I know. Strange picture for a title "Tragedy Strikes." It will make sense at the end; I promise.

First, let me share that I still do not have the final answer from the publisher. I'm praying that no news is good news. I just continue daily life with my motto: "Keep moving forward ... one step and a prayer at a time." Truly, this is the best way to travel.

As for my heading, when I logged onto my email today, a horrible sight was waiting -- a news article and photos about an accident that took place on a lone highway stretch in Maryland. This wasn't a typical accident (as if any accident is typical) but it is one that most certainly could have been avoided.

Here is the link: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/8-killed-in-drag-race-on-suburban-road/20080216110009990001

At about 3:40 AM two cars were street racing. Apparantly, there was a large group of spectators in the road watching the cars speed away in a cloud of smoke and dust. Another car, traveling down the freeway, plowed into the bystanders, killing at least eight people. Horrible.

First, before I make anyone angry (although that may happen) let me just say this was a terrible, terrible tragedy. I can't even imagine what the family and friends of the victims might be feeling as this all unfolds. I am deeply sorry for the loss of life and the emotional pain that is sure to follow in the lives of the survivors.

HOWEVER, why in the world would anyone be standimg out on a highway in the wee hours of the morning? And with children! Who knows, maybe "back in the day" I might have been there, although, racing was really NOT my thing. This just breaks my heart. People! Please think before you act. We all need to realize that the decisions we make can affect us for, well, forever.

For this very reason, it is imperative that we know where we are going when we leave this planet. Do you feel confident about where you will be after death? Do you know your eternal destination without a doubt? I doubt those race-watchers expected to face these very questions on that Maryland highway at 3:40 in the morning. But, they did.

Friends, we never know when it will be our time to go. We prepare for death by pre-planning funerals and making sure our life insurance policies are in order. Yet, so many of us fail to research and plan for what happens after the funeral is over and that insurance money has been paid out.

The Bible is very clear about the afterlife. There is a Heaven and a hell. People complain ... "Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?"

Friends, this loving God makes it possible for us to avoid ever going there. He has provided a way out that not only gives us an exciting eternal destination, but a way that gives us hope in the present. That answer is Jesus Christ. Isn't it interesting what happens when His Name is mentioned. Some of us feel loved and secure, others feel angry and frustrated, while others scoff with disapproval. The fact remains, though, the Name of Jesus demands a response. The question is, what is yours?

Please, take time to investigate the claims of Christ (yes, I know I've covered this topic before. I'll continuing doing so in some manner as long as I'm journaling) Students study for school. Gamblers review the odds. Doctors examine test results. Pilots watch flight patterns. People in general spend a great deal of time reviewing and analyzing data. Shouldn't we spend some time examining God's Word? What do you have to lose? You may discover that you have EVERYTHING to gain.

The above picture? Well, when I saw it, I immediately thought of Heaven. The Bible tells us there will be a New Heaven and a New Earth. Finally, we will have the fairytale world that we yearn for. The beauty and joy will be beyond our greatest imaginations. I want you to be there!

Please, don't wait. We never know when our time here will end. If we belong to Christ, we can look forward with great anticipation to a whole new beginning.

Remember: We all sin and fall short of God's perfection.

No one is "good enough" for God. If you've told just one lie in your life, well, you're not perfect according to God's standards.

The Good News: A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is all we need to be acceptable in God's sight.

Don't wait!

Visit: http://www.campuscrusadeforchrist.com/knowing_god/knowing1.htm