October is Special
By Doug Harrell
Mitchell County
October has always been special to me for many reasons, one of which is that this is usually the month that I take off on vacation for a week to ten days. For many years we have made a family trip to the north woods of Wisconsin to go bird hunting. Some of you think that hunting and shooting a little bird is a sin and a crime. I don’t see it that way at all. The good Lord gave us dominion over the animals and things on this earth. He provided quail to His people when they were wandering in the wilderness.
The primary thing about these trips is that they have been trips of togetherness for the family and some friends as well. This tradition started back in the 1970s with my mother, dad, myself, and friends. Most of those who were with us in those days have already crossed over to Jordan. For many years Barbara and I would go along with Mother and Dad and our relationship was cemented during those years. As our sons got older we took them along on the trips as well.
Over the years after Mother and Dad passed I took sons and grandsons, now I am taking great-grandsons and have for the past few years. There is something about spending time in God’s great outdoors that molds a person’s character and makes them appreciate His handiwork.
I know today many of you prefer the beach and others prefer camping, as well as lots of other activities and places. I just really encourage you to invest in time with your family. As you are doing that, put importance on reminding them and teaching them about the great creator, the one and only, the God of it all. Don’t neglect taking time to share God’s word and His promises with your family and companions. Most of all, make sure that your actions and motives while you are out and about always reflect your belief in Jesus Christ and let that be known by your behavior.
It is not just your time in the pews of a church that sets the pathway for you and shows others the way life should be lived, playtime behavior is just as important as prayer time on Sunday.
Now I know that those of you with children who are back in school have, for the most part, are back in the routine of school, and vacation time is behind you. That is okay, holidays are ahead and there will be time in the coming months for family time of sharing and caring. Always be aware that your actions matter, wherever and whenever. God never sleeps, His word never stops being true. Always strive to be that light on the hill, that beacon of hope, that lighthouse that guides and leads the way.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 KJV
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Doug Harrell is a lifelong resident of Mitchell County, Owner of Harrell Hill Farms, a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church, and former publisher of Blue Ridge Christian News. You can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/doug.harrell.77
You can read more good Christian News from Doug Harrell HERE
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