1. Jesus will confess those who confess Him:

Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

2. God will provide for those who seek first His kingdom:

Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3. The Father will seek true worshippers:

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

4. Jesus alone will have the words of eternal life:

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

5. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled:

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

6. God will command all to repent:

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

7. Who ever believes on Jesus will not be ashamed:

Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

8. We will reap what we sow:

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

9. The peace of God, which passes understanding, shall keep your    hearts:

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

10. Jesus will still answer our prayers:

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

May God Bless and Keep You this Coming Year

(Bible quotes from King James Version)

Gen 18:20  And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Remember Lot?  He was the nephew of Abraham and had traveled with him from Ur of the Chaldees.  Both were blessed and increased much in herds and flocks.  Got so bad that their herdsmen quarreled.

In Genesis 13:5-13 Abraham decided they needed to separate.  He gave Lot first choice of the land.

Gen 13:10  And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Gen 13:11  Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

BUT!

Yes, there is always a “But!”  Gen 13:13 states “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.”  The righteous soul of Lot was vexed daily by their unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:8).

By the time we get to chapter 18 the LORD has had enough and is ready to wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah.  Abraham intercedes asking if God would destroy the righteous with the wicked?  What if there were fifty righteous?  Would the LORD destroy the fifty righteous with the wicked?

The LORD agreed to spare if there were fifty righteous.

At this point Abraham begins to bargain.  What if there weren’t quite 50?  What if there were only forty five?

The LORD agreed to forty five, “If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.”

Abraham continues the bargaining process.  What if there are only forty?  How about thirty?  twenty?  Finally ten!  The LORD agreed that if ten righteous souls were found He would spare.

Genesis chapter 19 records the attempts to find the minimum of ten and the eventual destruction.

Upon arrival in Sodom, only Lot’s house was found to be righteous.  This is only Lot, his wife and two virgin daughters.  Lot even went to his sons in law, begging them to enter his house of safety.

OK, Lot, Go Time!

The next morning, Gen 19:15-26, Lot and his family lingered.  By the LORD’s mercy they were led by force outside the city prior to destruction.

Don’t Look Back!

Lot’s family was told not to look back in Gen 19:17 as they fled to the city of Zoar.  Yet Mrs. Lot had to look as the LORD rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah.  Upon looking back she turned into a pillar of salt!  The destruction was so great the smoke rose as a furnace.

Great Story, What does that have to do with me?

Second Peter 2:9 gives the child of God hope.

2 Peter 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

If God can deliver Lot from that mess he was in, surely he can help us find escape from the temptations we face.

If I lived in Sodom back in the day, would the LORD have counted me as one of the righteous?  How about You?

I may consider myself “vexed” by all the unlawful deeds of those around me, but I must do my best to live by God’s standard.  I must not let forces of sin and evil drag me away from seeking God and His righteousness.

I must strive to be one of the minimum number of righteous that will keep the LORD’s destruction at bay.

Here are a couple of pictures of the reconstructed cabin on the site these men met.

Took Brownie for a walk to the cabin almost every day between showers.  Very peaceful and serene.

About 200 yards before getting to the cabin there is a small chapel.  Worship services are held May through September.  The chapel is also available for weddings.  Book early as it is quite popular.

Chapel in the Hollow

These picture do not begin to capture the beauty or peacefulness.  I’ve tried at different times and this is my best so far.  Hope you enjoy.

On the way to the hollow to the chapel and cabin there is a wooden bridge across a stream.

The rain really made for lush, green foliage.

Brownie was rather impatient while I was taking pictures.  Can you find him in the image below?

The wooden bridge crosses this stream.

Not often I take a picture that really sits well with me.  Maybe the best one I’ll take this year.

I was lucky enough to capture a picture of some of the actual pallets used for a stone walk under construction near the cabin.

A rare site indeed!  This was taken with my Verizon Razr phone.  Would like to share a couple of tips regarding cell phone pictures.

1. Check the settings and select the highest resolution.

2. SAVE the picture after taking it.  Verizon asks if I want to send as soon as I take it.  Have noticed that when I send before saving, Verizon decides to reduce the resolution.  Guess they are trying to save some bandwidth, whatever that is.

3. How do you send a cell picture to your computer so you can print or email to your friends?  How does he do this?  Here is what I do.

a. Add a contact (I named mine “me”) with an email address not another phone number.

b. Save the picture after taking it.

c. Create a new “Picture Message,”  select your new email contact as the recipient and include the picture you just saved.

d. Press send and run to your computer and check your email!

Brownie and I arrived Thu, 4/30.  Off the chart thunderstorm, not sure I’ve been in one worse.  Janet arrived Friday around noon.  The stream was rising quite rapidly, so we changed to a different campsite.

Had planned to write about the variety of camping arrangements, but the weather kept so many campers away there was not a lot of variety.  Montgomery Bell is within an hour of Nashville, so there it is usually very busy on weekends.  Weekends not experiencing a FLOOD!

Our family has designated several areas within the campground based on its use.

First is Las Vegas Strip.  This is a fairly long stretch of campsites through the heart of the campground.  Lots of families, kids, pets, young, old.  Always a party and plenty of camping action.  Last year someone brought a projector, hung a sheet between two trees and showed DVD’s at night.  Kind of like a homemade drive-in movie.

Next we have New York City.  First time we were there and I walked past all the RV’s parked side by side I said this is like camping in New York City. 

New York City

These campsites are very close together.  Brownie could easily jump from one drive to the next.  Unfortunately the weather kept most of the campers away.

Tear Drop and Tent

Here is a neat little trailer, kind of a retro / throwback to the 40’s.  Tear Drops are lightweight and very compact.  Just enough room to sleep and store your camping accessories. 

Our Home-Sweet-Home On the Road

Here is our rig at our 2nd campsite.  Remember the rain?  Our 1st was by the stream.  Between the rising stream and about 3 inches of water over the entire campsite an executive decision was made to find a drier place.

Campground Hosts – The Coopers

The Model Campsite.  A place for everything and everything in its place.  Most host families are in the park April through October.  At Montgomery Bell the Coopers collect camping fees and are very helpful and friendly to all campers.

There just were not many other campers.  May have been 5 or 6 other campsites occupied.

How Wet Was It?

OK, the picture is not real clear, but those are extra boards that can be placed under the camper wheels to assist in the leveling process.  We used them to keep from wading water when it was raining really hard.

Reminded me of the boards at Grandma Strawn’s place in the country.  She did not have an indoor toilet and when it rained she had boards that led to the outhouse.

When it rained, you kept the toilet visits to a minimum.  So I held it as long as possible hoping against hope the rain would let up.  When all hope was lost, I made the dash to the outhouse on those boards in the rain.

Problem was that Grandma Strawn had chickens.  The chickens felt it was there duty to keep every blade of grass from thinking about growing.  That means NO GRASS = ALL DIRT = ALL MUD when it rains.

Follow along as the logic progresses.  ALL MUD means the boards would slip if you even looked at them wrong.

There I was, waited as long as possible before running on those boards in the rain to the outhouse.  About halfway there the boards slip, I fall in the mud and chicken do, soil my self all the while getting drenched with rain.

Makes you appreciate indoor facilities in foul weather.

Next post will include pictures of the Cumberland Presbyterian shrine +PLUS+ what Janet and I did during all the rain.

Here are a couple of pictures of our campsite and campground:

Overview of our camping circle.  There is a couple from near Toronto Canada next door.  Noticed the plates on their car and RV, had to ask “Y’all really from Canada?”  Be kind to the Canadians, most seem like pretty good folks. 

For some reason they like to travel to Tennessee during early spring.  Mr. Canada told me they would be shoveling snow if they were home.

This is our home away from home.  This campground is fairly new, maybe 10 years old.  Don’t have ANY shade trees.  It has been kinda windy, so I have not rolled out the awning.

Dancing with the Sparrows

Quite a variety of birds have been spotted.  Please keep in mind that I cannot see very good, so we are really touching the tip of the ice berg.

Here is a barn swallow.  OK, I confess this picture was NOT taken by me.  In fact its not even a picture, just a real good painting found on the Internet.  Only had my cell phone and could not get the swallows to pause long enough to get a good picture.

Several hang around the picnic shelter and bath houses.  They love to “dance” with Brownie and me on walks.

Here is LIVE FOOTAGE of an actual swallow tending her nest.

Golden Finches can also be seen.  This image found on Internet also.

Have also seen quite a number of Larks.  They tend to be aggressive and will chase much larger birds away from their territory.  Isn’t there a type of Lark that lays eggs on the ground?  There may be some of those around here also.  Please let me know if you find more information?

Rarest of all: Brownie tracked down this actual phone booth.  These have not been seen in these parts for many years.  Good Boy!

Rudy!

Some folks from across the Tennessee River came in Monday.  The Gilbert lady is retired from working in a pharmacy.  They brought their cousin and his dog, Rudy.

Rudy is a 3 year old, gentle, well behaved, short-coat St. Bernard.  Loves traveling and long walks at sunset.  Seeking long term, committed relationship with anyone who doesn’t mind a little drooling.  “Can I curl up at your campsite?”

Bees: Commando, Ranger, 1 each.

Tuesday was a great afternoon for sitting by the picnic table.  Problem was there were some (3 I think) bees that were not fully hospitable to their guest.

After taking a few reconnaissance flights checking me out, they gathered to form their plan of attack.  These were big, fat, buzzing bees that could hover like a Huey Chopper, then dash away in a blink.

OK, here’s the plan.  You two “act” like you are fighting to create a diversion.  With the target’s attention occupied the third will swoop in for the kill.

After several warning shots were fired they determined that Chuckster was NOT easily fooled by such a simple ploy.  Like a MAN I stood my ground.  Not going to let anyone, man or beast, run me out of my campsite.  Must defend at all cost!

Thankfully the phone rang.  “Janet, HELP! I’m under siege!” 

“Where are you, exactly?”  I love Janet.  No matter what is going on, she has a question to solve every problem.

“In the campsite by the table.”  Those are borer bees.  All they want is access to the wooden picnic table.

And we all lived happily ever after.

Not exactly, the trailer is fully self contained – bath, kitchen, refrigerator, air conditioner.  Every possible convenience except TV and Internet.  But I can get my fix for those at the park lodge.  Yes, I’m the fat old bald guy in the corner with his nose stuck to a computer screen.

HOT, must have been over 90 today, no shade at this campsite.  It was 85 INSIDE by 11 am before I decided enough of this primitive life, I’m cranking down the AC.

Brownie and I went for a walk mid afternoon.  Cub lake has paddle boats, swimming and a neat bridge walkway.  There were 2 females sun bathing.  Don’t worry Janet, did not look over 3 seconds  for fear of being struck blind.  Brownie waded in the water a little, think he would have liked to be off the leash for full water enjoyment.

Janet brought Sonic for us to eat.  She works about 20 minutes away in Lexington, one of the reasons Natchez Trace was chosen.  Unfortunately she will not be able to stay over much due to her demanding social calendar.

That same day at Pin Oak Elementary School these events were unfolding . . .

She went to Pin Oak elementary school today.  They were not able to eat in the cafeteria because of a snake(s) in the ceiling.  What in the world are you talking about?

OK, the cafeteria has a drop-tile ceiling like most offices.  Someone had actually seen a snake (possibly more) slithering across the light fixture.   “Ceiling Snakes in a School” starring Danny Glover, coming to theatres near you soon!

Janet being the thoughtful person she is mentioned that the same ceiling ran throughout the entire school.  No telling where that snake is or how many there might be.  I love that girl!

Meanwhile back at the Chicken Ranch . . .

April is the annual 4H chicken giveaway.  Yes, students throughout Henderson County have signed up for baby chickens.  They arrive in the mail Wed morning.  Each student will pick up 25 chickens and raise some fine laying hens.

Students raise them during the summer then bring 6 to the county fair in September.  There the Great Chicken Auction will be held with proceeds going to fund the project for yet another year.

One of the chicken parents happened to be at Pin Oak today and was telling her story to the teachers.  It seems their chickens were NOT laying.  All efforts to encourage egg production had proved futile.

One day her husband decided to have a talk with the chickens. 

I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP!

He gathered all the hens into the conference room and explained how drastic the situation had become.  Told them all how much he liked chicken – fried, grilled, BBQ’d and boiled.  Let them know that if things did not turn around he was going to have some chicken.

Next day there were 7 eggs.  Way to go.  That’s a great start but there are way too many hens not giving enough team effort.

Next day there were 11 eggs.  Headed in the right direction here boss.  The son decided he would follow his father’s footsteps and he told the chickens that if they could do 11, they could do 12!

You guessed it.  Next morning and even dozen eggs.

Just goes to show what diligent management and proper motivation can do.

Enough for now, will have park pictures tomorrow.  Spotted one of the most amazing creatures yesterday that has not been seen in these parts for many years.  Was lucky enough have taken a photo with my cell phone.

Nancy had an Urban Dictionary submission accepted: blond pineapple of death.  Be sure and click “Thumbs Up” if you like it, I’ve already voted twice (:- ]

Be sure to follow Janet’s 4H adventures at http://henderson.tennessee.edu/

THE U IN JESUS

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you’ll see it’s true,
You can’t spell out JesUs and not include U.

You’re a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that’s why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn’t it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it’s true
That I love them all – Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don’t they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,
He’d like them to know,
But it all starts with U.

Will YOU pass it on.
When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

Pass it on!

________________

New Maggie Pics at ritocroom.com. Please enter session ID “nphillips”

________________

From SS in California:

Thanks for all your interest this week.  Please feel free to contribute and comment.  Lots of mighty good folks following my ramblings.

I never grow tired of watching the magnificent Tennessee river.  Here are a few pictures of the hydroelectric piece of our power puzzle.

Tennessee River – The Water Comes in Here . . .

Flows through this big piece of concrete and steel . . .

And Electricity comes out here!

OK, I confess.  Above picture is really from the coal power plant, but I gotta a feeling the hydroelectric generators look a lot like these.

Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?

All work and no play is NOT the way Janet rolls.  They took a side trip to visit the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.

I’m glad she gets to have so much fun at work.

How nice, getting sleepy just watching.

Janet has great communications skills.

Now if we just knew who she is calling?  Janet, care to elaborate?

Car Tags: He Said, She Said

Got ready to renew Janet’s tags.  We have three renewal options: in person at the county court house, mail, internet.  Normally I use the mail option, but this time decided to try internet.

This involved using my credit card with an associated fee / surcharge.  Upon completion it informed me the fee was almost $3!  YIKES!

Immediately I sprang into action.  “I won’t stand for this!  How dare they?  Just who do they think they are dealing with?  They should have informed me the fee was $3 before I clicked.”

I called the county court house to get to the bottom of this.  Very nice lady answered the phone and was extremely professional and helpful.  Only problem was as soon as I said “internet” all she wanted to say was the state has full control over that. 

Must have asked her 6 different ways, same answer.  Said they have nothing to do with internet renewals, that is all setup and controlled by the state.  Does any one remember a broken record?

She was nice enough to give me the state number I could call.  And who’s number is this?  I don’t know who will answer, they must have over 200 people answering the phone.  Thank you very much.

Called the toll free number, explained my problem.  Oh, internet renewals are setup by each county.  The state has NOTHING to do with how that works.  May I speak to your supervisor?

Once more I explained my problem this time to the supervisor.  Now I’ve got someone’s attention.  They can’t push the Chuckster around.  He won’t take this sitting down.

Ms. supervisor lady repeated that it was definitely a county issue.  I then explained that the people in Madison county think the state is in total control of internet renewals. 

At this point, I was wearing down.  I’m not going to waste my entire day dealing with something that is water under the bridge / cow has left the barn / ship has left the harbor / Elvis has left the building.

I did ask her to call Madison county and decide which one (state or county) controlled internet renewals and to call me back.

She did call back and was very nice in explaining that Madison county and the state are now singing the same song about internet renewals.

And we all lived happily ever after.

So far – Chuck is taking the book to LB at work.

Chuck decides to go off script.  Its kind of cool this morning, so Chuck is wearing a polar fleece pullover, old jeans, dark glasses, ball cap, unshaven.  Might look kinda creepy if you didn’t know how harmless he is.

So far – Chuck in extreme casual is taking the book to LB at work.

LB was NOT notified in advance.  Chuck walks in and has the following conversation with the receptionist: 

Receptionist: May I help you?

Chuck: I’d like to see LB please.

R: Do you have an appointment?

C: No.

R: Would you like to be a client?

C: I’d like to see LB please.

R: Who shall I say is calling?

C: The blogger with the book.

(Please note that Chuck was holding the book so that anyone could plainly see its title “Dream Lovers.”)

LB: Hi Chuck.

C: Shush, I’m still in the program.

LB: Uh, OK.

C: They told me to tell you “The red Mexican tattoo is in the oak tree.”

(LB hurriedly escorts Chuck outside and is barely able to control her laughter!)

LB: I think you were starting to freak out the receptionists.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Just remember – This could happen to you!