Gas To Go Over $3/Gallon
February 22, 2010
by Keith Bennett
The RV Travel Examiner
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has predicted that gas prices will continue to rise as we get closer to warm weather and that the $3 mark should be crossed in the spring and summer of this year. The demand remains very low in the U.S. but overall demand is up, mainly due to China. This continues to put upward pressure on the price of crude and therefore the price of gas.
RVers are very price sensitive to fuel costs and coupled with many state parks being closed for economic reasons; we predict that RVers will stay closer to home. The patterns may be very similar to 2009. The patterns may change if RV campgrounds increase rates to take advantage of fewer choices for RVers due to state park closures.
In informal chats with RVers the resistance point for a full hookup seems to get intense the closer the rate gets to $40 per night. Where is your resistance point for staying in a private RV campground if gas is at/above $3/gallon? Drop a comment with your thoughts.
Happy Camping
You may comment below or visit Keith’s site at The RV Travel Examiner for additional RV Travel articles.
“Winnebegans” Spread Christmas Cheer
December 23, 2009
by Greg Gerberposted on RvDailyReport.com on December 20, 2009 WORCESTER, Mass. — Quinebagoes do not believe in roughing it while camping out. Rather than a tent and sleeping bag, they camp in heated or air-conditioned bliss with all the comforts of home, from full bathrooms and bedrooms to kitchens and living rooms with cable television.
The camping group also believes in sharing the wealth and sent a generous donation to the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, along with a note from club treasurer John A. Hatch of Lakeshore Drive in Spencer. He said, “The Quinebagoes of Massachusetts would like to donate to the Santa Fund. Merry Christmas!”
Fellow Quinebago and Webster resident Steven C. Tonken, a family support worker for Catholic Charities of Southbridge, said he was thrilled to have his club make the donation. “I see the impact those toys from the T&G Santa have on the children and their families,” he said. “Some of our families are destitute. Their goal is survival. They are on welfare or have disabilities. Getting food at the food pantry is huge, much less getting toys for their children. That’s a dream.”
Tonken said the Quinebagoes often make charitable donations, explaining that the Quinebagoes are a camping club, which is open to any owner of a Winnebago or Itasca motor home. First, the recreational vehicle owners join the Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club, which makes them eligible to join the Quinebagoes in Central or Western Massachusetts or to join the Bradford Brigade in Eastern Massachusetts.
The T&G Santa is holding its annual fund drive. In its 71st year, the T&G Santa Fund collects thousands of donations from generous readers and area residents to help buy toys for children in need in Central Massachusetts.
You can email Greg at editor@rvdailyreport.com
reprinted with permission
Why Does Trouble Come? (2)
November 6, 2009
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late In Proverbs we are warned not to “despise the Lord’s discipline” or “resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12). In the Old Testament, we find story after story about God’s judgment on the ungodly and His discipline of His chosen people Israel.
The Apostle Paul explains why these stories were recorded (Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11). Our Heavenly Father, like our earthly fathers and mothers, disciplines His Children when they go astray.
I recall one of my sons coming home from the neighbors and telling his mother, “Joey’s mom must not love him; she lets him do anything he wants to.” Sometimes trouble comes our way because God is trying to get our attention and discipline us. Unlike some earthly parents, His discipline is always administered in love—a love far greater than that known by any earthly parent (Heb 12:7). For He gave His only son to suffer and die on Calvary’s cross that He might adopt us as His children (Gal. 4:5-7).
So, if you find yourself besieged with trouble, perhaps it is time to seek God’s reason through prayer and Bible reading. It would also be good to do as David did in Psalms 139:23-24 when he cried out for God to search his heart. Ask God to help you see the reason for His discipline.
As I have told in my book It’s Never Too Late – A Prodigal Pastor Returns (www.faithrescued.com), after turning my back on God and becoming an agnostic for 45 years, I personally experienced God’s discipline before returning to His arms. As I now look back on those years, I can see His unbelievable patience with me as He disciplined me through trouble after trouble in my life—but always with His unfathomable love.
Yes, trouble sometimes comes as God seeks to correct our paths and draw us nearer or even back into His adopted family. This discipline is never pleasant and often painful, depending upon the reason for it. However, it is always for our good (Heb. 12:11).
It is also important that we learn from the discipline God allows to come our way, for “whoever heeds correction gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32). We are advised to “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Why Does Trouble Come? (1)
November 5, 2009
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late We know that trouble will come, since the Master Himself told us it would (Matt. 6:34); however, just why is a question most of us have asked many times. We feel that if we are believers we should be sheltered from trouble.
Looking at Job’s situation might give us a clue. We must never forget that as believers we along with God are engaged in a spiritual battle between good (God) and evil (Satan) (Ephesians 6:12). Job found himself caught in the middle of that battle. There is no indication that Job had displeased God in any way. In fact, God pointed him out to Satan as his faithful servant (Job 1:8).
God allowed Satan to attack Job’s possessions and finally even his health to the point where his friends forsook him and even his wife suggested that he “curse God and die” (Job 2:9).
When troubles come our way, reading Job’s story can lift our spirits and faith. It can remind us that it is important to maintain our faith in God as Job did. It is recorded that “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said” (Job 2:10). In the end of this traumatic ordeal, (1) Satan was reminded that God was in control, (2) Job’s friends were punished for their words of condemnation, (3) God gave Job double all his previous possessions(Job 42:10), and (4) God was glorified through it all.
We must remember the words of the Apostle Paul for he certainly had trouble and understood the battle between God and Satan. In 1 Thessalonians 2:18 he wrote that Satan directly interfered with his desire to visit the church there. In Romans 8:28 he reassures us with these words: “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..,” yes, just as he did in Job’s situation. For Job said, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble” (Job 1:10)?
While we can expect some trouble just because we are endeavoring to follow Christ’s teaching and Satan seeks to defeat us and destroy our faith in them, there are other reasons trouble comes our way. Join me next week when we will look at more of the reasons.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Christianity No Longer Americans’ Default Faith
September 1, 2009
as appeared on Barna Group, January 12, 2009
For much of America’s history, the assumption was that if you were born in America, you would affiliate with the Christian faith. A new nationwide survey by The Barna Group, however, indicates that people’s views have changed. The study discovered that half of all adults now contend that Christianity is just one of many options that Americans choose from and that a huge majority of adults pick and choose what they believe rather than adopt a church or denomination’s slate of beliefs. Still, most people say their faith is becoming increasingly important as a source of personal moral guidance.
Choosing a Faith
The survey shows half of Americans believe the Christian faith no longer has a lock on people’s hearts. Overall, 50% of the adults interviewed agreed that Christianity is no longer the faith that Americans automatically accept as their personal faith, while just 44% disagreed and 6% were not sure.
Two-thirds of evangelical Christians (64%) and three out of every five Hispanics (60%) embraced that position, making them the groups most convinced of the shift in America’s default faith. The study also showed that residents of the Northeast and West were much more likely than those from the South and Midwest to assert that Christianity has lost its place as the first faith option people consider. People who said they are politically conservative, however, saw things differently than did the rest of the country: a slight majority of conservatives claimed that Christianity remains the natural choice of most Americans.
Faith and Moral Guidance
By an overwhelming margin – 74% to 23% – adults agreed that their religious faith was becoming even more important to them than it used to be as a source of objective and reliable moral guidance.
This perspective was championed by born again Christians: 91% concurred with the survey statement. In contrast, just two-thirds of the people who consider themselves to be Christian but are not born again (67%) embraced this view, and only four out of every ten Americans (39%) who do not affiliate with Christianity also said their faith has increasing influence on their moral judgments.
A sizeable majority of almost every subgroup of the population accepted this perspective as an accurate representation of their personal experience. African Americans were the ethnic group most supportive of the notion (84%). Conservatives (84%) were far more likely than either political moderates (70%) or liberals (65%) to agree – although comfortable majorities of those segments adopted the same view as conservatives.
Choosing Specific Beliefs
The United States has well over 200 different Christian denominations, a testimony to the historic importance people have attached to doctrinal accuracy. But things have changed dramatically in recent decades. The Barna survey underscored the fact that people no longer look to denominations or churches to offer a slate of theological views that the individual adopts in its entirety.
By a three to one margin (71% to 26%) adults noted that they are personally more likely to develop their own set of religious beliefs than to accept a comprehensive set of beliefs taught by a particular church. Although born again Christians were among the segments least likely to adopt the a la carte approach to beliefs, a considerable majority even of born again adults (61%) has taken that route. Leading the charge in the move to customize one’s package of beliefs are people under the age of 25, among whom more than four out of five (82%) said they develop their own combination of beliefs rather than adopt a set proposed by a church.
Evidence of people’s willingness to part with church teaching was shown in other data from the survey regarding what people believe. Among individuals who describe themselves as Christian, for instance, close to half believe that Satan does not exist, one-third contend that Jesus sinned while He was on earth, two-fifths say they do not have a responsibility to share the Christian faith with others, and one-quarter dismiss the idea that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
Implications of the Research
Asked to describe what the research means for American society today, researcher George Barna offered several insights.
- The Christian faith is less of a life perspective that challenges the supremacy of individualism as it is a faith being defined through individualism. Americans are increasingly comfortable picking and choosing what they deem to be helpful and accurate theological views and have become comfortable discarding the rest of the teachings in the Bible.
- Growing numbers of people now serve as their own theologian-in-residence. One consequence is that Americans are embracing an unpredictable and contradictory body of beliefs. Barna pointed out, as examples, that millions of people who consider themselves to be Christian now believe that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the lessons it teaches at the same time that they believe Jesus Christ sinned. Millions also contend that they will experience eternal salvation because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior, but also believe that a person can do enough good works to earn eternal salvation.
- In the past, when most people determined their theological and moral points of view, the alternatives from which they chose were exclusively of Christian options – e.g., the Methodist point of view, the Baptist perspective, Catholic teaching, and so forth. Today, Americans are more likely to pit a variety of non-Christian options against various Christian-based views. This has resulted in an abundance of unique worldviews based on personal combinations of theology drawn from a smattering of world religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam as well as secularism.
- Faith, of whatever variety, is increasingly viral rather than pedagogical. With people spending less time reading the Bible, and becoming less engaged in activities that deepen their biblical literacy, faith views are more often adopted on the basis of dialogue, self-reflection, and observation than teaching. Feelings and emotions now play a significant role in the development of people’s faith views – in many cases, much more significant than information-based exercises such as listening to preaching and participating in Bible study.
A Biblical Text-imonial
March 31, 2009
by Sue Panchenko
Certainly an important part of any day is communicating with others via face-to-face or land-line phone conversations, emails and, of course, cell phone texting or talking.
Certainly your cell phone will save the day! It can instantly reach a friendly voice to confirm lunch, cancel one of those dreadful meetings and even let someone know you love them. And the “Silence All” icon can even make it possible for you to ignore a pressing problem that may even require your immediate attention.
A cell phone is the world’s answer to solving just about any communication challenge that comes your way. It can keep information neatly organized in your calendar or contact List, manage MMS RSS JPG TXT E-mail and even speak real-time directions to help you find your next appointment. Imagine that!
With your cell phone, your life is easier and you’re in control. Yes, the mighty cell phone. How did we ever live without it?
Remember (in graphic detail) the day you forgot your phone at home or misplaced it for a few days? It might have been the day you needed to communicate (in audible full sentences) with your text-only teenager (OMG!) or the day you had to be available to welcome calls (as well as those not-so-welcomed) on your outdated land line! And, all this without Caller ID! !
You must admit, however, there was one good thing that happened that day. Your loved one actually got to hear your face-to-face “I love you” without those annoying “Can you hear me now’s” interjected sporadically.
If you’ve come to beginning your day by depending upon your electronic communication device as your be-all/end-all solution to your life’s communication challenges, I have an alternate suggestion for you to consider.
Try beginning every day communicating with Jesus Christ instead of being anxious (Matt 6:34). He’s always available to talk, you’ll never have to leave Him a voice mail, He’ll be there to guide you through your day, and He doesn’t have a “Silence All” button. There’s no Call Timer either. No Roaming charges apply. The Rollover Minutes just keep on rolling and never expire. Jesus has all the time in the world (or Heaven) to talk to you!
During the day, try reaching for the Bible instead of your cell phone every time you’re feeling lonely and just need to connect with someone to fill a void. God’s Word provides a direct connection with Him, gives you “real” direction in your life, calms your fears, fills the empty void that causes loneliness and gives you hope.
The Bible is the greatest all-in-one powerful communication tool; complete with Texting, Instant Messaging, Personalized ID, Bluetooth technology, ActiveSync, Call History, Voice Recognition, Media Center, Contact List, System Tools and much more.
However, it’s recommended that you speak to Jesus face-to-face in prayer. Just dial “0″ – The Operator is always standing by!
Sue Panchenko is an avid supporter and encourager of RVchurchesUSA. She is Manager of RV Marketplace and Classifieds for Affinity Group Publishing in Ventura, CA
Staying Fit On The RV Road
March 20, 2009
by Jamie Hall Bruzenak as appeared in RV Lifestyle ExpertsHow do you stay fit as you travel? There are options, though it can take diligence to make sure you get your exercise in.
RV parks may have facilities to help you stay in shape. Many have pools, though usually only larger resorts have lap pools or a gym. RV resorts may also have courts for bocce ball, pickleball and other sports. RV parks and resorts with these facilities are generally ones that attract long-term residents.
Walking and biking can be done most anywhere. Both can be done at most RV parks, though it may not be the most interesting scenery or conducive to a pace that will raise your heartbeat. In the afternoon after you set up in an RV park, take time to walk around. Mornings before leaving is another good time to spend at least 1/2 hour walking or riding your bicycle.
You may be able to find hikes, nice areas to walk or bike trails nearby if you do some research. The American Volkssport Association is made up of walking clubs, which have events all over the U.S. Check to see if there is something near your travels. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has a list of trails for biking and walking at their Web site. An article naming walkable cities by the now defunct Walking Magazine lists a number of cities to keep in mind as you travel.
Some RVers find gyms to work out at when they travel. Curves has locations in some pretty small towns and your membership is good for visits. Gold’s Gym, I believe, allows out-of-town guests to use their gym. Other gyms might let you use their facilities for a small fee. Ask at the RV park if they know of one.
Carrying your own workout equipment is another solution. For a while I carried a Nordic Track Machine in the motor home. It had to be folded up and put in a closet and took up the entire free area in the kitchen/dinette area (no slide out) when in use. You can imagine how often that was used before being donated or sold! Dumbbells or bands are small and take up little space so are more convenient to use. An invigorating exercise tape or a yoga or Pilates routine can be a good motivator for some.
So why not stay fit?
The biggest hindrance to staying fit is usually not equipment or facilities, but being disciplined about exercising at least 3-4 times/week. It helps if both spouses, if married, exercise. Or, if you travel solo or your spouse or partner isn’t interested, find an exercise partner if you’ll be in one spot for a while. It’s harder to go back to sleep when someone else is counting on you showing up for a walk.
RV friend DeAnna started water workout classes where they work-camped to have others to exercise with. She carries her foam dumbbells and belt in her RV so she can do her routine wherever there is a pool. Sometimes a local motel will allow non-guests to use their pool for a small fee if the park doesn’t have a pool or there is no community pool.
In “RV Traveling Tales: Women’s Journeys on the Open Road”, Joanne Alexakis writes a hilarious account about making one more New Years Resolution to lose weight in “Losing Weight with Suzanne.” She followed the Suzanne Somers’ weight loss plan, combined with brisk walking laps around the perimeter of the Florida RV park where they stayed that winter. As the pounds came off, she added sprints and dumbbells. She lost a total of 40 pounds! The exercise became self-motivating as she dropped the excess weight.
So how do you stay fit? Do you make the effort? Do you get off the road in time to get in some exercise when you are traveling?
Please add your strategy in a comment below or email Jamie at calamityjaimie@gmail.com
Praying the Names of God
March 1, 2009
By Erika Careb Co-founder of RVchurchesUSAWhy are the names of God important?
God gave us a glimpse of His character and love as He reveals Himself through his names. By understanding and studying His names, we can enter into a more deeper and satisfying relationship with Him by communicating regularly in prayer.
By praying the names of God, we can learn to live in the promise of His love and faithfulness in times of praise, joy, challenges, despair – in all things (Phil 4: 4-8).
So what are the names of God and when can you use them in your prayers (Psalm 9: 10)?
Here are a few names of God and samples of how to use them while praying:
Elohim – the Creator (Deut 10:17)
“Thank you God for being my Elohim….”
ElRoi – God who sees me (Gen 16: 13-14)
“You are my ElRoi who knows the past, present and future ….”
El Shaddai – All sufficient One (Gen 17:1)
“Lord you are my El Shaddi, please go befor me in my works for you …”
Adonai – Lord and Master (Psalm 16: 2)
“Lord, here am I. send me, You are my Adonai ..”
Jehovah-jireh – the Lord will provide (Gen 22: 1-19)
“Lord, help me not become anxious for you are my Jeova-jireh …”
Jehova-rapha – the Lord who heals (Jer 17:14)
“Lord, you are my Jehova-rapha. In you I comforted in knowing that you will heal me – body, mind and soul …”
Jehova-shalom – the Lord of peace (John 14: 27)
“ Lord, you are my Johova-shalom, I will not be afraid but comnforted …..”
The Bible is filled with many more names of G, both in the Old as well as New Testament. As you read and study the names of God you will find encouragement and comfort as you grow in a deeper relationship with Him.
A great resource to learn more about this topic is “Praying the Names of God” by Ann Spagler – Zondervan, grand Rapids, Michigan 2004
Keep praying!
Volunteering – Who Really Benefits?
February 8, 2009
By Duane CarebPresident RVchurchesUSA
Volunteering is very noble, necessary and noticeable. But have you ever considered who benefits more – the recipient of your efforts or you?
Wikipedia defines Volunteerism as the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain.
I love that definition because it is so succinct:
- Willingness of people – as in God’s will manifested through you. In Christianity, that’s referred to as submission to His will or following a Godly leading. A cause stirs within you that just won’t go away.
Soon, that leading develops into a passion for the cause. Time after time you are emotionally touched by this cause and soon find your self sincerely desiring to respond in some way which leads to ………
- Working on behalf of others – as in expelling an effort to be “used” to the degree that a personal sacrifice ensues. To volunteer means to go “beyond” the realm of the normal work load most of us execute because of financial needs, among other reasons.
It is during this stage of the definition that we joyfully grasp at any one of the “gifts” we each possess such as teaching, administrating, helping, leading and (yes) even following! Actually there are twenty three “spiritual gifts” described in the Bible that fit the bill for volunteering. We all have them – sometimes it takes the act of volunteering to bring them out which leads to ………
- Volunteering without being motivated by financial or material gain – as in not having any expectations of compensation (monetary or tangible) or acknowledgement.
To not expect anything in return for volunteering is the essence of submission mentioned earlier. Whether we processed the thought of serving others in some meaningful way for quite a while or made an impromptu decision based on the genuine passion of our heart, having realistic expectations – no compensation or acknowledgement – is the key to volunteering joyfully.
Within my ministry to serve the RV Community – RVchurchesUSA – there are many opportunities to volunteer.
The mission of our ministry is to encourage and equip campground owners to start or maintain on-site nondenominational church services or Bible studies.
Many campground owners desire to serve the RV Community’s needs for spiritual growth and outreach as evidenced by the emails we receive. However, many owners feel ill equipped to organize, administer or speak at their church services.
Our Ambassador Club bridges that gap by providing serving opportunities to retired or active pastors, church outreach ministries, experienced Bible Study leaders, chaplains and other spiritually mature followers of Jesus Christ. All Ambassadors possess a passion to serve as speakers, administrators or worship leaders to campground owners in their area. They may also mentor owners as they develop on-site programs for their patrons and any local residents who may attend services as well.
The Ambassador Club members serve with zeal beyond their expertise and with focused purpose – happy to lift the spirits of the recipients.
Regardless of the type organization you volunteer for – political, educational, medical, religious etc – I challenge you to serve with passion, excellence, intention, joy and an encouraging word.
There is a book I read almost every day that says it all: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Phil 2: 3-5 The book, of course, is the Bible which offers excellent guidance for all who desire to volunteer.
By volunteering one can gain experience in areas outside their “comfort zone”, help meet real needs of recipients, realize personal satisfaction putting other’s need ahead of their own and fulfilling a passion for a cause that requires personal sacrifice.
Try volunteering then evaluate who benefits most – the recipient or you!.
The Knitty-Gritty of RVing!
December 13, 2008
by Erika Careb
Read Prov 31:10-31
One of my hobby passions I enjoy at home is knitting, Another passion is gardening.
I knit almost every day of the year – after my morning devotions, in between house chores and even while watching TV. It’s a little hard to do when we’re watching a movie with subtitles, however!
As I am preparing for our 90-day RV trip to Titusville, Florida and back (to Chicago), I think about how I can enjoy those hobbies during that time. Knitting wins over gardening because I like to watch my plantings grow – typically something that may present a challenge while “on the move”.
One thing I considered was whether to take an existing project along or if I would be starting a new one. If it’s a new project, do I have the supplies I’ll need – yard, instructions and the right needles?
What if I run out of yarn or need help for my project. GPS units just don’t have yarn shops as a point-of-interest! Of course, one could always ask locals for shop locations or go to Walmart (maybe stay overnight) for generic products. However, if I’m using natural yarns, staying in a Cracker Barrel lot might be more beneficial – at least for breakfast or lunch, anyway!
So, I found a solution: I found a resource for people who do things with string. It’s called Fiber Mania! - A Travel Guide to knitting, needlepoint, crocheting, weaving, spinning (not on the cycle), cross-stitch and embroidery stores and guilds in the United States (2008). It says all that on the cover!
It’s divided by states and much like the RV maps we all use from time to time, it has stars that actually represents the city locations at a glance. There’s even one in Spearfish, South Dakota. What male spouse wouldn’t want to drive through a town with that name?
The book features an easy-find icons for yarn, needlepoint, spinning and more. Simply look up the state you’ll be traveling through, check out the star embedded map, select a city and see the names of stores and guilds bearing the icons mentioned above. It’s terrific!
Happy knitting and don’t get caught up in the knitty-gritty!
The book is published by Direction Press in Solon, Oh (888-737-0947). For more information visit www.shopyarn.com You can tell Michelle you heard about her book here!
Endorsements Keep Coming
December 7, 2008
We at RVchurchesUSA are blown away by the list of endorsements that are coming in lately! It’s been both humbling and encouraging at the same time.
Former ministry partners, RV industry leaders, personal acquaintances and even new ‘friends” of our ministry have rallied to offer you a peek into the sincere passion for impacting lives for Christ that drives RVchurchesUSA.
Please take a moment to read these testimonies found on our Endorsement page.
We’ll keep posting them as they arrive so don’t hesitate to check back from time to time.
Blessings
Duane
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