A FIELD OF BEANS AND SOME PHILISTINES

One of my favorite Bible heroes is "Shammah," one of David's mighty men. He is mentioned in only a few verses of the scriptures, but his acts were very brave.

On Sunday, Clint was asked to preach at a local church where we've ministered before. He asked if I'd like to say a few words as well. All week I struggled with what God would have me share. I was almost ready to believe that I was not to speak this time, when suddenly on Saturday, the Lord seemed to show me clearly what I should say.

I was wading through the soybeans in the fields behind our house heading out to pick berries when I thought for the umpteenth time this month about Shammah, a little-known Bible character. Each time I made the trek across our 10 acres of beans to get to the edge of the woods to pick wild blackberries, I would think of this Bible hero and try to imagine how he defeated a whole troop of Philistines in a bean field! That has always intrigued me. It seems like there is no place to hide in such a field. On Saturday I realized that it would be possible to lay down among the plants,they're taller than they look from the road, but then how would you fight off a whole army if you did? I always believed from the scripture that Shammah was either alone or severely outnumbered as it says in 2 Samuel that "the people fled from the Philistines."

Saturday the beans were waist high as I waded through and I thought about his heroics. He must have been carrying some armor, at least a sword. It is HARD walking through a field. I was dressed in long pants, heavy boots and had a colander strapped around my waist and I was having a hard time wading through. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to run or fight or maneuver over the uneven ground!

Yet the scripture indicates that he "stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory." (11 Samuel 23:12) This nation was the enemy of Israel at the time. I take courage from Shammah's dedication. We as Christians should be passionate about a number of "fields" and refuse to give up territory that rightfully belongs to the Lord. Of course, nowdays our battle is not a physical one, not against flesh and blood, and does not involve such warfare. I am referring to spiritual battles that affect the future of our nation, our children, our faith. Shammah took his stand and fought to the victory. Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church and her confession of His Lordship! We need to take courage in these days! Take special note of the fact that though Shammah defended the field, scripture says it was the Lord who brought about the great victory! Blessings, LORI

TUESDAY EVENING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

This last Tuesday evening, I had a book signing at the local library where I work! It went very well and I wish there had been a better picture of me alongside this table, but alas, they were all very "interesting." Seems I was always caught with my mouth open! Well, it was a speaking engagement after all!

I talked about my two books and then a bit about the third in the series that I hope will be out later this spring. I used the example of my grandma's diaries to encourage people to journal down everyday events and family history for the sake of the future generations. I also spoke a bit about the traditional values in my books and how I think we need a return to good moral stability and the values that made us a great nation.

I had a great time, though I felt a bit nervous speaking on a topic as opposed to teaching Sunday School or giving a sermon. This was a little different and it's been a while since I did this kind of speaking. But once I got started, it went quite well. People asked lots of questions, which made it easier and I guess I'm a born talker! Wish you all could have joined me! Blessings, LORI

Pittsburgh

Clint and I recently made a trip to a church in southern Ohio to preach. Our host and hostess, the pastor and his wife, (old friends and classmates) treated us like kings! They took us on a riverboat cruise and dinner in Pittsburgh! How lovely. We especially enjoyed the skyline!

The trip was wonderful. We were warmly received and generously treated. This church really knew how to make you feel loved. Clint and I both spoke on Sunday morning and the people were very responsive. Right before I spoke I was sitting and praying. I had something in mind to say, but suddenly something else came to me. I believed that was an indication from God to change the course a bit. Sure enough I suddenly had an accompanying scripture pop into my head and I used that to add to my few remarks. Many people came up to me afterward and thanked me for what I had to say and one in particular confirmed that it was just what they needed. Glory to God! I love experiences like that!

I hope you enjoy a bit our trip with us in case you never have the chance to go on a riverboat tour of Pittsburgh!

UPDATE ON THE SURPRISE ITEM THAT CAME TO MY HOUSE!

Yesterday I made a flying trip to Kalamazoo to pick up the surprise item! Yes, it's here! I'll not tell you what it is yet because I want to post a picture to reveal its identity and while some assembly is still required--actually all of the assembly is still required--the item will not be named yet! I was very excited. I'm a little bummed because I'm so busy for the next several days, I don't know when the item can be put together. I have some preliminary work to do on it, then Clint has to assemble it.

I've been touched in my heart about alot of things to write in the last few days, especially yesterday. I heard the "flu" mentioned so many times yesterday and today that I can't help but think it's on eveyone's mind right now. I want to give some encouragments along that line but will wait til the next post to do so.

Am doing alot of work for tomorrow's ladies' meeting at which I will speak. Please pray for me! I hope to have lots of interest in my books as well as deliver a message that I feel the Lord really wants to share with people. I'll be speaking twice during the day--both times on the same subject but with a little different slant each time. My topic is "Hearing the Lord's Voice." Hearing God is a favorite subject of mine. I've diligently journaled during my devotional times for years and tried to pay close attention to how the Lord wants to speak to me through the scriptures, His still, small voice communicating to my heart, and once He even spoke to me and confirmed something which I have just come to recently believe was a sign--as in a "sign or wonder." I'll share that story with you at a later time and you decide what you think of it! I think you'll find it very encouraging. I will be sharing that tomorrow in the morning session and by the very unique nature of what happened, I hope the story will open the door for my afternoon session. Hopefully it will encourage the ladies that hearing God speak and direct you begins with a relationship with Him--first through salvation through Jesus and then in a continuing, vital, close, day by day relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. This involves being in the word on a regular basis.

I've been canning alot of applesauce. Took a break today. Yesterday's batch was incredibly good. Many of the Jonathan apples got in the mix and the result was a beautiful, breathtakingly pink product that tasted as good as it looked! I've got 13 quarts so far. Many more apples yet to can, but they have to wait until tomorrow. I've had only enough time for a 6-7 quart cooker full per day! I use Jonathan, Cortland, and McIntosh together. I've always been pleased with the results but this year I doubled the Jonathans. Good idea. Let me know if you any guesses on the surprise item. You see them in many fairytales. Blessings, LORI