Monday Morning Rant 18

Ah, New Years Eve! Zion Beckons wishes a Happy New Year to you all. As I look back upon 2007 I have to admit that if nothing else, it was interesting. We started with an ice storm which tested everyone’s mettle. It also revealed much Christian goodness and neighborly love. The old saw is that anything which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I tend to agree. I find we are far better prepared today to meet an emergency than we were on January 10th. I sincerely hope that is the case for you as well, regardless of where you live.

When we became reduced in services, we became aware that our Amish neighbors must be made of sterner stuff. They certainly didn’t notice that the electricity was interrupted. About the only difficulties we had in common were downed trees. They even had us there. They used the wood piles which accrued for fuel. For them little changed; livestock got fed, the wash hung out to dry and the little ones went to school as if nothing had happened. Good people and wonderful neighbors are no doubt, a gift from God.

As winter turned to spring we received an inordinate amount of rain and enjoyed plant growth of exceptional measure. Our little patch here in the Ozarks bloomed, recovered, and delighted us. Our farmer neighbors stopped worrying about yields stunted by drought and enjoyed the bounty. We also didn’t have any cares about the well keeping up with the laundry and the dishwashing – not to mention the showers.

Also in the spring, Jan’s book (The Book of Mark) was published and we had the opportunity to share it with many in the Restoration. Yes, it’s available on Amazon. The teens love it. Editor's note: They do?

As summer came, so did the heat, but the flowers seemed to like it so all was well. The summer also brought continued discontent with the hierarchy and concern over the future of the Restoration. Over the next few months we cemented our relationships with many Saints of a more orthodox persuasion. It was in July when we launched “Zion Beckons.” As a result, we enlarged our contacts even more and were constantly amazed at how many good and faithful people there were. When we looked at the details of who is looking at the blog we find people from all over the country log on and many spend a great deal of time reading.

As the year moved on there was an Orthodox Saints Reunion at Odessa Campground which was one of the spiritual highlights of the year. It was invaluable for the purpose of furthering existing relationships and forming new ones as we met for praise and worship. The good spirit present at Odessa was felt by all, and hopefully taken home and shared with others. Given the opportunity next year, it is a must.

In the fall the spirit of reunion was still in my heart so I visited half of my twenty grandchildren in Las Vegas and Tucson. To be with them and also to visit with old friends is yet more evidence of the great goodness of having God at one’s side. They all provide overwhelming evidence of understanding and eagerness to do His will. His message must be powerful to reach so many.

If you have read the previous post, you are well aware of what the balance of the fall entailed. While a matter of great concern, the center of attention in our lives still is abiding by the will of our Master. Despite personal matters, it is not an appropriate time to ignore His concerns. Rather, it is a period which should involve much prayer and contemplation on the power of God and how to utilize that power in our lives.

What does 2008 hold for us all? God knows and will share it with us as required. I do know that He will not require us to face anything for which we do not have the strength. I think of the great prophets and disciples of earlier times and marvel at how much they were able to endure to preach and teach and do the will of the Master. I firmly believe that these qualities exist in men and women today. They will need our support in the coming year. If we don’t readily recognize them, ask God, He will point them out.

While I don’t pretend to be an able prognosticator, there are a few things which I believe you can count on in the coming year. If we hold fast to the scriptures, we will have our plans for doing His will in our grasp. If we can offer our opinions in a spirit of love for the hearer, we will become more persuasive. If we can love our God with all our might and mind and will, all will be well.

Happy New Year,

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon