Evg. Genny Villaronga

I love the great outdoors, especially when it comes to camping out and sleeping under the stars. This is a time when you can get close to nature and commune with the elements that God created for us to enjoy. Majestic mountains, tall trees, fragrant flowers, fresh air, and breathtaking scenery. I remember the first time I ever went camping it was while living in Oklahoma City. This city is so beautiful that they call it "God’s Country." The night sky is so clear that one time, the Big Dipper was visible. Even on a grey, rainy day the sky is beautiful!

Camping is about roughing it and bringing along only the bare essentials to make it through a couple of days. It’s a time for getting reacquainted with family/friends and nature. The thing is that some of us bring along as many comforts from home as we can carry. This is what I did the very first time I went camping because I was ignorant to the concept. So when it was time to pack, there was a host of things, including a Coleman stove for cooking. We actually didn’t even have to build a fire if we didn’t want to, but we did because the wood was available and it kept us warm at night. We chose a location close enough to civilization, "just in case." There were even facilities within walking distance to where we set up camp on the grounds, so we were able to shower and take care of any other necessities, including outlets for a blow dryer. Can you imagine?! Thinking back, it was no wonder that I was looking forward to it. There was no real "roughing it" going on during the weekend trip because we had everything we needed. So for two mornings I awoke to prepare bacon, eggs, and coffee and sandwiches for lunch. There was fishing, however, nothing was ever caught, but we didn’t care because we had steak and potatoes for dinner. Thus, we didn’t have a worry in the world because we had everything we could possibly need or want at our fingertips for our comfort.

Of course today it would be a different story, because I now know the real meaning of roughing it. Now I can tough it out with the best of them, due to the many hardships I have suffered. My Christian walk is continuously teaching me that in order to go higher and deeper in the Lord I must come out of my comfort zone. I’ve had to break camp on more than one occasion. This means that sometimes instead of having all the comforts of home, I’ve learned to either do without, or make do with what I have. I may not be able to afford the best of things or eat in the finest restaurants, but I give God thanks daily for food on my table, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, and a roof over my head. I may not be the most educated person, but I thank God for being in a right mind. I may not own a car yet, but I thank God for two strong, healthy legs that carry me wherever I need to go. I may not be as great as the Apostle Paul, but I strive toward perfection, and keep myself available for the Master’s use. I may not always be on the mountain top, but I’ve come to appreciate my valley seasons. Sometimes I struggle and feel down, but the Lord is the lifter of my head and His Spirit helps me through to each level I face as I go from glory to glory. You know how it is ... when you’re on the mountain top you celebrate and rejoice in the Lord. And although there are times when that battle gets really hot, I am learning to be content no matter what circumstance I find myself in. (Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 1Co. 11:16) I remember there was a time in my life when my children were very small and I only had enough food for them. I was on welfare and sometimes what they gave didn’t stretch until the next allotment, so from time to time I went to bed hungry so that they wouldn’t have to. Of course I wasn’t saved at the time, so I didn’t know that I could pray and ask, and the Lord would provide. However, since I know the Lord, I have never, ever gone to bed hungry because of whom my Father is. (I’ve been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Ps. 37:25) And I never have to fret about trials and tribulation, because no matter where I am, or what I’m going through, I know that the Lord will deliver, especially when I trust Him to break up camp and get out of my comfort zone.

Your comments are welcome, please email me at genvilla@yahoo,com