The Redwoods

My campsite in the Redwoods

Welcome to Jedediah Smith National Park. There are many beautiful places around the world, but few can capture the feeling, mood and the grandeur of creation as when one is standing in midst of these awesome trees in northern California. The size of these giant trees is incredible, many standing over 350 feet tall and over twenty-five feet in diameter. Some were even alive when Jesus Christ was born.

I have many fond memories of my trips to the Redwoods. This is my fifth time here. The first time was fourteen years ago when Sheldon David invited me and we spent a week with God during the Tabernacle season in September of 1998. 

We would usually drive out to one or more trails around the national park to hike where we felt led by God. One of them was called Hope Trail and another was Damnation Creek Trail (rightly named), it was a zigzag trail that dropped a thousand feet to the Pacific Ocean below. Shortly after we started down that trail David asked me if I was ready to die. I said, “Yes, if that is what God had in mind.” I thought to myself that I might have to throw myself into the ocean when I got to the bottom. Along the way we stopped and ponder the beauty of the late afternoon sunlight coming through the tall trees and mist that hovered over the steep hillside making for a spectacular display of sun rays that we would never forget.

When we got to the bottom, we just sat on a rock and watched the waves crashing on the rocky shore, as we talked for a bit. Then David asked if I was ready to leave. I said, “You mean I don’t have to jump into the ocean.” He laughed. When we started back up the very steep trail, I told David that I felt like God wanted me to run to the top, and so I did without stopping for a rest. This would have been physically impossible for most people, especially me who was fifty-one years old at the time. However, it was just another miracle in my life. 

The next day we went to the Oregon Caves, which wasn't too far away, and we went down into the pit of hell with the river Styx that ran through it at the bottom of the cave. (Styx- river of hate; according to legends, separated the land of the living from the dead) It seemed like almost everything we did the Lord had a specific reason and He would often speak to us.

Each evening we would build a campfire; have dinner and talk about God and what we felt. I fixed the meals for us which I enjoyed doing; nothing elaborate, but tasty just the same. (Food just seems to taste better when you’re hungry and camping with friends.)

Then four years ago during Tabernacles of 2008, David and I came here again after I had moved to Vancouver to lived with him for about five months. It was very special time again and God often spoke to us. He even challenges us to prove or test Him. It was our last time there together in the Redwoods.

This time I'm back in the Redwoods by myself to spend time with my Heavenly Father. It’s also the Tabernacle season which last for ten days. This is where I believe my real journey began fourteen years ago and now I'm starting an exciting adventure, under His wing, and from here on everything will change again.

It was an awesome week and we walked among very large trees that He planted here thousands of years ago. Also, along still water and we even laid on the beach and soaked in the sunrays of His love. One time I even asked Him if I could hold His hand while we walked and He said, “Any time, you want too, Israel, any time.” We also talked about many things, mostly personal, such as my doubt and fears. But the thing I remember most is that he said, I could do whatever I want and still not miss His plans for me. That was very reassuring to hear. We even talked about love. For example, people fall in and out of love, but what God wants for us is to be in Love with the One and only One.

Other times we just sat quietly. Sometimes it could even be considered boring, but I found it quit restful, even though nothing seemed to be happening. But you see that’s when inner strength can be built for the battles that take place in the spiritual realm, even for future generations, because we don’t wrestle with flesh and blood.

Let me give you an example, when you see a tree in the wintertime and all of its leaves have fallen off—it’s bare and not very beautiful.  Some people might consider them boring, and it looks like nothing happening. However, what we don’t see is that the roots are growing. It’s when the tree puts all its energy into going down and out, so that it will be able to withstand the tests it will face in the spring and summer when there are strong winds and much less water to nourish it, so it can provide food and shade for others. This is their quite time of waiting on God. Everything has its purpose, even boredom when its given to waiting on God and His timing.

I saw this rock of Jesus' head, right in front of me, when I stopped for lunch not far from the Redwoods.

The State Park, where I stayed, was named after Jedidiah Smith. He was devote Christian and loved God’s creation and was a fur trapper. He also did many other things that helped people to be able to travel across the United States to the West Coast. I’m thankful for men and women like him. Yet I wonder if that was God’s plan or just his dream for adventure. You see, Abraham also had a dream, and He was told to walk the length and breathe of the Promise Land. But his legacy was his walk with God, and the Promise. Abraham put his complete trust in Him. Therefore, he is known as the Father of our Faith.

I too, have walked many miles and will travel to many countries. But, whether I make any mark for humanity doesn’t really matter, as long as my walk is with God. In the chronicles of heaven, I would like to be remembered, as a man who loved God with all is heart, and fulfill the task He was given for the Kingdom of God.

Note: I did not have the visitation of the Father as I had hoped. He never said when, yet it will happen as He has promised, but in His timing not mine despite my anxiousness. This adventure has just begun and I am enjoying it every day, I never know what will happen next; just more divine appointment as I head further south.

Leaving the Redwoods, but His rays of love are always on me.

Homeless Camp

Welcome to Crescent City, California

Wow, what a week! I thought I would be staying in Brookings another week before leaving. But I saw a flyer on a bulletin board at a grocery story that said a Methodist Church was offering a free Salisbury steak dinner. It turned out that the church was in California. Then I thought maybe afterwards I might find someone who would let me park at his or her home for some time and be able to bless them, but it didn’t happen that way. So I continued further south to Crescent City and watched this beautiful sunset over the Pacific.

Then it was time to find some place to spend the night since I try to avoid camp fee sights and save a little money for the Redwoods Camp fees. There was a place at the end of a street that I waited until it got later, but the area was also used for other things; as I watch three different vehicles come and go. The first was a young couple, the next car was an older man with a much younger woman doing something he probably paid for, and in the last one there were three young people. One got out and went down a stairway to the beach. When he came back a little later he had a handgun and gave it to the driver who got out. Then the young driver took it, aimed it several time at some imaginary object out to sea and he put the gun in the clove compartment of the car; right in front of the young women who was watching all of this transaction take place. Not realizing that I too was watching and praying for them from my van less than twelve feet away. When they left, so did I. (I reported this to the police, with a photo I took with the license plate.) This adventure I'm on was full of surprises and it also reminded me that this world was in desperate need of a savior and a loving Father.

I finally found a place just the other side of town that looked like it would be okay for me to spend the night. But before long, there was a tap on my window. A man and a woman asked what I was doing, so I told them and that I was alone. They said I was in front of their place. I apologized and they said it was okay. I told her my name and my mission to Mexico. She said her name was Joeline, and then extended her hand through the window to a total strange. Then she asked if I would like to go the church with them. I said, sure what time, not knowing what this would lead to. And then she left and followed the man

Wow, God led me to the right place, but not what I expected, it got even better. At 9 o’clock the next morning, I went down the road, but could not find their house. I look around some more and then I saw a red pick-up. I inquired where Joeline’s house was. They said are you Israel, I said yes. Then they called out to Joeline and she came out of a path leading in the trees.  She told me to follow them to church and she would be there later.

It was a new, fair size Cornerstone Church. I went to the Men’s group, with the man that drove the truck, before the main survive and shared a little of my mission and of heart of God. At the end of the meeting, they asked me to close in prayer. The service began with awesome worship music; people were praising God with hands raise, others were kneeling before Him and some were waving flags. During this time of worship people were even coming down and giving their hearts to God, including a young teenage girl.

After church I talked his Tara, who was a middle-age woman who came in the truck, and asked if she though if Joeline would mind if I parked at her place. She said, why. So I told her, and then said that the place was a bird sanctuary, plus a campsite for homeless people, including her. I said I don’t mind if you don’t, I’m homeless also. She told me, I should park near them, because the other side had drug user and often stoled, plus the police come often to check things out. I gave her some money, a hug and said I would love to spend time with them.

When I arrived back at the homeless camp that evening, Joeline and a man came out and invited me to follow them. There was a very large tarp structure, about 30x40 feet, where Tara and another man name Mark were sitting in front of a fire. I sat on one of the two van bench seats that were positioned in front of the fire that had a frying pan and a large pot on a grill over it. Then I watch Joelie cook which she said she love to do. We sat and talked as the food cooked. Then she brought me a bottle of water, and I thanked her. When the food was ready, she served it on a plate and handed it to me. I said, no thank you I have already eaten, she said so have we and this is for you.

Wow, I was being fed by homeless people—only God could do this. There were a couple slices of bread that had been toasted on the fire with butter and a large serving made up of onions and potatoes with a thick meaty gravy sauce over it. It was delicious. This, I believe was an appreciation gift for the money I had give to Tara. Then she sat down and we all watched the fire while they smoked marijuana and drank and talk about their lives. Tara asked if any one had a story to share, even a Bible story.

I share one of a Good Samaritan act we did for a man who need help along the road one day with a broken down truck. We picked him up and fed him and ended up giving him a van. I told this story, because I said, God can change your situation around much quicker than you think. He loves you very much and has a wonderful plan for you and dreams to fulfill, if you’ll just trust Him.

Later, I also told them that as much as I enjoyed the worship music at the church this morning, I’m enjoying being here more, because this is what Jesus did. Then Joeline, share about losing of one of her sons that was only seven and then she started to cry. We gather around her and I prayed, that God would heal her broken heart and spirit. It was after 11pm, Tara said, you could stay as long as you want here at the camp area and you are welcome anytime. I told them, tomorrow night at sunset I will bring all the fixing for Chili dogs, chips, and snores. The next evening I fed eight homeless people, yet it was still sad to see their state of bondage and addiction. I prayed for them and declared their freedom. The next day I met a woman at the beach who had a broken heart and was crying out to God, I was the answer to her prayer as we sat together and I held her hand and listen. I prayed for healing and restoration of her broken heart and peace for her soul. When the tears were over and she could laugh again, she thanked me and then we both gave each other a big hug. 

What a joy it was to be His hand and voice to a hurting world. Now it was time to spend time with my Heavenly Father in the Redwoods.

We are the Light of the world.

Hit and Run

Welcome to Bandon, Oregan

After leaving the art show I went to Coos Bay, Oregon, and got a bite to eat. While I was there I checked out a few things. However, I didn't feel that this was where I was to stay, so I prayed that the demonic oppression that had been over the city for so long would be broken and restoration for the lives that had been bound there. Then I continued south on Highway 101 to Bandon, Oregan. But just before I got there I could see flashing lights from a police car coming toward me in the distance. Then I noticed cars parked on both sides of the highway. I though there had been an accident of some kind and started to slow down. Then I saw something in the on coming lane, that I thought was a deer. I slowed down even more as I drove by it.

What I saw was not a deer, but the mangled bloody body of a young man. I had never seen anything like this before, that is except in war movies. I pulled over to the side of the road just as the police car arrived. I got out to see what I could do. Then I notice there was another larger body half way off the shoulder of the road, and some people standing around it. There was also a large dog, who would not let anyone near the body in the road. The dog was scare and didn't realize the man, maybe his owner, was dead.

I didn't think this was the time for me to start raising the dead, even though that would be something. But I could pray for the other person that was now being put on a stretcher by paramedic. I prayed for his recovery so that they would see and understand the grace of God, plus know Him as their personal savior. As more emergency unites arrive I continued to pray as other look on in horror at the sight. Then an officer came over and asked me if I was a witness. I said no and then told him what I was doing, and he replied, keep praying and so I did. Then I help direct traffic to a detour road, while the lane I was in was now stopped completely to see if there where any witness. There were no damaged cars, apparently someone was distracted and hit them while they were walking on the side of the highway or as some reports stated that it was a deliberate act. Either way it was a hit and run, accident?

I finally got on my way again, but what a way to end a day that began so different at the art show. I went to the beach in Bandon to get my mind off what I had just seen. But, it was still hard to go to sleep that night, with that image still flashing through my mind. I tried to focus on Jesus in the mist of the storm and find His peace.

The next morning I went to the local hospital to see how the surviving victim was doing, but they were taken to a larger one in another city, but the reports I read on-line said they were in critical condition and the police were still looking for the suspect that cause this. I was reminded of the parable Jesus told about two men working in the field, one was taken and the other man left. It can all happen in the twinkling of an eye. We never know what may happen in life's journey, so it's important to always be ready and in His presence.

At the end of each day there is still hope

A Little Slice of Heaven

Welcome to Winchester Bay

Last week after I left Florence, Oregon I thought my next stop would be in Coos Bay, Oregon. But, this was an adventure and anything can change in a moment of time. I had given Retta a painting before I left and now I was wondering what I was to do with the rest of them, because I wanted to have more money to give to the poor in Mexico. As I was driving south on the Costal Highway 101, I saw a banner stretched crossing the roadway in a small town saying, “Art Show at Winchester Bay Sept, 1-2.”  That was the next town and it was still early, so I went to check it out and see if I could get in.

It had been nearly ten years since I tried to do an art show, and the sales then were poor, but maybe this time it would be different. The director of the show said there was one space left and the fee was $75. Well, I took a step of faith and accepted the space even though I had no display set-up. I asked if it was okay to use my van, and that was fine with her.

It was a beautiful day, but a little windy and the people weren't buying at least not from me, even though they like my paintings and thought they were beautiful. The prices I was asking were less than half of what I used to get in art galleries, but still higher than what many people were willing to spend here. ($15O to $300) I told God I would thank Him for whatever happens and I would pray for the community and bless it while I was there.

Then later in the day, young women came up and began to really study my work and one painting in particular, a small seascape for $200. Her name was Aireal, I asked her what the name meant, she said, "Lion of God." As we talked about the painting and other things, I began to sense that there was something special about her. I learned she was in the small town for the Labor Day weekend, with friends. She was very kind and sweet and when she left, I blessed her, and she replied, “He already has in many ways.” She didn’t say how, but she did say she would be back the next day.

The show was over for the day, and I had just put my paintings away, when she came back with two lady friends to see my paintings and meet me. She also brought me some pie on a covered paper plate—three slices, one cherry, one apple and one pecan. (She had made and baked them herself.) I thanked her and gave her a hug for her thoughtfulness. She introduced me to her friends, and then they left. I was totally surprised by her thoughtful gift. That night, I ate a little of each slice. Wow, they were all delicious, (some people might say heavenly) so I saved some for my breakfast, but I wondered if she would really be back and why.

It was another beautiful day, but not as windy. It was early afternoon and still I had no sales. Then she came back with one of her friends and one of her sons. She showed them the painting and then we talked for a little while. She believed in God, and had four young children. Two children by her first husband who then committed suicide and another two from her second husband who then left her. Wow, talk about the pain this young mother must have experienced and now raising four children alone. 

You never know what some people go through just by looking at them. I told her she still got the best of the deal and she agreed—four lovely children; a real blessing from God. I had already told her about the adventure I was going on, and if she gave me her address I would send them a post card from Mexico. She said she would like that, and then she left to show her son other displays. For some reason, I felt God wanted me to give her the painting, but I also wanted to sell it to give money to the poor. Then I remember the statement Jesus made to His disciples when the women poured costly perfume on His head. “You always have the poor with you…” But I still wonder if this was what I was really to do.

When she came back by, I stopped her and gave her one of Sheldon’s "Cloak of Zeal" business card. I told her to check it out and that he was a special friend, then she left again. I was still struggling with my emotions and when I saw that she had stopped at another booth, about a hundred feet away, to get something to eat.

I felt God was giving me my last opportunity, so I took the painting, put it in a clear plastic bag and went over to her. When she turned around, she was surprised to see me. Then I told her that God wanted me to give her something, because she was special to Him and me, and then handed her the painting. She said, “really?” I said, “yes.” She thanked me and then she crumbled against my chest. I knew then I had made the right decision. I put my arms around her as she wept. Then I prayed that God would heal and restore her broken heart, to bless her and her children and that Jesus was her Husband who would never leave her. That she would have a greater revelation of Him and His love. When I was finish praying, she thanked me again and asked if it was okay to come back with her camera and take a picture of me.

She came back about an hour later with her friend to take a photograph of us together with the painting. Then we said good-bye and hugged again and I prayed for her and for her children to know their real Father; and that He would bless her with a prosperous and happier future. Then she left with her painting, along with a special peace and joy in her heart that came from heaven and a man who demonstrated Christ’s love for her.

I still didn’t sell any paintings at the show, but I was there for that divine appointment, and that’s what really counts in the long run. No matter what the cost, it much better to give.

Love can be expressed in many different ways, but doing the Father’s will is always the best way; to touch someone who is really hurting. This shows how much they are loved, and sometimes they still need a hug too. I may never see Aireal again until we meet in heaven. But that day I made a friend I will never forget, and neither will she. Together we both shared a little slice of heaven.

A Diamond in the Rough

I spent nearly a week in Florence, where I stayed with a friend named, Ritta. She is a prophetess and she has also been a friend of Sheldon’s for a long time. We talked many hours about God, and what He has been doing in our lives and others. We are both anxious and excited that God is about to do something special in our lives and others.

Ritta came out of a broken home and dark past of addiction where she was both physically and mentally abused and she is now walking in the Kingdom of Light, and speaking for God. She’s a little rough around the edges to say the least. She doesn’t mince word with you on how she feels about Christianity, false teachers and pastors, or organized religion and churches. Ritta has seen and experienced how they have hurt and damaged so many people and the Name of Christ. Religious people try to avoid her and have even threatened her, because she calls things as she sees them. She won’t put-up with their hypocrisy and religious B.S. and she doesn’t abbreviate. Nor is she afraid to look at a bully and threaten to punch him or her out if they don’t behave toward her or others, because she knows whose on her side.

Neither, does Ritta care to hear people whine about their past or their problems. She heard and seen it all before, therefore she prefers to point them to The Answer, Jesus Christ, and how to walk in Kingdom Life, and if they don’t like to hear it —that’s to bad. Unfortunately, she notice most people still prefer to have their feelings stroked, cuddled or given a pacifier, instead of taking up their cross and follow Jesus. But for those who will listen to her, she has a powerful message of God’s love and grace, and some awesome personal experiences she had in His presence to share.

Ritta spends a lot of time on her face before God, interceding for people and the Kingdom of Heaven. Despite her past, smoking and course language she has brought many people into the Kingdom, because this is the type of people that many churches have rejected. She a beautiful person who has brought healing and restoration into many people lives and I’m proud to call her my friend.

P.S. She also has no problem telling people to get off their fat, lazy ass and start doing something about it and for the Kingdom of God.

I also will be posting more frequently, because I have a lot to share before I get to the Redwoods, and then I'm going to be quiet for maybe a couple weeks and spend time with my Father, and hear what He has to say.

A Day At The Beach With God

Welcome to the shores of Florence, Oregon

I love the ocean, it has always captured my emotions. I spent many days playing and body surfing in it when I lived in southern California as a teenager. When we moved to Washington State I would traveled to the ocean in my car and take many photographs of the crashing waves, beautiful sunsets and awesome rocky coastlines of the Northwest.

Then I started to paint ocean scenes, some as I saw it and others as I imagined. In a matter of twenty plus years, I painted close to a thousand paintings of the ocean, hundreds of landscapes and other subjects with the talent God gave me. I even made a living doing it, but it never satisfied the longing of my soul. I spent hundreds of hours studying and taking pictures of this fascinating aspect of God's creation, but never knew Him as I do today.

The coastline of Florence, Oregon

The ocean is so vast and beautiful. It's simply mesmerizing, powerful and yet at times can be very soothing to the soul. It reminds me of God. Now I don't have any more brushes or canvas to exploit what He so freely gave to mankind. I even gave up the talent as well, just so I could enjoy this day with Him. However, this morning I took an unexpected walk on the beach, and as I was walking I was preparing my heart and asking God, why am I here? Then I felt lead to speak over the ocean.

So I faced the ocean, stretched out my arms and prayed, not caring who was there watching. I prayed out loud regarding the coastline of United States, and reminding God of His promised bloodline He placed around America. That He would protect America from foreign, terrorist attacks and I also added the protection from all the junk and debris coming from the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan almost two years ago. I also prayed for the Gulf Coast regarding hurricane Isaac, just hours away from shore. I don't believe that name was an accident, and in the long run this hurricane, named Isaac, would not be as powerful as predicted, but feared just the same bringing water to a dry and thirsty land just like the son of Abraham did for his people.

I also declared the blessing on America, that God promised would be the Bread Basket to the world not only in providing food, but sending forth sons of God to bring the Bread of Life to other counties and set people free. There other things I also spoke from the heart of God and it was amazing. Then I realized why I was there, it was to establish His Kingdom. Our prayers are meant to be big and according to His will; that's what God expects from His sons and daughters. It was a beautiful day for a walk on the beach with my heavenly Father, and I hope there will be many more.

On the Road Again

Photo taken in front of Sheldon's home  

When I was in my early 20's I traveled around the United States in a 25' motor home, with two German Shepard's, doing art shows. Even though I had "a gift" from God, my motives were mostly carnal. Back then, painting, making money, dating, and satisfying my flesh seem to be the only things that mattered to me. When I was 29 years old I got married, but did pretty much the same things, even after we sold the motor home.

Then God stepped into my life again just before I turned 40, that's when my life began to change and then I met Sheldon David, and things really changed. But, I've shared most of that with you on my Blog. However, that is all now in the past, and I am what I am today by the grace of God. Now, its time to move on from glory to glory and to more revelations of the heavenly Father heart. I love my wife, friends and family, plus all of God's people I've met over the years, and I will miss them, plus my special friend Sheldon David. But now I'm looking forward to meeting and making new friends, even though many of them will be very brief as I move from city to city and town to town in other countries.

Today is a new day, and the beginning of a new adventure. However, my motives and means are quite different. This time, I'm traveling in a Chevy Astro van as a son of God, not a man of the flesh. I'm led by His Spirit and I'm totally free to do whatever He desires or I want. My means may seem very limited, but I have more than enough. I also have access to God's unlimited resources to fulfill the mission I've been called to fulfill. I am very excited and nerves at the same time—this is all new for me and I feel totally unprepared, but I'm not really. Because, I know who I am and I'm trusting God completely. I'm also grateful for my wife, family and friends like you who are supporting me with your prayers.

I have a peace and joy that I want to share with others who are hurting and hungry to know the Truth I have to share. But before I do that I have a date with my heavenly Father that I'm anxiously waiting for. After that everything will change. So I'm on the road again, but this time I'm headed for the greatest adventure of my life.

Note: I'll keep you posted with updates whenever I have Internet access.

My New Home

I thought you might just like to know and see my new home. It's a standard size 2003 Chevy Astro van. It has a little over 131,000 miles on it, of which I've only put on about 25.000 miles after we purchased it back in 2005. However, I will be putting on a lot more miles from now on. Inside, I made a raised bed, with slide out storage bins underneath. There's a clothes rack across the back of the van to hang my shirts, flannel's and two coats. I've got some pants, shoes, underclothes and socks, a port-a-potty and an ice chest. I also have an extra battery inside the van with a solar charger and a 12 volt converter for charging my lap top computer, camera, electric shaver and a cell phone. My bedding consist of a foam pad and a 3" thick folding mat that's 32" wide and 72" long, plus a sleeping bag, two sheets, a blanket and a quilt for whatever temperatures I may face.

I've got an old Coleman two burner gas camping stove, a 5 gallon fresh water container and a few kitchen utensils and bathroom stuff. I also have my Bible, some books, about sixty Cd's in a zip-up case, a dozen DVDs, and a few tools and other miscellaneous things I might need. The tires are good for another 60,000 miles, and just had the oil changed, and some other minor things repaired. And of course there's still some food, drinks and snacks. So as you can see, I have all that I really need and more.

I'm also taking some small framed paintings to sell, trade or give away on the way to Mexico, and my two-hand sword. I'm not sure what God wants me do with it yet. It's going to be a little cramped at first until I dispose of some things along the way and learn what I really need and don't. But the most important thing I have with me is Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit guiding me and angelic forces helping to fulfill this awesome vision and adventure.

My wardrobe and a few other things

Wildfire - Beauty Out of Ashes

View out our back window

Just about six hours after the fire started two miles away from our house.

The fire continued to grow through the night

Hello again. It has been a while, but I’m back in Vancouver again, staying at David’s house. However, getting here has been quit the challenge. I worked hard for six week fixing our home, taking stuff to the dump, getting Roberta settled in and helping others. Then went over some final things that my wife would need to know and do while I was gone. Earlier that week, I had told her that I would also be staying a day longer than I had originally planned and it turned out to be a really good thing, but not for the reasons that I had expected. During this time I also lost fifteen pound from all the hard work I did even though I ate and drank a lot of food and water.

However, the day before I was to leave, a wildfire started about two miles from our house and it was very windy. I prayed for the winds to calm down, keep the fire away from our home and for the protection of the firefighters and for God to give them wisdom on how to fight it. But the fire, wind and hot weather and dry conditions proved to be far more than they could handle. Later that evening we could see a red glow in the sky from our windows, so we took a drive just to see how bad it really was. What we saw was heart breaking. The hills were on fire for miles and smoke covered the whole valley and made it hard to breath so we turn around and went back home to get our cameras again and then drove the other directions to where the fire had originally started and took some more pictures. It was now after midnight, so we went back home and tried to get some sleep before my last day.

Our power to the house had gone out temporally, during the night, and at five in the morning we got a knock on our door. It turn out to be an evacuation notice for our area. However, because of God’s promises, I knew we would be safe, but Roberta still wanted to be prepared any way, just in case. She suggested I load the van with the things I would be taking on my trip and she would load her car with what she thought was important, plus had me get the cat carrier. After that I went a took a visual of the situation and again later behind our property, but saw nothing threatening and went back to work on a few more things around the house.

Our daughter called later and informed us that the fire had jumped the river in two places that separated us from the fire. By afternoon helicopters came and started taking water from the small lake in our backyard, so I went and took another visual and saw black smoke coming from neighbors houses on fire about a mile away, but they were all still downwind from us. I felt sorry for those people, but knew God was changing their lives that day, just as He always does in these kinds of situations, and hopefully someday they might see the good in it all. These disasters should help us to learn and focus on what's really more important—Jesus. But for now, it would still be a painful experience for them. I pray they will find true comfort and peace in God's shelter and the help from friends and neighbors.

I did a few more things for Roberta inside the house, and then it came time for me to leave. It had been a stressful day, and now we needed to say our goodbye. It was just a little after six and I still had a four hour drive to Sheldon's house, where I had a 9 AM appointment the next day for an auto detailing on my van, that my wife had made two month earlier. We embrace and then we prayed for each other. I told her that I loved her, always have and always will. And she said she loved me too.

I believe, this was not the way either of us wanted or expected for our last day together to end, but that’s the way some things happen. As I drove away I was numb and speechless from it all. I had just left my wife not knowing when I would see her again, and the valley I once called home. Now it was on fire and covered with a thick dark smoke and ashes as far as the eye could see. And yet I know it was all a prophecy, and someday they would eventually know and see God’s loving care in it all. God has awesome plans for the people in this valley and county, because of the seeds I have sown there. I have walked the length and breathe of that county and interceded, fasted and prophesied over it many times. And God is faithful and He answer our prayers. In time they will see the true love and power of the heavenly Father. Beauty will come forth from these ashes and it will be better than it ever was before, because that’s how Abba Father works.

P.S. The fire has already destroyed over 80 house and over 50 barns (ten of the houses were near our house) and over 30,000 acres were burned in just three days and it was only 33% contained.

A note of special thanks: I am very grateful for all the help my loving wife did in preparing me for this journey. It would have been very difficult for me if I had not had her support, thoughtfulness and prayers. 

A Sacrifice of Time

I have been very busy this last month as you have noticed by my lack of weekly articles. I got my wife all settled in and I'm working on getting our house finished and some repairs done, before I leave. Plus, helping get our new renter get settle into our mobile home that's next to our house that also needed some repairs. Plus a number of other issues that always seem to come up unexpectedly. Everyone want me for something or other, but it all adds up to more of my time, even though I'm glad to help.  I will be leaving in just ten days for my trip so we went to see my parent for just one day. It was probably the last time I saw my dad. So I told him before I left that I loved him and that I would see him again on the other side. God has also helped me everyday with strength, remembering things that need to be done and where I put things I have misplaced. Sometimes I just want to leave it all right now, my body is tired and often aches, but God encourages me to stay the course and that He is with me all the way, even when I'm tired and feel alone.

With all the work and other things that needed to be done, it has been hard to fine time for God. But God had a way of dealing with that. He just wakes me up early in the morning even if I only had five or six hours of sleep so we can spend time together and I'm enjoying it too. During the day I take a break and thank Him and sometimes even get a short nap. I also started to read a daily devotional book that was given to my wife. I usually don't read them, because they become a crutch that many consider as sufficient time spent with God. Like reading a Promise Card for each day.  However, this book is the best devotional I have ever read. It's called, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. She has a power short message, spoken from the heart of Jesus, our heavenly Father, for each day of the year. Here is a sample for today, August 2, that I thought was appropriate.

"Bring Me the sacrifice of your time: a most precious commodity. In this action-addicted world, few of My children take time to sit quietly in My presence. But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. I, the One from whom all blessings flow, am also blessed by our time together. This is a deep mystery; do not try to fathom it. Instead, glorify Me by delighting in Me. Enjoy Me now and forever!" And then she gives several scripture references that go with each topic: Today's is Psalm 21:6; John 7:38; Psalm 103:11

I have enjoyed the little book so much that I was going to get one, but my wife said she would give me her's and just order another one for herself. I would recommend this devotional for everyone, to help build that relationship we all need with our heavenly Father.