Christian Thinking
November 14, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA
The bottom line, in a Christian worldview, is that humans are sinful, we need a savior, 
and our salvation is in Jesus Christ, not human reason or anything else.
On the other hand, logical reasoning is useful, it should be highly valued, and “critical thinking must be a part of every Christian classroom if we are to maintain our integrity” (“Critical Thinking and the Christian Perspective” by Wendy Dutton, Thomas Hart and Rebecca Patten). For living by faith as a Christian, one useful approach is to combine critical thinking — “the art of taking charge of your own mind [which is valuable because]… if we can take charge of our own minds, we can take charge of our lives” with Christian thinking: “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect” (Romans 12:2-3).
Christian thinking requires that we take on the mind of Christ. This is done by learning and understanding the Bible, having a Holy Spirit empowered prayer life, longing for community with other Believers, and ministry that is modeled after Christ’s example which was motivated by love. If our theology and Christian lifestyle is based solely on the aspiration of spiritual truths inaccessible through intellectual means, then we miss an important part of our createdness as image-bearers of God.
In the New American Standard Bible, the word “think” is found 39 times in 37 verses which is an indication that thinking is a part of our existence that God did not intend for us to ignore. Not to mention, we are exhorted if not commanded to study (Ezra 7:10), teach (2 Timothy 2:2), learn (Ephesians 5:10), and examine (Acts 17:11) the scriptures which requires the process of critical thinking in order to train the mind to see the world through the lens of the Bible.
Perhaps the most important reason for Christians to think is this: it is the way we think that influences our actions and develops our character. Our thought processes defines who we really are; therefore it is imperative that we think the way our mouths profess us to be.
Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is not a one time occurrence it is a daily renewal through the study and meditation of the Word of God. That is the way it happens. That is how we learn not only to think but to think as God does.
My dad says, “If you’re not feeding yourself with the Bible all the time, you will be thinking like the world.” In our age of experiential churches and postmodern culture, I would like to amend this quote this way: “If you are not feeding yourself with the Bible, you won’t be thinking at all.”
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Renewing Your Mind
November 6, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late In Romans 12:2 Paul challenged the church at Rome with these words, “Do not conform
any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This challenge applies to Christians living in the 21st century as much as it did to the church at Rome. Our reading materials and TV certainly appeal to all of us to conform to the patterns of this world. The challenge to us is not to yield to that appeal but to seek to renew our minds through filtering out what we allow our minds to absorb.
Earlier in Romans 8 Paul reminded the early church that our sinful nature has our minds set on what that nature desires and is hostile to God. However, as Christians we are admonished to live in accordance with the Spirit and have our minds set on what the Spirit desires.
How do we do that? One of the most effective ways is to spend time in the Bible where we can learn of Christ’s own words and those of the Apostles, memorizing many of them. This will enable the Holy Spirit to recall these to our minds when we need them.
Another way is to control what goes into our minds. The old saying regarding computers applies here: garbage in, garbage out. This takes self-control that we are admonished many times in the Bible to practice (2 Peter 1:5-9).
So, if you wish to renew your mind, take an inventory of what type of material you are reading or watching on TV. Spend more time in the Bible and practicing self-control. Memorize Philippians 4:8 for starters.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comDo You Gamble?
October 27, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late According to a Yahoo search, Americans spent
92.27 billion dollars on gambling in 2007. You may not be one of those who contributed to this amount, but many do. A host of opportunities are available for those who wish to.
Many also gamble in another way, that the Bible is not relative to their lives in the 21st century. Society sometimes describes those of us who do as uneducated and perhaps even to be pitied.
While statistics indicates that many possess one or more Bibles, the number of those who read them as a manual for their lives is dwindling.
Many of those who will say they do not believe the Bible have neither read it nor studied it in order to make an intelligent decision on their own. They have succumbed to what is being taught in our public schools and universities by those who probably have not studied it either.
Here’s my challenge to those of you who are gambling that the Bible is not relative to your lives today. Take the time to read one book of the Bible, the book of Proverbs. Ask yourself if many of the principles of life recommended by King Solomon would not help you live a better life. Verse 7 of chapter 1 would be an excellent one to memorize: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comB.C Walmart Says No to RVs
October 19, 2011
by Rex Vogel for Woodall’s Family Camping Blog
SmartCentres, which owns the Kamloops, British Columbia shopping centre, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers there is no overnight parking for RVs or trucks. (Credit: bcnews.ca)
Besides being a big-box retail store, Walmart parking lots across North America have generally been hospitable to the traveling camper.
But, anyone hoping to stay in the Kamloops, British Columbia, Walmart parking lot for an extended period of time can expect to be turned away, reports Kamloops This Week.
This past summer the company SmartCentres, which owns the shopping center, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers that overnight parking for RVs or trucks is not permitted.
Sandra Kaiser, vice-president of corporate affairs for SmartCentres, told KTW the no-overnight rules were always in place, but not enforced stringently until recently.
She said the measure is not meant to crack down on someone staying a few hours or even a night, but is intended to address RV owners staying for days and weeks.
“More and more campers were coming and staying for longer periods of time, to the point where we were losing parking spaces that we have to provide to our tenants,” Kaiser said, adding the company had received complaints from tenants in the shopping center.
She noted overnight stays made it difficult for maintenance crews to clean up the lot.
Kaiser said maintenance crews are politely reminding campers they can’t park in the lot long term.
Walmart manager Tim Labermeyer said he’s heard from some customers who expected to park at the store overnight.
However, he pointed out many of the Walmart lots that allow overnight parking are owned by the retail giant.
The Kamloops Walmart leases the property so, in this case, it is not a decision made by the store.
“We have to abide by their (SmartCentres) rules,” Labermeyer said.
Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: rvonthego.blogspot.com)
He suggested Thompson Rivers University students using the lot during store hours for free parking was a bigger issue than RV parking.
The Kamloops location isn’t alone in banning overnight stays, as a growing number of Walmarts in the U.S. are starting to turn away RVs.
For a list of Walmarts where overnight parking is prohibited, click here.
Ask the local IGA store in Hinton, Alberta, how to treat visitors. That IGA invites RVers to camp overnight free on their parking lot and places large signs along the highway to make sure RVers know they are welcome.
Overnight Parking Etiquette
Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined together to support your right to park on private businesses’ parking lots overnight under the following code of conduct. The code pertains to establishments that permit “dry camping” on their lots. Dry camping means camping without the use of external hookups for electricity, water supply, or waste disposal.
Industry-Sanctioned Code of Conduct (RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)
Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)
Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It’s the right thing to do!
Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, this Code of Conduct is nothing more than an RVers’ “Good Neighbor” policy.
Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers. Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property overnight.
The above Code of Conduct is also available in PDF format from the Walmart Atlas website.
You’re encouraged to print this letter and share it with others to promote these etiquette standards.
Worth Pondering…Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
September 22, 2011
by Rex Vogel for Woodall’s Family Camping Blog Each October, New Mexico skies are full of bold blues, imperial reds, and vibrant yellows. The event is the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot-air balloon event in the world. This extravaganza takes place from the first weekend through the second weekend in October—this year’s festival is
Part of the reason for the success of the Fiesta are the cool Albuquerque morning temperatures in October and the Albuquerque box. (Credit: Raymond Watt, balloonfiesta.com)
A century after the release of Jules Verne’s balloon adventure novel with Captain Phileas Fogg, Around the World in 80 Days, internationally-acclaimed balloon festival was born in Albuquerque. It was 40 years ago! In 1972, and 20,000 sleepy spectators gathered at sunrise in a local parking lot to witness 13 balloons ascend. At the time, 13 balloons seemed really impressive. But in 2004, more than 800,000 spectators watched as more than 750 balloons floated into the beautiful blue New Mexico skies. The fiesta has amassed an international following, attracting pilots, spectators, and media from nearly 30 countries.
So, what’s the big deal about balloons?
Hot air ballooning is a spectacular and exciting event to experience. Before dawn, people start to gather. By 6 a.m. long lines of automobiles are jockeying for position in a stop-and-go traffic scene. Excitement fills the air. Weather permitting—and if the wind is not too strong—a rainbow of hot air balloons simultaneously lifts into the early morning air. The crowd is awed and “oohs” and “aahs” over every balloon! Each is a work of art. The number of giant painted bubbles gliding through the sky multiplies the viewers’ pleasure.
Mass Ascensions, a launch of all the participating balloons have been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is one of the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. (Credit: balloonfiesta.com)
The launch field is divided into three sections of 11 rows of 12 balloons each. Think of a checkerboard. The launch begins with the outside rows on the north and south ends of the field—these two rows lift off at the same time. Usually the wind is from the north, so that works out well. Then they work in towards the middle of the checkerboard.
The excitement begins as the crews take the collapsed giant balloons from their storage baskets. Twenty to forty feet of fabric is stretched flat on the ground in exactly the right way. The blue-flamed burners that heat the air to lift each balloon are started. The heat of the flame from the propane tank is surprisingly intense and the noise made by the burner is expectedly loud. When finally, the signal is given for the balloons to ascend and they take off in waves of color, it is a magnificent sight!
Ballooning is popular in Albuquerque…why?
Albuquerque is popular with hot air balloonists because of the “Albuquerque Box.” In balloon language, a “box” refers to flight back and forth over the same area by using winds of opposite directions at different altitudes. It is a common phenomenon in valleys because of the flow of air down the mountains. With a box, balloonists have more flexibility in how they can control and navigate their balloons.
What is a balloon crew?
Balloons are big—and it takes a group of four or more people to help the pilot. Before the flight, the ground crew helps with preparing the balloon.
A special shape balloon, Well Fargo's Cent'r Stage. (Credit: balloonfiesta.com)
First they walk out the envelope for inflation, and then they help attach all the equipment to the basket. Once off the ground, the chase crew follows the balloon in a car or truck (the chase vehicle) so they can help retrieve the balloon and pack it up wherever the pilot lands. It can be a lot of work, but chasing can be fun!
Balloonists often need helpers—so ask around; you might just get a ride!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
wwwballonfiesta.com
(888) 422-7277 or (505) 821-1000
4401 Alameda NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Worth Pondering…“How posterity will laugh at us, one way or other! If half a dozen break their necks, and balloonism is exploded, we shall be called fools for having imagined it could be brought to use: if it should be turned to account, we shall be ridiculed for having doubted”.
—Horace Walpole, letter to Horace Mann, 24 June 1785
Note: This is the first of a two-part series on Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
See part 2: Up, Up and Away: The Greatest Show OFF Earth
Are You Growing?
September 5, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late In summary of his message to Christians, Peter admonished them, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). As parents we experience our greatest pleasure when we see our children grow up to become adults and to have meaningful lives. It would be tragic if they failed to develop fully and at some point just stopped growing.
However, some Christians do just that. They accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and then at some point fail to continue to grow in their Christian life. Although they have the Holy Spirit to assist them in their spiritual growth, they become complacent in following His direction.
Christ said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). It is important that we understand these words regarding the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He will first bring Christ’s words to our attention and then cause us to retain them in our hearts and minds.
Our Attention
It is important to our spiritual growth that we know what Christ has said. The only way I know that this knowledge can be attained and brought to our attention is by spending time reading His Word. It is here that we learn (are taught) the words of Jesus. It is here we find the meaning of “the way” Jesus spoke of in John 14: 6. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us obey His commands (John 14:21) and to grow in Him.
Our Retention
As we grow older, our ability to retain things that we once readily recalled seems to fail us. Yet God has seen fit to give us a Helper in this area. I am constantly amazed to hear stories of those with various stages of dementia who are faithfully witnessing to others as they recall and quote scripture.
God has promised that the Holy Spirit will remind us of His words (everything I have said) to help us as we seek to grow in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ gave us His own example of this retention in Matt. 4:1-11.
Are you growing in your Christian life? God has provided you a Helper to assist you in doing so. He is available to all of us who seek to follow Christ’s teachings by teaching us all things and reminding us of what Christ has said.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comIs An RV Business For You?
September 5, 2011
by Jaimie Hall Bruzenakas appeared on RV Home Yet?
In the other article, “Entrepreneurs take niche goods, services to road for customers’ convenience,” three entrepreneurs are featured: an RV mobile repair business, a mobile car detailing service, and a mobile custom tanning and salon. The last does custom air-brush tanning. According to the article, what helps a mobile business succeed is finding the right niche or having high quality if you’re providing service in a broader specialty. Maybe the party bus in the first article is a niche that doesn’t jive with the market.
How does this apply to RVers who want to travel in their RVs rather than be based in one community? Having a mobile business isn’t as easy. For professions such as cosmetology that requires a license in each state, a mobile business would not work as well. Plus, a beautician relies on developing a clientele. Moving around frequently would not allow that to happen unless you came each year during a certain season. For example, some who cuts hair and spends each winter in the same snowbird park would be able to develop a clientele over time.
Another restriction is getting the word out. If you travel constantly, people may not see you enough to get familiar with you. Often customers need to see you or hear about you several times before feeling comfortable enough to buy from you. If you were parked at an RV park for a while, you would need permission from the owner, who might want a cut. And, you probably will need a local business license or at least a tax ID to run a business there.
The mobile businesses I’ve seen work provide services for RVs, such as mobile repair, repairing windshields, computer repair, and cleaning carpets. They may have a sign on their RV or their tow or toad, letting RVers know about their business. Some set up at RV events or at RV gathering places like Quartzsite, AZ in January. I’ve also met RVers who cut hair and give massages, but they do it by word of mouth since they are not licensed. Keep in mind if you offer services at RV rallies, you may be required to get a booth. There are always costs of doing business!
If you tow a cargo trailer or even have a toy hauler converted into some sort of workshop, there are more possibilities. Just pick a business that doesn’t need a state license and make sure you follow the state and local regulations for paying business license fees and taxes. Knowing lots of RVers or going to rallies or where they gather also helps. It could be a viable way to make a living on the road.
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Please add your comment below or email Jamie at calamityjaimie@gmail.comreprinted with permission
Grown Men Don’t Cry
August 16, 2011
by John Imler John is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late
How often we have heard it said, but I for one will never believe it! I cried today. Not just a little but several times, and I will probably cry over and over again in the next few days.
Why am I crying? you might ask. Did you lose a relative? Did some financial loss take you by surprise? Did your wife run off with someone else?
None of those things happened to make me cry. However, I did have to say goodbye to a very close companion—one from whom I have learned many lessons about my God and Master.
In fact, in my book, Its Never Too Late – A Prodigal Pastor Returns by WinePress Group (1-877-421-7323) I devoted an entire chapter to lessons I learned from this special friend that God gave to my wife Ruth and me for our 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Now after eight years he has left us, and I find myself praying, “God let there be a place in heaven for good and faithful friends like him. You even declared in your Word, ‘A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel’ (Proverbs 12:10).”
Yes, grown men do cry and sometimes it is for one of God’s other creations like our dog Elvis. I am not ashamed that I learned to cry over many things that come my way in this life on earth. How about you?
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comRedefining Church Business Meetings
July 17, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA Most church meetings are anything but about “my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Often, we incorrectly place matters of insignificance, such as building projects and curtain colors, as priority over the spiritual development of the congregants or the evangelism of the lost.
I have witnessed and researched enraged incidents of brethren vying for positions or embittered because the “proper” chain of command was not followed. I have heard speech that is less than gracious used by church leadership and excused by others who choose not to address the sin because of the one who committed the sin. And, I have experienced seemingly sincere corporate worship then watched the very same people almost come to blows at an after-service special call meeting.
Needless to say, I am not a fan of church business meetings.
Maybe it is the name we call it that causes the chaos and confusion. Just because there is a summit to discuss the non-spiritual business affairs of the church should not make the gathering any less concerned about being Christ-like (Colossians 3:23).
As a matter of fact, discussing and resolving these issues with grace and the wisdom of God is an expectation of those who have been placed as good stewards over all that has been given to us by God. So, to be clear, I am not dismissing the necessity of such meetings but I am outraged by the content and conduct of participants at some of these assemblies.
The church is not a business or an organization and should not be run as such. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ. It is an organized organism of all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Local churches are gatherings of members of the collective church. The local church is where the members of the collective church can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12: encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ even when we meet for the purpose of church business. Thus, these meetings are supposed to be another form of worship because all of life is worship for the Christian.
In Acts 1:15-26, we find a model of how to conduct a biblical business meeting. Pastor Robert J. Sergent of Bible Baptist Church in Oak Harbor, Washington summarizes this passage into seven key principles we should keep in mind as the blueprint for church meetings: 1) Pastoral Initiative (verse 15a); 2) Biblical Purpose (verse 16); 3) Pastoral Leadership (verses 21-22); 4) Qualified Proposals (verse 23); 5) Fervent Prayer (verse 24); 6) Congregational Decision (verse 26a); and, 7) Heavenly Ratification (verse 26b).
If we keep these precepts at the forefront of our renewed thinking, then our meetings would be less political, power-thirsty, and oppressive and more like the called out assembly Christ established.
My spirit grieves whenever the agenda of a church is more concerned about the unnecessary beautification or expansion of a temporal dwelling than helping others develop a passion for Christ. While we bicker over things that will wither like the grass, our children go off to college and do not return to our churches; new converts disappear before we know their names ; and, far too many sinners believe that their sins are too grievous to be forgiven by our Loving Father. Hence, we need to move on Christ’s Agenda and daily die to self (mortify our rights, demands, and will for Christ’s life to be lived through us) everyday in every situation including when we come to the table for the “meeting to be called to order” (I Corinthians 14:40).
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Mending The Broken Church
July 1, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA When a congregation is forced to relieve a pastor of his administrative duties for excessive unexplained spending, heretical teaching, spiritual abuse, and/or deliberate divisive tactics, what must the church do to heal and restore unity within the assembly?
The answer lies in understanding the true purpose of the church because once we commit to this key doctrine of ecclesiology then it will be possible to heal the wounds of a church split through repentance and humility. The Bible is clear that the church is the Body of Christ; an assembly that is called out of the world (ekklesia) for a divine purpose; ordained by God; an organism that is unified by the Holy Spirit and led by Christ. Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing the Lord’s Supper, and 4) praying.
As we do this, our focus must be on Christ especially if healing/restoration/wholeness is to be authentic. Therefore, expending time and energy on boasting because one’s side “won,” expecting an apology for hurtful words, dwelling on past mistakes or misjudgments, creating an atmosphere of paranoia, or refusing to forgive is the antithesis of the church’s purpose. The healing process must not ignore these important issues; but, the healing process must be about the denial of self-guided motives that are about the individual and not aimed at “the building up of the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4: 12b). Everyone involved should confess the sins for which he/she committed that contributed to the chaos of confusion within God’s House even if the committed sin was silence or inaction in the face of injustice or false teachings. And, everyone should be submitted to the Holy Spirit enough to be able to reach out in love and humility to brothers and sisters in Christ whose view differed from their own.
The same dedication to prayer and devotion to study that was given to the removal of the spiritual cancer must be given to the recovery process as well. When a church is broken, the remnant is left in a state of grief, shock, dissociation, and distrust of the “other” side and the thought of future shepherds. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Believers need each other. And, we have nothing to fear during transitional times because Christ is with us fulfilling His purpose through us no matter what experiences we encounter individually or collectively.
When God allows us to go through various trials, they are meant to make us stronger (James 1:2-4). Those who are left after disruption in a church have the responsibility to glorify God by doing the uncomfortable/unnatural task of forgiving those who hurt us and asking for forgiveness from those we hurt. This must be done because we are Christ followers: “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:18-19). It is my sincere prayer that churches everywhere be about the business of fulfilling the purpose God intended for the church as we learn to love, forgive, and serve in the spirit of unity not in a spirit of lingering brokenness.
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Perfection Not Required
May 9, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late It always amazes me that so many people are counting
on their goodness to gain them entrance into heaven and eternal life. Even though they admit that they are not perfect, they still hope that the good they do will out weight their shortcomings. Perhaps they are even waiting to get some messy part of their lives in order. However, the scriptures tell us that none of us can be good enough to merit entrance into heaven.
Romans 3:21-25 declares very plainly that all humanity has sinned and can only be redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. I John 1:8-10 declares that if we claim we have no sin, we make God a liar.
The Good News is summed up in the words of Jesus Himself in Matthew 9:13a:“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The purpose of Jesus and His Father is recorded clearly in John 3:16-18. Their mission was “not to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
You must realize the futility of seeking eternal life by your own good works. Faith in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of your hope for eternal life. Once you have experienced this “new beginning” Christ in you will produce good works for His glory and not your own (Eph. 2:8-10).
No matter if your sins are many or few, little or big, or if you are young or old, it makes no difference. His open arms await you to ask for His grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even if our efforts to follow Him are still imperfect, His promise is to forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us (John 6:12).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comCampground Etiquette
May 9, 2011
by Mark PolkMark is a frequent contributing author Just about every campground you go to will have a list of rules
that they request visitors to follow, just like the rules you probably have for your own household. Another list of rules that isn’t necessarily written anywhere is what is referred to as campground etiquette. These are the rules that RVers learn over time and practice out of respect for other campers, the campground owners and the environment. When you arrive at the campground you should always observe campground etiquette.
Be a Good Neighbor: This is a big one and it encompasses many areas surrounding your stay at the campground. When a campground gets busy it means more people, more RV’s, more children, and more pets, which usually equates to less personal space for everybody. One of the reasons we enjoy getting away in our RV is to get a little peace and quiet. Now it’s understandable for children, who are excited to be camping, to make some noise but there is a time and place for everything. Not everybody likes getting up early or staying up late, so you need to be considerate of other people around you.
Quiet Hours: Campgrounds have quiet hours and campers need to observe these quiet hours. During quiet hours you shouldn’t hear generators running or loud parties next door. If you arrive at the campground early in the morning or late in the evening, try to limit the amount of noise you make while getting set up.
Police your Area: In the military, “police call” meant to go through an area and pick up any trash and to keep your area looking clean and presentable at all times. This is a good rule for campers. Your neighbor, who in some cases is only 15 or 20 feet away, doesn’t want your trash to end up in their camping area. Try to keep your campsite organized and keep the trash picked up. Don’t let things like paper plates and paper cups sit outside, that can quickly end up next door. Trash and food left outside can also attract some unwanted guests like ants, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and even bears. Keeping your camp area clean and picked up will make this less likely to occur.
Fires and Fire Pits: If there is a fire restriction where you are staying never start a fire, even if there is a fire pit. Avoid putting trash in the fire pit too; if it isn’t wood it shouldn’t go in the fire pit. Trash in the fire pit can attract more unwanted guests. Never cut branches from a live tree, or the tree itself to use for fire wood. In many public campgrounds gathering firewood is strictly prohibited, check with the campground rules about fires and firewood. Many public and private campgrounds sell firewood for you to use for a campfire.
Always make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area unattended, or retiring for the night. If you are a smoker avoid throwing cigarette butts on the ground. If conditions are right, and the cigarette butt is not completely out, it could start the entire forest on fire.
Instruct Children on Campground dos & don’ts: Children just want to have fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of other campers. Instruct your children not to run and ride bikes through somebody else’s campsite to take a shortcut to the swimming pool or the game room.
You are in essence renting the space you are in and it should be just that, your space. You should also explain to children that they need to be extremely careful when riding bikes, skateboards, scooters and running through the campground. There is constant traffic in and out of a campground, especially when it’s busy and not everybody is watching for small children. This is why adults should always go the speed limit too, which is usually 5 miles per hour in the campground area.
Security: Even though the majority of campgrounds you visit are for the most part safe and secure you shouldn’t leave your guard down too much. Leaving valuables sitting around the campsite unattended, or leaving your door open or unlocked is asking for trouble. Not everybody is as honest as you may be. Unsecured bicycles, scooters, video games, hitch work and other valuables can be an easy target for the not so honest camper.
Control your Pets: Pets and RVs just seem to go together, but keep in mind not everybody is a pet lover! If you have pets at the campground it is your responsibility to control them. First make sure you understand the campgrounds rules as it pertains to pets. Your dogs should never be outside unless they are on a leash. And even when they are on a leash you need to keep them out of other camper’s campsites. Use the campgrounds designated area for pets, if there is one, and always clean up behind your pets.
Control your dogs barking. I have seen instances where people leave their pet at the campground while they go on a day trip and the dog barks nonstop all day. It is your responsibility to control a barking dog. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to leave if your pet is out of control.
Respect the Environment: There are a lot of beautiful places for us to visit with our RV’s and it is up to us to protect these areas during our stay. Don’t litter or put trash into the streams, rivers and lakes. Don’t start a fire if there is a fire restriction, even if there is a fire pit. Never empty your gray or black water tanks anywhere except in specified dump stations and campground sewer systems. Always leave the campsite in the condition you found it or in a better condition than you found it in.
Reporting Problems: Campgrounds have camp hosts and campground managers who are available on site. If you have a problem with another camper or a campground staff member you need to address the problem with the camp host or manager and let them resolve it.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
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