Three boys vs a rattle snake

July 9


At camp two boys and I confronted a dull brown and red snake with a vibrating tail. One boy pinned the snake with a stick. The other boy grabbed it and put it inside a flimsy cupcake box. In a flash the snake sprung out of the box, slithered over a bare knee to the ground and escaped. A bugle sounded and three tenderfoot scouts ran off to the parade field.

Angels were looking after three boys that Sunday when that Timber Rattlesnake chose to get away rather than get even.

“He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11)

Thrill Rides

July 7


It’s a perfect day on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. We are with a group on an island owned by a successful businessman. Joy and I climb aboard a cigarette boat with six others. We all hang on to stay upright. It is invigorating but it isn’t fun. That is how I feel about roller coasters too. And sky diving-my wife says why jump out of a perfectly operating airplane.

Why go? Is it for the thrill? There is another way to find  pure joy.

Today I get that rush of excitement when I feel God is near or is calling me.

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
(John 15:11)

Test Candle

July 6

It is a restaurant in a cave. The room is well lit yet a lone candle burns on a ledge. Our waiter says, "that's our test candle as long as it flickers we’re fine.” Nervous laughter. Half way through dinner a woman yells, "The Candle is out!" Heads turn.

"It is OK," her husband says relighting the candle, "the waiter was only joking."

My life is like that test candle. I can light up with His truth or be nothing and that is no joke.

"You are the light of the world." Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)

Independence Day

July 4

Old Glory flies from the deck of our cottage on Cedar Lake, Sturbrdge. Friends arrive for a cookout. At dusk, we will paddle canoes to the middle of the lake to watch home-launched aerial fireworks. First we pledge to our flag, "one nation under God." But we are not one nation under God. There are those in America who take offense at the word God. They are very vocal. What must God think?

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

At the Summit

July 3


We stand on the narrow summit of Mt. Albert in Colorado, which is something like seven feet higher than Pike's Peak. The view is breathtaking. I reach the top with 16 others who are completing a week at the Exec. Course at Outward Bound.

There is a true sense of accomplishment at the top. God has put in each of us the ability to reach higher and further in our lives. We learn that failure is not falling short; it is not starting in the first place. What mountains does God want you to climb? Have you started?

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)

Come/About or Jibe?

July 2

It is pre-camp week, I’m the rookie waterfront director trying out sailing with Ray, my division head. We are off in a stiff breeze. I learn the hard way the difference between “coming about and jibing.” We jibe and capsize. A horn sounds signifying a tip over.

When our rescuers arrive, I say, "Good thing we ran this test. You took your time getting here." Ray blesses himself under water.I keep a straight face.

Turning the wrong way can be disastrous.

“ He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)

Conversation with God

June 30-July 1

This is God's Day. I read, I pray, I meditate, I fast, and at 4:47 I have a
CONVERSATION WITH GOD.

"God, are we saved by Your grace once?”

"How are you saved?"

"By your son dying on the cross.”

"Do you believe that?
 "Yes"
You are saved."

"What about people who don't know?"

"It is your job to tell them. Do you love your neighbor as yourself?"

"I hardly know my neighbor."

"I know!"

“A backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.” (Proverbs 14:14)

July 1
Some Notes I jotted down on God’s Day



This is God’s day. I’m at the seashore.

“ Write the book,” (These entries?)
"Discipleship is a decision".

“Be still and know that I am God.”

“You were born anew-listen to your Father.” Don't go to Phoenix.” (this is disturbing. I'm flying to Tucson Thursday to drive to Phoenix for a conference.)

“Take off your hat.” (I do.)

“You and I can be one"
"I am in you and you are in Christ."

“ know me better through My Word.”
"Ephesians 5:1" ("Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." )

The above quotes I heard in my head during the day. Then I had a Conversation with God...I don't know what else to call it. It ended abruptly when the church bells from the Episcopal Church rang out summoning people to Vespers.....I wasn't fearful or delusional...I was in awe....humbled and obedient.
PS I cancelled my flight to Tucson and the conference in Phoenix.