THE HOMESTEAD

August 14, 2018August 13, 2018 | lindamowles

The term “homestead” means a family’s home, including the house and any other buildings or lands that go with it. Often, we think of it in terms of a large tract of land, but that is not necessarily required.

However, there is an area in Tennessee, along the Cumberland Plateau, where a New Deal Subsistence Homesteads community was built. There were about 100 of these communities throughout the country and the Tennessee community is evidence of the ingenuity, hard work and dedication that these folks had.

Of the initial 233 families selected for the Cumberland Homesteads project, 30% were distressed farmers, 30% were unemployed miners, 30% were unemployed textile workers, and 10% were struggling professionals (including teachers, nurses, and a doctor). Architect William Macy Stanton, who designed a number of buildings in TVA’s planned city of Norris, created the basic design for the homes and other buildings at the Homesteads. The community’s first stone houses were completed in late 1934.

Although the original purpose of the Homesteads project failed, the community survived, and over half the farms remained in the hands of original homesteaders through the 1950s. Indeed, the homestead house design is still visible if you drive through the area. There may be some additional rooms added, but the basic homestead house design is still identifiable.

I was speaking with a gentleman who was a child when his parents received a homestead. He said that they would build the barn first, because that would house the animals that they needed for food and it would hold whatever equipment that they had to use on the farm.

He laughed and said that, since there was no glass on the barn windows, the rain would come in through the window openings. That meant that they needed to see which way the wind was blowing so that they could move their hay mattresses and clothing to the other side of the barn so they would not get wet. This was a vivid memory, and I suspect he could feel the damp hay even as we were speaking.

The Homesteads water tower provided a source of water as well as serving as the social headquarters for the community.

Today, the water tower building is used as a museum recording the existence and perseverance of the community that thrived there almost 100 years ago. In the museum area, there are hundreds of letters, pictures, and personal items, many of which provide an interesting view of life in the rural Cumberland mountains.

The typical homestead house was made from the stones that were on the property itself!

Telephone communication was certainly not something that could fit in your pocket! In fact, you will notice that the only way to speak into the phone was to put your mouth up at the phone itself. You would hear by using the ear piece attached by a cord hanging on the side of the phone box.

This is a picture of a Conlon Zephyr which was a type of ironing machine. Indeed, this was state-of-the-art in the mid-1930s. The little sign on the fabric reads:

“Flowered feed sacks were welcomed bonuses for the farm wife. She carefully chose her colors and patterns for making dresses, quilts, curtains, etc.”

The wood stove kept things toasty in the kitchen, likely the area most folks would congregate during the harsh winter on the plateau.

In our world, things always are subject to change. Today in 2018, we in the United States certainly do not live like they did in the 1930s. We have electricity and we have cell phones. Most of us don’t use feed sacks for curtains or clothes. Some would argue, I suspect, that some of the changes in modern days are not for the better, while other changes have surely made our lives significantly easier. But like them or not, changes have, and will, come. Things change.

But there is One who does not change, and I am referring to our God and Father. Scripture says:

“”For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Malachi 3:6

God, Himself, is saying that He does not change – a characteristic that is totally foreign to us. He is immutable. He is the same today as He was before creation even existed. And, He will be the same when time is no more.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.“

James 1:17

Christ’s divinity and His immutable nature is highlighted by the writer of Hebrews when he says:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.“

Hebrews 13:8

Praise the Lord that He is unchanging and that His promises are, therefore, secure. This gives the believer security to know that when we have been adopted into God’s family through faith, we can trust God not to change His mind and “unadopt” us because of something we have done.

No man can slip through His fingers into the breach of hell if that person is a child of God and has expressed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God neither changes His plan, His covenants, His prophecies, nor His justice. In other words, God is dependable – God is immutable, unchangeable!

While things change in our world, we can be secure in the knowledge and conviction that our God does not change. His perfect plan for us will be accomplished no matter what the circumstances surrounding us may be. Thank Him, today, for His wondrous love and mighty strength to keep us in His arms throughout the turmoil and change that we see all around us.

Father, the old hymn says “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” and those words are true. Christ is the Rock on which I stand when all else around me is tumbling and changing, when the world is rushing to evil and violence, when even Your people are abandoning Your Word. Father, I pray that my Homestead is in heaven, secure in the grip of Christ my Savior. I further pray that You would use these thoughts to encourage, challenge and strengthen those who read them. May Your Spirit move in our world, today.

A DROP FOR THE LORD ACCOMPLISHES MUCH!

November 1, 2016October 31, 2016 | lindamowles

We went camping at Spring Lake RV Resort in Crossville, Tennessee for a weekend away from the frenetic activities that seem to have overtaken us lately. The campground has a lovely lake with a beautiful fountain and swan, quite the picture. The Lord brought numerous thoughts to my mind while I was staring, almost hypnotized by the falling water from the fountain.

spring-lake-island-swan-and-fountain — Spring Lake RV Campground, Crossville, Tennessee. Picturesque and a quiet respite from a frenzied world.

For some reason I thought of the difference between a drip and a drop. “Not much” you say? Perhaps not, but there is a nuance that favors one over the other, at least as far as personal characterization is concerned.

As a noun, the definition of the word “drip” does include the word “drop” but it also includes the words “trickle”, “dribble” and “leak”. These words reflect, to me at least, some lack of intent … in other words an almost accidental event.

As a noun, the word “drop” has the definition of “the quantity of fluid that falls in one spherical mass”. As far as synonyms, the words include “bead”,”globule”, and “dewdrop”. (I don’t want to be considered a “globule”, but …)

Returning to the fountain, it seems to me that the water sprayed from the fountain and formed drops of water, not drips of water, and those drops rose and then formed an arc when they fell back into the lake.

I further noticed that when the water drops hit the face of the lake, they didn’t just go down into oblivion … rather, they hit the surface and had an effect on the lake, they sent ripples out into the lake.

spring-lake-fountain — Close up of Spring Lake campground fountain and ripples.

In other words, the lake was not the same after the water droplets hit the surface. Each drop had an impact on the lake itself, even though it was small and not all that “important” in the overall scheme of things. While the ripple from an individual drop may not have been huge, the combination of them reached far out into the lake.

So too, we each can make an impact on our world to the glory of God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit as we reach out and share the gospel story of Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross for His people.

We may not be a great preacher, or an important teacher, or one who has a voice which is heard by millions. We may be simple folks who love their family, who work in an inconspicuous role at their church, who sing as a choir member but not even as a soloist.

We may be in the background and think that we are just a small drop, not much to look at and without much effect. We may even think that we are not important enough or smart enough or loving enough … but if you are a Christian, you are part of the fountain that is the Body of our Lord, and each part is important because Jesus Christ died for each one of His people.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2.

Each of us can reflect His love, compassion, and zeal for spreading His gospel to others who need to hear the “Good News”. That is the race that which is before us and we cannot run it if we are weighed down by sin.

Praise God that when we ask the Holy Spirit to bless our work and then we do what we do to our best abilities, through His power, God will use our efforts and our impact will change our world. And, I believe, that the “great cloud of witnesses” will rejoice as we fulfill the work that we were ordained to do.

Today, pray that you will reflect Jesus to your world. Even if you feel as miniscule as a droplet from the fountain, remember that each drop impacts the lake in its own way. Remember too that you have been chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His gospel to the “world” into which He in His providence has placed you, and He will empower you to do so.

Don’t be a drip — don’t trickle or drizzle around without power or strength.

Be a drop for our Lord — have an impact for Christ on the people you come in contact with as you live your Christian life through His word His power. Your effect will be multiplied when you join the rest of the drops as together we ripple through society, spreading the message one drop at a time!

Father, thank You for sending your Son to die for my sins so that, through faith in Christ alone, I can join the millions of other saints who will glorify your name throughout all the ages. I pray that You will guide me as I live my life so that through your power, I will give witness to your Kingdom on this earth. And, at the end of my days, may I join the “cloud of witnesses” who will rejoice at the coming of your Kingdom on the earth.

FOUNTAINS, REFLECTIONS AND POWER

October 7, 2016 | lindamowles

We were camping at a beautiful little campground in Crossville, Tennessee, Spring Lake RV Resort.

spring-lake-campground — Spring Lake RV Resort, a panoramic view of peaceful campground.

Although the fall colors were not yet in their fullest, it was clear that they would be brilliant very soon.

In the morning, the cool air held the promise of a beautiful day as we sat eating breakfast looking out at the lake.

used-spring-lake-breakfast — Eating breakfast outside with a view of the lake before us. God’s creation is magnificent!

In the evening, the air was crisp, requiring a shawl for me, as Bill and I sat on the swing and looked at the stars through the hanging pine branches overhead.

One of the most relaxing and mesmerizing sights for us was watching the fountain in the center of the lake that began its work about 9 in the morning and continued, nonstop, until dark.

Having worked on a number of water cases during my law practice, I am well aware of the importance of aerating lakes and ponds so that the water does not stagnate and cause all sorts of problems in the environment. So I understood the reason for the fountain.

But having knowledge of the characteristics of lakes and ponds and the variations of fountains and aeration systems did not eliminate the mesmerizing magic of watching the water shooting into the air, of seeing the mist going higher than the water itself, and then following the arc of the water spouts as they turned and plummeted to the lake’s surface.

spring-lake-fountain-and-ripples — Fountain and ripples on the lake from the falling water.

In the morning, as the sun rose over the lake, the fountain became even more hypnotizing when its reflection became apparent.

spring-lake-0648 — Fountain spray reflected in the lake.

While thinking about the reflection in the lake, I also thought about how Scripture says we are to reflect the image of Christ to those with whom we come in contact.

We have just completed a 25 week series on the Fruit of the Spirit in this blog. As I often noted in discussing the fruit that the Holy Spirit wants to grow, nourish and blossom in our hearts, minds and souls, the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s is to transform us into the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In short, we are to reflect Jesus Christ to those we meet during our day.

Paul says we are not to conform to the world but we are to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, see Romans 12:2:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

In Romans 8:29, Paul describes the transformation that occurs in the Christian through the Holy Spirit when he says:

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

The reflection of the fountain in the lake is not the same thing as the fountain itself. The reflection has no power of its own; it cannot make an impact on the lake because it is just a reflection.

Likewise, when we speak of “conformed to the image of his Son” we are not talking about physically looking like Jesus. Nor do we have any power of our own, like the fountain reflection; we can do nothing apart from the source of our power, our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Rather, we are Jesus’ image bearers to our world. We are to have the same attitudes and spirit of the Lord. What matters to Him should matter to us. His response to people should be our response to people. His sacrificial compassion should be evident in how we treat others, putting their needs ahead of our own at all times.

But, we cannot do it on our own because we are sinful and God’s way is totally counter-cultural and against the ways of the world. On our own, we are like the reflection of the fountain – powerless. We must be transformed before we can do Christ’s work in the world.

That required transformation comes by the work of the Holy Spirit, so we should cherish the development of the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts because that is evidence that we are growing in our Christian walk. Then, when we are walking in the Spirit and the Holy Spirit is working on our transformation into the likeness of the Lord, we will be able to impact our world for the glory of God.

The challenge – don’t be just a powerless mirror reflection of our Lord, one who says words without faith in action; one who does good deeds without telling of Jesus. Connect to the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to transform your heart and mind into the image of our Lord. Then you will have His power to spread the Good News of the Gospel to those you meet throughout your day.

Father, forgive me when I have failed to reflect your love to others, when I have neglected the needs of those around me, when I have put myself ahead of others on my list of importance! Transform me from a powerless reflection into the vital image of your Son through the continuing work of the Holy Spirit so that I can be an effective witness of your power, grace, mercy and love. May I spread your Gospel to others through your leading and your strength.

BOO-BOOS AND PRIDE!

August 30, 2015August 30, 2015 | lindamowles

Boo‐boos. That is one of the terms for that time in a child’s life when they hurt themselves. Children from time immemorial have scraped, cut, and bruised themselves by running without watching where they were headed, focusing on playing with some toy while they are walking around, jumping off a ledge onto a hard surface, or perhaps playing with a sibling and coming out on the short end of the stick! Whatever happens, when there is an injury, the child comes running, crying, to the parent or caregiver, pointing to the newest boo‐boo.

All of us hope and pray that the injury is not serious enough to require emergency medical attention; and, for the vast majority of boo‐boos, we are correct. The kiss from Mom or Dad, the hug from Grammy or Papa and a decorated Band‐Aid will usually take care of the hurt.

Then too we have the child who gets injured and for whom medical attention is required. Broken arms and legs do not heal well on their own – they need the expert guidance of the physician to set the bone and secure it until the body is fully healed.

Little boy's cast after breaking his leg. — Little boy’s cast after breaking his leg.

While adulthood gives some perspective to hurts and difficulties of childhood, simple aging does not eliminate the existence of boo‐boos nor does it stop the creation of new ones. Now, most of my boo‐boos do not result in physical injuries or marks for which a colored Band-Aid or designer cast is the remedy. [Okay, I did break my ankle when I fell on vacation in Alaska and that resulted in surgery with scars on both sides of my foot … so some of my boo-boos are actually physical, but the majority are notl]

Oh no, most of my boo-boos are much more subtle. They are much more longstanding, and they have significantly greater consequences if left to fester without repentance. And, they usually cannot be healed by my actions; rather, they need the expert hand of the Great Physician to attend to the wound.

The temper flare‐up when I feel that I have been misused.
The gossip passed from my lips under the guise of enlisting prayer partners.
A sudden fit of blindness when I fail to lend a helping hand to someone in need and who is plainly in my field of vision.
Doing something good but then being upset when I think that I have been ignored.
And countless others … need I go on?

I expect that your boo‐boos are not the same as mine – we each are unique in our ability to err and not follow God’s will for our lives. But, I suggest that, ultimately, for each of us, it comes down to pride. Are we going to submit ourselves totally to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? In all things? At all times?

The goal of the Christian life is that we live so that we are transformed into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While that is the goal, Jesus knows we are human and that we cannot live a life without boo‐boos.

In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young provides thoughtful daily devotions that are written as if Jesus is talking to us directly. For the devotion for May 9, she refers to Romans 8:28 and Micah 7:7 and then says:

Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live an error‐free life is symptomatic of pride. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me. I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes. Trust Me and watch to see what I will do. [Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2004.]

Yep, it all comes back to pride. I want to do it my way – or I don’t want to do what He commands – or I think I can accomplish it in my own strength – or … well it comes back to the focus on I/ Me/ My rather than Him.

All we see are the minute details of our own lives. We don’t see the effect our actions have on others. We don’t know how our words affect others for good, or bad, and we cannot anticipate what the future will be for anyone. We see our mistakes and lost opportunities, and sometimes we see good things that happened along the way. It is as if we are seeing the fabric of our lives on the backside of the fabric, the side where the knots are. (The picture below is of one of the quilts on display at the DAR Museum in Washington D.C.; it is a floral applique quilt that was created in 1840-41.)

Floral Applique Quilt [circa 1840-41] on display at DAR museum in Washington, D.C.

God, however, sees the front of the fabric and sees the pattern that He has created for each of us. Read Psalm 139, especially verse 16, where the Psalmist is describing God’s intimate knowledge of him and saying:

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Our days were written in God’s book even before we were born. Clearly, our lives are the design that He created for us, and He will develop our lives according to His plan, including our boo-boos. In fact, sometimes what we may consider a boo-boo is transformed by God into the door to greater blessing than we could ever have imagined!

Praise the Lord that He is able to take my boo‐boos and use them for my learning, growth and ministry to others. He promises to take both our good and bad choices and use them as part of the fabric of our life in Him. (Picture below was taken at the Homestead Museum of the spinning wheel and quilt reflecting life on the Homestead in Cumberland County, Tennessee.)

Quilt and spinning wheel on display at Homestead Museum, Crossville, Tennessee.

Praise the Lord! The sinless One cares for me and He helps me overcome and heal from the boo‐boos of my life. There might be a scar or two, but that’s alright. Jesus has scars too, and His were from the nails that were meant for me!

Praise the Lord for His unfathomable love and grace.

Father, thank you for sending the Lord Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sin. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your obedience to the Father’s will and for your atoning sacrifice for me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for quickening my heart and for your presence with me to guide and direct as I live for my Lord. Forgive the boo-boos that I have created and grant mercy as I continue to live my life so that I may bring glory to my God and my Savior