Monday, September 29, 2008

Our Refuge

Pictures are from the last few weeks Around Home With Mom.

What a blessing to know that whatever comes - God is our refuge.

The people of Old Harbor, "your relatives" my Aunt would say, had a place called Refuge Rock. I remember Dad telling the story of Refuge Rock and the way that our ancestors had fought their wars there. Previous to the Russian's and their guns they felt secure enough to bring their families to this rock for safety as they fought off attacks from other Peoples. But the Russian's new weaponry would bring a sad end to the log-rolling and rock throwing the Alutiit People had been using successfully from the top of Refuge Rock for years.

In 1784, an incident at Refuge Rock became a turning point in Native-Russian relations. A crew led by Grigorii Shelikhov attacked a group of natives on a small islet off the shore of Kodiak Island. Shelikhov's crew was more numerous and better armed than previous fur-trading expeditions. Seventy-one Russians stormed the rock with muskets while others fired cannons from shore. Nearly five hundred native men, women, and children were killed and hundreds more were captured. Tina Pamintuan, A Living Heritage

With all the ugly news that comes, with the unsettling accounts of the stock market, whatever health issues we may face - we can rest assured that God - knows all. What a blessing!

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:10, 11.

10 comments:

GRANDMA'S KITCHEN said...

I loved your post. What a great heritage you have.

It is most wonderful knowing that God knew what was going to happen in these times so long ago and He is not surpised at all at any of the things happenings so I will keep my trust and faith in Him. Hope you are doing well, connie Marie. connie from Texas

Faith said...

This blessed me.
I loved all the pictures and what you had to say about God knowing exactly all! He even knows who our next president is....I sure don't! :)
BLessings to you!

Marie VW said...

That picture of Grandma and the swans is sooo pretty! Good Job! Very nice post and what a story of Refuge Rock!

Constance said...

My my, you have been busy while I was away, my BBF! Tee Hee! I am desparately trying to play catch up since getting back from our trip. I finally wrapped it all up and got it done for the WWW to see!

I loved the photo of your family with your Mom. I am still remembering Millie in my prayers. It's been a long time...sigh

I remember taking a Spiritual Gifts Inventory years ago and while it was informative,I was frustarted as well. Our church began doing a SHAPE class (I can't rememeber what the acronym stood for) a few years ago. I re took an inventory but then it went on to explain how to be effective with your gifts depending on your personality, temperment, etc. It was great and liberating at the same time. I didn't have to feel guilty about what I wasn't doing, I realized that I am not wired up to use my gift in a one-size fits all mentality! (Example: the gift of teaching...some are wired to teach children and I clearly am done that with that season in my life!)

Thank you for the award. I am not sure I live up to it especially when my brain feels like it has shriveled up to the size of a raisin! I think my creative juices have taken a hit here lately! Have a blessed day!

Happy October!
Connie

elizabeth embracing life said...

I always think of On Christ the Solid Rock I stand...all other ground is sinking sand. Thanks for the reminder of Psalms 46. I just wrote it out on a 3x5 card. The picture are just so breath taking.

nancy said...

It is an awful story - just one, among many - of the way the people were treated. And many of us have similar stories. The English enslaved, stole the land, and outlawed our culture in the British Isles, and we repeated their mistakes in the New World. It makes me feel so bad.
But we have our Rock of Refuge in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Praise be to God.
Connie Marie, you're a blessing.
Love,
Nancy

mrsjojo said...

What wonderful pictures you shared! Your mom must feel so blessed to have all of you around.
Enjoyed the story about the Refuge Rock--such a sad story. You would think such blatant killing wouldn't be happening in our day and age but it is on "doctor's" tables. Thank God, He is our REFUGE. I Love your verse that you shared!!

Susannah said...

Just checking in! How are things my friend? Busy times here too. I've missed you. (((Hugs)))

Constance said...

Hello? Is anyone out there? Miss ya BBF!
Connie

SandiLynnHill said...

What wonderful history and beautiful encouragement!!! I loved the pictures...WOW. Doug looks just like his father!