The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb saying: “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.”
Deuteronomy 1:6

If God allowed us to live on the “mountaintop,” we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. The Israelites had gathered at the foot of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law. It was a breathtaking experience! Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo! The ground at the food of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19-:16-25).

As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord had not rescued them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness. God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land. God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan. Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain’ it was time to go to battle.

The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp. Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, but their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt 17:4, 14-18). At times God will graciously provide you a mountaintop experience. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting. You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the battles that await you.

From my devotional “Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

As we are nearing fall, enjoying cooler weather, and looking ahead to shorter days I am looking back somewhat in amazement that another year is winding down.

I clearly remember in January I was relieved to have the rush of November and December behind me, anticipating and looking forward to bit of a slow down. I wondered what this new year was going to bring. January was a slow month, a doctor appointment for mom, a dental appointment for Larry, some birthdays and hair appointments. February was a lot like January.

March was more exciting, we were having some beautiful weather. We took care of our income taxes and got those out of the way, finished paying the property taxes and began planning for the Tulsa Workshop. This was our second year to attend and we were not disappointed. We truly enjoy attending, hearing great lessons, singing, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. It’s just a great place to be!

April was a quite month and we attended our yearly family reunion in May. So many have passed on and many of the younger generation were not able to attend this year. Still, we always have a great time and plenty of good food and reminiscing throughout the day.

June (and most of the summer) keeps Larry busy with our yard and mom’s, plus all of our regular activities. Spending time with our church family, eating out, first Friday nights at the Opery, etc, etc. It’s quite amazing how many hours are spent on trips to the grocery store, post office, gas station, beauty shop and other little life necessities that grab our time. That’s just away from home. At home there are repetitive hours of cooking, cleaning, yard work (for Larry) and laundry. Since our retirement in 2004, we have commented many times wondering how we did all that we do and still worked. Ha! I guess that is a sure sign that we have slowed down.

July is a big month for birthdays in our family. Three of our girls have birthdays in July, one granddaughter and two of Larry’s sisters. Our anniversary is also in July.

What can I say about August? Well, it was just plain HOT!! Too hot to do much of anything and the hottest on record for Oklahoma. Since moving here in 2004 our neighbors seem to link all of the phenomenal weather incidences to our arrival. Things like the great ice storm, drought, snow storm blizzard, copperheads, rain for two straight months and just recently a plague of moths. They tell us they are now waiting for scorpions, toads and water to blood. All kidding aside, we are blessed with really great neighbors!!

September is one of my favorite months. I love the weather! We started walking again after several months of not doing it. Seems we go through times of burnout. I must say though, it feels really good to be walking again and it always makes me feel so much more energetic. (Also makes me realize how out of shape I am).

I read more this time of year. I just finished reading Jon Zen’s The Pastor Has No Clothes. It’s a very good book. I am currently reading Pagan Christianity, written by Frank Viola and George Barna; it too is an excellent read and very thought provoking.

October will likely be a quieter month. Perhaps we will get a couple of day trips in and get acquainted with our new truck. November and December will be whirlwind months and then, come January hopefully that sigh of relief for slowing down a bit.

Soon the leaves will be turning and I will be outside with my camera!

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Ps 113:3