reflection, it is so relaxing to just sit and look. A person can miss so much of this wonderful world of nature if you do not just sit and wait. We saw some baby robins in the yard, looking for worms or whatever, as Mama and Daddy flew nervously around making sure they were ok. The resident groundhog made his/her appearance then scooted away as soon as it saw us, the deer quietly came in and walked around near the edge of the woods, and the busy hummingbirds were always buzzing. Sitting in the quiet of nature makes us so much aware of the presence of the Lord.

The garden is growing quit well, as we have had fresh veggies almost daily. There was even a caterpillar who we  watched as he made a chrysalis and flew away as a butterfly before we even knew it was gone.The local Arkansas peaches we purchased are as sweet as we remembered them - taking a bite makes the juice run down your chin - the only way to eat them. 

                                                                      Mr. Rooster guarding the garden

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                        cute mushrooms made from copper salad molds 

This down time allows me to do some quilting - one of the few quilts I have done since the pandemic. I am also putting the binding on two more as presents.

                                                           for our daughter's bear room

We celebrated the 7th birthday of our two great granddaughters last week - two miracle children that God blessed this family with. 

                                                              Kinley and Kensey - I think I have them right

              Our oldest grandson trying to figure out the big car presents the girls received

   

                                                 

                               the twins and their older sister who also celebrated her 13th birthday

God has so blessed us with daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We thank Him everyday for the safety and health of them. May He also bless you with health and safety everyday.   

                                                             

Mercy

It has been brought to my attention that I do not post as many pictures as before - actually sometimes there are no pictures at all. This is almost due to the Coronavirus - we do not go very many unnecessary places or do any unnecessary things. We are in such a beautiful part of the country right now that I feel blessed to be here, as COVID is running rampart in S Texas right now. So far, we have not heard of any in the colonias where we served which may be affected, but again, many of those folks have no means of communication, or the ability to even see a doctor. We plan on returning to the Valley by the first of September, but again, it all depends on the situation there.

As I said, we are in such a wonderful place right now - whenever we do have to go somewhere, I am still amazed by the beauty that surrounds us. Arkansas is almost a magical place - there other night as we sat on the patio after dark, there were hundreds of fireflies out on the edge of the woods. The area was a constant flickering of light, a wondrous sight to see. The area around here is so natural (I guess that is why it is called the Natural State), in some places it has a wild and free look of a jungle. As you can tell, I do love it here, and look forward to God allowing us to return.

On one of the multiple rainy days we had last week, we decided to have a fire in the outside fireplace on the patio. It was really 80 degrees yet, but the fire felt so cozy and warm. This downtime is really very relaxing, but we need to remember the busyness of the ministry when we return to the Valley.

We have not yet been in church but follow it virtually.  Our youth minister at PGCC presented the continuing sermon following the Book of James. Matt Tibbet is an excellent youth minister as well as a good preacher. When we face issues in life we tend to look outward. If you have conflict, you are probably seeing through the lens of self, and not through God's wisdom. You need to be gentle, fair, submissive, and merciful in the storm of conflict. If you want to do things God's way you need to treat those you are in conflict with mercy. What is mercy? Mercy is the compassion shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm them. God's way of doing things is sincere. There are two was of handling relationships - the earthly way or God's way. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Jealously, misunderstanding, a difference of opinion? God's Son died in order to give us a good relationship with Him.Where in your life are there smoldering bridges or broken relationships? The enemies goal is to create discord. If there is a broken relationship, how was that relationship hurt because of your own agenda? Have you applied God's wisdom to fix it? The solution is to not avoid those persons but face them through the wisdom of God. While we were sinners, Jesus died for us. We are still sinners, but God's grace redeems us. Show that mercy and grace to your enemies.

Summer Musings

We were sitting on the patio one morning as a roadrunner ran by with a lizard in his mouth totally unconcerned about us just 6 feet away. Love sitting here watching the world go by watching the deer, birds, ground hogs - all of God's wonderful creatures. We have had rain off and on all week, downpours and soft gentle rains. Our daughter's garden just drinks in all the moisture, then sprouts up in the heat of the day. 

                                                                        Arkansas rain

 We did get a chance to visit one of our daughters nearby, although we social distanced outside. She is a personal director at  nursing home where Covid is prevailing, and she took every precaution to protect us. We had a wonderful time, as we had not seen her on a year, but hated the fact that there were no hugs and kisses. Another daughter was coming for the weekend to visit, but she, too, decided to stay away for awhile as her granddaughter could have been exposed to Covid at the day care. Our daughter lives at the same residence. The grand daughter and her mother both tested negative, but as a precaution, again, she decided to to not take any chances exposing us. I cannot imagine those people in a nursing home not being able to see relatives, or their relatives not being able to visit. We all need to remain safe, and to ask God to heal our country from this virus and also for the unrest that abounds.

This past weekend celebrated the Independence of our country. Many traditions were not observed, many activities were canceled, and the world seemed upside down. We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.We celebrate the release from the anarchy of England, and proclaim ourselves as a Christian nation. Let us not forget the foundation of our great nation and return to God - He has not left us, we have kicked Him out of schools, our government, and sometimes even our families. 

We were going to physically attend church at Our home church of Prairie Grorve Christian Church, but decided to wait another week perhaps. We were able to watch it again live, on a big screen TV this time instead of on my computer. Pastor Vance continues in the Book of James. God's plans are forever. What He commanded at the beginning of time still stands today. We ask God to bless America, but we as Americans and Christians need to bless God. Our country was ordained to be a light to other nations. We need to keep on with the Christians foundations that formed us. We are presently battling for the soul of our country. What we need now is wisdom from God. " If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given Him" James 1:5. This is a verse to go to if you need an answer to life's problems. The most important thing for us to understand is what wisdom is. We can have knowledge but not wisdom. Wisdom is knowing what to do with knowledge. Wisdom is skillful living - taking your knowledge with a Godly view and applying this to your daily lives. There are three types of wisdom. The first is reflective wisdom - to look into a situation and know how to use wisdom in a Godly way. There is also practical wisdom which is common sense. It is how you do life well by putting God's words into practice.Solomon said to seek wisdom, Jesus said to pray for wisdom. James contrasts worldly wisdom to Godly wisdom.If you don't include God in your life, you can call yourself an atheist. The last of these is worldly wisdom. We need to know the origin of worldly wisdom which is not from God. It is inspired by the devil which is rebellion against God. Worldly wisdom operates as a bitter envy and selfish ambitions. This is evident in the protests and riots of today. The outcome of all of this is the thinking that does not include God. It produces disorder - every evil practice which is anarchy. The origin of Godly wisdom comes from above. We need to have a reverence of  the Word of Gd and of God Himself. The operation of Godly wisdom is as a peacemaker - a gentle way of life. We need to be considerate and submissive, sincere, impartial without hypocrisy. 

The out come of this is peace and righteousness. If you put Godly wisdom into practice, you are the person who built his house on a rock. God is the rock.

How wise are you?

 

Sweet Home Arkansas

This is a bit late for everyone, especially those who are reading it so faithfully. We left S Texas on Thursday and drove to Joshua to visit a couple of days with Chaplain/Pastor Roy and Paula Gee. The trip went well, beautiful cloudy driving weather. We made sure we wore gloves to pump gas, wore our masks, and  used a lot of sanitizer. Only went through the drive through to grab a bit to eat.  We were surprised at a few places in N Texas where masks were not required but we wore them anyway. Spent a few days just visiting with the Gees, not hardly going anywhere and enjoying each other's company. We did bring some things with us in a u-haul so that when we finally move we won't have so much to move and family from Arkansas won't have to drive over 800 miles to help. We unloaded quickly with hep from our daughters and relaxed for the rest of the day. Since we traveled on Sunday, we listened to Prairie Grove Christian Church live on my phone as we drove along. Now that was a new experience for us.It feels so natural for us to be here in The Natural State again for a bit. As we got closer to Arkansas, the mountains came into view and we both felt a sense of peace.

We did not do any distribution last week in the colonias. I was feeling guilty because we would not be there for 2 months, but because of Covid we have closed the distribution until September. There are a few places folks can go for food, but a lot of the earlier distribution points have also closed. My heart hurts for those people as I know their resources will be limited.

We spent the last few days getting adjusted to different surroundings, greeting folks we hadn't seen in awhile (at a social distance, of course), and taking care of the details we needed to.

Pastor Vance continued with the Book of James, this time in Chapter 3 - Taming the Tongue. I am sure he hit the mark with a lot of people, as we often speak before we think, or say something really hurtful to someone because we were also hurt. Comparing the tongue the bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder on a ship really allows us to see the power of the tongue. Such a small thing if not controlled can cause a lot of damage. Almost all of the beasts and creatures in this world have been tamed by men but man cannot tame the tongue. Gossip is a terrible way that the tongue can cause damage. Can you think of people you know who cannot wait to be first to tell a bit of gossip before even trying to find out if it is true or not? There are many people in this world like that - perhaps it gives them a sense of power or self worth or something. Remember the telephone game we played as children? You whispered something into someone's ear, they passed it on, and so forth. It never was the same as what was first said - sometimes entirely different. That is how gossip is. We often lash out if someone offends us or does something to anger us. Let us make it a point this week to stop and think before we blow off steam and hurt someone. Turn down the thermostat and count to 10.







 

Party Time

This last Tuesday the ladies in the colonias decided to have a small party as we will be leaving next week for 2 months in Arkansas to be with family and take a much needed break. I really should change the emphasis from small party to a feast. The ladies prepared enough food for 3 times as many folks as were there - including a grill filled three times with 2 types of seasoned chicken and pork riblets. The food was extra delicious. the meat was prepared perfectly, along with 2 types of pico, mashed potatoes, beans (which I thought were charro beans but were something else completely indescribable which I did not ask what it was!), Mexican rice, potato salad, and many different grilled peppers and onions, not to mention the huge array of desserts.  The vegetables were used from the one which we brought. We had plenty of baskets (boxes) that we filled, as well as each of the the ladies getting extra surprises! Hams, cheese (like Velveeta), grapes, star fruit (carambola), more Hershey's Gold bars, and small cartons of milk. After all the the distribution was done, the meal was ready to eat. A short devotion, and then a word  of thanks from the Mis Suenos ( My Dreams ) colonia bunch telling us what a blessing we are to them. We replied that we were the ones who were blessed to be able to provide for them and get to know them as family. They then presented us with a small donation which they had collected among themselves for our trip home - for gas or whatever. We are forever grateful for their thoughtfulness and sacrifice. We are humbled by these amazing people.

busy filling boxes with wonderful produce

the big boxes were over flowing - thank you Lord for your provision

nice real boneless hams

this gal wanted her picture taken - she is one of our hardest workers, always ready to what is necessary

                                                        Jose tending to the grill

                                       

               I told him we needed to see his face so we could admire him!

                                       
                                                                   some of the food provided


We have had rain all week - really strange rain showers. The sun would be shining, then all of a sudden it was as if the clouds opened up and the rain poured down for a few minutes (I mean came down in real gully washers), and then it just as if the faucet was turned of, it quit. This was off an on all week. We took the vehicle in to have it washed at a hand wash run by a HUGE Mexican father where we go when we want a deep clean. . He must have a whole herd of sons, as they were just like monkeys crawling all over the vehicle, washing, vacuuming, and polishing. It takes about 45 minutes but looks spectacular. And of course, 5 minutes after we left the area, it rained. We finished our errands, came home, and rinsed it off again!!! At least it is clean for a bit. Even with Jasmine air fragrance!!

We watched Pastor Vance this morning on the computer - hopefully we will be able to attend in person when we arrive in Arkansas. There are active services with a lot of restrictions of course. The hardest part will be the the morning welcome and hugs from everyone. Life is so very precious. What is proof of life? Motion - where there is life, there is motion. "The body without the Spirit is dead". If there is no action in your faith, then it is dead. Christianity is not just attending church, but shoeing how you live it 24/7. In the Book of James, he seems to contradict Paul when talking about salvation - grace versus works. We have to accept grace, then do as God commands us to do. We are all sinners and cannot do anything to earn God's grace - it is a gift. James is telling us how to act after we become Christians. Faith works. If you have a legitimate it works always. your faith impacts your decisions. The works of God for us work in us.
There are 3 kinds of faith:
1) Dead faith - words without action. Lip service without sacrifice. Possess it but don't profess it. We prove our faith by action. If you were brought to trial to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
2) Demonic faith - recognition without repentance. You cannot show your faith unless you have deeds. Even demons believe there is one God! Recognition without repentance will do you no good Demons have a reaction to God - the Shudder!! We need to have a desire to serve God. We need to be careful that our faith does not waiver during these trying times. Don't let your faith grow cold.
3) Dynamic faith - belief transforming our behavior. James does not tell us what we want to hear, but what we need to order our life through our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith affects behavior. take for example Abraham. His faith and action worked together. Regardless of how difficult it would be to  sacrifice his son, he followed God's will and was prepared to so. We want to be God's friend, so we need to act like it by following what He teaches  Do you have trouble finishing what you started? Living out your faith is always a work in progress. Another example of faith was Rehab. She was a prostitute who saved the lives of the Israelite spies by hiding them and helping them escape. Rehab trusted God's people and became obedient to God, marrying and becoming an ancestor of Jesus. Now is not the time to let your faith cool off. God will give us ways to serve Him. Be creative - think of ways to validate your faith. Take small treats to your neighbors as a way to cheer them up, write cards to folks, make a phone call. What did you do this week because you are a Christian? What didn't you do??