ONE OF AESOP’S FABLES IS ABOUT A LION AND A MOUSE. The story goes like this: Once when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and down on him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little Mouse: "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who knows but what I may be able to do you a turn
some of these days?" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go, laughing all the while.

Some time after this the Lion was caught in a trap, and the hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a wagon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse.

Kindness has its own rewards, doesn’t it? I wonder how many times such an action has been repeated. Taking pity on someone in need without thought of pay-back is certainly an admirable thing, don’t you think? Do you suppose the lion ever dreamed that one day this little creature would return the favor?
Years after the death of President Calvin Coolidge, this story came to light. In the early days of his presidency, Coolidge awoke one morning in his hotel room to find a cat burglar going through his pockets. Coolidge spoke up, asking the burglar not to take his watch chain because it contained an engraved charm he wanted to keep. Coolidge then engaged the thief in quiet conversation and discovered he was a college student who had no money to pay his hotel bill or buy a ticket back to campus. Coolidge counted $32 out of his wallet -- which he had also persuaded the dazed young man to give back! -- declared it to be a loan, and advised the young man to leave the way he had come so as to avoid the Secret Service! (Yes, the loan was paid back.)
It has been said that one is most like God when they display acts of mercy and compassion. I rest my case.

PASSING THROUGH CHARLOTTE, N.C. on our way northward, we decided to visit the Billy Graham Library, which is only five minutes from I-77. As we stepped out of the car it was immediately apparent that we were on holy ground. The gardens are spectacular and we were directed to a brick pathway that led into a wooded area where Ruth Graham is interred. It also marks the spot where Billy will one day be laid to rest.

Hymns were being played over a speaker system and the birds were singing beautifully at that moment. We felt the presence of the Lord and sat down on one of several stone benches that are provided for those who would care to meditate and/or pray. I wondered at that moment how many others had felt the need to thank God for Mr. Graham’s (and Mrs.) impact on millions around the world. And I also wondered how many souls would be walking those golden streets because of this ministry.

Reminiscent of Billy Graham’s upbringing on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Charlotte, the Library building is styled after a dairy barn. The entrance to the Library is in the shape of a cross, a visual reminder to visitors that it is only through the Cross of Christ that we can be reconciled to God. The Library is organized around the themes of “The Man,” “The Ministry,” “The Message,” and “The Mission.”

All I can say is that it is a “spiritual experience” to walk through the library and view the history of this awesome ministry.

The Library complex includes Billy Graham’s childhood home, built in 1927 on their dairy farm about 3 miles away from the Library. It is a brick home and we were told that it was moved to this location brick by brick. It has been beautifully restored and is filled with family photos and personal items of the Graham family.

If you’re ever planning a trip to the Carolinas, it should include a visit there. You will not be disappointed.

WHAT A GREAT VACATION! A condo on a Florida beach. One whole week without rain; sunshine everyday, all day. Dinner on the veranda, overlooking the ocean. Heavenly breezes, waves to flounder in, a good book to get lost in. A walk on the beach to watch the sun set. Welcome to paradise!

One evening, after Jeanine and I retired, Mark decided to step out on our balcony to gaze at the stars. As he looked down at the swimming pool, he noticed something swimming in it and it wasn’t human. At first he thought it might be an alligator. So with camera in hand, he descended to the pool area. And what did his wandering eyes behold?
A raccoon! Swimming casually, doing figure eights. When he saw Mark, he sat on the steps leading into the shallow end of the pool. Then after a few moments, he felt somewhat secure and resumed his swim.

Why am I telling you this? I’m not sure. There certainly isn’t a moral here---just a weird occurrence. Raccoons hang out on the beach for a particular reason. They are in search of turtle eggs and perhaps even turtle babies. This is the hatching season. So instead of dinner and a movie, Mr. Raccoon opted for dinner and a swim.

Strange things take place on the beach—like the evening we went for a stroll and almost walked into a wedding party. There they were, bride and groom making their way toward the water,he in his Bermuda shorts and Hawiian shirt and she in her traditional white wedding gown.

The preacher was waiting under a small tent. There was only room for the three of them underneath. Guests were standing nearby and the limo driver stood awaiting his fare.

As we continued on down the beach toward our dwelling, it started to sprinkle a bit. I remember breathing a prayer that it would hold off until the final “I do” was said.

Yes indeed, from turtles to raccoons to weddings, life on the beach is anything but dull.