Recently my memories of childhood were renewed. A friend found an Eskimo Pie truck. Obviously this vehicle is not a 2021 model. Never-the-less, as I viewed it, my mouth watered for an ice cream pie covered with chocolate. This was a very special treat our parents were able to get for us occasionally. My brother and I would savor the delicacy and hope that the chocolate would not melt and slide right off the ice cream onto the floor or my blouse.

Memories are so precious. Mixed in that bank of remembrances are Christian treats or experiences. One I remember I so looked forward to each summer was the chance to drive about a hundred miles south in Missouri to Rock Garden Christian Service Camp located in West Eminence. 

Believe me, it was aptly named, as the camp was located on a rocky area of southern Missouri. In fact,  it was so primitive that we slept in army tents on army cots. There was, if I remember correctly, just one building. It was a church/area recreation type building. I believe we even ate in it as well as worshiped.

Classes were held under the trees. When time to go swimming, a medium sized cattle truck would pull up and the campers would climb aboard, and off we would bounce to the “ole watering hole.” This was a perfectly, unsafe creek, but who cared in those days.  We  had a great time swimming.

Sometimes,  though, things are not just like you think they are. The truck pictured above is not drivable. It is an antique toy, about six to eight inches in length. It was donated to a group to which I belong to be used as a prize at a drawing.

I remember once at camp when things also were not just as they appeared. One day I returned from class to the tent where my cot was located. To my surprise, I had a visitor. There on the ground was my blanket, and sleeping on top was a giant pig who had wandered into the area. Oh! Well!   He must have thought it looked like a mud puddle, good for a pig’s resting place. He was deceived. I was frustrated.

The great thing about the Lord, however, is that when he says He is returning for us, that there will be a wonderful home awaiting His followers, and that there will be no more crying nor tears, it is no illusion. God keeps His word.

Camp was a super-duper way for youth to bond, and grow in knowledge and love of the Lord. Just keep your eyes open, however, for illusions the Devil likes to pop into our lives.