DO NOT BE AFRAID--I AM WITH YOU!

My Trusting Snow Friends.....!

Sometimes I just can't believe how God works in my life. I have struggled some recently with fear. And this morning, as I was studying Genesis for my Bible study lesson, one of the scriptures a question sent me to is Isaiah 41:10. It says, "Do not be afraid--I am with you! I am your God--let nothing cause you fear. I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you." Well I have read this before and heard it before, but I must have forgotten it!!! A few questions later, I was sent to Psalm 56:3, which says, "When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you." So this morning, after awakening at 5 AM after a fairly restful sleep, I turned to the Bible and found great comfort. I am so grateful for this Bible study. I have learned and relearned and explored and re-explored much that is good for me. My wish would be that everyone could make time to do this. The rewards are great! Too numerous to mention. I am so fortunate. And grateful.

Yesterday was a good day off for Mario. He piddled all day downstairs with his lesson plans, papers, etc. A day every now and then to organize is so good for him. So I was off with my shots and treatment, then lunch with a new friend from church named Martha. She is the pastoral associate/assistant, I can't remember which, and she is now studying for a masters degree in Theology at Quincy University. Previously she was in the corportate world as a marketing director for Harris Broadcast Electronics Corp. I think that's right. Well anyway, she gave that job the boot after a lengthy career and an awesome spiritual awakening. We got to know each other through activities at church. We have fun together and some great conversations. And we share Pope Pius XI's belief that "there are many paths to God." (Did you know he was asked if Muslims could go to heaven, and that was his answer?)

After a restful couple of hours in my comfy bed, I rousted myself out to go see Blake play soccer. He got the goal that tied the game against older players right at the end of the game, so that was excitement that made getting back out on the cold, blustery day worthwhile! Mario and I enjoy watching his team play; we will now decide which of his traveling tournaments we will go to in April and May. (Choices: Cedar Rapids, Peoria, and Kansas City) Will likely go to one and stay back and keep the girls for the other two so Carrie and Tony only have to get one hotel room.

Last night we web-cammed it with Chris, Maria, and Makenna. Chris played Mr. Mom yesterday, as he was off, and Maria returned to work. Today Makenna goes to Day Care. They are happy with their choice after looking at everything that is available in Yuma. Peace of mind is so important; I can remember that dilemma all these years later....finding a place that has the right values and care for your child while you are serving others means everything.

Today is Mario's (legal) 58th birthday. I made a big plate of brownies to take over to the faculty room during his lunch hour. If I know him, he will take them up to his room and share them with the students. We will do our family birthday party Thursday, as he plays two soccer games tonight.

27 down, 6 to go. "The Boost" begins tomorrow.