Friday, October 2, 2009

HOLY LAND REVISITED - Bible Conference

So far so good except for the motion sickness. Jim's stomach is now beginning to feel the movement of the ship. Even though I have been sick ever since our first flight, it took his discomfort to remember the 'patch'. Yes, the Doctor gave us the 'patch' to use for motion sickness. On March 12th we put the patch on and within a few hours our stomachs settled down. However my legs were still swollen and painful.

More noticeable than usual because it was during the day, the waters were choppy and very rough. A Bible Conference was scheduled for all day, while the ship soared across the sea at record speed as though we had someone or something chasing us. It was too cold to walk outside on the deck and chancy because of the possibility you could fall overboard. Walking inside gave us the impression that all were drunk on something other than God's word. I could hardly wait for the ship to reach a port so we could get off and walk on land. Precious land!

Jim and I were disappointed in the conference. We originally signed up to go on this cruise with the Institute of Creation Research (ICR) out of Sand Diego, Ca. But because of the trouble in the middle east they transferred our passage to a group called Compass Bibleland Cruise, out of Idaho. Their interest was in Prophesies and not Creation. The bible studies were like listening to wild eyed prophetic speculations, which of course we did not enjoy. Although we loved the people, their views were not ours. So instead of actually attending the conference we spent our time checking out the ship.

We found ourselves holding onto the rails, walls and anyting we could balance ourselves against to keep from falling. I Had an appointment with the hairdresser for another day but cancelled, when I found out it was next door to the movie theater, which was in the belly and I wouldn't go there. We spent much of our time in the bar looking out the windows eating peanuts and drinking diet cokes. The people we met were wonderful and the buffets were more beautiful than tasteful. Our evening meals were in a beautiful diningroom at tables for eight. Good dinner companions at this table and even the food was good! Our traveling companions throughout our trip, were wonderful. We enjoyed the cities we visited but life aboard the ship was questionable!

So, why did we take this trip? We retired in 2001 and Dan, our son, suggested we take a cruise. Jim jumped on the idea and booked us up with ICR. Our plans were exciting! Our anticipation was so out of control that when we learned it had been changed we just went with it. After all we were going to the Holy Land! We loved our trip! We loved the people! We loved visiting the different cultures and walking where Jesus had walked. Why wouldn't we go!

Creation versus Prophesies is like a choice between ice cream or pudding. Which would you choose? Ice Cream of Course! Pudding is okay and it has some merit as to taste, texture comfort but ice cream is filled with the thrill of taste, texture and the surprises of whatever kind you choose. Creation comes with evidence of God's power, majesty and love. Prophesies as taught by man, comes with puzzlement, wonder and questions.

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20 Here we clearly understand our God through His creation. We have no excuse! "For no prophecy was every made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." 2 Peter 1:21 As Christians we read and have confidence that the scriptures are the word of God. However, we must be careful with man's interpretations. Revelations tells us to be ready, because the Church wins! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/23/09

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