It appears that I am now finishing the first third of the contest. Since I have a busy schedule today, my post may not be too long. You can thank me later.
Regarding faith. My family life was difficult. My father was an Air Force pilot. My mother was a housewife. That’s because there were three children and also because my father was transferred every 3 or 4 years. My parents were Lutherans, although I believe any church we attended was more due to my mother. Her parents were of Norwegian ancestry. In fact, my grandfather and mother were born in Oslo.
In the military, the preachers are also Air Force personnel (Chaplains). I can only recall a few services we attended. Still, I have always been drawn to God. In some of my stories, the protagonist could sense the other side when young. That was me too. Of course, it was also too many years ago to count.
I have always had a Bible. Now I have two. I also have read Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism. One of the bits in his Tao de Ching mentions that the best government is one that leaves you alone. I also own a Bagadvad Gita, although I have not read it yet. Clearly, I was most drawn to Lord Jesus, and still am today.
Now, I am on a journey to read the Bible. I have read the Books of Moses and the New Testament. After hearing some of the words of the Prophet Isaiah, I started to read the books of the famous Jewish prophets. I am now in the book of Jeremiah. Isaiah spoke about the decline of Israel around 800BC. He also prophesied the birth of Jesus. So far, Jeremiah seems to focus on how God will destroy Israel as the people have turned to idol worship. Perhaps many of you know how that book turns out. I do not want any answers. I will finish reading it and move onto the next.
Reading the history of the Jewish people is fascinating. Unfortunately, it seems to mirror what is happening right now in our world. I hope that somehow things can turn around. I do not think I am ready for the Lord to return and render justice.
As always, I encourage you to check out the blog posts by the other authors participating in this challenge. I know you will learn a lot about how people think. I wish you all the best.
Congratulations on finishing the first third of the challenge! I’m enjoying your thoughts and comments, Karl. Best wishes!
Hi Karl–Though we didn’t move around, my father often had to travel by himself around the country to get work. He was in construction (he was a pile driver). He also went to Canada often (Nova Scotia and Newfoundland). He spent nine months in Kansas City once. Little did he know that I would marry someone from there! Happy Monday.
Wanda, that sounds like a rough life for your father. My father was home most of the time, until the Vietnam War. He had two 3-month TDYs, and one full year in Saigon. His absence was a challenge for my mother and brothers. Military folks are often 100% devoted to their jobs.
I lived in St. Joseph, Missouri for two years in the late 70s. It’s just a one hour drive from Kansas City. Believe me, there wasn’t a lot to do in St. Joe. We went to Kansas City a number of times.
Hi, Karl,
Go for it! I have read the Bible through several times or more. Each time, I read it, some verse sticks out that I am sure I read a dozen times but it finally becomes more real to me and I see the meaning. Yes, Isaiah is the Prophet that prophesied about the coming of Jesus. Jeremiah is also a great book to read. I won’t tell you how it ends. But Isaiah and Jeremiah are two of my favorite prophetic books.
Reading Jeremiah, you cannot help but compare what is going on in the western world today with what happened in his time.
All the best.
Shalom shalom
Pat, thank you for the positive review of Jeremiah. As I mentioned, the parts I’ve read so far focused on how the locals had turned to craven objects to worship. God was not thrilled about that. I look forward to the coming chapters.
Karl, thanks for letting us into your world.
Now enjoy the rest of your day!
Congrats, Karl and reaching this milestone in the challenge. It’s great reading your posts.
Hi, Karl,
How awesome to reach this milestone in the 30 day challenge! You’re getting it done! I’m also reading Jeremiah. I’ve read it many times before and each time see something new. I read the Bible daily and find myself being drawn closer to God in the process, while He seems to draw closer to me. The journey is worth it!
Blessings,
Patty
Patty, you are so right. My faith in the Lord is the one thing that saved me at my worst point. I went from being terrified of being alone forever. Now, I don’t worry about anything. The Holy Spirit is with me always.
Pat also said that Jeremiah is a great book. As I told her, the parts I’ve read so far were all about how sinful the Israelites had become. I’ll keep reading.