When Satan Says To Pray!

Have you ever done something that perhaps would be better left buried in the chained vault of yesterday; NEVER to be exhumed? Have you ever spotted an old friend in a crowd and because of a past incident (or relationship) between the both of you, you decided to avoid him/her or them? Do you have a few regrets, maybe NOT like these examples, but still regrets? Well..... welcome to the club'! EVERYBODY has a few 'If-only' moments. I have experienced that Satan is skilled at pouring the should-a beens and could-a-beens into our psyche! He loves to remind us of our negatives and our faults. In fact, when we sin, Satan whispers sly, sneaky-snakey psychology in our ears. ::Whispering::  "OH! DON'T PRAY NOW! NO!, NO!, NO! Wait, maybe a day or two, until you PROVE to God YOU CAN 'act right' or 'do right', just forget it! WAIT until you are a better person, then YOU CAN PRAY! ::Satan rubs his hands together in joy:: He won't accept you right now!!! MA-WA-HA HA HA" 

Too many of us still do the 'ABC thing': Accept, Bite and Chew that forbidden fruit and then swallow EVERY TIME! Sad but true! Friends, the good news is TODAY, we can be FREE of GUILT and CONDEMNATION! We don't have to live with that burden any longer.

God's mercies are new every morning. It's seen in every sunrise and written in His word. He is COMPASSION-FULL. He is FORGIVE-FULL. He is GRACE-FULL! God DOES NOT SAY!!!, "Well, this is the last chance that I'm going to give you mercy." God can give you a new beginning every single day!

We ALL have a skeleton or two in a forgotten closet BUT accepting His mercy and grace AND BELIEVING that we can IMMEDIATELY pray to Him is a peace and truth that changes hearts. "If there is anything from the past that you may still be carrying, please just call on His faithfulness. Don't "ABC" false info. Call on His mercy. Ask for His forgiveness. Accept His grace! Let Him refresh and restore your soul right now. Praise Him and thank Him for the work He is doing in your life and enjoy a fresh new beginning today!" Satan believes in prayer, that's why he asks you to delay! ~Pray /\

 "…His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness"
(James 3:10, NLT).

Poor Tom Peabody

I met 'Poor Tom Peabody' while hiking on Mars Hill Mountain in Maine. The mountain overlooks both New Brunswick Canada to the east and America's state of Maine to the west. While not a very rugged climb, it does offer a challenging day hike to the more athletic locals and, at the top, a peek at both beautiful countries. If your lucky, you might meet 'Poor Tom Peabody'; a White-throated Sparrow.


My grandparents owned a small home in the quaint town of Mars Hill and, on the other side of the mountain, they owned an old farm nestled at the foot of New Brunswick's rolling oat fields and verdant pastures. It was there that I first met Tom Peabody. Nobody knew for sure if Tom was Canadian or American. I believe both countries claimed him. The locals spoke of him as an "odd, private reclusive type; short and elusive." It seemed that whenever people would gather and compare their various stories, the most haunting was about Tom.  "He appears when you least expect it", they'd say. "You usually won't see him, he sees YOU! If he wants to be found, you will hear HIM. He has a hypnotic sound but don't follow him! Don't let him get into your head! If you hear him, you will THINK he is near and the next thing you know..... you have stepped off the path and are deep in the woods, unsure if you are pursuing or if you are the pursued !"

On a warm Saturday afternoon in June, a group of us decided to hike up Mars Hill Mountain. Not long into our hike we paused to rest and then...a few of us heard a rustling and then a slight shrill; a haunting call. "Poooor Tom Peabody, Peabody, Peabody!"

There's nothing like cheery shrills from the forest to catch one's attention!  There it was again. We were sure it was 'Poor Tom Peabody'! Just as soon as we heard it, there he was, perched right before us!!! Poor Tom Peabody, calling out his name: "Poor Tom Peabody, Peabody!" To hear him 'Click' on the words, "White-throated Sparrow", turn up your sound and then 'click' on '"LISTEN".
The winter winds have begun to chill the forests of northern Maine and New Brunswick. Those winds have pushed many a Poor Tom Peabody to a more seasonal warmth; our Tennessee neighborhood. I have recently enjoyed hearing his song: "Poor Tom Peabody!, Peabody!" I haven't found him......yet, but I know he is here!

Our Heavenly Father knows when a Sparrow falls or when it sings its melody. He has given each bird their song. He has given you a song as well. He waits to hear you sing EVERYDAY! You matter! NEVER forget it. When life presents mountains to climb, remember 'Poor Tom Peabody' singing his name. Offer a prayer and keep climbing!!! Take some time to view the vistas that Tom enjoys. God takes care of Poor Tom Peabody. He WILL take care of you!!!!  ~Pray /\

Blessed

Here's a short video that will have you rooting for the underdog, or maybe I should say under-frog" ::chuckle:: I will name him (gender?) ..... um... Lucky... no, a better name is, Blessed.

I am not much of a drama-lover so consequently, I will purposely spoil the video for you: Blessed survives! I tell you that "spoiler" because he is blessed to live AND I want you to focus on Blessed. Watch the intensity as Blessed peers off into the future. He prepares to leap to his next station in life and all-the-while is unaware that Slither, the sneaky snake, is hungry for a Blessed snack! As you watch, listen to the music. It adds to SO much intensity to the situation.

I found myself wishing that when I am perched on my home-leaf and sin is sneaking up on me or danger is in my path, IT WOULD BE AWESOME to be warned by dramatic music! If I were about to make a (another) bad decision, that business deal bit me, someone discovered my dark past or a darker present, the music would intensify and I would change my mind and/or change direction! It would be a BREEZE!

Then the thought occurred to me: I HEAR more than 'music' as a heart-felt impression, maybe a whisper, that allows me to stop and search for snakes! The problem is that sometimes, I choose not to listen! Even if there was a full orchestra with a raucous tympani booming: "Don't. DON'T (Boom, BOOM) over and over again, if I chose NOT to listen I would become a Blessed snack to slithering Satanic intent!

As 'Blessed the frog' leaps to a safe future, unaware of past danger, so it is with us as we embark on the next journey. We are unaware of the many times Jesus 'had our back', changed our direction and/or delayed our leap, just to protect us! Like Blessed, we might need to 'cling as we swing' on a new venture but Jesus knows where we land and where we are going! ~Pray /\

Click the link----->http://www.wimp.com/epicfrog/

http://www.wimp.com/epicfrog/

Paul's Prison Keys!

As I read about Paul and his letter to the Philippians chapter 1: vs 1-11, I was especially captivated by his positive attitude, thankfulness, prayers and especially his joy! In fact, the most prominent theme in Philippians is joy! Philippians is often referred to as 'Three letters of Joy'! Paul's love seems to spill from his heart and onto the growing church membership in Philippi. Paul spread his cheer even as he was experiencing deplorable conditions.

The Roman prisons were devoid of modern-day amenities. They certainly didn't have TV cable! They seldom had a toilet. Prisoners were often shackled to the wall in total darkness and were forgotten. Through it all, Paul is able to remain sane, hopeful and still view life through hermeneutic eyes. Seeing the spiritual aspects of everyday conditions and recognize opportunities for sharing the gospel is a gift!

Paul encouraged ALL! There are many modern-day Pauls (and Paulines) all around us! I am proud to say many sit in my own church!

We all experience many moments in this life that are filled with filth and disappointment. Some of us may have become imprisoned by poor choices. Some may even feel 'chained to the wall'. Paul experienced the filth of life far beyond what many of us ever will. Through it all he expressed joy and even encouraged others. Although Paul's key to unlock his condition was his faith in Jesus Christ, I believe a lesson learned from Paul's life is his cultivated gift of encouragement he received by encouraging others; it was his escape! Our challenges diminish as we extend a hand of freedom to others! I am confident Paul had friends that encouraged him along the way as well.  Our Savior's love has been extended to us as keys to unlock our personal prison. We have only to accept it! We will soon be set free! This week help someone escape from their prison and you will BOTH be set free! Alleluia!! ~Pray /\

Ancient Magic Book

When I have experienced personal challenges in my life, some people have told me that the perfect place to find comfort and solace is in reading the Bible. Some even have offered several specific texts. Here is one:“Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be moved.” NKJV (Psalm 55:22) 

I have always appreciated sound, well intended counsel from friends and family. I have always believed that the Bible is indeed full of true promises that hold the seeds of inner peace hidden in them. However, I don't worship the Bible. Thumbing through its pages is an awesome idea but unless you are familiar with its structure, and the very serious ‘conditions’ imposed, it will seem very confusing. Don't get me wrong! The stories are applicable but they are…. well, a bit dated and surprisingly out of sequence! A rookie reader will be lost.

If you have never opened a Bible (or if it has been a while since you have), it’s fair to say that perusing through the pages during a personal calamity might find you asking, “Where do I begin?” After all, the Bible is not an ancient magic book nor does reading it create a presto-change-o-solution to all/any of life’s rocky moments.

    

Some friends have echoed the phrase “Let go and Let God”. I love the cadence. It’s a brief, compact and simple expression. It seems so spiritual. I have even seen it on bumper stickers or even written on walls. However, there are times when we have become so mesmerized by the world and the grasp on its attractions are so firm, that we just can't “let go”. We WANT to “let go”, we TRY to “let go”—but it just will not happen. No amount of Bible reading will help us; that is, unless (here's the condition) while you read the Bible, you talk to the Author.

There’s often a difference in what we want to give up and what we need to release. We might be holding tightly to something we think of as good, like better health for a loved one, changed behavior in a wayward child or sibling, a promotion or even a new career. All too often, what we think is good is NOT what God knows is best.

Other times we grip tightly to assumptions about the way we think life SHOULD be; that things ought to be easier; that being a parent should not be so difficult or why a class is especially challenging. Some of us have even had ‘Balaam moments’, knowing full well that we are headed in the wrong direction and we are talking to ‘donkeys’ (or worse).

Reading the Bible WILL NOT help us effectively resist/quit our preconceived notions of how life is supposed to work. Talking to the Author of the Bible will!

What “Let go and let God” comes down to is this: We need to let go of our own will. We must claim as our own the incredible prayer that Jesus prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not MY will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We need to let go and let God do what God wills. This submission of the 'will', will lead to peace and joy, even when the way is difficult. Read your Bible AND pray to God. He will positively affect your life. Ask for the Holy Spirit.

Father, I place my life in Your hands!” (Luke 23:46). ~Pray /\

Benefactor

Quite some time ago, my siblings and I received a letter from an attorney advising us of the passing of a distant relative. Included in each letter was a check for a small amount. Needless to say we were ALL surprised and VERY curious! After speaking to my older sister we decided to investigate. Much to our dismay our initial investigation discovered that there was substantial funds that had been illegally retained by the executor of the will! Unfortunately, further attempts to discover more about these funds was met with stiff legalities and a final dead end. Try as we did, there was nothing we could do. We were thankful for receiving the monetary gifts we had been given and very sorry that we knew very little about our benefactor.

We are told in the book The Desire of Ages that the two ​disciples on their walk to Emmaus, "had no prominent place in Christ's work." (pg. 795) It's safe to say that these two were complete unknowns. They were living their everyday lives and Christ chose to use them to reiterate the glad tidings of His gift to the world! 

The surprise letter and contents my siblings and I received expressed sincere forethought, planning and love. Although the relative was not well known, they wished to provide a gift. As we dug a bit deeper we discovered there was more to the story. 


If we all wish to receive the greater gifts Jesus Christ has provided for us, we need to 'dig a little deeper'. Our efforts to learn more will be encouraged, guided and rewarded. Jesus Christ is our distant relative that has a gift much more valuable than ANY monetary gain! As the two disciples realized the gift that stood before them and the gifts they could share, love welled in their hearts, "they seemed to be in a new world." (pg. 801) 


As a person reads and studies the story of The Road to Emmaus, remember the journey does not end on this earth! We have a Heavenly Benefactor that wants to surprise you with a love letter offering eternal life! You can take THAT promise to the 'bank' where moths and rust DO NOT corrupt! ~PRAY!

Stefan Burnham

Maine Event!

Maine is the first place in the United States to receive sunshine! The sunny event is shared by three places: Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain, Lubec and Mars Hill. ALL are in Maine! The variance in location is caused by the slight tilt of the earth and Maine's mountainous northern terrain. I have been fortunate to see the sun rise in all three places. Each offers its own benefits but the perks of the Acadia Park makes it especially pleasant!

Whenever I see a sunrise, I can't help but get excited about new horizons, opportunities and new beginnings. Conversely, when I see a sunset I pause and consider the accomplishments of the day. It's then that I thank God for a day well spent and for His favor!   

Here's a Bible text that helps me remember that God has our best interest in mind: "The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

Life's challenges and surprise stresses can throw worries and anxieties in our path. A brief pause and a chat with God will remind you that He wants to shine in your life. He created the sun that rises and sets everyday. He says, "Hey, (your name here), I did that for YOU."

We all experience cloudy days and overcast moments. I've heard some people jokingly blame the barametric pressure or the pull of the moon! All too often we are quick to blame or choose a reason. We need to remember that above all the clouds is a sun waiting to shine on us. Also, Jesus Christ the Son, is waiting to make a bright event appear on the horizon of our lives! 

The Biblical King David did some abhorrent things and caused some egregious overcast days BUT in Psalm 5:3 he asks God: "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."  It AMAZES me that although David's disposition wasn't always sunny, he was a man after God's own heart. He kept returning to God. The Lord did wonderful things in his life. 

You might not be the first person to see the sun rise in Maine or for that matter, see it rise anywhere. What you can do is ALWAYS choose to pray to Christ the Son. Ask for a sunny disposition or even a change in an event in your life. After all, David with his many faults found the sun/Son in especially dark times. Wherever you begin your day, no matter how arduous or mountainous your terrain, or how tilted your world appears, the Son is waiting to shine His light in each of our lives! Find a spot to talk to the Son and pour out your heart! Make it a 'main' event!  ~Pray /\

Witnessing & Evangelism!

IT'S TIME for EACH of us to be released into MINISTRY! 

New members into the Seventh-day Adventist church AND seasoned SDA's, have been trained for evangelism and trained for witnessing work! Most people are looking for prayer, encouragement and a little hope. EVERYBODY can offer a little hope; a form of witnessing!

In addition, simply by attending church, by association with church members, listening to Sabbath sermons, reading the Bible (and attending Campmeetings), WE are READY to ACTIVELY work for souls! Witnessing and evangelism materials are easily obtained at SDA bookstores. There are Bible tracts, basic advanced Bible studies, books and commentaries. Today, WE hardly have to say ANYTHING. It's as simple as handing out a CD, and/or a DVD or directing someone to a website!

Each of you reading this text has an experience to share either about your love for Christ or your personal conversion! 

Moses chose people that had specific characteristics. By choosing and following Jesus, WE have cultivated those characteristics today.  *"Members of Seventh-day Adventist churches have tremendous ministry potential." 

Worrying that WE can't witness or evangelize is a Satanic ploy to douse the flames of your personal Pentecost! Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Pastors and church leaders will ensure that laypeople are fruit-full. ALL will admit that in any task, it is important to accept help from skilled pastoral staff but WE should never wait to: step out in faith with a Bible tract, an encouraging word, an invite to church, or even a brief pray with someone.

WE have all heard of the sales practice of 'multi-level marketing'. In fact many of you might be involved in companies that successfully do it. It's NOT new! In fact, telling a few people and then having them tell a few people is WITNESSING! I believe the tool of Multi-level marketing is borrowed from the gospel! WE need to reclaim the same method. MULTI-LEVEL CHRISTIANITY! 

Even in Bible times there were 'incidents' and personality conflicts. Whenever people work together there will always be the potential for disagreement. The Bible gives an example of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15: 36-40). It's often through conflict and its resolution that stronger bonds are formed.

God has GREAT EXPECTATIONS for every believer! He has appointed a work for each of us! Accepting the guidance of skilled Pastors and guidance of the Holy Spirit WE can fininsh the work! WE have the tools! WE have the skills! WE have been trained! Buy some tracts, some CD's, DVD's, Pray with someone!! Let's Witness and Evangelize!  ~Pray! /\ 


*Members of other churches have "tremendous ministry potential" as well but it is my personal experience and  belief that the SDA church has a special message. Let me share it with you : )   

One Teen's Embarrassing Witness

During my youth I had a best friend named Calvin. He lived just two houses down the street in a large log cabin ranch that was surrounded by stately fir trees. It was a very private setting. By comparison, our house was a very small, plain shaker-shingle shack. It sat just 100 feet off the road, which made it visible by all who happened to drive or walk past it. Calvin would often ride his bicycle to my house. He would tell me, "I hear you guys singing in there sometimes." I would smile, be embarrassed and we would both go fishing at Hanson Lake.

Calvin was a cheery friend. He was quick to laugh, always had a joke and he made the very best of every situation. I enjoyed Calvin’s company...most of the time. However, sometimes Calvin just wasn't himself. He seemed like a completely different person.  

Our family regularly attended a nearby Seventh-day Adventist church. Occasionally I would choose to walk to it rather than ride in the car. Often, Calvin would spot me walking past his home and in good fun he would give me a hard time. “Well, there’s the church-boy! Are you going to sing songs to Jesus? Hey wait a minute, it’s Saturday! You’re a day early! Are you going early to get a good seat for tomorrow?”  He would use that expression quite often and I admit I always thought that it was quite clever and funny. Personally, I didn’t like the ribbing but knew it was part of Calvin’s nature. He meant well. I would smile, shake my head in the affirmative and just kept walking. All the while thinking, it just seemed so out of character for Calvin. I would arrive at church and, just like Calvin asked, I would sing songs to (and about) Jesus. Every now and then thoughts of Calvin would sneak in my head. Someday, I thought…. someday I should invite him to church.  I just couldn’t imagine asking him, let alone having Calvin sit beside me in a church pew!

During one church service the pastor spoke about health. He used the text in 1st Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” Our church strongly emphasized health and purity. Like most teens, I didn’t understand nor think much about the application to my life but through song and Bible study, I believed I should keep care of my body; His temple. 

As often happens, teen friends drift apart and start their own lives. Two decades later, I received a phone call from my dear friend Calvin. After we had chatted awhile he said, “Hey, remember when you use to walk past my house and I would kid you about going to church?” 

I didn’t REALLY want to remember but I distinctly did and said, “Hmmm… um, yeah, I guess.”

He continued, “I just wanted you to know how sorry I am. You did the best thing by going to church. I’ve been reading my Bible and believe in a Seventh-day Sabbath. It just seems to make sense. I have been sober for 6 months now. I use to sneak my dad's booze and I said some stupid things when I was drunk. I remember teasing you. I am sorry.”

Flabbergasted would hardly describe my feelings. I started to say something, anything but before I could, Calvin asked me a final question, “Will you send me some Bible studies?” 

“Well, sure Calvin. I can do that. Where should I send them?” He gave me an unfamiliar address: MSP Route 1 Thomaston, Maine 04861. ATTN: *274986534. I looked up the address and was surprised to learn that MSP is the abbreviation for Maine State Prison. I sent the complete set of Bible studies and hoped and prayed that he received them.

I have often thought about Calvin's large log-cabin, the stately fir trees, the surrounding beauty and our shaker-shingle shack. I am thankful we sang songs and prayed. I am thankful that Calvin could hear us as he pedaled by on his bike. As a teen, at times I was a bit embarrassed about being overheard singing and praying about Jesus. As an adult, I am concerned about not being heard at all. Calvin's words still echo in my head, "You did the right thing by going to church.... ." 

I hope to meet Calvin again, in a better place; a stately, heavenly home. We will sing songs (loudly) and since we will be in heaven, when we fish we will 'Catch & Release''!   ~Pray /\

*Changed to protect the incarcerated.

Captivate every thought!

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). I have heard many people say that the movie The Passion of The Christ is a "Great movie!". I have even heard some announce, "It is a GREAT portrayal of Christ's life and suffering." A close friend of mine even went so far as to say, "It was an accurate depiction of the trauma and bloodshed that Christ experienced on our behalf." While these statements are probably true I have to admit that I have NEVER seen the movie. With that said, some would argue that without seeing the movie I, nor anyone else, cannot and certainly have no right to be, a critic of the film. I agree....to a degree. While it is true that there is NOTHING like having a firsthand experience that the cinema screen affords, it is also true that ANY person CAN have a personal experience with Christ WITHOUT having to witness ANY of the drama, trauma, gore and graphic depictions shown in the movies or shown in one's home. With that said, I have seen bits and pieces of the The Passion of The Christ. The expression: "I haven't been living under a rock..." seems to apply here.  Saturday night, The Passion of The Christ was being aired (again) on TV. As a Christian, I am fully aware that my Lord and Savior was beaten and that there was blood and beatings during the movie. I refused to subject myself to graphic violence. It's a choice. (I believe the remote is a blessing!) I saw some of the movie and most of the ending. I was VERY disappointed. Far too much time, energy and artistry was spent on bloodshed and not enough emphasis on the shroud, resurrection and fear (not awe). Here are a few thoughts: SHROUD: Jesus took the time to fold His burial cloth/shroud. It wasn't cast aside, rumpled or in a pile as the movie briefly portrays. This is a theological tenet that has a tremendous and profound meaning. He was/is a God of order BUT folding and placing of personal affects announced to the current society and to future generations that His body was NOT stolen; as was later suggested. There was no reason to hurry. This was NOT a clandestine activity. RESURRECTION: With all the graphics, technology and special effects available to Hollywood, it is a shame that more couldn't be done to announce to our world that 'Jesus The Christ' broke from the shackles of  the tomb! This is the glory! This is the freedom! FEAR: Those that condemned Jesus and those that stood idly by would have been in fear for their lives! The people were steeped in superstition and proverbial smoke and mirrors. For a person to have performed miracles, conquered death AND then to have been SEEN in various places in town would have struck fear in the hearts of the leaders! Hollywood is skilled at drama  and fear. They missed a profound opportunity! Easter is the celebration of the Savior of the world, JESUS CHRIST. It is a joyous time. A time for people to give homage to a being other than them self. It is healthy. It aids the mind; helps a person to be at peace. The condition of the mind is an integral part of the overall health of the body. By dwelling on negative, harmful destructive thoughts, we add fertilizer to a weed. Even dwelling on  the drama of night time TV shows, news AND yes, even a movie that dwells more on the negative rather than the positive, envelopes us in a death shroud. We need to think positive thoughts, be more positive and tell ourselves, "I can do it!" WE MUST captivate EVERY thought and daily renew our minds with the prayers and promises of God's Word. Happy Easter! He is ALIVE! ~Pray

Driver's Education

I have many fond memories of my high school days at a school called PVA, Pioneer Valley Academy. One recall happens everytime I see a car with a placard on the side that reads: "Student Driver'. I think of and especially appreciate my Driver's Ed. teacher, Mr. Wilson. Because I drove a lot of vehicles on the farm, before I arrived at PVA, I was a better driver than most. At least I like to think so. To my credit Mr. Wilson DID tell me I was "One of his more advanced students." (Teens love the accolades. We are ALL teens at heart!) : )

On one occasion I distinctly recall riding in the backseat, waiting my turn, while Mr. Wilson 'helped' another driver. I don't recall the driver's name but he was from the Big Apple, New York city, had NEVER driven, had no need to do so and was as nervous as.... well, to use an old phrase: "a cat in a room full of rocking chairs!" The student actually broke down and cried from the stress. I'll never forget Mr. Wilson's response, "Son, (He probably called him by name but I can't recall) Son, don't worry, I have controls as well. If I believe something might happen, I will brake for you."

True to his fear, the student's performance was, well... horrific! It improved as we s-l-o-w-l-y cruised campus. Well, either that or I passed out from fear! I do remember the brake & stop, brake & stop & brake & stop and the creeping-turtle-crawl pace! I remember because at every turn, I strongly (and prayerfully) considered jumping out and sprinting to the dorm! I will never forget Mr Wilson's patience and positive demeanor.

Although we ALL know that NOBODY'S parents are perfect, I will forever appreciate knowing that Mr. Wilson was ready to "brake for him!" (OH! I was SOOOO appreciative!)

Christ says, "Cliff, Ned, Bob, Sally [Your name here] don't worry, I have controls as well. If I believe something might happen, I will brake for you."  Yes, we do have accidents but HE won't bail and run (fly) back to Heaven! HE never quits!

By the way, I passed my exam. Thanks Mr. Wilson! Thanks for your patience and understanding and for NOT jumping out at the first corner and sprinting back to your home on faculty circle!!! Although THAT would have been funny. I would have honked! ~Pray!

Behold....one step at a time!

It’s become a bit of a routine of mine to jog through our local state park. During my youth and university experience, I was quite active. I thought nothing about a brisk jog around the track and field. I can still remember when the track was refurbished. It was state-of-the-art.  It was made of a special green material that had a little bit of ‘give’ to it which was easier on ankle and knee joints. The track was elevated for proper water drainage and had crisp and clean white lane markings. I enjoyed many jogs around that track.
  

The track at the park is NOT state-of-the-art. The first half is paved in typical gray road asphalt and the last half is gravel and sometimes muddy.  It’s a nice place but off to the side there are various mole tunnels and sometimes large rocks. Joggers must be especially vigilant because it’s easy to turn an ankle, step in a mole trail or slip. There aren’t any lane markings.

I decided to restart a jogging routine because last year I realized that I had become a certified ‘Couch Potato’! My C.P. epiphany happened when I lost the remote to the television. I started scrounging around, I looked on the floor, checked between and lifted the cushions, looked under the table, got on my knees and looked around the magazines and finally laid on the floor to look under the couches! Phew! I was exhausted! My heart was racing and I was short of breath! I lay on the floor panting and sweating. Can you believe it?! I actually had a work-out while I searched for the remote!! After my recovery from my Remote-Aerobics, I went for a walk to get some fresh air. The next day I decided to jog to the corner of the block.  It was maybe 100 yards and a GREULING moment! The next day I repeated my walk/jog and again and again. I remember when I actually jogged a mile. I was ecstatic! That was a year ago. Now I can routinely jog 5 miles (often completing more), have lost 30 lbs. and I feel better for it. Running in circles can be quite beneficial! 

By the way, I found the remote. It was in the kitchen pantry by the chips! HA! Comical! It’s ALL about diet & exercise which I like to call ‘intake & effort’.

I still watch some TV but I have discovered that what I use to occasionally considered entertainment is unworthy. It seems I have actually replaced entertainment with recreation (re-creation). Oddly, when I do watch TV I find myself viewing shows with a more uplifting venue. Maybe it’s my age… maybe it’s my maturity but maybe, just maybe, spending time in creation (beholding) and making an effort to re-create (exercise) ‘sweeps the temple’ (body & mind).  By beholding we do indeed become changed. II Cor. 3:18.

As you walk, jog, race or travel through life, keep in mind that the trails you wander WILL often have well defined lanes but there WILL be times when the lines blur. You might even discover you have been on the wrong path. You might be given poor directions and step off the path (be misled), or have someone kick stones in your path (a dirty deed) or even cause you to twist an ankle (physical pain). It doesn’t matter if your path is a cushy, high-tech university track & field or a muddy, gravel path, just remember that through it all, you can still return to the proper straight and narrow.  

Our goal as Christians is to wear out some ‘jogging shoes’ by being the best we can, where we are, with what we have through Jesus Christ!  Ask Him to jog with you. Be tenacious!   ~Pray