On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Followers

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Summertime Fun Hodgepodge

We are "lakin" it this week in the Hodgepodge! Join in the fun with the questions from Joyce and link up at From This Side of the Pond!



1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

I think your lake looks pretty inviting. Is there a clear lake somewhere with a sandy bottom, and no snakes or gators? I would think that might be up north somewhere so that would be my choice. 

I found this on the Internet.
North Carolina

But then I remembered what a blast we had at Turner Falls, Oklahoma. It wasn't a lake, but a great place to swim. Very cool under the falls.



That's Jason climbing up the ladder. 
He busted his knee pretty good on this trip.

When we were kids, Daddy would take us to either the White River or War Eagle River in Arkansas to "swim." None of us could swim, but we all had a great time splashing in the river. 

As an adult, my late husband and I camped every year for two weeks on Lake Ouachita. All the family would set up camp and every day we would load up our boats and head out for our favorite island. We would spend the day floating on the lake, water skiing, lazing on the beach, hiking on the island, and cooking out over a campfire before going back to our campsite in the evening. Nice memories ... except for the rattlesnakes! Our miniature dachshunds loved camping.

photo credit
Lake Ouachita

Our boat loaded up at 6:30 a.m.

fishing boat

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

I don’t drink fruity drinks, but I do remember having some good strawberry tea in a local tea room.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were-clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead.

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple?

Cleaning as I go. It’s best to always leave the room the way it should be.

Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

I need to clean up my computer, delete a ton of emails and pictures, and unsubscribe. I have tried to unsubscribe many times, but sometimes I think they ignore my request because the emails continue. Delete, delete, delete.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

I began job searching even before graduation and landed one in an insurance company. After being there two months as a floater, I was promoted to Secretary to the Comptroller. So I worked in downtown Tulsa, enjoyed every single day of it and bought my first car. I also spent a lot of weekends at the lake house my friend's parents owned.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

No. As I work in the house, sometimes I listen to teaching on the radio, but most usually when I am in the car. My favorites on the radio would be David Jeremiah or Jack Graham. 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

That’s tough to say. It depends on the person, the marriage, the kids, the environment, and their own personal discipline to be consistent. I think fathers may have it easier in some ways such as providing better material things for their family, but my main concern is it is getting more difficult to teach values to them and be able to shield and protect their children from all the world is bombarding them with. Parents are competing with too many outside distractions and ideals being pushed on the kids that are morally wrong.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

My dad was a man faithful to his commitments, and I trust I have that quality, too.


My Dad

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The Orlando tragedy was indeed a tragedy. I am moved by the thought that not one of the people injured or killed had any inkling that day that their lives would end or be drastically changed by the event. Someone who was on the scene remarked that everyone was having a good time and just getting ready to have their last drink before closing. They didn't realize it would be the last one they would ever have. This weighs on my mind.

None of us know when our last day on this earth will be. Be ready. That's why the Bible says, 

"Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth." 
(Proverbs 27:1) 


Be ready! How? God has already provided the way of salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died to save us from our sins and rose again from the dead to give us new life. Through faith in Him you can be prepared for the life beyond.



Jesus Christ promises,“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. (John 5:24).



Be ready! When? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Now! 

Tomorrow may be too late!






15 comments:

Linda said...

What a perfect ending to your Hodgepodge...Be ready...yes ma'am.

April said...

Powerful random thought and so true! I was born in Arkansas and lived not too far from Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. Also, my grandparents lived not too far from the White River. Miss my HOME!

Melanie said...

Perfect ending! We are not promised the next minute. I've not been to very many lakes in my life, but I do remember one in New Mexico called "Bottomless Lake". We went there when I was a child. I don't know if it was really "bottomless" or not. I certainly never went in it. Have a great day.

maddie/cadesmimi said...

I enjoyed your memories and pictures for #1.
Yes, your random thought is so true! I was brought face-to-face with this reality when Ed suffered his (widow maker) heart attack, nearly 8 months ago. Fortunately he survived, and since then, we live each day as if it's our last.
Kathy (Reflections)

LV said...

What a great post and message. I am a firm believer in making the best of each day we have. I am thankful when I get out of bed and start a new one.

Carla from The River said...

Thank you for your random. So very true.
Your dad's photo xx oo what a smile. :-)
Have a blessed weekend,
Carla

Theresa said...

You look like your dad. That photo with the slides looks like so much fun. Sounds like you've had a lot of fun summers :) Amen to your random thought. Thanks for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

I love that rock. The sliding rock. Wish I was there!

Joyce said...

There's a great big high rock in our lake people jump from. Hubs already has his eye on it and I imagine I will be talked into jumping one of these days too I suspect it's even scarier looking down, but it looks plenty high from the water too. Yes there are so many reminders to be ready. I feel a sense of urgency about family members and friends these days.

Arlene G said...

Bonnie thanks for dropping by Nagaland today. I always enjoy reading Hodge Podge as several of my blog friends do this on Wednesday! it is a good way to get to know everyone.

Suzanne McClendon said...

What a happy photo of your daddy. :)

Your #8 is a great reminder. We should always be ready.

I've been to Tulsa before. We ended up there when we had to evacuate for Hurricane Rita in 2005. It was the first big city that I had been to that's layout made any sense. I had to go to the Walmart there for something and make it back to our hotel. I'm always getting turned around and lost. Not that trip. I made it to the Walmart and back without a problem. I was very happy and surprised about that. I think David was surprised that I made it back, too!

Have a blessed day!

Linda said...

Turner Falls!!! That's where I need to take Louis Dean!!! In my 'other life' we would rent a cabin there in November and spend time with missionary friends home on furlough. In later years, I took my two youngest there for day trips with another homeschooling mom. It will be nice to go back in THIS life and visit there once again!
I agree! Orlando has truly given us a wake up call.

shortybear said...

good answers

Terri D said...

What fun you all had visiting the river and those beautiful water falls! Your #8 is right on. None of us know what tomorrow will bring and we do need to have our own house in order and be prepared. Sad, sad horror though. My heart breaks for the families and the injured, as well as those who escaped. I'm sure they have issues to deal with too. Horror.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I grew up in Illinois and enjoyed the lakes. I won't even walk near one when I visit family in Florida!!! Now that looks like a fun place to go swimming. I enjoyed working out of H.S. too. I felt all grown up even though I still lived at home. Love the photo of your dad. Those are heavy thoughts about their last day....my prayers are with them, their families and their friends.