kandpthrock

James Scott Bustamante.

In March 2013 the contract my company had with DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services more readily recognized as “Medicaid”) was terminated. Although I searched for a job on a daily basis I have had little success. Keith, my great encourager, reminded me, “When one door closes, God opens another.”
Of course this has proven to be true. Before I continue though, let me share some back story…
It was Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013 and Keith said to me quite early that morning, “Baby, it is Mother’s Day, your day, and whatever you want I will try to give you.”
“Hmmm,” I thought, but said out loud, “Anything!?” He answered in the affirmative. “Well… what I would really like is for us to start removing the walkway and the flower boxes and the lattice and… you know, the stairs are really too steep!”
“You want to do WHAT on Mother’s Day??? I was thinking let’s go out to dinner, take in a movie, go shopping…but…start tearing all that down on Mother’s Day?????? You’ve got to be kidding me!” he responded adamantly. “And, do you plan to replace any of it or just leave it ugly and barren?”
I assured him I was not kidding hence the demolition began. As we worked, I shared with him my ideas of the finished design. His mood lightened as we worked; his enthusiasm grew. We enlisted the help of a neighbor to remove the debris. Now it was time to contact a carpenter and we knew just the fellow; his name was James Scott Bustamante.

I just realized, after posting photo’s of the finished book shelves I had not posted finished photo’s of the file cabinet so here they are.

This beautiful hanging book shelf is designed to hang over the (converted flour/meal bin) file cabinet.

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2 NIV
Yesterday, Keith and I spent the day together, keeping appointments, running errands and such. Our first stop was at our local Sherwin Williams Paint Store then on to Peaden’s Cafeteria in Greenville NC for lunch. We kept our appointment in Greenville and did some shopping. But most of all we talked. We discussed our future potential in the woodworking field; shared anecdotal accounts of earlier years.
The conversation then led to, not so much about politics, as to the quality of leadership in our country today. I reflected on the commentary I had read earlier, discussing whether God supports bad government. Regardless of the system of government or the political orientation, God wants rulers to exercise their authority fairly and with justice. God may use our current electoral process or judicial system to promote the quality of being just and fair.
God does permit dishonorable rulers who are marked by injustice or partiality or deception into leadership positions. These unjust rulers may violate principles of justice, not being equitable or fair. This does not mean God is a participant in these unrighteous individuals. He can still orchestrate our human deeds (whether they are good or evil) to accomplish his greater purposes, which are always good.
“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority: Then do what is right and he will commend you, for he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” Romans 13:3-5 NIV
Although the emperor Nero could hardly be called a servant of God, for he persecuted Christians and savagely executed them, Paul urged the early believers to pray for their rulers so peace would be kept and the gospel could be spread. We must be vigilant in this today. Which begs the question, “Does God use evil to do good?” Habakkuk the prophet, complained to God about this very thing. “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save… Destruction and violence are before me, there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous so that justice is perverted.” Habakkuk 1:2-4 NIV
Habakkuk was surprised by the severity of God’s response. The sadistic Babylonians, this army of destruction, was headed to Judah and the prophet was amazed, thinking most likely, “so this is God’s justice!?” Refer to Habakkuk 1:5-11 for the complete answer from God. We must hold on to the fact that God is in control even when it seems he is not; He is working not to hurt but to heal. It may appear that our leadership has intentions to harm us and we have the impression they are succeeding, however, God may intend this for good to accomplish His plan.
“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21 NIV.
LORD, I earnestly pray for YOUR Will to be done. Keep my heart focused on YOUR Greatness and YOUR Goodness. My prayers beg for fairness and justice to be dealt by those governing our nation. The lifestyle of our nation reflects we have turned away from YOU but I believe the time has come for us to return to YOU in all things. In JESUS name I pray, Amen.
Pat Throckmorton
October 10, 2013

The picnic table and benches are to die for. I love the other small benches also. I stained one foot stool with handle and one small bench for our bedroom. Green is Keith’s favorite so that is the stain I used. Now he has a step up to the bed and a stool to sit on to put on socks and shoes.