It's the day that we celebrate our freedom as Americans. Actually, it's a day late. Sorry ...

I've been busy beyond belief. I spent yesterday with my daughter and her friends (my son had other plans) at Blue Lake Park. Music. Food. People. Fireworks. A great day of celebration.

Except... we were all sadly reminded just how temporary this celebration is. A teenage boy drowned right in the middle of the festivities. The sight of news helicopters, diving teams, and rescue vehicles seemed oddly out of place on this special day.

I felt such a sense of loss. I didn't know this boy or his family and I can only begin to imagine the horror of a family outing turned worst nightmare. We stopped and prayed for this boy and his family. It seemed almost obscene to see a majority of the crowd still celebrating as if nothing major was occurring just a beyond the shoreline.

For me, the celebration took on a whole new meaning. I was once again reminded of the temporary nature of any party here on earth. We only have today, this moment, this second. Anything can happen. Anything.

However, if we are daughters or sons of the King, in relationship with the Son, Jesus Christ, we have a future celebration that will never cease. For all eternity we will be joyously rejoicing in the presense of God almighty.

Last I heard, this young man remained in critical condition. He was underwater for fifteen minutes. I don't know his name or his personal story. What I do know is he is hanging between this world and the next. Can we join together and pray for God to give him a full recovery? Let's pray for his family and friends to find comfort in the Lord during this tragic time.

Lastly, let us rejoice that in our country we can still openly pray in Jesus' Name for our sick. Other countries don't have that same luxury. This truth is indeed cause for fireworks.

We women can be quite resourceful. Yes, men can as well, but I just read a recent news story about a woman who was stranded after she fell while hiking.  

Amazingly, she used her sports bra, attached to some sort of lift-wire to signal her whereabouts. Once the cable started working, her bra ended up in the right hands (that would be anyone’s hands at this point) and she was delivered to safety. Deep sigh of relief. The article acknowledged her intelligent consideration in planning what to send. After all, she needed the remainder of her clothing in order to stay warm overnight. She didn’t randomly choose to send her sports bra, she made a quick, well-assessed plan, and it worked.   

I often wonder if I would be so ingenious in a perilous situation. Do you ever do that? You know, you imagine yourself in a specific hair-raising place or position where you alone are responsible for saving the day, and yourself. I guess you might call this a form of daydreaming. But, hey, when I was an athlete (swimmer) back in the day, I always visualized myself performing well before my events. It worked! – most of the time. 

I’m not sure why I’m even thinking about this. I guess the whole “bra story” got me thinking about emergency planning and preparation. Many of us plan better for what might happen in the “physical realm” than we do in the spiritual. 

Okay, okay, sounds weird, but let me explain. Remember back during the Year-2000-Scare? Many people stocked up on water, food, flashlights. Some even built extravagant underground dwellings where they could stockpile their goods and live for extended periods of time if needed. They were ready for the worst.  

However, according to God’s plan we should be more concerned about the matters of the heart, our hearts. Do we love God?  Others?  Do we care about our character and living in a godly manner? Do we spend time combing His Word for those treasures that we can stockpile in our hearts? God tells us we should live in such a way that we are storing up rewards in Heaven not on earth. We try so hard to protect our physical selves, yet, so often, we fail to effectively manage our spiritual condition.  

I also recall during the preparation for the Year 2000 that many people actively, even aggressively, shared their concerns about the future and argued that we needed to be ready for worst possible scenario.  

Friends, the worst possible scenario would be to spend an eternity in hell apart from God’s presence. Yet, how much time and effort do we invest in helping others understand this very real threat? For me, unfortunately, I have to say, not enough.  

Maybe we should think a little harder, plan a little more, and become more ingenious like our lady hiker friend. I’m not suggesting we use our bras to spread the word, but we all have access to God’s Truth and His plan. Today is a new day. Let’s get creative and help people prepare for what’s real, forever, and always. Investing in the eternal makes sense considering where we spend our life after death is final.  

No need to wave your bra or boxers, just wave the Banner of Love.

Okay! I'm freaking out again. If you've been reading my blog, you know that my son, a sophmore catcher with a possible future in baseball, injured his knee. We finally met with the surgeon. The initial prognosis was inaccurate. Not the miniscus (sp?) He actually has a broken piece of bone floating like a swan on a lake inside his knee. Maybe a swan is too nice of a visual, after all, this thing is sharp and causing issues.

In fact, he thought he was getting better and went up to bat (just once) in a game. He shared with me that he felt something poking out the side of his knee. As he adjusted his pants before taking another swing, he pushed it back in. UG! EW! Yuk!

Until surgery, this boy is totally off baseball. Unfortunately, his team is not doing so well and apparently there is some dissension amongst kids and parents. Playing time. Older kids vs. the younger ones.

Isn't it amazing how when things aren't "right" emotionally and spiritually how it effects us in the physical? Hum --? Could that be the problem with the team? This is an awesome group of young men. I'm not even sure exactly what is going on. I know for me, it triggers memories of my horrible existence on a swim team in years past. If you've heard my extended testimony, you have likely heard about this. Let's just say, I was totally "picked on" and abused; did I mention betrayed, too?

Anyway, getting off subject. My point. I'm worried about my son. Then, to top it off, my young daughter ends up with a bladder infection. My mom has bronchitis and has been fainting. I missed work time. See what I mean ... 1, 2, 3.

1. Jordyn breaks knee

2. Grandma (my mom) gets very sick

3. Jade gets horrible, painful, highly annoying bladder infection.

Enough complaining. Just saying, life can be hard. As if you didn't know that.

What all this has led me to think about is just how temporary everything is. The Bible talks about our lives, in these bodies, being so very short. Things change. I have to remind myself that if my son is unable to play ball beyond high school, it's all in God's plan. The trophies and awards of this world will rust and turn to dust. There are no Oscar statues in Heaven.

Am I worrying more about earthly recognition than the heavenly rewards promised by our King? Sadly, at times, I am. I still seek approval from "man." I desire to win the game, or see my children win. Whatever that winning might look like.

Jesus doesn't care if we're All Star Baseball players, award winning authors, or famous actors. He cares about the condition of our hearts. His desire is for us to love Him and love others.

When we finally cross the threshold, from this life to the next, Jesus won't be asking to see a list of our earthly accomplishments. Rather, He is interested in knowing if we fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, visited those who were imprisoned, helped widows and orphans. Sadly, His Word tells us that if we have failed to do those things, we must depart from His presense. I don't like that alternative.

I'm not talking about faith vs. works. One flows from the other. For when we have truly accepted our Savior, in time, it will become more natural for us to serve. Good works surge from our deepening love of God.

I hate to admit, I'm still more self-absorbed than I want to be.

Lord, fill me with love for others. Make me a willing vessel of our truth and grace.

Oh how my heart cries out for more of Him.

Once again, through these three recent happenings, my King has reminded me that my time here is short. I can use it to further my own agenda, or use it to glorify Him. Lord, I choose you.

What do you choose? If you want to make a fresh commitment to serving God and letting go of all your earthly entanglements, please, send me a note.

Thankfully, the Bible tells us that there are many who have gone on before us and still more who travel beside us as we journey through life as sons and daughters of the King of Kings. Let's remember to lift one another up in prayer in the days ahead.

Please feel free to send me a prayer request or a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Life has been challenging of late. Work. Kids. A battle with what I refer to as low-grade depression. (kind of like a low grade fever) This happens to me once a month. Need I say more?

Honestly, though, I truly am having a difficult time getting up and getting moving with those things that I need to do. I'm certain that sometimes I "tune out" due to the nature of my job. As a counselor, I work with many troubled and hurting people. My days are spent encouraging, motivating, and guiding others to better life decisions.

One woman that I'm working with is struggling to find freedom from drugs and a bad relationship. It saddens me to see the desperation in her and so many women. That desperate need to be loved by a man, any man, regardless of the consequences.

I've watched women lose everything for "their man." Homes, children, careers, financial security, basically their lives, all in the name of love. These undeserving men abuse, lie, cheat, manipulate, and harm the object of their so-called affection in ways beyond imagining. Yet, the woman is unable and unwilling, for what ever reason/s to let go of the destructive relationship.

I should know. I was one of those women.

Thankfully, a decade ago, God lifted me out of the muck and into His loving embrace. I've learned the joy of walking in purity and trusting that God has my best interest in mind. I want a man that loves God first and foremost, who loves me and my children, and is free from a life of carnal sins/or addictions, whatever you want to call them.

Obviously, we will all struggle with SOMETHING at different times in our walk with God, but when we let our feelings and emotions run our lives rather then looking at what God's Word tells us, we will find ourselves in deep doo doo ... sinking in stinking quicksand, unable to claw our way out by our own power.

I'd like to link you to another article on this subject. Please know, if you are in a destructive, abusive relationship, there is hope. God can set you free. More than likely He will lead you to a safe group of women who have traveled the same path.

Please read: http://christianwomentoday.com/closet/codependency.html

After reading this article, if you would like prayer, please, drop me a note. I'd be honored to pray with you.

Oh my goodness! There is so much going on in my life, but I had to take the time to respond to a "tag you're it" activity that my dear friend, Mike Dellosso, new author of The Hunted, tagged me for.

Yep. I'm IT! The whole concept was created as part of his new "Blog Book Tour." Here is the link if you'd like to read more about this: http://blogtourspot.wordpress.com/mike-dellosso-blog-tour/

Considering that Mike has written a page-turning spiritual thriller, the idea that others might want to share their own real-life scary stories was birthed.

So ... here is mine. Big Disclaimer: Do not do this!

When I was a young girl, I'm guessing about nine or ten, I attended a local day camp. We'd spend a week going from landmark to landmark, exploring, making homemade ice cream (the kind you churn by hand) and decorating a big, old, lumpy tree that our staff said had mystical qualities, thus its name - The Fairie Tree. We met every afternoon in the rustic lodge for campfire songs, stories, and fellowship.

At the end of the session, we were treated to an overnight at the camp. Each little group had its own tent. Of course, after whispering about boys and stuff, we all shared ghost stories and got all giggly and screechy just like little scared girls do at slumber parties. It was all in good fun until one girl suggested we play the "light as a feather" game. I'd never played this game and was excited as it sounded mysterious. I was also pretty skeptical about the expected results. So it began ...

One camper would lay flat on her back while the rest of us seated ourselves around her. Then we'd each slide two fingers under her body. We chanted some horrible thing that I can't remember the words to (thank you, God) and then we'd lift. I kid you not, there was levitation taking place in that tent. I'll never forget the horrifying feeling of being lifted up (like a feather) to the top of the tent. It was like we were all in some eerie trance. Spooky it most certainly was.

Looking back, I know exactly what was happening. We had unknowingly accessed the spiritual realm, and not the good guys. This game was pure evil, orchestrated by demons. Sadly, for me that was just the beginning of my journey into the occult.

So many teenagers open themselves up to the demonic realm without realizing what they're doing. Ouija boards, bloody Mary, Light as a Feather, tarot cards - all these "harmless" little games can open doors that later become very difficult to close.

It's up to us as parents and Christians to educate those around us about the dangers of messing with the darkside. Cheap thrills and so-called fun and games that involve occult activity are destined to bring harm not blessing.

Please, make sure you educate and prepare yourself to fight the good fight of faith. Keep your Armor on and your spiritual house in order. Maybe it's time to take out the trash in your own home. I don't mean the everyday garbage. I'm talking about anything that is not pleasing to God and that represents evil. If you think mindlessly reading your daily horoscope is okay, please, please, please, think again.

The best way to know what to look out for is to look to the One who has your best interest in mind - Jesus Christ. The Word, His Word, will provide the guidelines we need to live by. It's up to us to follow the directions.

I absolutely love this painting. I have no idea who created it. Please if you know, let me know. I'd love to give credit.

Sooooooooo ... the new not-so-fun news is that my son, a fifteen-year-old high school baseball catcher, who was just awarded the MVP Player and Biggest Hitter Awards for his JV Team (he's a sophmore), and who also received a varsity letter for playing up, is now facing possible menicus surgery. He was playing baskeball last week, got pushed, came down funny, twisting his knee. Major ouch!

For a catcher, knees are pretty important since they spend innning after inning squatting, then standing, dropping to the knees, jumping to the feet ... they're pretty busy.

At first, I totally over-dramatized the situation. No ... not me! Okay here's a summary of my raging thoughts:

"Oh no ... what will we do? He'll never play ball again. He'll be out of play for months, years ... forever. What will I do? I love to watch him play (catch that part? me, me, me) and can't imagine it being over so soon." Blah, Blah, Blah. Notice there wasn't much (anything) in there about how he might handle the worst?

Truthfully, many athletes have this common surgery and go on to have fine athletic careers. I can just fall into this non-trusting God mode, where I think the worst about just about anything (everything?) I think it's called catastrophising (not a word) but you get what I mean.

Thankfully, I'm not like this all the time, but it's sad to admit that I get that way at all considering I belong to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Oh, me of little faith!

Then another thought crosses my mind. What if my son couldn't play baseball period? Would I trust that God knew what He was doing? Would I overcome the disapointment and be a good example for my son and others? Surely, I'd like to believe I would, but the way I was fretting today ...

Isn't it amazing how easy it is to tell someone else to have faith, not worry, and trust God, yet, we can end up in a tizzy over our own circumstances?

My answer: Crawl up into God's lap (figuratively speaking, of course) and spend time in His Word, praying, and praising Him for who He is. He doesn't have to do anything. He just is. That truth is more than enough.

 God loves us no matter what "condition" we are in. When I'm unfaithful, He remains faithful. When I'm unbelieving, He is still real. When I worry, He reminds me to look only at today today.

Freaking out about tomorrow, about anything, isn't worth our time or energy. We would be much better off by spending those wasted minutes in God's presense, for there, we will find rest, hope, and unlimited love.

So, no matter what you're dealing with today, remember, God wants to walk you through it.

Although my situation sounds "small" it was big enough to get my attention. Now, I can choose to stay stuck in my negative thinking or take my thoughts captive and focuss on the Life Changer.

I know what I'm going to do! How about you?

God bless you and keep you.

Ladies, don't forget to visit my newest blog:

http://www.princesswarriorsreignreal.blogspot.com/

Discover how to reign real as a Princess Warrior for Christ ... one step, one prayer, and even one blunder at a time.

I am thrilled to share that one of my friends, Mike Dellosso, has a new book on the market -- The Hunted. This Christian thriller brings to mind other authors like Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and Stephen King. If you enjoy an exciting read that keeps true to the Christian faith, you will want get your copy and start reading right away. I promise; this is a page-turner. My stamp of approval is all over this one.

This past week, in between work, appointments, ministry work, and, well, life stuff, I've somehow managed to eek out some personal reading time. I'm reading four books at once. I know. I know. I'm an odd duck. I did state clearly that I love books. It's been awhile since I've indulged myself in fiction. In addition to Mike's new novel, I'm reading another fast-paced adventure/thriller by Robert Liparulo called Deadfall.

I'm also perusing two nonfiction books that supply solid answers to the questions and arguments that atheists so readily fire our way from their so-called cannon of reason.

What's so Great about Christianity? by Dinesh D'souza, and The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible, Robert J. Hutchinson, should be read by every believer who wants to refute common athiest complaints to Christian history and beliefs. I am amazed by the research that these two highly investigative men have invested in their work. I've also been surprised by just how much I didn't know about the Bible and the history of the Christian Church. We've got quite a legacy, friends. Good stuff!

I'd love to know what you're reading. Any suggestions? Don't worry; I still make time to study/read the Bible and do my devotions, even in the midst of my current reading frenzy.

I can't get God off my mind ... ever. For that I'm grateful, although, sometimes, I'm reminded (by God, of course) of areas in my life that still require some serious work -- heart work. It's difficult to walk close to God when you're trying to avoid His ever-present ability to peer into your soul, challinging you to surrender sin and draw closer to Him. And for me, even good Christian fiction can awaken and alert me to things that need to change.

I say the above because I've had a number of people, over time, question my desire to read fiction, yes, Christian fiction, too. I thoroughly understand that for some folks keeping to the Bible is what they choose to do, but, I don't think we should ever look down our noses if others choose to make additional reading choices. That just seems strange to me, yet, it's happened.

Personally, I believe, and have seen, more often than not, God using a variety of avenues to share His truths. Obviously, the Bible is His primary source. But we can glean much from other good books, stories, and articles. Jesus, after all, was a seasoned storyteller.

A good author can weave God's message through an exciting tale, leaving us with more than a taste of His truth and grace.

Not to mention, reading is such a great alternative to TV and over- indulging on the computer. Nothing quite compares to cracking the cover and smelling that new-book freshness, or the fragrance that emits from within the battered binding and fading pages of an ancient text. Ahhhhhh ... gotta love it! So ...

Go on! Turn off that TV. Grab a book. Read!

I found this lovely flower arrangement graphic on Glitter Graphics. I don't usually find stuff with my name, but, oooo la la, this time I was pleasantly surprised.

Anyway, back to Narnia. This is a movie for any Christian warrior. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. In fact, I liked it better than the first film. For me, it was more exciting and the acting seemed to have improved substantially. Also, for me, the spiritual messages were exactly what I needed.

Lately, I've been trying to power through life by my own power. You know, the figure-it-out-yourself-syndrome that involves worry, worry, and more worry, which increases anxiety and leaves faith lagging behind in the distance.

Several key characters in the movie, including a heroic mouse, struggled with this dilemma -- PRIDE. Indeed, this is one annoying and dangerous quandary.

"I'm the boss." "I know best." "I don't need your help." "God doesn't have time for this, so I'll take charge." "Where is God (Aslan) anyway?" Questions like these plagued the key characters and, unfortunately, of late, have counfounded me as well.

When I get into an "unbelieving" state of mind, I end up very frustrated and attempt to manage everything on my own, which always ends up in a big hairy mess. It's only when I finally surrender and raise that white flag that I am able to find relief.

This movie beautifully demonstrated the catastrophic consequences that take place when we attempt to conquer evil by our own power. We lose. It is only with God's power and under His covering that we are victorious. God is always available; it's up to us to seek Him. We can wait, or we can run to Him before the battle begins. Again, it's up to us.

The newest Narnia adventure not only gives us solid spiritual food to chew on, but also it is filled with brilliant scenes, a touch of romance, a major element of adventure and intrigue, as well as, some exciting (bloodless) battle scenes. The enemy is conniving, but good overcomes evil. Sorry, but I don't think I'm giving anything away, after all, most you have read the stories.

So, go ahead, indulge. This one, in my opinion, is worth the $8.00 and a bag of popcorn.

Happy Memorial Weekend. Let's pray for our service men and women who are fighting so bravely for our country. Ask God to bless our country. Let's call on Him to go before us, surround us, and cover us from behind. Friends, we need Him. For it is only by His power and grace that we can remain victorious and free.

I love the above artwork, created by a new friend, Tia. You can check out more of her work at:  www.whimsicalart.com.

The girl in the sketch has her cross on and Bible in hand. I'm guessing she's on her way to church or a Bible study. Good places to go, right?

Well, I, too, went to church this past weekend even though I was feeling about as down-in-the-dumps as I can remember. Angry. Frustrated. Sad. Disheartened. Unbelieving. Yes, unbelieving. I was having a temper tantrum directed at God and everyone around me.

Somehow, though, I mananged to get my emotional self into the car with my daughter and her friends and get to church. After getting them settled, I sat in my car and fumed. Yes, I fumed ... not my car. Thankfully, I've learned (and taught others) over the years that you have to just "show up" to church when life is hard. God will meet you there. So, I followed my own good advice and entered the santuary just as the worship time was ending.

The minute I took my seat, the tears started to flow (actually, flood) down my cheeks. It got to the point I was nearing the convulsive crying point. Anyone know what that looks like? You pant, sniffle, and sob. Snot and slobber (sorry for the graphic description) become the main ingredients on your face. Bye bye makeup!

Quickly, I rushed to the bathroom and, finally, after days of holding my pain in, I convulsively sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. Fully clothed and sitting on top of the toilet I cried out to God. I was at the end of myself, which is such a good place to be. I had surrendered and was ready to let God take the wheel. Oh, Jesus take the wheel ... that was the cry of my heart.

As my tears subsided, I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw ... a framed picture of outhouses. Yes, outhouses! I had to laugh. There I was seated in the private bathroom, at church, a total mess, gazing upward at outhouses. I began to giggle, snicker, and finally, I laughed. (Really, I'm not insane!) The irony of it all. I have to believe God has a sense of humor.

After returning to the service, I was treated to one of those "I read your mail" kind of messages. I'm sure Pastor Dave had planned his presentation around my personal problems and need for renewed motivation and encouragement. What if I'd stayed in the car? I would have missed out on everything God had in store for me in my brokenness.

On my way out the door, Pastor asked, "Where did you go during worship? Kelli (his wife) was going to introduce you as the speaker for the upcoming women's event."

"Uh ... I was crying in the bathroom." We prayed and laughed.

It's so good to be loved in our imperfections, isn't it? -- Here's your speaker for the upcoming "fancy feast" hiding in the restroom because her emotions have swelled to tidal wave proportions. Don't worry, ladies, she really is the "real deal." Boy, oh, boy, is that the truth. I'll be sure to share this event with my audience.

Sometimes, we just need to "be" in our brokenness and allow God to comfort us in unexpected ways. I don't know what you're going through right now, but God does. Please, don't allow your suffering to keep you from safe places and safe people, where God will minister to you in a very special way. Just show up. He'll do the rest.

God bless you!

"I won't believe in heaven or hell
No saints, no sinners, no devil as well,
No pearly gates, no thorny crown,
You're always letting us humans down
The wars you've brought,
The babes you drown
Those lost at sea and never found
And it's the same the whole world 'round
The pain I see it just compounds
That father, son and holy ghost
Are just somebody's unholy hoax"

Dear God, by XTC

____________________________________________________________

I just read an article on AOL about an Einstein letter debunking God. This handwritten piece sold for over 400,000 big ones. In response to said letter were a ton of ignorant and God-slashing responses, such as the one above.

Wow! It breaks my heart to hear such rubbish about our Creator and King. It is even sadder to know that there are so many confused people who see a relationship with God as a weakness. My life was filled with chaos and uncertainty, pain and sorrow, heartbreak and horror, prior to finding Jesus.

I am a woman with above average intelligence and many unique (very unique) life experiences. I've done, well, just about anything once, or have known someone who did what I never tried. I researched numerous religions and theories, but always knew deep down in my soul/heart/being, whatever you want to call it, there was something/someone bigger and more powerful than me.

If you're human, which I'm guessing you are, you simply cannot deny those nights when you gazed into the heavens and admired the universe. Trying to wrap my brain around the implications led to what I call "brain cramps." You know, that feeling you get when you know you are seeing something so much bigger than yourself.

I'm sorry evolution comes up short. Darwin himself made comments about its lack of evidence. Yet, we are so  quick to embrace "science." Consider all the times that scientific discoveries have later been re-discovered, thus disproving the first theory.

In all honesty, there is no way to disprove God. So with the knowledge that there is organisms and creatures in the deepest seas that we are not aware of, isn't it possible that a Creator of all these creations exists?

God didn't promise a pain-free exhistence on this planet. However, for His children, He promises a pain-less future in Heaven. For me, evidence of God's existence far outweighs the lack of. In Him I trust.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers! May God bless you in mighty ways as you serve, guide, and most importantly, love your children ... no matter what their ages.

This evening, me and my daughter did one of our favorite mom/daughter computer activities. We visit YouTube and look for silly videos featuring animals or people doing silly things. My stomach hurts from laughing.

I wanted to give a visual reminder that if your day has been less than perfect, or things aren't going the way you'd hoped, there are others who have experienced some pretty odd (and painful) predicaments. Just watch!

I must say that in the above video our animal friends seemed to fare better than the human variety. Hope you enjoy. With all the difficult things that transpire on a daily basis in our homes and around the world, sometimes we need to laugh. I know I do.

God bless you and again, Happy Mother's Day.

For another Mother's Day message visit my newest blog: http://princesswarriorsreignreal.blogspot.com/

At last! -- The latest installment of Reigning Real is posted on my new blog.

If you're struggling with loving, you won't want to miss this article:

http://princesswarriorsreignreal.blogspot.com/

I'm so excited to have discovered yet another talented artist who draws angels and princesses. Tia, the lovely young woman who created the above picture, actually works in a building adjacent to my office. I just love how God sets up divine meetings. She had been struggling with the idea of putting a halt on her drawing business. However, when I was able to encourage her and remind her of her awesome talent, she got excited all over again. I will be featuring a number of her pictures on my blogs. You can link to her website at www.whimsicalart.com. Go ahead ... take a peek.

Anyway, what has got me all riled up -- the article on AOL about what would happen if/when we have another Pandemic flu outbreak.

Apparently, a whole bunch of big wig doctors got together in some big room and decided the fate of millions. I'm still wondering how we choose who gets to make life and death decisions for us, anyway. The answer they came up with is: goodbye elderly individuals, anyone with a life-threatening injury/condition, or those suffering with some types of cognitive diseases (loss of memory etc.)

I guess in a nation where many of our countrymen/women don't blink an eye at abortion or assisted suicide, and where many believe in survival of the fittest, this latest headline makes the most sense. After all, only the strong survive. Why waste medication on anyone but politicians, millionaires, the super healthy, famous ... I think you get the picture. I can't help but imagine that enough money would by treatment.

Bottom line, does anyone have the right to play God? Who determines whose life is more valuable? Let's keep the surgeon, the plumber has to go ... flush him away. Wow! These so-called doctors (aren't they suppossed to be defenders of life) said this was indeed a difficult discussion, but they must be prepared for the inevitable.

What if instead of making killing plans, our nation, as a whole, fell to its knees and cried out to God for mercy?

What if we sought His face and the forgiveness for our collective sins? What if we pled for His mercy and favor upon our land as we determine to turn from our wicked ways and trust in Him. What if ... ?

Oh, sure. Someone out there will think I'm crazy. What can God do, right? What if there is no God to pray to? Maybe we need (as a nation) to stop relying on our own reason, reason that has taken us down paths better left untraveled. What if we opened our bibles and learned what worked for our ancestors, and what didn't? There's some really good stuff in the Bible.

I'm sorry. I know. I'm having a major soap box moment. But do you ever just look around and watch other people as they wonder why all this "bad stuff" is happening? Do you ever want to just shout, "Get a grip, folks! Of course, this 'stuff' is happening. We have turned from our Creator and spit in His face. Yet, we expect the 'good life' to keep on coming. Without a reliance on God and an acceptance of His Son as our Savior, THIS is what we get!"

Now granted, don't get me wrong. Bad things happen because this is a fallen world and bad things, well, they happen. However, there have been seasons in time when the world was a much better place to reside. Times were simpler. God and family were at the forefront of our minds.

Okay, deep breath. Thank goodness for journaling. I'm more than mad. I'm sad. I'm sad that someday there is a good chance that a situation will arise that requires someone to make decisions about who lives and dies.

I'm sad that more people aren't on their faces praying for God's mercy and for Him to thwart the plague or any other malady that threatens our land. I'm sad that as a nation we've killed millions and millions of babies. Maybe one of those babies had the cure for cancer, or would have prepared us with the right medications for an future pandemics. I guess will never know.

Friends, as followers of Christ, we are living in a very unique time in the history of our world. I truly believe that in the not so far future life may get much harder. I have no clue when "The End" is coming, but I can't help but believe that our world is hurling toward that moment in time at a frightening speed.

I don't want anyone to miss out on the one thing, the One Person, the Only God that can lead to salvation: Jesus Christ. In Him we can rest assured that our eternal future is secure. No matter what plague, catastrophe, or disaster faces us, we can place our hope in what is eternal.

I pray that that committee of doctors never has to implement "the plan" of life or death. For that desision belongs in the hands of God alone.

This is what happened to a Texas minister who was scheduled to speak at an all-day conference. He was running late because his alarm had failed to ring. In his haste to make up for lost time, he cut himself while shaving. Then he found his shirt was not ironed. To make matters worse, running to his car he noticed a tire was flat. Disgusted, and by this time thoroughly distraught, the minister finally got underway with a sudden burst of speed. Racing through town he failed to notice a stop sign and rushed through it. As fate would have it, there was a policeman nearby, and in just moments he heard the scream of a siren. Jumping out of his car, the agitated minister said sharply, "Well, go ahead and give me a ticket. Everything else has gone wrong today." The policeman walked up and said quietly, "Sir, I used to have days like that before I became a Christian."

I can so relate to this pastor's story. Lately, my life has been a series of highly frustrating and faith-challenging events. I am embarrassed to say that I have been very quick to remind myself (over and over) just how difficult my current circumstances are.

Maybe I should instead remind myself how great God is. The more junk I spew forth from that mouth of mine, the more miserable I become. Amazing how that works.

Sometimes we may be nice and encouraging of others, yet we berate ourselves beyond belief. I'm choosing from this moment forward to speak God's truth to myself. After all, I am His daughter! His promises are mine to claim.

What are you telling yourself? Remember, today, to tell yourself the truth ... God's Truth!