Have you purchased body lotion lately?  In the old days, I remember Vaseline Intensive Care lotion in the light yellow plastic pump bottle.  There weren’t many choices beyond that.  Today there is a whole section in the store stocked with body lotion choices.  Some of them list ingredients that sound good enough to eat:  Cocoa butter, almond oil, avocado seed oil, and even olive oil.  Other greasy moisturizers include shea butter, vitamin E, aloe, and baby oil.

Oils were very important in biblical times.  Olive oil, especially, could be used for baking, as a spread on bread, as a gift, fuel for lamps, for anointing, for offerings and sacrifices, as well as for healing.  Anointing with oil was common on joyous occasion.  I can only imagine the value of olive oil on a hot, tired body.  Back then people did not and could not hop into a nice hot shower every day.  Lord knows how long they sometimes went without bathing.  After several days or weeks in the hot dusty climate of the Middle East, I am sure your skin got pretty scratchy and crusty from the heat and dirt.  Imagine what pleasure it brought to have the dust rinsed off your feet and then to have olive oil rubbed in.  Mmm –Mmmm.  Somebody massage my feet please!  The oil probably softened dry skin and helped control hair that had been dried and frizzed by the scorching sun.

Some of you who know me really well may be aware of my search in the bible for humor.  I want to see and hear Jesus laugh!  I mean – I don’t think he walked around all calm and pious, speaking in heavenly monotone and gliding slowing as if on a cloud.  I think there were times He laughed out loud at his dear naïve disciples as He tried to get them to understand something.  I can picture Him explaining to followers through His parables and suppressing a smile, almost tongue-in-cheek, while using simple and familiar examples to clarify His point.

As I believe that the bible is God’s inspired word, I must share some words from Hebrews that made me laugh – and will bring this whole olive oil story full circle!

Hebrew 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

That just made me giggle!  Keeping in mind how wonderful it was for believers back then to enjoy a little rub down with olive oil, well how about being doused with joy?  It makes for a fun picture.  Imagine having this tickle of joy splash you in the face and send itself to the tips of your fingers and the ends of your toes?  I want some of that oil!  Rub some on and feel the joy.

Oh Lordy if I could make and bottle some of that I’d be rich!  I wonder if it would work on salads, too.  “Would you like Ranch, Italian, or our house dressing – a raspberry vinaigrette made with Joy Oil?”

Oh no – don’t get me started!  Joy oil with raspberries????

Have a joyous day.

just Laurel

In my last blog I talked about clinging to faith and how my wise little cucumber plant reached out with a tender tendril to grasp firmly to the chain link fence.  I didn’t expect to be writing this ‘continuing saga’ of the life of my cucumber plant!

Two days after planting my little cucumber plant we were threatened with a frost.  Well, I wasn’t going to allow Jack Frost to victimize my young cuke.  I literally wrapped my cuke baby in blankets, first wrapping one around the base and then securing another one to the wire fencing I had put around it.  The next morning I unbundled my plant and saw that the leaves were limp and drooping and the strong brave tendril had lost its grasp.  🙁   There still seemed to be some strength in the plant because it was still standing.  Certainly, if it was a withered limp mass on the ground, I probably would have bid it farewell.  I decided to continue to nurture it and give it time.

All I can say is that cucumber must have had some strong roots!  A week later, you can see the withered limp leaves and tendrils of the frost-bitten plant, but in the middle of the stalk you can clearly see an eruption of fresh green leaves and even the beginnings of a blossom!

Oh the things we can learn from nature!

The cucumber plant survived because it had put down strong roots.  The part you could see above ground had been beaten up pretty bad, but the unseen strength of its roots continued to keep the plant alive and growing.

What kinds of ‘frosts’ have you endured; a broken marriage, loss of a job, declining health, a shattered friendship, a disappointing life event, or countless other painful and chilling circumstances?  Many people crumble when life tests them.  But if you are strong in your faith, you have girded yourself with knowledge of God’s word, surrounded yourself with friends who share your faith, and have surely prayerfully sought God in simpler circumstances, then your roots will hold you strong.

Colossians 2:6-7  As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Ephesians 3: 17-19 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Like my little cucumber plant, we are sometimes hit with the storms of life and we will feel like we just can’t hold on any longer.  Those storms will make us feel like we just can’t live through another day.  But if we have rooted ourselves in our faith, God will give us the strength to keep going.  The warm sun and quenching rain will help us with new growth and life!

Lessons from my cucumber 🙂

Just Laurel

(Blog 10 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

We visited Jill and Andy on St. Kitts Island during Jill’s break from studies at Ross School of Veterinary Medicine.  This curious mother here had to see where her daughter has been studying for the past four months.  Although the school was on break, Jill was able to take us on a tour of the grounds and buildings.  We saw the small student housing accommodations where Jill and Andy had been living.  (They now live off campus in part of a house that they rent.)  We saw classrooms, the library, barns that house animals, the small on-campus convenience store, and many other different buildings.

Then she showed us the anatomy lab.

P U

There was a nasty smell that permeated the anatomy lab.  I believe the smell was formaldehyde – you know – the nasty stuff that is used to keep organic body parts preserved.  Animal body parts.  It didn’t help that there was half a butchered donkey in the lab.  According to Jill, it was the model for some final test.  “And what is this stringy slimy tendon here called?  And what is this bulbous bloody part here?”

(cough cough gag gag)

There were two huge walk in refrigerators in the anatomy lab.  Of course I took the refrigerator tour.  Inside were these huge bathtub shaped vessels filled with more nasty preservative liquid and …

… animal body parts.

Oh Lordy it was nasty.  In one vat there was a horse’s head sticking out.  Like a big slimy trophy.  Just the head.  In another vat there were dog legs and dog parts.  Then there was the vat with goats … and … you get the picture.  Between the disgusting visual assault and the nauseating rotting yet preserved flesh smell, I did not enjoy this part of the tour and quickly asked to move out of this building and on to the next.  I had had enough.

Today I was reading Hebrews chapter 5.  Verses twelve through fourteen caught my attention and brought to mind the animal anatomy lab:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.   For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.   But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The book of Hebrews was originally addressed to early Jewish converts to Christianity who were tempted to rejoin Jewish groups.  They were showing spiritual immaturity.  The author of the book of Hebrews was describing them as yet babes who were still drinking milk when they really should be on solid food by this time and showing strength and maturity in their new faith.  This made me think of the veterinary anatomy lab.  It was not for the weak.  For every young person who simply adores cute kitties and puppies, and plasters their room with animal calendars and photos, and have dreams of becoming a vet and working with animals someday … well … you better make sure you are ready for the anatomy lab!

Jill was quite comfortable with the sights and smells of the anatomy lab.  She showed strength and maturity.  She laughed at my weak stomach over the whole thing.

Likewise, Christians need to get into the nitty gritty of God’s word and ways so they can be ready for situations that may take courage, strength, or even a strong stomach!  I myself have been trying to explore God’s word a little more every day and, I promise you, it is much easier than a walk through the anatomy lab.  Smells a whole lot better, too!

Not everyone can become a veterinarian.  But you can become an educated follower of Christ.  Get into His words folks, and start chewing!

just Laurel

(Blog 9 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our stay on St. Kitts Island, we were fortunate to have a lovely room at the Marriott Resort – thanks to the ‘student rate’ that Andy got for us.  The Ross Veterinary students provide for a lot of business and income on the island (hotel rates for visitors, fuel for their cars, groceries, and bar bills of course) and are generous to provide discounts.  The Marriott was gorgeous.  Our air-conditioned room was very comfortable and included a king size bed, TV, and bidet-equipped bathroom.  There were three pools to choose from and several stores and restaurants to handle any of our needs.  It was good enough for us.

Most of the natives on St. Kitts live in cement block houses.  The homes are not air-conditioned but get fresh air circulation by means of louvered window coverings.  Life is simple, hot, dusty, and tropical.  Any backyard space available is used for a vegetable garden or roaming space for chickens.  No backyard pools.  They are probably too costly and, besides, there is always the ocean to jump in to if you get too hot.

Besides the local housing, there is a newer crop of luxury housing popping up.  The locals do not live there.  These expensive new townhouse developments are being purchased by investors from other countries who want a place in paradise.  Literally.  If you buy property at the minimum cost of close to half a million dollars, you are granted automatic citizenship of St. Kitts.  There are many resort pieces of property hidden around the island.

On our day trip to Nevis Island, we walked the beach to the property of the Four Seasons Hotel.  Oh my.  It was so serene.  Remember the show, “Fantasy Island?”  It was so tropical, exclusive, relaxing, and tranquil.  The price tag was way beyond our reach and I understand people like Oprah and Justin Bieber have stayed there.  The exclusivity of the Four Seasons along with the first-class attention I am sure is given there must make it a heavenly and relaxing place to stay.

Another place we visited was Ottley’s Plantation on St. Kitts.  After a twisting and turning drive up the dirt road and above the dusty little towns that dotted the coast, we arrived at paradise!  Ottley’s is an old sugar plantation from the 1700’s that has been renovated into a luxury resort.  The tropical grounds were breath-taking and the main house looked like something out of an Ernest Hemmingway novel.  We had dinner at the The Royal Palm Restaurant which is nestled on the old stone grounds of the original sugar factory.  To say dinner was expensive is an understatement.  But dinner was outstanding and could easily be showcased in Gourmet Magazine.  It was worth it.

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.   In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

I have no idea what heaven will be like.  But I believe in God and I believe God’s word is true.  I believe He has a place prepared for us when our earthly lives are done.  I might suggest that heaven be like a tropical paradise.  Hmm … comfortable beds, tranquil breezes, relaxing ocean waves, soft sand, good food, exclusive privileges, and once we get there we can have automatic citizenship!

I am sure heaven will be heavenly.

But for a heavenly earthly destination, I do recommend the Caribbean.

just Laurel

(Blog 8 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees. (Quote by – Abraham Lincoln)

Two islands make up what is known as The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.  Both islands are formed by the peaks of sleeping volcanos.  St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands, double the size of Nevis.  On one day of our St. Kitts trip we sailed on a catamaran and were able to go ashore on the beaches of Nevis.  Oh my, what a beautiful island!  (More on that in a later blog.)

The beach upon which the catamaran took us had sand that was warm and soft as the lightest brown sugar.  Several bars and restaurants dotted the beach.  We were told of a famous drink, the “Killer Bee” that was served at one particular bar.  Now, I am not a drunk or a heavy drinker of any kind.  One drink is usually enough for me, and two drinks put me to sleep for the night!  Allow me to back up for a moment to our British Virgin Islands trip we took a year ago.  The drink we discovered that year in the Caribbean was called a “Pain Killer.”  Oh it is a lovely drink of rum, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez, orange juice and grated nutmeg.  We were all hoping the Killer Bee would be just as tasty.

All the honey a bee gathers during its lifetime doesn’t sweeten its sting. (Quote by – Italian Proverb)

We found the Killer Bee bar.  We ordered a round of Killer Bees.  I watched as rum, some juice blend, some ‘bitters’, and I’m not sure what else was mixed for us.  One sip and … ehh … not as pacifying as the Pain Killer.  And rather bitter (oh yeah – the ‘bitters’).  Not liking my drink and not wanting to waste my money by throwing it out, I finished it quickly.  Jill did not like hers at all.  I finished Jill’s drink, too.

All the while we lingered at this bar, I kept contemplating this Killer Bee drink.  Were there killer bees on the island?  Oh my.  I was sure that must be the reason for the named drink, although I certainly didn’t want to meet any killer bees.  What other reason would they name a drink like that?

I have since searched on line for the whereabouts of killer bees, aka Africanized Bees.  I cannot find evidence of them being on Nevis.  Hmm?  I drank the drinks, we walked the beach for a while, I felt really numb and rubbery in the legs … and when we stopped to walk around the Four Seasons Hotel, I sort of sunk myself down into a cushioned chair and …. Zzzzz … oh yeah I was buzzed.

Buzzed?  Haha

Like a bee.  Now I get it.  The presence of killer bees was in no way related to this drink.

I got stung!

Sorry folks, but I couldn’t put my bible-spin on this story.  It was just a ‘funny thing that happened on Nevis’ story.  I suppose it could be a lesson of how you should stay away from evil.  You might think that you won’t be affected but if you play with bees, you’re gonna get stung!

Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give. (Quote by – Ralph Waldo Emerson)

just Laurel

(Blog 7 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our visit with Jill & Andy on St. Kitts, we spent one afternoon at Brimstone Hill Fortress.  Built primarily during the 1700’s for British use but by black slaves, the fortress sits 800 feet high.  It was constructed of dense black volcanic rock and limestone.  Because of the valuable tobacco and sugar cane grown on St. Kitts, the fortress was necessary to protect the rich bounties of the island.  The fortress is a magnificent sight to see as one wonders how the British were able to figure out the engineering puzzle of building such a structure on the sloping hillsides of a volcanic island.  It also offers breath taking views of the Caribbean waters below.

Naturally, a visit to a ‘fortress’ brings to my spiritual mind the song, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”   Written by Martin Luther in the 1500’s, this song is one of Luther’s best known hymns.  It is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46, although the word ‘fortress’ is not even in Psalm 46 (as least not in the bible version I read!).  However, the word fortress is used many times in the Psalms.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 31:2 Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.
Psalm 31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Psalm 71:3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

The definition of “fortress” includes the following:  A fortified place, especially a large, permanent military stronghold that often includes a town; a fort or group of forts often including a town; citadel; any place of exceptional security; stronghold.  The definition fits Brimstone Hill Fortress.  I hope the photos shared with you show how impressive this historic landmark is.  But it is the last definition that fits the Psalmist referral to a fortress.  God is our stronghold and it is with Him that we can experience a place of exceptional security.

As I stood 800 feet high on the grounds of Brimstone Hill Fortress, I was in awe at the quiet.  There were no noises of cars, motors running, or any hums of civilization.  It was quite serene with just the sound of the wind blowing through the tropical foliage.  The air was so clean and clear.  Perched high above the level of the Caribbean waters below, I felt almost a little closer to God.  The amazing view was both glorious and revealing – like the soldiers of long ago, they had a clear view of any enemies who dared to come close.

And thus it is when we choose to trust God.  Within His presence we can feel serene peace.  We can feel safe.  Perhaps, by staying close to His side, we also have a clearer picture of what God wants for us or desires of us.  Keeping close to God our fortress also keeps the enemy at bay.

A might fortress is our God.

just Laurel

(Blog 6 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

You can’t visit a Caribbean island without getting in the ocean sometime during your stay.  We did just that several times and even did some snorkeling.

First I want to take you back a year to my first snorkeling experience when Ted and I were in the British Virgin Islands.  With snorkeling, one wears a mask so you can see clearly underwater;  flippers are worn on your feet so you can propel yourself; and one uses a snorkel, a ‘J’ shaped tube that goes in your mouth and sticks up in the air above the surface of the water, to breathe.  If you just relax in the water while breathing and kicking at a leisurely pace, snorkeling can be a very lovely experience.  The water in the Caribbean is warm and there are many fish and coral to see.  Now I am not the greatest swimmer.  We were at The Baths on Virgin Gorda – an area with a labyrinth of huge granite boulders along the shoreline.  As we snorkeled offshore, my swimming insecurities took over and I started kicking and breathing way too fast.  In hindsight, I realized I was hyperventilating which caused me to get dizzy as panic took over my logic.  No one else was near me.  Ahead, I saw a huge boulder that waves had carved out a concave little cubby.  I kicked and swam for it as fast as I could.  I was afraid I would either drown or pass out before I could get there.  With adrenaline surging through my veins, I made it to the boulder and hoisted myself into the safe cubby, oblivious to the coral that scraped and bloodied my legs.   I clung to the inside of my safe cubby in the boulder while crashing waves tried to pitch me back into the water.  Screaming for Ted, I finally caught his attention and pleaded with him to get the dinghy and come rescue me.  Gently, he said that he thought I could swim back to the boat and after about ten minutes of controlled breathing and my mental attempts to shake off the panic, he talked the confidence back into me.

Fast forward to this year’s trip to St. Kitts.  I couldn’t wait to get back to snorkeling.  I felt I had learned from the previous year that I need to relax and let the flippers and snorkel aid me as I enjoy the warm waters and awesome view of fish and coral.  You guessed it – I started freaking out at my first attempts.  As the familiar panic washed over me, threatening to choke and drown me, I had to get back to our boat to hold on and talk myself down.  “Relax” I told myself.  If I could just calmly trust my breathing to the snorkel and not kick my flippered feet so frantically, this could be a pleasant experience.  I finally squelched my panic and was able to enjoy myself.  I had someone on the boat toss me one of those flotation ‘noodles’ and that helped give me extra flotation confidence.

The experience brought to mind that old saying:  “Let go and let God.”  When I kicked too hard and breathed too fast in my attempt to take control of my flippers and snorkel, I failed miserably and nearly drowned myself.  When I let my body and breathing relax, snorkeling became a comfortable and peaceful experience.  In life, don’t we often try to kick as hard as we can while struggling to handle the challenging waves that daily crash over us?  Oh we of little faith!  If we surely trust in God to strengthen and guide us, then why do we panic and act like we are drowning?  We need to let go of our struggles, trust God, and let Him lead us to still waters.

Psalm7:1 O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

So easy to preach, so difficult to practice.  I suppose those times I had to “talk myself down” so that I could calmly snorkel would mirror the necessity to talk to God in turbulent times so that He can keep us from drowning in our troubles.

Instead of panicking and losing your breath when life sends you struggles, say a prayer and let Him guide you safely through life.  Enjoy the view while you’re at it, too!

just Laurel

(Blog 5 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our visit with Jill and Andy on St. Kitts, we stayed at the Marriot Resort.  It was beautiful.  There were many buildings sprawling over several acres with palm trees and other flora planted everywhere.  And there were (only!) three pools to choose from, in addition to the biggest pool, the Atlantic Ocean.  Our room was lovely with a king size bed, beautiful ceramic tiled floor, a flat screen TV, a view, and a spacious bathroom.  The tub in the bathroom had whirlpool jets in it.  Woo Hoo!  There was a toilet (of course) and a bidet.  A WHAT?  A BIDET.  (“bih-day” for those of you unfamiliar)

(I now ask for forgiveness, in advance, for any bathroom humor this blog may contain.  But, I had to bring it up.  We disgusting Americans are just so unfamiliar with the European luxury of the bidet and, well, it’s just plain funny.  I’m sorry.)

I believe it was Groucho Marx who described a bidet as “taking a shower standing on your head.”  Okay.  They had to design it the way they did, I suppose, because the majority of people cannot stand on their heads.  The word ‘bidet’ comes from the French word for ‘pony’ … ha-ha … because you are supposed to sit on the bidet as if you were astride a pony.  (Ha-ha)  Jill and Andy checked it out.  We thought it would make a great basin for cleaning off dirty feet.  Later when I decided to turn it on to see what it did, the darn water shot up and hit me in the head!  (I guess you are supposed to sit first, and then turn on the water.)  I think it would make a great water fountain.  All snickers aside, I must admit it probably does a real fine job of getting you clean ‘down there’.  But then – it’s bad enough having to clean the toilet – if you have a bidet then there are TWO porcelain thrones to clean.  And, sure, you might save on toilet paper but you have to DRY yourself off afterwards.  Now you have more laundry to do – and poo-poo laundry.

Now I know what you are all wondering.   How is Laurel going to tie this one to anything biblical?

hahaha

Let’s talk here about forgiveness.  And having your sins forgiven.  Being ‘washed clean’.  (Hee hee – I did it!)

But seriously.  We are all sinners.  And we all keep sinning.  Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we are told to pray every day to “forgive us our debts (or trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (or those who trespass against us)”.  I like the Lord’s Prayer but I think it is too benign and general.  Like – recite a quick prayer and all is forgiven.   The prayer is usually recited so quickly with a mass of people, it doesn’t even give us a chance to think about and reflect on the bad things we really have done.  It’s like getting a spit-shine washing of our filthy sins.  Sometimes, we really need to come clean and think about where we have erred, and what sins we are guilty of.  Only when we are conscious of our sins and aware of our trespasses can we truly give them over to God for forgiveness.  It’s like the bidet – washing those private hidden areas that only you and God know about – and really coming clean.  Sometimes a ‘mop n shine’ just doesn’t do it – time for a power-washing!

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Isaiah 1:16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.”

just Laurel

(Blog 4 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

Max Lucado – “Our belief in God is not blind faith. Belief is having a firm conviction something is true, not hoping it’s true.”

Going on vacation to another region or country offers the chance to try different cuisines.  The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis offered us that opportunity.  If you were to ask me “What kind of food do they eat on St. Kitts?” here would be my answer:  Of course lots of fish (St. Kitts is an island – duh) but they also enjoy pork and chicken – on the barbeque – and flavors of curry with plenty of rice and plantains on the side.

St. Thomas Aquinas – “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”

On the recommendation of a friend, we ventured to Sprat Nets for dinner one evening.  The dinner choices for the evening were your pick of any two of lobster, ribs, chicken, or fish with a side of rice and some kind of corn Johnny cake.  I ordered the lobster and fish.  Well, Sprat Nets was very busy that evening and NOTHING happens quickly in the Caribbean so we sat at the picnic table on the beach and waited.  And waited.  Until it was dark and the only light came from the moon and a few lights on wooden poles – not much light at all.

Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Finally our huge plates of food were delivered to us.  Yum!  Everything was hot and smelled divine.  Now this girl from the suburbs of Detroit here was expecting a nice piece of grilled fresh fish.  Oh it was fresh enough – in fact I got the whole fish!  Now I am not grossed out by the fact that my fish still had its head on.  My problem was that it was DARK out.  As I tried gingerly with my fork to tease the lovely bits of fish away from the boney skeleton of the fish, I kept grabbing bones with the meat and kept picking them out of my mouthfuls.  Ack.  The fish was sweet and tasty, but darned if I couldn’t see to dissect some lovely bites of boneless fish.  Blindly I stabbed at my fish, knowing there were great quantities of delicious fish to consume.  It made me think, today, of faith and the saying that believing is seeing.

Pastor Tim Hall – The world says, “Seeing is believing” – Faith says, “Believing is seeing”.

If people were to ask me how or why I believe in God, I think the basis of my answer has got to be faith.  I would love to SEE Jesus – to have walked beside Him when He Himself walked on this earth.  But I believe the bible is His inspired word – so I can read all about Him.  I know He hears me when I call and when I pray.  I don’t need to see Him.  I just know.  I just believe.  He has sent me messages and answers when I call.  And although I don’t see HIM, I see Him in all His magnificent creations.  Too many people need proof.  I love the simplicity of Judy the elf in the movie ‘The Santa Clause’ when she explains to Tim Allen about believing in Santa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YxwlofIvQ

(click on the above to view the movie clip)

Joni Erickson Tada – “Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”

Believing is seeing.  It’s as simple as that.  But when it comes to eating fish in the dark – well that’s when I think I really needed to SEE to BELIEVE that there were possibilities of eating fish without bones!

Just Laurel

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Blog 3 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

How can I visit an island and not talk about beaches?  Oh my … the beaches we saw, walked, and visited.  I had never really thought about beaches so seriously before seeing so many KINDS of beaches on St. Kitts.

Isak Dinesen:
The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea.

St. Kitts is one of a line of small islands that form a dotted line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.  The north/northeastern shores of St. Kitts have Atlantic beaches and the south/southwestern shores have Caribbean Sea beaches.  Why is this significant you may ask?  The Atlantic beaches have much larger waves.  The Caribbean beaches have the gentle lapping smaller waves and turquoise blue waters.  The other variation seen is the material that makes up the beach.  Because St. Kitts is an island with a huge volcano in the middle, there are a lot of volcanic rocks formed from thousand year old eruptions.  On the Atlantic beaches, the forces of the crashing waves have carved many interesting rock formations.  Another beach has sand that is black, from the pulverized black volcanic stone.  When walking on the sand with the black kind mixed in, all I can say is “Ouch, ouch, ouch, OUCH!” as I hurried for shade or the cool relief of ocean water to cool my burning feet!  Still, other beaches are comprised of small egg sized stones that are fairly gently on the beach until you get ankle deep and the rocks are covered with either sharp cutting coral or slippery seaweed growth.  You’re either going to cut your foot, or slip and fall (and hurt your hind side!). 

Thoreau
My life is like a stroll on the beach… as near to the edge as I can go.

Now Laurel got to thinking about how my observation of so many kinds of beaches can birth a story that relates to us humans.  🙂

I think all of us are like our own little beach.  Some of us are made of stone and are strong and confident.  Some of us are gentle souls with soft sands.  But we all have the potential to change as we are subjected to various forces in our lives.  If life has dealt us some tough blows, like the crashing Atlantic waves, we can either crumble or accept the changes given us.  I watched the mighty waves crashed fiercely on the huge black rocks of St. Kitts and thought how marvelous it was to see the salt water spray into the air, turning the water a churning, boiling white.  There was another beach of calm waters and coral covered stone that was a great place to snorkel.  Like having to deal with a prickly and difficult person, the great challenge of this beach was getting past the ouchy and slippery parts so that you could throw your body forward into the water and get off your feet.  Then there was the beautiful sand beach with calm waves where you just wanted to lie in the sun and soak up the rays.  This beach was like that calm, serene person who holds all their anger in.  If you try to walk on them, you better have your shoes on or you will get burned!

So we are, like a beach, and subjected to forces in our lives that can make us stronger, softer, or even change us.  At the Marriott resort that we stayed at, the beach was on the Atlantic side.  To make it more pleasant for guests, long lines of rocks had been built up diagonally to the coast so that these walls acted as ‘breakers.’  As waves crashed first against these rock walls, it lessened the force of the wave that then continued on to break on the beach.  Lesson learned – if we don’t like the forces that are influencing our ‘beach’ you can always do something to change things!

Just Laurel

Jeremiah 5:22 ²² Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea,
By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it?  And though its waves toss to and fro,
Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.