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

Chapter 17

Ephesians 5:1,10, Therefore be followers of God, as dear children; proving what is acceptable to the Lord.

One day when the other boys were busy outside, Cory asked, “Dad, Mom, do you have a few minutes? I’d like to talk to you about an idea I have.”

Greg answered, “Sure, Son, let’s sit here in the living room.”

Cory began, “As you know, I have a home based computer job in my bedroom here on the farm, and it’s doing well. But I realize I need to be on my own when I turn nineteen so I will be a good example to my younger foster brothers. So could we explain to them that when I become nineteen I will start paying you, my parents, for food and rent so I can continue to stay in my room in this farm house until its the right time for me to move out on my own? Then I can carry out the rest of my plan that I already told you about a long time ago. But we will still keep that part a secret.”

 

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“Certainly, Cory,” responded Oralie, “We both agree that your plan is a very good one, and you’ve been working toward it since before you started middle school.”

Greg continued, “And you’ve been doing an excellent job also. We’d love to have you continue living here for as long as you desire, and we’d rather have it be for free, but we do agree with your need to be a good example to your brothers.”

“Right,” Oralie added, “so we’ll figure out a fair amount and have a family meeting to explain it all to your brothers, except for the secret part. You don’t need them spreading that around.”

The three of them laughed together at the thought of those four younger boys telling their friends about Cory’s plan. It wouldn’t take long before everyone on the farm and many in Pine City knew that carefully guarded secret.

The quadruplets were standing at the living room window and Rose commented, “I’m looking down at the place where we had our little flower garden, and it’s all covered with snow.”

“Yeah,” Lily agreed, “But at least it looks clean and white right now, rather than covered with compost and mulch that’s just brown.”

Their mom, Julie, nodded and reminded them, “I think you all probably heard this in your third grade classes, just like I always say during the science lesson about the seasons, ‘Spring and summer are warm with many flowers adding their colors. Autumn is cooler and has its own burst of color. Winter is a time of rest for many parts of creation.’ Maybe we appreciate the springtime even more after all the drab browns and tans of the winter.”

Iris added, “For sure, and remember we planted some bulbs in that area and some of them might come up and start blooming even while its still winter. Of course I know the one that goes with my name won’t be blooming until springtime.”

“You’re right,” said Violet, “but the violets we planted might bloom as early as February.”

Rose stated, “The rose bush for my name has been pruned and made ready to bloom again in the summer.”

“By the time it’s blooming again,” added Lily, “the lilies we planted for my name should be ready to bloom also.”

“Besides all of those flowers that will be blooming pretty soon,” Violet went on, “we have our birthday plants here in the house and it’s time for the four of us to go take care of them.”

Iris concluded, “Right, we have more color here in our house than many other people do in the winter.”

The graduation / going-away party near the end of January this year was for Emma, Nan, Flora, Reba, April and May, plus others we haven’t met on the ranch, and it included Cory and others from the farm. The young men got to meet the young ladies at the practice times for the songs they would sing at the party.

Since the lyrics tell about the mission of the ranch and the farm, the girls had decided to sing “Rejoice as the Sun Shines on Restorations.” It’s copied below from the second book in this series by the same title.

We rejoice as the sun shines on restorations,

and thank God for his plan of salvation.

We were brought to Mercy Valley Ranch and Farm,

where we soon learned we wouldn’t come to harm.

We came out of an abusive situation,

but you gave us much love and compassion.

We learned a lot from the Bible you taught us.

and that’s the way, to Jesus you brought us,

since Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”

Then he saved us, restored us, and set us free.

Jesus broke the painful cycle of abuse,

for which there is never any excuse.

We have forgiven and put the past behind.

And we will live only a life that is kind.

We are all very grateful for Mercy Valley;

people, views, horses, … just start the tally.

So rejoice as the sun shines on restorations,

and thank God for his plan of salvation.

 

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They also chose the song Ted Blake had written especially to encourage the ones who would be graduating from the ranch. It was called, “Faithfully Serving Jesus In the Sunshine of His Love.” He based the song on parts of Philippians 1:6,9-11; 2:13; 4:4-9,11, and 13. He used the title of the song as the first line of the song. The tune he wrote to accompany the song was happy and bouncy.

The scriptures he used are as follows.

Philippians 1:6, being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9-11,… I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, so that you may approve, or

test and then accept, things that are excellent and you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ… and being filled with the fruits of righteousness…

Philippians 2:13, For it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure.

Philippians 4:4-7,11, Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, (or do not be anxious about anything,) but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… I have learned, … to be content.

Philippians 4:8, summary, Finally,… whatever is true or honest or just, or pure, or lovely or is of good report or is virtuous or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Philippians 4:9,… do what you have learned, received and heard, and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:11b, learn to be content in whatever state you are.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The party was in the big inside heated riding building. All of the speeches given there were well thought out and clearly delivered. Plus they all contained words of gratitude to their foster parents and for the ranch and the farm, and to Mr. and Mrs. Yardley for turning their dude ranch into Caring Foster Homes.

Cory listened carefully and took notes on the speeches of the four girls who had been living on the ranch since they were eight years old. Those were the only girls who would meet his requirements. Two of those girls planned to stay single and work at a department store in Pine City, so he crossed off their names. Nan’s and Emma’s speeches sounded more promising.

He also wrote the names all the speakers from the farm and would circle any, if any had a plan similar to his. He was relieved to hear that none of them did! The rest of the party was a blur in his memory, because he was busy watching Nan and Emma to learn whatever more he could about them.

Tomo and Ami and Kosuke and Aneko were in the living room visiting on a weekend. The new foster girl was exercising in the other room right then. Aneko mentioned, “Your most recent new foster girl had a very hard life, and it is taking her longer to adjust to our family than some of the others. But she is finally making progress in her school work. She has been listening to me better and trying harder when I tutor her in the harder subjects for seniors. It’s good that she does not have to try to do them at the public school. I’m glad I’ve learned how to be a good tutor. I think that pretty soon she might be able to start learning how to help me in the kitchen of the restaurant.”

Ami emphasized, “Good, because I know you sometimes have very busy days in that kitchen. And therefore, I’m glad Tomo and I only have our tea room ministry in the mornings, so you can call us for help any time you need it.”

“Indeed,” added Tomo, “and she gets to come with us and is having a good introduction to what goes on in the restaurant.

Kosuke urged, “Besides, my beloved wife, you can always call on me if they aren’t available to come help you. My teaching job is much easier now that I’ve been doing it for several years. It doesn’t take as much preparation and practice time.”

“Thank you all!” Aneko exclaimed. “I like my job in the kitchen of the restaurant, and I’m always glad when it gets busy because it shows that people are liking the restaurant. … Oh, here she comes now. Let’s see if she’d like to join us in playing a fun Bible board game for a while.”

Cory and Nan and Emma had met briefly the year before at the family supper they had together, but he waited until after the graduation / going-away party speeches including his own this year, to repeat the process of inviting the Yardleys and their girls to another supper on the farm. They had a delightful time together this time, since they had already met the year before. Even the new girls enjoyed it.

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The next day, since the prospects seemed promising, Cory rode his bike up to the ranch to ask Mr. and Mrs. Yardley for permission to come ride horses with the family as he had the year before.

Vera observed, “Cory, you’ve come full circle in wanting to help with the ministry to abused children, but why do you choose girls now rather than boys? I remember when I announced our plan in the small group you asked what could be done for the boys. I was pleased with your concern.”

“If I remember the speeches correctly,” inserted Oscar, “last year and this year both, had young ladies who desired to marry and raise foster boys on the farm.

Cory answered respectfully, “Mr, and Mrs. Yardley, I have enjoyed working with my four brothers on the farm and it’s good to know the farm will carry on its ministry to boys. But when I found out how much it could help the girls to be able to ride and care for horses, I desired to be able to be part of that ministry. Plus I’ll have to admit that the horses are a big magnet for me also. I’d like to be able to ride more often than the boys get to ride.”

Vera chuckled, “I like your honest answer and your good reasons!”

“Same here, and I think you know us well enough that you can call us by our first names now.” Then Oscar admitted, “We were disappointed when you had to stop your plan last year because you were younger than those girls and that fact would have bothered them. But we’re glad you were willing to wait a year and try again. Yes, of course, do come and ride horses with us again this year. We will be praying that the LORD will work out everything according to his best will for you and our girls.”

Vera added, “Yes, and we will not tell the girls your questions.

“Good,” then Cory added, “I think I might change or add one or two. Thank you, Oscar and Vera, very much for giving me permission to come here again this year.”

Then he found out what their riding schedule was for the coming week, and told them when he would be coming for the first ride.

In Pine City, two foster girls were singing as they dusted. They sang “Just Like You Promised,” as a duet.

When they finished, their mother reflected, “I was listening to the way your voices blend so well together and how meaningful the words are to that chorus. Then I remembered the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.”

One of the girls asked, “What was it about?”

Mom answered, “Here’s a short summary of that part. Jesus came to their village and they had him come into their house. Mary sat at Jesus feet to listen to him but Martha was busy serving. She asked him to tell Mary to help her, but he basically encouraged her to stop serving and join Mary.”

“Oh yeah,” the other girl remembered, “we heard that story at one of the small groups or a church service not too long ago. And it goes well with the song ‘Sitting at the Feet of Jesus.’ The teaching time mentioned that we can sit and listen at Jesus feet when we read his words in the Bible.”

“Exactly,” and Mom nodded and went on, “I like to think that the next time Jesus came to their home they sang a duet like the one you just finished, telling him, ‘We adore you, we praise you, and we’re glad that you’re here.’ And then they both sat and listened to him.”

“I like your ending to the story,” and the first girl suggested, “Let’s find some other Bible verses about serving and listening.”

So they all went and brought their Bibles to the living room, where they sat and started looking in the concordance.

The second girl stated, “I found Matthew 11:15, where Jesus said, ‘ He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ Only deaf people would have an excuse to not listen.”

The first one continued, “I found John 8:47 where Jesus said, ‘He who is of God hears God’s words. You therefore, do not hear them because you are not of God.’ What he said made the people angry. I’m glad we are of God now and do hear Jesus’ words.”

“I’m very glad about that too!” Mom exclaimed. “Another verse about listening is the last part of Luke 8:21 where Jesus said, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God, and do it.’ I think maybe we could say that doing what he says is a lot like serving him.”

The first girl responded, “I agree, and I’ll read 1 Samuel 12:24, Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things he has done for you. This verse tells us how to serve.”

The second one went on, “I’ll read a verse that goes very well with the one you just read. Colossians 3:23 says, And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

“What good verses!” Mom declared, “and here is another one that goes with them. 1 Corinthians 15:58 urges, Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the

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Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. This was a good Bible study for us. I’m glad you had that idea.”

Oscar and Vera told Nan and Emma about Cory wanting to come ride with the family like he had last year and they were ecstatic.

On the first horseback ride, Cory talked to Nan, leaving out the last two questions until he would have a chance to talk to Emma and compare the two girls. Cory had modified some of his questions and left out the one about ages since it didn’t fit now.

During the next ride, as he was riding next to Emma, the first question he asked was, “What are some things you liked about high school.”

“I was grateful for all the things I was learning because I knew I might need to know them well, in order to assist foster girls if they ever needed help,” Emma replied.

Cory thought this was an amazingly good answer. Then he asked, “What are some things you like about this ranch?”

She pondered a moment and responded, “I like the way all the parents treat their children, how well everyone works together, the gorgeous views of the valley and mountains, and of course I like the horses”

He was pleased by that response also. Next he inquired, “How did the horses on this ranch help you?”

Emma replied, “Of course you know I had been abused before I came here. Just being able to look at the horses and later to learn how to take care of them and get to talk to them and ride them helped to erase the bad memories and put good ones in their place.”

He liked this answer too, and he left out the one about career since he knew she was working for the Yardleys from what she had said in her speech at the party. When he asked the question about the mountains this time, he mentioned that he had learned all the names for the ones that had names. Emma was pleased and complimented him.

“Thank you for the compliment,” he responded and then he asked, “What do you think about becoming a foster mother?”

Emma responded, “For me, it would be the fulfillment of a desire I’ve had for years. My mom, Vera, has been the very best mom I can imagine. I pray that I can be as good as she is.”

“I can imagine that you will do very well.” His next question was, “Do you remember what Liz and Roger did in order to get better acquainted?”

Emma answered, “Yes I do, and it worked well for them.”

Cory had been comparing Nan and Emma as she answered his questions. So he made his decision right then and asked Emma his final questions, which turned out to be two. “Would you be willing to do like they did, which was also what some other young couples did? Could we do things with my family and yours as we get to know each other better?”

“I would like that a lot, because I’ve never wanted to have to go on dates like I heard about during high school!” Emma exclaimed.

“Same here,” and Cory smiled at her and said, “Thank you for answering my questions, Emma. I’m so pleased with your answers. Shall we go tell your parents what we’ve decided to do?”

“Yes, please,” she replied, “I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.”

Nathan and Esther did a Bible study with their four girls.

Nathan started it by saying, “The following is a summary of some parts of Acts three, which has a miracle where people remained astonished about it.”

He read the first part of the summary. “In Acts chapter three Peter and John had gone to the temple where Peter had told a begging, lame man they had no silver or gold to give but he would give what he had. Peter said,’“ In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ The lame man was healed and went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.”

Then Esther read the second part. “The people who saw the miracle were amazed. So Peter explained, ‘ it was not by our own power or holiness, … but it was Jesus name and through faith in his name that made the man strong. …Therefore repent and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out … God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.’ I think it would be fun for the four of you to find hymns or songs and tell a summary of the stanzas that go with this story, and also scriptures that would go with what we just read.”

So the girls used their Bibles and the hymnals that were on the table and started looking.

Lucia was first. “I found ‘To God Be the Glory.’ The first stanza continues from the title saying, for great things he has done. The rest of that stanza and the second one tell the good news very well. Then the chorus says to Praise the Lord and rejoice and come to the Father through Jesus his Son, and to give God

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the glory. A scripture that goes with the song and the story is, Philippians 2:11, … every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Holly was next. “In the hymn, ‘O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,’ the lyrics in stanza four tell the deaf to hear, the dumb to praise with their loosened tongues, the blind to see their Savior come, and for the lame to leap for joy. So it goes very well with the story in Acts three. Then the fifth stanza is a prayer for help to tell and spread the honors of God’s name through all the earth. A scripture that goes well with the story in Acts three is John 14:12a, Jesus said truly I say to you that he who believes on me, shall do the works that I do…, because that is what Peter and John did in Acts three.”

Val continued, I found the song, ‘Great is the Lord.” I think it goes with the story because it praises God and includes reasons like he is holy, just, faithful, true, and he is worthy of praise and glory. And I found Romans 11:36 which says, For of (God,) and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. This scripture verse goes with the song and with the story in Acts three.”

Willow found the next hymn and said, “I like the song, ‘Thy Loving Kindness,” and in my imagination I can see the healed lame man walking, leaping, and praising God as he sings a song like this one while he goes with Peter and John into the temple. Two scriptures could go with the story in Acts three and with the song. Deuteronomy 32:3, Moses said, ‘ I will announce the name of the LORD. Ascribe greatness unto our God. And Psalm 63:3, Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you, (God).”

The next day, Cory called his partner, Van, on the phone and told him about the party and what he had learned from speeches given there, and what he had done so far with Nan and Emma. He confided that he had chosen Emma, but that Nan was also a very nice, godly young lady who also desired to raise foster girls on the ranch. Then he asked, “Would you be interested in meeting Nan on a horseback ride if it’s alright with her foster parents on the ranch?”

“Certainly, but maybe I should meet her foster parents first and let them get to know me before we ask them,” cautioned Van.

“Good thinking, my friend,” stated Cory, “so I’ll set up a time right away with them and call you right back.”

Oscar and Vera had time that afternoon, so Cory rode with Van in his car to meet them. Van told the story of his conversion, his background and his hopes and desires for his life.

The Yardleys were very pleased with what they heard from Van and it gave them hope that Nan might also have a chance for her desires to be fulfilled. So they readily agreed to have Van join the family for horseback rides and other activities when Cory would also be there.

As a direct result of that visit, Cory realized he needed to be able to drive a car, even though he didn’t want to have one of his own yet. Consequently he made plans to get his driver’s license soon, so it would be in place when he would need it.

Van came with him to meet Nan, and they all decided that it would work for them to be included in the times of being there with Cory so the four of them could get to know each other better during family activities.

Later, Cory’s whole family was invited and they came to ride horses and visit with Oscar, Vera and their family to see how the families would get along. And later, Van and his family were invited and did the same thing. Naturally, since all of them were believers they got along very well.

One afternoon after the party, when Cory and Van were visiting the family, they were singing praise songs together. Later that day Emma told Cory, “When you sing, your voice sounds a lot like the voice of Jim Reeves. I got to listen to him often when Mom would play his vinyl records on her old stereo.”

“What a nice compliment!” Cory responded, “Thank you, Emma, and I think your beautiful voice sounds a lot like Mary Jayne’s voice. I’ve heard her singing on some places I looked up on the web.”

“Thank you, Cory,” said Emma. “She’s one of my favorite singers. Oscar and Vera have at least two of her old vinyl record albums. The songs she sings are so meaningful.”

Cory agreed, “Indeed, I really appreciate hearing songs and hymns with meaningful lyrics.”

In the meantime, Vera was teaching Emma how to play the piano when they both had time available, after she had graduated from high school and had stayed to work for Vera.

“Mom, I’m so glad you learned how to play the piano and are teaching me how!” Emma exclaimed. “I enjoy learning and I think it would also be a good thing for one or all of the foster girls that my husband and I will raise here.”

Vera responded, “It’s my pleasure to teach you and I would also like to teach any of your girls who would like to learn.”

 

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“Thank you, Mom,” and then Emma shared, “and I’m also so happy you chose me to be the one you hired to take over your household jobs. I like being able to help you and it is also good training for when I will be the mom in this home.”

Vera stated, “Your dad and I are also happy with you as our choice, and we are praying that God will bring you just the right husband to be the dad in this home.”

Emma admitted, “So far I’m very impressed with Cory, but if for some reason he doesn’t work out right, I’ll trust God to send someone else who will be just right.”

“Good idea, Emma,” Vera applauded.

Emma continued, “Another thing I’m happy about is that you and dad will be living right here in the same house with us, so it will be easier to ask you questions as we are getting started and as we go along on this journey.”

Evan and Candy found some verses for a Bible study about plans and guidance from the LORD, especially for Reba and Flora, since they were going to graduate from the ranch this year. The two new fourteen-year-old girls who took Bonnie and Kate’s places had already asked Jesus to be their Savior and were getting proficient at finding Bible verses.

Evan found the first one and read Proverbs 16:3, Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established. I think this means to pray telling him your plans and let him show you if they are good ones.”

“I like that one,” stated Reba, “and this next one says almost the same thing. Proverbs 16:9, A man’s heart devises his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Flora declared, “Yes, and Psalm 32:8 is a precious promise. God said, ‘ I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will guide you with my eye.’ I’m going to memorize it.”

The first new girl said, “Isaiah 58:11a is another good promise. … The LORD shall guide you continually.”

“Yes, it is,” the second new girl commented, “Psalm 37:5 begins the same way as the one you read, Dad. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.”

“It’s a good one,” and then Candy added, “in that same Psalm 37:23, it says, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and he delights in his way. This is another precious promise, and we can claim it for ourselves.”

After this short Bible study, Evan and Candy had a family meeting with Flora and Reba where they talked about their desires.

Flora admitted, “Reba and I already have chosen a place to work when we move to Pine City. My main desire if to find a young man who is a believer and who has had good Bible training like we’ve received here on this ranch and desires to be a foster dad.”

“Same here!” Reba exclaimed. “I know all the houses on this ranch are filled with parents raising foster children. But I still desire a godly man who would be a good dad to foster children that we could raise here, if someone moves away. If not, then in Pine City, or maybe even on the other ranch where Ben is building more houses like he did here. I’ve heard that he’s making good progress.”

“Those are good possibilities,” Candy nodded and then asked, “Do you remember Evan’s brother Carlos’s other two boys, who are near your ages?”

“Yes,” answered Reba, “but I don’t remember their names since we were not supposed to get acquainted with them at that time.”

Flora admitted, “I remember their names were Eric and Lane, and they were both already handsome and seemed very well behaved.”

So Evan inquired, “Would you both be interested in finding out more about those two young men?”

They both nodded and blushed, and at just that moment, the phone rang. It was Carlos! He brought them up to date, “As you probably already know, Mike and Alex have been in the same small group with Bonnie and Kate. They’ve been in a four member ministry team and have gone on many double dates. They’re taking much time to get to know each other and this is working well for them.”

Evan responded, “Yes we do know, because Bonnie and Kate call often, and have told us many of the things they like about Mike and Alex.”

“Those two will be happy to hear about that,” stated Carlos. “Now Eric and Lane are wondering if we could make plans for them to do the same kind of things with Reba and Flora when all of them get moved to Pine City as they turn nineteen. They understand that we can’t go to each other’s ranches as well as we did last year, since we both have new foster kids.”

 

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“Definitely,” agreed Evan, “we were just asking them about a plan like that when the phone rang and they agreed. So you and I can call pastor Don and make arrangements for the four of them to be in the same small group as soon as they get moved and settled in Pine City.”

On Mercy Valley Ranch during one of their early horseback rides Emma shared, “After hearing in your valedictory speech about your legs being healed, I realized that Jesus had healed my paralyzed mind and emotions after he saved me. Then I could think and learn and enjoy life as he meant for me to do.”

“How wonderful for you, Emma!” Cory exclaimed. “I praise and thank you Jesus for what you did for Emma and also for me!”

“I join that praise and thanks. Jesus, you are awesome,” added Emma.

Since it was still winter, both families had to think of things they could do in the winter for activities with the families including Van and Nan when Cory and Emma were also there.

One cold, snowy, windy day the Yardley family and guests took turns listening to each other’s favorite songs using the web to look them up. Each person got a turn to choose a song and all would listen all the way through and then the next time through they would sing along. Very often the lyrics were on the monitor also so they could use them if they didn’t know them.

On another cold day after a big snow storm, the Iverson family borrowed enough snow shoes from other farm families so the whole family plus Emma, Nan and Van could go snowshoeing on the farm.

Most days when the guests were there to visit on the ranch, it was warm enough to go horseback riding at least in the big building, so the couples could ride side by side and have a chance to converse.

Other times they would go to a game room and get into groups to play board games with competition so the gals could see how well the

guys did with winning and losing. Or they would work on jigsaw puzzles as couples so they could talk some more. Of course they took one of those days to read and talk about and clarify their essays on the important issues.

The weeks turned into months of family activities with built-in conversation times for both couples. They were learning a lot about each other especially that they would be compatible. Emma and Nan were checking things off on their lists and were very glad to find out about those good things. Neither had found any of the bad things. They would have been very pleased to know that Cory and Van felt the same way about them.

Many times after Cory had spent time with Emma and her family, he would find time to tell his parents what he was learning about Emma and how pleased he was. Once he shared, “I’m so thankful that the Lord chose Emma for me. After talking to all six of those girls on the ranch, I really think she is the very best of all of them! I’m so grateful the Lord had me wait for her, and I even got to enjoy my farm family while I waited.”

On the ranch, Emma exclaimed, “Dad and Mom, I think Cory is perfect for me! I’m so glad the other four girls didn’t want to marry someone who was a little younger than they were, and that he was willing to wait for a year and talk to Nan and me. Then he wanted to get to know me better. I was so surprised, and I like him more and more each time he comes to do things with our family.”

Several months earlier Vern, Lora, Ben, and Mindy had gotten together with Frank and Becky so they could decide where they desired go for the Easter / Resurrection Day vacation week. Even though it might be rather chilly that early in the year, they knew September would be too hot. So they chose to bring warm clothing and go to the Needles area of Canyonlands and see all they could during the week.

Later when Vern, Lora, Ben and Mindy were doing some more planning Vern suggested, “I’d like the two of you, Ben and Mindy, to choose three or four songs and scriptures to accompany them for this first RV ministry trip we’re gong to take together. It will be so good to have you go with us!”

Mindy responded, “Yes, we are both definitely looking forward to this trip, and we hope we won’t make it too crowded for you in the little travel trailer.”

“I don’t think it will be a problem for us,” Lora assured her.

Then at their home, Ben and Mindy looked up songs and verses to use for the ministry times.

Ben suggested, Lets choose ‘He’s Everything to Me’ and Psalm 8:3,4, When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? I like the way the song includes the stars, the wind, land, and sea, as parts of God’s creation. Then it mentions the Nativity and the Good News of God’s love and that the author states what it says in the title.”

 

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“Indeed, this is a good song and scripture,” agreed Mindy. “It will probably generate some questions. Then we could sing ‘He Touched Me,’ which tells about feeling ashamed by a heavy burden of guilt, but how Jesus took it away. It’s a good testimony about the Savior and the result is praise for all he did. Matthew 8:3 goes pretty well with the song. It says, And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying, ‘I will; be clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

“Good idea, my love,” Ben stated, “and then we could sing ‘Shepherd of Love,’ which tells how the shepherd looked until he found and brought the lost one back. The result is peace and joy and provision. Luke 15:4,5, go well with this song. A summary says, A man loses one of his hundred sheep and leaves the ninety-nine to go look for it until he finds it and carries it on his shoulders rejoicing. And in verse 7 Jesus states, I say to you, that likewise there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over the ninety-nine who don’t need repentance.”

“Excellent choice, Honey!” Mindy declared. “For the last song, we could sing ‘He Hideth My Soul.’ It’s another good testimony about all Jesus, the wonderful Savior, did for the singer and also includes the hope of eternity in Heaven. Psalm 17:8 goes well with it. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings.”

Vern and Lora were delighted with their choices and Lora stressed, “Mindy, please practice them on your autoharp and bring it along. We can make room for it to travel safely in the trailer.”

“My pleasure,” she replied, “plus I’ll need to bring the spiral-bound hymnal so it will stay open while I play and sing.”

Vern stated, “Good, there will be room for it also.”

When the time came for their trip, they drove on the first day to a dispersed campsite just north of Moab and got set up for a meeting that evening. It was warm enough, and several people came. The songs did generate lot of questions, which were answered, and the people took the offered pamphlets so they could read and think about what they had heard. They promised to call if they had questions. The two couples did very well in the little trailer since it had a nice privacy curtain they could pull between the sleeping areas.

In the morning, they drove through Arches National Park so Ben could see for himself, all the arches from the paved road. They didn’t take time to hike to them because they wanted to get to their next camping area in the Hamburger Rocks BLM Campground in time for another meeting. This time the two trailers were parked at either end of the campground and therefore both of them had meetings. They went well like the first one had, and this time the people were invited to come back the next evening.

Early the next morning they went to the Canyonlands Visitor Center to get a permit to drive up Lavender Canyon the next day. This day they drove to the Davis Canyon Trailhead and parked. No vehicles were allowed in the area, so they hiked up the left fork of it until they could see a box canyon at the end of it. There were many spectacular cliffs and formations to view along the way. They found Periscope Arch and two others farther up the canyon. They had taken a lunch along for this hike and found a scenic view where they could eat it. The hike was good exercise for them.

They arrived back at their campsite in time for a meeting before supper so it would be warmer outside. The people had more time to get their questions answered, but still wanted more time to think.

The next day, they got an early start and drove the long bumpy, dusty, sometimes wet road to and in Lavender Canyon. Sometimes they were driving in the wash itself, which had a little running water in it. All along the way, the scenery was spectacular and they found several arches, including one looking like a handle to hold, two others called Caterpillar, and Drumstick, with other unnamed ones along the way. The last arch was Cleft Arch, which they walked to, because the road looked very muddy and they did not want to get stuck. The three couples had fun as they walked and looked and talked.

After the long drive out they still got back in time for another meeting, and this time several couples made the decision to accept Jesus, so there was much rejoicing. Each couple was given the little booklet called, “Your New Life.” They could ask questions about it at the next meeting.

The next day the couples drove up Horse Canyon where they saw several arches along the way and an interesting Anasazi ruin above the streambed. Toward the end of the canyon the three couples took the hikes to see Castle Arch and then Fortress arch. Both of the arches are well worth the hikes.

The meetings that evening were like the first believers small group meetings where the people got answers for the questions they had from reading the little booklet. But first they got to choose some songs to sing.

Their last day in the area, they drove on the four-wheel drive road out to the Colorado River overlook in the park. Then they drove partway home that day, and camped again north of Moab. Ben and Mindy did much of the driving on the highways so Vern and Lora could have a rest. The next day, Friday, they got home in the afternoon with time to unpack, have supper, take nice showers and go to bed early.

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After church on the weekend, Ben and Mindy went to Vern and Lora’s house to tell them how much they had enjoyed the trip. They all agreed that it had gone very well to all to be together for a week of traveling. They also decided this would work for the future also, since it wouldn’t make sense to buy an extra trailer for just one week out of the year.

Flora and Reba and Eric and Lane had all turned nineteen at different times during the few months since the going-away party. By now they were settled in two separate apartments and were going daily to their separate jobs. They were earning enough money to keep themselves going and were very happy to still be with their roommates from Mercy Valley Ranch or the cattle ranch. By coincidence they were now talking about the most recent church service they had attended.

In their apartment, Flora and Reba started with the songs that were sung that day and then went to the scriptures.

Flora remarked, “The songs for the service today were just what I needed. Just reading the titles before the service helped to calm me down and get my mind off the first small group meeting we will attend this week. We’re supposed to meet all those new people, including Eric and Lane. I was very nervous about it, but the songs, scriptures and teaching really helped me to feel better.”

“I feel the same way,” agreed Reba, “and it’s like Jesus put all of those together just for us, even though I’m sure there were many people there with even bigger worries than ours. But the first song, ‘No One Understands Like Jesus’ is so true, like the first stanza reminds us that he’s an incomparable friend and all we have to do is pray and he understands.”

“Right,” and Flora added, “and after each stanza, the chorus tells us to give him all our cares. The rest of the stanzas don’t go with our worries, but it’s good to know that if we ever have them, he is there to help, always.”

“I agree,” and then Reba mentioned, “The first two stanzas of the second song, ‘All Your Anxiety,’ were also very helpful. Even though our little worries weren't as bad as the sorrow and cares weighing down some people, we can pray and leave them with Jesus. He’s a friend who listens and hears and bears them for us.”

Flora nodded, “Yes, and the third song, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour,’ is a good reminder that we can come to Jesus with every problem, temptation, or pain, and ask him to do his will for us.”

Eric and Lane were talking about the same service. When they finished reviewing the songs, they looked up the scriptures that went with them.

Eric volunteered, “I’ll look up Hebrews 4:14-16. It’s a long one and it says, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, who is in heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but he was in all points tempted like we are, yet was without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

“Yes it is very long, but it’s very good,” stated Lane. “I’ll look up the other three verses. 1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your care on him, because he cares for you. Psalm 25:1,2a, Unto you, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in you… and Psalm 121:2, My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

Eric noticed, “It was very helpful to read these verses aloud because I could see how well they all went with all three of the hymns we sang today.”

“Absolutely,” Lane concurred, “I know my concerns aren’t anywhere near as bad as some mentioned in those hymns, but it’s so good to be reminded that Jesus cares and will handle even my nervousness about meeting Flora and Reba and all the strangers at the small group this coming week.”

“Yeah, I wish we could have gone horseback riding with their family like our older brothers did last year. It would have made all of this easier. But at least we know they’ve had the same good training as we’ve had.”

When they finished talking, each pair took their nervousness and concerns to Jesus in prayer and left them with him. He did help them and soon they were getting acquainted with all those new people.

One day it had warmed up enough so that Cory’s proposal could be done in a flat-bottomed boat in the middle of Wild Mint Lake. He rowed them expertly out to the middle of the lake put the oars down, and carefully knelt on both knees in front of Emma and took her small, soft hands in his larger work roughened ones.

His proposal was eloquent. “Emma, dear, sweet, beautiful love of my life, I’m so glad God had me wait an extra year so I could get to know and love you, instead of one of the older girls, who didn’t want to marry someone who was younger then they were. Please say you will marry me and we can spend the rest of

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our lives loving each other and working together for Jesus, raising abused teenage girls as long as we are able to be good parents.”

Emma smiled lovingly into his eyes and admitted, “I never imagined I’d be the one who would be loved by you and be chosen as your wife! I admire you and all you’ve learned and yet you are so humble. Yes, dear, wonderful, handsome, Cory, I’ll be honored to be your wife and to love you more and more for the rest of my life, and work with you to carry on the mission of mercy on this wonderful ranch! Plus I’m so glad you also wish to help my foster parents with me now, and that we can both continue take care of them as they become older.”

Cory gave her hands a gentle squeeze and stayed on his knees saying, “I would like to give you a hug right now, but I don’t want to take the chance of tipping us over into the lake. So we’ll wait until we get back on solid ground.”

She nodded and then he took out a small box, opened it, and showed her the engagement ring and matching wedding bands.

“Oh, Cory, they’re lovely! What a beautiful setting for my birthstone! I’ll think of you every time I look at my hand wearing this beautiful ring,” Emma declared.

“How nice to hear you say that,” Cory responded. “Let me put the engagement ring on your finger.”

She extended her hand and he slipped it on. It just fit, and he lifted her hand to give it a kiss, and they both felt the joy of knowing they loved each other.

“How did you know what size to get?” asked Emma.

Cory explained, “When I asked for your hand in marriage the last time I was here I also asked Vera what size ring to get for you.”

Then he carefully went back to his seat in the boat and they both looked over the water to see another boat with Van on his knees in front of Nan, putting a ring on her finger.

Emma’s delightful laughter filled the air and she observed, “You two must have planned this together. Thank you, because now, Nan and I can both be happy for each other at the same time.”

“You’re welcome, Dearest,” Cory replied, “and you’re right, we did plan this together. Maybe the next time we come here the four of us can decide if we’d like to have a double wedding and do some planning.”

“Perfect idea, my love,” stated Emma. “I’ll talk to Nan and you could talk to Van and then we can share those ideas and come up with others while the rest of the family enjoys something else in the game room.”

“I’ll look forward to our planning time,” agreed Cory as he started rowing them back to the shore where the rest of all three families hurried over to congratulate the happy couples after they got out of the boats and had their first hugs.

Nan and Emma enjoyed showing off their rings to the others.

On the farm, Hugo, Ellie and their four boys were doing a Bible search for scripture verses or just parts of them about being happy and related ideas.

Hugo started, “I found Ecclesiastes 3:4,12b, … there is a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to morn, and a time to dance, … a man can rejoice and do good in his life.”

One boy found Philippians 4:4 and read, “ Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. This one sounds like a command.”

Another one found Proverbs 3:13. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. This is a good one to help me enjoy learning at school and here at home.”

“Good idea,” then Ellie added, “I found Psalm 126:2,3. After the LORD brought the captives back to their home in Israel, they said, Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then the heathen said, The LORD has done great things for them… The LORD has done great things for us, for which we are glad.

The third boy found and read, “Proverbs 17:22a, A merry heart does good like a medicine…”

The fourth one stated, “Jesus said in John 15:11, These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

After they finished the search, Hugo introduced his foster boys to the idea of learning how to tell jokes. “My foster dad, who also lives on this farm, taught us four boys that good clean jokes, that do not hurt any person in any way, can add a lot of joy and laughter to our lives.”

Ellie added, “You boys have heard some jokes told by your dad, and I’ve seen how much you enjoy them, just like I do. So I’m looking forward to learning about this skill also.”

“It’s really very easy,” Hugo explained, “because you can copy a joke you like out of this book and then practice telling it with good expression before you share it with us, the people in your family. It will give us a chance to laugh together as a family.”

The boys all nodded and agreed that it sounded like a good and fun activity for them to do together.

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One day after their engagement, Cory shared during one of their horseback rides that he had memorized two verses she had read and her comments about them. He quoted the following parts from the lessons he had heard in the short book.

“One lesson said that, Emma continued, ‘I chose to share Psalm 119:103,104a because honey’s my favorite sweetener. How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I get understanding from your precepts. The other lesson said that Emma commented, ‘We use Philippians 4:8 many times for other things but I think it goes well here also. I’ll say my personalized version of it. Emma you need to,… think about things that are true, or honest, or just, or pure, or lovely, or of good report or have virtue, or are worthy of praise.’ I was impressed with your choice of verses.”

“How in the world did you know I said those things?” Emma asked.

Cory explained, “I had my parents read the short book ‘Become Honorable People’ to my brothers and me and I took notes on some of the things the girls in your family and the Spencer family said in some of the lessons. I got so I liked all of you just by listening to the things you said.”

“I'm amazed! Emma declared. “I think you must have been planning to meet us for a long time!”

Cory nodded, smiled at her and admitted, “Indeed I have been. In middle school I was in the accelerated course so I could finish in two years instead of three. I did that so I would have a chance to meet and ask questions of more girls who had been on the ranch for as long as I had been on the farm. They would have had good parents and a good Bible teacher. I got to go to the third grade at the church school and learned a lot there. My parents were very good, and I’ve had much Bible teaching from them with many notebooks to review at future times. Besides that, they read both short books, ‘Becoming Honorable People’ and ‘Choose Your Examples’ to my brothers and me, so I have a notebook to go with the printed copies I have of those books and notes I wrote also.”

“I’m very impressed with all your learning and planning!” Emma exclaimed. “Thank you for telling me about the things you’ve learned about the Bible and living for Jesus. I have many notebooks to review also and I have those two short books on a PDF file. Plus those, I would imagine I will get to learn many things from you. Furthermore our girls will be enriched by having you for their dad.”

Cory responded, “You're welcome and thank you for the compliments. I think learning comes naturally for me and I think it’s a gift God gave me and I’m grateful for it. I was so glad I got to praise him in my valedictory speech. Now I look forward to learning from you also, because of what you’ve learned from your foster parents. Plus I know Oscar and Vera are filled with wisdom and knowledge, since they’re so much older than we are, so I hope to learn more things from them. My goal is to be a lifelong learner.”

“What a good idea!” Emma exclaimed. “I think I will join you and we can enjoy learning together and then teach our girls.”

Cory stated, “I’ll look forward to learning with you, Honey. Now back to my planning for a long time. Ever since I found out how much horses can help people with various kinds of problems, I’ve wanted to be a part of what this ranch is doing. But in order to do that, I needed to find a woman who believes in Jesus and in the mission of this ranch so we could get married and work for Jesus this way together.”

“Oh dearest Cory,” Emma repeated, “it’s just like I told you when you proposed, I never even dared to hope that I would maybe be the girl you would choose to love, with all the others who were available for you to select.”

Cory declared, “I knew God would choose the one who was the best one for me! You met all my requirements and on top of that, you know what you desire to do with your life and are able to express it very clearly. Your answers to my questions told me everything I wanted to know and more! So I’m very grateful it is you my dear, and I’m so glad you said yes!”

Emma’s heart overflowed with love and happiness when she heard his affirmation.

Watching them walk together to the pasture one day Vera mentioned, “She’s small and he’s tall and I think they make a good looking couple.”

Oscar concurred, “I agree, and I remember a time when Emma said she’s the smallest one in our family.”

“Yes, she’s small, but she’s also very mature for her age. And I couldn't be happier that it’s Cory who chose Emma for his wife and the mother of abused foster girls here on our ranch and in our house. I know both of them will be good parents and both of them will be good for us also!” Vera exclaimed.

“Absolutely!” And then Oscar added, “We thank you very much heavenly Father for your guidance in our decisions and in bringing these two young people together to continue this ministry of mercy to abused teen girls.”

Vera continued, “I agree and I’m very grateful they both want us to continue living here to give them advice and to be like grandparents to the girls, and they will even take care of us when we need it. We

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give you all the glory and we praise you for taking care of all the details of our lives and this ranch. Your wisdom is amazing!” They both said, “Amen.”

Gary and Kim and their boys, Ryan, Bruce, Leo, and Tyler were hiking to the top of the mesa that made one side of the valley where Mercy Valley Farm was located.

Bruce commented, “I like coming up this trail in the cool hours of the morning.”

“So do I,” and Leo added, “I think the way it zigzags up the side of the mesa is much smarter than just going straight up or even diagonally up the side. It isn’t nearly as steep this way.”

“For sure,” and Ryan went on, “What I like is getting to the top where we can rest and drink some of the water we brought with us.”

“Then when we are finished up there,’ inserted Tyler, “I like running down all those zigzags, now that I’ve learned to slow down enough to turn each corner so I don’t end up out in the weeds.”

When they reached the top and sat there to rest, Gary remarked, “The thing I really like most, is getting to look down at all the fields in the farm after they’ve grown enough to tell what each crop is.”

“The same applies for me,” Kim agreed. “My grandmother had a patchwork quilt with different sized squares and rectangles in many different shades of green either solid or prints. Looking down on all those fields of different shades of green reminds me of her quilt.”

They sat for a few moments of silent enjoyment, looking down at the fields from this place that gave them a bird’s eye view of where they lived and worked.

Then Gary suggested, “Let’s all quote the Psalm we’ve been memorizing this month.”

They all nodded, stood up, and quoted Psalm 67 aloud together.

“ May God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause his face to shine upon us. May your way be known on the earth, your saving health among all nations. Let the people praise you, O God. Let all the people praise you. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations on the earth. Let the people praise you O God. Let all the people praise you. Then the earth shall yield her increase, and God, even our own God shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”

Spontaneously they all raised their hands to heaven every time they said, “Let all the people praise you.” It seemed very appropriate to be praising him together as a family. Then it was time to go back down the trail before it got too hot outside. Tyler got to have his fun time of running down the trail. The rest of them enjoyed watching him as he ran and expertly turned every corner.

During their next visit with the family, Cory and Emma and Van and Nan planned their weddings. They even planned what to say in their own vows for the weddings. Since they had been to many of their friends weddings lately, they had some good ideas about what they wanted to include in their vows.

As for planning the date, Cory told them he had already turned nineteen, but that he was able to stay in his room in his parents rented house on the farm and pay them for his room and food, so he could be a good example to his younger brothers. Van was still living at home also. So both of the grooms could go with the best dates for their brides.

They all agreed that a double wedding would be the best way to save money and because the timing would be best also. Oscar and Vera had shared with Van and Nan about the older couple who were going to resign from being foster parents and move back to the city. Their last girl would be nineteen and would be leaving close to the same time as the Yardley’s last girl.

Van and Nan would not need to buy things to stock the house they would live in, since the older couple would be leaving everything there. They said that they wouldn’t need it in the city where they would find a less demanding ministry to do.

Cory and Emma would also be in a house that was already equipped, so both couples would make their announcements and invitations to the wedding after a church service saying, “We would like to have your presence at our wedding, but no presents, please since there’s nothing we will need.” Both couples were amazed and praised God for the way he had provided houses for them to live and raise abused foster girls on Mercy Valley Ranch!

This is the way they invited all their friends from the city and the farm and the ranch to attend their wedding with Pastor Don officiating, at the church on Friday evening, since the congregation would be too large for a home or game room or lawn wedding.

The date they picked was the third Friday in June, just one week before Oscar and Vera’s last girl turned nineteen and moved to Pine City. Since Nan’s birthday would already be past, she would have already moved into a studio apartment in Pine City. She was working at the Local Grocery in the produce section because she liked to work with fruits and vegetables.

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A month or so after her birthday, Nan was pleased with the way she had been able to make it on her own in the city. She had bought the things she needed for her apartment at a thrift store and planned to donate it all back to them when she would get to move to one of the ranch houses with her husband and be assigned four girls.

As part of planning the wedding, Cory asked, “Oscar and Vera, could Emma take a week off from her job to go on a honeymoon that would last a week?”

“Absolutely!” Oscar answered.

Cory smiled happily. “My business is doing very well, and I have more than enough saved for a nice trip with the food and lodging that we will need to go see things neither of us has seen before.”

So Cory and Emma would go on their honeymoon during the week after the wedding. Van and Nan had decided they would have their honeymoon in Nan’s studio apartment in Pine City. Nan had told her landlords her plans and had invited them to her wedding. Then she asked permission to spend their honeymoon in her apartment. Of course they agreed and thoroughly enjoyed the wedding!

When Cory and Emma would return from their honeymoon they would live in the Yardley house at the ranch. Oscar and Vera insisted that Cory and Emma and Van and Nan take two months to get used to marriage before having their girls assigned. Both couples would be at the ranch and have the rest of the two months after their honeymoons to get used to being married before having any girls assigned to them. So they happily did it, and used the time wisely. Both couples would take the training and get their licenses to be foster parents during those two months. Then they would be ready to have girls assigned to them.

During this planning session, Oscar and Vera offered to sell their used six-passenger van to Cory and Emma, and they quickly agreed to buy it. Also, Van and Nan were able to buy the used one the other older couple would sell to them.

They also planned to have no attendants since it was a double wedding, and that everyone in, or attending the wedding would wear the clothes they usually wore to church, so no extra money needed to be spent on bridal gowns or tuxedos for the grooms. Besides, they’d all be much more comfortable.

Van’s dad and mom were going to take photos and videos of the wedding to give to him. And they would also give a copy of the photos and video to Cory and Emma.

Next they planned to have a wedding reception in the school lunchroom with a nice catered meal provided by Oscar and Vera as their gifts to Nan and Emma. It would only be for close friends on the farm and ranch, plus Pastor Don and his family.

Ruth was visiting with Jason and his family one evening. After supper and clean-up, the boys, Barnabas and Danny, were building things with interlocking plastic pieces, while the adults were talking.

Ruth reminisced, “I always liked seeing your boys sitting safely in your arms when they were much younger. It’s like it says in the song called, ‘Safe In the Arms of Jesus.’ I'm, glad we adults are also able to be safe in his arms any time.”

“Oh yeah,” stated Jason, “I like that song, especially where it tells about being overshadowed by his love. Jesus said in John 15:9,10,12, 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, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. … This is my commandment, love one another, as I have loved you.”

Dorcas added, “Yes and it also says we can rest there and be safe during worries, temptation, sorrow, and trials when they come. It’s like it says in Deuteronomy 33:27a, The eternal God is my refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

“Right,” agreed Ruth, “and the reason for our rest, is being able to trust in the fact that Jesus died for us and we can trust him all the way through our lives. Psalm 28:7 says, The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices greatly, and with my song I praise him.”

They continued conversing about other topics for a while, and then Ruth remarked, “I think I’ll go play with the boys. It looks like fun and I’ll be able talk with them too.”

While they were building things, Ruth requested, “Please tell me about what you liked doing at school today.”

After thinking a moment Barnabas replied, “We started reading a new book. It has more words on each page and it was harder to sound out some of the words, until Mrs. Clay taught us how to sound out longer words with two parts. I really like learning how to read!”

Danny declared, “I’ll get to learn how to read next year! Today I liked going to stand at the counter where we did a practice time with maps. Our teacher would tell us to touch certain parts of the map as she

 

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walked behind us to see if we did it correctly. It was fun. And I liked having Mama as the parent helper there today.”

On another day Cory asked Emma, “Darling, do you have any places you would like to go for a honeymoon? I desire for this to be a very special time for both of us and a celebration of the beginning of our life together.

“Oh my,” she took a deep breath, “I’ve never even thought about a honeymoon, or of other places I would like to visit. This ranch is the farthest I’ve ever been from Pine City.”

Cory encouraged, “It’s OK, Honey, we can come up with some ideas together. I’ve been saving money for a honeymoon and now that we can buy the Yardley’s used van instead of a new one, I have even more we can spend to enrich our lives and make memories we can delight in as we live our lives together. I was thinking it would be nice to go someplace neither of us has been to before. I think will be easy for us to decide.”

“Is there a place in the mountains you have not been to yet, dearest Cory?” Emma asked. “I’ve often wondered what it’s like to be up close to, or in the mountains.”

“Yes,” answered Cory, “indeed there are many mountain places I have not been. My family has taken a few day trips into the mountains that are close to Pine City, and we can take our girls there after they get settled.”

“Hooray! Emma declared. “Your idea will enrich their lives even beyond what this wonderful ranch has to offer!”

Cory smiled at her, “I like the way you express yourself, and show how you’re feeling. I know of a place in the mountains where neither of us has been. The name is Rocky Mountain National Park and it’s very close to a small city called Estes Park, Colorado, where we can reserve and rent a honeymoon cottage for the week and see as many places in that park as we have time to see.”

He showed her where it was on a map and continued, “It is a pretty long drive from here, but if we leave right after the wedding and reception supper, we could get there and go right to bed and sleep late the next morning, postponing our love making until then.”

“I like all your ideas, Dearest,” stated Emma. “And I can help with the driving too, since I have my driver’s license. Now I’m looking forward to a honeymoon with you in some mountains and also for that first morning when we can share our love when we aren’t so tired from the wedding day and the drive. My parents said they have a book with a chapter I can read and ask them all the questions I need to the day before our wedding.”

Cory acknowledged, “My parents will do the same for me since I really have no idea about that part of marriage.”

Emma remarked, “I’m so glad we both saved ourselves only for our future spouse. I like the farm and ranch’s rule about dating. The way we’ve gotten to know each other works much better.”

Mike, Alex, Bonnie, and Kate were talking about a song they could use in their ministry times together.

Alex mentioned, “The other day I heard a song called ‘I’m Gonna Serve My Lord.’ Let’s look it up on the web.”

They found it, listened together, and read the lyrics.

“What a good song,” stated Kate. “This song could be the beginning of a testimony that we might use in our four member team ministry, and we could add our own testimonies.”

“Right,” continued Mike, “because it tells about the before and after salvation, and how the person is happy now and wants to serve Jesus and walk wherever he leads.”

Bonnie admitted, “I like it a lot, but I don’t think we could ever sing it as well as the Cathedral Quartet does.”

“I agree.” said Alex, “perhaps we could just use the main melody and sing together in simple harmony, so we could get the message across in a more understandable way than the complicated way they used, even though it sounds great the way they did it.”

“Brilliant idea, Alex,” stated Mike. “Maybe we could find some good scriptures to go with it too.”

Bonnie suggested, “1 John 4:10, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the atonement for our sins. It goes with that part of the song.”

“Yeah,” Alex went on, “and Matthew 7:14,… strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leads to life… goes with part of another stanza in the song.”

Kate added, “I made a personalized summary of John 14:3, Jesus said that he went to prepare a place for us and he will come again and take us to be where he is.

 

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“I like all those verses!” Mike declared. “And here is one more we could add. Matthew 24:42 says, Watch therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour when Jesus will come again.

Bonnie remarked, “Another good song would be ‘He Loves Me So.’ It tells the Good News about Jesus living a pure, holy life, after he left his glorious home in heaven to bring redemption to the people on the earth.”

“Yes,” Mike agreed, “it goes on to tell of his mercy and how we can trust and praise him and follow where he leads, and look forward to Heaven.”

Kate realized, “Actually, those four same Bible verses also go well with this song. As we practice, we can also figure out the best order in which to sing the songs and say the verses.”

The week before the double wedding, Oscar helped to move the sewing machine from the extra room, into the living room. Vera and Emma would both help the girls learn how to sew after they had gotten settled. Winter would be a good time to start teaching them, since it wasn’t as nice outside.

Just before the wedding, Oscar and Vera had moved their things into the extra room located near the game room. Then Emma had moved all her belongings into Oscar and Vera’s room.

On Friday, the day of the wedding, Cory’s things were moved into Emma’s and his room also so it would be ready for them to use when they returned from their honeymoon. Then in about two months, Cory and she would become the foster parents, and would care for two girls who were 14 and two girls who were 15 with Oscar and Vera’s as their counselors and resources. Naturally they would learn a lot from them.

The evening of the wedding, the sanctuary was beautiful the way it always looked, so it didn’t need extra flowers, candles, or anything else. As they had imagined, the sanctuary was full.

Cory was in the wedding, so the rest of the Iverson family had set up chairs and their music stands with their special spiral-bound hymnals. This would be their first performance without Cory, since he was in the wedding and would then be living on the ranch. In a family meeting, they had decided to change their name, The Mercy Valley Guitar Septet, by replacing guitar septet with guitarists. The Mercy Valley Guitarists would provide all the music for this wedding, because Cory had been able to convince Emma, Nan, and Van that they could do a great job and that it would make the double wedding unique.

Van and Nan and Cory and Emma had gotten together at the Iverson home on the farm. Oscar and Vera had brought Emma and Nan to the farm and everybody got to listen to the guitarists play once through some songs. Then the couples chose the songs they both desired to have in their wedding.

The processional would be played, but not sung. The couples chose “Alleluia! Alleluia!” because they liked the music for it written by Ludwig van Beethoven. The lyrics go better with Resurrection Day, but they thought that the music would be just right for both brides to come down the isle at the same time, each with a hand on one of the arms of their beloved foster dad, Oscar, who would place their hands in the hands of their waiting grooms.

As soon as all of the wedding party was at the front, they stood listening, as the guitarists played “Love divine, All Loves Excelling,” and sang only the first stanza. It tells of the divine love that had come to earth and then asks him to dwell with us. Then the guitarists all quoted 2 Peter 1:3, … (God’s) divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us to glory and virtue.

At this point, Pastor Don made some introductory remarks about the families of the couples and the couples themselves. Then the guitarists played and sang all four verses of “Happy the Home When God Is There.” They had chosen that song, even though the song had been used in other weddings, because the lyrics went so well with Pastor Don’s teaching and also with Psalm 127:1a, Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it…

Pastor Don said, “Today I’m teaching on the importance of having God as the head of the home. This results in everyone in the home loving as Jesus commanded in John 13:34a, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…

“I know this is the mission of Mercy Valley Ranch, to live in a way to show that the parents love each other and that they love the children God has placed in their care. The parents will model prayer and praises to God in many situations, and they will teach from the Bible in numerous settings and many ways, as it instructs in Deuteronomy 6:7, You shall teach God’s words diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk in the way… and in other places and activities.

“In 2 Corinthians 13:11, Paul encouraged the believers to … Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. And the result is in Romans 15:6, That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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“Psalm 86:11 is a prayer that says, Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name. And so I also pray Colossians 2:2a for these couples, That their hearts might be … knit together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding…”

At this point, the two couples faced each other and they all said their vows in unison. Then they put the wedding rings on each other’s fingers.

Next the guitarists played and sang all four stanzas of “Fill Your Hearts With Joy and Gladness.” The lyrics tell of singing praise to God, who is full of love, wisdom, majesty, and power. He created the stars and named them. Praise the Lord for giving comfort, peace, and joy. Praise him for time and seasons, clouds, sunshine, wind, rain, grass, and grain. We will walk in his way and all people will praise him. This song goes with Psalm 4:7a, You have put gladness in my heart… and Acts 14:17b, God did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our years with food and gladness.

Next, Pastor Don pronounced each couple husband and wife. Then he told them they could have their wedding kiss.

The guitarists played “All Creatures of Our God and King,” for the recessional at the end of the wedding. First they stated that the song goes very well with all of Psalm 148. Most of the psalm is an extensive list of all the things God created and it tells each one to praise the LORD. Psalm 148:5,13, give good reasons to praise the LORD. Then they quoted those verses, Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is excellent and his glory is above the earth and heaven. When they finished quoting the verses they started playing and singing all five stanzas of “All Creatures of Our God and King,” as the brides and grooms and the moms and dads marched to the back of the sanctuary and lined up where the congregation could come and talk to them on their way out of the church.

The ones who had been invited to the reception waited until the end of the line for their turns. By this time the guitar players and singers were finished with the song and came to the end of the line. They were thanked and congratulated for doing such a good job with the music and scriptures.

At the wedding reception, Cory and Emma, Oscar and Vera, and Van and Nan all gave short speeches.

Cory told the people there about the plan he had worked on since middle school. He was grateful it had worked out so well. Then he went on to say, “Now that I am leaving my family home and my own dad and mom, I will cleave to Emma, my beloved wife, as it says in Genesis 2:24b. I feel very blessed that I will have Oscar and Vera as my parents-in-law, since they’re the ones who had the idea to change their dude ranch into a community of Caring Foster Homes. And then they added even more homes! It will also be my privilege to call them Dad and Mom now. I’ve known them ever since Vera made her first announcement about changing their dude ranch into homes for abused girls.”

In her speech Emma said, “I thank God for giving me the desire of my heart, which is a godly husband to help raise abused teens. Plus I thank my dear foster parents for making it possible for me to continue living in the family home I love, with my beloved parents staying in the home also.”

Next Oscar explained the finances involved. “We are so pleased with all of our girls. Liz is already married and she and Roger are busy with their four foster girls on the ranch. Stella is happily married to a godly man who is also a pilot and they’re both working together to help missionaries. Nan moved to Pine City with a good job after her nineteenth birthday, and did well there. She is now married to Van and they will soon be raising foster girls on the ranch.”

Oscar smiled and continued, “Emma has been working for us, being paid for doing Vera’s work, since she graduated from high school. Now that she is married, she will continue doing this work, but without the pay she has been earning, and she will become the mom in the Caring Foster Home. Her husband, Cory, will take over my home maintenance jobs, without pay and be the dad in the home. They both desire for us to continue to live in the family home, using the extra room by the game room, and they’ve promised to take care of us when we need it later, with long term care at home. We are prepaying them for that care by not having them pay rent and utilities for living there until Jesus takes us both home to heaven.”

Everybody cheered and then it was time for Vera’s speech. “I thank Cory and Emma for their desire to have Oscar and me keep living in the family home with them. They both told us they would like to be able to ask for our advice as needed. Plus, Oscar and I will get to be grandparents to their girls! And I thank Cory and Emma in advance, for all they will do to take care of us when we need it. We give God all the praise and glory for the way he guided, gave wisdom, and worked everything out so that the lower part of the big house could still be used to raise abused foster girls. We were running out of energy at our age, but we still want to be involved with the mission of mercy on the ranch and continue living there. Now we can!”

There were more cheers for Vera’s speech, and then Van’s speech was next. “I’m so thankful for Cory introducing me to his best friend, Jesus, and then for teaching me how to be his ministry partner in middle

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school and high school. My parents also accepted Jesus soon after I did. I have read ‘Becoming Honorable People’ and ‘Choose Your Examples.’ I thank God for godly wives for Cory and me so we could have the desire of our hearts, which is to help raise abused foster girls on Mercy Valley Ranch.

When it was Nan’s turn, she emphasized. “I really thank God for bringing just the right husband for me so we can also raise abused foster girls on Mercy Valley Ranch, where I will be close enough to visit with my beloved parents often.”

Then Oscar prayed for God to bless the food they were going to eat at this celebration supper. The meal was delicious and all who had been invited, brought a special card for each couple filled with their good wishes and prayers for God’s blessing on their ministries.

Cory borrowed his parents small car to use for the honeymoon. He and Emma had already talked and planned for the place to go for a week where they could see things neither of them had seen before and would not have the opportunity to see after their girls had been assigned, because it would be too far for a day trip. They stayed with their idea of going to a nice quiet honeymoon cottage on the hillside near the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

After the reception supper, they took turns driving and arrived later than either of them usually went to bed, so they were glad they had agreed to postpone their lovemaking until the next morning after they had slept later than they usually did. And their first time of sharing intimacy that morning was more wonderful than either of them had ever imagined it could be.

Then they ate a breakfast Emma had bought before in Pine City and brought with them. She had brought breakfasts for the rest of the days, and also had lunches they could take with them each day on hikes or sightseeing drives in the mountains. The reason she brought them was because she and Cory had looked at a detailed map of Rocky Mountain National Park and realized it did not have any restaurants or cafes inside the boundaries. So Vera had helped her to shop for things to take with them that needed no refrigeration and would be nutritious, tasty and varied.

“Honey, your idea of bringing breakfasts and lunches will save us a lot of time and money. We’ll be able to see more of the park this way,” stated Cory.

Emma replied, “I’m glad, because it’s a big park and we only have a week. I’d also like us to take time every evening for the rest of our honeymoon to find scripture verses for the day and write in our notebooks a quick summary of what we saw.”

“I like your idea very much, Dear, because it will give us a way to remember our honeymoon better,” stated Cory.

For their first day in the park they drove to the Fall River Visitor Center, where they bought a park pass for the week and watched the video to get an overview of the park. Then they drove part way up the old Fall River Road and walked over to the viewpoint of Chasm Falls for photos from the top, and then hiked down to the bottom of the falls where they took several more pictures.

“Wow!” Emma exclaimed. “It’s a lot bigger than Lavender Falls on the ranch! And look at all the huge boulders everywhere!”

Cory agreed, “Indeed, these mountains are huge compared to the mesas on the sides of Mercy Valley. And maybe the boulders are the reason they call these mountains the Rocky Mountains.”

They laughed together enjoying his humor.

“Oh no!” Emma yelled. “That little gray bird just went under the water! I hope it won’t be drowned!’

Cory put a hand on her shoulder, “It’s OK, Darling. I learned about that little bird at the church school. It’s called an American Dipper and our great Creator made them to be able to dive and swim and walk on the bottoms of fast flowing streams where they hunt for food to eat. Look, it’s there on the rock now! It has a beak full of water insects.

“Yes, Honey,” she answered, “and now it’s flying right through the waterfall. It landed on a ledge behind it where it must have a nest of young ones to feed. How exciting! Thank you for explaining to me about the bird. I think I have a lot to learn about the rest of God’s creation. I like being here in the mountains.”

“So do I, Dearest,” stated Cory. “It’s great to be able to see things in real life that I only have heard or read about before. And it’s even better to get to enjoy them with my dear wife!”

Her answer was to give him a spontaneous hug and he returned it with enthusiasm. They stayed a little while longer to watch and get pictures of the little gray bird. Then they returned to the car and drove back down the dirt road to the main paved road in the park. When they reached a pull out they took it and parked the car. The view was of several mountain peaks. Their names were written on a sign with a photograph of them. They saw and identified Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain, and Fairchild Mountain. They agreed that they were strange sounding names. They took several pictures of

 

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the mountains and the sign. Then they found places to sit on the big rocks and eat the lunch they had brought with them while they enjoyed the view and watched the ground squirrels and chipmunks.

After their lunch, they kept driving until they reached the Moraine Park Museum where they parked and went inside to learn more about the park. Then they walked along the sidewalk where there were more signs with photos of different mountains they could see from there. So they repeated the process of identifying mountains and taking pictures of them and the signs.

Emma remarked, “I really like the looks of Longs Peak and Hallett Peak in this group of mountains.”

“So do I,” and Cory added, “the others are nice but not as distinctive.”

Before they had come they had read all the information about how to be safe and become acclimated to the high elevation before strenuous hikes. So today they continued driving and viewing the scenery from the road and from viewpoints. Then they were able to find a parking place at Sprague Lake. There is a mostly level trail around the lake, so it would be an easy hike for their first day in the mountains.

Emma commented, “This is a beautiful lake. There are so many huge pine and spruce trees here on this end of it.”

“Yes, and I like being able to look all the way across it to the other side, knowing that we will be walking around it,” agreed Cory.

Later Emma shared, “I’m glad we stopped at all the view areas and took pictures as we have walked by this lake. Now we are at the other end and I really like the designs on those rocks and the exposed roots of this tree here beside the path.”

She took several pictures of that area and then they walked some more along the path.

“I like those rocks and roots too, and now we are on the bridge over the outlet for the lake. I like seeing those mountain peaks in the distance at the other end of the lake,” stated Cory as he prepared to take pictures of them.

Emma responded, “Indeed, those are spectacular mountains and there’s no wind right now so they’re making a good reflection in the water. And as I look over there, I recognize Hallett Peak. Plus there are a lot of wildflowers in bloom right now.”

She had been pointing them out and naming the ones she knew as they had walked along. So Cory stated, “I like learning the names of the wildflowers from you, Darling!”

“I’m glad Dearest,” she replied. “I enjoyed learning about wildflowers from Vera. Remind me to show you my wildflower scrapbook when we get home.”

“Oh, for sure!” Cory exclaimed. “I'll look forward to seeing it. Plus I like the sound of home with you in the home where you grew up.”

The rest of the trail was more narrow and had a few up and down places, but it was still easy. They both liked the boardwalk across the upper end of the lake where they could see some of the canals made by beavers in the past. Then they got to the place where a stream entered the lake and there were lots of fish in the stream right there. They had also seen a few mallard ducks on the lake, and had noticed the pretty iridescent green on the heads of the male ones.

By then it was time to head back into Estes Park and find a place to eat supper, and attend a Saturday evening church service before going back to their honeymoon cottage where they had time for talking and then writing about the day in their notebooks and finding scripture verses for the day.

Cory’s verse was Psalm 148:7a,9, Praise the Lord you … mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars…

Emma wrote and shared, Psalm 147:8, God covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the mountains.

Then they really enjoyed sharing their intimate, married love again, and a good night of sleep.

In the meantime, Van and Nan’s honeymoon in Pine City was going very well for them, since they had chosen to not travel, but save money for things they might need on the ranch. They stayed in Nan’s studio apartment. She had given her landlords notice that this would be her last week there. The first day they slept in after the busy day of their wedding and the evening of exploring ways to show intimate love to each other. The book given to Nan by her parents was very helpful in this matter.

Later that day they decided to start each day at breakfast during the rest of their honeymoon, looking at the stanzas of a hymn and finding scriptures to go with them by using their concordances. So the second day they read the hymn, “Take Time to Be Holy.”

Van remarked, “This hymn goes very well with the two short books written by the teachers on the ranch and the farm. If we do what the title says to do, we will become honorable people.”

“I agree,” stated Nan, “and choosing good examples will also help us. I’m glad we’ve chosen to pray together and separately often, like the song says to do. I especially like Philippians 4:6,7, which says, Be

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careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

“So do I,” and then Van continued, “In the first part of John 15:7, Jesus said to abide in him and have his words abide in us. That goes with the second part of the first stanza, and your verse went with the first part and another part in the second stanza.

“Right,” and Nan added, “another part of the first stanza says to help the weak, and so does Romans 15:1a. We then who are strong ought to bear the frailties of the weak…”

Van went on, “Yes, and I like the thought that we will be like Jesus, and others will see him in us, as it says in the second stanza. I looked up 1 John 3:2b,3, which says, … we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man who has this hope in him purifies himself even as he is pure. This also goes well with the ‘Choose your Examples’ book”

“It sure does!” Nan exclaimed. “I noticed that the third stanza is mostly about being guided by the Lord, and then I found Psalm 48:14, For this God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even unto death.”

Van mentioned, “Very good, and I think the most important part of the last stanza is to have our thoughts under his control. And for that part I looked up 2 Corinthians 10:5b, and it says, … we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.

“Absolutely!” Nan declared. “I think this was a very good Bible study, and I like your idea of each of us keeping a notebook of studies we do individually and together. It will be a good way to review or to tell each other some of our other ideas.”

They went to church as usual that weekend, and then found a way to have a fun ‘date’ also on the same day. On the other day of the weekend, they went in Van’s car, which he informed Nan, was also her car now that they were married, and they drove to the mountains near Pine City and hiked to a waterfall and to a lake that Van knew about. They also did other fun things in Pine City that week, such as going out to a fancy restaurant for supper one evening after work, and on another evening they went to a concert with music they both liked.

Almost every evening, they shared their intimate love before going to sleep and experimented to find what each other liked or disliked.

Another morning during breakfast they looked at the Hymn, “Sometimes Alleluia,” which begins with the chorus and has the stanzas afterward.

Nan mentioned, “This hymn has such a pretty tune and meaningful words. The chorus says that we sing in one accord when we say ‘Alleluia’ or ‘Praise the Lord,’ because they both mean the same thing. I like the way many of the Psalms have Praise the LORD in them. I especially like Psalm 147:1, Praise the LORD, for it is good to sing praises to our God, for it is pleasant, and praise is proper.

“Yes it does, Dearest,” agreed Van, “and Psalm 71:8 goes well with the first stanza which mentions that we return his love by singing with our voices. It says, Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your honor all the day.”

Nan smiled at him and stated, “Honey, I like being your dearest! I feel very loved. I agree with your comment and verse for the first stanza. And the idea of sharing our feeling of joy with others in the second one sounds good. Psalm 66:1says, Make a joyful noise unto God, all you lands.”

“What a good verse for people who aren’t very good singers!” Van exclaimed. “They can just make a joyful noise to God. And Nan, I’m so happy to have you, the dearest person to me, as my wife! And now back to the hymn, stanza three speaks of telling people everywhere, about Jesus and his love, and I think it goes well with Matthew 28:19a, Go therefore, and teach all nations…”

“I think so too,” and then Nan went on, “The last stanza talks about the Spirit overflowing and it reminds me of John 7:38 where Jesus said, ‘He who believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of him shall flow rivers of living water.’ The next verse explains that Jesus was speaking this about the Holy Spirit.”

Now that they were finished with the hymn and Bible study they closed their notebooks and went into each others arms for some joyful hugs and kisses before going to their respective jobs.

Toward the end of the week, Van and Nan planned what would be the best way to get packed up and ready to move to the ranch. After they got moved, they both went and thoroughly cleaned the apartment so Nan could get back her cleaning deposit, by showing the landlords a very clean apartment. Then they took the things she had bought for the apartment and donated them back to to the thrift store.

On Sunday Cory and Emma drove over Trail Ridge Road, and the weather was perfect for them, warm and not windy. They parked at every viewing area. One area had a stunning view of more mountains in the distance, and they found out the name of them was The Never Summer Range.

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Cory remarked, “What an appropriate name for them since they are still covered with snow and this is summer.”

“I’m glad we don’t have to live in a place like that,” said Emma.

Cory was glad for another opportunity to hug and reassure her as he whispered in her ear, “Same here! I’d much rather live with you on the ranch, Dear.”

She hugged him right back and they enjoyed a long kiss after she echoed, “Absolutely, I’d rather live with you on the ranch, my love!”

On this drive, they saw the tundra they had read about in a book they had bought about the park. This land above the trees was covered with a carpet of very short grasses and flowers. They stayed on the trail made especially for people to walk through the area without stepping on the vegetation.

Next they stopped at the visitor center near the high point of the road and learned more things about these mountains. They also enjoyed looking at all the views out of the huge windows.

Later as they were driving again, they saw a herd of elk grazing on the tundra. Several of the bull elk had huge antlers that still had the velvet on them. It was easy to get pictures of them from inside the car by opening the window. They enjoyed all the views as they went along. It was especially fun to look down from the road and see rugged areas with lakes and cliffs and trees below them.

“After our drive today, I know a lot more about what it’s like to be up in the mountains,” Emma commented.

“Same here,” replied Cory, “and I’m glad we went down the other side clear to Grand Lake and hiked the short easy trail to Adams Falls, because it’s a pretty one and a nice place to eat our lunch.”

Emma nodded, “Indeed, I like the way it divided and went around those rocks in the center of the falls. I’m glad we both like waterfalls.”

Each evening when they returned to the honeymoon cottage they also read through the list of songs and scriptures and the pastor’s teaching for their wonderful wedding. It helped to reinforce in their minds how important the marriage and ministry would be.

This evening they looked up some scriptures about mountains.

Emma found Psalm 65:6, copied it into her notebook and then read it to Cory, “God, by his strength, set firm the mountains, being girded with power…”

“I like that verse,” remarked Cory, “and here’s another one. Psalm 90:2, Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth was formed, … from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

On Monday they filled the car with gas again and drove back to the Moraine Park Museum. This time they hiked around it on a trail and saw the amphitheater where park rangers could give informative talks to visitors.

Then they drove to look at the campground and stables in the area. Emma had suggested, “I heard Candy retell about Mindy and her parents, telling her and her family about their ride in this park. On their trip, they were able to see some of the park and take pictures from the horses since they just follow along after the one in front of them. I guess they don’t go faster than a walk either so we wouldn’t even have to post a trot.”

So they went on a two hour ride and saw and photographed that portion of the park from the backs of the horses. Most of the ride was single file so they didn’t have much chance to converse. But they made up for it afterward after they washed their hands and then ate their lunch as they viewed another part of the park. They both mentioned how it bothered them to not be able to care for the horses before and after their ride.

After lunch, they drove the short distance to the Cub Lake trailhead where they found one parking place open and gratefully filled it so they could hike the 2.4 miles to the lake. On the way they walked on a bridge to cross the Big Thompson River which is not very big here, since it’s pretty close to its source. Part of the trail climbed and became rocky. They could see signs of former wild fires in the area and at the lake. But the lake was covered with lily pads and flowers. They saw the little red elephant plants and got down on their knees to see the flowers that really did look like tiny elephant heads, just like it said on Nature Corner.

They also enjoyed the view of Stones Peak to the west of the lake. Best of all, they saw a bull moose in the water across the lake from them eating water plants. Talk about big antlers, and they were such a different shape from the elk’s!

Cory and Emma had a lot to talk about during their supper at a quiet cafe in Estes Park that evening. Later, they wrote their memories and shared the scriptures they wrote.

Cory remarked, “I found a verse about rivers since we crossed a little one today. Ecclesiastes 1:7 says, All the rivers run into the sea, and yet the sea is not full. The rivers return to the place from where they came. That verse reminds me about the water cycle God created.”

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“Perfect,” agreed Emma and it goes well with that lesson in ‘Become Honorable People.’ I found a verse about fields and woods. Psalm 96:12, Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice. It goes well with our horseback ride and our hike to Cub Lake.”

That evening after reading their wedding scriptures again, they took showers and celebrated their married love before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

Tuesday they hiked to Fern Falls, considered one of the most beautiful falls in the park. On the way they followed the Big Thompson River for a while and saw more evidence of former wild fires in the area. Then they reached the falls on Fern Creek after about two and a half miles. It was a spectacular 60-foot waterfall. There’s a lot of downed timber that had fallen across it in many places. But their camera had a good zoom lens so they also got a close up picture of the top part of the falls without the logs.

At this point they decided they would not have enough time and energy to go another mile or so to reach Fern Lake. Instead they planned to ride the shuttle bus to Bear Lake tomorrow, since that parking lot was always full. This afternoon they arrived in Estes Park with enough time to find a parking place and go window shopping in some of the unique shops along main street. They also found a nice restaurant for their supper.

Back in their honeymoon cottage they enjoyed more intimate time together after sharing their wedding scriptures and the ones they wrote in their notebooks.

Emma shared, “This verse is about giving God glory, Romans 15:6b,… with one mind and one mouth glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“It’s a very good one,” Cory responded, ‘and today I chose Proverbs 1:5a, A wise man will hear and will increase learning, because I’m looking forward to all the things I will learn from you and from our dad and mom on the ranch.”

On Wednesday they followed the plan they had made the day before. They would hike around Bear Lake and go about one half mile on up a trail to Nymph Lake, which is special because it has a lot of pond lilies blooming in the summer. Next is Dream Lake, a favorite because of its alpine setting with a great view of Hallett Peak. Then they walked around the north shore of that lake and started going more uphill through a pine forest near Tyndall Creek to reach Emerald Lake. They were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake with some jagged spires and Flattop Mountain across the lake, which sparkles like an emerald in the sunshine and is just as green.

Emma’s birthday was in May. The emerald is her birthstone, the kind Cory had bought for her engagement ring. This lake became one of their favorite ones in this park.

After reading their wedding verses again, Cory shared, I’m thankful that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, as it says in James 1:17. And you, Emma, my dear wife, are one of those good and perfect gifts!”

Emma smiled with tears in her eyes saying, “I feel the same way about you, dearest Cory. Being with you and going on today’s hike were some more of those good and perfect gifts. My verse for today is 1 Chronicles 29:13, Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.”

Thursday they realized they were running out of time already, so they had to choose between hiking to Bierstadt Lake, the other direction from Bear Lake, and then back down to the shuttle bus parking lot. It would be a long hike. Or they could get off the shuttle at the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead and hike to Alberta Falls and on up to Mills Lake or to a lake called The Loch, and from there on to Timberline Falls if they had enough energy and time. Either way would have beautiful scenery.

Later Cory shared, “I think it was good that we decided on the shorter hike because there was more to see. Plus, I’m so glad we chose to go to Mills Lake even though we would have seen Alberta Falls with either option. Anyway, that falls is extra special the way it falls thirty feet and then goes on in several divided tiers.”

“I think so too, agreed Emma, “and both lakes looked nice in the pictures we saw, but the trail to Timberline Falls was rated strenuous, so I’m thankful we didn’t take that one. Besides the trail along the side of Mills Lake was level and it led to Jewel Lake, which was smaller, but just as scenic.”

“Precisely,” and Cory added, “I especially liked the jagged peaks on the one side of Mills Lake. Then I enjoyed hiking back to the trailhead the same way we had come up, to wait for a shuttle to take us back to the car.”

Emma stated, “Yes, I enjoyed the views going both directions.” Then she shared her scripture verse. “Psalm 104:17a,24, … the birds make their nests (in trees)… O LORD, how manifold are your works, in wisdom you made them all, and the earth is full of your riches!”

“Amen!” Cory declared. “This verse is how I feel. Psalm 98:4, Make a joyful noise unto the LORD all the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praises. Let’s sing the song that goes with this verse.”

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Friday was the last day of their honeymoon trip because they wanted to be home for the weekend. So on their way back to Pine City, they drove south on scenic Highway 7, along the eastern side of the park and went into the park again at the Wild Basin entrance. Their goal was to hike to Ouzel Falls, and on the way there to see the lower and upper Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. The round trip would be close to five and one half miles. Both of the Copeland Falls were very pretty even though they aren’t very high. The Cascades roared down a rugged, rocky hillside, and Ouzel Falls fell 40 feet over a rocky cliff. It was named after the water ouzel, which is the other name for the little gray American Dipper they had seen their first day in the park at Chasm Falls. Yes, they did get to see another one at this falls too!

They ate the last lunch Emma had brought with them at the lower Copeland Falls and then they took turns driving back home to the ranch. While the other one was driving they each wrote a summary of their last hike in the mountains and found a scripture verse to go with it. They got home to the ranch in time to help Vera fix supper. After supper and cleaning up, they told Oscar and Vera some of what they had seen and done, including their last hike and verses.

Emma shared, “I like this verse in Psalm 36:6, LORD, your righteousness is like the great mountains, and your judgments are a great deep, and you preserve man and beast.”

“I like it also,” Cory stated, and I chose this one to go with our ministry here on the ranch. Psalm 72:3, The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

It had been a very special honeymoon for both of them, and they would remember it for a long time. Telling Oscar and Vera about it and showing them their pictures added to their pleasure. They also looked on the web for pictures of Rocky Mountain National Park through the seasons and were amazed at the amount of snow that fell there in the winters. Emma was extra glad she didn’t live in the mountains. She’d rather look at them from afar like she did from her home, which would continue to be on Mercy Valley Ranch.

 

Hebrews 10:35, Do not cast away your confidence,

which has a great compensation of reward.

 

Epilogue.

The rest of the two months that Cory and Emma and Van and Nan were able to spend in their houses on the ranch before their fifteen and fourteen year old girls were assigned were helpful and delightful. The two couples often went horseback riding together. The young men were able to ride all of the horses they hadn’t tried on other rides. They decided they liked each and every one of them.

Sometimes while they were riding, the young men took time to ride beside his friend from school. They talked about how happy they were with their wonderful wives. Nan and Emma also liked this time to visit with their former roommates and share how much they liked being married.

Another thing they did during those two months was to visit Roger and Liz to observe their teenagers and how they were parented. Then they would get to ask and get answers to their questions. They did the same with Seth and Christi and their girls. They especially visited and observed Evan and Candy’s new family since they now had both fourteen and fifteen year old girls again.

After one such visit, Emma remarked, “I don’t remember acting like the younger girls in any of those families.”

“I don’t imagine you did act like them, Honey,” reasoned Cory, “because you had already been brought up correctly by your foster parents since you were eight years old.”

Emma conceded, “You’re right of course, Dearest, I hadn’t thought about it that way. I’m really glad we got to observe and then get our questions answered. Now it will be easier for us when our girls are assigned to us.”

“Same here,” and Cory went on, “and I think we’ll do very well. I’m especially glad we will only get them one at a time and each one will have two weeks to get settled before the next one comes.”

Van and Nan had similar experiences when they observed the other families. Also the two couples took the training for foster parents together on the web and spent time talking about what they learned as they went along. Then they got their licenses.

Separately, the two couples did inventories of the equipment in the houses and since some things were getting tattered or seemed out of date, they made a list of things they needed to buy. They also did fun couple’s activities, plus deciding on rules, tasks, and ways to help their girls. During meal times with Oscar

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and Vera they got many questions answered! And besides, they decided that Emma would ride with Vera and Unice on their shopping days one day a week. They could drop her off at the high school to visit the girl’s teachers and ask how they were doing and get ways she could help them.

On one of the days, the four adults in their house worked together on a budget for the expenses of a Caring Foster Home. The wages Cory was earning from his home based computer business would more than cover those. They would save any extra, and all the money that would have gone for rent and utilities in special accounts earning interest, so they would have it to use later. They would also save money to buy a newer van whenever it would be needed. Emma was very grateful for not needing to get a job in the city.

As each day of the two months passed, they felt more ready to begin their new ministry because in the process of getting prepared, they had also gotten used to being married, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Both of the young couples were thrilled with the way God had worked everything out so they could live on this wonderful ranch and work here together for Jesus!

On Mercy Valley Ranch Brad and Irene, who were the first ones married in this novel, and Jose and Lisa who were the next ones married and now living on the ranch, were seated on the lawn of the new big house. Their girls were playing their version of kicking a ball to certain locations along the edges of the lawn.

Lisa mentioned, “I’m so glad to see that our girls have become friends with yours, and that they get along so well.”

“Same here,” agreed Irene. “I’ll admit that I was worried about whether we nineteen-year-old girls would be grown up enough to become mom’s so soon after the going-away party and our weddings, but just like he promised, Jesus has helped us all along the way!”

Brad reasoned, “Both of you ladies seem very mature to me. And I'll have to admit that I worried about my own ability to be a dad to abused teens. But all the things I’ve learned from the Bible, the church, small groups, evangelism classes, and the book called ‘Be Like a Tree Planted by the Water in the Sunshine,’ have really helped me a lot.”

“Yes,” agreed Jose, “you were able to learn and put it all into practice very quickly. I’m thankful the rest of us had time to live on the ranch or farm, in my case. It gave us time to assimilate and practice what we were learning and also to decide that we desired to continue the ministry of mercy here at the ranch with our own lives.”

“Well said, Dearest,” Lisa congratulated him. “And I think we’ll continue to learn as we go. To me, it’s awesome the way God brought each of us together with his choice for our spouse. Perhaps this is the reason we are able to be good parents for our foster girls.”

The others nodded and they all praised the Lord together. The other newly married couples on the ranch and farm had similar things to say or think about being happy with their decisions of where to live and what to do with their lives, and the progress of their foster children. Those couples were Hugo and Ellie, Roger and Liz, Seth and Christi, Ned and Hanna, Cory and Emma, and Van and Nan.

Though she was not on the ranch, Stella was the most surprised that she actually did get married, because she had convinced herself that she should stay single. But she couldn’t be happier than she was with her husband, Ron, and their combined careers as they served the Lord by being pilots who help missionaries.

As for the most recent singles, many of the young ladies and men were still praying and waiting to know what God’s plan was for them. These include Ruby, Nora and Kathy, Dana and Wendy, Darla and Rita, Gina and Helen, Edna and Libby, Bonnie and Kate, Flora and Reba, April and May, on the ranch, and Warren from the farm, and Mike and Alex, and Eric and Lane, from the cattle ranch.

Lois and Vicky and Sylvie and Kendra are happily learning all they can in Kosuke’s evening classes and are doing their best at the jobs the army has given them to do during the day.

Pedro and Luis are very happy with their careers of being single chaplains wherever the army sends them, and they relish the times they get to come back and visit when they’re on leave.

1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 personalized,

I pray that the God of peace may sanctify you completely

and that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who called us is faithful and he will also do it. …

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

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