(I stumbled across this article that I wrote on December 12th, 2016. Four years ago, almost to the day. It honestly could have been written today. So, I dug the article from my archives and dusted it off, so to speak. We hear this song each year at this time, but do we know how it originated? The lyrics of this beautiful song, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, during the Civil War,  could very well have been written for such a time as this. Can we hear the bells?"

“I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play. And mild and sweet their songs repeat. Of peace on earth good will to men. And the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth) In my heart I hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.” Lyrics of the song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.)

Peace on earth good will to men. We have entered the season of Advent, preparing for the day of our Savior’s birth. Trees are lit, gifts have been bought, and families gather together in celebration. Something, however, is missing. Something that we long for, pray for, hope for—Peace on earth, good will to men.
War has been a part of our lives for too many years now. War abroad and sadly war within our nation. Tempers flair. Fear engulfs. Lives are lost. And, yet, we continue to hope, and we listen for the bells ringing (peace on earth)  

“And in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song. Of peace on earth, good will to men. But the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir singing (peace on earth) Does anybody hear them? (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem “Christmas Bells” which ultimately led to the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” while our country was in the midst of the Civil War, and he was in the midst of depression from losing his beloved wife, Fanny as a result of an accidental fire, and his son Charles suffering a crippling injury in war. There was no peace for our country, nor for his soul. His head was bowed in despair and he was certain there was no peace on earth—For hate was strong and mocked the song. Hate and despair could not, however, silence the bells.

“Then rang the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor does he sleep (peace on earth, peace on earth). The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on earth, good will to men. Then ringing singing on its way. The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime. Of peace on earth, good will to men. And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth). Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth). And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth). Peace on earth, good will to men”

(The following is a direct quote from Tom Steward – Dec. 20, 2001) “The first Christmas after Fanny's death, Longfellow wrote, ‘How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.’ A year after the incident, he wrote, ‘I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.’ Longfellow's journal entry for December 25th 1862 reads: ‘‘A merry Christmas' say the children, but that is no more for me.’  Almost a year later, Longfellow received word that his oldest son Charles, a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac, had been severely wounded with a bullet passing under his shoulder blades and taking off one of the spinal processes. The Christmas of 1863 was silent in Longfellow's journal…. Finally, on Christmas Day of 1864, he wrote the words of the poem, "Christmas Bells."…  Longfellow's Christmas bells loudly proclaimed, ‘God is not dead.’… Even more, the bells announced, ‘Nor doth He sleep.’… ‘The wrong shall fail, the right prevail’…the message that the Living God is a God of Peace is proclaimed in the close of the carol: ‘Of peace on Earth, good will to men.’”

This past year has been tumultuous for our nation. [2016 & 2020] Peace has been nowhere to be found. Many have endured their own times of despair. Hate this past year has been strong and has done everything in its power to mock the song. But, the bells refuse to be silenced.

​“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,” they sing. “Then ringing singing on its way. The world revolved from night to day. A voice, a chime, a chant sublime. Of peace on earth, good will to men. And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth). Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth). And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth). Peace on earth, good will to men”

​Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned these word during the Civil War. Our nation was divided; war raged within our very borders; brother fought against brother; peace was but a distant memory.

The year is 2020 and our nation is once again divided. Brother fights against brother. A war rages within our very borders. A virus named Covid holds our people hostage. Peace? But if we listen closely, we just may be able to hear the bells ringing--Peace on earth good will to men.
​
Can you hear them? Listen closely. The bells will continue to ring through the chaos and strife, through war and fear, through loss and despair—the Christmas bells will continue to ring. Can you hear them?

​“Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (peace on earth) The life the angels singing (peace on earth) Open up your heart and hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men.”

Please take a few minutes to enjoy the music video below by Casting Crowns, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

​I am a stickler for waiting until after Thanksgiving for all things Christmas. Well, almost all things. Trans-Siberian Orchestra can be loudly heard in my home at the onset of November. But, this year is different.
 
Perhaps the difference comes from this being the first Christmas Bob and I will celebrate in our new home. Perhaps the difference is a result of all things 2020—a year unlike any other in our history. Perhaps the difference is a result of the election drama. Perhaps it is a result of all of the above.
 
Whatever the reason, I hear Christmas calling, and I know many of you do as well. This  year has been grueling; fraught with fear, anger, and despair. As a result, many are craving the light of Christmas in our homes earlier than usual. We long to feel the joy of Christmas once again. We yearn for the peace Christmas brings to our hearts and souls.
 
I need Christmas this year, perhaps more than ever. Oh, not the hustle and bustle of fighting crowds trying to find the perfect gifts; not stressing-out planning huge family gatherings; not all the must dos that have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. No, I don't need any of these.
 
I need to truly experience Christmas this year. I need to experience the peace and joy held within the bosom of this season. I need the light of Christmas to brighten my heart and enliven my soul. I need CHRISTmas!
 
"Wonder of all wonders outside of Bethlehem. Angels come to shepherds, ordinary working men. Not the high and mighty, the powerful and great. But those who feel unwanted, that the world has pushed away. Hear the call of Christmas, all you lost and left behind. The lowly and those longing, with an emptiness inside. The forgotten and forsaken, I bring you good news. Hear the call of Christmas, the Savior waits for you." (Lyrics from Zach Williams' song, "Call of Christmas."
 
I listened to this song a few weeks ago and it spoke to my heart. Amid all the trials and tribulations of 2020, in the midst of fear and anxiety, there is good news! Jesus, our Lord and Savior waits for us! We as Christians wait in anticipation to celebrate the birth of our Risen Savior, and we live in hope for His glorious return!  Can you hear Christmas calling you?
 
"All who feel rejected, unwanted and alone. We’re all undeserving of the kindness we’ve been shown. Come behold the King of Kings. Find rest you weary souls. Lay down all your burdens. He will mend and make you whole."
 
So, throwing all our rules pertaining to Thanksgiving out the window, Bob and I dug out our decorations and I have been decorating, and blasting Christmas music. It has been thrilling decorating our new home with our treasured decorations. They somehow look different this year. Christmas light abounds in our small home, and my heart and soul are overjoyed. Our new, smaller, Christmas tree will be adorned on Thanksgiving.
 
We have no idea what the rest of 2020 will bring, but we can rest in the peace of Christmas:  "For all of those in need, come find your hope and peace. Oh, do not be afraid, for He has come to save. He has come to save."

Listen for the call of Christmas
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video below, "Call of Christmas, by Zach Williams.

​(Lyrics from "Worth the Fight" by Christian artist Kim Walker-Smith)"This is gonna take an army. We the people. We the dreamers. We will not be divided. We're one nation. We remember. Only truth can break through darkness. Only hope can save a soul. On the shoulders of our Fathers. We meet the night with a roar"
                       
"Wake up, eyes up. Now is the moment, now is the time. One chance, one voice. No backing down, this is where heroes rise. Push back the shadows. Take back tomorrow. This is for freedom. Stand up, stand up, for what is right. The future is worth the fight."
                       
Our nation was founded and built on the shoulders of our forefathers. They refused to passively and silently accept England's tyranny. If we were to be a free and independent nation, they must fight—and fight they did. Our forefathers banded together to fight against tyranny and create a Republic founded on freedom. They worked tirelessly to draw-up our Constitution and Bill of Rights, the cornerstone of our government.
 
Generation after generation has shed blood in the battle for freedom, whether within our  borders or defending other countries. Freedom was the call. Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. Freedom of assembly. Freedom of life! Our nation was also built on God's Word, one Nation Under God. These freedoms are now under attack.
 
For the first time in my life, I honestly fear our nation's future. Wrong has become right, and right has become wrong. Lies, deception, and hate run rampant. Bible believing, God fearing, Americans have been labeled bigots. The sanctity of life no longer applies to  unborn, or newly born children; they are helpless, innocent victims whose voices will never be heard  
 
We are one election away from the death-grip of Socialism. So many promises—free this, free that, everyone will be happy—until they're not. Nothing is free. We will pay the price. (Just Google Venezuela to see the effects of Socialism) 

Our freedom, taken for granted by most, has come at a great price. Thousands upon thousands of brave men and women fought, and sacrificed their lives to ensure our freedom. These men and women are our heroes! The time has come when we as Americans have to wake up and remember. It's time we, the silent majority, be courageous enough to stand up and declare, "We the people, we will not be divided. We're one nation! We remember!" It is time we honor those who sacrificed their lives, so that we can be free. It is time we become heroes.
                       
A war is raging within our borders. A campaign that, if left unchecked, will lead to the destruction of all we as Americans hold dear. Freedom will be a mystery deleted from our books of history. Life as we know it will cease to exist. Everything our forefathers fought for will be for naught. The sacrifices of our men and women in the military will be worthless. Evil will win. We will no longer be one nation under God—God and believers will be outcast. Conservative Christians are a roadblock to the plans of those attempting to control our country.
 
The time has come for heroes to arise. The time has come for the silent majority to find their voice. This battle will take an army to win. We are that army! "Now is the moment. Now is the time. One chance, one voice! No backing down. This is where heroes rise. Push back the shadows. Take back tomorrow. This is for freedom. Stand up! Stand up, for what is right. The future is worth the fight."
 
Our nation was founded on the blood, sweat, tears, and prayers of our ancestors: Ancestors who stood courageously for what was right. Our country stands today because of those who continue the valiant fight for freedom. Our nation's sovereignty, however, is under attack. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12. We must fight!
 
When I say that we must fight, I am not referring to rioting. We, as Christians, the silent majority, must take a stand. We must stand on our faith and commitment to the One True God. We must gather together in prayer. We must find our voices and stand together for our nation, for our freedoms, for what is right, for our God. "Old Glory can be made new. This is the moment for breakthrough. Believe in the dream again."
 
(Lyrics continued) "Laying down our lives for others. Soldier sisters. Band of brothers. We're no longer called the silent. We fight for justice. For our children. Only truth can break through darkness. Only hope can save a soul. On the shoulders of our Fathers. We meet the night with a roar. Wake up, eyes up. Now is the moment, now is the time. One chance, one voice. No backing down, this is where heroes rise.
 
"Push back the shadows. Take back tomorrow. This is for freedom. Stand up, stand up, for what is right. The future is worth the fight. Believe in the dream again. Believe in what could be again.
 
"Old Glory can be made new. This is the moment for breakthrough. Believe in the dream again. Believe in what could be again. Old Glory can be made new. This is the moment for breakthrough.
 
"Take back tomorrow. This is for freedom. Stand up, stand up. For what is right. The future is worth the fight."
               
How can you or I make a difference? How can we make our voices heard? One word. Vote. We, as Americans, are blessed to have the right to vote. Many people in other countries don't have this right. Government is thrust upon them. Sadly, all too many Americans don't vote, they are not allowing their voices to be heard. They passively stand by, accepting whatever happens, or grumbling in vain. We, the silent majority, are vital to our nation. Our voices matter. The time has come to speak up. The time has come to rise as heroes.
 
"We're no longer called the silent. We fight for justice. For our children. Only truth can break through darkness. Only hope can save a soul. On the shoulders of our Fathers. We meet the night with a roar. Wake up, eyes up. Now is the moment, now is the time. One chance, one voice. No backing down, this is where heroes rise."
 
Please take a minute to watch the music video below: "Worth the Fight" by Kim Walker Smith.

​ Psalm 91
 
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. a
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he b loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
 
During this time of fear, confusion, and chaos, many unfortunately look to our government officials for answers: grasping desperately for reassurance and safety, becoming more confused and frightened with each passing day.
 
Our security does not lay in the hands of our government officials. Our true security comes from the Most High, our refuge and fortress—God! "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
 
In whom do you trust?

​She rolled over in bed and slapped the snooze-button. Five more minutes. Just five more minutes. The alarm sounded again and again; each time she slapped the snooze-button; craving more sleep.
 
The warnings of her co-workers and her boss tugged at the edges of her brain: "If you don't get on the ball you're going to get yourself fired." "If you come in late one more time, that's it. Your gone!"
 
And yet she continued slapping the button.
 
Without warning her alarm sounded again. But this time was different. This was not the usual alarm. This alarm was loud; very, very loud, and shrill. It grew in volume with each second.
 
She punched the snooze-button over and over again, but the alarm grew all-the-louder. And now voices joined the ear-splitting siren. "You need to listen! You need to pay attention! If you don't you'll lose everything. There will be no more warnings! And you'll only have yourself to blame."
 
She buried her head beneath her pillow, then grabbed the other pillow and shoved that on top of the first. What was happening? Why won't the stupid thing shut-up?
 
Even buried beneath two pillows the sound of the alarm was deafening. The words of warnings grew all-the-more intense. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE WARNINGS! WAKE-UP NOW OR LOSE EVERYTHING!"
 
Tears coursed down her cheeks. "Wake-up or lose everything!" The warning pummeled her brain. She had heard all the warnings before, but chose to ignore them. She was fine. Her job, secure. Nothing bad would happen. Right?

 Scenes from her life played through her mind at warp-speed. She didn't like was she was seeing. So many people had reached out to her, trying to wake her up to the destruction that had become her life. Her boss had given her one chance after another, but no more. Her unwise choices were leading to...where?
 
She shoved the pillows to the floor and bolted up in bed; the alarm continued to wail. Was she too late? Almost, but she still had time, barely.
 
She swatted the snooze-button. The room fell silent. She jumped from bed and ran through the shower; tossed on clothes; ran a brush through her hair; grabbed her keys and a bagel, and burst out the door.
 
Her boss looked up as she scurried to her desk. He had the dreaded book in his hands. "The Book of Death", as it had been dubbed by her co-workers. Her name was in the book with numerous check-marks; one more check and she was gone.
 
 She instinctively glanced to the clock. She was on-time, barely. She held her breath and waited.
 
He glanced at the clock, smiled, and nodded his head. "Good job," he said, before closing the book and walking back to his office.
 
                                                 **************************
 
The woman in this tale knew she was on the wrong track, but she didn't care. No matter how many co-workers warned her, she wouldn't budge. Her boss's warnings also fell on deaf ears. She liked her life exactly like it was. She wore blinders when it came to the destructive path she had wandered onto.
 
Warning signs were all-around. And yet she buried her head, ignoring the alarms. She was fine. Nothing bad would happen. She could continue slapping the snooze-button and sail through life, unaffected by her choices.
 
Much like many of us.
 
The Bible is chock-full of prophecy concerning the times we are living in. Detailed signs and warnings. All there if we look. 

2 Timothy 3:11 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God... 

Matthew 24:7 - For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
 
Luke 21:25 - And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth; distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:36 - Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
 
Revelation 3:3 - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

​Jesus also has a book: The Book of Life (also called The Lamb’s Book of Life) is a record containing the names of those who have overcome sin through accepting Jesus as Christ (having a spiritual rebirth).
 
I am so very thankful my name is written in this book. Is yours?
 
It's time we open our eyes, hearts, and minds to God's Word. Dig deep. Seek. Watch. Believe. Heed the signs. And Rejoice!
​

So, here we are, the beginning of April and Covid 19 is still flexing its muscles. Store shelves may be nearly empty: I haven't actually walked into a store in weeks. We can only order one or two of certain high-demand items at a time: milk; eggs; meat; toilet paper, maybe. And forget about purchasing cleaning supplies. Nerves are rubbed raw. Businesses are leaking money. People continue gathering when they should be staying home. (Stay Home!) Schools are closed, perhaps for the remainder of the school year. Yikes! That's a lot.
                       
During all of this chaos and turmoil have we stopped to look at the calendar? We are two days from Palm Sunday.

Over two thousand years ago, Jesus was traveling with His disciples; destination...Jerusalem. Jesus' apostles tried to dissuade Him, but His course was set. His time was near.
 
I can't help but wonder what Jesus was feeling at that time. While his followers were unaware of the plan for our salvation that had been set in place since the fall: Jesus knew. How could they comprehend the enormity of what lay before them? The clock was set. There was no turning back. Jesus was well aware of all this as He approached the city gates. Can you imagine?
 
Every single predestined detail lay before them: the mother donkey and her colt; the upper room for the Last Supper; the jubilant throngs scattering branches before Him; the angry Pharisees scheming His death. 
 
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey: Not as a mighty king upon a great steed, but as the sacrificial Lamb of God. Only He knew His true purpose. The people hoped Jesus' purpose was to free them from Roman occupation. They flocked to him shouting "Hosanna, Hosanna!" Their deliverer had finally come, or so they thought. (For anyone, like myself, who knows just about every word to every song of Jesus Christ Superstar, the song, Hosanna may play through your mind.) Only Jesus knew the true purpose.
 
The very same people shouting praises to Jesus, would all too soon be crying, "Crucify him. Crucify him." Jesus knew this. He knew it before He entered the city. He knew it from the beginning. He knew it, and yet did not turn back. He knew he would be betrayed; denied; spat on; beaten and tortured; crucified; resurrected.
 
Why? Why would Jesus, Son of God, endure this suffering when He could have called down a legion of angels to save Him. One word. Love.
 
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
 
During this time of Covid 19, please don't lose sight of the enormity of the season we are in. While we are isolated from the outside world, take time to reflect. Grab our Bibles. Gather our families around us, and read: Matthew 21:10; Luke 19:28-40; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19.
​Hosanna!    

So, how are you surviving quarantine? In a matter of weeks life as we know it has not only changed; it has completely tipped on end. A new word, or words, have been added to our vocabulary: Coronavirus, or Covid 19. Five months ago we were clueless as to the existence of this virus; today we are living smack in the middle of it.
                       
Back in December we watched from a distance as the virus hit China. The number of victims sky-rocketed. But that was China. Surely we were safe. Surprise!
 
Social isolation. Quarantine. Businesses shutting down. Our nation has been rocked, and many are living in fear. How will we pay our bills? What if we get sick? What if a family member gets sick? How long will this last? How long will our children be out of school? What about buying food, medical supplies and of course, toilet paper.
 
Whoa! That's a lot.
 
A scripture I go to often is: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
 
This virus is BIG! But as big as it is, it is no match for our God. He is HUGE! I find it hard to comprehend everything that's happening right now, but there is one thing I know for certain. None of this took God by surprise. He's not up in heaven chewing his nails, wondering what to do. (Believe it or not, His Word speaks of this in prophecy.)
 
As confusing as this time is, we have a God that we can Trust, no matter what. If we lean on our feeble understanding, on what we hear and see on TV or the social media, we will freak out! But we have an amazing God who is with us always, and will direct our paths. He promised in His Word, that He would never leave us or forsake us, and He is a God of His Word! Trust Him.
 
So, I asked the question, how are you surviving quarantine?  I would love to hear, or read, some of the positive things, the blessings, that are taking place for you and your family. Or, your fears. What is your go-to scripture or quote during difficult times? Take a minute and share them. Who knows, they may just be what someone else needs for encouragement.
 
We may be quarantined, but we can still come together.

​Please take a minute to share in the comment section below.
 
 

A few months back, I was enjoying a conversation with a young woman. Somewhere down the line the subject of God came up. At a certain point I noticed a look on her face which caused me to ask if she believes in God? Her answer was simply a shake of her head. No, she did not believe. My heart sank. What had happened to the faith she once had as a child? She hadn't believed for many years, she said. I found myself speechless, which seldom happens. I then said the only thing that came to mind, "He still believes in you."
           
It was during another conversation with her, a short time later, that I once again mentioned faith, my faith. I told her that there were many things about my past that she didn't know. I had been her age once. I made many, many mistakes; this caused her eyebrow to jump. I'm sure she was wondering what horrible things this old lady has done. If she only knew.
           
I also told her that I am very sure I wouldn't even be here if it hadn't been for God's amazing protection over my life. Yes, the eyebrow jumped again. How many times over the vast years of my life has God's protective arm encircled me, or His angels surrounded me, saving me from harm, or worse? How many sticky situations have I stepped into that could ultimately have been catastrophic had God not stepped in with me? Far too many.
           
​ My conversations with this young woman stayed with me for days after. it was during those days that a distant memory came to mind. A memory of a frigid winter morning when death came all too close. 

The year was 1977, before the blizzard. I was in my small Vega, (They don't even make them anymore.) and had turned from Galloway Rd. onto Rt. 63 - Lewiston Rd, heading for work in Batavia. For a reason I can't remember, a friend was following me in her car. Without warning my car hit a patch of black ice and spun sideways; I was careening toward a semi-truck that was heading straight toward me.
           
"Don't Touch The Brakes. Don't touch the brakes!" Over and over again these words ran through my brain. My knuckles must have been white from gripping the steering wheel trying to straighten my car. My car had spun so its nose was heading directly for the trailer; I would be crushed beneath its wheels within a matter of seconds..         
           
"Don't touch the brakes. Don't touch the brakes. Don't touch the brakes." The words never stopped. Don't touch the brakes. I obeyed. At the last possible second my car  righted, I was now parallel to the semi. The side of my car slammed into the side of the trailer with the sound of screeching metal. I finally touched the brakes.
           
The driver leaped down from his truck, and my friend jumped out of her car. My door wouldn't open, I was trapped. The truck driver grabbed my mangled fender and peeled it away from my door, and helped me out. The very first thing I did was to ask my friend if my brake lights came on. She said, no. The second thing was to thank the driver.
           
​The truck driver told me if I hadn't been such a good driver I would have gone right under his truck and been crushed. He had to have been terrified as he maneuvered his truck as far off the road as possible without being able to stop; knowing that in just a few seconds I would be dead beneath his rig. 

As I said this accident happened years ago...a lifetime ago. But, after my conversation with this young woman it became crystal clear again. Actually, for the first time. You see, I remember my brain telling me not to touch the brakes. But, I've wondered all these years how I had the frame of mind to remember my Driver's Ed. training in the face of what seemed to be certain death. I feel God has answered that question for me. I've always thanked Father God for keeping me safe on that day, but more so now.
           
Ever since my conversation with the young woman concerning God protecting me, and the memory of this specific occasion popping to the foreground, I have felt God's presence all the stronger. It was during one of my morning devotions that I heard the words again, Don't touch the brakes, followed by the knowledge that it was God who had spoken them. While I fought to 'steer into the skid' as I had been taught, my precious Heavenly Father spoke the words I truly needed to hear, Don't touch the brakes.
           
Had I allowed panic and instinct to take over, I would not merely have touched the brake, but stomped on it. Steering into the skid would not have helped. My car would have spun completely out of control; I would have died a horrific death that day.
             
My life story would have ended on that cold winter morning. My parents would have said good-bye to their daughter. My sister and brother would have lost their sister. Bob and I would never have been. He would have married someone else and had other children. Adam, Chris, Taylor, Camdyn, Mason - would not exist. I would be nothing more than a face in old pictures, remembered by some, unknown by others.
           
I honestly can't remember a time in my life when I did not believe in God. But at that time in my life I wasn't living my belief. I was young. God did not save my life that morning because I was such a good person. As I said I made many, many mistakes. But, I believe He knew the person He created me to be, and the plans He had not only for my life, but the lives of my future family as well.
          
I remember a scene from the movie, Back to the Future, where Marty pulls out a picture of his family, in the future, only to see the faces of his loved ones disappearing. Because of something he did in the past, his family never existed. His parents never met, he and his siblings had never been born.
           
​No man is an island. Each of our lives touch someone else's and their lives touch another. Had I died that morning my story would have ended. My family, and their families would not exist. I am so very thankful for my husband, my sons, and grandchildren. I am so very thankful for all they have accomplished and will continue to accomplish through God's guidance.

And I am so very thankful for the young woman who has lost her faith, because I believe with all my heart God has incredible plans for her life. She may not believe in Him at this moment, but He will always believe in her. Just listen for His voice Sweetie.                                             

​I guess you could say I doing a tourist plug for New York State, but not really. I have lived my entire life in rural, Western New York: Smack between Buffalo and Rochester; about an hour from Niagara Falls; a stone's throw from Letchworth State Park; Watkins Glen; and either of the lakes, Ontario or Erie. All beautiful places to visit.
 
I live in small town farm country: Green pastures; golden fields of wheat and fields of swaying corn...Some say they can listen to the corn grow on quiet evenings. And let's not forget the cows. I jokingly say the cows outnumber the people in my neck of the woods. Farm country is an entity onto its own. Spring, Summer, and Fall, are seasons of planting, tending and harvesting. Norman Rockwell would have been in his glory in small town New York.
 
We, as Western New Yorker's, can experience four seasons in a twenty four hour period, no kidding. We have gone from temperatures of negative ten degrees, to plus fifty degrees in a matter of days. Not so good for the immune system
 
New York State has it all. We can hop in the car and drive thirty minutes to view rolling hills of incredible beauty, or set course across state to the majestic Adirondack mountains, and Thousand Islands. We can head north a ways and walk the beaches of Lake Ontario, or wander among the apple orchards. Late winter is maple syrup time, and Autumn in New York State is an incredible masterpiece of color: vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges burst on the scene, taking our breath away. God truly does good work.
 
Over the years I have dreamed of living in other states, warmer states. South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia; all gorgeous; all warmer. The strange thing is, however, that no matter how beautiful these other states are, no matter how much warmer they can be, when we end our vacations and cross over into New York I feel we are coming home. And when we actually drive into our small town...I am home.

I love our state. Always have, always will. Something has drastically changed in the past month, however, that has tarnished the beauty of our state. On January 24, 2019 our state's governing officials passed the bill, making it legal for a woman to have an abortion up to and including the time of the baby's birth...and after. The law was passed amid jubilant cheers and shouts. Our Governor very proudly and defiantly announced that New York City is the capital of abortion. He also announced that our state has no room for "radically conservative Christians" who support life. As far as he's concerned we can all just pack our bags and leave.
 
So why am I writing this article about my state? After this law was passed, I was reading comments from people around the country to do with this decision, and I was brought to tears. New York State was deemed by some as evil, a place they would never step foot in. We were all doomed to hell. My tears quickly turned to straight-out anger. Anger at our representatives, who in no way spoke for the majority of the people of our state, but as a result of their actions tarnished us as a whole. 
 
These new laws have taken abortion over line into infanticide. Tiny, helpless babies can now be slain right up to the time they are born, and beyond. And what happens to these babies? Are they given a burial by the families? Some may, but most don't. Many are sold for body parts, and experimentation, (It's all about money) or others are disposed of as toxic waste. All suffered horribly before their deaths.
  
New York State, and New York City, even though considered to be one entity, aren't. New York City may be the capital of abortion, but so many of us in the state of New York State support life. Our Governor and other representatives, who tend to forget Up-State and Western New York exist, did not speak for us. If they had the result would likely have been entirely different. No matter your stand on abortion, these new laws are nothing to be cheered about.
 
Our culture as a whole is changing rapidly, faster than I could ever imagine. These new laws are just one example. But, the message I need to put out there is these new laws do not speak for us as a whole. This is a beautiful state, filled with wonderful people. People of all beliefs. For the most part we respect one another. So, to answer those people who said they would never step foot in this evil state; that's your choice. But, know this; New York State is a wonderful place to live. It's my home.