Thanksgiving
November 23rd, 2006 by Jim VTonight we went to church for a time of singing and hearing people talk about the things that God has done in their lives this past year - followed by a time of eating pies. Makes me think of some of the things that have happened in the past year. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to be a steward over a little portion of God’s land and animals. By the grace of God my children are growing up and turning out to be productive, godly young people. They are pitching in with the work on the farm without complaining - except maybe that Dad takes too long to milk the cows. There are always challenges, but we are getting through them. This week we have had two cars in getting major repairs at the same time and in the last couple of months we have had to get through milk fever and mastitis in a couple of cows. Yet, during the last year we have become more of a part of the farming community around us and have especially developed a good relationship with one neighbor who is a descendant of some of the first settlers in this area in the 1850s. A couple of my children have helped him with haying, picking rocks and now with harvest. We are taking care of his dairy cow for the winter, milking her twice a day. My wife is planning to help this neighbor’s 77 year old mother with her garden, which this year covered roughly half an acre. Next year, the size of this garden will probably expand.
I am privileged to live in a country that still allows Christians to meet in public without fear of being hauled off to jail. Four years of my life were spent in Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. I know what it is like to live in a country dominated by Muslims, and it is not good. I have had Muslims tell me that I belonged in the graves in a city near Mecca where Mohammed massacred those who did not follow him. If the low birth rates of Europeans and the high birth rates of Muslims living in Europe continue at current rates, much of Europe could be come dominated by Muslims in the next couple of generations. I shudder to think of my children and grandchildren living in a Muslim dominated country or world. May God give us the grace to raise many godly children who will influence our society and agriculture for the good. More important than the stewardship of our land and animals, is the training of our children. In many ways, the farm as just a training ground for my children, as well as a way to provide food to strengthen their bodies.
Jim V
November 23rd, 2006 at 11:02 am
Jim,
The attitude of Muslims toward Christians is really something terrible. I know Pastor Josh was stationed in Kuwait and says the same thing. There’s some problems ah coming down the road.
Tom
November 23rd, 2006 at 6:31 pm
Hi Jim and Tom!
While it may be true that many Muslims are intolerant of Christians, Hindu’s and others and have done great harm to others in the name of their religion. It is also true that many ’so called’ Christians (even some of my close friends) are calling for the complete genocide of all Muslims throughout the world.
It is also true that Jesus taught us to: “Love your enemies and pray for those wo persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 44-45
And yes, Christians and Jews can list a large number of extreme grievances perpetuated by Muslims going all the way back to Abraham. On the other side, Muslims can list a large number of grievances including the slaughters during the Crusades to these present days’ events. Much death and suffering has occurred throughout history in the name of spreading the ‘true religion’.
It may very well be that religious conflict between the great religions in the mid-east may very well lead to the end times and the battle of Armageddon. I don’t know, being a student of world events, it does seem that there is a gathering of armies.
But I do know that thru it all, God promises that He will always love and guide those who follow His word.
I pray for peace within our own hearts even if it isn’t possible throughout the world.
November 23rd, 2006 at 6:53 pm
Steven,
So right you are, and thanks for pointing it out.
“But I do know that thru it all, God promises that He will always love and guide those who follow His word.”
Amen to that!
November 24th, 2006 at 11:22 am
I was talking to my horse trainer about this very subject the other day. Steven’s right on it as well.
This makes me think of Proverbs 3″5-Trust in the Lord with all your Heart.. and lean not on your own Understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path”
GP in Montana
November 26th, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Steven,
My intent was not to imply that we should hate Muslims, but to allude to the little value Western Society places on children. Western society is in danger of ceasing to exist, purely due to demographics. Places like France are only about two generations from having the Muslim population be a majority, due to the low birth rate of the French coupled with the high birth rate of North Africans living in France. In the United States the situation is not so dire, but since the birth rate of Americans is just around replacement level, immigration and other forces could hasten the elimination of all vestiges of our Christian heritage. Obviously other factors beyond demographics are coming into play to cause the downfall of our nation, so acting as salt and light in this nation is a multi-faceted task.
Jim V