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. 

​A couple years ago, around Halloween, my grandson, Mason, turned me onto Halloween Wars. So this past Halloween I checked it out again, and I was hooked. While I'm not a huge Halloween fan, I was amazed at the spooktacular creations made by carved pumpkins, pulled sugar, and massive cakes. Well, my fascination took me from Halloween into Thanksgiving and on to Christmas.
 
The creative processes involved in constructing these masterpieces was beyond my comprehension. These were not merely bakers, they were artists. I found myself listening to the exhibitors stories, learning about their families and what drove them to put everything on the line for a chance to participate in these daunting events, and hopefully win. I had my favorites and I would cheer them on from my living room...ecstatic if they won, saddened if they were sent home. 

​A little over a week ago, while wrapping Christmas presents, I watched a new show, at least to me, about a massive Gingerbread contest. Now, when I say gingerbread what pops into your mind? Cute houses glued together with icing and decked with all sorts of candy? There were no cute little houses to be seen. These masterpieces took the artists months and months to create. They were massive, spectacular, gorgeous, completely edible, works of art and in some cases engineering.
 
I watched with bated breath as these artisans carefully packed and delivered their gingerbread marvels to the hotel where the exhibit was held, and ever so carefully placed them on the tables. Only then did the exhibitors take a breath. And yes, I had my favorites. I also had one particular woman who I hoped with all my heart would not win. Ouch! Sounds harsh? Well let me explain.
 
This woman had been a 3 time champion and had decided she wouldn't do any more contests. But, she got an idea and that's all it took. She was back in. At one point, after she had delivered her piece and was heading out of the hotel, she met one of the new exhibitors wheeling his piece in. The woman stopped and spoke to the young man, and proceeded to say, "You know who I am, don't you?" The young man nodded, I think he even mentioned her name. Well, the woman, barely listening, proceeded to tell him that she was the three time champion of this contest. (No humility there)
 
The woman then noticed a couple of the man's figures on his piece and asked how he made them. He answered that he used some kind of ginger paste. To which the woman announced, "You know who first created that paste don't you? I did!" This woman had a serious attitude. She was grand champion and she made sure he knew it.
 
Well, the time finally came for the winner to be announced, and let me tell you, the judges had some serious work to do. These pieces were phenomenal. The host called the top ten forward, and no surprise, Ms. Grand Champion, was one of them, smug smile plastered across her face. That smile quickly disappeared when the winner's name was called. Horrors! It wasn't her. 

The young woman, one of my favorites, had created a whimsical woodland scene upon a circular pedestal. When the judges bent to see beneath they saw the intricate root system of the tree hanging down. This young woman when hearing her name jumped up and down and whooped with glee. The camera man quickly panned from the ecstatic winner to the three time grand champ. To say she wasn't happy would be a gross understatement.

​After watching this show, I watched a couple other baking and cooking competitions, but I watched with new eyes. One show in particular had the winners from former contests. They were put into teams of two and given their assignments. I remembered two of the contestants from previous shows, and remembered when they won. I was sort of happy for them. This time, however, I was hoping they would lose. The man proceeded to announce that he had been in three prior contests and had never lost a single time...he wasn't planning on losing this time either. The woman had pretty much the same attitude. Let's just say they did not leave that contest happy.
 
After watching a couple more shows, one was Chopped, I began to pay close attention to the contestants attitudes. Some, even though they were incredible cooks, were extremely humble. They were hoping to start a business, or help their families with the winnings; they wanted to make their families proud. Others knew they were good and didn't waste time announcing their talent to all. They had this contest in the bag. They would be going home winners, no question.  Time after time I noticed the braggarts would mess up in someway and be sent home with jaws agape. The quiet, humble chefs did their jobs to perfection and ultimately won.

Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth. He warned against pride...so much so that it is one of the seven deadly sins. Pride goes before the fall. The first will be last and the last first. I could go on and on. Jesus, although He was a King, became a servant; to the point of washing His apostles feet. He warned in a parable concerning guests at a wedding table, not to take the most important seat because the Host may have that seat reserved for someone of greater import, and you would be asked to move down. Rather, sit in a less obvious seat and perhaps the host will invite you to move forward.
 
The arrogant contestants on these shows should have remembered this lesson. Instead, they were served a heaping helping of Humble Pie. I wouldn't have wanted to be them and have my family and friends watch the shows, hear my bragging, watch me be sent home. Being sent home would not be bad, having my prideful, arrogance splashed across the big screen for all to see, that would be bad...at least for me.

 ​​To make a long story short (too late) Humble pie does not taste good. Jesus knew what He was talking about. Let us strive for humility rather than pride. Let us strive to be an example of Jesus and His love. Let us strive...       

So, it's November 1st and we set the clocks back in the wee hours Sunday morning, or if you're like us, whenever we go to bed Saturday night. I'm not liking this change at all. Getting dark an hour earlier...ugh! But on the positive side, December 21st is the shortest day of the year and then the days start getting longer, or at least the sun sets a little later each day. Yay!
 
I have a confession to make. I have not been looking forward to Christmas one little bit. I mean, come on, we still had snow in May, and somehow jumped past Spring straight into the sweltering heat and humidity of Summer. I lived for air-conditioning. I don't know what the weather has been like in your neck of the woods, but here, we still had summer temps. of eighty degrees in October, that was really nice. One week eighty degrees, and then as if someone flipped a switch the temperature plummeted into the forties...completely bypassing the sixties and fifties. Gotta love western NY weather.
 
So, back to my hum-bug attitude toward Christmas. As I'd scroll through Face-book, I'd stumble across some ultra cheery posts counting down the days till Christmas. While people were commenting their joy and excitement I declared: "Bah-hum-bug. Don't remind me of Christmas." Why my less than cheery attitude, you ask. One word. WORK! Okay, two words. WORK and SNOW! Bah!
 
I imagined all the running around in messy weather trying to find the perfect gifts and spending way too much money. I imagined hauling our numerous bins of Christmas decorations down from the storeroom, and all the work involved in not just setting them up - that's fun - but taking them down a few weeks later - not fun. I imagined all the stress and hub-bub related to all that has become Christmas.
 
Not me this year, thank you very much. Just let me sleep through it.

But, then something changed. What? you ask. Our monthly praise night at church changed. We normally have the praise night on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. So, November would  be music of thanks giving. But, my niece, and partner in all that is fun, had an idea. Let's do the praise night every two weeks, and let's do all Christmas! She named the event: Straight Outta Bethlehem. Cool!
 
Amy sent me a list of Christmas songs, a list which continues to grow, and I began listening to the songs to plan the music. And something happened as I listened to song after song. My doldrums began to melt away. I found myself smiling as I sang (poorly) along with the videos. Sweet memories began to warm my heart. I began thinking about the first Noel when angels sang. I began journeying with Mary and Joseph to a little town in Bethlehem where Baby Jesus was born away in a manger on a not so silent night.
 
Thanks to my niece's simple idea to extend Christmas Praise Night into Nights, and the need to listen to music that I normally wait till after Thanksgiving to enjoy, I am rediscovering the joy of Christmas. Let me rephrase that. I am rediscovering the wonder of Christmas.
 
So, what about the snow and work? Well, I can't do much about the snow, actually I can't do a single thing about the snow. That's still a bah! But, the work? I've decided to make one tiny change. Keep the decorating simple. Just because we have numerous bins of decorations in the storeroom, doesn't mean I have to put out every single piece. Maybe if I don't look in the bins I can do this. Phew! I already feel a weight lifting from my shoulders.
 
I still don't want to be reminded how many days till Christmas. Time slips by all too quickly without reminders. But, I'm no longer dreading it. Thank you Amy.
 

If you were suddenly given the opportunity to turn back time and undo one mistake, no matter how big, what would you do? Only one? I have so many. But if I could go back and get a do-over, I know the one I'd choose. Unfortunately time only moves backward once a year when we set the clocks back and that doesn't count. There are no do-overs. 

Now take a moment and think about Adam and Eve and the horrible mistake they made. They lived in perfection walking and talking with God. They were as intimate with the Father as any person could be, after all, God created them with His own hands and breathed His Life Breath into them. That's intimate. What more could they ask for, what more could they desire? Nothing, right?

The tempter is sneaky, conniving, devious and oh-so enticing in his lies. Even though Adam and Eve were created by God and in His image, the wily serpent slithered up to Eve and convinced her that they wouldn't die if they ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, as God had told her, AND, as an added bonus, they would be just like God. (Which they already were.)  I don't need to tell the what happened, we all know.

Can you imagine the heartbreak and anguish they must have endured? All it took was one moment, one fatal moment, to cause the entire world to become hostage to the evil one. One moment to break the intimate bond between them and the Creator. One moment to bring sin into the world, and with it fear and death. (a trivia question. Who killed the first animal? Answer: God. God made clothing from skins to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness. How sad.)

Adam and Eve were forced to live out the rest of their long lives in a world now cursed. They felt the anguish first hand when Cain murdered Abel; one brother slaying the other. Their grief had to be immeasurable, especially knowing it all happened because of them. 

Adam and Eve, though they had sinned and had been banished from the garden, held strong to their faith in the One True God. We only have to take a look at their lineage to attest to this fact. And God's love for them never wavered, even though they sinned. He loved them before He created them, and he loves them still.

We don't have the ability to turn back time and undo our mistakes, and that is good. We would likely do more damage than good. Which is why we need to be so very careful of the choices we make and the words we say. I am so very thankful that even though we can't undo our mistakes, we can be forgiven for them. All we have to do is turn to Jesus. 

It was in a garden that the first Adam said, "Not Your will but mine be done" ushering in sin and death. It was in a garden that the second Adam, Jesus Christ, said, "Not my will but Yours be done," smashing the head of the serpent under His heel. It was through His death on the cross and His Resurrection that Jesus, the second Adam, saved us from the curse of sin and death.  We have been set free! All I can say is Thank-you Jesus!

I wrote an article called, "It Is Good," on this very subject, inspired by a song called, Good (Adam and Eve) sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash. If you would like to read it and also watch the music video just click on the "Church Articles page" above.

God Bless
Sandy

It has been a long time since I've posted a blog. It honestly isn't my strong suit. What do I have to say that would be of interest? And with all the anger and strife within our country these past months I figured silence, in this case, was golden. However, something changed for me this morning. I discovered an incredible music video by Reba Mcentire called, "Back To God." I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it today. But, it was the very first time watching the video that I knew I needed to post a Blog, short as it may be.


"Have you looked around? Have you heard the sound Mama's cry in'? Or do you turn away
When you see the face Of the innocent dyin'? In these darkest days Are you not afraid That it's too late?
You gotta get down on your knees, believe. Fold your hands and beg and plead. You gotta keep on praying
You gotta cry, ram tears of pain. Pound the floor and scream His name. Cause we're still worth saving.
We can't go on like this and live like this. We can't love like this.We gotta give this world back to God"
(Lyrics from song by Reba Mcentire, "Back to God.")

   These are the first lines of the song. They are the words that stopped me in my tracks and caused me to listen. Really listen. Our Nation and our world are for lack of better words, " going to hell in a hand basket."  The evening news on any given day depicts images of violence, devastation and loss. Rioting in the streets, vandalism, hate, terrorism, death. The Land of the Free, One Nation under God, has become a war zone. A Nation divided. We throw our hands up and wonder where will it all end? We feel powerless. But we are not without power. We have the power of prayer. But not weak, "Oh please God," prayer. We need to pray just as this song says. Fold our hands, beg and plead. Cry. Ram tears of pain. Pound the floor and scream His name. Because, people, we are worth saving.

"Have you lost a love? Do you feel like givin' up? Has your heart been broken? Are your kids okay?
Will they come home safe? And do you lie there hoping? You can make a wish, you knock on wood
It won't do no good. Gotta give this world back to God.Give this world back to God,"
(lyrics from "Back to God," by Reba Mcentire)

Our Nation and our world are in trouble. It is time for we believers not just to stand as the church of Christ, but as Warriors of God. "We can't go on like this. We can't love like this. We gotta give the world back to God."  A war is being fought within our very shores. The battle of all the ages. It's time to put on the armor of God, get on our knees and bombard Heaven with the prayers of warriors. Whether we voted for him or not we need to pray for our President, Vice President and our entire government. Pray for wisdom and guidance. Pray for our children. Pray for our Nation.  

We are worth saving.

Please take a minute to watch Reba's music video and pray. If you feel led please add your Amen in the comments.

“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.”

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 due to losing his beloved wife, Fanny as a result of an accidental fire, and his son, Charles suffering a crippling war injury. 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, however, could not 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. 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”

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 moment to watch the hauntingly beautiful video of Longfellows, "Peace on Earth Good Will to Men"

The mock trial was over, He had been condemned to death, though He was innocent. His betrayer was now dead. He was scoffed at and spat upon; beaten and flogged to within an inch of His life, thirty-nine lashes. Our blackest, vilest sins had been heaped upon Him; He now was sin. For the first time in eternity He felt the pain and loneliness of the absence of His Father God.

On the Third Hour (9am) Our Lord was nailed to the cross. Seven-inch spikes were driven into his ankles and his wrists. He hung high above the ground, between two thieves, fighting excruciating pain just to draw a breath. And yet, after all this, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
 
One the Sixth Hour (Noon) the sun went black. He had hung on the cross for three hours. Alone. Lonely. His mother, John and Mary stood at his feet; all others had run in fear. He grew weaker with each agonizing breath. His legs trembling, his ankles on fire with pain, His shoulders dislocated, His face barely recognizable as a man. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He cries. The sin He bore on our behalf caused God to turn His face from His Son. Jesus was alone.

The Ninth Hour finally came (3pm). “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” Jesus gasped and breathed His last. His eyes closed. His head dropped. A great earthquake shook the ground. The veil was torn. “It is finished.” Our Lord and our Savior hung from his rugged cross. Dead. His mother wailed at His feet, John and Mary at her side. It had happened. Just as Jesus had said it would.
 
His limp body was lowered from the cross and into his mother’s loving arms. He was wrapped and laid in a borrowed tomb, a stone rolled in front to prevent his body from being moved. “It was finished.”

It was Friday. A day of suffering and despair: a day of fear and grief; a day when the world held its breath. It had all happened as prophesied. It had happened as Jesus had foretold. But it was still Friday.
 
Jesus’ followers, his mother and loved ones went into hiding, consumed with grief and questions. His promise to return seemed impossible to all except possibly his mother. It was still Friday—but Sunday would soon come. Until then the world holds its breath…

Please take a minute to watch the Music video below: Carry My Cross, by Third Day. Some of the scenes are graphic, but our Savior's death was graphic.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a new blog article. I barely welcomed in the New Year and said farewell to the old. Then I went dry. I could say I had writer’s block. But that would be a cop-out. I could say I was just too busy, which was true, but still a cop-out. Or I could fess up and say it’s just been a difficult, and yes I’ll say the word, crappy few months for not only myself, but also some of you. If I have done any writing, which I have, I’ve focused on my big project, my novel. But writing articles for our church newsletter or this blog have plainly and simply not happened.

Many of us stay in touch through social media, in particular Face Book. We have posted jokes and recipes, family photos, vacation pic’s, our joys and our deepest concerns. Many of us have endured personal battles; some of us bear the scars. We have lost loved ones way before their time, had medical scares, suffered the heartbreak of family members moving away, endured the recurring attacks of anxiety and or depression, and so much more. So far this is pretty much a downer isn’t it? Now you know why I haven’t posted.
 
But, that’s also exactly why I am posting today. Each one of us has dealt with our own personal struggles, fought our individual battles. Some days it may have taken all the power we possessed to simply get out of bed—BUT we did. With God’s amazing help and strength we have survived. Do we carry scars? Absolutely: Some physical, some emotional.

Scars aren’t something to be feared, or to cause a sense of disgust, or failure. No. Scars are healed wounds, and the tissue becomes all the stronger due to the scar. A man displays his scars with pride. They call them “battle scars.” I have numerous battle scars, as do most of you. Our scars are proof that we are survivors; no matter what we have faced or endured we have survived. Our scars make us stronger. It’s only after walking through the dark valleys; after stumbling and falling; after struggling through whatever battle we face on a daily basis—and doing so with the strength of the Lord holding us up—that we become Victors—not merely survivors.
 
Our scars aren’t pretty, but they are a part of us, and they tell a story. What are our scars for? They are a reminder of God’s faithfulness during our brokenness, and all He's brought us through. They are a reminder that God will never leave us. A reminder of His Grace and His healing. That's what scars are for.
(The following are Lyrics from: What are Scars For, by Mandissa)

“These scars aren’t pretty, But they’re a part of me, And will not ever fade away.
These marks tell a story, Of me down in the
valley, And how You reached in with Your grace And healed me.”

"They remind me of Your faithfulness. And all You brought me through. They teach me that my brokenness Is something You can use. They show me where I’ve been And that I’m not there any more. That’s what scars, that’s what scars are for. What scars are for.”

“Erase, rewind Wish I could every time The hurt, the pain cuts so deep. But when I’m weak You’re strong, and in Your power I can carry on And my scars say that You won’t ever leave.”

“I see it on the cross. The nails You took for me. Scars can change the world. Scars can set me free”

“They remind me of Your faithfulness. And all You brought me through.They teach me that my brokenness. Is something You can use. They show me where I’ve been. And that I’m not there any more. That’s what scars, that’s what scars. You show me that’s what scars are for. What scars are for yeah. What scars are for (What scars are for)”

 Please take a minute to listen to Mandissa's music Video, "What are Scars For?"

It’s that time again. Time to swap out new calendars for old. Time to sing Auld Lang Syne, and watch the glittering ball drop. It’s a time of resolutions, seldom kept, and praying for better days ahead. It’s the time to step from the old year into the new. Yes, hard as it is to believe, the old year is mere hours from limping into the archives to join his predecessors, making way for the baby New Year to take over.
 
I have to tell you, I’m not sorry to see the old year limp away: it wasn’t very kind. Yet, as I stand at this point in time, with one foot at the ready to step over the threshold into the New Year, I am able to recognize God’s hand at work. For my family and myself: as well as many of you, this has been a year of loss and grief, pain and anguish, and as recently as Christmas day…incredible fear. There were times I wondered if God honestly had a handle of things. It has also been a year of great blessings and miracles.

They say hindsight is 20-20, and I have to agree. Often, it is only in looking back with this renewed sight that we are able to see God’s handiwork, His blessings, His miracles.  My go to scripture is, Philip. 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A former pastor explained that in ancient Hebrew this would have read, “I can endure all things…” We are able to endure the hardships of life, not through our human strength, but rather through and with the strength of Christ. He promised that He would be with us always, He would never leave us nor forsake us. I honestly can’t imagine enduring life without Him, without His love and strength. Can you?
 
Yes, it’s that time of year again: time to step into a new, and uncertain year. Not one of us knows what our future holds. Oh we may have plans made, and think that we have our future mapped out, but then life happens. Surprise! Thankfully, while we may not know what this New Year may bring for us, we can know with certainty that our future rests in God’s all-powerful hands. Does He have a handle on things? Yes!