Category: Uncategorized

April 7, 2020

Late this evening my latest book project became a reality. Hidden Treasures: A Collection of Writings by William Curtis Harvard was completed and can now be purchased exclusively on Amazon.com. William Curtis Harvard is listed as the main author and I am also listed as an author. Several others have also contributed to this book. Hidden Treasures has been a challenging project that my husband, Steve, and I began in 2012. It has been a challenge and many hours were spent researching quotes and other information Curt retrieved from reading magazine articles and news publications. These quotes, etc. needed to be researched so proper credit could be given to the originator and the copyright law could also be observed. Also, scripture verses had to be changed from the New King James version of the Bible to the King James version which is now public domain. Though the task of compiling these articles was an overwhelming challenge, God got us through it.

I hope you all enjoy reading the heart-warming stories and wisdom literature contained in the pages of Hidden Treasures! The treasures you will find in this book are mainly unseen as they originate with the Holy Spirit who works through Curt to share. Among the treasures are the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the mercy and grace of God, and the precious pearl–Jesus Christ. You will find many other treasures as you read through the pages of this book.

Hidden Treasures! was also meant to be a legacy and remembrance of brother Curt Harvard. Curt was an Elder at Sandpoint Christian Center for several years as well as a teacher at Bonner Gospel Mission. He is missed by many who still walk their pilgrimage with the Lord while Curt has gone home to heaven. Thank you, God, for the time we had with brother William Curtis Harvard!

Living in an apartment can be a real challenge. Many times there are circumstances brought about by landlords and neighbors that cannot be changed by the individual(s) living in that place. Since people cannot change other people or several circumstances, the problems of life can appear to be giants and cause great distress. This became apparent when a friend and brother-in-Christ began telling us about his situation at his apartment complex.

Our friend was renting an upstairs, one-bedroom apartment where he lived for about twelve years. However, a couple of years ago a man who was also related to our friends landlord, moved into the apartment next door to our friend. Air vents, which looked somewhat like dryer vents, were connecting the apartments to help provide more airflow in the rooms. However, these air vents picked up every little sound made and the sound waves carried it to the neighbor’s apartment. As a result, if our friend turned a page in a book or if he rolled over in bed and the box springs squeezed, this new neighbor would pound on the apartment walls and begin hollering. This became a continual problem, oppressing our friend so much that he couldn’t move about, even quietly, to do what was needed in his own apartment.

A few other renters commented that they were either searching for other places to live or were moving out already. Someone mentioned the possibility of persecution of Christians but I don’t know if this is really the case.

With multiple health issues of our own, my husband, Steve, and I worked to help our friend and brother-in-Christ move into a bedroom in our home. We began, with help from our Pastor and a friend, clearing out and moving items in our home to free up a room for our friend and to get rid of clutter. This project took a few months and will continue on even after our friend is moved in.

As we helped our friend pack up and move his belongings, I noticed a strong smell of tobacco, possibly even pot, permeated the air in the hallway and my friends apartment–though my friend does not smoke. I prayed that God would help me so that the smoke would not trigger an asthma attack and result in breathing problems and coughing for months. I don’t know how my friend could stand breathing in that bad air for so long.

We are getting near the end of this moving task. Only a few large items remain to be moved. Our friend had lined up some people from his church to come and move the larger items on Tuesday. Lord willing, our friend will be moved before the end of October.

During this transition period we have faced some challenges. The door knob on our friend’s room will not latch and our dog, Roxy, keeps going in his room. She is still a puppy who likes to chew on things. She apparently got up on the bed and got one of our friend’s hearing aids. Now we will have to pay for the repair. We will keep the door barricaded until Monday when someone is coming over to fix the door knob. We may also have to fix an electric heater in my friend’s room. In spite of the challenges, I thank the Lord that we could make room for our friend in our home and get him out of that dreadful, apartment-living situation.

On Friday, October 5th, Steve and I were blessed to be able to share God’s word with a man whom we disciple each Friday morning. We have been going through the book of proverbs and learning some of the wisdom of Solomon and others who contributed to that book of the Bible. Proverbs has many nuggets of wisdom on a multitude of issues we all deal with on a daily basis. It is a great book for those who want wisdom to help them on their journey through life.

After our Bible study we went to our area Walmart to pick up a couple of items. As we entered the parking lot we saw a homeless woman with a sign asking for help. I have learned over the years that giving homeless people money is not always the answer. It may provide them with a meal (if they spend it wisely) but frequently the homeless are looking for money for alcohol or other wants. Therefore it is wiser to buy them food or help them get connected to churches and/or other organizations that can truly meet their needs. So I gave this woman the contact information for an organization in our area that helps people in need deal with their true issues. I also referred the woman to an organization that provides shelter for the homeless in our county.

I don’t know if the woman followed up and connected with the organizations that can help her, but that is between her and God. At least I tried to reach out and demonstrate the love of God with someone in need. If I were homeless, I would hope someone would reach out and show me the love of God and direct me to those who can truly help. How can I do anything less?