Saturday, October 29, 2016

Privilege and Responsibility




 

On Monday evening Larry and I went to one of the early voting sites, along with hundreds of other people, to vote.  Part of the hour and 27 minutes we were outside and able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and briefly visit with friends from church.  The process was very well organized.  As we spent time in line, I found myself praying and observing.

* Even after a long day at work, people were willing to stand in a long line to vote.
* People waited without complaining.
* We were able to cast our vote in safety.
* Multiple nationalities were represented.
* The longer people stood in line, the more they began conversations with the people around them.
* People of all ages were there, from the elderly to a young lady who had come with her father to vote for the first time.
* Whether it’s the best of times or worst of times, it’s still a privilege to be an American.
* There was a sense of patriotism and pride in taking time to vote. 
* I was reminded that along with great privilege comes great responsibility.
* To make a difference, I need to do my part in being a responsible and productive citizen.
* I must take to heart the importance of praying for those in authority.

Voting was not the end of the election, but rather a step in the process.  In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God reminds us that, “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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

We know that God will keep His part of the promise.  Now it’s time for His children to do their part.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
    wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
    he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:20-21

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
I Corinthians 4:2

 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
I Timothy 2:1-4

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Hawaii 2016



Last week Larry and I went to visit Sarah, our niece, on the Island of Oahu.  What a wonderful week of enjoying God’s creation and celebrating the Creator!  Sarah was a wonderful tour guide.  This was the first time to visit Hawaii for Larry and the second for me.  Forty-seven years ago, on these same dates as a senior in high school, I visited four of the Hawaiian Islands with my grandparents.  Unexpectedly, several times during the week I had sweet vivid memories of visiting the same places with them.  It was also extra special getting to spend the week with Larry and Sarah.

And now a few of the highlights…

Welcome to Oahu, Hawaii
 





Chinaman's Hat - Kaneohe

Kamehameha's Turtle

Pearl Harbor
Submarine Tour
USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor Eye Witness









HE>i 
HE is greater than i
Haleiwa, Hawaii


Dole Plantation



Green World Coffee Farm
Wahiawa, Hawaii





Waimea Valley and Falls
 





Kawela Bay







National Junior Surfing Trials
Kawela Bay





Larry climbed to the top of
Diamond Head





Pipeline Ehukai Beach
Pupukea, Hawaii
Known for Surfing



Kawela Bay
North Shore 
Golf Cart Tour

The Pillbox


Turtle Bay Resort


Banyan Trees


Endangered Monk Seal
Kahuka




Endangered Turtles
Laniakea




Haleiwa, Hawaii





Laie Hawaii Temple

Kualoa Ranch



Valley of Temples
Memorial Park




Nu'uanu Pali Lookout







Makapu'u Beach Park and
Light House




Halona Blowhole
Honolulu
We saw it blow for miles.  Blew just a
little when we got there. 


In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1



Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8


Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord.
    “Should you not tremble in my presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea,
    an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
    they may roar, but they cannot cross it.
 
Jeremiah 5:22