Greetings from the road, my dear Siestas! Well, to say that Keith Moore and I are having an adventure is our official understatement of the year. If you watched the SSBS wrap up (Tuesday’s post), you know that Keith and I have done something highly uncharacteristic: pulled out of our driveway in a large rented RV and hit the road with little more than an atlas and two rather sizable hounds.
My coworker, Sabrina, was going over my August calendar with me about a month ago and said, “You have a week of vacation coming up and you should take it. Beth, the rest of us take actual vacations. Some of us even take three weeks a year. Where could I make you and Keith some reservations?”
So I began to think and think and talk it over with my man. Ever since my surgery, I just haven’t been able to work my physical body into the ground like I used to. To tell you the truth, that’s a gift from God. He probably never meant for us to work as hard as I have worked in the last twenty years. This time, I knew I wanted real time off. But where? Keith’s spiritual gift is giving so I knew he’d give me any kind of vacation I wanted but there’s one little factor that grossly limits our choices: we want our two little buddies with us.
That’s when this wild idea hit us. My man has been trying to get me to do this RV thing for years but I couldn’t quite picture, for instance, washing and drying my big hair in it. Believe it or not, that was one of my lesser worries. My greater worries are not suitable for public conversation but as you can clearly conclude, I decided to try my best to overcome personal obstacles. Novices that we are, we’ve had moments of questioning our sanity (like, for instance, at night when we can’t actually sleep in it) but, overall (during daylight hours), we are having a blast! Keith will not let me drive but I am the world’s best map-reader and a sight-seeing enthusiast so we make a great pair.
I will just give you a few highlights (or low lights depending on how much you appreciate trivia) because I can’t stay on here very long. I’m only getting this opportunity because Keith hardly slept all night and has now finally fallen asleep and snoring loud enough, God love him, to rock the entire RV. I may need to take some Dramamine. (Did I spell that right?? Spell check is letting it pass but, for the life of me, I have never noticed the “drama” in Dramamine before. That I have not overdosed on it is a wonder.) Geli and Star are also staring a hole through me like, “Is this what we came here to do? Seriously? Just sit here in the RV? Do you know what kind of good smells there are out there right now??”
We drove over 10 hours on the very first day from Houston to Caprock Canyon State Park in north Texas. At half past midnight, we backed the RV into a space that, lo and behold, had a broken electrical outlet but we didn’t realize that was the problem. We thought either our RV was malfunctioning or, more likely, we were inept. We blessed the other campers by sleeping (all 4 hours) with the generator going. But when we were able to drink enough coffee to peel our eyelids off our eyeballs, these were a few of the scenes around us:
Can you believe that’s in TEXAS??? Absolutely breathtaking. We loved it so much. Then, yesterday we got back on the road and spent all day spying gorgeous countryside on our way out of the Lone Star State and into New Mexico. Geli and Star were in dog heaven. They love traveling this way and, as I tweeted yesterday, they suggested we buy this thing when we get home and drive around Houston in it. Finally, we understand their needs, they said. This was the scene behind us much of the day:
It’s a wonderful thing to have an I-phone on a road trip. At all times I can find the nearest Starbucks. I can also find charming restaurants. This was one of them yesterday.
Keith got a big old plate of beef enchiladas, New Mexico style, with red chili gravy that made your eyes water. I had a hamburger steak because Kimberly, our darling young waitress, said it was good. I had a hard time overlooking the sandwiches because the menu said all of them were made with homemade bread but I’d had enough sandwiches in the RV to let that dream go. As God would bless me, my hamburger steak came with a side of “Texas Toast” (thank you again, Texas!) that was, you guessed it, made out of HOMEMADE BREAD. It was two inches thick and grilled on both sides in butter. I could bawl about it but, of course, I’ve had only about six hours of sleep in two days. I’m telling you it was the Texas toast of my life right there in New Mexico. As we paid out, our waitress said, “Ma’am, can I ask you a question. Is there any chance your name is Beth?” Turns out her Daddy is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in that town. It was a delightful encounter and we thanked God for it.
We made it to our second destination about 9:00 PM last night and will be here one more night. I have on a jacket and I nearly froze to death last night. All my Houston home-girls hate me right this minute.
I’ll catch back up with you in the next day or two but I’ll leave you with the most surreal sight of the trip thus far. We purposely chose the scenic highways that looked like long ropes through ranch lands as broad as tongue could tell. Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado are all famous for those. We saw beautiful horses and tons of cattle and that was just in Texas. Once we crossed the first border, we hit New Mexico where the deer and the antelope play. And seldom is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day. Home, home on the… Sorry, Siestas. I’m just overtired. To get back to my story, before we left Texas, we passed by a typical wide-open pasture with horses frolicking and manes flowing in the wind. Nothing unusual about that except that these were all miniature horses. The kind that would stand about as tall as my waist. No, not Shetlands. Miniatures. Like stuffed animals. In herds. I have never seen anything like it. We weren’t at a place where we could pull of the road with our big Daddy or I would have taken you a picture. It was the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen because everything else about the scene was absolutely normal. It was like the horses didn’t even know they were supposed to be taller than three feet. Suddenly, I pictured a remake of The Wizard of Oz set in Texas instead of Kansas. Pitch those red slippers, my little pretty! Put on some hot pink ropers and follow that yellow brick road, Girlfriend. You’re about to have the ride of your life.
These are the things that amuse me.
I’ve enjoyed saying hi to you, Siestas! My man just got up and, from the look of things, I better put on another pot of coffee. We love you. More than anything, we love loving Jesus with you. I am asking Him to refresh our souls and grant us some sweet revelation while we’re on this trip. I pray the same for you, Darling Things, whatever you may be doing right now. He can meet with us as easily while we fold clothes and wash dishes. It’s all about whether or not we ask Him for eyes to see.
I’ll talk to you soon!
TOO FUNNY!!!! Laughed so hard and I really needed that! Thanks! May God bless your trip in a fantastic way!
Thanks for sharing this, Ms Beth. This is definitely my kind of fun! I really love being on the road with those I love, especially if I am not doing the driving. I am usually the one pointing out cool things and saying, “Look!” or “Did you see that?” So it makes for lots of distraction if I am driving.
SO HAPPY that you are taking this time away with your husband and precious dogs (loved the pic of them). I had been praying along the same line as what you mentioned since I saw the video earlier this week. Also praying for some rest for you both. I have resigned to the fact that vacations/trips are usually the last places to get sleep but I does not stop me for praying for rest. BON VOYAGE!
Ms Beth,
Just got back to Houston (aka the Oven) from my trip to San Diego, CA. My sister, myself, and our “little sister” (actually a cousin but we are just too close so we call each other sisters) took a mini road trip from SoCal to Northern CA while I was there. I figured you and Mr. Keith most likely did not drive out that far, but I kept checking each RV we passed on the road to see if I would spot an adorable couple with their precious two dogs looking out the window. Was praying you had a blessed week and hope you did. I am exhausted from very little sleep this whole week, and yet SO FULL. Have laughed more in a week than I probably have in the past 6 months (and that’s a lot of laughter for someone who loves to laugh). Thank God for family! Miss them already.
“For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child….
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise” F. Pierpoint
I can imagine the dialog between Gelli and Star: “I don’t see any vittles on this table do you Star? Might as well enjoy the view!” What a cute picture of your pups! I am looking forward to all these two will teach us in Bible study, as Beanie and Sunny taught us thru Mama Beth!
And now Beth, we hope you have a good rest cause we are looking forward to the study you are working on in the book of James. (no selfish thought on my part, no siree!)
I love it! So thinking of doing (almost) that. The Lord has put such a need in me to see everything mighty He has created in our lands. Praise Him.
Have fun!
I just love that you share your life with us!!! I bet the waitress had been standing there going, “that has to be her!” “Is it?” “looks like her” “i’ve got to ask?” “What would she be doing here?” And then when you told her “yes, I’m Beth” I bet she was like “yes! I knew it!!!” Love you and I hope you have a wonderful trip relaxing. Many blessings.
PS. That’s Drama Mine In Dramamine hmm… Wonder if the creator of that medicine used that play on words on purpose. Now I’m going to be self-conscious each time I use it. I’ll have to reread SLI. Grin
Loved this post….we are getting ready to do the same thing! Have always wanted to experience an RV. Just don’t want to leave our big dog at home!
Beth, I just missed you and Keith by 30 minutes at the Lifeway store in Amarillo. I had stopped in to buy the listening guide for your Revelation study that my group begins in September. The clerk said, “Guess who you just missed?” Needless to say, I was disappointed that I missed you. Your studies, and I think I’ve done every one, have meant so much to me and my spiritual journey. God has blessed you with so many gifts which you, in turn, have blessed me more than I can say. Hope you have a wonderful adventure in your big RV. 🙂
Hope you have a great vacation and manage to get some rest! We bought an RV last year and we absolutely love it! We don’t have dogs that come along with us but we do have 2 daughters ages 6 and 8 and I’m convinced that camping is a great family bonding thing! I’m like you though, I like my creature comforts (i.e. electricity, bathroom, coffee maker) so the RV is great!
I’m glad to hear that you got away for some relaxation!! I live in MO, but I am currently in Houston visiting family. My sweet brother in law was kind enough to drive me across Houston to see your Living Proof office. It is beautiful!! One of your dear staff members was leaving for the day so we got to chat for a few minutes. I didn’t know about your summer Bible study on line until recently. I plan on joining you next year!
May God bless and guide you as you work on the Bible study James. I am looking forward to it!!
Love it! Made my day.
Sounds like a vaction in heaven…really….just your husband, dogs and an RV in the good outdoors!!! All those “incidents” just help make the memories. Have fun!!
Believing Him~Experiencing Him~Pamela
That sounds like so much fun. My hubby talks about someday doing the very thing you’re doing right now. I couldn’t help but chuckle when you wrote about blessing the fellow campers with your generator all night. We love road trips. Half our traveling videos are of our dog flapping his jaws in the wind as he hangs out the window. Have a wonderful time together! And if you want to stop to camp by us at Mount Lemmon in Tucson, AZ I can find you a great Starbucks close by!
Loved the picture of the dogs. God Bless you with wonderful times on your road trip. Bless your work and passion for Jesus and for us.
Beth,
Just some sisterly FYI, don’t know about you but dramamine makes me drowsy but a a friend told me about another motion pill called “bonine”. I even take this one so I can ride roller coasters with my family!!
Also, I am so thankful you are an idiot like me! In your series “Measureless Love” when you explain the heavens (being so big and flamboyant with your hands) then THE EARTH (like being a dot). I LOVE IT! I will remember HIS GREATNESS BECAUSE OF YOUR IDIOCY! Thanks, becky
Haleluiah! You deserve to just kick back and enjoy some of God’s county with your man and pooches. Thank you for sharing. . . My parents took the three of us kids around the country for 9 months in an RV when I was a 5th grader. I did the same for 1 month with my son when he was a 4th grader. Those are still some of the best memories of my life. And where I honed my navigation skills. Enjoy every mile and may the Lord reveal his Glory all around you. I Love you sista 🙂
oh beth! you kill me. i nearly busted out in laughter at my office desk as i read the words “they were like stuffed animals…in herds!” ’cause you have to understand my imagination. i’m now picturing this grand texas landscape and a sunset but with Winnie the Pooh and the gang running through the open range. My, my, you certainly know how to put an end to a working girl’s boredom! Love,
Jordan
Well this just can’t be now…I just came from your lecture 7 in the Revelation Study this morning. You had on a snazzy black outfit and your hair did not look anything like it had been done up in an RV bathroom. How in the world can you be in so many places at once!!!???
Seriously, I do wonder how you do it all sometimes…just reading your schedule makes my head spin so I am soooo glad you are taking this well earned break with your man and your puppies (who are clearly enjoying the ride).
I will pray that God will reveal Himself in a fresh new way to you as you explore His gorgeous creation. Having just done a trip out West this past June I can testify that there are plenty marvels to see there and I can also witness to those unexpected COLD nights. (I shivered my way through 5 nights in a tent…begged for a hotel after the first night but none of my 5 guys would have it – its terrible to be in the minority in those situations).
As for me, fresh revelations have been abundant through your Revelation study this summer – it is a good one Siestas (as they all are)! Get your hands on it as soon as you can! It has definitely increased my wonder for the Great God we serve and made me want to see many many more know His greatness before its too late. Thanks for all the work you put into it Mama Beth.
May you and Keith find tons of quaint yummy restuarants and may the Starbucks rise to meet you when you need it most!
Have fun!
CC
This isn’t a re-run of the movie “RV” with Robbin Williams, the Christian Version of course? LOL
I totally get that washing and drying the hair bit; I am with you all the way on that. My boys and husband like tent-city, which I totally do not get!
Ah! When they are sleeping and snoring, that is best time for me to write, some of the best writing is done; also, just me and God time. What is really funny is when you are writing about the sleeping and snoring rocking the trailor! I have three snoring men and one who talks in his sleep_now that’s a nightmare.
Sounds like you communion_with the bread and some hot stuff! I bet the waitress was surprised to see you.
__My family and I travelled from California to Florida when I was a kid. We went to Yosmite National Park, Disneyland, Hoover Dam, the Alamo etc. Would you believe I got the mumps? One doctor thought I strep throat and gave a shot. Later, my mom took me to another doctor which told me to stand back I had the mumps and he hadn’t had them before. I passed them to my sister, then my sister passed them to my cousin. Fun trip!! LOL
Enjoy your vacation, Ms. Beth!!
As if the post was not a load of fun to read already, when I got to the last line I nearly bawled. I am posting that as my status on Facebook today and may even have it tattooed on my arm! (just kidding…but I bet you were shocked for a split second!) Beth, you are a blessing in so many ways and this transplanted Texas who is now in Tennessee just loves how you love the Lord and encourage us to do the same. THANK YOU!
It’s always fun to travel with Beth!!!
Loved this! I don’t know if anybody else does this, but when I read the things you write,I always hear it in my head in that unmistakable Texas drawl you have. Being a Southern girl myself I truly love a well told story with lots of detail. You never let me down! Praying for happy trails and good times.
sounds charming. Last week was me and my husband’s 4 anniversary, and we took a little camping trip to northern new mexico. We live in Las Cruces, NM which is about 45 miles from El Paso, TX. We got home on Monday and yesterday I finally caught up on my sleep. Other than that it was totally refreshing. I’m hoping the same for you… and I’m sure it’ll be much better because you’re sleeping more than a sleeping pad away from the cold, hard ground 🙂
I never take Dramamine anymore since I found about about ginger capsules! They take away motion sickness and there are no side effects! Get them at Walmart in the vitamin/herb aisle.
Glad you’re having such a great time!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
THANK YOU so much for sharing about your latest trek! I would love to know the positives and negatives about traveling via RV as my husband has been wanting to do that kind of trip for quite awhile, or would like to use a tent which I am not interested in doing. I love him dearly, but… We travel from Florida to Arizona a few times a year because our child and grandchildren live there. Sometimes we go via plane other times we road trip in our SUV. It’s a long haul but worth it(2200 miles). We usually stop in Montgomery, Texas for two nights to break up the driving time and spend time with friends. Praying you and Keith are truly blessed as you take time to relax and smell the roses.
Question for you bloggers … how are you getting your profiles pictures set up? I can’t figure out how to do it on this blog. Thanks!
This was a great post! I am very much a hotel kind of girl for a vacation (I like the break from cooking/laundry/cleaning ect.) so I’ve never been interested in doing the RV thing either BUT we recently got a new puppy (you can see pictures of him on my website) who has stole our hearts – he’s seriously the cutest thing ever and loves us like crazy (we can’t have kids so our 4-legged-furry-kid is very much our “child”) and I’m just dreading boarding him so we’ve been considering the RV thing too! Seeing your dogs enjoying the view makes me want to do it even more. We’ve talked about renting an RV to give it a try – we may just do that now! Thanks for sharing Beth!
Thanks for visiting Caprock Canyons State Park. Next time let us know your coming and we will make sure to have a RV site that works!
Enjoyed your blog!
Donald Beard
Park Superintendent
Caprock Canyons State Park
http://www.facebook.com/caprock.canyons
I pray that you both have a very restful sleep tonight, filled with sweet dreams from above! Also for adventerous and safe travels on the road trip.
We’re still “camping” out in a little pet-friendly suite with our 2 cats, dog, turtle, and 3 kids. Our oldest daughter moves into her dorm at Alabama this Sunday,(ROLL TIDE), and we’ll move into our wonderful new home next Friday! 🙂
p.s. We’re trying a new church up here this Sunday too. Another sister in Christ has invited us, and I’m so excited to fellowship with believers! 🙂
p.p.s.s.
I think we found our new church home up here in Tuscaloosa! Yesterday’s worship was awesomely rich, and the folks were so welcoming. My entire family had nothing but good to say about the whole visit!
love your post.
my husband would do this in a heartbeat.
perhaps your adventure will inspire me to do one day.
nnnnnnnnaaaaaaaa
just heard you are coming to Lubbock in 2011!
so excited
I would love to go RV-ing again. I haven’t been in a long time. I have 8 dogs. I never intended to have 8 dogs but that’s what I have ended up with. All corgis and one very precious, old basset hound. Anyway, it looks like you had a well deserved blast. Thanks so much for sharing all of your pictures. I just love them!!
I figured it out! Nevermind …
Y’all are people (and dogs) after my own heart. I love the adventures. I love the pictures. (Especially Jelli and Star.) I love the waitress/cashier. I love that you have the Starbucks app. I work there:) I think this trip sounds amazing! Traveling to each state in an RV has always been one of my 3 biggest dreams. Along with wk at Disneyland and wk at Living Proof. How fun you are!
a vacation trip to Living Proof!!Oh what a vacation that would be!!! Sign me up!!!
You are surely having a wonderful experience. I was hoping and daydreaming you were coming Missouri way and I might run into you in some line at Starbucks or something!!! But this way i WILL “SEE” NEW VISTAS THROUGH YOUR EYES. i LOVED HEARING ABOUT THE MINIATURE PONIES…. Hugs!
There is nothing finer than to be in an RV with your man and your dogs, we do this every fall, and it’s the best vacation we could ever have! I pray for your safety while traveling, pray for God sightings on the way, there are so many we sometimes overlook…a smile, a hug, a tree, a brook, a bird, etc…love ya Beth, and enjoy your vacation!
My dream vacation! Enjoy! I actually decided recently that in two more years, me and my kiddos are going to homeschool our way across the U.S. and back all by ourselves with high hopes for renting an RV to make things easier. I can’t wait!
Beth, I loved this daily portion of your adventure. As long as you have the Lord with you, your husband that you cherish, and in this case your doggies too, you are certainly blessed.
My mother died two weeks ago and my hubby and I leave on an Alaskan cruise this coming Monday. The Lord knew this timing a year ago when we booked our travel dates.
I’ve been praying and praising the Lord. I can’t wait to see the work of his hands up yonder. (Alaska and Heaven! LOL)
I’ve been leading your studies for several years and when I get back we will start “Breaking Free” in Sept. Am looking forward to it very much.
Thanks for the post…..it makes me feel like I’m on the road with y’all!
although I have to say, when I read you were in an RV the first thing that came to mind was the scene in movie “Christmas Vacation” when cousin Eddy pulls up in Clarks driveway and declairs “that right there Clark is an R-V!” Love that movie!!!
Have fun and be safe! Can’t wait to see you in Lexington next weekend 🙂
Oh Beth, I love hearing (reading) all of your adventures! So glad you and your man are having a great vacation together (with the doggies!). Love to you!
Hi Beth!
I am so happy you and Keith and your “buddies” are on a Great Adventure! And how precious us it that your waitress recognized you!!! That must have been the talk of the town that day for sure! You are so precious to all of us!
I am in Colorado Springs right now myself at The Broadmoor Hotel celebrating my 47th bday with my husband, my dad, two of my sisters Shavonn and Vicki, along with their husbands and also my oldest brother and his family. This is the nicest place I have ever stayed in my life! PS. They also welcome 4 legged friends if you want to check it out!!! 😉
This hotel holds a lot of history and special memories for the Schneider Family. My grandpa, Percy Kaler worked for Mr Penrose over 80 years ago and laid all the tile and marble in main lobby. The marble winding stairwell is a sight to behold and is the centerpiece and talk of the main bldg. Moreover, this is the place my mom and dad had their very first date and my dad asked my mom to marry him that same evening!! Can you even imagine such a thing??! They were just 6 weeks shy of being married for 50 years before Jesus called her Home.
Every morning I wake to the view of Cheyenne Mt which is part of the Rocky Mts. I also overlook Cheyenne Lake. It is spectacular!! I can’t even get over the fact that the Lord blessed me with such a gorgeous view!! I thank Him every morning!!!
I will pray for your and Keith’s safe journey as you trek across our beautiful nation. Enjoy this cool weather we have been having because all too soon that Houston humidity will get a hold of our hair again! You are so loved!!!
I love it when you ramble! God used your rambles today to distract me from my seriously broken heart. Thank you so much for sharing as much as you do. Our sister was right, it is fun to travel with Beth! I always so enjoy the comments everybody makes when they get going. It really makes me smile! : ) Blessings and double blessings of refreshment to you and your man.
I have always wanted to rent an RV and see the Southwest. Just your initial post has re-fueled that desire. I can’t wait to see more. Generally, I am not one for camping/outside adventures. More a Ritz-Carlton kinda girl. But something about going where you are taken and enjoying the scenery along the way appeals to this Christian girl. You deserve the break. Be safe and have fun!
Dear Beth
God has used you in my life to keep my eyes on Him and His truth over many years…I have never commented before, but the last line of this blog entry this morning brought me quickly back to the truth that He will give me eyes to see if I ask…So, I am asking for eyes to see his hand on my son as he is deployed in just a few hours on a special mission to a hostile area far, far away!! Lord, give me new revelation of your power to keep us!!
Thanks for all the love you show for our Father and for us in the powerful words God speaks through you!
Bless you,
Sandy
Sandy, praying with you for your son and a double-dose of Grace for both of you. I’m a big fan of our military and the families that support them. God bless y’all!
Dear Sandy,
Your post touched my heart. My husband just came home from a thirteen month deployment to Iraq. My sister who has only been married for five years has watched her man go to Afganistan twice. We will be praying for your son.
My prayer for you is that God will give you a scripture to cling to. Some kind of promise that is special for you.
BIG HUGS,
Michelle
Wow, I just left my Gulf coat environs for a minute and saw colorful, rocky mesas and pretty ponies with their manes and tails flying with the wind! I love all of the journeys you take us on, dear Beth, each one with its own personal message from above. Enjoying His handiwork while you refresh, refuel, and recreate sounds like the very BEST vacation! I am happy to see you taking that much needed siesta, my Siesta!
Love,
Fran
Beth,
If you get a chance you jut have to rent the “Long, Long, Trailer.” It’s an old movie starring Lucille Ball and Desi.
It is hysterical all I kept thinking about was that movie as I read your post.
A must see for you and your man 🙂
Love,
Geri
http://www.theeyesofmyheart.com
That was just on Turner Classic a few weeks back. I so agree that it would be perfect to rent and watch. You and Keith will laugh your heads off.
Geri – you spell your name the same way my little sister does. I love her so. Have a blessed day.
Beth,
I am so happy to hear you are enjoying our beautiful state of New Mexico. I am pretty enamored with it myself. (I’m originally from North Carolina, and always assumed NM was sand and cactus). I hope you have a wonderful time on the rest of your trip.
Kelly R.
A godly woman with a great sense of humor! What a blessing you are, even on vacation. Love u Beth, have a great time!
Oh Siesta Momma! I’m so glad you are taking a break even though it sounds like not much of a rest. 🙂 I live in that north Texas part with the beautiful canyon. It IS amazing! On your way home you should stop and see the crazy cars that are buried right outside our city…it’s a famous landmark where some man in our lovely town decided it would be fun to bury his cadillacs. Only in TEXAS!! Have fun and be safe!
This post was too funny to me – I remember from either a live event or a video study your “issues” with the idea of RV’ing. I thought when I read the title – how in the world was she ever convinced to do this?!? Heehee I hope you and Keith are blessed and refreshed after your travels!
Hey siestas, this comment is totally unrelated to Beth’s recent “Ramblings From the RV” but I wanted to share it.
I have been watching Beth teach ‘The Healing Heart’ on Life Today and last night I found this little tidbit story.
Like many, I feel that my heart has been yanked out of my body, spit upon, stabbed.. then run over by a Mac truck. A bit severe, I know, but life turned left about a year ago.
Anyway, I love stories that give me “word pictures”. I have known for a few weeks now that it is time to move beyond my current difficulty but I wasn’t sure how.
Here is the story title: Bear Hugs Kettle
A group of hunters were suddenly called away from their camp. In the rush to leave, they left the camp fire unattended with a kettle of water boiling on it.
While they were gone, an old bear was attracted by the fire and crept out of the woods. When he saw the kettle he prompty seized it. (I doubt seriously that a bear would really do this but hey…it’s a story. :))
Ok…so the hot kettle began to burn his chest and arms and the water sloshing out scalded his hair off. Being in shock, he did not drop the kettle but instead he kept hugging it… tightly. Of course, the tighter he hugged, the more it burned him and the more it burned him, the more he hugged it…to the undoing of the bear. And we all ask…why? Hang in there, this is closer to all of us than we want to admit.
Ok…illustration explained. This is the way that many of us amplify our difficulties. We hug those difficulties by constantly rehearsing them to ourselves and others instead of dropping the “kettle of hot water” and giving the wound a chance to heal(there is a period of time that hugging is okay – it is part of the healing process).
So… whenever we catch ourselves thinking about our grievances, we can try to remember, “Bear hugs kettle” and switch gears in our mind to think about the presence of the Lord God in our lives. I find that I am tempted to “hug my hot kettle” at night when I am trying to go to sleep. ‘Tis a challenge, I know, but…”He will do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or think.” We have access to the exceeding greatness of His Power. Wow…ponder that for a second or two!
I hopes this helps someone.