The week after the competition we plunged back into our schoolwork. However, I found it incredibly difficult to make time in my schedule for reading, memorizing, and studying Scripture. I was surprised at how much discipline it takes! These past few weeks I have begun to realize the importance of being faithful on a daily basis. Even though I don’t have as much time to spend in God’s Word, this doesn’t mean that I should not spend any time at all. Whether it be in the morning, evening, or both, the time is there. This came as a great refreshment for me. So, don’t stop now, continue on, and be not weary in well doing! 

       Like a rocket, the Bible Bee has launched us above the pull of earth’s gravity, and now by God’s grace we can easily reach far beyond. For me, the contest may be over, but the Bible Bee is not! The temporary goal of the local competition has been reached but the living relationship with God is something I continue to grow in every day.

“And these words,
which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart”
(Deuteronomy 6:6).

An effective and fun memory passage review tool that I would heartily recommend is www.memverse.com

I turned to see a smoking cannon. I was shocked. We were standing by a field witnessing the reenactment of a Civil War Battle for the 150th commemoration of the War’s beginning. It was also in the spring that West Virginia became a State 148 years ago.

With white tents dotted across the hillsides and smoking wood fires interspersed among them, it felt exactly like we had gone back to the time of the Civil War. The realistic-looking tents were also waterproof, which allowed the reenactors to actually camp for the three days of the event. Wood was split and stacked by the tents. Horses came and went among the regiments. Cannons were positioned on the surrounding hill. The reenactors not only impersonated the generals and captains but doctors and nurses, blacksmiths, tailors and spies. Every uniform was made with historical accuracy in mind. It was amazing!

They used the uniforms and equipment of the soldiers on the battlefield and the day-to-day work clothes worn in the camp. For example, the  blacksmith, hammering at the forge wore a loose long-sleeved white  shirt. Hoop skirts were everywhere. And hats varied from Abe Lincoln’s top hat to the little forward-facing felt kepis and bummers for the soldiers.

One interesting thing to learn was about the saber. Infantry men carried sharp swords and bayonets for hand-to-hand combat. The cavalry on the other hand were armed with heavy sabers. Saber are not even sharp! They were used to disable opponents on the ground with a direct downward stroke on the collarbone.

The most memorable part of the day was meeting the men who impersonated Jackson, Lincoln and Lee. They looked just like real. We also met a friendly officer by the name of “Extra Billy Smith”. He  impersonated a stagecoach owner and he told us the story of how he got his name, as well as letting us try on his uniform. Each person was knowledgeable—they left no question unanswered. They were friendly  and it was evident they enjoyed their role. It was a great learning experience and fun day together.

One Sunday morning soon after sunrise I stepped outside. What I saw brought a tremendous feeling of awe! The scene reminded me of what it is like to live in God’s presence and have nothing hid from Him. Through His Spirit and His word, God wants to show us the right way. May God bless you today with the joyfulness and peace that come as we quench not the Spirit.

Early Monday morning our family headed over to Commodore  Creek for a kayaking escapade. This was the first time in my life that I had ever experienced the thrill of kayaking.

We enjoyed being so close  to God’s fascinating creation. At one point, Robert and I were just a few yards under an Anhinga!

The winding trails through the mangrove trees, the fast-paced races, strategies of nautical combat, and a surprise attack all made for an exciting morning together.

As we began the first game we became very grateful for the protective padding around and below the dart board. Despite our lack of practice  however, Daniel actually got a “bull’s eye” on the very first round and Michael got all three so close it caused a shout of exclamation to sound forth from the onlookers. Thank you Jonathan for your thoughtfulness in making it such a surprise!

On the morning of my manhood ceremony, Dad and I had just finished   reviewing my salvation testimony when suddenly I heard a great shout of exclamation coming from downstairs. Dad smiled and said "I think my friends are here. Why don’t you go meet them." I was quite puzzled by this and looked out the window and was completely taken by surprise to see Kenan and Joshua Wilkes! I was so honored that they had traveled all the way from VA for this special event. Other friends, family, and church family made me feel so supported for which I am very grateful! Thank you everyone!

The Lord blessed us with good weather that afternoon at Sportsman’s Lake. I was baptized by Dad and Pastor Epling. What a privilege and honor to be identified with Christ as I enter manhood.

After I made the bear head I realized that the directions said it was too thick to be baked. This is why it is not painted. The second one was the dolphin. I made sure to make it the right thickness but while in the oven it broke. The same thing happened with Jonathan’s snake. By this time I was quite discouraged, but with patience and a little work we put them back together and they turned out just fine. Jonathan is not completely  finished painting his snake, but his flag and Psalms 81 plaque turned out extremely well.

I made the monkey with the colored clay. It was a lot of fun to create the surroundings and the fallen log he is perched on. I did the same with the dinosaur except I used the white clay.

“The first waffle is said to have been made in the 13th century England. A crusader wearing his armor accidentally sat in some freshly baked oat cakes. The cakes were flattened and bore deep imprints of the steel links. However, he spread butter on the cakes and ate them. His wife, delighted with the way the butter stayed in the imprints from the armor, made him put it on once a week and sit on fresh oat cakes. They were called “warfres,” meaning flat honeycomb-like cakes. Dutch colonists brought their cherished “waffre” irons to America. They were long handled and very heavy to hold over an open fire.”