Christian Writing and Inspiration

 Trust in God

            We often think of “holiness” as something that involves “spiritual” matters. It has to do with praying, meditating, cultivating virtues, and doing good deeds. Holiness does involve these practices, but it also involves the things we do in all the other areas of our lives. Holiness cannot be placed into only certain sections of life. Holiness involves the whole of life because holiness is actually all about “wholeness.” What do we really live for every day? What do we spend our time, energy and resources for? What goals and dreams occupy our waking moments? Deep down, what really matters to us? These are the questions Jesus’ words ask us to address. His words may cause some deep reflection, and ultimately they are liberating and empowering.

            Jesus tells us that God must be at the center of our lives. Trusting God as the center and foundation of our lives allows us to approach the daily tasks of life, free from the futility of trusting in something else to make our lives meaningful. Grounding our lives in God’s goodness makes us whole. Trust in Gods goodness. Jesus revealed that God loves us as a compassionate parent, a Heavenly Daddy, and Father Almighty. Can we not trust that God is working for what is in our best interests?

            Trust can be a difficult word, however, we practice trust daily without realizing it. When we go to sit down in our seats, for example, we just normally sit; we don’t normally test the chair or sofa to make sure it’s going to hold us. One of my examples of trust came as a teen, when I took part in a ropes obstacle course. There were many challenges, and one challenge was to stand on a platform with my arms folded and hands interlocked; and with my back toward a group of my peers, to fall backwards. The challenge was to hold my arms and hands in place in full trust that my peers would catch me as I fell. It was difficult, yes, but it was putting full trust in others to guard my safety; that I wouldn’t fall.

            Jesus tells us beginning in Mark 11:22 to “Have faith in God…for if anyone says to this mountain, go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours.”

            Just as I had trust in others, God wants us to have that same trust and faith in him. Our priorities reveal what we trust as the foundation for life. If we spend most of our time, energy, and resources on ourselves and those closest to us, then we are saying that God and Gods purposes do not matter as much as our personal desires. If we really trust God with our lives, however, then we are free to reconstruct the priorities of our lives in ways that keep God at the center. Earthly treasures, so hard to secure and keep secure, are ultimately trivial. Something else is more important, more lasting, more life-giving: God.

            Here are the words from Nahum 1:7 about trust, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him…”

The Delete Button

 TO COME

            Many hymns begin with the word: Come. “Come We that Love the Lord,”     “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,”     “Come Ye Thankful People, Come,” and dozens more. That makes sense, when you think about throughout the Bible, God invites us to come to Him. During Sunday worship and private prayer, and mid-week Bible study even, we in turn ask God to come to us.

            ‘Coming” means leaving where we were. For stewardship, it means getting out of bed Sunday mornings to go to church. It means walking away from the recliner to rake leaves for shut-ins. It means picking up bags of groceries for local food pantries. It means moving three pews up to welcome a visitor; it means stretching our legs in evangelism and outreach efforts. It means leaving the comforts of our sanctuaries and places of worship each Sunday, or day of worship and being an active part of our local and perhaps, foreign mission fields. I believe that there should be a sign at the exit of each church door stating that, “You’re now entering the mission field!”

            My favorite scripture is the one from John 5, the healing at the pool. The crippled man had been sitting by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years waiting for the waters to be stirred- the first one in was healed. 38 years, this man was sitting by the pool! Along came Jesus, and when the man had told Jesus of his plight, Jesus replied, “Do you want to be made well?”

            We wouldn’t hesitate for a moment at that question! Yes, I want to be made well. I don’t want to carry these crutches anymore, I don’t want this arthritis anymore. I don’t want this sickness anymore. The truth is, there was a deeper question that Jesus was asking the man. Remember growing up, and perhaps you opened and closed the door several times to see if the light would still be on. Well, it was kind of hard to see with the door closed unless you were in the refrigerator, which would be rather difficult. But the point is, that the light overcomes the darkness. No matter what our weakness may be, the fact that we were made in the image of God overcomes that weakness. No matter what we may be dealing with spiritually or emotionally, Christ fought of our battles for us when he endured all the pains upon the cross for our sins; the light overcomes the darkness. No matter what our weakness, we have gifts and talents through which we can show others how to live, and that truly makes us special; light overcomes the darkness.

            So Jesus is asking this man if he wants to be made well….in opposite, does he want to simply sit by that pool for another 38, 75, or 100 years. We have the choice to use our talents and gifts that we’ve been blessed with to help one another through Christian love. Through that act of love and kindness, we can help make one another well spiritually- and that it the most uplifting, renewing and encouraging thing there is in life.

            The man tells Jesus he wants to be made well, and so Jesus says to “take up your mat and walk”…and so he does. He doesn’t even need to be put into the waters…what a miracle! As we know, Jesus truly is our miracle of life by defeating death.

            Sir Isaac Newton tells us that “a body a rest tends to remain at rest, unless some force acts to move it.” For Christians, that force is God’s command to us to love our neighbor. Even as Easter Sunday as come and gone, let us not remember during that Maundy Thursday ( Maundy being a Latin word for “mandate” ), that Jesus gave everyone the mandate of a new command.

            The new commandment was to “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

            That brings us back to the start….to come also means to go…and that was the great commission of Christ, in Matthew 28:18-20: To “go” therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

            The Great Commission is the end of a Gospel and the beginning of faith in action for all Christians. This command from Jesus is significant because it's a personal instruction for Christians to have a profound faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus gives His believers specific directions to follow after they have affirmed their faith. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus calls all His followers to act and share the Good News of salvation throughout the world. People hear this calling and travel each year on missionary trips throughout the earth, spreading the word of Jesus Christ. Many Christians have made incredible sacrifices, traveling to remote regions of the world beyond the civilized cities into jungles and deserts. Mission fields can also be very close to home. It could be a neighbor who has not heard the Good News, or a poverty stricken area just down the road where people can't afford Bibles. In the 21st century, the Internet has become a mission field where people can reach out and share Christ's love. The places and people who need to hear the Gospel are everywhere! So go, therefore, into your community, today, AMEN!

 Valentines Day

            I was asked to write about Valentines Day, and what it means to me.

            Valentines Day brings the word “love” to everyone; the kind of love that brings hugs and kisses. Love, however, brings kindness, friendship, care, peace, patience, understanding; and hearts with which to comfort others within our communities. I believe that Cupid shoots his arrows into our lives, but also into the lives of whole communities to bring a sense of friendship, fellowship and both brotherly and sisterly love.

            Valentines Day is about the beauty of being kind, generous, and all that peace can bring to a heavy world and crumbling communities. The act of love can truly transform the lives of those on the streets, beneath the bridges, in tents and with no other place to go. Love is our greatest commandment, which covers all things. God is love, love is God. Love begins with us, we are the torchbearers; let love begin today!

            Heavenly Father, Creator, Comforter, and Nurturer; bless us all with the richest of peace, hope, love and joy; may this day be one of renewed hope and renewed life. We claim victory in Christ, who shed his blood for our sins, so that we may have eternal life. You truly are an awesome God, you are a God of love, and we give you all thanks and honor….AMEN

“We must have a storm to have green grass”

What do you get in a land where all you have is sunshine every day and no rain? You get a desert. In order to have green and beautiful vegetation, and vibrant fruit, you have to have rain. Rain comes in the form of storms; and thus, in order to have a life of fullness, we’re going to experience storms. Storms are going to happen, that is one thing we can be certain of, especially along the plains of the mid-west; but storms will also happen in our personal lives. We can’t plan on the exact time of storms, or we’d all know exactly when to hide in our shelters, and we wouldn’t have to hear the loud shrill of the tornado sirens; storms come when we least expect them. Many times they creep up when everything seems to be going in our favor. No one has their computer crash at just the right time; no one faces a frustration at just the right time. No one escapes the problems of life, but we can learn to cope with them.

Storms have an end, they don’t last forever. I enjoy using the illustration of a man who wakes up one morning and looks out the north window to find grey skies, with streaks of lightning and torrents of rain. Rather than clamber out of bed, he burrows further beneath the warm cocoon of the blankets and grumbles “Bah Humbug.” He fails to rise to a new day, to a new beginning; making his way for the south window. If he were to draw the blind of the south window, he would’ve seen that the storm was nearly over, and that the sun was peeking beneath the remaining clouds, embraced by a rainbow, and that the skies were clearing.

Storms are going to happen. How do you know how much endurance you have unless you have to face tough times? As a young child, we fell many times over and over again before we mastered the art of walking. Painful at times, but we had to make it through that moment in life. As a 5^th grader, our class had to walk through the high school halls to reach the cafeteria. My class consisted of 4 foot 7 kids, passing 6 foot 3 students of  high school; and we were determined never to step foot in high school, other than to go to lunch….weren’t we wrong!

When storms happen, it’s ok to ask for help, to seek guidance. Every problem has a purpose; they are there to help shape you. As metal is put into the fire to make it pliable – so we go through problems is life. The fire heats the metal so it can be shaped and made useful. The metal isn’t handled by itself, it has someone there to guide it as it’s being shaped….our parents, our pastors, counselors, leaders, teachers, case managers, doctors, friends…take comfort that we’re not alone. Beyond those storms are better days to come, beyond those storms, we will find strength to help one another as we grow and find strength, knowing that we are all survivors of many types of storms.

COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATION

I was recently told that my hand-written, postmarked letters were missed; especially in the growth of this computer automated age. It seems easier to type an email or instant message, and to end it by clicking send, and it arrives to the receiver in an instant. "Ok," I thought, my handwritten letters were missed; so falling victim to the computer age once again, wrote a letter and scanned it to the computer and sent it! Still not quite what they were expecting! The hope of a computer advanced age was to make life easier; and today computers are used in almost every situation that we can possibly think of. Need to pay a utility bill, go online. Want to buy a new appliance, go online and then it shows up at your door. No need to stand in long airport lines to buy an airline ticket, go online! Even cell phones are computerized with internet access and television; and on the topic of cells phones, I hardly remember anyone’s phone number. Just click on "contacts" and there’s the number.

My pet peeve is the self-check out lines at super-centers! It seems that every time I go through a "self" checkout, I can’t do it "myself"! For whatever reason, either the computer freezes or randomly picks the loser customer of the day, who has to ask for assistance at the "self checkout" every five seconds. It's interesting to have breakfast, lunch or dinner at fast food restraunts; noticing how easy it is for the cashier to make change, by a few quick clicks on the computerized register. On a few occasions, having eaten at the same restraunt with the same cashier, the computer goofs up! This same cashier is then hesitant in giving change, as the computerized "cheat sheet" didn't work.

My greatest pet peeve would be the advent of  "online" church services, where families can take part in church worship from the comfort of their homes. Online churches are definitely an advantage for those people, in those lands, where getting to a church can be difficult due to religious persecution. Living in a good sized city, however, with over one hundred churches, there shouldn't be many excuses for online churches; on-line meaning the physical church service being available online in real-time. There are church groups, however, that seem to support online churches. I personally believe that christian websites serve the purpose of allowing people to find a church in their area, or having the opportunity to view upcoming church activities in their congregations. It's disheartening, however, to see the lack of a full congregation on Sunday mornings! Here's the church, here's the steeple, but where are the people?"

There is at least one hotline and one ticket service that doesn't require a computerized process. We can obtain our ticket to heaven and eternal life by simply praying, and asking Christ into our life for the forgiveness of sins. Our hotline requires us to simply pray in the name of Jesus. The hotline is available in each day that God blesses us with, tomorrow isn't a guarantee. The hotline doesn't require a modem, doesn't need a special circuit board or electrical supply. If everything computerized were to suddenly crash, the hotline or high speed connection to God will remain up and running!

Often, we may face obstacles and challenges that seem overwhelming, and they don't seem to make our lives easier; in full reality, however, the battle is already won. Christ took all of our pains and hurts upon the cross, that we may be free! One of my most favorite scripture passages is..."Count it your joy when you meet challenges and obstacles of many kinds, as it produces steadfastness." As a child, perhaps we fell victim to the hand on the stove top; perhaps it takes us two or three episodes before we realize exactly how hot an open flame can be! Having learned not to do that, we are more protective of children near hot stove tops; and thus, we experienced an obstacle in our lives ( the blistery fingers ) that taught us not to do the same thing again. Perhaps we're on a fixed income with a mere ten dollars in food stamps per month; definitely an obstacle! We can definitely count it our joy as we realize that Christ walked in the same steps, having fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness. Whatever we may feel to be impossible,  Christ has made possible. Through God, all things are possible for those who believe! So in conclusion, computers may make our lives easier; or they may not, if they suddenly crash. The only thing that won't crash, however, is Gods love for us, his children. The promise of eternal life through the forgiveness of sins won't suddenly crash; unless we don't take advantage of it, then it may be too late on the unknown day and hour of judgment!

Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks and praise to you, for your son-our brother, Jesus Christ. Through sin, with a big "i", we have fallen short of the promise of eternal life. This day, hour, minute, and second, I accept Christ into my life, and humbly repent or turn around from sin....and into the promise of a new beginning and lease of life. AMEN

PSALM 3...

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of me, there is no help for him in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

Arise O Lord! Deliver me, O my God. For thou dost smite all my enemies on the cheek, thou dost break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; thy blessing be upon thy people.

O LORD...HOW MANY ARE MY FOES! MANY ARE RISING AGAINSTME.....strife, violence, war, hostility, belittlement, aggression, gangs-they're all engulfing our communities and society. Even as we spread the word of Our Heavenly Father, the devil is attacking us through these hurtful means, these means of despair where our faith is constantly tested, where many say...THERE IS NO HELP IN HIM IN GOD.

BUT THOU O LORD ART A SHEILD ABOUT ME, MY GLORY AND THE LIFTER OF MY HERAD...you, O Lord , comfort me, and in your name I will give praise with all my heart. I will not let the evil drag me down-you are my shield, my rock, my salvation.

I CALL ALOUD TO THE LORD, AND HE ANSWERS M,E FROM HIS HOLY HILL...I proclaim faith in one Lord who answers our prayer, who anoints and guides us in the Blessed Holy Spirit; whose everlasting love reigns forever, whose unconditional love is our refuge.

I LIE DOWN AND SLEEP; I WAKE AGAIN FOR THE LORD SUSTAISN ME. As I rest my soul in the Lord, as I pour my heart unto the Lord with thanksgiving, he nourishes me with the fruits of love, peace and joy from the Spirit.

I AM NOT AFRAID OF TEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SET THEMSELVES AGAINST ME ROUND BOUT...the Lord is my shield, I am not afraid.

ARISE O LORD! DELIVER ME O MY GOD! FOR THOU DOST SMITE ALL MY ENEMIES ON THE CHEEK, THOU DOST BREAK THE TEETH OF THE WICKED. You will defend me O Lord, I shall not fear.

DELIVERANCE BELONGS TO THE LORD, THY BLESSING BE UPON THY PEOPLE...Amen

THE BALL WILL BOUNCE....

I'm sure everyone has bounced a ball and it's come back one way or another to your hands grip, or into the side of your noggin! Good thing it was either an air-filled ball or soft rubber! I tried bouncing a de-flatted ball when I was a kid, and it...well, didn't do anything...it just fell. If I was smart, I would've pumped it up and it would've bounced again with my muscular motivation...I was usually too tired after playing all day and went home, or did something else. I didn't have a great attention span admittedly!

Everyone has fallen short at some point, we all make mistakes-and we all fall. What would life be like if we were all perfect....I enjoy a diverse lifestyle, if everybody liked pink and purple polk-a-dots, red and orange wouldn't have a chance and we would never learn if it would've been the color. Can we bounce back from our mistakes?

Can we say "God forgive us, for we have sinned?" And if we can, can we go forth from our fault having learned something from it and teach one another so that they may learn as well?

I remember when I didn't have God as part of my life. It was empty and my heart was cold. I knew who I was...Timothy Buettner of course; but I didn't know who I was. I would often read through the bible, and I attended church like a good Christian boy....but I would always put off God until the next day...just one more day-not knowing that there may never be a next day.

I met a friend who I admired and who had shown me through her individual qualities the way to God, and I accepted God in 1997. I was a deflated ball, and have been pumped up once again. Now I'm taking the motivation by writing about God in my individual character as it comes to me, and I need to spread the word of God throughout the community and pray for those who may not know God; that’s the muscular strength which launches the ball and heaven is the return. And if I fall short through the times that I try along the way, when the ball is fallen; I pray and ask for Gods forgiveness as Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and as I continue to pray and spread Gods word, the ball will bounce back.

If I just go to church and do no other, the ball will quickly deflate and it won't bounce...I want the ball to bounce toward heaven...I want to keep it inflated.

And if it knocks me in the noggin; well, that’s God waking me from rest as each day comes alight and anew; and the ball is ready for service once again.

Thank you Lord for this day...Amen

PROVERBS 18:21

I was told a pretty descriptive joke the other das as I was journeying home from church. Apparently, a castle was burning down after some scrumptious cookies for the grand feast were left cooking too long; and in the meanwhile, three girls in the castle courtyard were face-to-face with their Creator as the medieval executioner held the bow and arrow to his side.

They were offered their last words...the first woman cried "Smoke" and surely, the priest whom offered last rights handed her a cigarette and lit its end. On to the next woman who heralded "Flames" and "Smothering Hot"  In response, a flame-broiled steak was rushed to her side, where she shrugged her shoulders and chomped away. The final woman’s turn came, and when asked for any last words she may have for the crowds that had assembled; she looked perilously at the flames shooting from the windows above...but obviously unnoticed to the sightseers below. She cried at the too of her lungs.."FIRE!"

The executioner, mistaking the cry for his job-pulled the trigger--BANG! The Book of Proverbs 18:21 tells us:

THOSE WHO LOVE TO TALK WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. MEN HAVE DIED FOR SAYING THE WRONG THING.

Words hurt..when you say something to someone, think about it first. Make sure what you're about to say isn't going to spark a fury inside the other party.

"DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE DONE TO YOU"

If you pat a friend on the back-perhaps they'll return the same token of kindness. Remember also, the bible is our bib-bIG-BIG instruction book of life-like a roadmap. If you're following someone who isn't guided by the light and wisdom of our Heavenly Father, and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ....you're following the wrong person. What they say isn't going to get them to Heaven any time soon; and if you allow the devil to catch you in his traps, you're in the same sinking ship. In open arms, let’s pray for those in our communities that have become lost...that they may once again find the true, warm, and everlasting light of our Heavenly Father. That their words be for God, may their words praise his name.

PROVERBS 19:8

HE WHO GAINS INTELLIGENCE IS HIS OWN BEST FRIEND, HE WHO KEEPS UNDERSTANDING WILL BE SUCCESSFUL

"I go to church, I sing, I read the bible...I did my christian duty; I'll be back next Sunday." This is great news and we praise God; but our faith doesn't stop at the church doors. In school, they don't present you with a math book and say read; you read the book, you get taught by a teacher, and then you use what you learned in society.

The bible and the pastor’s teachings show us the key to life. The bible tells us to be the peace-keepers on earth, love thy neighbor. The bible says to praise God, sing and talk to the Lord in every breathing minute of the day. Forgive the other....ask for the Lords forgiveness in your roller-coaster ride of life....we're only human, we make mistakes-the Lord Jesus Christ died for us. Pray for others, spread Gods word. The Lord God has a covenant to us, that we may have eternal life in Heaven....trust in the Lord, Praise the Lord! AMEN

JOURNEYS....

We've all been to a lake, either small or large. We're thrilled with their beauty, inspired by the sounds of life; from the waters lapping at the shores, to the refreshing wind-which we don't see-but know to exist, and the joyous harmonies of natures creations both big and small. Praise and thanksgiving, likewise, sings throughout our hearts in wonder, awe, in amazement; for we don't understand the "hows" and whys" of the Lords construction, though, it touches our very hearts. Perhaps we have even taken a swim through the waters, decked out in all the latest fashion with all the nifty, neat swim-like gadgets; and we're happy. That is, until we’ve drifted a tad too far, and the waters of the lake seem to reach farther, farther, and farther. Or perhaps we've taken a dip in the warm, comforting waters and alas- it was time to get out. With the slightest breeze, those toasty waters quickly dropped away as we faced a chill.

Most preferably, we visit and even traverse its waters during the day, for it's much easier to see and enjoy what we're doing and where we're going. The disciples, the followers of Jesus, however, went down to the lake in the evening. As the sun was beginning to set, as darkness was soon to fall across the face of the waters. When we think of water, we often recall life, in its abundance. They got into a boat, a man-made vessel, which serves the function to keep afloat, but can also be destroyed. Across the waters into evening they went, beginning to wonder where Jesus was at, as the waters became rough.

This sounds familiar today, within our lives, as we encounter trials and tribulations of many kinds; as we are faced with moments that we don't comprehend, as we struggle through murky waters-earnestly looking for solid ground. Just as there are seasons which sometimes bring drought for what seems like forever; there seems, also, to be those times within our lives that what we feel to be the worse only gets worse. Thus, what it may have felt like to the disciples as the seas became rough; and Jesus, in their humanly eyes, had not yet appeared. Jesus did appear, however, knowing what the disciples were faced against within the boat of human hands on waters of life. Just as Jesus knew how long a crippled man had been that way at the pool near Bethzatha, and appeared with compassion to provide healing.

When the disciples had rowed for about three or four miles, which may have seemed like an eternity to them-as they most likely began to weaken and weaken more, they saw Jesus walking on the water. This brings to mind reflection of another passage within John, where Jesus heals the man born blind; how the disciples questioned Jesus if he was born this way as a result of sin from he or his parents. Jesus replies, " No...but because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him." ( John 9:1-3). When things happen to our friends, families, and even ourselves; when we wonder when the next breath of joy will come, when we feel that all hope is lost...it is then that we begin to truly see the light. We notice a difference, as we begin to intercede in unity of love, compassion, and support; when the power of the Holy Spirit responds. When we were children afraid of the dark, when our cries were echoed as shrilly as we could, mother and father came to the cry-switched on the light- and we found contentment. When God-our Creator, Our Father, Our Mother, Our Nurturer-heard our cries before we were even born, he sent us his son. As Jesus stepped in our same footsteps as man, as he heard and even knew our cries, he freely gave us his life-stepping across and bridging the boundary of sin and eternal life-for us.

We are all called today, as the people-the church, to step across all boundaries, to all nations before us. We are called to step across waters which we feel impossible, to proclaim the one light, one truth, one way. When we find our brothers and sisters of Christ-of which we are all, in need; we are called to traverse in faith that which separates us, to reach those whose hearts cry. We are all of one body, though of many parts, which work together.

We often fear that which we don't immediately understand; we want to know answers, we want to know the "hows" and "whys"-to which brings a sense of satisfaction. The truth is, however, that we don't know- that we're not perfect. For example, when a new church, business, or organization is first established through the efforts of time and commitment; we want to see the entire path before us. "Are we going to be successful? Or, what will happen between here and there?" To be satisfied is not the best of things, for the reason that it is easy to become complacent in our steps of satisfaction; though, at the same moment we are constantly learning something new...which drops the old behind for the new.

This passage within the Book of John illustrates what occurs, as we, the followers-disciples of Christ overcome the turbulent waters of life with faith; as the disciples are healed upon reaching the other side. As we overcome the pains, worries, fears, challenges and obstacles of life in faith, we find at the other end the prize for which we strive for-having won the race-eternal life. We also recall, however, the fear of the disciples as Jesus drew nearer and near upon those turbulent waters. Here was Jesus, defying what man doesn't believe to be possible, in plain view of man. How terrified and awestruck we would be; and it is this that truly draws one to Christ. Peter, in doubt, exclaims "If its really you-tell me to come to you on the water?" Jesus then replies, "Come on?"

As we journey through life, dwelling upon those man-made possessions, thoughts, and beliefs; we fear change as it approaches. As would Linus of the "Peanuts", attached to his security blanket; so we are attached to those securities that we feel to keep us afloat-elements which provide a moment of pleasure-but quickly vanish, as we are left with the empty, down-trodden, and saddening feeling. How it was the same through the lands until Jesus came to earth as man; until Jesus went through the waters of life-the waters of baptism. In illustration, before we walk upon the waters of life, we must immerse ourselves with the blessed and flowing waters of baptism; demonstrating the act of Jesus dying, being buried, and then rising. For this reason, we must leave behind those man-made securities of life...such as the boat, which itself can only sink.

Within our lives today-being a gift from God, are we being bounced and tossed about by raging waters; unsure of whether we are going to float or sink? Today, are we frightened by change, not sure of which way to go...whether to hang in with the superficial pleasures of life....or to take a chance, to learn something new, to find greater joy. I can assure you today, that even though we fear, when we leave the boat-to walk in faith, the Lord is with us. As are the words of the Lord to Joshua when he was commanded to "go" and lead the people...."be strong, for I am with you. I will never leave you, or forsake you." Similar, even comforting words to the disciples before Jesus ascended into heaven..."go therefore, and make disciples of all nations....I will be with you always, even unto the end of the world." Praise God through whom all blessings flow!

THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS....

It is through our Lord Jesus that you and I brothers and sisters can enter through the gates of heaven on that glorious day when God calls unto us all. Jesus became our bridge to eternal life, and through the pains he endured on the cross-with spikes through his hands and legs, with thorns on his head, we may pass from one side of life-over the valley of sin-and into a new life. Buddy, when you're walking through the fields-romping through thigh-high weeds and afterward feel those little stickers which pierce your clothes...when you fall and cut your self in football...Our Lord suffered several thousand times worse; and he did it for us.

When you bring home gifts to your children and their faces light up with glee...when you put roses into your girlfriends hand and say "I Love You", that’s the same thing Our Lord Jesus did for us....but he gave his life. When you say "Lord God, I believe you died for our sake, my life has seen its ups and downs-I want to know you more...Come into my life-cleanse my heart and fill me with your Holy Spirit-I want to give my all to you"...you're giving you heart and life to him. What a wonderful and joyous feeling that is-it gives you such a lift...your life will change-with God as the guiding light and flame.

Drugs and alcohol won't give you life, being the top football player of Miss and Mr. America won't give you life either. The clothes on your back, the warmth and securities of our homes and all the amenities we take advantage of won't give us life. Our Lord Jesus gave us life. Sure, drinking and boozing , drugs and gangs make some cool and merry...but have you ever burnt yourself on the stove, and it kind of hurts! You wouldn't want that for eternity...and neither does God. You wear the wrong kind of shoes or shirt and your friends reject you...you feel kind of lonely...Let me tell you, God won't reject you for who you are, for what you look like, for the color of shoes you wear, for the style of blue jeans you have on...But if you continue to play in things that'll kill you and things that'll put you in jail...you won't reach heaven. Lift your hearts to Our Lord Jesus and your heart will beat in praise for eternity.

Our daily lives are full of ups and downs, ins and outs. An airplane goes through turbulence, your hearts race, you sweat-you ask, "Am I going to make it?" Then the plane climbs and you find the ride smoother. When the car doesn't start, the cat claws the furniture, the children moan of school and dishes-when society knocks at the doors of your life...go to God, praise Our Savior. When you give your problems to our Lord-he'll smoothen your life-he'll help you down the path strewn with holes, bumps, and boulders. There are no detours on this road, we can't go around God-we go with him...we go where the Holy Spirit goes, we will have a great light to our path.

We can do whatever we set our minds to...just as you practice driving the family car at fifteen or sixteen and gained your ticket to drive...you set out to achieve. If there is something bothering you, if you're involved in something that won't put you in the Book of Life and Heaven, pray to Our Lord God and say to yourself and God-I will not do this anymore-forgive me Lord Jesus, help me. Your life will be much happier in Gods light.

We pray for peace...in our communities and those afar-we pray for fellowship under Christ. War and strife lead nowhere, fighting over material things-things that God has created for us to use and enjoy in life...Praise the Lord for his works and the beauty of his creations. We all share this world together-and reading 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 Verse 12-31 we learn that we have one body but many parts which must work together even though they have a slightly different function. Have you ever tried to start the car and it wouldn't run...no matter what. You become ever later for that big meeting with your boss to determine your pay raise. You discover that your car is out of gas...you need gas in order for the engine to run, the engine must run to keep the electrics going, to make the wheels turn. You see, the car is one whole, but when one part is hurt or empty, not functioning-the rest of that whole will be affected. Have you ever slammed your fingers in the car door...oh buddy, what pain! And that pain circulates throughout the body...Throughout the world, there are those who do not know the Lord-we mingle with them to spread Gods word...through missionaries and the Lords help, our help-we spread Gods word.  You may know how to sing, I know how to write...our tools spread the warmth and joy and glory-even though we're different. To fit that into the rest of this message, we must turn our lives to God, we must leave our past and problems behind, we need to Holy Spirit of Our Lord and Jesus Christ-the joyous praise in his name to reach out into our communities and fill the hearts of the lost.

Relationships....it's what’s on the inside that matters..it's not the looks. If you find yourself looking at someone and saying, "Gee she's cute, I want her" you need to stop and think about what really matters. You bring your girlfriend roses and you think of her...you don't just visit her when you go to church; you don't just go to church to be cool and fit in.....because your church offers free donuts and ice-cream every Sunday and you get to see your buddy up the road. You go because you love God, because you adore our Lord and Jesus Christ and all that he did for us. Faith doesn't stay at church...being in church every Sunday like a good christian is great-but there more to faith in Our Lord Jesus-there are people who can't get to church, physical ailments may restrict them to their beds...we need to touch their hearts. The homeless...something that can happen to anyone...we need to reach out to them and let them know that things are going to get better-that with the Lord Jesus things are better already and the warmth of the fire of God is burning bright within them and if that's the only possession they have, that's the blessed possession that they'll ever have. All else is like dust on the blessed earth which we stand. And when relationships do go sour, if a break-up is imminent, if it occurs-if you're a child a you lose your mother or father, know that they're always thinking of you...and a father you will always have-Our Heavenly Father.

We believe in one God-the Father and the Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen..Our Lord God sees all. He's always with us....at work, at play, in sleep, when we're raiding the fridge, when we're wrapping gifts in that secret place that you thought you only knew about...he's always with us. He knows the hairs on our heads, our arms, our legs, even in those other places we put deodorant on...he knows our past-present-and what's to come in our future. He IS our life. Pray with me brothers and sisters, if you do not have the Lord Jesus in your life...kneel before your bedside, go out into the open air-into Gods beauty of nature...pray this prayer with me. Open your heart to the Lord Jesus, and relax...what happened at work, or at school, at home...put it all aside right now as you pray:

LORD JESUS CHRIST, HOW WONDERFUL YOU ARE, AND I WANT YOU IN MY LIFE. LORD JESUS, DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER-POUR IN ME YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, CLEANSE MY HEART OF ALL SIN AND WORRY. DEAR JESUS, THANKYOU FOR GOING TO THE CROSS FOR ME, SO THAT MY SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN-SO THAT I MAY ONE DAY REJOICE AND REST AT YOUR SIDE IN HEAVEN. LORD GOD, I GIVE MY HEART AND SOUL TO YOU...I LIFT UP MY HEART TO YOU...I PRAISE YOUR WORD...I REJOICE IN YOUR NAME....THANKYOU GOD, IN YOUR HOLY NAME I PRAY.....AMEN

PROVERBS 28:4

We all know what it's like when we're cruising along soaking up summers rays with our buddies- tunes blaring to your favorite group...and then the siren blares from behind. A police siren.

"Whats wrong officer" you ask.

And he tells you that you were doing something you believe to be so absurdly out of the law; thus you start to bicker and as a result, receive a thin sliver of paper with a ninety dollar charge...that sliver feels like the weight of a sliver of iron!

I remember riding my bicycle through a red light in such a rush to make my work at thirty minutes before schedule so I could lounge around and relax- thought nothing of it until the state trooper of all people pulled me over. Remember, I'm on a push-pedal bicycle- his siren was blaring and lights were flashing. Regrettably, I pulled up an argument which cost me a ticket, and nearly a ticket to the jailhouse without the aid of the monopoly "Get out of Jail Free card." Ninety dollars was my fare for that split second rush!!

Most laws are intended for public safety...and although we may not exactly like them- we are offered with two options: follow or don't follow. If we stop at the red light, we're fine- if we go through the red light; well, we might strike another car and someone would be hurt. The bible tells us how to act in life-words of wisdom, how to treat one another and what will happen if we sin. Here, too, we have the choice in which direction we go...I used to look at the ten commandments as I was about to argue with my family:

"Honor thy mother and father"

"But they weren't fair" I would cry inside..but God has told me not to display disrespect for our mothers and fathers through his word. In the outcome, I obeyed them and from what they were trying to instill in me, I've learned from and can now teach to today’s children and community...to fight evil:

"TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LAW IS TO PRAISE WICKEDNESS. TO OBEY THE LAW IS TO FIGHT EVIL."

PROVERBS 16:33

The Titanic was a mighty ocean liner of the early 1900's, thought to be at the time unsinkable. It made its maiden voyage into the vast, choppy waters stretching into the horizon between the coast of the British Isles and its destination New York City...this unsinkable ship never made its arrival at the other end. Everyone aboard, both young and old, were content and relaxed in the open tranquil air...watching seagulls soar overhead, or gathered down below in the grand swimming pool, sauna, or socializing at the ships many bars. This giant ship struck an iceberg and began taking on water; some who were close to the point of impact knew something was wrong. Many weren't prepared-they had no hint that the ocean liner was sinking, until the floor sloped before them and then-it was too late. Many lives were lost- some in the certainty that "This ship is unsinkable" when warned that the ship had been dealt a serious blow in the side.

Is your daily life like the Titanic..or perhaps you know someone like that-at school, work, play?

"Oh well, God is always there-if I do this or that, he'll forgive me...I'll pray tomorrow." Or perhaps "I go to church every Sunday...I'm cool." Or even "I don't have to go to church to be a christian."

There weren't enough life-boats on the Titanic...the ship builders claimed it was unsinkable. We know that in our lives, God Our Heavenly father is number one...and that Jesus died for our sins to be forgiven, so that we may one day be at Our Fathers side in Heaven. We know that we're not here forever...a look at the local obituaries will attest to that! We could fall ill tomorrow; get into a severe accident on our way home- we just don't know. Is your life like the Titanic...the day will come when God takes us home; will you make the connection- or sink to a place you really don't want to be?

Unlike the Titanic..we have and need only one life-boat...Our Lord Jesus who died for our sins....for us.

PRAY:

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE PRAY TO YOU IN OPEN ARMS FOR YOUR GRACE AND FORGIVENESS OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WE MAY HAVE DONE WHICH WE REALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE...WE PRAY THAT YOU BLESS US WITH YUOR HOLY SPIRIT AND BE OUR GUIDING LIGHT IN OUR DAILY LIFE.

We all may experience the ups and downs of life; some people think that they're too big and great and that everything will come on a silver platter-they think they're "Mr. Peachy King" and how sadly mistaken they are. These are most likely the same ones who think "I don't need to go to church to be a Christian." We all make mistakes as humans...just like the ship builders who didn't use exactly the right materials on the Titanic, which resulted in a nasty blow. The ministry of our pastors through the word of God...how God can change our life and help us tackle the sometimes endless obstacles we come face-to-face with;and Our fellowship with one another, working together as one in Christ.....that is the right material for our ship through life’s endless torrent of obstacles...as we sail toward Heaven.

THE WILD

Meandering through the dew tipped grass formed into a meadow within the forested hills with the warm illuscent rays of the morning sun beating through the jagged and forked branches of the surrounding trees which towered in their blossoming beauty, I was greeted with the ambitious songs of nature as the birds sang their beautiful praises hovering from limb to limb; and the small fuzzy squirrels theirs as they traipsed through fallen logs. The logs hollow and cavernous center a haven of warmth and shelter for a nights rest as a refreshing breeze of air is cast upon the earth. With crackling and rustling of autumns fallen leaves and limbs, in the spring shadows I observed two deer seemingly dance over the crest in the hills which they call home; foraging for food or perhaps affording themselves with the peace and serenity of the crisp morning air.

Clambering over stones and around fallen trees I became entangled in a spiders web which I did not see at the start, but stepping back-as hues of reds and oranges illuminated the forest floor-glistening off the spiders home which I had just shaken, then it was seen. It's times in life that we run full speed and are caught up because we didn't stop and observe. When somebody enters the encompassing of nature and its splendor, carelessly dropping an empty container or package- are they aware of the impact? Creatures may die without a chance of life...newborn wildlife in the wakenings of spring. Observe our communities, the strife, violence, drugs gangs, marital turbulence, alcohol; we can make a difference. You and I- we go in force to the praise of Our Lord Jesus each week in our churches, but if we don't take a step and observe the life of our communities we may become entangled in turmoil as those who are struggling. Our mission as Christians under one blessed and Holy Father, Our Creator, is to spread the word of Our Lord...those few words "Jesus Loves-Jesus Saves-Jesus Cares"...they mean allot.

Jesus's death on the Blessed cross allows you and I brothers and sisters under God to untangle our lives from the murky depths of sins, and to step back and say "You know, this is where I got caught-and this IS the way forward."

In the beginning, God didn't just create us like we do a clay model-simply to smash and pound it down because we made a mistake-you know the feeling, and finally after eight or nine tries, you've created a masterpiece to add to your collection. There were no mistakes when God Our Heavenly Creator shaped man from the dirt of the earth...the land you and I stand on, that's described in the opening paragraphs of this section...this was all created for a very special reason. God loves us! Each one of us possess special qualities and talents, each one of us has a purpose through God-and he wants nothing more than for us to take these talents, qualities, and gifts-and use them to achieve that mast plan in his guiding light.

Open your heart to a new beginning, just as you may open your bible to a beginning in Genesis...a book where many who share similar qualities and talents that we do trusted God with a faithful heart. Although you and I may fall in life, if we turn our hearts to the trust and faith in God-we'll grow stronger because through God, all things are possible.

OBSTACLE COURSE......

"Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

As part of a school project, I took part in a confidence course which included feats such as the "Zipline"-"Catwalk" and the "Wall." My first challenge ever-The Wall. Standing at almost a ninety degree angle with stepping blocks scattered here and there, the instructor threw a rope at me and said " Go on-Climb!" I was supposed to tie myself into the rope with my buddy, who weighed slightly thirty pounds lighter than myself at the other end.

"What if I fall?" I exclaimed with hesitation.

" Well son, he'll catch you!"

This was a course based on trust-trust me-it wasn't easy as I clambered up the side of the wooden wall-creaking and moaning in its fastenings of bolts, screws and nuts. Was I shaking-or was that the wall? Many thoughts ran rampant through my mind as sweat poured freely from the pores of my head. And slowly, as inched my way toward the top with rewarding views of the surrounding hillside-my heart beating with the beating of the wind, seeming to tear me from the wooden wall-and finally with SUCCESS, as I tumbled "AAAAHHHHH!" backward.

With my life flashing before my eye, I thought it all to be over until the ropes surrounding my pelvic girdle winched tightly and I came to a sudden stop. My buddy below had stooped down in brace, and held on tight stopping me from a free fall to injury. You see, the wall-I couldn't have tackled it alone without the support of others-and if I attempted the feat without the back-up support I would've become injured or even killed at the solid ground below. My buddy was there to catch me..and in the same scope of things...the members of your church congregation act as support when you fall; we are the support of the spirituality of our community. Sometimes we'll have to stoop down from the comforts and security of our social status.

I spent part of my life on the streets of Boston Massachusetts, amongst the homeless and less fortunate; men, women, and their children standing on the street corners under the falling snow with a chill lashing at their unprotected skin. Old Man Winter bracing them in his frosty and inhospitable grips, as society walked past turning the other way in ignorance; unaware of the true and harrowing fact that poverty can find its way into anyone’s life. A loose coin or two may very well help the person in need, I gave so joyfully, though I was in the similar situation-struggling.

"Well, they might go buy drugs and booze if I give them anything" many proclaim in defense; but then again, maybe they will go buy a steaming cup of coffee or nourishment for their health. GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE; we spread the word of God and some don't budge..others find their home within the warm fellowship and love of church congregations and find Gods guiding light to be the missing piece of their puzzle of life.

" Gather together and pray, you shameless nations, while there is still time-before judgment begins and your opportunity is blown away like chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord falls and the terrible day of his wrath begins"  Zephaniah 2:1-2

In each day of your life, there is a risk involved somewhere in the stroke of life’s daily activities; you could drive down the striped asphalt roads lining and meshing our nation from sea to shining sea and become the next statistic to a drunken driver whom whisked through the red light and across your path. You could, perhaps, be on a flight to your next business meeting miles away, and for something to flaw within the structure of the aircraft, which sends you spiraling to the ground thousands of feet below.

Sometimes people bask in the security of life from day to day and state with ease, "Well, I did this and this....I know God didn't approve, but just one final time...and well, I'll pray tomorrow." And tomorrow and the next comes and goes; then again, it may never come! Not the best of timing without the Blessed Holy Spirit in your life...

Take a look through the Book of Revelation in the Holy Bible. Read chapter nine where it is described the pit of locusts who stung like scorpions those who didn't have the mark of God on their foreheads; and then the demons who were set free from their bounds at the great river Euphrates to kill a third of mankind with two-hundred million warriors. If this is enough to scare you alone, should I continue?

Is your name in the Book of Life? Will you be afforded with the opportunity to set your hands in the River of Life, crystal clear flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb? When you read a mystery book, do you ever look at the last chapter to see how the story ends? It might take the fun away from reading the remaining chapters, but it's such a relief to know that the hero defeats the enemy, truth wins out, and the mystery or puzzle is solved.

Not only is Revelation the last book of the bible, it tells about the last chapter in history-in the end, Our Blessed Savior wins! That’s great news and quite a relief when we hear about all the problems, challenges and obstacles in our society today, or when we're going through tough times, or when people laugh at us because we're Christians. It's true-in the end, in Gods time, he will conquer all his enemies, and Jesus Christ will rein forever and ever. As God created light and separated the day from night, so he will at the end; is your life filled with the daylight-the Holy Spirit-or is it still in the dark?

God Bless You.

AUTUMN

Autumn is the most pleasurable time of year for me; the weather isn't too hot or too cold, and vast array of colors transform the landscape of our land into a beautiful life sized-and even greater portrait. The downside is that I'm forced to diet, to make room for the many festive holiday feasts to come!

During the months of autumn, we watch as leaves begin to trickle from the trees, before turning into an outright deluge of fallen leaves; thank God for leaf blowers! As I watch the leaves fall, I am reminded of the meaning of baptism; being immersed, and shedding all of our sins and old ways, and springing back up ready for new growth. The only difference being that our sins are immediately raked away, unlike the leaves, which we labor intensely to gather up amidst the blowing wind!! We lived in a home at one time, that was the neighborhood collection site for every fallen leaf; if there was only a way to inventory which ones belonged to which neighbor!

Christ, our precious Savior, freely carried the burden of a crown of thorns upon his head, brutal lashes upon his body, and spikes driven through his hands, feet and side; that we may be forgiven. All of those fallen leaves, the sin, was cleared away by the shedding of his blood. All you have to do is ask him into your lives and hearts today, and you will be on your way to new life. Just as a tree must shed its foliage to make way for new life; so we have to make that commitment to shed the many ways in our life that caused us to fall short.

Just as a barren tree will face the harsh blasts of winter, we will find the temptation stronger and stronger after we repent, to go back. It can be bitter, the devil doesn't want us to grasp a hold of that new life. When we picture a tree, however, we picture the strong roots beneath the surface. When you turn your life to Christ, imbed yourself in the scripture and in church; in the spirit of christian love and life, in all you do. As you hold firm, just like the tree in winter, spring will soon follow with a whole new image across the tree branches and upon our lives. May God bless you and your families, bringing you abundant peace, hope, love, and joy...

ABOUT LIFE

I took a journey...I think we all take journeys in life...maybe not by the exquisite means of the grey dog bus lines...but a journey with Christ. We come across many things in life, many challenges and obstacles-it can seem hard at times, and we try to find answers...we try ever so hard. Sometimes life is like a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle and we want to fit each piece together and it’s frustrating because we see what we need to put together, but it doesn't make sense right away. You think you're going blind when you put those together!! But God will guide us...our lives are a fragile thing...we can go at any moment, trust in God...It took some street smarts where I was at, but he was there to guide me.

I prayed for everyone within our church while I was on the streets...even those who had not yet found the Lord Jesus Christ in their hearts. I remember one Sunday when I forgot my bible....and you're life isn't the same without the word....and neither is a team minus a player, especially on Super Bowl Sunday. I realized that I had a job for God...life is a fragile thing...sometimes we can only pray when we want to do a whole lot more than we can physically handle...especially when it involves work for Christ. God is our everlasting strength....Thank you Dear Jesus....you are a our guiding light and will always be there for us, and to help us when we feel overburdened...everything is possible with you. Thanks be to God.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE....

Nothing is impossible...it is only through moral defeat or lack of self-confidence that we cannot achieve the possible. Toward the latter portion of my teenage years, my family was struck with the death of my beloved grandmother, ultimately ripping me from the last semester of high school. I didn't think I would make it, I thought I would have to repeat the year; but with less than two months to finish, I passed with straight A's and a grade point average of 3.1. Persue your future...

Growing up I wanted to take the back seat ride of life-but realize that I must make something of myself with today’s population increase and growing concerns for more peaceful communities-in place of the violence and crime which plagues them today. We can change the course of our future, but we cannot undo the past-only learn.

Relationships take both time and patience to grow. Be open and honest, and never rush them, as you can miss the good times. Relationships may take a turn for the worse, but don't become discouraged. Perhaps one day relationships will rejuvenate into something even more precious with patience and strength in God.

Don't be afraid to ask for help-we weren't brought into the world knowing life suddenly ( although sometimes it would have been convenient! ). We learn through our mistakes and life’s everyday ventures-each one of us being unique in what we learned...we are able to learn from one another.

Take life one day at a time, and absorb life’s moments be they happy or sad as they only come once-we can reminisce forever...and finally, have faith in God.

Some things in life come unexplained, but with our faith in God, we can preserve their beauty or purpose and take them for what they are; be thankful for life and its wonders, its downs, it outs...nothing is impossible!

Beautiful red, pink, yellow and white roses, they all say "I Love You" The thorns on the bush remind us that mistakes need forgiveness too. Red roses tell of God's beauty, that often thrills my soul.The yellow, whispers of His Love, chasing away sadness, and making us whole.The pink is for the blush in my cheeks, when laughter chases the blues away.The white tells of His forgiveness,we'll share together each day. If Roses grow in heaven, Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my loved one's arms and tell them, they're from me.Tell  them that I love and miss them and when they turn to smile,place a kiss upon their cheek and hood them for a while. Because remembering is easy every day, but there’s an ache in my heart that will never go away, but I know Lord, that I have strength in you. AMEN

ANGELS

I was involved with a church project which involved experiencing the effects of first impressions. It’s easy to form opinions based on first impressions, especially based on looks; when in reality, each person is unique as a child of God. Being a child of God is something that we have in common with others, but each person has qualities, talents, and gifts that set them apart from one another. One of the neighborhoods I lived in was in an older part of town, and which had an obvious contrast to other parts of the town, in that the homes were older and in need of help. It seemed that almost immediately everyone that lived in this end of town was labeled “poor”, “outcast”, or “low class”; when in reality, there were many educated and well-down, down to earth people who lived in this neighborhood.

The project in which I was involved, required us to dress in a suit on the first day, and visit a well known jewelry store at the local mall.  Dressed as if going to a wedding, we were met with great kindness and attention at the particular jewelry store. It gave us the distinct idea of how the United States president may be treated in the best of times, with the most respect that could be offered. I was convinced that if we had wanted to see the most expensive diamond in stock, the jeweler would’ve put it in our hands.

The second day, we went to the same jewelry store, but this time dressed in raggy clothes, with stains and wrinkles. We even wore wigs to help hide our identities. Although there was nobody else in the store, it seemed as if though we were ignored and avoided like a rabid plague.

We were the same exact people, the same exact children of God, with the same exact personalities, likes, dislikes, talents and gifts than the first day. Our only difference was in appearance. My question is how many times do we walk past someone, and keep walking because of their appearance.  It’s easy to form opinions and stereotypes, especially based on our own likes, preferences and beliefs. Often, if we are faced with a situation outside of our belief system, we may automatically generate an opinion.

If the United States president were to show up one day in our home town riding on a donkey, most likely we’d have a negative opinion. He may have a valid reason for such a drastic change in transportation, but it’s not in our expectations or thoughts! Jesus, Our Prince of Peace, Our Savior, a King-rode on a donkey. He didn’t ride in a chariot, or upon a beautiful stallion; he rode on a donkey. Our opinion hasn’t changed about him, he’s still our Prince of Peace, Our Savior, our King of Kings. Jesus left behind personal comforts and lived a simple life, to bring life and hope to others. Mother Theresa lived a simple life and didn’t dress fancy. We thank God for the work she had done during her life.

We never know when we will meet an angel, and not know it’s an angel from God. The slow Sunday driver that brings our commute to a grind and who we want to scream at, could be an angel. The homeless man sitting on streets edge that we may pass without stopping to offer a prayer, could be an angel. Today, make it a goal to treat everyone as if they were Christ. Do the same the next day, and the next; and before long, it will become a habit! Thanks be to God!

FAITH-The Assurance of Things Hoped For---------

I finished reading an awesome book about amazing facts in the world, the kind of facts that really make your mind spin in wonder. For example, did you know that most lipstick contains fish scales; just don't remember that on the next date! About 261 babies are born every minute, which is good for the day care business! Anyone want to be a "scatologist", or the guy who studies poop?! About one billion Valentines Day cards are sent each year,. and I only got one! Those are a few of the many facts which I read about, but yet, there was one amazing fact that didn't get published....that everyone practices faith every day without realizing it!

Most often we sit in a chair without examining it first.  We believed that the chair was going to hold us, we had faith that we weren't going to fall. I say most often  as there has been a time or two that I've gone to sit in a chair and it did fall through, and it hurt! It's not too funny to hit your funny bone; but as I pulled myself back up to my legs, I stood up without any thought of the ground holding me firm-I believed it would. Our days are filled with expectations, in which we believe that something will happen, in which we have faith. After a nights sleep, we open our eyes to see, without asking ourselves if we would see; we believed that it would happen. We believe in the air we breathe, although often we don't see it. We believe in the wind, although we don't see it. We may see the effects of the air and wind, but we don't physically see the air and wind.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, evidence of the things not seen. Often, we want to physically see something to believe it, just as countless scientists have done research in some capacity or another in order for a book of facts to be published. Our feet have about 500,000 sweat glands according to the book; I haven't take time to personally count sweat glands, but I can smell and believe! The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, but it grows into a gigantic tree. We're told that if we have faith of a mustard seed, that we can move mountains. Trees and their roots have a tendency to move and shift homes and foundations if left unattended-they can be destructive. Trees can also provide shade and fruit, which can be a blessing. If we allow our faith to take anchor in Christ, just like the tree, we can reach new heights and we can provide the shelter and see the fruits of evangelism when we reach out to others. Faith isn't easy and we're not perfect; the reason why God gave his only Son to die for our sins; his blood was shed to cover us just as the shelter of the tree.

I believe in God, Our Father, Our Creator, Our Comforter, Our Guide. We were created in Gods image; we have God in us. We're the hands which God has to hug and comfort, the heart which God has to care for others. I look at all of nature that abounds us, the countless stars in a night sky; and feeling my heart beat nearly 2 billion times in a lifespan, I believe in God without having to physically see God. I believe in Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, I can feel the awesome effects of the Holy Spirit, although I don't physically see the Holy Spirit. I can see the beautiful change in myself and in others, and that is evidence enough for me.

Take a new step forward in faith today, praying:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all of life in its abundance, and I thank you for all that you've done for me. You are my strength when I am weak, you are my comfort when all seems lonely. There are things that I don't understand, but I put my faith in you and I thank you for sending your son Jesus, that my sins may be forgiven. I turn my life to you and you alone; and believe in great days and miracles and wonders to come. AMEN

Ecclesiastes 7:4

"Yes, a wise man thinks much of death, while the fool thinks of only having a good time now"

Face it, we're all going to die; I've heard of those companies in the southwest United States somewhere who'll freeze your corpse for a price enough to knock the wind from you, so as the years and science progress...perhaps they'll bring you back to life somehow. But you see, when I die, I don't want to come back...unless it were to spread the word of God even further throughout our world to the lost and lonely; but Heaven, and the thought of sitting at Our Saviors side appeal to my dreams even more.

"A wise man thinks of death"....from the moment you wake up, diving into a fresh new box of cereal with that much anticipated toy, to school, and fellowship with your fellow co-workers of friends, to mothers scrumptious dinner with loads and loads of SPINACH, to the anticipation of that comfy cozy bed after a long hard day serving God...from the moment you wake up until you rest your head for the evening, think of the promise of Heaven and the crystal clear rivers flowing from the throne of God...waters you can touch and Praise.

We don't know when we're going to die, and if you play around in the mind set that "Its just one small sin...just one small thing...I'll pray tomorrow and after I have fun now"...you and your buddies could be driving down the road from a night on the town and fail to see a drunk driver who just ran the red light into your path. You're rushed to the hospital, faintly hearing the cries of your family as tears drop from their eyes...sitting at your side...but the trauma was too much to handle and you succumbed to death. Where do you think you're going now?

Remember when your buddy came up behind you very quiet-like and startled you with a BOOO! And as you jumped, you gained astronaut status for your airborne maneuvers. You didn't expect it...We're expecting Our Heavenly Father to come and take us home, but we don't know when; however, when he does...it'll be like flashes of lightning....flash and done. Are you ready?

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, COME INTO OUR HEART AND SOUL. POUR WITHIN US THE BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT AND BE OUR GUIDING LIGHT TO FOLLOW THROUGH EACH AND EVERY DAY IN EVERY STEP OF OUR LIVES.  SHELTER US IN YOUR WISDOM...AND BLESS US WITH STRENGTH TO REACH OUT INTO THE DARKNESS OF OUR COMMUNITIES...FILLED WITH VIOLENCE AND STRIFE, AND TURN THE LOST TO YOU. AMEN

Ecclesiastes 10:8-9

"Dig a well-and fall into it! Demolish an old wall-and be bitten by a snake! When working in a quarry, stones will fall and crush you! There is a risk in each stroke of your axe."

In each day of your life, there is a risk involved somewhere in the stroke of life’s daily activities; you could drive down the stripped asphalt roads lining and meshing our nation from sea to shining sea and become the next statistic to a drunken driver whom whisked through the red light and across your path. You could, perhaps, be on the flight to your next business meeting miles away, and for something to flaw within the structure of the aircraft which sends you spiraling to the ground thousands of feet below.

Sometimes people bask in security of life from day to day and state with ease, "Well, I did this and this....I know God didn't approve...but just one final time....and well, I'll pray tomorrow." And tomorrow and the next day comes and goes, then again, it may never come! Not the best of timing without the Blessed Holy Spirit in your life.

Take a look through the Book of Revelation in the Holy Bible. Read Chapter Nine where it described the bottomless pit and the locusts who stung like scorpions those who didn't have the mark of God on their foreheads; and then the demons who were set free from their bounds at the great River Euphrates to kill a third of mankind with two-hundred million warriors. If this is enough to scare you alone, should I continue?

Is your name in the Book of Life? Will you be afforded with the opportunity to set your hands in the River of Life, crystal clear flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb?

If you've not given your all for our Heavenly Father, or if you need his guiding light in the face of hardship or discouragement in your life, pray:

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, BLESS US WITH THE PEACE AND GUIDANCE OF THE BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH EACH STEP OF OUR LIVES. IN EACH BREATHING MOMENT, BLESS US WITH THE WISDOM FOR LIFE IN SERVICE TO YOU OUR BLESSED AND HOLY SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST., WHO DIED FOR OUR SINS TO BE FORGIVEN. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE ASK FOR YOUR FORGIVENESS IN OUR LIVES, AND WITH YOUR HELP, WILL TRY TO AVOID WHAT SIN WE MAY HAVE GOTTEN INTO. THANKYOU DEAR JESUS FOR DYING ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS....AMEN

SERVING GOD.....

We watch in awe as the shuttle, dressed in its black space tiles and white coat with the backdrop of USA is fueled and boarded for lift-off. Then the moment comes with a BLAST OFF! The craft soars toward space, quickly accelerating-not slowing down until orbit. Sometimes with the prevailing weather, the shuttle can't go-but the air traffic controllers jump at the first glimpse of hope because it takes allot to fuel the shuttles, and prepare for exploration...and they want to make it a go.

Through church, Gods word, and faith in God, our heart is fueled-and we need to launch ourselves into the communities with the spirit of faith and renewal. From fueling to launch, sometimes things seem to happen QUICK, just like that. When I asked the Holy Spirit to fill my heart and change my life...I started praying more and more and more, I became more excited and enthusiastic to get involved-with God, that "I WANT TO" attitude is magnified, strengthened and flourishes.

We all hit our slumps in daily lives at work, school and play-but our air traffic controller ( if you will ) jumps at "Help me Lord" and he'll help to clear the way; but unlike a space shuttle, we're already launching, so the path toward our ultimate goal is made clearer.

Our ship is coated with Gods love, the brilliant white of purity and cleanliness, and our symbol is the Heavenly Cross on which our Dear Jesus died for us. Our mission is to help the lost, the lonely...to bring the Holy Spirit into their lives, to build faith in our community; furthermore, as a space shuttle mission ends after so many days....WE WILL ALWAYS BE SERVING OUR GOD

PROVERBS 12:26

You're driving along the small, windy two lane roads interlacing and meshing our nation through scenic passes and across the rolling plains from sea to shining sea. Thanks to the faithful works of the our public works department, you approach a fork in the road around the same spot that’s been gouged by construction...no signs to indicate which way to go; you ponder which direction to follow as the clock ticks the time away to that important meeting with the boss to determine your chances of a raise. You could take a wild guess...but as you're not familiar with this neck of the woods, and you contently left your road-map at home because you thought you knew you way but actually didn't...you're lost...

Personally....in my adventurous way of life, I'd be most likely to travel down the road to curiosity...there are times when we can be curious if it's not going to hurt you, your neighbor, family, friends, or most importantly---your relationship with Our Heavenly Father who loves us greatly, and wants for us to follow in his light.

Deciding which direction to travel, left or right-right or left...I back-tracked to the small serene town center I had just passed and pulled into a rustic fuel station with its old fashioned hand pumped fuel stand. An old gentleman who appeared to have grown with the gas station and its environs over the years, appeared in the door as the vehicle stroked the gas stations giant bell--DING!

"Well-my station made it through the bust" he exclaimed very boldly, "When it was in its infancy-it saw lots of traffic, but oooohhhhhhh, not now!"

His soliloquy continued until I cleared my throat..."AHEM!"

"Ah yes, how may I help you?" he exclaimed coming back to the future present. After more reminiscing, I was back on the road and in the right direction. You see, when we're not sure of the many directions we are faced with in life- we can ask for help from our friend God...he'll guide us in his light if we allow him with an open heart. However, if we don't, we'll plunge and fall into darkness.

THE GOOD MAN ASKS FOR ADVICE FROM FRIENDS, THE WICKED PLUNGE AHEAD AND FALL.....Proverbs 12:26

Take the Holy Light of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into your life-let his light guide your path and all that you do. May the Blessed Holy Spirit fill you with the wisdom and knowledge with which to make a difference for Jesus in our communities and those afar. Dear Heavenly Father, bless us one and all in your name.

JOY.......

We all love to talk on the telephone, and we can converse with our friends for hours; the telephone company doesn't mind sending us those little envelopes with the windows in them. Bell made a great invention, but...it really gets me when a thunderstorm comes through and the skies turn dark and nasty with lightning here-there and everywhere, and the thunder is just cracking with might....and "Hello-Hello" it hits! A few wires struck, and the lights go out casting us into darkness...and you don't know how easy it is to get lost in your own house of all places! Luckily the repairmen arrive and restore service before your food goes bad in the fridge and you kiss that favorite show on the picture box.

You know...I love God....I LOVE GOD, he's my Lord and Savior; and I talk to him often through prayer and a faithful heart and life. I pray to God in thanks for the beauty of nature around us, for creating me who I am, and for each and every day to learn something new and to grow closer to him. When I pray, when I talk to God, when I keep an open heart and build on my life...it's like picking up a telephone and talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend, mother or father.

The devil, he's waiting to pounce on his next victim. Don't become his next victim, that storm that knocks down the wires...The wires symbolize your faith, your life. And if the devil can get a hold of your life, its puts you into darkness, the lights out; and it's easy to get lost, and the devil has you in his grips.

God gave us something special...he gave us:

J: Joy

E: Each Other

S: Security

U: Unity

S: Savior

He gave us Jesus: he gave us a Savior. When Jesus died on the cross, we can found forgiveness so that we have a path to heaven where we may be united with him one day. We will live in unity with our brothers and sisters for eternity. He shed his blood for us, so that we may have the security of going to heaven and meeting our creator...if we only pray.

Remember the telephone repairman, that symbolizes the confession that we have sinned and have fallen short, and that we want Lord Jesus as our Savior and immediately, that light comes to your heart and soul, and immediately the wires are once again attached in their proper places. Now God is always there for us if we ask, the wires are always there...but are they in the right place? Celebrating with one another in mass and service and by bringing his teachings to people of your community and the world around us...the wires are in the right place.

And through this telephone call we have JOY.

PERCEPTIONS.......

The way we often perceive things from the outward appearance or resemblance causes us many times to form a stereotyped opinion, of what may be totally the opposite within. For example, when we awaken in the morning to the sight of a darkened window sill after a terrible night of tossing, flipping and turning, knowing that it's time of an expectant sunbeam; we may feel even more dreary. Perhaps telling and convincing ourselves that it's going to be a grey, miserable day. Rising from the warm embrace of a comforter and sheet, and as we ramble through the house with gloom upon our face, perhaps we failed to focus upon the other end of the sky. We remember somewhere in that long, uncomfortable and nerve-wrecking night of the storm that passed over perhaps; or maybe unaware of that blanket of an autumn fog, which would soon burn off for the day. One end of the horizon may be indeed dark, cold and gloomy, while the other end however, shows light bursting forth. Unaware of that light, or perhaps blinded by a curtain or other object in the opposite window, we quickly lose hope.

This was the same kind of obstacle which the people of Israel encountered as Moses led them across the Red Sea into the promised land; a journey across desert lands of which the people of Israel complained of hunger and of hardship of which they would've turned away for being slaves in Egypt. Led into a barren desert, beaten by a scorching sun and perhaps facing a reflection of the desert times we may face in our lives today; they were wondering what kind of promised land this could be. The Lord, indeed has a cure for those hard times were we feel alone, where matters seem bleak and hope desolate. We may feel at times faced with a hopeless problem, however, the Lord supplies our need, in unexpected ways. As the Israelites complained, the Lord sent manna bread down from heaven; nourishment for the body and health, for forty years.

The number forty rings synonymous with Jesus, and the forty days and nights of temptation in the desert; of which we wouldn't trek today without provisions of water, meals ready to eat, radios...and perhaps all the other household amenities we can manage in the form of an RV. We're not perfect, however, and Jesus came to put right where humanity fell; even those forty days and nights of no food, through which we would've most likely have given up. Forty days and nights rings synonymous with the rains which God sent to wipe away all living things, except a righteous man named Noah, his family, and two of each kind of animal. Through a world which had grown increasingly violent and out of control, Noah kept faith. Through times which all hope would seem lost, Noah remembered God as did Job when all seemed lost and desolate; a challenge to us today, through with God, all things are possible.

We find within these words of John, Jesus shouting for the thirsty to come to him and drink. To have faith in him, and they-even we, will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside of us. Reference to the Holy Spirit which would come to those with faith, but had not yet been given.

An example of this comes to mind with the salt flats of the Great Salt Plains of northwest Oklahoma. When approaching these flats, which appear desolate and dry from a distance, one would briefly assume there to be no water at all. In the area known for salt crystal digging, however, water is soon discovered beneath the surface-although simply salt water. Water is life, however, symbolically referred to at many points in scripture...even that of John. Through the many trials and tribulations we will face in life, the surface may appear treacherous and uninviting; though, we find beneath the surface, unexpected hope and life.

As Jesus brought words of life and hope, as he brought healing and a new beginning, Jesus found persecution; even as his followers, his disciples, found persecution ad questions. The disciples couldn't quite understand, at times, however they followed Jesus for they knew that they'd find strength and understanding. "Come to me and drink. Have faith, life-giving water deep inside of you..." the Holy Spirit. Having faith, although the Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not been given his full glory. Jesus had not expressed this fact to them, but they only needed to know of the faith, through which that water would be supplied.

Upon these salt flats and below, there was no drinkable water as we would know; however, to look upon the horizon to the distant trees and birds of flight, one would know that there as water somewhere. Upon the first encounter of the flats, ones vision is captured by the dry, white, salty surface...as in life, our attention is often captured upon the bleak and hopeless in moments.. Almost as like habit,  of which the Lord may whisper in awestruck moments that we are in the presence of the  Holy Spirit....in every touch of the wind, in every breath we take. Moments of enlightenment we may encounter, when in the very presence we say come into my life Holy Spirit...that we find the living water.

Turning to the Lord, turning to faith brings new life and creation to our lives, though we will face continued challenges and moments that we'd rather skip. We are constantly learning, growing, and changing; and as we grow stronger in faith-overcoming each difficult step in life, we walk together with the Lord, the Holy Spirit, the living water within our lives. Today, we can walk even closer, saying "Jesus, I'm thirsty, I need you. Come into my life and replenish-make me anew!"

JESUS HEALS.....

Jesus heals a sick man...as he healed many- from the sick, to the blind, lame and crippled; and it was these very people that he came across at Bethzatha. They were waiting for the waters of the pool to be stirred and when this had happened, the first one in was healed. This pool at Bethzatha sounds much like our hospitals today, where the many sick and ailing are awaiting a cure...at some moments feeling something to be impossible and incurable. However, an angel from the Lord would sometimes come down and stir the waters...and even then, it was difficult for one man, who had been sick for thirty-eight years, to get into the waters...this man felt it impossible.

Jesus came to this pool, this hospital, to the sick-and those in need. When he saw the man, and realized how long he had been crippled; he asked the man if he wanted to be healed. The man replied that "He didn't have anyone to put him in the pool when it's stirred. He tries to get in, but someone’s always first."

Often today, we say the same thing when we're faced with moments of uncertainty and the unknown. "I try" and then we give every excuse for not being successful. For example, when a church is first being established and no one can seem to find the right sized building...its so easy to say, "We tried-but." Like this man, who was crippled thirty-eight years and had pretty much given up hope; Jesus said "Pick up your mat and walk." It would be a fair assumption to say that this man most likely had a doubt or two; just like ourselves...when we're running a long race and have been beaten by the hot, scorching sun-and tumble over. We're thirsty, we're hungry, we're achy...and somebody says, "Get up and walk!" We'd most likely say, "Well, yeah, why don't you try this for once; and when you've fallen flat as flat upon your face...I'll say get up."

How comforting it is to know that somebody did walk where we've walked, and are walking. How comforting and blessed to know that an angel from God has come down to stir the waters of humanity-of life, of baptism and hope; whose name was Jesus. Who heard the bellowing cries throughout the land-saying, "There's nobody to put me in the waters" How comforting to know that Jesus came to put right where we had failed; who left us with the power of the Holy Spirit-through which anything is possible.

Today is our moment to get into the waters of healing. Many have been before us, however, healing remains. We know who is the beginning, the end, the Alpha, the Omega...we know that today, we have the opportunity to delve into the waters of hope. Tomorrow, however, remains uncertain; to each day is a gift. At the same time, we should constantly prepare ourselves to be a first, a beginning. There is a marathon of many people-and if you struggle here, lounge there...you're not going to make it far. We should always be ready to take the plunge...to achieve that prize which lay before us.

Jesus demonstrated compassion by coming to the sick and needy, as we are all called upon to do. Jesus demonstrated compassion by healing this man, even as he had eyes fixed upon human works and help as opposed to faith. Being a Christian isn't easy, as we're constantly faced with the ups and downs of life, as we often find ourselves falling short into sin. He seeks out these; the lost, lonely, sick, and needy, as we are all called upon to do. Truly, as he draws nearer to us, and us to him, our faith will grow. Truly, as we-the people, the church, draw closer to the community; so will those within the community who're wrapped in darkness-to the church. We're the only hands which the Lord has to hug, the only hearts with which to care; thus the great commission by Jesus before he ascended into heaven...to go to the people of all nations, everywhere, and make them my disciples.

We're not told through this scripture if Jesus healed everybody at the pool that day; but how joyous and uplifting to know that just as he knew you and I before we came to him, he knew that one crippled man-that he'd been crippled a long time. The eyes of Jesus were fixed upon that man, as opposed to the multitudes at that moment in time. His eyes and his love are fixed upon us today, upon each and every person in every community. Are we struggling, have we been struggling? At one point, we were lying amid the "great multitude" of the needy-in need of a guiding light. Jesus, in all his grace, drew near to us...he did not pass us over. Today, he continues to draw closer and closer.

When the man in obedience, carried his mat, he was questioned by the Jewish leaders. "It was the sabbath" they stated, "Why are you carrying a mat?" Today, as society falls further and further into violence, war, bloodshed, and poverty; we may be questioned and even belittled. When the doors to the homeless slam against you in evangelism efforts, when you try and try to endure in the joy of the Lord our strength-at the same time feeling as though all hope is lost in the daily walk of life. We persist in the worship, in the love and commitment to the Lord, as this is what we are commanded to do.

This man could not answer who it was that healed him, and even as we took our first steps as a Christian not fully understanding who Jesus was, we began walking in faith. For we knew something special happened, that we were transformed. We're still learning more and more today about Our Savior, and will continue to learn; even as we stumble and fall here and there...Jesus had his eyes fixed upon us, to comfort and nurture...to catch us in those falls, to forgive us, to heal us.

In conclusion, when it was finally discovered and revealed that Jesus had healed this man, Jesus was questioned about his graceful work upon the Sabbath; to which Jesus responded..."My Father has never stopped working, and this is why I keep on working." Let us give thanks that each day our Savior seeks the lost, sick, and needy. Let us give thanks that each day-being a gift to us, we have the opportunity into the healing pool of life. Let us give thanks that each day we have the opportunity to walk along side Jesus as his ambassadors, touching and healing hearts, saving lives within our communities- as we are commanded...even walking in faith to do.

Romans 5:8............

Have you ever noticed when it's cold, someone wants it hot...and then, the same person when it's hot, wants it cold. Remember when you were a little tyke and got caught scribbling on the wall or said something you shouldn't have...mother would turn all sorts of colors and say, "Go to bed!" And what was the popular response..."I don't want to go to bed" Boy, when I look back now, I would've taken advantage of every shut eye second I could.

Sometimes we're unsure of what we want or what we need at a certain place and time. I used to take a friend out to fast-food dinners, the perfect diet we had; it would come to our order at the drive though as the guy sat at the window strumming his fingers.

" What do you want?"

" I don't know....what do you want?"

"Whatever you've having."

" Well...uh, what are you having?"

"Uh, I don't know, what are you ordering?"

"Well, uh, what are you ordering?"

I worked the drive through at several restraunts through my life...I wish we had one of those eject buttons you see in the cartoons with the giant spring catapulting those unfortunate into the reaches of space and beyond as cars jammed up behind them.

One of the donut shops I used to frequent had a choice of regular, hot, steaming coffee...or ice coffee. Don't get me wrong, ice coffee is great in the summer months; but when the temperature dips below, say, ten degrees with a biting wind, I don't  honestly envision what ice coffee could possibly do for my insides which were already half frozen. But the minimum wage worker just had to ask my preference, and I told her I'd save my ninety cents as the coffee most likely would turn to ice anyway...

When we're scared we want to hide, especially when we were little ones. I used to hide under my blanket-so the monster wouldn't see the big bulge on the bed. When we're feeling down, we want to hide. But just as a child would run to his mother when he heard a loud noise and couldn't comprehend what it was, and it didn't sound like "candy" or "gum" when he would pull the cord out on his favorite toy...so God wants us to take our worries and hurt, angers and frustration, sadness and loneliness,  frights and trembles, and give it to him.

"Dear Heavenly Father, take my frustrations from my heart and mind. The car wouldn't start this morning, so I had to walk...and then I got splashed by this humongous truck because it was already raining cats and dogs, and it felt like it too when the wind was driving those raindrops at my face and new suit. It was the suit that was to show my boss I was ready for that big raise-but he raised his big voice at me for being late. Then, after a LONG day, I burnt my lasagna...well, it cooked great-but as I was putting it on the stove top-I forgot that I left the stove on after heating up some sauce and burnt it to tarnation. Lord, I wasn't happy, but help me to have a better day and to praise your name...for you're always watching over us."

As GOD IS ALWAYS watching over us each and every one of us. He knew us before we were even born...He loved us before we were even born.

I'd like to share with you a verse I find to be so powerful and meaningful. Found in the book of Romans CHapter 5, Verse 8:

BUT GOD SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US BY SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS.

When you can't figure out what you want or need, when everything see to crash down on you at once...Remember that God wants us to be in Heaven at his side one day, which is why he sent Christ-Our Savior to die for us, before he even knew us. Jesus is our guiding light...when you're feeling scared, lonely, hurt, and all those other feelings that seem to envelope your life in a bank of fog, Jesus is the light to see you through.

It took me many years to find out what I needed the most in my life, and now...with the guidance of the Blessed Holy Spirit and the word of God in my life, I ask, "Why didn't I see this earlier" when my life would fall like a house of cards on a beach during a hurricane. I encourage one and all of you to pray..and if you're hurting, if you're life’s running on empty-ask for God to strengthen you, to help you. Pray for those that don't know the saving power of Our Savior in our communities, that they may find the answer in their lives.

MAY THE PEACE AND LOVE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BE WITH ALL, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS.