Tag Archive for: justice

Shine Like Stars

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“Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is exquisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading, the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However, your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world,” Jesus Calling.

 So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe—Philippians 2:15.

Are you afraid to be different than other people? I would have to admit that sometimes I am; other times, I don’t have that problem at all. I do wish that I’d fall into the last category more often. When I read the quotes in this post, I understand them to say that being different just for the sake of being different is not entirely what God intended either.

I suspect that He would have us be different in that we no longer follow the selfish goals and desires of this world including addictions to career, food and drink, fashions, etc., Purposeful forsaking those worldly pursuits in order to follow after purity and His will for our life. This might mean less time with eyes and mind focused on electronic devices and more quality time being renewed and not conforming to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will,

I like the idea of shining brightly in this dark world and shining like a star in the universe. Someone to point others to the True North and bright and morning star. Hope. Renewal. Truth, honesty, justice, lovely praise and virtue.

Shall we strive together to be and model those good behavior patterns, relinquishing the need to people-please, so our gifts can be more fully developed? I’m in, are you?

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Quest for Truth & Justice

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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, “The Bungalow Mystery,” by Carolyn Keene

I just had to check out this book at the library. My Mom had the whole Nancy Drew book series and I’ve read them all more than once. But that was many moons ago and I felt a nostalgic urge to open up a Nancy Drew book on vacation.

In The Bungalow Mystery, Nancy Drew is on a mission to help a new friend whose guardian may be suspect to stealing her inheritance. Of course, Nancy encounters a crook and uses her expertise to solve the mystery crime. Predictable? Yes, but still allowed me a trip down memory lane. Originally written in 1930 and reprinted numerous times, Nancy Drew mysteries were centered on an old-fashioned quest for truth and justice.

*  Simpler times
*  Less hurry, less worry
*  Less modern technology, more relationship building
*  Exercise consisted of farms & outdoor gardening
*  Less crime & violence
*  Neighbor watched out for your child & you watched out for theirs
*  Moms, Dads, and families raised children

Those were the days … anyone remember the Nancy Drew mystery books?

Days #5 & #6 – Out West Trip

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Day #5: Entering Black Hills, South Dakota – bear country (says a huge billboard)!  On Mountain Time zone now, which means two hours behind our normal time.

Just the ride up Mt. Rushmore Highway to see Mt. Rushmore and the President’s faces was worth the ride. Seeing only pictures of the four men doesn’t do the monument justice. It’s true what they say: at least six sets of eyes followed me. Washington, Roosevelt, and Lincoln eyes seemed to follow me in the afternoon sun. Jefferson’s head, slightly tipped, didn’t appear to follow in the same manner.

As I sat at the base of the monument in the outdoor amphitheatre alone in the hot afternoon sun, a few words came to mind. Democracy, decency, morality, pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. 

Day #6: Arrived at Custer’s Mansion Bed & Breakfast a bit early (2:30). Swung on the blue swing in the yard until the owners came home. As soon as I walk the path to their front door, the heavy aromas of petunias tickle my nose. Netting is spread over all the flowers. Later, I learn deer tend to help themselves. Curious, since the building is near town and the highway runs along the front of the property line.  Tonight, Bob and Pat (our two delightful owners) will house 12 guests. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m.  2 from France + 4 teenagers; 2 from Switzerland, and 2 from Minnesota.  Delicious fare of fruit plate and almond pastery, fluffy French toast and sausage links.  Love their hospitality and home cooking! 

In the evening, we rode our motorcycle back for the Mt. Rushmore night lights. What a spectacular sight when tribute was also made to all those who had served in the military from the past and present. They were asked to come to the amphitheatre stage and were given two standing ovations! 

Next stop: Gillette, Wyoming

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