Bring Others Into the Sunshine of God's Good News by Linda L. Linn - HTML preview

Chapter 8

Psalm 3:8, Salvation belongs to the LORD.

May your blessing be upon your people.

For their Labor Day trip Vern and Lora and their friends, Frank and Becky Warner, traveled to Wyoming and saw the Vedauwoo Recreation Area, which is administered by the US Forest Service.

Vern stated, “This place is filled with interesting looking granite rock formations. Since it’s a place rock climbers like to go, maybe we’ll get to see some while we’re here.”

“Yes,” agreed Lora, “I’d like to watch them too. The other scenery is interesting and there are even places to camp.”

So they camped there one night. They had looked up information on the web and found out about the Turtle Rock trail that leaves from the campground.

Becky remarked after they hiked the trail, “I like the way the trail winds around the rock formations, goes through some meadows, and beside some streams, and through forested areas.”

 

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Since they went in the early fall most of the wild flowers were finished blooming, so they only saw a few. And there were still some butterflies flitting around from flower to flower.

After enjoying the area and having a good meeting with a couple who were also believers that evening, they went to see the Snowy Range. There’s a ranger station on the way and they stopped in there to learn more about the area. It’s in the Medicine Bow National Forest in southeast Wyoming.

The jagged peaks of the mountains are spectacular. The shining blue mountain lakes, meadows, and forests are wonderful to explore. There are many choices for camping. Activities include fishing, hiking, climbing, viewing nature, and scenic driving.

The best way to get an overview of the area is by using Highway 130, which is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. They got to see many of the majestic mountains, the lakes beside the road, some meadows and even some wildlife. They looked at several campgrounds along the way and chose one they would stay in while they explored the area more in depth. They were able to have several good campsite meetings.

After hikes in the mountains especially, each person does a tick check by looking at socks and pants before getting into the vehicle. Then in the evening in the little travel trailers, they helped each other check their bodies and get rid of any ticks they found.

All of them enjoyed this trip to a very special part of the Rocky Mountains, and their evening meetings in the campground went well with people who returned for the second and third nights to get their questions answered. Then some of them were ready to accept Jesus as their Savior.

“This was a great trip!” Frank exclaimed. “I’ll have a lot of things to tell my friends about at work this coming week.”

Vern nodded, “Lora and I enjoyed this trip also.”

Greg said to his five boys, “This section of the short book called ‘Become Honorable People,’ is very short, but it’s a very good topic.” Then he read it.

There’s a small vineyard on the Truck Farm to provide fresh grapes to stores and for eating on the farm and ranch. One afternoon as some men and some of the boys were pruning the grape vines, they were talking.

One man commented, “This activity reminds me of John 15:1-3 in the Bible where Jesus states, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit. Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so it can bring forth more fruit.’ Then he told the disciples they were already clean because of the word he had spoken to them.”

Another man continued, “Yes, and I’ll summarize the next part. Jesus told them to abide or remain in him and he in them. Branches can’t bear fruit by themselves, but have to stay on the vine. In the same way people can’t bear fruit in the Kingdom of God, without abiding in Jesus. Those who won’t abide are worthless. But those who do abide in Jesus bear a lot of fruit.”

One of the boys asked, “How can we abide in Jesus?”

Yet another man responded, “Now that you boys have asked Jesus to be your Savior, you abide in him by continuing in his love. In John 15:9-12, Jesus said, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Continue in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.’ Do these verses answer your question?”

The boy replied, “Yes, and it doesn’t sound too hard. Is that all there is to it?”

The man answered, “No, because Jesus went on to say in verses 13 and 14, ‘ No one has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.’ I think this means we need to study all Jesus said in the Bible and do what he says, plus do what he tells you to do by the guidance of his Holy Spirit who lives in you.”

The first man asked, “Would you boys like to do a Bible study that would help you to find the things Jesus commanded us to do? We could work on it during some of the small group times.”

Another of the boys answered, “Yes, please. I think I’ll need help finding all those things.”

Greg told them that this segment was done.

“Yes, it was short,” Daniel remarked, “maybe we could find some of those things Jesus commanded us to do, since we have some extra time today.”

“What a good idea!” Greg declared. “I’m glad you all have your Bibles with you. If each of us finds one more that’s not in the lesson, it will be a good start and later you can find some more commands on your own.”

 

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Oralie began the search with Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Daniel was next with Matthew 5:24b, … first be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.

Levi found Luke 6:27, … Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you.

Kevin used the one right after it. Luke 6:28, Bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Cory stated, Luke 6:31 says, Do to others what you would like them to do to you.

Max followed with, Luke 6:36, Be merciful as you Father also is merciful.

And Greg finished with Luke 6:37, Judge not and you shall not be judged, … forgive and you shall be forgiven… And then he complimented them, “I think we all found good ones and they go well with the lesson I just read to you.”

Hugo questioned, “Jose, do you think there will be very many girls on the ranch who are seniors like we are this year?”

“Well, last year there were only two girls and our farm had four guys plus our big brothers,” replied Jose. “But I think I remember hearing someone say that next year there would be about a dozen!”

Hugo laughed, “I wonder if they were exaggerating,”

“We’ll find out when we go to the ranch to practice singing for the party,” Jose reasoned. “And if there are a lot of them, it might make it hard to choose the right ones. But your idea about writing the girls names as they start their speeches is a great one.”

“Thank you, Jose,” said Hugo, “and I just remembered that we will need to listen very carefully all the way through each speech so we don’t miss this valuable information.”

“Exactly! Jose exclaimed. “On top of that, there might be more than one girl for each of us to choose from, and then we’ll have to be extra careful.”

Hugo admitted, “The suspense about which girls we might get to choose from would be fun, except that this is such a serious matter.”

“I know,” agreed Jose, “but if God wants us to do this ministry for him, he will guide us and help with all the details.”

Hugo mentioned, “I agree, and I’m glad you and I have already read those books by William and Karen and others. You and I are part of ‘others.’ It was interesting to see our names and others we know in some lessons. And I was often amazed by some of the comments we and some of the others made. Maybe the Holy Spirit was helping us to say good things.

“That could be,” said Jose, “When Pedro told me about the books, I asked him to download them on our computer so we could read them ahead of time and start working on them. Pedro has been a good friend, and I’m glad he and Luis come to visit with us pretty often.”

“Yep, it’s good to see them. I remember one time when you said that you like learning and have been called a bookworm, but that really is a good trait,” Hugo complimented.

Jose smiled and thanked him. “After reading ‘Choose Your Examples,’ I realized my name came from Joseph, so I’ve decided to emulate my namesake from the Bible, in addition to Jesus who is the very best example!”

“Very good, and all the other honorable men they put in that book are also good examples for us to follow,” Hugo concluded.

Anna was visiting with Vera one day after lunch and she mentioned, “I’ve been teaching two of our girls how to play the piano.”

“How nice, Anna,” said Vera. “How are they doing?”

Anna answered, “Both of them are seniors this year and have already learned enough that they can keep going on their own if they can find a piano they can use for practicing, or buy a used one for the apartment they will share in Pine City.”

Vera timidly remarked, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but never had time. Do you think I’m too old to start now?”

“No!” Anna exclaimed. “You’re not too old, and there’s no time like the present! Let’s go into the game room and start your first lesson!”

“Really?” Vera asked incredulously. “Do you mean you will teach me? I’ll be glad to pay you for lessons, and I’ll practice daily!”

“I don’t need any money to teach my friend!” Anna declared. “The enjoyment you will have in learning what you have always wanted to know, will be all the pay I’ll ever need.”

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Since they were both standing up already, Vera gave Anna a hug, saying sincerely, “You're one of my best friends and I’m so glad you came to live on our ranch and raise foster girls! I’m ready for my first lesson. Thank you Anna!”

That was just the beginning of many lessons and practice. Vera learned quickly and enjoyed every minute.

When she told Unice about her newest interest, Unice confided, “I’ve always wanted piano lessons also. Do you think you could teach me what you are learning as part of our visiting times? I would be glad to pay you for the lessons.”

“Of course!” Vera stated. “I’ll be glad to teach you all I learn! And just like Anna said to me that she didn’t need any money to teach a friend, I feel the same way about you. We’ve been friends a long time, and this will be good for both of us. Come on with me to the game room and we’ll get started right now!”

“Hooray!” Unice shouted. “Let’s go!”

So these women used what little free time they had during the daytime while the girls were in school. They both practiced on the piano in the game room.

Oralie suggested, “As I read this next section of ‘Become Honorable People,’ change Karen’s first question to fit you boys. Then she read to them.

Karen and William were both teaching about thinking and how it relates to how we feel and what we become.

Karen began her lesson with the older girls by asking, “How many of you girls desire to become a grouchy woman who’s hard to get along with and not easy to please?”

They laughed and gave her thumbs down!

So she said, “Find Proverbs 23:7 and read the first part with me, as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”

Sara asked, “Does the verse mean we become like what we think about the most?”

“Yes, I think it does,” answered Karen. “If we think sad thoughts we feel sad but if we think cheerful thoughts we feel cheerful. Our hearts are where we store our desires. It’s the central part of us, how we feel, the things we plan to do, and what we think about most.”

A girl inquired, “Can those things be both good or bad?”

“Indeed they can be,” Karen replied. “So it’s important to be aware of the things we desire, our plans, feelings, and what we think about. Otherwise we might just end up being a grouchy woman who’s hard to get along with and isn’t easy to please!”

Kim questioned, “How can we be aware of what’s in our heart? Is it different than what’s in our mind?”

“Those are good questions, Kim,” Karen responded. “They are hard to answer because no person can know what’s in our heart unless we tell them. I think we could have the same thoughts in our minds as are in our hearts. Like Sara asked a few minutes ago, ‘do we become like what we think about the most?’ If we think about something a lot, it could mean that it’s in our hearts.

“Listen while I read 1 Corinthians 2:11,12, What man knows the things of that man except the spirit of the man in him? Even so, no man knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God. Now, we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit, which is of God, so that we can know the things that are freely given to us by God.

“What is our spirit?” another girl asked.

Karen answered, “I looked it up and the dictionary said something like, it’s the emotions and character, or the inner being of a person.”

“So,” … Candy paused to think. “I’m the only human who knows what’s in my spirit unless I tell someone?”

Karen replied, “Yes, but we often tell others just by the things we say. Find Matthew 12:34-37 and follow along. Jesus was talking to bad people and said, ‘O generation of serpents, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart speaks good things. An evil man out of the evil treasure says evil things. But I say to you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified … or condemned.”

June exclaimed, “Wow! Those are scary verses!”

“I agree, they are indeed!” stated Karen. “And therefore we need to be super careful what we allow ourselves to think. Please find

Proverbs 4:23 and read it out loud with me. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out if it are the issues of life.”

Karen explained, “I think it means to be careful what you put into your heart by what you think about, listen to, and read. If you fill your heart with bad things then bad things will come out of it. But if you fill

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your heart with good things like the truth of God’s word and think about how to live your life as he wants a believer to live, then you become more and more like what God wants you to be. Read the rest of Proverbs chapter 4 and tell me what you need to do in order to guard your heart.”

After reading, one girl stated, “We need to get rid of perverse lips, but what does ‘perverse’ mean?”

Karen handed her the dictionary and requested, “Please look it up and tell the rest of us.”

“It means unreasonable, not cooperative, inappropriate, and a lot more bad things,” reported the girl.

Karen said, “Thank you. It’s really helpful to know what it means, so we can keep from doing those wrong things.”

After getting the dictionary from the other girl, June added, “I just looked up ‘ froward,’ which is in the same verse, and it means close to the same things and includes contrary, disobedient, not yielding, headstrong. So we need to get rid of all those kinds of things.”

Sara agreed, “Yes, those are the behaviors we need to avoid.” then she mentioned, “Verse 25 says to look straight ahead two times, so it must be important.”

Kim added, “Verses 26 and 27a, continue that thought by saying to be sure you’re on the right path and don’t leave it.”

“Then 27 tells us to remove our feet from evil,” finished Candy.

Karen commended them, “You all did an excellent job of summarizing those verses. Now let’s all try to remember to do what they told us to do.”

Next she had them find Philippians 2:5 and read it aloud together, Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus. Then they sang the first four verses of the hymn, “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior,” … as a prayer.

She concluded, “We’ll close with a very positive promise. Please look up Isaiah 26:3,4, and read it with me. You, LORD, will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind remains focused on you, because he trusts in you. So trust in the LORD forever, because in him is everlasting strength.”

A girl observed, “If we focus on Jesus, he will help us to guard our hearts from all those harmful things.”

“Exactly right,” agreed Karen. “Plus we can do it with his help!”

Oralie said, “The end, and I really like the song they sang as a prayer. Maybe we can play it on our guitars and sing it also.”

“What a good idea, Mom,” agreed Levi, “I like it too.”

Max remarked, “This was a long lesson, and I think I missed some of the references for the important scriptures in it. Would you put the PDF up on the monitor so I can copy them down to study later?”

“Certainly, Max,” she answered and did it right then.

The other boys checked their notes to see if they had missed any this time. Since the scriptures references were written out on the PDF they were able to write the ones they wanted to study or memorize later.

Lisa and Ellie were talking after they finished their homework. “Lisa, do you think there will be a lot of guys to choose from who will be ready to leave the farm sometime after the party?”

“I really don’t know for sure, but I kind of remember hearing that there would be six. But, that’s all we need, if two of them are the right two!” Lisa answered with a chuckle.

“You have a good sense of humor, Lisa,” said Ellie smiling. “I’ve enjoyed having you for my roommate, because you can talk me our of my worries.”

“Thank you, Ellie,” responded Lisa, “we have been good roommates and I will miss you. Our lives are going to change big time after we turn nineteen, but this ranch and our wonderful family here have been a perfect place for us to grow up and get ready for being out on our own.”

“I agree and I think Sara’s suggestion to talk about our desire in our speeches is a very good one,” mentioned Ellie.

“I think so too,” agreed Lisa. “Even if nobody on the farm has the same desire, we will at least know where not to look.”

Ellie inserted, “But if the Lord has given the same desire to two of those two guys, then we will have a very good place to start and use Fiona’s list and issues to see if we would be compatible.”

“Exactly,” stated Lisa, “and I’m glad we talked to Candy. I think the way she and Evan got acquainted would work well for us. Our family will be supportive of us, if we talk with them beforehand.”

Ellie agreed, “Yes, and I just remembered again that our nineteenth birthdays aren’t until in the spring so it will give us extra time at home to carry out a plan like the one Candy used.”

“I think we have a good plan and there might be a possibility that it will work,” inserted Lisa, “but we have to be realistic and remember that there are ten other girls, who are about our ages on this ranch and

 

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only six guys on the farm. There just might be more girls than just us two who would desire the same thing we do.”

Ellie admitted, “You’re right. I didn’t think about that possibility and the other one that those six guys might not have the same desire we have. There are so many people involved, that we shouldn’t get our hopes up and build castles in the air.”

“Absolutely!” Lisa exclaimed. “We’ll be better off to pray about it often and to leave it in God’s most capable hands each time!”

Denji, Sara, and all their girls enjoyed showing Brad all the pleasing resources that were on the ranch, in addition to horseback riding. One day they went up behind their house on the hillside and found some places to sit and enjoy the view of the houses with the valley below them and the mountains in the distance.

Irene mentioned, “I just realized that it would be hard to find a place on this ranch with a view I don’t like. When I first came here, I found it hard to believe that I would get to live here until after high school graduation. It seemed a long time back then, but the time has gone so fast. But I’m very thankful I got to have this wonderful opportunity.”

“For sure,” Brad agreed, “now I can see how the Yardleys were able to make sure each house on the ranch has a good view of the mountains and the valley.”

Ruby went on, “And I can certainly see why they chose to make this into a dude ranch at first. But I think it’s even better as a home for girls like us.”

“Absolutely,” Lois added, “just think about all we’ve learned here that could NOT have happened any place else.”

Vicky said, “I agree, for example, remember how we learned the names of all the wildflowers and how to collect and press one of each kind.”

“Exactly,” stated Irene, “I really like the scrapbooks each of us made of those splendid flowers. Mom, may we go back down to the house and show them to Brad?”

Sara answered, “Of course, Irene. I think your idea is a great one, as soon as everyone is finished here.”

After looking for a while longer, Denji cautioned, “Watch your step as we go back downhill. It is pretty steep.”

Everyone was very careful and soon they were in the house, where the girls went to get their wildflower scrapbooks and put them on display on the dining room table.

Brad was very pleased with them. “These are very special! The flowers retained their colors so well and I like what is written about each of them. Thank you so much for showing them to me!”

The same day Irene showed Brad the bird house Denji had built for bluebirds and told him how effective it was. They also had a bird feeder set up outside the dining room window and it was easy to watch the birds and then look them up in the bird book they kept on the buffet beside the table.

Oralie recommended, “If you do what Karen instructs today, as I read from ‘Become Honorable People,’ you will be able to use it for your homework.”

Karen was teaching a lesson about trusting in God, instead of ourselves to the older girls. First she instructed, “Be sure you write down all the scripture references today, because you’ll need them for your homework.”

Then she asked, “How many of you would like to do what it says in Proverbs 28:26a, He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…”

Naturally, nobody raised a hand!

Next she asked, “How many of you would like to be happy?”

They all raised their hands, of course!

Karen continued, “The best way to be happy is by doing what it says in Proverbs 16:20b, Whoever trusts in the LORD is happy. Let’s sing ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always,’ which is based on Philippians 4:4.” Then Karen went on, “Psalm 33:21 agrees with it. Our hearts shall rejoice in the LORD, because we have trusted in his holy name.”

One of the girls asked, “But how can we trust in someone we can’t see?”

Karen responded, “Your question is a good one. Many people think they have to be able to see something or someone first, before they can trust, but everyday, people trust in electricity, which can not be seen. They do it by faith in their knowledge and experience. It’s the same way with God. We trust or rely on him because of what we know about him from the Bible and our experience.”

 

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Sara shared, “It took me a long time to learn enough from the Bible and from what my new parents taught me to be able to trust in God.”

Karen agreed, “But your patience and perseverance paid off, and now I’ll bet it’s easier for you. Let’s read Proverbs 3:5,6 together,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Candy admitted, “When I first came to live with my new parents and Sara, I was very skeptical, but it only took a little while of

watching them, listening and learning, to convince me that I could trust in the Lord. My own understanding had only gotten me into trouble.”

“I understand how that could happen, Candy,” said Karen and then she instructed, “Now read Psalm 9:10 with me, They who know your name, Lord, will put their trust in you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you. If you seek him, you will find him!”

A different girl asked, “How can we seek God?”

“That’s another good question, replied Karen. “Here’s one way. Listen to Proverbs 16:3a, Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established. If you dedicate all the things you do to God, then he will help your thoughts to focus on doing them for him, and you’ll see how much better you do them.”

Karen continued, “Another way to seek God is to Trust in the Lord and do good, as it says in Psalm 37:3a. Your homework for this weekend is to read all these verses again and notice how they can help you. We’ll close with Romans 15:13, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (trusting), that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Oralie asked, “Were you all able to write down all the scripture references for this lesson?”

All the boys nodded and Max stated, “I'm glad you reminded us at the beginning of the lesson.”

“I noticed there were a lot of them in Proverbs today,” Cory observed, as he smiled at his dad, who nodded and smiled back.

Kevin remarked, “I just did my homework for one of the verses. It’s Proverbs 16:20b and if I do what it says, it will help me to be happy.”

“Thanks Kevin!” Daniel declared. “and I just wrote what you said, so I have a start on my homework too. It’s easier when we have an example to follow.”

Levi proposed, “Let’s all do our homework right now and if we get stuck on one, we can ask each other for help.”

“Brilliant plan,” applauded Greg. “I like the ways you boys work together.

Matt and Fiona were at home and had time for a conversation after their children were in bed and asleep. “I really enjoy our very good small group, Honey,” Fiona mentioned. “Walt and Betty are such good facilitators.”

“I agree, Dear,” said Matt, “and this gives us more time to be with them, rather than just seeing them briefly when they would come to take care of our children when we went to a small group, and then for a short time when we got home.”

Fiona nodded. “And it was a short time because you men needed to get to bed so you could get up early and go to work. I like having the meeting on Fridays this time.”

“Same here,” and Matt added, “we get to sleep in a little bit on Saturday mornings. I know Walt and Betty are missing the times they got to take care of our children, but it’s only for the rest of this year and who knows what groups we’ll be in for the next year.”

“For sure,” agreed Fiona, “and we already had two changes to our group. It’s nice having Brad join our group, but I am missing the Fosters since they moved to the ranch.”

“So am I,” Matt went on, “I’m glad Walt gave their praise report early in the meeting.”

Fiona smiled. “For sure. It was good to hear about the way they got settled in and they already have all four girls. Now they have three sets of twins! It’s a really big family for them, and Hope and Joy wanted to help with this family ministry. But we won’t be seeing as much of them now.”

Matt went on, “Correct, but when they started middle school they didn’t have as much time anyway. It was nice to have the family in our small group though. I’m glad they’re in a small group on the ranch already, because it will be easier than bringing all those girls to this one.

“Precisely,” Fiona concurred, “this will be much better for them since they have a small group of girls meeting at the same time. The ranch seems to have a way to draw families to it and the ministry it does. I know it’s great to have horses for the girls to interact with, since they can be very good therapy especially for abused ones.”

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“Absolutely,” declared Matt, “even Brad has told our group about his desire and plans, which of course are confidential until he announces them to everyone. He’s so sincere and is working hard to get ready for it.”

Fiona responded, “Yes, and I think he will do well. In addition, I like to listen to the praise reports from Tony, Maria, and Brad’s ministry team. They work well together on their bicycle rides.”

Matt went on, “The same goes for Ruth, Beth and Pam’s ministry team. Three people can often do very well in ministries. I like to hear their praise reports. Plus it’s great to be in the same small group as Riley and Amelia and hear their praises about how well Luke has adapted and fits into his new family also.”

“Certainly, they are kind of like our family now, with two boys and twin girls. Without Luke, Mark was the odd one out, but now he has someone to play with when his dad and mom are busy with the twins.” Then Fiona admitted, “But about our small group, I’ll have say that the group feels small with only twelve people now.”

Matt concluded, “I think so too, but maybe we’ll get some new members, and if not, we can get used to it.”

“You’re right of course my dear, just like we are getting used to having Patrick in kindergarten and Johnny in first grade this year,” she murmured as she scooted closer for some cuddle time.

As a result of traveling and taking pictures, Mindy started writing books for second graders about the wonders of God’s creation, using some of the pictures she and her family had taken. She used Mindy Jones Clay for her author name on the books to honor her dad, her husband, and herself, and dedicated all the books to Jesus.

She put them all with a web site that would let her do it for free and make the books available for free. She was not interested in earning money from book sales. She didn’t bother with printed copies since the printing is so expensive when it includes color pictures, that very few people would buy them.

Naturally, in her classroom, she also used Nature Corner stories, which were already in the second grade curriculum. Then she found out about the books that were written by the woman in their church, so she also used those with the children in her second grade classroom. Of course she got permission from Beth Davis before using anything not in the existing curriculum.

When Mindy found out what some of the families did on the ranch after hearing a story from Nature Corner, she also started looking up some enrichment web sites about the plants or animals or human body parts that were in the stories. It only took a few minutes to share these things with her classes and she had permission from Beth Davis, the principal, to do what she did. And besides all that, she kept up each day with all the things she was supposed to teach in the second grade curriculum.

After the boys finished their homework and chores, they had some time to play outside. When they came inside, they got their Bibles, notebooks and pens, and were ready to listen to another lesson from the book, “Become Honorable People.” So Oralie read to them.

Karen taught the older girls some things the Bible says about being a good single woman or wife. She started with Proverbs 14:1, Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.

Kim observed, “This is a hard verse for me to understand. I don’t think we can take it literally.”

“You’re right, Kim,” responded Karen. “No women in the days when the Proverbs were written constructed actual houses or tore them down either. Even today, not many women are in the construction business. But I think we can get the picture meant here. Wise women do things to make a happy, harmonious home, but foolish ones neglect, and even do things that ruin the harmony in their homes.”

One girl commented, “I think this could go for either a married woman or one who remains single.”

Karen said, “I agree. Now let’s look at Proverbs 11:16a, A gracious woman retains honor…”

Sara mentioned, “This verse is true for both single and married women too. We all need to be gracious, which has synonyms like, courteous, well mannered, merciful, kind, and compassionate, as it says here in the dictionary.”

“Thank you, Sara,” stated Karen. “I like all those synonyms! I wish all of us could always act and respond graciously! It’s a worthy goal and one we need to keep trying to reach.”

The girls all nodded and Karen continued, “The rest of these verses are written about wives, but if any of you are led by Jesus to be single, you can learn much from these verses also. Proverbs 12:4 says, A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that makes him ashamed is like rottenness in his bones.”

 

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A girl remarked, “I think this verse is saying women shouldn’t make people ashamed of them, but be virtuous, or good, moral, upright, a good example, law abiding,” she read synonyms from the dictionary Sara had handed to her.

“Exactly,” agreed Karen. “As women we should all be virtuous, and all those good synonyms you read for us. The next verses are Proverbs 19:13b,14b, … the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. … a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Another girl looked in the dictionary and read, “Contention means a heated disagreement, or a dispute or argument, discord, hostility, conflict, and a lot more bad things.” She handed the dictionary to June.

June exclaimed, “I sure don’t want to be like that! I’d much rather be prudent, which means to act or show care and thought about the future or to be wise, sensible, cautious, economical, and so forth.”

“Indeed,” Karen concurred. “I wish all of us could always be prudent. Find and read Proverbs 31:10-12,30 with me. Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her. … She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. … Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.”

Candy noticed, “I see several things all women should be in these verses. They should be virtuous, trustworthy, fear the LORD, and not do things to harm others. Those are some more worthy goals we can work on with Jesus help.”

“Precisely, Candy!” Karen commended. “I think all of you’ve gotten the point of these verses. The last ones are Ephesians 5:22,23,25, Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as unto the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the Savior of the body. … Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it… If you stay single, Jesus is your head and you can submit to him.

“If you get married, you must agree to submit to your husband, but it is terrifically important that you only marry a real committed Christian man who really has Jesus as his head and will love you like the last verse says to love. Otherwise you might end up being very miserable, like a woman I’ve known for many years has been, who married a man who said he was a Christian, but as it turned out he wasn’t really one.”

The girls nodded seriously.

But Karen repeated, “I can’t stress it enough: BE VERY CAREFUL. I would rather you stay single than to end up like she did. Remember, marriage is a lifelong commitment. Of course if your husband turned out to be mean and abusive, you’d have to separate from him in order to keep yourself safe. Or if he was unfaithful and committed adultery, you could get a divorce, but I pray none of these horrible things ever happens to any of you! You’re all so precious to me.”

Sara stated, “Thank You, Karen, we promise we’ll be very careful and we’ll also work on becoming virtuous women, won’t we girls?” They all nodded and Karen smiled back at them as they left the room quietly.

“And this is the end of the lesson,” mentioned Oralie after she finished the last sentence.

Cory observed, “I noticed that this lesson was really more for the girls than for boys, but I took notes about things to look for in a possible wife. I certainly don’t want to get the wrong kind.”

“Ditto!” Kevin declared. “I would definitely rather remain single instead of marrying a foolish or contentious woman!”

Daniel nodded emphatically. “I will look for one who is wise, gracious and virtuous and prudent. I liked all the synonyms they found for those words.”

“I agree,” and then Levi remarked, “I like the way the teachers have taught the students to look up many words the Bible uses to see what they mean.

Max added, “Yes, and we’ve even started doing that and it makes our personal Bible study times much more meaningful.

Another day when Brad was visiting with Irene and her family on a weekend, they took him with them to see Lavender Falls on the ranch. They even supplied him with a lunch and a canteen of water to carry so he fit right in with the family.

As they started out Irene mentioned, “Since it’s autumn, there won’t be as much water in the falls, but even so, it’s still special. It’s one of my favorite places and it’s a nice hike.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” replied Brad, “because everything on this ranch is special. Oh look, the horses came to meet us. May we take time to talk and stroke them?”

Denji answered, “I think it would be better to do your idea on our way back when we aren’t carrying our lunches and can put our canteens on our belts. We don’t have enough hands free right now.”

 

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Brad nodded and agreed, thinking that he had just learned a good way to answer when just saying no, would not work as well. As they were hiking, Brad liked listening to the other three girls remembering their first hike to the falls, plus other comments.

Ruby recalled, “The first time we hiked to this waterfall, it seemed like such a long steep hike and I thought we’d never get there. The next times we hiked, we were all in much better physical condition and it was much easier!”

“Yeah,” agreed Vicky, “it did make a big difference. We don’t even have to stop to rest anymore.”

Lois inserted, “One thing that’s the same every time, is the first view of the falls. No matter what time of the year we go, the view is breathtaking!”

“They are awesome for sure,” and Vicky continued, “I'm glad the trail follows closely to Little Mercy Stream as we go up the hillside.”

“Right,” added Ruby, “and I’m especially glad the trail stays on this side of the stream and we don’t have to cross it back and forth, by wading, rock hopping or on a narrow log!”

Lois went on, “Same here, and even though there aren’t many flowers left here this fall, there are still birds to see and all the different kinds of trees are beautiful.”

When the group reached a certain place on the trail, Sara remarked, “I remember Vera telling us girls when we were teens about the fox family that has a springtime den near the falls. A rope is put up across the trail right here with a sign to keep people from getting too close, which would bother the foxes. She and Oscar and their girls quietly take binoculars and stop at the rope to watch the fox cubs. She told us some of the things they did and how cute they were.”

Denji explained, “Brad, now they have a sign-up sheet for families to reserve a time when they can go as far as the rope and its sign to quietly watch the fox family with binoculars and even video them. We go every year.”

“Super!” Brad declared. “I will definitely look forward to seeing the fox family in the spring!”

The family had agreed to not tell Brad about the rocks around and at the waterfall, so he could enjoy the surprise better. When they reached the falls, they all made appropriate comments with Brad being the most impressed since this was his first time to see them.

He concluded by exclaiming, “This is the most delightful, beautiful, splendid, place I have ever seen! And when I think that it’s right here on the ranch and I can plan to come here again and again, I’m really amazed. You were right, Irene. Even with less water in the autumn, this is truly special. I like the way the water jumps over that first ledge into a little pool and then cascades over some rocks for a little way before leaping into the bottom pool. Plus I like the colors of the rocks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen dark and light lavender rocks before.”

Denji agreed, “I think this is the only place I’ve ever seen them. Are you willing to do a little experiment?”

“Of course” answered Brad. So he followed Denji’s instructions and was totally surprised when the light lavender rock he held down into the water partway turned to dark lavender in the water.

“What an awesome surprise!” Brad exclaimed. “It would be such fun to bring a family of four new girls up here in the summer!”

“Yes it would, Brad,” Irene concurred. “It would be just as much fun watching their surprise as the rest of us had just now watching yours.”

The hike to Lavender Falls was high on Brad’s list of favorites also just like Irene had said. They stayed and enjoyed the falls for as long as they desired and then when they reached the pasture after the downhill hike, they did spend some time talking to and stroking the horses that came to greet them.

Greg called to the boys as soon as their homework was finished and suggested, “How about going outside for a while and practice running while we dribble the basketballs?”

This suggestion was met with cheers as they hurried to get the balls and met him outside. After a fun time they were more than ready to listen to the next part of “Become Honorable People.”

William taught ongoing lessons to the older boys about how to become real men and good husbands and fathers if God desired for them to be married and have children. He used verses from Proverbs, and other books in the Bible.

He started one lesson by saying, “Please don’t raise your hands to answer this question. Do you ever fear that you might grow up to be like your birth father? If so that fear isn’t unusual, but it’s usually not one you’d need to have, because being abusive isn’t inherited. Most people who are abusive just never learned how to control their own feelings and actions. If you really do NOT desire to be like him, you can do it! But it will take a lot of effort on your part.”

 

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Gary commented, “I’ll openly admit that many times I have thought to myself that I should never get married or have children, because I’ve been so afraid I might abuse them like he did. But you make it sound like there might be hope.”

“Indeed there is!” exclaimed William. “I appreciate your honesty, Gary. I’m going to tell you about some Bible verses and things you can do so you will never be abusive. A lot of these verses come from the book of Proverbs where we have studied other topics, off and on. Please find Proverbs 25:28, He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. During the time this proverb was written, cities all needed strong walls to protect them from being attacked.”

The boys nodded and he asked a boy to read Proverbs 16:32, “ He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

William explained, “This verse means it’s good to be strong, but it’s better to be slow to get angry, and it’s better to have control over ourselves than to conquer a city.”

He continued, “We studied Proverbs 19:11 already and it would be a good one to memorize so let’s read it again together. The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Remember, defer means to postpone or delay. You guys had some good comments the day we studied this verse.”

They nodded, remembering that lesson.

Next he said, “The same thing goes for Proverbs 14:29, He that is slow to get angry has great understanding, but he that is hasty exalts folly.”

Again the boys nodded.

“Now find 2 Peter 1:5-9 and look at the verses while I read you a shorter paraphrase I made, Be diligent to add to your faith virtue,

knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. If these things abound in you they will make you fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus. But he who lacks these things is blind and has forgotten he was cleansed from his old sins.”

A boy remarked, “Those good things sound wonderful.”

“They surely do,” agreed William. Look at Galatians 5:22-25. It’s another long one, but it’s an important passage to memorize, think about, and live. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Against these things there is no law. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Look above these verses and read verses 19-21 to yourselves.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Carlos, “that’s an extensive list of horrid behaviors we need to avoid!”

“Precisely,” concurred William. “A good way to avoid those behaviors is to remember that Jesus died to forgive them and the Holy Spirit now lives in us to produce his fruit listed in the other verses, and help us add the virtues we read in 2 Peter to our lives. We’ll be so full of good fruit, there will be no room for the horrid weeds to grow.”

Evan observed, “So this is where the hard work comes in for us. We need to give our lives totally to Jesus and let his Spirit who lives in us produce his fruit.”

“Yes!” Sam added, “And if we notice even the smallest sprout of one of those horrid weeds, we should pull it right out.”

“Exactly!” laughed William. “You boys are right on target. Those were my next points to make and if you’ll do this all your life there will never be a chance that you’ll be abusive to anybody!”`

Karen used the same verses with the older girls on the ranch, because at times it was the mother who was abusive in the family.

When Greg finished reading, he closed the book.

“Yeah,” sighed Levi, “our birth mother was the one who hurt Max and me so much, and we were so grateful to be rescued from her.”

Max nodded and added, “Yes, thank you Jesus for loving, gentle parents in a safe, caring home!”

“For sure,” continued Levi, “and thank you that we forgave her and our little sisters were rescued and put into a caring home also.”

Cory concluded, “Jesus, we thank you that we all learned today how to live so we will never abuse anybody!”

And everyone else said, “Amen and amen!”

Roy, Sherry, and their twins and the four new girls in the Foster family had joined Evan and Candy and their four girls for a horseback ride. It had been a fun ride and now the girls were cleaning their tack after taking the horses back to the pasture.

 

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May stated, “I remember meeting you soon after we moved here to the ranch, Flora and Reba. You helped us find our way around the new high school. And we sure thank you!”

“It really did help us a lot,” added April. “But I remember seeing you, Reba, the last year we were in middle school. I didn’t know you name then, but I remember what you looked like and you haven’t changed much, except that you are taller now and you don’t walk with a limp any more.”

“Yeah,” acknowledged May, “now I remember you too. I can understand that you must have grown taller, but what happened to your limp?”

Bonnie and Kate and Flora smiled and listened while Reba told her story again. Reba enjoyed telling others how Jesus had made her shorter leg grow longer to match her other leg, and her foster sisters all liked hearing it again and adding their comments.

Reba included all the details about the horseback ride and her new foster mother kindly staying back with her so she didn’t have to walk alone as her limp slowed her down, clear through the way Liz and Stella had offered to pray for her.

Then Flora added, “They had Reba sit in a chair in the tack room and the three of us watched in amazement as we saw her leg grow long enough to just match her other one, while Liz and Stella prayed and laid their hands on her leg.”

“They didn’t pull on it or do anything else,” continued Kate. “Liz just prayed out loud asking Jesus to make the leg the same length as the other one, and then she commanded the leg to grow.”

Bonnie went on, “And it did grow, while we all watched! Then Reba got up and walked around as naturally as the rest of us do.”

“After experiencing that,” Reba explained, “we were all very ready to listen and understand when Liz and Stella told us the Good News again, like we had been hearing from our new parents and in Karen’s classes. All four of us prayed and accepted Jesus as our Savior, right then. Now what do you think, April, May, Tina, and Lina? After hearing my incredible true story, is there any reason you could not believe and also ask Jesus to be your Savior?”

April exclaimed, “Absolutely NOT, and no excuse either! Now I believe everything we’ve been taught, so I will pray right now!”

After April’s prayer, May, Tina, and Lina all took their turns praying the kind of prayer they had heard about so often since they had arrived at the Mercy Valley Ranch. Now everything made so much sense to them that they had no problem believing and wanting to have this amazing Jesus be their Savior too!

Two small groups from the Grace ‘n’ Faith Church got together for a supper picnic in the park after their ministry times around the park. It was fun to have time to meet new people or talk with other friends who attended the same church.

After the picnic they picked prayer partners to pray together for the salvation of people in Pine City. The pairs and any children they had would go find a place to pray for a while. There was one little girl, who had wanted to go play on the swings right then. When she found out that she couldn’t, she sat down on the ground and pouted. She refused to come when her mom called her.

So the two women stood nearby, joined hands and prayed out loud for a while. Toward the end of their prayer time the other lady prayed a little louder for God to bless the little girl with peace and joy. Then she extended her hand to the girl, who came now and joined the pair, holding her mom’s hand too.

The little girl apologized for being naughty. Her mom forgave her, smiled, and hugged her. When they had finished praying some more, the three of them walked over to the swings and the two ladies took turns pushing the little girl in the swing.

Greg stated, “It’s time for another lesson from the book, “Becoming Honorable People.” Then he read out loud.

Karen and William used Titus 2:11-15 and 3:1-9 for their Bible Study Groups on the ranch and farm. They would go one or two verses at a time and the students would read them and comment on them. First they all silently read the whole scripture as an overview.

Next William explained, “I’ll give each of you a verse or two to read aloud. Practice silently and write a comment in your notebook so you can share it when it’s your turn. Also see if you can write a quick summary of everyone's comments as we go.”

Luis was first, “Verse 11 says, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. To me this means that God in his grace has made salvation known and available to everyone. All the things I’ve ever heard or learned about the gods in history is that they are not gracious and never offered salvation to anyone.”

 

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“I agree with you, Sam,” stated Evan, “verse12 goes on, It teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. This verse clearly instructs us believers how we need to live, keeping away from sins and the things the world wants us to desire. Instead we need to be serious, upright and like God is in this world.”

“Without a doubt!” Jose declared. “And verse 13 is a favorite of mine, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. This verse gives us the incentive to live the way verse 12 says to live. That blessed hope is for me a very good incentive.”

“Absolutely,” concurred Pedro, “and Jesus is the other incentive in the verse because verse 14 says, he gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a separate or distinct people who are zealous for good works.”

One of the other boys read verse 15, Speak and exhort these things with all authority… I think this verse introduces verses one and two in the next chapter because they tell some more ways to live.”

“I think so too,” continued a second boy, “because Titus 3:1 says, Remind them to be subject to (those in authority) and to be ready to do every good work, and to me the word ‘them’ means the ones who are being urged about how to live. But I guess it also could go with the verses that came before and after it.”

The next boy commented, “I like to think that verse 15 goes with the verses before and after it because it makes them all more important. Verse 2 tells us, to speak evil of no man, to not be brawlers, but gentle, showing meekness to all men. I wish everybody would live that way!”

“For sure,” said another boy, “then nobody would have to say verse 3. At one time we were foolish disobedient, deceived, serving other pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”

“Exactly,” then Hugo observed, “I’m glad I get to read the next two verses together. Verses 4 and 5 say, But after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, he saved us according to his mercy, not according to our works of righteousness. He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. These two verses are a very good summary of how we were saved.”

“Yes they are,” Luis concurred, “and I like the word ‘abundantly’ in verse 6, whom he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, because it reminds me of the synonym ‘extravagantly,’ which means even more than enough.”

A different boy nodded and said, “Definitely, and verse 7 has some more of that extravagance by saying, so that being justified by his grace, we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

“Precisely,” Jose went on, “the next verse reminds me of verse 15 and goes on to tell more about how to live because verse 8 says, This is a faithful saying and you should affirm them constantly, so that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

Pedro finished, “Yeah, and Verse 9 has really good advice. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and fighting about the law, for this is unprofitable and vain.”

William commended them, “You did a very good job today, boys, and I enjoyed writing your comments beside the references in my notebook so I can review them later.”

Since he was finished, Greg said, “That’s the end of this lesson.”

Max remarked, “I like the scriptures in all these lessons. I wonder if we could find some songs that would go with some of the ones in this lesson.”

The other boys nodded their agreement and they all started looking to find some.

“I found ‘Grace Greater Than Our Sin,’ and it goes with Titus 2:11,” Levi suggested.

“Good one,” agreed Cory, “I found ‘I’ll Live for Him.’ If we live for Jesus who died for us we will do what verse 12 says to do.”

“Right,” Daniel went on, “and a song called, ‘Looking for That Blessed Hope,’ goes very well with verse 13 and 14.”

Max said, “Yes, and Titus 3:4,5, could go with the hymn, Saved, Saved!’ It has a fun tune.”

“I agree,” and Kevin added, “another song for Titus 2:11,12 is ‘We are Heirs of God Almighty,’ It also goes with Titus 3:7.”

Oralie applauded, “Very good you guys! Now we have some other songs to sing and accompany ourselves on our guitars.”

Many women were in the restroom of a large store in Pine City. All of a sudden, the lights went off and the emergency lights did not come on. The ladies all panicked and were screaming, except for one woman, who carried a small flashlight in her purse. She turned it on and demanded “Everyone be quiet and pray with me. Thank you, God, that you know the way to get us out of here safely. Take our fear away and help us follow directions. Amen.”

 

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The women added their agreement and stayed quiet. The next direction was, “I'll turn this light off to save it’s battery. Finish what you were doing and flush the toilet.” She waited and continued, “Now open the door and come out and stand in front of it.”

When she was sure they were all in front of a stall door she continued, “We will skip washing hands, and as soon as I turn this flashlight back on, we will walk to the exit in an orderly manner and leave this room. If the lights are also off in the rest of the store we will stay together as a group and leave the store in the same orderly manner.”

The women calmly followed directions and were glad to get out of that dark room. The store lights were on and the women thanked the lady with the flashlight. One woman went and reported the problem to Customer Services. A few women stayed to talk to the lady who had helped them, so she shared the Good News with them that Jesus is the light of the world and can get us out of any dark situation in our lives. She quoted or read to them many scripture verses, answered questions, and prayed with the ones who agreed to ask Jesus to be their Savior.

She was glad she had recently had a dream about a similar situation and was prepared with a flashlight and the calmness to help all those women get out of the restroom safely. She was especially happy about the ones who had accepted Jesus that day.

On some evenings when they had free time while they were living on the ranch, Ben and Mindy talked and planned about what kind of house would be best for them.

Mindy reasoned, “Since we aren’t going to raise children, we won’t need bedrooms for them, but I think an office would be nice for us to share, and a hobby room we can also share for you to have a hobby of your choice, and for me to be able to have a sewing machine.”

“I agree, Dearest,” and Ben continued, “we certainly don’t have room here in this travel trailer, but we really haven’t had much time for hobbies yet anyway. I’ll be thinking about whether I would like a workshop in the garage, or just a workbench.”

“I think a workshop would be nice for you since you’re a builder, Honey.” And then Mindy admitted, “The one thing I think I’ll miss the most when we move to town is the view of the mountains and being able to ride horses so often.”

“Same here,” Dear, “it’s both restful and rejuvenating to be able to look at the mountains and think about their creator. So we’ll look for a lot we could build a house on that has a mountain view. Plus I think the Yardleys will give us permission to continue coming here to ride their wonderful horses.”

Mindy sighed in relief. “Thank you, my beloved Ben. That will solve the things I would miss.’”

They also made several different floor plans so they could decide on the best arrangement and use of the floor space.

Ben stated, “We can start looking for property with a mountain view right away, and when we buy it we’ll get the water, sewer, electricity and natural gas and an RV pad where we can set up this trailer so we can live in it while we are still saving money to build the house that will be the best for us.”

“Yes,” agreed Mindy, “and while we are building the house too. I think I can learn ways I can help you while you are building. This trailer is a good home for us in the meantime.”

Ben exclaimed, “My wife is a precious jewel, and I thank you, Lord, very much for her!”

Mindy continued, “And I thank you, Lord, for my wonderful husband. He’s the best!”

Oralie read the next part of “Become Honorable People,” It was one where Karen and William were teaching the older children about respecting authority. Karen began by saying, “It’s important to respect those who have authority over us. First and foremost we need to respect God’s authority. Please find Daniel 2:20-22 and read it with me, … blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are his. He changes the time and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings, he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding. He reveals the deep and secret things. He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with him.”

Then she continued, “These verses were written by a young man named Daniel, who had been taken captive to Babylon, a country far from his home in Jerusalem. He submitted to his new rulers but also knew that the God he had learned about in Jerusalem was the supreme ruler above all others. So Daniel gave God the credit for all the help he gave to him.”

Sara asked, “So if people praise us for something we did, what should we say?”

Karen responded, “I think it would be OK to thank them for the compliment, and then thank God for the abilities and help he has given to you, but don’t act proud of yourself.”

Sara nodded, and Karen went on, “The next verses were written by Paul in Romans 13:1-3. I’ll read you a summary of what he said, Let everyone be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but

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the ones ordained of God. Whoever resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and … will be condemned. Rulers are not a terror to those who do good works, but to those who do evil. … Do good and you will not be afraid, but will have their praise.”

A girl remarked, “It’s like when someone’s driving too fast and he sees a police car, he immediately slows down.”

“Exactly,” agreed Kim, “but I've seen my new dad or mom who always drive the speed limit just keep going the same speed without worrying about the police car. They don’t have to be afraid.”

Karen nodded, “Yes, it’s a good feeling to not have to worry because you know you’re following the rules. This next verse in John 19:11, explains more about how a ruler gets power. Jesus answered, you could have no power at all against me, except that given from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin. Jesus said this to Pilate when he was on trial. Jesus knew he was sinless in God’s eyes and therefore he let the people carry out their plan to crucify him, so he could make the way to forgive all people who would believe in him and what he did.”

“I’m so glad Jesus did that for us!” Candy exclaimed.

The rest of the girls and Karen nodded emphatically. Then she continued, “The apostle, Paul, told a young pastor named Titus to remind them (his congregation)to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to do every good work, to speak evil of no man, to not be brawlers, but gentle showing meekness to all people. This is found in Titus 3:1,2.”

June remarked, “I’ll bet he said that so the other people would be able to see the difference it makes to be a Christian.”

“Precisely,” commended Karen, “look up 1 Peter 2:13-15, and you’ll see something similar in the last verse. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king, as supreme, or to governors, as if they are sent by the king for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do well. For it is the will of God, that by doing well you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Another girl declared, “Oh, I do see it.” The others nodded.

“Very good.” Karen stated, “knowing the command and the reason for it, will make it easier for us to do what it says. For our last set of verses please find 1 Timothy 2:1-4.”

Karen had one of the other girls read it, “ I urge you … to pray, intercede, and give thanks for all men; for kings, and for all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Karen finished, “I’ve noticed that when I pray for the people who are in authority, it’s easier for me to respect them and do the things they say to do. You might want to try it.”

Oralie finished by saying, “The end. I’m interested in what your comments will be for this lesson.”

Kevin mentioned, “This is a good lesson for me to remember at school when a teacher tells us what to do and in my mind, I don’t want to do it.”

“Right,” Cory agreed, “and it will be much the same with the bosses of our jobs when we are old enough to be on our own.”

Max nodded and continued, “Yes, and it was helpful to learn that God is the one who gives people power to rule.”

“True, but some rulers abuse their power,” stated Daniel. “Then we obey unless it goes against what God says to do.”

And Levi added, “And we pray for them as it said in the last verse they looked up in this lesson.”

“Those are all good comments, boys,” Greg complimented them.

The Blake family was remembering past birthdays of the quadruplets. Ted and Julie did their best to make the day memorable and festive. Ted mentioned, “It’s fun to have so many birthdays on the same day.”

Iris stated “I like the way you and Mom begin the day just before breakfast, by singing a special birthday song as a duet. It includes wanting us to feel Jesus near and have the best year we’ve ever had.”

“I like that song too and your voices are so pretty together.” Then Rose continued, “For me it’s fun to save money through the year from our allowance to buy special birthday presents for each other every year. We listen carefully to our sisters talking about something they would like to have and then try to buy it in time for our collective birthdays.

Lily declared, “Those gifts are always very special for us because of the way they show that we sisters love each other. And even though we know what we will get from our birth father, I always like the new riding boots he buys for each of us every year. He takes us with him so the clerks can check our feet and

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be sure we get the right size. And then he takes the special decals with our name and flower off our old boots and puts them on the new ones.”

“Yes,” agreed Violet, “and this year we got to have western style boots. Plus the special birthday supper in this home with our birth father here is always delicious. After supper, we have the fun of seeing our new flowering plant and then opening our other gifts right after supper clean-up.”

Julie explained, “There several reasons your dad and I buy each of you girls a potted flowering plant of your namesake every year. Since your birthdays are on September 15, we get to keep these plants inside to brighten up the living room as the daylight hours get less and less. The flowers for each of your names come in various colors and each year you get a different color than the year before.”

Ted went on, “The colors remind us that each of you has many facets to your personalities. Plus just as each flower is different and special in its own ways so also each of you are also different and special in your own ways.”

“For sure,” Julie added, “and also each of you has the fun and responsibility of taking care of your own plant by watering it and turning it when the sun has made it lean toward the window, and picking off dying leaves and blossoms that have finished blooming.

In addition, the plants also remind us that each of you is celebrating two birthdays. One when you were born into this world, and the other, when you were six years old and were born into God’s forever family when you asked Jesus to be your Savior.

“Exactly, and it’s a very wonderful celebration!” Ted exclaimed. “Tell them where you get the plants, Honey.”

Julie smiled at him, “I order the plants the first week in September, by calling Connie and Ernest Clay’s Garden Shop. Connie keeps track of the colors for each year and rotates through them so we get different colors each year. Then on or just before September 15, she has them ready for me to come pay for them and pick them up to bring them home right after school.”

“How special of you both!” Violet declared. “I think the four of us girls would enjoy going to see that garden shop some day.”

The other three girls nodded, so the family planned to go on a Saturday very soon. The next weekend they went on Saturday before lunch and the girls got to learn a lot about the shop. Then they went out for lunch at the Serving Joyfully Restaurant, where the four girls got to see what a good job the waitresses did. However, this time, none of them had an opportunity to answer somebody asking what it said on their name tag. It said, “Ask me why I’m glad I believe in Jesus, if you want to know.” All the girls enjoyed this special day in Pine City.