Yesterday was one of those beautiful, cool Autumn afternoons that just begs
you to go for a ride. So throwing a leg over the Tiger, Theresa and I rode up
through Valley Center, on the back roads, and the twisties and arrived at Bates
Nut Farm. Cruising past the hundreds at the pumpkin patch, and past the petting
zoo, there was ample parking at the gift shop. Where we were greeted by the
various witches, ghosts, and goblins reminding us that Halloween was only 23
days away. Past the other aisles filled with this holiday's gift items, we
turned the corner and there was a Thanksgiving area-or harvest area, reminding
us that it is only seven weeks until Thanksgiving. But it was surrounded by
Christmas trees, and other holiday items reminding us that Christmas is only 78
days away-shop now! Or only 68 days if you are using the Wal-Mart Lay-Away
plan. All of this on a beautiful Autumn day, Columbus Day, October 8th. Which
we use to celebrate his birthday, which is really the 12th. Which falls in line
with other American holidays, moved to a convenient Monday to make a three day
weekend. Like Labor Day, a day we all take off to celebrate working, do the
jobless celebrate that every day? President's Day, where we celebrate the
birthdays of Abe and George, and Marty King Day, to celebrate Martin Luther
King's birthday. Only the 4th of July is Monday independent, unless it falls on
a Monday, thus interrupting/disturbing the three day weekend cycle for
many.
Which makes me wonder, in the United States of America, why don't we
celebrate Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian cartographer, who lent his first name to
us-translation America. I guess we could have been the United States of
Vespucci, thankfully we took his first name, but I rather not go there. So
blame it on Chris, an Italian, financed by Spain, who was looking for a way east
by going west and discovered America. If you discount the Indians already here,
or the Vikings earlier trip some 500 years earlier. Way too many holidays for
me, particularly when you add in the Hallmark days of Father's, Mother's, and
Grandparents Days. Which when I heard the news last night that Hallmark was
closing a Kansas City factory due to lack of business confused me. Another true
American success story. Who will send out a card for that?
Only to be deluged by the various political posters and signs littering the
sides of the road-can't wait until election day is over-over 28 more days until
then. Am I the only one sick of political ads?And I ask, "What hath Chris
wrought?"
Perhaps the most important day to come is being neglected in the secular
world, and also by many churches. It is the day Jesus calls His church home,
and out of this world, referred to as the Rapture. No date is given, per
scripture, leaving May 21st, and the end of the Mayan calendar suspicious, and a
lie. So to all of you who forward me articles about the possible date, don't!
I trash them, they are the spirit of anti-Christ. Beside if you are saved, it
won't matter-but if left behind....don't be. Not the end of the world, but
birth pangs, as God will be creating a new earth for us! Someone left behind
has to capitalize on that. Maybe another Hallmark holiday celebrating that
day...but not for long.
God tells us to look for the season of His return, and it is upon us. The
warning signs are-wars and rumors of wars. Heard any Mideast news lately?
Pestilence-how about the West Nile Virus? We returned peanut butter to Costco
yesterday because it may be tainted with salmonella. Spinal meningitis is
spreading, a friend of ours was tested for it yesterday, spread by a tainted
steroid she was prescribed. Inflation-how about $5 gas in California-look out
Midwest, it's coming. A shortage of food, higher prices, and all you have to do
is go shopping to see that. Join the club. Rebellious children, mothers
against their own, and the headlines all speak of Jesus' return. Are you
ready?
God has been sending out invitations for this event for over 2000
years-don't get left behind. If you missed the invitation, don't wait for a
Hallmark card. Although they have Christmas and Easter covered-two other days
not reserved for only a Monday three day weekend, read your Bible. Ask your
pastor, and turn to God. Ask Him into your life, and then trust Him. Tell
others-the time is shorter than we think, and each day is one day closer. Jesus
is coming soon! And I wonder, how could Hallmark miss the chance to sell
invitations to that? I hear this plant in KC may be available...
And after, will their cards reflecting this be found under Anniversaries,
Births, or Deaths? I won't be here, so it doesn't matter. But what about
today? Where will you be tomorrow?
When you care enough to send the very best, remember God already did.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com