To all those across the world…
On this 30th of July 2021
Here and in all distant lands, as the sun is setting, and the Holy Sabbath hours
are beginning, the invitation is given, to come apart from the chaos and confusion,
to rest and find hope in the God of all creation!
Markleeville General Store
A place of historical events beginning
in the early 1800’s
The Tamarack fire, started by a lightning strike in the
Mokelumne Wilderness, is fast approaching the small
town of Markleeville, Californiaa. A picturesue town
sitting in the foothills of the majestic Sierra’s, a stopping
place for travelers as they head up to the crest, on route
88.
Jacob Marklee founded this town in 1803.
Marklee died after being involved in a gunfight. Later
in the 1800’s part of this town was destroyed by fire,
and now once again is being threatened.
As a young person I had often hiked in this area of pristine beauty.
Many years later this little town would play a significant role in a very
small, but meaningful way. After the death of my son, I had been
living in California, and I had to make several trips over the mountains
on a crooked and winding road, and Markleeville was a place to stop
and rest, to pick up something to eat.
On this particular day, I was nearly blinded by tears, and when I
went up to the cash register,
the man questioned me and I told him of my loss. I reached for
my purse and he said no, and bid me well on my trip over the
mountain. Alone except for my two dogs, who were car sick over
much of the way, I was comforted by the act of kindness that made
my journey a little lighter.
Our prayers ascend for this charming little
town, may it be spared, continuing to bring its
cheer to many!
“With wings of flight and trumpets
blowing”
Many times in our lives, we may not have been
aware, that we were protected and cared for
by angels, ever faithful, ministering to our
needs.
Angels visiting earth with folded wings,
weeping with tears for the things done
here, but ever returning, never forsaking their
calling.
And in the times we are living, angels have also
been given, riding on horses of might and fury,
bearing a message of soon coming events to
come upon us, of forewarning and love to all
who will listen!
“And I will show wonders in the heavens
Joel 2:30
and the earth…
The sun shall be turned to darkness, and
the moon into blood”
“And it shall come to pass that all
**Book of Joel chapter 2:32
who call on the name of the Lord
shall be saved”
When I was six and my brother was three,
our mother took us on a train ride from
the west to the east coast. I only have
faint memories of that ride, but it set up
deep emotions that were embedded in my
mind, beginning a frenzy of travels, with
curves and twistings, taking me on a
trip with an uncertain destination.
“And with her candle lit, she searches
For when it is found there will
for her one lost coin”
be a celebration
I wonder how many of us will stoop down to
Pick up a penny? Or just ignore it, as
Not worth the effort!
In the East of ancient times, a coin was
Very valuable.
****
The houses of the poor
Usually consisted of but one room,
Often windowless and dark. The room
Was rarely swept and a piece of money
Falling on the floor would quickly be
Covered by dust and rubbish.
In order that it might be found, even in
The daytime, a candle must be lit and
The house must be swept diligently.
A wife’s marriage portion usually
Consisted of pieces of money which she
Carefully preserved as her most
Cherished possession, to be given to
Her daughters.
The loss of one of these coins would be
Considered as a serious calamity.
And its recovery would cause great
Rejoicing, in which the neighboring
Women would readily share.
Recovery
The coin, though lying amongst dust and
rubbish is still a piece of silver, sought
because of its value.
In this parable, the lesson may be taught,
though a mother or father may have many
children safely abiding in their home, but
will not be content, until their search for
their lost child is found?
“And with her neighbors rejoicing”
“Reluctantly opening the door”
As she calls for her mother!
“If she had only been good, it is her fault mother left”
Addiction is a frightening thing, it can remove a mother and
Father’s presence from the child’s life. This dreaded disease
Runs rampant in our family. Today is the tenth year of my son’s
Death, taken in a cruel way. Thankfully I was spared from the
Devastation this illness can bring, and yet though substance
Abuse in a physical manner is absent, I struggle with an
Emotional attachment that is much more profound in many
Ways.
To the point of being consumed with their illness, almost
Destroying me. With the recent news of of this ugly strike once
Again, of a loved one who has sunk to the delusion
That their pain can be lifted, I am once more with the question,
Will I be consumed with this one as well?
And yet, from a Power greater than myself, I am convicted
that the memories of a painful past, of my mother’s choosing
will be lifted, and I will not succumb to dwell in a harmful
state of mind, attempting to do something for someone else that
I am powerless to obtain!
“A gust of wind fans the flames”
A soft glow of orange erupts into tongues of fire
I remember something that was said long ago, a speaker was
encouraging those who have experienced devastation and
emotional pain. And I have never forgotten his words –
“Even if you have to hold on with your very fingernails,
don’t give up”
Through many sorrows and disappointments I have felt likethe cauldron of flames were about to consume me. The heat
of affliction became too much, as if my mind and body
were ready to explode!
In honor of all those who are opposed
And restored to our rightful place
by the enemy, are we not all as “A brand
plucked from the fire?”*
*Zechariah
For a child growing up in alcoholism and addiction,
there never seemed to be a safe place to go. Home
was never safe, neither school or friends, making it
difficult to trust others. Later in life I learned of a
safe place, where I could run to, to a tower of
safety, a place of protection from the enemy!
“A fair skinned child with bright blue
And with songs of laughter!
eyes and blonde tousled hair”
“The name of the Lord is a strong
tower, the righteous run into it
and are safe”
Proverbs 18:10
