We’re probably all familiar with the biblical Promised Land. When the Israelites left Egypt, they should have taken a week or ten days to arrive at the border. Instead, due to sin, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.

Well, Pat and I have not wandered for 40 years, but due to her health problems, our moldy house, etc., we feel like we’ve done some mini-wandering! (g)

We came to believe strongly that we had to leave Florida for her health, even survival. We made several trips to northern Georgia to look at homes. We don’t know how many we looked at, but were blessed with great real estate folks. Problem was that Pat had a reaction to something in every one of those homes.

Finally, the Lord reminded us of a man of God whom we’d read about in Guideposts magazine. He’d built a healthy, safe, and happy house for a lady. We were able to locate him, and meet with him on October 28th to discuss our need for a healthy home. After MUCH prayer, we both came to the belief that God wanted him to be our builder.

After coming to this conclusion, John told us that he’d get with the Lord and that the Lord would show us where this home should be built. Week after week dragged on. Then, on November 5th, the call from John came in on my cell phone. Pat and I took off within a day or so and went up to look. We’d asked God (and John) for lots and lots of hardwood trees. Well, as you can see from the graphic, we got our answer above and beyond what we’d asked or even thought about!

We were listening to one of my Willie Nelson CDs. He has a song called “Living in the Promised Land”. Later, while trying to figure out what I wanted call our new land, I really thought through the whole process. Referring to it as “the property”, “the lot”, “the acreage”, “the piece of ground” or some such thing just didn’t seem to dignify it enough. I remember Willie’s phrase, “Living in the Promised Land” and it really stuck. So, from now on, that’s how you’ll see me refer to it. We met two our new neighbors. One of them agreed to take pictures of the process if I’d furnish her with some throwaway cameras. Wonderful lady.

Well, please let me know what you think. Feel free to share one of your experiences, too. God does sometimes take His time, but there’s no other way to walk, is there? Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!

SOME SELECTED RESPONSES TO “THE MAN OF STEEL”

– When J___ and I lived in Kentucky, we used to take a ride up to Metropolis quite often. It was only about fifty miles from us. We loved the ride across the Ohio. I’ll admit that we liked that riverboat ride, too. We often took a ride when we got there and enjoyed cruising down the river. The lunch was always good and it was a great way to spend the day.

We sure need to stop and look around us at what the Lord created for us and really thank Him for all the things with which He has blessed us and for the wonderful people like you, we meet along the way.

– Great reminder! There really was only one “Super Man”. Thank God that He allows Him to live in and work His will through us. Amazing grace!

– Loved your story as usual. It made me realize that the true and only REAL Superman is Jesus Christ. He can leap tall buildings, see through walls, and move faster than a locomotive. In my eyes, HE is the one Who deserves the red cape!! He is and always will be OUR Superman! Thanks for the food for thought as always.

– This struck me as funny. At the end of the piece, you mentioned not depending on ourselves. Friday night at Bible study (me leading) was like that. I “knew” I was in deep, even though I’d studied, I didn’t know how to tackle the lesson. While the people gabbed I was praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to show me step by step how to proceed. Then He started putting ideas in my mind in what order to lead, etc. WOW! I know it wasn’t me.

I don’t ever claim to be super(wo)man. I know I can only do “all things through Christ who strengthens me”. He has also helped with the janitor work I’ve been doing, too. Gave me stamina.

– His own pace … how true that statement is!! I belong to a Christian list and just recently our question of the week was, “What does ?giving it up to the Lord’ mean to you?” I am inserting here part of my answer regarding “His own time”. I hope you enjoy it and it encourages you somewhat!

“For just one recent example, I have a hate/love relationship with smoking cigarettes. I have cried and yelled at the Lord to take this awful habit away from me. Then I turn around and beg my kids to bring me just one cigarette. This has been going on for several years. Time and time again I’ve told myself, ?Well, I will just give it to the Lord.’ I have given it to him but didn’t accept that it would happen on His time!! Well, God Love Him (lol), His timing is always perfect!! The last three months have been a living hell for me because I went from an income of $950 disability+child grant to $550 disability. I had no money to buy groceries let alone cigarettes. Now, in His perfect way, He took the desire away from me for cigarettes .. I do not feel the addiction so much as I do the habit — with my am coffee, after a meal, etc.

But, I have no desire for a cigarette anymore !!! We serve a mighty Lord! I am so humbled to be a part of His family. God Bless you, PapaJ!! Thank you for all your wonderful life stories! I do so enjoy them!”

– I truly appreciate how you can take an episode of your life and have all these various messages that lead right back to your main issue!! Thanks again for your awesome messages.

– Glad to hear from you. How is Pat? Hope her allergies are under control. So glad that you got a chance to visit with your Mom, and that you had a nice time and a safe trip. I must catch myself when I begin to take credit for something that was God’s doing all along. It’s so easy to do — to give myself a pat on the back. But all the glory belongs to Him — and may everyday that I live I remember that.

– Yes, that picture was pretty and we have been there and saw the same view.

– So now I’m catching up on all the mail, postal and ‘e’. I was just reading your article about Metropolis and Superman. Coincidentally, yesterday in Sunday School we were talking about that very problem of falling into the “must be Mr. or Ms Fix-it” trap when trying to be “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” (title of a book we’re using in the class). Connecting ourselves with Christ and helping others to do the same…isn’t that what we’re really here to do?

– I really enjoyed visiting your web site today. Thanks for your story about Metropolis. As a Christian kindergarten teacher, it’s so important to remember that I’m not a super hero and that God will accomplish His will His way.