Remove Not

What a wonderful youth conference we were able to attend for a few days (hubby had doctor appointment this morning so had to return home early).

It was wonderful to hear the preaching, be a part of the worship, and visit with those we love and have held so dear through the years. It was also a time of restirring my responsibility to protect the landmarks that the Lord has set before me, and hold fast to that which is true and that which is pure.

My heart's cry is, Lord, Remove Not (the ancient landmarks).

Remove not the ancient landmarks,
for the roads need no resurfacing,
and the trails, no removing of debris.

Keep in place the nest of the songbird,
permit the ant hill to remain boldly aloft,
and let each burrow retain its challenge.

May the hare dwell in its resting place,
the cliff remain a shelter for the eagle’s nest,
and the sea urchin unharmed in tide pools.

Remove not the chronicles of truth,
continue to cultivate the land’s integrity,
nurturing it with water from rain’s tears.

Let all inborn comeliness be preserved,
the earth unwrapped by a small voice,
Remove not the ancient landmarks.

Endangered Landmarks

By now I am sure most of you are aware of the major oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. It has caused great concern - and endangered many landmarks and thousands of species of wildlife. Now along the coast south of San Francisco, thick oil globules have hit the shoreline at the town of Montara, thus raising concerns for the Fitzgerald State Reserve at Moss Beach (only a mile or so down the road). I know Moss Beach well having lived on the cliff above the southern tip of the Reserve. Daily I was blessed to observe the various birds and sea lions - and on occasion walk the Reserve's beach, looking into the tide pools filled with little creatures. What will happen to all this beauty and God's little creatures? It became food for thought: What else may be in danger? With pen and paper came expressions of concern.

Preserve all that is threatened is the cry of the land,
Protect the endangered from the destruction of man.
Numerous species in jeopardy in this hour and day,
Confirming that we have not always guarded the way.

Sharing and caring no longer seeming a part of our life,
Self-fulfillment replacing goodness, then embittered by strife.
Measures of stewardship all but diminishing from sight,
Sadly confirming no sincere concern to spread the Gospel light.

Many incapable of emitting genuine love for mankind,
Substituting hatred and jealousy, alas to charity blind.
Earnest supplications but silenced, altars seemly bare,
Prayer vanishing as if caught in some other care.

But one of the greatest endangerments is God’s Holy Word,
Once passed through generations, now to some found absurd.
With landmarks near extinction, please consider the cost,
Without preservation, life’s greatest resources are all but lost.

Let us guard the resources we have as Christians, and keep them from becoming endangered species. Preservation is a must!