Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed...

Psalms 85:10 says,

"Mercy and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed."

We see this fulfillment in the birth, death and resurrection of Christ, our Savior. Yes, it is the celebration of His birth, and with it the beginning of the fulfillment of this scripture. Righteousness represents the law which was never meant to be more than our "schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ," (Gal 3:2) but Peace is representative of the grace and mercy which Christ brings.

Imagine two separate worlds, one where we as sinners live, the other as Heaven where God abides. Now, Imagine the cross joining these two worlds with Christ's death and resurrection. Remember the Holy of Holies in the temple? Only a few, privileged priests were allowed into this sanctuary with the presence of God Himself. But, Christ bridged the gap, as we read in Mark 15:38, making a way for us to enter! The veil was torn asunder and the way was made for us to "cross over."

While we celebrate Christ's birth with all the beautiful lights, gifts and spectacular musical tributes, let's not forget the reason that Jesus came. He came to bring together sinners with the sinless King of Kings; He came so that righteousness and truth might come together in perfect harmony; He came so that the law might be fulfilled. The fulfillment of the law meant a perfect sacrifice must be made for sins. Christ fulfilled that righteous requirement perfectly when He bore sins' penalty on the cross. He also fulfilled the need for grace, peace and mercy. How desperately we need that! By paying for our sins, He has brought all of the grace, peace and mercy we need.

In John 1:14, 16-17, we read of this amazing phenomenon... "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

No wonder the angels sang that night! No wonder the shepherds "came with haste" to the manger of the newborn king! No wonder we love Christmas! For indeed, righteousness and peace have come together...the gulf is gone!

Women in the Line of Christ

Have you ever wondered about the four women other than Mary, mentioned in Christ's lineage in Matthew 1? Two of them were prostitutes, one was a Moabitess, and the other was an adulteress. When we consider these four women in the line of Jesus, we should never doubt that God can use anyone regardless of their past!

First, there was Tamar whom we read about in Genesis 38. She became a childless widow after she married Judah's oldest son and he passed away.
Judah, her father-in-law, did not keep his promise to find her a replacement husband by giving her to his second son, so she took matters into her own hand and "played the harlot" with her own father-in-law! In due time, she bore twin sons, Perez and Zerah. Through the family line of Perez, we have our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Joshua chapters two and six, we read of Rahab who hid the spies. She was not only a harlot, but also was not Jewish. She saved her whole family when the wall of Jericho fell, and she became the wife of Salmon and their son was Boaz, which brings us to Boaz's wife, Ruth. She came from the land of Moab whose people descended from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughter. She was not one of the chosen people through birth, but was grafted in when she proclaimed that she would follow the true God of Israel. We read her remarkable account in the book which bears her name. She became a widow when her husband, Naomi's son died and followed her mother-in-law, back to Israel and became a part of God's chosen people.

And finally, we come to Bathsheba. Perhaps we all know this account in II Samuel chapters 11-12. Here we see King David lusting after a woman who was another man's wife. Their immoral relationship brought about the birth of a child that died as God's judgment was upon them. But, God was gracious and later gave them Solomon from whose line, Christ came.

Who would've thought that Christ would have such "mothers?" We are tempted to dismiss such women as too tainted by sin to be much of anything. How often in society, these women are shunned or their children are looked down on. This in no way excuses their sin, for the Bible is clear regarding purity. Yet, we must remember that Christ came to bring forgiveness and cleansing to even the most vile.

For we read Christ's own words in Matthew 18:11, "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." No one is too far gone for Him!

Are you feeling lost? Do you feel your past is tainted with some sin too ugly to imagine Christ forgiving you? Then, look at those whom He included in His own family! Surely, there is a message of forgiveness and redemption to be found here. Will you trust Him, the babe in the manger with all of your past, sins and all? He is waiting for you!

Jesus Doeth All Things Well...

"All the way my Savior leads me what have I to ask besides. Can I doubt His tender mercy Who through life has been my guide. Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell. For I know whatever befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well."

The last part of this verse from a familiar hymn, came to me in March of this year as Michael lay in a hospital bed at KU Medical Center. I am thankful that Jesus brought it to my mind. Yet, I do not fully understand how allowing Michael to suffer like this is "well." In this life we will never fully understand that. It is beyond our comprehension.

Perhaps some of the "well" is that a family member who had estranged herself from Michael, came to the hospital that very week and mended the fence. Perhaps it is "well" when a gentleman who Michael barely knew came to the hospital and told him that he had been doing some serious thinking about his soul in light of what Michael was going through. Perhaps, it is "well" when you see how God provided for all of Michaels' lost income during his times of being unable to work. Perhaps it is "well" when you know that their neighbors came and offered their ranch home for Michael and Shawna to move into while they found a more suitable home. And, perhaps it is "well" that through all of this, God is leading Michael through this valley for a reason. I believe that someday he may have a ministry that would never have been possible had his life followed a more "normal" path.

"All the way my Savior leads me, oh the fullness of His love. Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father's house above. When my spirit clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, this my song through endless ages, Jesus led me all the way." Fanny Crosby

Belated Thanksgiving...

Psalms 9:1-2

I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart;

I will show forth all thy marvelous works.

I will be glad and exult in thee;

I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.

I know that the official Thanksgiving day is past, but I believe that any day is a good day to give thanks to God.

This year of 2010 has been a difficult year for the Wright family. My brother Michael's cancer, my Aunt Charlotte passing away unexpectedly, and another family member going through a very difficult time has all contributed to sadness and tears. Yet, through all of this, God has been faithful again and again.

I give thanks for God's provision in my own life...for the privilege of owning several Bibles without fear of imprisonment...for health...for friends and family...for allowing me to go on two vacations this year, one to Michigan and one to Ohio and Indiana...for church families...for education and talents...for freedom here in America and there is so much more! I have much more than so many in this world even at my lowest point.

Being a part of such a wonderful family, the Wright family, has brought many blessings to me. A regular part of my life is visiting my Uncle Kenny, wife Darlene and their children on Sunday nights after church. Thanksgiving day found me spending time at my cousin Kristina's house with her family and others. And, there have been other fun times with my family, and our Christmas gathering coming up on December 18. We'll be going to see Christmas lights together and then enjoy a carry in meal.

God has worked it out for me to live in my Grandma's basement apartment for more than 7 years. This fall, we did some painting in the kitchen, dining area and living room. One of the last things was putting a new laminate floor into the kitchen and dining area! It's like having a new place! For all of that I am grateful.

Of course, I am just scratching the surface of all that I have to be thankful for, but this is a good start!

A wonderful Holiday season to all!

Displaying the work of God...

In John 9:1-12 we read the account of Jesus healing a man born blind. The disciples asked a question of Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life..."
Truly amazing! Our nature as humans is to often think more "logically" or to see the dark side of those things which are imperfect, painful and ugly. It is hard to understand why God allows sufferings of such magnitudes in our lives. Right now, my little cousin is suffering with serious vision problems. She has tested at the legally blind level. And, of course, my brother, Michael, has been suffering for more than seven months with the realities of cancer, leg amputation, and horrible phantom pain.
We know that since sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, everything is affected by sin and is cursed (Genesis 3:1-19). We know that all of creation is groaning as it awaits for redemption (Romans 8:19-22). Yet, we also know that God is in control of everything and could keep believers and innocent people from suffering. Yet, He chooses not to. This is so hard to understand. We really can't explain why some suffer and others do not. We must leave that in the hands of a sovereign and loving God who always does what is right. Hosea 14:9 tells us "...The ways of the Lord are right..."
So, we are left with placing our trust in God, no matter what. One of His purposes for allowing suffering is clear in the passage from John 9. He allows suffering at times so that His power and work may be displayed! In Isaiah 61:3, we see that God has provided for those who grieve an opportunity to be "for the display of His splendor." It seems this was the purpose for the blind man in John 9. It truly was an opportunity for God's splendor and work to be displayed as this fellow gave honor to Jesus for healing him.
While he may not see it so clearly, my brother Michael has certainly been a display of the splendor of God and a showcase for His work. So many have been blessed as they see Michael trusting in God, no matter what. What a challenge for all of us...allowing Him to show Himself in our lives through our pain and suffering...

Palm Tree Religion (Part 2)

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.'" Psalms 92:12-14

It was our privilege, here in Overland Park, KS, to witness this scripture being lived out over the weekend as Esther Edwards Dotson came to speak at our Ladies' Retreat. She also did two concerts in the area on Sunday.
On Saturday, at the retreat, she talked with tears, of losing her husband, Tim, unexpectedly, with no warning when he was only 37. For one year, she felt such pain, even while trying to read her Bible and pray. Did she allow this to cause her fall away from Christ? No.
She spoke of a complete surrender of her life to Christ many years earlier, beside her bed, as her family visited Bolivia. There she felt God's presence in a very real way. She had no idea what lay ahead, and that someday her faith would be tested to this extreme.
But, God has proven Himself faithful in her life. She is flourishing, and continues to minister now as the Co-director of an after school program with public school children in her local school district in Indiana. She has truly been "planted in the house of the Lord" as she sings with her 4 beautiful children the praises of God. She is bearing fruit as she proclaims the faithfulness of God in spite of her great sorrow. She is still declaring that Christ is her "Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him."
What a challenge! No matter what may come, by His grace we can be flourishing in Christ.

Palm Tree Religion

Psalms 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

A number of years ago, Bro. Albert Barr preached a wonderful message at Kansas
State Holiness Camp called "Palm Tree Religion." In his own unique way, Bro. Barr likened the life of the Christian to the life of a palm tree. In addition to being a preacher, Bro. Barr was also a Science teacher and loved to study what God created. In this unique message, Bro. Barr explained how as Christians, we can live a life so grounded and rooted in Christ, that no matter what comes or goes, our lives can prosper and be fruitful for Christ.
One of the most interesting parts of this unique message, was when Bro. Barr described how the palm tree is some times put through a very seemingly brutal procedure which causes the tree to "weep tears." This process produces a very sweet and useful substance which is appropriately called "tears." How beautiful! God sometimes puts His children through such difficult things, that to an unbeliever would seem cruel!
I think of my own very special brother, Michael. His life was forever altered on March 20th of this year when his Femur broke unexpectedly. A diagnoses of bone cancer soon followed, and then, a complete amputation! Talk about tears! Many actual tears were shed by different ones at that time and in the weeks and months to follow as Michael has suffered unbearable pain and discouragement.
Yet, through it all, I believe God has a plan for greater sweetness in Michael's life that will indeed bring Him MORE glory than if Michael had never gone through this horrible time.
As the scripture says, "...whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." I believe that Michael's life has only begun to bear the fruit that God has intended and only eternity will tell all the reasons why God allowed it and all the lives who have been blessed. Through the past six and a half months, Michael's tree has never withered, although it has been battered. He has remained rooted in Christ, and to this day is prospering. May God be praised!

The One Who Blesses Others...

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger;

the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;

those who help others are helped." Proverbs 11:24-25 The Message

I would like to pay tribute to the owners and employees of Associate Solutions where Michael, my brother is employed. I can see that this scripture has been fulfilled in their generosity to my dear brother. When Michael was first in the hospital, in the midst of having a broken leg, finding out he had cancer, etc., his employer told him that he did not need to worry about his job. Several of the other employees and partners visited Michael different times and were totally supportive of him as he walked through the darkest valley of his life. Three of the partners came and assisted with Michael and Shawna's move back in April and one of them, Terrie, provided food for all who came to help.

His employer continued to pay Michael his base salary and for his insurance benefit and through their generosity, I believe that this scripture from Proverbs has been lived out in this locally owned business.

In the midst of the down economy, this business received eight new clients in the month of June! Could it not be said, they have been generous with Michael in his hour of need and now they are receiving back? They could have said they were no longer able to keep him on their payroll, but they instead chose to take the high road...I have prayed for God's blessing on them...He has done that...praise the Lord!

Living Free

"Live as free men..." I Peter 2:16
How thankful I am to be an American, living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. In spite of what some have said about our nation, there has never been another in the history of the world that has been more free, or has done more for the remainder of the world. Yes, we have our scars, and presently we are scarred by such things as abortion on demand. Yet, there are many who are fighting to end this blight upon our great land.
While we are enjoying our freedoms which we still have, many in other parts of the world are languishing without the privileges that we take for granted. Part of living free is to remember them and to do what we can to promote freedom. How thankful I am for each of our men and women in the military who are giving of their best years to fight for freedom and to them I give honor. I am also thankful for those of our veterans who gave so much so I may enjoy so much. One of the nursing homes where I play piano has the honor of being the home of a woman who was a pilot way back before women in the military was so acceptable! She is something else! Now getting about in a wheelchair, she once flew planes high in the sky!
Living free means I need to give up some of the things I want and desire...the desire to get even with someone who hurts me; the need to be in control of my life and what others think of me, etc. Living free in the spiritual sense means trusting Christ completely with all of me. Oh for grace to rest securely in Him, alone!

Prolonged Days...

"The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days;
But the years of the wicked shall be shortened." Proverbs 10:27

I find true crime stories very interesting. They are featured regularly on TV shows such as Dateline, 48 Hours and 20/20. You can watch many of these online on their respective websites. One thing that is so obvious in watching these stories, is this simple truth: so many people who are involved in violent crime greatly increased their chances of being involved by the lifestyle they chose to live. Some of these people become involved in love triangles and the offended spouse seeks revenge and murder is the end. There are other specific factors such as unwise choice of spouse to start with, profession, and seeking after money and other worldly pleasures. It is sad to see what sin will do to people. One recently featured story dealt with a single mother living in a poor part of a city in Tennessee. She had four children, was on disability and chose to supplement herself financially by selling her prescription drugs! This is completely illegal and led to people of bad repute coming in and out of her home. One such occasion led to her murder and the near murder of her tiny daughter. How sad. I don't mean to unmercifully castigate those who are less fortunate than I, but am grateful that by God's grace, I'm not put into a position to "need" to do that.
It is amazing how living a moral life saves you from so much grief! When you refuse to have children while not married, and you don't abuse your body by doing drugs, drinking and smoking, you have just saved yourself from many sad things.
The Bible says it well, "Great peace have they which love Thy law..."

Let Me Be Like Aaron and Hur...

In Exodus 17 we read of a wonderful miracle in the account of the battle with the Amalekites. Amalek came to fight against Israel and so Moses said to his trusty sidekick, Joshua,"Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua was to lead the men in battle, while Moses stood on the hill with his staff held up on high.
"Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed." As it would be, his arms became tired! He became tired! He had to set down. But, alas, the Amalekites began to prevail when Moses was no longer holding up his hands! "But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ¹³And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword."
Here we have a wonderful lesson of how God's man, while blessed by God and living in obedience to what God had asked of Him, still needed the aid of others to be victorious in this particular battle. I have personally thought of this account recently as my brother Michael has been going through the most difficult time of his life. Michael has lived an exemplary life and has served the Lord faithfully since a child. This has become the fight of his life!
The past two months have brought not only excruciating physical pain and side effects from the chemotherapy to Michael, but also mental anguish, uncertainty and discouragement. The Lord has allowed me as Michael's sister to come along side him and try to be of assistance. I do want to be a vessel that God can use to "lift up his hands" so that he can come through victoriously.
Other people have been used in this capacity as well in amazing ways. The cards, letters, phone calls, Facebook messages, visits, financial gifts, etc. have all been a part of this effort to assist and help him in this most difficult time. There have been numerous people who have helped them move, mowed their yard and provided meals. As Michael's sister, I appreciate those who have come to encourage Michael and "lift up his hands." Thank you so much! Let's join together to be like Aaron and Hur to help Michael and Shawna through this to a victorious finish!

A Woman Who Made a Difference

In 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 23 and chapter 24:1-18, we read of the courage of an amazing women, with an unusual name! Aunt Jehosheba was used along with her husband Jehoida, who was a priest in the temple, to preserve a baby, named Joash. Not only did they preserve his life from his wicked grandmother, but they also preserved a child who would become one of the more righteous kings in Judah. What courage it must have taken to hide this child when all of the other children were slaughtered to satisfy the wicked heart of Athaliah, his grandmother! But, Jehosheba prevailed and a few years later, Joash was crowned king at age seven!
God still uses anyone who is willing to be used of Him. Perhaps, like myself, you are not a mother...this may bring tears and sadness to your heart as it has mine on many occasions. But, we need not feel useless or left out! As an aunt, I have a tremendous opportunity to influence the lives of four precious little people, Luanna, Esther, Juli and Karson! I can choose each day to follow Jesus and be an example to them, or I can choose otherwise. I can choose to conduct myself in their presence with a Christlike spirit or not. I can be available to cheer them on as they grow and to be a listening ear if they so desire. There are many other ways for me to do good to them and many others. My life need not be in vain...
In Proverbs 31, we are reminded that "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." May each of us women focus first and foremost on the beauty that need not fade, that of the beauty of Jesus in our lives...

Rest in the Lord

This evening, I sang a song that Steve Green made popular years ago..."Rest."
"Rest, the Lord is near, refuse to fear, enjoy His love.
Trust, His mighty power fills every hour of all your days...
There is no need for needless worry, with such a Savior,
we have no cause to ever doubt, His perfect Word still reassures
in every trial.
Call Him if you grow frightened...call Him, with loving care,
He'll lift your burden and you'll rest, the Lord is near,
Refuse to fear, enjoy His love."

Oh, if only I could really grasp what this means! All, literally, ALL that I need is found in Jesus, alone! Oh, to rest in Him...freed from reaching for earthly pleasures and things that are passing away...oh, to rest in Him, safe from fear and dread...oh, to rest in Him, like a little child, knowing that all will be well while I'm in my Father's arms...
How often, we run around, searching for what we think we need or want, when all the time, it is found in Him!
"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..." (Ps 37:7)

My Brother...

It is amazing how quickly life can change! If you had told me three weeks ago that big changes were coming, I would probably not have guessed what it would be!
Saturday, March 20, the first day of Spring, was looking to end up as a great evening of fun and fellowship with our friends, Steve and Cindy Kearney from Denver. I had just finished playing piano at a local assisted living facility around 2pm, and was just about to head to Gardner to spend the weekend with them, my parents, and my brother Michael and his family as well as some other people. I received a phone call from my mother telling me that Michael had been taken to the hospital with a right leg that had collapsed. I turned my car north and headed there. To make a long story short, Michael was discovered to have Osteo Sarcoma in his right femur. The cancer had eaten away at the bone, and had finally broken on the Saturday as he went to walk up to a birthday party.
At first, we were in denial, hoping it was simply an infection or a hairline fracture left over from a fall he had in October...such was not the case. It was a dark Monday morning after Dr. Kim Templeton told Shawna and Michael at KU Med center, that it looked like bone cancer.
The good news was, all the testing showed it to be confined to the right leg. A whirlwind ensued as Michael went to surgery for a biopsy, and two days later, faced a life altering surgery- an emergency of sorts to amputate the right leg...you can only imagine the sadness one might've felt to see Michael wheeled from the emergency room with only one leg remaining. But, he is still with us!
After nearly two weeks in the hospital, he is at home, and preparing to move into their neighbor's ranch house this week.
Through these past 2.5 weeks, Michael has shown over and over that God is real and in control! His life has been an amazing testimony to so many! Over 100 different family and friends visited him while he was in the hospital. Not to mention the phone calls, cards, emails and Facebook messages. The presence of the Lord was very real to Michael and Shawna throughout this difficult time.
Now he faces upcoming chemo therapy just to make sure any cancer cells which might be floating around undetected, don't remain.
Here is a pic of him on Easter Sunday...he looks great and is depending on the Lord to carry him through.
A line from the hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," came to me in this difficult time which says..."for I know whatever befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well." I don't fully understand that, but I do believe that somehow, this situation is well! Nahum 1:7 tells us that the Lord is good! I believe that God is good, He does all things well, and through all of this, He has a glorious plan! He has already been glorified and know exactly how to turn this situation into goodness!

Easter Happenings...

I'm so grateful to be part of such a wonderful family! Saturday, April 3, we had a great lunch together, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos! We had 48 people, much good food, fellowship and laughs! Here are a few pictures...I would've had more, but my camera konked out!

Breaking Free

Hello, Friends,
I want to change my template, but am struggling with it! Will have to wait until later when I have more time to figure it out.

Anyway, just wanted to write a short blog about our Ladies' Bible Study. We are presently doing a series by Beth Moore entitled "Breaking Free." Wow! I would highly recommend it. Beth draws from the book of Isaiah, using the scriptures to show that we can be set free from anything! Be it sins in our past, guilt, hurts and abuses from others, addictions, bad habits, you name it! It is exactly what I have personally needed in my life. I have struggled with the basic truth of forgiveness of sins, yet it is really true that Jesus wanted to forgive my sins so much that He gave His lifeblood for me! I give Him glory and honor for that truth.

Are you struggling with something in your past? Is there a sin, an abuse done against you that is haunting you? I would suggest that you run to Jesus and ponder these words...
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom
for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

"Nothing Compares..."

I just set my DVD player to play again the song "Shout To the Lord" with the beautiful "Rhapsody in Blue" done by Anthony Burger!! Wow...how could anyone think that we evolved from a monkey? To see and hear this man play for God's glory, how could anyone not see God's handiwork? There is one phrase that I want to bring out..."...nothing compares to the promise I have in You..." Think about that...we could be healthy, wealthy, have position, have whatever our hearts desire, even have the best husband...yet none of that even comes close to what we can have in Jesus!!! I needed this reminder...been a bit blue lately about some different things in my life...none of that lack or perceived lack really matters...if I have Jesus...I have ALL I need!!! "Nothing compares..."to His presence, His peace, His purpose in my life..."nothing compares"...to the wholeness and fruitfulness I can know in Him...praise Him, friend..."nothing compares"...to Jesus!!!!

Excitement on a Friday night!

Last evening, I was here at home for a quiet evening. I was setting at my laptop with my headphones on, watching, of all things, Perry Mason. Love those old shows! As I was watching this old fashioned, crime solver program, a crime of sorts happened here! All of a sudden, a very loud, house shaking event occurred. I began running upstairs to see if my Grandma or her husband had fallen. They came running downstairs thinking that something had blown up down here. Orville ran outside and discovered a pick up truck had smashed into the corner of the house. Our next door neighbor, Brad and wife Nancy had also heard the noise and already discovered the truck and called emergency personnel. I went over to the truck thinking as a nurse, perhaps I could offer help, but the doors on the truck were locked. The man inside was apparently unconscious and his air bag had deployed. Soon, sirens were sounding and an ambulance, fire truck and various other police cars were setting outside. They were able to get the man to unlock the door to the truck and after much ado, placed him on a stretcher. He was awake enough to tell them his name. He was taken to the hospital and a tow truck came to take the truck away. It was totaled! Two local TV stations came by and spoke with us. I even made the 10 pm news! I'm so grateful that no other person was involved in what could've been a fatal accident for someone. God allowed him to hit the house and not someone else.

Promises for Obedience

Recently I began a study of the book of Proverbs. I have been looking at Chapter three. What rich promises we see that will come to us if we listen to "wisdom" (the Lord) and do what His "law" (the Bible) says. Just think about this for a few moments...vs. 1..."length of days and long life and peace they will add to you...find favor and high esteem with God and man...He shall direct your paths...it will be health to your flesh and strength (drink or refreshment) to your bones...your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine." I don't believe in a "prosperity gospel," but there is something to the idea of living honestly and carefully before God and man.
How often when a crime is committed, it is very clear that had the people involved been living a careful life before God, they might not have lost their life or received the ill will of another. Yes, we live in a wicked world and the affects of sin fall on all the righteous and the wicked, yet, I believe these promises give us some general expectation of what our lives may be like if we listen to the Lord and obey His Word!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! A new year is a blank slate, just ready for us to write on. We have a choice as to what we will write, and how we will tell the story of our lives this year. While we can't control all of the circumstances which happen to us, we can certainly control our attitude and responses with the help of the Lord. One thing I plan to do Monday morning, is to get back on track with Weight Watchers. I really like the leader of the Monday morning meeting. She is very entertaining and fun. She told us several weeks ago about an apron that she was given at a past Christmas before she had lost weight. The apron would not fit to tie around her! She was appalled at herself. Now, she is an attractive women who is in control of her food choices. That's where I need to be headed...in control. The holiday season makes "being in control," so hard!!! What do you plan to change in this new year?