With Pat gone for several weeks so far, I’ve been blessed accept several invitations to have supper at The Other Meyer Home. Tim has a lawn, landscaping, tree business, so is quite knowledgeable about plants and trees.When I pulled up at his house on one of my search and munch missions, he pointed out one of his beautiful young oak trees in the front yard. He asked if I saw the scarred place on the tree. Well, I couldn’t miss it and asked him to explain what happened.It seems that in backing up one day, he’d accidentally hit one of the trees. Saying that he “hit” it is not really adequate. He ran completely over it, almost pretzeling the young, supple tree. It was at least bent double. When he pulled forever and realized what he’s done, he raced into his crowded garage and found the one and only cure for Bent Tree Syndrome – DUCT TAPE!

There are several products that fascinate me endlessly. Velcro, tie wraps, paper clips AND duct tape are on my list. There’s hardly any problem that can’t be at least temporarily solved with duct tape. It’s strong and durable.

Tim straightened the young sapling out, wrapped duct tape around the “wound” and several inches on each side. Then, he just let nature take it’s course. As I viewed the tree, while I could see the scars, I could also a totally, completely recovered, and beautious oak tree, now several feet taller. It will bear the scars of that encounter forever, but did survive and thrive.

One of the mind pictures that came to me was that of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, binding up the wounded leg of one of His little lambs. Did He used duct tape along with the oil? No duct tape. Would He use duct tape in a similar situation today? I don’t know, but wouldn’t put it past Him to use whatever was at hand and available. What does the Lord say to you through this story? Do you have a duct tape story to share with me? (g) Would you please click on the “Contact Us” tab at the top of the page or use the “Leave a Reply” box below and let me know what those insights are? I appreciate and respond immediately to ALL my mail. Thanks.

– Oh, Jerry, this is a wonderful story. Bless Rachael’s heart. She loves her Dad so, and he is obviously a perfect example to her growing up as she wishes her husband to have the same character and morals. May the Lord give her just that!!!!!!!

– Tell Rachel she is right on in her requirements for a husband. Your son must be very special to instill this in his children. He is evidently a man who is a devoted Christian. Was that him in the picture with the girl, whom I assume is Rachael? What does he do for a living? Is he a minister, like yourself? I loved the entire “Inside Out” and my husband and I will pray for your trip to Ga. and also that your recording session go well.

– She wrote a “delightful to read” story. I hope she is able to find just such a man. She obviously has her self well grounded in reality and Christian walk. Most teenagers associate love with the sexual side and not the spiritual side. It is refreshing to read her letter and see that the Spirit comes first in her life. The other comes as a gift from God as part of marriage, and from her writing you can easily see she realizes this. I find it so wonderful when I come across a youth today who is wise in their life. If she keeps the bearing she has now, her life will be full of rewards both here on earth and in Heaven. Amen. She also pays a very fine tribute to her dad. The love she has for him dripped from her words like honey, sweet and pure and from her heart. She spoke of how he was nice even when she wasn’t always so nice. This rings of someone who has a grip on reality. That life is not always a bed of roses, but it is not all thorns either. I wonder if she realizes that her writing rang of the “Song of Solomon”. One of the greatest “Love Stories” ever told. God has given your family and the rest of us a blessing by putting her in our world. Praise Jesus.

– Wonderful piece, Rachael. I often wondered, myself, if I’d ever find the perfect man who, remarkably so, would also be like MY Dad. Seemed like a lot of men fell short of the mark. Then, poof, out of nowhere, the Lord sent me the perfect man. Not only was he like my Dad in so many ways, he had other qualities that made him extra special. He is sensitive, caring, strong and outspoken Christian. Just when I thought no one would be able to measure up to dear old Dad, the Lord sent me even more than I had ever dreamed of. He is, of course, the ultimate match-maker!

– Thanks, Rachael, for reminding me of my own blessings I’ve been given in MY “Ideal Husband”.

– I think she was talking about her dad and her papa. I will be very interested to see what her professor’s comments are concerning her christian faith, etc.

– I really enjoyed the paper Rachel wrote. What a wonderful way to think about your father.

– She is a nifty Christian! I will pray that she “gets her man” (it’s a Canadian thing). I am impressed with her setting out the things of the Kingdom. Its pretty rare these days.

– That was really sweet and in good taste. She is one of your many blessings in life. God Bless you all!