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God Brought Comfort during our Losses The children saw it as the most fun adventure of their lives. Every night daddy sung them to sleep and there were so many new things to explore and fishing trips. Frogs and salamanders and wild animals were their delight. Home school had more science lessons and far more variety than ever before. We always had the food we needed and strength to cope.
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| "And when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something better, which would last forever. Do not lose courage, for...just a little while longer, and He who is coming will come." Hebrews 10:34-38 Good News |
  The
day after my sister's memorial service, I returned to the task of packing
up our clothes and household belongings and moving into tents on a little
piece of land in the country. On paper, we sold our home in Portland to
the neighbor. We did not see any money from this sale. The school loans
and taxes had liens against it but they did not see much of it
either. Our neighbor had signed the earnest agreement and it was
being processed. A few days later when we declared bankruptcy, the lawyer
of the bankruptcy court decided to declare he had found the buyer and
should have $18,000 for his part of selling our home. He declared we had
"abandoned" or property. Then the real estate agent said he
should have some too. It was dishonest for we had sold the home ourselves.
It had taken over a year of negotiations and expenses with lawyer drafted
agreements. It really was disgusting and painful to see that justice
had fallen in the streets and there is little justice in our court system.
We chose to sell this home to pay off our debts but others grabbed what
was intended for debt payment. We felt robbed! We left this
comfortable home to camp in tents. We hoped eventually to build a little
cabin. Tent living is very cold and wet. Pictures were ruined, piano and
all furniture destroyed. Cooking was extremely difficult. Every
thunder and lightning storm left our beds full of water. |
 High
winds ripped the tents to shreds. We were miserable yet the bankruptcy had
not cleared off the school loans for they had just passed a law it could
not be done. It had not cleared off taxes from two years. We were still
under their ugly threats of taking even our land from us. Where would we
go next? Would we have to live under bridges? We prayed to God for His
protection. My husband lost his job during this and had only part
time work three hours from our camping place. Those debts not erased in
bankruptcy plagued us. They refused to consider the expenses of
serving rural America. They treated us as though we were hiding things
from them. We had been strictly honest but perhaps they had never
seen honesty and assumed we were lying. What has happened to our country?
Our country has been founded on principles of honesty. Abraham Lincoln was
known for his strict honesty. We value this trait because God does.
In Revelation 22:15, He says those who love and make lies will not
be included in HIS heaven.
We had tried hard to pay all our debts but it became impossible and our country has bankruptcy laws like God's laws of freedom from debt every 7 years. This law God made for those who had fallen into bad times of sickness, death and loss. It was God's way of setting people free and our country had these laws built into it by God fearing, Bible believing men. |
| God has very serious things to say
about people who make lies. I leave it all to Jesus to take care of. I
feel sorry for people caught up in this sin. I will just count my
blessings and go on from here.
It is a great dishonor to prevaricate, to falsify, to come to terms with men because they have spoken that which is not true, for the love of a little money to degrade the soul. The Word of God condemns all such practice. It is a common thing with some to sacrifice conscience in order to obtain an advantage or to be thought greatest. The man who sits at the feet of Jesus and learns His lessons will say as did one of old, "Unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united." {17MR 233.2} |
 We
had lots of good food and made the camping as delightful an experience as
possible. The bird songs sounded so sweetly outside our tents. We read
many story books by Sam Campbell on nature themes. The oldest son had the
challenge of creating energy to run our camper's water pump. He learned
all about solar energy and generators and other practical things he never
would have learned. The chores were endless so the children learned
responsibility. They scored high on their school exams so we were content
all was actually causing healthier, more responsible citizens for society.
They learned gardening and how to chop wood. They had little time for
mischief. They were never into any gang activities. I am so thankful.
When winter approached that first year, God provided a 50 year old trailer set that did fine for a shelter. The wind and snow were kept at a distance from our beds. We were grateful for the hundreds of blessings God showered on us. |
 The
trailers had many places that they leaked. At first we used a blanket for
a door. Then we put the other single wide right next to it to add
more space for our family. Carpet was moldy, ceiling falling in, plumbing
was broken out while pulling trailers up the hill. We painted, scrubbed,
and pulled out the old carpet. A dear friend gave us a heavy iron wood
stove that does well keeping us warm. God provided. We are so thankful for
all God has done for us. |
 I
had never lived like this. My father always built our homes and they were
nice. God saw my tears and my efforts to be brave. He always comforted me.
I kept a record of the promises He gave me during this whole experience.
We will never borrow again. We will only build as we have
funds.
We are not alone. There are thousands who have lost their homes by flood, fire, and other disaster. |
  There
are positive things we can focus on in all disasters. I choose to thank
God for healthy children, flowers, and the joy of serving Jesus. Focus is
the key. The picture on the right is what the trailer looked like above
the picture on the left. When it rained, many times I counted the gallons
of water which poured into our shelter. The average was 50 to 55 gallons.
If it started at night there was a flood in the morning. |
| Some look at a cup and say it is half empty. Others say it is half full. The attitude of gratitude needs to be our focus. A friend of mine struggling with the pain of cancer sweetly says, "I had a couple of good days". She was looking at a week of time and did not say, "I had 5 very painful days." |
| I found that focus is the key to contentment. An attitude of gratitude involves even making lists of 10 or more things you are thankful for each day. We are so thankful we had a little piece of land to camp on. If we had rented when my husband lost his job, we would have had no where to go. We would have been kicked out for no rent money. Focusing on giving joy to others and helping make others comfortable is the best way for happiness. All the angels of heaven are happy to guard and help people on this earth. They know this secret of contentment and joy. When we doctor in the mission field, hold meetings and see people find the joy in Jesus, there is nothing that compares with the fun. I never had more fun in all my life! It is fun giving our last dime to help the poor and watch God provide for us. God always provides for the mission trips. God uses people who want to see mission work done but can not get out to do it. I just work for Him on a volunteer basis. My pay is joy. My Father God is the richest ONE of the UNIVERSE. He has all resources needed for anything He wants done. |
  The
children know this same secret also. In our Portland home my little
daughter was welcomed into our family and placed in this nursery. I
had sewn all the ruffles, canopy, bedding, gown and slippers. It was how I
celebrated her life. She was just as happy there as in the tent. Children
adapt easier than adults. They focus on the positive. In fact they
remember the 8 months of tent living as the "best times of
their lives". It was one great outdoor experience! |
 One
night in the tent, I heard a little choking noise. My daughter was crying.
I got up and went to the other side of the partition. I found her wrapped
in the string of the sleeping bag. As she had tossed in her sleep, the
string wrapped tightly till she could not breath. Her daddy was awakened
and had her untied in the dark in a few seconds. We are so thankful God
helped me awaken to her soft choking sound. |
 In
this third deep valley for us, God provided us with many wild roses. They
were greeting us every time we came and left our little piece of land. God
poured out so many blessings on us.
|
  Till
the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, till the clouds
roll forever from the sky. Keep me safe, help me stand, in the
hallow of Your hand, Keep me safe, till the storm passes by! |
   The
three major tragedies in my life (The death threat and abuse of Dr. Kai
resulting in business losses and loss of home, death of baby Jerry, and
this home loss) have served to groom me for mission work. It
fine tuned my focus. Through it all, I've
learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust HIM MORE. Through it all,
yes, through it all, Oh, I've learned to depend upon the LORD.
These prepared my heart to totally desire heaven. This world of sin, and
all the material things are empty nothings. There is no joy in riches. I
have learned to be content in whatever state I am in. My eyes are focused
on heaven. God has heard more prayers from me now than ever before. These
are serious heart wrenching prayers. All I want is to be ready when Jesus
comes and have my children carefully trained and ready to meet Him too. |
| END
OF STORY---
Below are many precious promises I collected during this event. You may find these very special for other problems as well. |
| I found this promise while reading the Bible just before
our losses. I saw the disaster Dr. Kai had caused was finally resulting in
the loss of everything except a few belongings. We had to pack and move
out of our comfort zone.
"And when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something better, which would last forever. Do not lose courage, for...just a little while longer, and He who is coming will come." Hebrews 10:34-38 Good News |
| This concludes my story
The next section is a record of the promises I clung to through this. If you are experiencing loss, my friend, I urge you to read the promises over and over. They are life to your soul. They are like a soothing cream on a third degree burn. |
| His
truth will be my shield in the storm. Ps 91:
He gently leads those that are with young. Is. 40:11 He carries our burdens day after day. Ps. 68:19 James 5: 4 The cry of the laborer reaches the ears of God, the Lord Almighty . vs. 5 & 6 says God sees the rich have made themselves fat off of innocent people. God is angry that what He has given us is taken and we are condemned. vs. 11 We are not to complain, the JUDGE is near. "you heard of Job's patience and how in the end the Lord provided. |
 God
is able to give you more than you need. so that you will always have more
than enough for every good cause. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Don't worry. Mathew 6 He who touches you touches the apple of HIS eye. Zech 2:4 Anyone who strikes you, strikes what is most precious to ME...The Lord Himself will fight. The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid what can anyone do to me? Hebrews 13:6 Who can separate us from the love of God? shall hunger, hardship, poverty? Ro. 8 He will quiet you in His love. Zeph. 3:17 |
 He
knows those that trust in Him. Nahum 1:4
Call upon me in your day of trouble, and I will deliver you. Ps. 50:15 No one who calls for my help will be disappointed. Is. 49:23 Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. I will fight whoever fights you. Is. 49:25, Ps. 30:5 Endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 |
 Be
patient in Tribulation. Romans 12:12
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21 Though I am innocent, all I can do is beg mercy from God, my judge. Job 9:15 God remembers we are but dust. He knows our frame Psalms 103:14 |
| Anyone in trouble should pray. James 5:13
You have heard of Job's patience and how the Lord provided for him in the end. Is 49:23 Kings will be like fathers to you. Is 49:23 You will no longer be forsaken and hated. Is. 60:15 I will give you treasures. Is. 45:3 Your days of grief will come to an end. Is 60:20 I will turn the desert into pools of water. Is. 41:18 When I lie down, I sleep in safety. Psalms 4:8 |
 Huge
cat prints near our tents made my heart panic. What if the mountain lion
which was reported nearby having harmed a 4 year old, what if he decides
my tent sleeping kids are good for eating?
When I lie down, I sleep in safety. Ps. 4:8 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Prov. 3:24 My God sent HIs angel and shut the lion's mouths (for Daniel and He did it for us) Daniel 6 You will not need to be afraid of the terror by night (lion) or sudden attacks by day. For, He shall give His angels charge over you., Pl 91:5 No evil will befall you. Ps. 91:11 You will walk on and trample lions and snakes. Ps. 91:13 You will live in your OWN land, and your wealth will be doubled. Is. 61:6 Yes, but this won't be hard for we are nothing NOW!!!
|
No matter what shelter you have, even if it is a tent,
bridge or old leaky cabin, a card board box, or a trailer. God will
never leave you. If you call on Him, He will comfort and help. It is not a
fancy home that makes HIM your friend. He cares for everyone rich or poor.
God will never desert you when your "friends" and family do.
They may desert you when you loose your wealth and status, but God never
will. I guarantee it. He is not a FRIEND for what HE can get out of you.
He made and loves you.
They will rise on wings like the eagles. Is 40:31 They will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. Is 40:31 Don't be afraid. I am with you! I am your God. Let nothing terrify you. Is. 41:10 I will strengthen you...I will help you. Is. 41:13 When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you. Your troubles will not overwhelm you. Is. 43:2 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. Is. 43:19 I will make a road through the wilderness. Now the time to act has come; I cry out like a woman in labor. Is. 42:14 God is tired of the crime, cruelty and murder of the people He so lovingly created. He cries out like a woman in labor. He feels every sigh and cries with the people on this earth oppressed and cruelly beaten. It is time for Him to deliver. He holds out a little longer for some of His people are sleeping and not getting ready. |
| All
these promises are the roses that never fade in my valley. They are kept
in my Bible on a special sheet of paper ready to share with anyone in despair.
Ready to share with those who are grieving. I share them with you, my
friends that you may have words of comfort for those about you suffering
in a similar way.
Even though the outward man (Rose is aging) is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Cor. 4:7-10 We are often troubled, but not crushed, sometimes in doubt, but never in despair. There are many enemies, but we are never without a FRIEND, and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. |
   God
gives us roses in our valleys to bring us the comfort needed in all trial.
Each trial is carefully monitored so that it does not destroy us. |
Keep
your focus positive on the roses, and God will see you through. I have
noticed that it seems God is closer in the valleys. I need HIM more and HE
is very near.
Roses
in our Valleys
In
our valleys of loss we tend not to see, In
our path are blossoms of hope Designed
to give our hearts peace. Through
tears we see only broken dreams, For
the petals of our very souls are crushed, Yet
heaven’s hand makes a fragrance it seems. In
each comfort is a ROSE, A
gift from heaven’s garden. Thus
the perfume in the valley grows. By Larose, 2001
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| We are like trees of the Lord. Like the stately Cedar of
Lebanon. As our roots go deep in storm and grip the rock, they become a
safety for future crisis that may be even worse. May God bless you as you
treasure up the promises and put your roots down to Jesus the ROCK and the
LIVING WATER
Cedars Like the Cedars of Lebanon Our roots reach into the earth for the Living Water. Every tough storm this year has threatened our trees Yet our roots are firmly in the ROCK Jesus. More roots have gone down this year due to stress of hurricane size
trials. These are safety roots for future crisis. Just like the tree planted by the waters, By God’s grace, I shall not be moved. Without the Living Water our trees could not Still be standing
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Isaiah 59:13 In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking
oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. |
| The laws instituted by God for the prevention and punishment of crime were marked by strict and impartial justice. But the sinfulness of man perverts the wisest laws, both human and divine. It is because men in authority can be bribed to excuse sin, and let the guilty pass unpunished that justice has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter. These evils are causing the earth to become as corrupt as in the days of Noah. The most terrible crimes are becoming so common as hardly to awaken a feeling of horror. Our own nation is guilty before God of permitting the most atrocious crimes to pass unheeded. The accumulating weight of unpunished sin is sinking the nation to destruction. The wrongs they do not condemn and punish are making this people the subjects of God's retributive justice. Licentiousness, robbery, and murder, continually on the increase, are deluging our world, and preparing it to receive the unmingled wrath of God. {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 11} |
| I must speak plainly. We are reaching a time when a just standard of right and wrong, of honor and dishonor, of truth and error, is becoming a thing of naught. "Truth is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter." In the ambitious projects invented, there [is danger] of losing all sense of distinction between right and wrong. Those who listen to misrepresentations are supposed to be acting for the cause. For a long time a course has been pursued which has perverted principle and justice. We need men who will not be drawn into secret, underhand confederacy, but who will shun as a sin the least intriguing and underhand work--men who will call things by their right name, men who are barricaded by principle and braced for duty, be it pleasant or unpleasant, men whom neither flattery, pretense, cunning, nor art could induce to swerve one hair from principle or duty. {17MR 233.1} |
We
were so thankful for our solar dryer and a car to keep clothes and bedding
in when it rained. We were thankful for the trunk of the car to keep tax
records and business paper records in out of the rain.