Lets talk about boat design. In New England, where there is lots of deep, rough water. Boats designed and built for use there have narrow, deep draft fixed keels; they also have high sides (freeboard) that will withstand the big waves. Examples: the beautiful dory fishing boats and fast schooners cod fishermen used on the rough seas of the Grand Banks. In short, these boats are built to withstand the local conditions and be safe and seaworthy at all times. From the New Jersey coast south to Florida, the condition of the shallow water is often described as thin. Therefore, boats designed for use in those waters are mostly flat-bottomed, shallow draft and with a very short distance from the deck of the boat to the water (called freeboard). Examples are boats such as the sailing sneakbox, and hunters duck boats, the 22 foot racing scows and powered Garveys with their flat bottoms and wedge-like front ends (bows) that only take a few inches of water to float. Then, if we move our attention across the nation to the rivers of the Rocky Mountains, and on then to the turbulent coast of the Pacific Northwest with the fast moving rivers that rush down the mountains into the ocean, the boats designed for use out there are much different. They are rugged, stoutly built, with very narrow width (beam) high sides (freeboard). All are features designed to make them seaworthy and safe to use in those always-turbulent waters of that rough and rugged part of the USA. Now, think about this: God knew the water and weather conditions that were in Noahs future when he designed and commanded Noah to build the ark. As we know, rain, big storms and worldwide flooding were destined to be in Noahs future on the ark. Of course, Noah did not have a clue. Why? Because he had never even seen rain let alone: floods or rough seas. But on faith, he said to God: Yes Lord. Then he simply followed orders. He built the Ark the way God told him to build it. He simply did what God told him to do. Of course, the ark Noah built was exactly what the designer, God, knew was needed to provide safety and comfort for all on board. It was a boat designed to be comfortable and safe in spite of the bad weather and rough seas they were soon to encounter in the days ahead. Now, think about this: Everything you need to know about life, you can learn from Noah's Ark. 1. Don't miss the boat. 2. Remember that we are all in the same boat. 3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. 4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. 5. Don't listen to critics. Just get on with the job that needs to be done. 6. Build your future on high ground. 7: For safetys sake, travel in pairs. 8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on the ark with the cheetahs. 9. When you're stressed, float a while. 10. Remember, amateurs built the Ark and the Titanic by professionals. 11. No matter the storm, when you are with God theres always a rainbow waiting. Finally, remember this, God designed you and me in the same way he designed the ark. A design he knew would prepare us for the conditions he knew we would face in our individual lifetime journeys here on earth. He provided us with all the equipment needed: heart, wisdom, love and faith in him to overcome the obstacles he knew we would face day after day, year after year. In fact, we might say God designed us like Noahs ark. He gave each of us a hull of worldly wisdom, and many planks of solid trust in him. All of us are built on a keel, a foundation, of His steadfast love. In short, we could say we also voyage through this life much as Noah did in a vessel, an ark, (our bodies) designed by God. I suggest a good name for our God designed arks would be FAITH! Terry Weber 7/16/06 Website: yrret.stirsite.com Website: http://www.crafty-ones.com/web/viewproduct.asp?prodID=1244 |
