Issue 1302 – Road Trip – November 20, 2023

There will be no Gleanings tomorrow as I have to be at the  Chilliwack hospital early for an injection in my knee.

On Saturday, Kathy and I took a spontaneous road trip south. It’s been a while since we were down, as our passports needed renewing, and the car needed new tires. Once that was out of the way, we were free again.

A little before noon, we headed down to the Sumas border crossing (about a 10-minute drive from our place). With no particular destination in mind, we cut across country and went down to Bellingham. 

There is something about crossing that border that makes Kathy and I both feel relaxed. I suspect it is just the idea of getting away.

I love driving the country roads and secondary highways in Washington State. The countryside is beautiful no matter the season, and the drivers are generally courteous, at least they seem so after driving in the Lower Mainland.

We were blessed to see fields filled with Snow geese and trumpeter swans. Some of the swans were likely the slightly smaller Tundra Swans, as they come down simultaneously, but I am not skilled enough to tell the difference. 

The Trumpeters were there in astonishing numbers. They are no longer a rare sight, but I remember when Trumpeters and bald eagles were on the endangered species lists because their numbers were so low. We probably saw as many swans in one day as had been remaining back then.

Of course, we saw plenty of Canada Geese and ducks of assorted varieties by the thousands. Virtually every field and body of water had large flocks.

We shopped at Hobby Lobby upon arrival at Bellingham, picking up some craft supplies. Kathy also found some shoes in a shop in that same plaza (I’ve forgotten the store’s name).

Returning to Sumas by a slightly different route, we stopped at El Nopal Mexican Cantina for supper. We had heard good things about the place and weren’t disappointed. We ordered the delicious steak fajitas. There was so much food neither of us could finish our plates. Next time, I think we will split an order.

Thinking of the recovery from the near extinction of the Trumpeter Swan and the bald eagle, I thought of the incredible restorative power of the Lord.

I have seen him work healing miracles, bringing together broken marriages (and other relationships) to wholeness and transforming people’s lives (including mine). These aren’t just vague stories or hype but sustained verifiable changes.

God doesn’t choose to fix every marriage or heal every person’s body, but he can do it if it suits His overall plan. I don’t know how He chooses where He will work, but the Lord is sovereign. He is also perfect, holy, righteous and loving, so I know His plans are better than mine.

I know from personal experience and watching Him at work in the lives of others that He is faithful. I have often seen Him work out a plan that was neither what I wanted nor expected but far better.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

No matter what you face today, know that you can get through it with Christ. Trust Him even when things seem dark. He knows the way.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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