Memories

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” 
Mark 14:9 NIV

Memories have been on my mind as we traveled 1400 miles to visit the community where we were married 50 years ago. Driving back into the Ozarks after so long was bittersweet with a mixture of nostalgia and regrets. The beauty of gently rolling hills they call mountains, the remoteness and the simplicity surround a person. But roads have been moved, landmarks changed and the town was barely recognizable. Then I recalled that what was most precious of all was neither the beauty of nature nor the local culture but the kindness and joys of friends and neighbors. Just as Jesus said of Mary, “What she has done will be remembered and her story retold.” Then I was comforted in the arms of the one who holds my memories and my heart that nothing is lost in God’s story of our lives. He remains and His love is more faithful and unchanging than the changing landscape of our world. I hope you enjoy these photos of our anniversary journey

The God of Jacob

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:11 ESV

Notice here that God is called here, the God of Jacob. Not God of Abraham – the father of our faith.. He is not the God of Issac, the laughter and joy of God’s promise fulfilled. He is not even called the God of Israel – Jacob’s later God given name meaning prince and overcomer. He is our God of Jacob – the struggler and striver. He is with us as He was with Jacob as He was still locked in combat and wrestling through life with both his brother Esau and The angel of the Lord. At exactly that time when we are also gripped by an opponent who knows our point of weakness, God is with us. He never leaves, He strives along right by our side and comforts us in our dismal moments of what seems certain defeat. Right then and right now He is our God of Jacob – our fortress, our refuge, our mighty delivered and our closest friend!