Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 61

Traveling through Trials

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, New Living Translation

We’ve had a rough year. But guess what? Mary and Joseph had a rough time seeing that Jesus was born and had a safe childhood. Read about those events with me this season.

I wrote the above words at the end of October, when I must have been half asleep, because I don’t remember that at all. No idea what I was planning to write about, and here we are, three weeks to Christmas and I have nothing for this year’s series of Christmas blog posts.

It’s come back to me that I got the idea above from a novel I read in the first part of February, a total fictionalized version of the struggles Joseph had in just getting pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. The book, I thought, was a bunch of bunk, so I won’t even tell you its title or any more about it. But it had, at the time, got me thinking about Joseph and Mary and how difficult it had to be – physically, mentally and emotionally – to bring Jesus into the world.

But you know the story.

And then COVID-19 hit and nothing for any of us seemed to be easy anymore. No, we haven’t had to trek, on foot, ninety miles through the wilderness in rainy winter, up and down mountainous terrain, while nine months pregnant. And no, we can hardly compare it to our recent simple travels to the grocery store, wearing our masks and never knowing if the store will be out of the supplies we need.

But we have had our trials and tribulations. And we’ll get through them, with the grace of God.

Lord, God, be with us through these challenging times and help us to remember that You sent Your Son Jesus to save us from sin and suffering. Amen

The drive from Ayacucho, Peru to the little mountain village of Quinua is only 21 miles, but I can’t imagine trekking that far on foot, much less 90. Though I’ve been to Kenya multiple times and it is geographically closer to Israel, I picture the terrain that Mary and Joseph traveled being closer to this.

That Time of Year to Reach Out

I’ve been thinking all week that I should post the first segment of my Christmas letter here today. Last year, it dawned on me that instead of sending out the annual Christmas letter in my Christmas cards, that I could just post it here instead. In segments, so I can share even more of this year’s events without trying to edit it down to one page, plus pictures (which can be a pain to fit into that one piece of paper).

Of course, pretty much all of 2020 was consumed by the coronavirus and pandemic. With that in mind, I’m going to open this first part of the letter with the events of this week.

I woke up Wednesday morning really hoarse with some head congestion. Not too bad, but was feeling pretty run down by the time I got to work. As long as I kept working, I did okay, powering through I guess, but so tired when I sat down for a minute.  

I texted the provider I see, who thought that I should get tested. At the clinic where I work, we’ve been given the option to get tested at any time for any reason, mostly because our chances of exposure are so much higher. I had the rapid test done around 9:30.

When the gal did it, she said they just started using new test kits, which neither one of us thought much of. After shoving the swab up my nose and practically into my brain and holding it for what felt like 90 minutes, she pulled the swab out, broke it off (which she had always done with the old kits), and stuck it in the test tube.

Lab called back a few minutes later to say that you aren’t supposed to break the swab off in these new kits, that the patient would have to be re-swabbed. Well, that’s the kind of luck I have.  

So, back in the testing room I go for a shot up my other nostril. Half hour or so later, it came back presumptive negative. Which means, this particular test came back negative, but the rapid tests have a high percentage of false negatives. Another text to my provider, who said that I should have the more reliable test.

So, back in the testing room again, to have a swab shoved up my nose for a third time. (Too bad I don’t have three nostrils instead of just the two). This other test, known as the PCR, is supposedly the “gold standard” in testing, but it can take three to five days to get the results. However, for certain professionals – those in health care (me), as well as, I found out that day, firefighters, police and other front-line people – the results are fast-tracked to come back in 24 to 48 hours. So that those of us labeled “critical infrastructure workers (as opposed to “essential workers”) can get back to work as soon as possible.  

When I got home that night, I crawled into my jammies and into bed. So cold and so tired. After half an hour, I rallied to get up for supper and didn’t feel too bad the rest of the night.

I woke up Thursday morning feeling totally fine. Hmm? Can a person have the 24-hour COVID?

As I was getting ready for work, wondering if I should go to work, I got a text message from my provider that the PCR test had come back negative. Yeah! (Oh, and also, I didn’t have any patient contact while I was waiting for my results, in case you think I ran the risk of infecting some frail little old lady.)

Of course, that doesn’t rule it out entirely, as I might have been tested too early in the infection. It takes two to three days after an exposure for your body to produce the stuff that they test for. The thing is that I hadn’t had any exposure to anyone but my masked co-workers and Hubby for several days.

Who knows. I could go into the long explanation of when the CDC is telling us to quarantine and when to be set free, when to be tested and when not to. But you can figure that out yourselves. Or not. Coz it’s so complicated that it makes my head spin.

I just hope that all of you are staying safe, wearing your masks, not taking risks. That your loved ones are able to stay in touch without touching. Chris

 Check back next Friday for the actual start of this year’s Christmas letter. 

Aghast at Agate Falls – blog post #8 from the family vacation

               I may finally be to the point of showing you pictures of the last waterfall we visited on our family vacation the end of September.

               Almost from the moment we arrived at the cabin Friday afternoon, my son-in-law had a certain waterfall in the UP in his head. He kept saying it was located much farther north, almost to Lake Superior. He described it in detail, but I knew there was no such falls near the place he was thinking of.

               It finally dawned on my son and me that he had to be talking about Agate Falls on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, seven miles southeast of Bruce Crossing, Michigan, along Hwy 28.  

               Yup, we got there and my son-in-law took off down the trail. The trail which led down, well, actually to nowhere, because it ended. The kids scampered down the ravine, and I pretty much just slid down, wondering all the time how I would get back up it. 

 It was worth it though. The dogs got to go for a swim too. 

Then there was the climb back up. 

My son-in-law and daughter waited patiently for me. My son took some pictures of me, but they are pretty embarrassing. 

Then we kept climbing, to the train trestle turned snowmobile/ATV trail. 

What a view from the bridge! I figure God must shower us with color in the fall because He knows that grey and white are all we'll soon see outside. 

The bridge on Hwy 28 heading to Bruce Crossing. 

Yup, another spectacular waterfall on a cold and dreary day, which didn't slow us down.

Giving Thanks for God

   Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, New King James Version)

   On Sundays for the month of November, I’ve been sharing the things which I am thankful for – the people and places which I am so blessed to have been given.

   Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. (1 Chronicles 16:8, New Living Translation)

I wouldn’t have any of these without God, the Father Almighty. He is the Giver of all things good and right in our world.   

   That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. (Psalm 30:12, New American Standard Bible)

The greatest gift, however, which God has given us is His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save us from our sins. No matter what we have been given in this life, that one gift is all we really need.

   But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57, New Living Translation)

We cannot thank God enough for the gift of eternal life.

And so I say again, thank You, Lord God, Heavenly Father. Amen

2020 - the year everything looked different

Since I started keeping track of our yearly Thanksgiving dinners, ten years ago, we have been averaging 12 to 14 people around our dinner table. The highest count was 20 in 2016. 

This year? Well, try to guess how many of us were around our table. It looked a lot different from other years. 

2010201120122013201420152016 (the year we served 20, sorry that I didn't get everyone in one picture)

2019 (Somehow, I didn't get any decent pictures from 2018 and in 2017,
Hubby had to work and I was sick anyway)
Yup, 2020 looked a little different 

 

Hope you had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. No matter how it looked. 

Bonding at Bond Falls – blog post #7 from the family vacation

Pretty much anyone who has gone waterfalling in Michigan’s UP, or just plain gone out to do anything in the great outdoors of the UP, or even you couch potatoes who have been dragged out of the house by your spouses so you could see a waterfalls up close – each of you has probably been to Bond Falls, near Paulding Michigan. Maybe you’ve been to the Paulding Light even, but that is a whole different story.

So there we were, my kids, my grandpuppies and me, visiting our second waterfalls area of the day on that rainy Monday of our family vacation the end of September.

I don’t like Bond Falls. There, I’ve said it. For reasons such as this. 

 And that there are always too many people there and I want to explore unhindered.

So we went off the beaten path, following the sketchy path up to the dam and back down the other side.

It is a beautiful area and I should be thankful that it was as wet out as it was as that probably kept some of the people away. People who always stay on the safe side of the fence with their umbrellas and expensive cameras and designer dogs.
And I really shouldn’t complain about any day which I spend with my kids. 

And the grandkids. 

 

Giving Thanks for Health

 Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble! (Jeremiah 16:19, New Living Translation)  

When you look at the above verse, and the one below, you may remember that my word for the year is “Strength”. Who knew, back on January 1, how much we would all need strength this year? 

 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. (Isaiah 40:29, New Living Translation)

Well, of course, God knew. Why He didn’t stop this pandemic before it even got going would be something else that only He knows.  

 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19, New Living Translation)

So, this month, in honor of Thanksgiving, I’ve been sharing with you what I am thankful for. This week, I am thankful for the strength of spirit and body which God has given me. I’m thankful that, overall, I am in good health. Yes, I have my share of aches and pains, and they seem to be multiplying with each passing day, but I can still keep up with pretty much anybody else my age (and sometimes even younger one). 

Thank You, God, for my health and for a strong body and sharp mind (we’ll talk, God, another time about how that body and mind do slip sometimes, but I’m still thankful for where I am at my age). Thank You. Amen.  

I’m also thankful that my immune system has held the coronavirus at bay. 

Nearly Black Friday

     Next Friday is “Black Friday” and Christmas is in five weeks. It’s certainly been a different sort of year. I’m sure Christmas shopping will be different as well. Over the last few years, you have maybe joined the ranks of consumers doing much of their shopping via Amazon or other websites. This year? I’m sure it will be even more.

Or are you planning to support the local economy by attending the craft shows which are still going on this year? That’s certainly okay, just don’t forget your masks and hand sanitizer.

As for me, I won’t be selling any of my books out in public this year. Instead, I’ll make you a deal.

From now until the end of the year, I’m offering each of my books at a discounted price, with free shipping anywhere in the continental US. Feel free to buy them on Amazon as well, except that I only have control over the price of the ones I self-published there (“The Truth Beyond the River” and the ebook “To Find Justice”).

I may be naiive, or I just plain love books that much, but I think books still make wonderful gifts. And if nothing else, they can be a gift to yourself.

Email me your shopping list and I’ll get your books mailed out to where ever you want them to go.

Price List:

The Truth Beyond the River - $12.99 now $10

Where the Sky Meets the Sand - $15.99 now $10

A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven - $14.95 now $10

The Christmas Story in 40 Days - $11.99 now $8

The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days - $11.99 now $8

Free Shipping through the end of the year.

My latest novel, “The Truth Beyond the River” – Ayoung reporter looking for her big break. A Vietnam vet fighting a new war. Two aging monks trying to keep the peace. Will they find the truth beyond the river?

Lieutenant Tommy Lightfoot has returned home from the Vietnam War a changed man. He and his fellow Native American warriors begin a new war – claiming a piece of property which they feel was wrongfully taken from their ancestors.

On that land along a river sits an abandoned monastery, watched over by Cecil, an elderly monk.

When the editor of a big city newspaper hears of the takeover, he sends his newest reporter to cover it. Teresa has only been chosen because of her looks – a black braid and a Spanish-American heritage. Before she even arrives at the monastery, she fears she is in over her head.

When she meets Tommy and Cecil, she wonders if she will ever be able to uncover the truth or if it will float down the river, beyond the grasp of them all.

 My first novel, “Where the Sky Meets the Sand” – An American businesswoman with a secret past. An African boy without a home. Two missionaries with more than one mission to accomplish. Will all their wishes come true where the sky meets the sand on the African plain?

“Where the Sky Meets the Sand” tells the story of Jenny Neumeyer and Ole, the homeless boy she befriends while she and her husband are on vacation in Kenya. This encounter leads her to confront a secret she has kept buried for 14 years. As she comes to terms with her past, two missionaries to Africa discover Ole and are determined to lead him home. Along the way, they realize that the boy is not the only one who is lost. 

My other books –

“A Time for Every PurposeUnder Heaven – One Woman’s Trip to Africa” – the memoir of my first trip to Kenya with a missionary group from Appleton, Wisconsin, in 2006. I spent much of those two weeks wondering why God had sent me there. This is the story of that trip and how it changed my life forever.

“The Christmas Story in40 Days” – a short book with 40 days of devotions describing the events leading up to the birth of Christ.

“The Early Life of Jesusin 40 Days” – a devotional which describes the life of Jesus from the time he is born until just before He begins His ministry.  

        (And even if you don't buy them through Amazon.com, reviews on Amazon are always appreciated.)

Kakabika Falls – blog post #6 from the family vacation

     Yes, I am still working my way through our short family vacation to northern Wisconsin this past fall. This is the second part of our third full day there. Good thing I don’t take full week-long vacations with my kids; I’d never get around to sharing all the pictures. 

Monday morning, wet and dreary, after our first few stops around Montreal and Hurley, we crossed the border into Michigan and headed 39 miles east on US Hwy 2 to Cty Rd 527, which turns into 2 Mile Road and then Sleepy Hollow Road before hitting Hwy 45 at Paulding. But, only about half a mile in on Rd 527, we stopped at the Kakabika Falls parking lot on the left.

We started hiking the somewhat random trail along the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River, passed several smaller falls and rapids and just plain prettiness. The main falls is only somewhat over 500 feet downstream from the parking lot. But, as my total 132 pictures attest, every step was worth it. 

When I post pictures like this on my blog, I try to keep them under twelve per post. Sometimes, though, it is impossible to stop. Such an awesome place to explore. 

Someone had said at the start of our vacation, that there hadn’t been much rain up north over the last two months. Well, I guess we hadn't had much down home either, after the wettest July on record. We were worried that the rivers and streams would be low, but I guess all the rain we had the first night we were there got the water levels up.

I still can’t believe that I’ve never been to this area before. 

Buddy can't believe it either. 


 

Giving Thanks for Family

    Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3, New Living Translation)

 During this pandemic, probably not many families have been getting together as much as they used to (which is good for preventing the spread of coronavirus, but not so good for any of our emotional well-being). I’ve been blessed to stay in touch with my kids, and we had a nice time together last weekend.

    Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6, New Living Translation)

 
I can’t take any credit for how my son and daughter turned out, but I am certainly proud of them. All the work they have both done in Africa would bring tears of joy to any momma’s eyes. They are both amazing and I thank God every day that He gifted them to me.

   “Through bitter tears, And wounded years, those ties Of blood were strong. And when lightin' strikes the family, Have faith, believe.” (written by the band Journey)

No, our lives together have not been perfect, not ideal. I struggled a lot with the decision I had made to divorce their father, and I prayed a lot before marrying their step-father. Speaking of which, I thank God that He sent that wonderful man into my life, giving me a second chance at marriage.

   So I bow in prayer before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name. (Ephesians 3:14-15, New Century Version)

I truly am blessed to have a caring family, surrounding me with their love.

LORD , God, my Heavenly Father, thank You for the great gift of my family. And for the knowledge that I will rejoin the rest of my family in heaven one day. Amen.