Picket Fences

Thank you to all VETERANS!  I really mean thank you. I appreciate anyone who serves or has served in the military for our country. I am allowed to live a life knowing there are people who are willing to go to battle for me, my family, friends, city, state, and country. Not only that, but to go to bat for other countries. It amazes me that a person would risk their lives to protect other people's lives. Thank you. There are many in my family and extended family who have served our country and also are first responders. I respect what they have done, and do, immensely. Back in WWII our family suffered a loss when my mom's step brother was killed during training for the air corps. Also, when I was young my family had to deal with the death of my Uncle who was killed in battle and the death of another Uncle who was killed in a car accident while in the military. I cannot explain the pain all of my family members went through at the time. Each of us in my family h

It is hard to hear and see all of the devastation happening around the world. Volcano eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, and even sink holes. There is hope no matter what is happening. This verse gives a clear picture of hope for those who choose to believe God.    Micah 4:1-5  New International Version (NIV) The Mountain of the  Lord 4  In the last days the mountain  of the  Lord ’s temple will be established      as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills,      and peoples will stream to it. 2  Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord ,      to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us  his ways,      so that we may walk in his paths.” The law  will go out from Zion,      the word of the  Lord  from Jerusalem. 3 He will judge between many peoples      and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares      and their spears into pruning

The American flag blowing in the wind, reminds me of the many people who sacrificed their lives to protect those of us who live in this beautiful country.  Three of my Uncle's lost their lives serving in the military for this country. Almost every man in my family has served.  Many families have a similiar history.  I wake up each morning knowing I have freedom to go and do what I am socially and physically able to do. I can wear what I choose, try for careers I would dream of having, work, drive a car, and be educated, etc..  I have freedom.  If the country I live in is attacked, there are those who have volunteered to go, and do what is necessary to protect it.  I live with that knowledge everyday. I thank God for allowing me to live here.  I thank God for those who have served and give up everything to keep this country free and safe. Thank you. Thank all of you. 

I read an article that made my heart really heavy. An article about a ex-pastor who got arrested for smuggling marijuana from Mexico to California. Now, I know for a fact this man has been dealing with other issues, and he has made some unwise choices in the past that affected many people. His family and friends suffered pain and some consequences they shouldn't have had to deal with. I heard he was doing better, but I'm guessing (only from that newspaper article) that he is still making unwise choices. Two things saddened me about the article; 1) I imagined the emotional pain his decision caused his wife and kids. 2) How this affected people who don't understand or have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Not only will his choices affect those closest to him, but also those he will never meet. No one in the church is perfect, but our lives were changed, and we are the walking testimony of Jesus work in us. The truth is...the church is built on a bunch of