Day 237 One Constant

 

8/25/2026

 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,

believe also in Me."

John 14:1

 

In the beginning was the Word...Jesus! The Word was with God, and the Word - Jesus - is God. He chose to leave His throne in Heaven to come to dwell on earth. For God so loved the world, His Creation, man made in Their image (Let Us make man in Our image - Genesis 1:26) that He gave His own Son to rescue man from himself. Male and female created them that they may go into the earth and bring forth life, declaring His glory! Man failed. Man fell into sin, deceived by the enemy whose goal has always been to steal the hope of our salvation. 

I've been reading through the prophets who through the Word of the LORD pronounced judgment against Israel and Judah for their sins and rebellion against God. God's chosen people had denied Him and turned to the worship of pagan gods of the Assyrians who even sacrificed their own children to their gods. It's hard to believe that such a degree of evil existed then, and even more that it exists today. Man became so vile that God destroyed the world in the flood, except for Noah and his family. While Noah was building the ark, which took 100 years to build, man only scoffed at him. Yet even with the destruction of the world through the flood sin did not cease, because it was within the heart of man to make the same choices of living for God or for the world. 

As the prophets foretold of the Babylon invasion and the exile of His people to a foreign country, God continued to ask them to turn back to Him, and He would welcome them back, restoring all they had lost. He always offered them a way of escape, as He does for us today. They did not listen.

When God created Adam and Eve He gave them free will instructing them to eat of any trees except from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He told them if they did, they would surely die - the death of separation from a relationship with Him as He created life to be. Adam chose to follow the foolish whim of Eve, choosing to heed the deception of the serpent rather than the mouth of the LORD, who Scriptures says walked with them in the garden. Today man clearly continues to ravenously devour any fruit that appeals to his selfish desires, his pursuits to follow the deception of this world rather than accept the love of a Savior.

Present cases point to the path of Satan's plan to destroy morality, justice and righteousness in a country whose motto has always been One Nation Under God, as our President reaffirmed on the celebration of our 250th year. Even as the words were coming from His mouth and from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, many members of Congress and government were plotting further evil, choosing the path of evil over good. And so it continues on giving Satan free reign in their lives, spewing hatred and discord.

God threatened to destroy the evil city of Nineveh for their abominable sins - child sacrifice, sexual perversion, idolatry, pursuit of pleasure, love of possessions - if they did not repent and turn from their sins. Immediately the leadership and the people repented, and the city was saved. Only through true repentance, surrender to the Lord can true revival come. Only through continual spiritual growth and discipleship can it remain and the fire spread. The church must wake up, speak out, or they will remain complicit in their silence.

During the month of Elul each morning in Jerusalem the shofar is blown as a call to repentance leading up to the High Holy Day of Yom Kippur. This is unlike the daily five calls to worship of Islam now sounding on the streets of certain cities in America who have sold their birthright for a bowl of stew like Esau. This is happening in Canada and other nations in the West who claimed to follow Jesus. While the church remains silent.

Until recently, in Dearborn, Michigan, a pastor stood up in a City Council Meeting and one by one called each council member by name to denounce Islam. I heard no response except the apathetic voice of the chairman say there was no need to shout to be heard. 

Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and salvation can be found in no other name. He remains faithful. He remains true. He remains constant.

Arise, shine, shake off the shackles, shout from the rooftops that there is no God except the LORD who will be exalted among the nations. 

Day 236 Best Use of Time

 

8/24/2026

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as
wise, making the best use of the time, because the days
are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what
the will of the Lord is." 

Ephesians 5:15-17

 

Thoughts of my mama brought tears very early this morning. I'm not certain why she was so heavily on my heart. She's been with Jesus since 2009, but this morning remembering her final days greatly distressed me. Wondering whether I could have done anything differently to help her, whether I should have demanded her medical treatment be different. Why today, why this morning, why first thing before the sun was barely rises to light the sky, I don't know. And it's not the anniversary of her passing or her birthday, but I just know that the grief was more than I could bear, so I cried, and I remembered her.

I realize that my parents are with Jesus, as are my grandparents and other loved ones I know who have gone on ahead. Perhaps the brevity of time has finally caught up with me with the recent death of another friend from high school. My younger son has been experiencing some serious health concerns, so our lives have had to adjust, but I am relieved to be able to be here and to be a support and a help. God knows everything, the end from the beginning, so we simply trust, as I have testified so many times. Perhaps these little trials are to see if I mean business with my words. It's easy to say we "trust God" but when the pressure is on, where do we turn?

Over the years I really haven't had anyone in my life to turn to who could really understand my complex thoughts. Words just are not enough, silence is better. I feel so much internally, so Jesus is the one I run to. These days I'm glad that He has taken me through the valleys, over rough terrain, ascending the mount only to slide down, my backsides full of goat heads and briars as I tumble, trip and fall. Going through the pain isn't fun, but in the process I learn, and I grow, so it has been worth it. I remember one time when my son, Daniel, fell backsides into a cactus - not a pleasant experience, especially pulling those thorns out one by one, very slowly. That's the way my life has felt sometimes, but I have to laugh at some of the places God has carried me through. And He's always been there with me. He never leaves me all alone.

The past two weeks have been very trying, but with a little introspection, the days are lighter, and I know the clarity I seek will come. I just celebrated my 76th birthday, so perhaps that has something to do with missing my parents and others I've lost along the way. Plus, I'm lonely for home. The home Jesus is preparing for me, a home with Him. My only desire is to meet Him, but first I have to complete the work God has put me here to do. When I listen to the accomplishments people have made in their lives, I wonder what, if anything, have I contributed to the Kingdom of God. Too many people have their eyes on what others are doing, spending too much time comparing themselves with others, and honestly I don't have the desire or time to waste trying to be anyone else except myself. So I take a step forward each day, making adjustments when needed when things divide my time. Too many alarms going off announcing this prayer meeting and that Bible study. Right now my time is better served sitting still, alarms off, focusing on Him alone. Priorities adjusted!  

Day 235 This I Know

 

8/23/2026

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' 

Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation 

brought me joy."

Psalm 94:18-19

 

Life can be a mixed bag of feelings and concerns. Sometimes I just have to sit and listen...or not listen...to whatever is being seen or heard. That probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but to me it does, so I will leave it as written. I'm not trying to be flowery in language or philosophical in meaning. I'm not even certain I'd know how to do either of those things, and if I did, it would probably be done poorly. Things are becoming very chaotic, confusion seems to be the by word for each day, as more and more garbage explodes from the internet in the way of news. It's a good thing I am not much in reading news. Honestly, what it called news is garbage and full of lies and distortions. Truth is hard to find and often hard to believe. Sad to say that for the most part journalists today or their CEO's have sold their souls to the devil and are doing the bidding of whoever has the largest purse strings. This has been my observation at least. Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather would not be pleased with their successors. Paul Harvey would probably say "I told you so!" 

But I can tell you what I do know, and I can tell you who is trustworthy and just. I can tell you about a life that is worth living. And I can even share with you how to live your best life, that is, if you're interested! If you're looking for Truth His Name is Jesus! 

 When Jesus was trying to tell His disciples about His death, they still did not get it. In John 14 He reassured them that although He was leaving them, He would return and take them to be with Him for eternity. He told them He was going to prepare a place for them, and as believers, He's doing the same for us. Thomas asked Jesus the way to where He was going, and Jesus responded in verse 6, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

So many are confused, worried, and they don't know which way to turn. The church does not always have the answers to the questions they are asking, because they refuse to look at the larger picture, and they do not want to discuss Bible prophecy, especially the Revelation of Jesus Christ written by the Apostle John while he was on the island of Patmos. Many use the excuse that the book is too hard to understand, but the Apostle Paul, in his instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 clearly states: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Revelation 1:3 says  "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near." 

As watchmen on the wall we are accountable for sounding alarms when danger is imminent. We can't force anyone to choose the right path. Just like salvation - freely given - but we cannot make the choice for someone else to believe that Jesus is who He says He is. That decision is solely in the hands of the individual. But I do believe the words of John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." 

The best proof believers have that Jesus is who He says He is comes from the individual testimony of one who has experienced being "born again," as Jesus described in John 3 to Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to see Jesus under the clock of night. It was hard for educated, religious people to believe what Jesus was sharing although He fulfilled the prophecies they read in synagogue daily. Their eyes and hearts were blinded from the truth. But I know Nicodemus understood, and he wanted to follow Jesus, but he had responsibilities, so his allegiance was divided. The call to follow Jesus is very simply in response to His words, "Follow Me."

"The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever" (Psalm 119:160).

Pastor Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California was sharing from Proverbs 3:1-6 as his text for his message. Man desires wisdom, but he is often not willing to surrender his views and opinions for another's. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a Scripture that I share quite often, as it is the only true path to finding wisdom, wisdom that comes from God: "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." Pastor Jack spoke of the Apostle Paul's journey as a believer sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and about all the trials he had to endure in following this path. But finally Paul could stand resolute in his faith, totally steadfast in what He believed and in his trust in God. I was excited to hear Pastor Jack share my Scripture, the one I cling to that is found in 2 Timothy 1:12 "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." I have grasped hold to this Word from the LORD for as long as I can remember, knowing that I can depend on every word God has spoken to me in His Word, His infallible Word.

In a time when very little in this world's economy means very much, and we see and hear very little of what we are taught to believe or how to live our lives, we must stand fast and firm in our faith in God triumphing in the cross of Christ. This I know!  

Day 234 What is Required?

 

8/22/2026

"He who has an ear, let him hear what

the Spirit says to the churches."

Revelation 3:13

 

Today's Torah portion described some pretty stringent rules for living that may seem harsh to some, but there is always so much wisdom to be found in the Word of God. God is not a harsh dictator attempting to rule our lives, putting us in bondage, rather He's a loving Father, whom we can boldly approach. He is full of mercy and grace, forgiving our sins and providing a way to escape the consequences that sin brings not only to the one committing them but to those who are affected for many generations to follow. 

We are now in the month of Elul on the Jewish calendar, a time of preparation and excitement, but also a period of deep introspection and repentance, leading up to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), and the Feast of Tabernacles. In the Scripture portion for today Moses is reminding the children of Israel of the laws God has given them governing their relationships with each other and how to avoid conflicts and shame. It begins in the 22nd chapter of Deuteronomy discussing care of each others' livestock and belongings, just as if they were our own. When the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest, in Matthew 22:37-40, He replied: "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Moses reminded the people of this in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 with a further command to teach them to their children: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

In reviewing the Scripture readings for today and what is expected from people who are commanded to love one another, then appropriate behavior should be expected in dealing with one another. If we followed God's guidelines, we would live as our brother's keeper, and in living so, life would be much better, plus we wouldn't find ourselves in the mess we find ourselves in our world today. In Micah 6:8 God tells us what He expects of us: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" 

In Deuteronomy 21:18-21 the discussion of how to deal with a rebellious son has some pretty harsh consequences, because sin and rebellion cannot be allowed and must be purged permanently from the camp. A thorough study of Scripture details how God deals with those in rebellion and failure to turn from sin. Of course today when we consider how we, as parents, are to respond to disobedience and willful stubbornness, parents would not handle the problem by death by stoning, but the scriptures are clear that in continuing to allow such behavior to continue makes one complicit with the sin and just as guilty. I know that I have had questions regarding how much assistance to provide when a good deed is followed by disrespect. I have asked myself and God "When is enough, enough?" To continue to help someone who responds ungratefully would be enabling bad behavior. Disrespect is wrong and should never be tolerated. God in His mercy, grace, and love wants us to remove evil from our homes, because as Christians we are committed to love one another as Christ loves us. Also, as leaders, our homes must be in order. Scripture provides sound counsel to guide our lives and relationships thus bringing glory and honor to His Name. 

The rule should always be to "Do the right thing!" Imagine the world if we followed that rule!  

Day 233 An End to My Adventure

 

8/21/2026

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,..."

Walden by Henry David Thoreau 

 

O, how I remember my college days when I was introduced to American and European literature. I particularly loved Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leo Tolstoy, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, and so, so many wonderful writers. I've often admitted that as a youngster I could never read enough - always off on some mental journey. I definitely was a dreamer! And, as I have also mentioned previously in my catalog of memories, I was known as an adventurer, a pioneer spirit, by my husband's  relatives, because I'd decide to get in the car and take a trip on a whim or a moment's notice...or so it seemed to many. I prefer to think I planned a bit, especially when my three little ones were in tow. I was not foolhardy when it came to making certain that someone new my determine route for the day, and about when and where I planned to stop for the evening. When the children were very young, I was super guarded when it came to their welfare. We've been to quite a few large zoos in our time, and I tried to make certain that the children were well read. 

I've been feeling a little restless recently, as it's been almost five years since I moved back to Virginia abandoning my beloved Northern New Mexico and my favorite hideaways. I particularly loved to escape to Sipapu, a small ski and summer resort hidden away in the back woods near Taos on a road leading to Mora, but it is my hope to stop by there the next time I do make it back to New Mexico to ask about working seasonally. I have dreams to upscale their gift shop, but we all have ideas! It would be nice to start using my gifts again, but then I imagine in a way I am with writing daily. Guess we'll see what comes of it!

I decided to take a short adventure, not far from home, for a couple of days, but alas, although I did make it out of the house eventually, after several delays, staying overnight in my determined destination, I did not plan well in advance what I may need. My diet is not like others, as I have some dietary restrictions, so I ended up not feeling too well and decided that one night away was more than enough. Besides which I had not done my investigation for lodging very well, and the place I stayed was not quite as I was led to believe. Still, although in not the best condition, the room was clean, and I had all I needed pretty much. The manager was very kind and available, and the area was picturesque country farming land and very quiet and peaceful. I believe an Amish farm was located just across the road, as there were "Share the Road" signs with a horse and buggy pictured on it. The roads I traveled were narrow, rolling, with lush green forests typical of Virginia. As I sit here now, looking out my window at home I see the green field that lies between my neighbor's home and mine,freshly cut and nestled next to my lawn. It's been raining gently, so the air is fresh, the humidity is lower, and the breeze is welcomed. The forest across the way is very lush and green, but mostly I love my stately old maple tree and my dad's crepe myrtles. Beautiful beyond description!

The rain is gently falling with a slight, gentle breeze. The close of another day, another adventure. 

Day 232 Oil and Vinegar Days

 

8/20/2026

 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise"

Galatians 5:15 

Grateful for bright morning skies, the warmth of the sun on my face, laughter as birds sing and dance on the tree boughs as they flit from one branch to the other, floating effortlessly across the air. I was awakened once more by the gentle nudge of the kitten's head against my face, urging me to get up and play. I tried to resist, but there's something so endearing about a kitten's purr and soft fur against my face that made her hard to resist. So many simple echoes of Your love for me early before day begins, Abba. Thank You, Lord, for Your creative wake up calls!

I didn't sleep well due to excruciating pain in my right hip and leg, one of the thorns in my flesh active once more. After exhausting the use of ice, stretching, changing positions and exercising, I finally reached for the heating pad. It had been so terribly hot without an air conditioner, but the fan kept the worst of the heat from the heating pad assisting in its purpose. Finally I was able to drift off to sleep with some relief, but it was interrupted by my morning visitor, intent once more on getting me up and moving, oblivious to my overnight struggles. But who can say anything harsh against such a loving wake up call, even after a painful and fitful night?! 

Before going to bed last night I listened to the weekly YouTube discussion with Todd Coconato and Mario Murillo which airs on Wednesday evenings at the same time An Hour with Jesus with Terry MacAlmon airs. I chose An Hour with Jesus, so I kept Mario for later. Mario is an evangelist, and his discussions generally cover tent crusades and topics of concern in the church, but tonight he was continuing an earlier conversation about false prophets. I must say that the information really opened my eyes a little wider with regard to the things happening in the church. It's bad enough when news of what's going on in the culture or in the political scene turns our stomachs sour, and although God is exposing and cleansing the church, what I heard last night was immensely disturbing. As an intercessor I am aware of many things, but I am not one who scrolls or listens to YouTube videos or podcasts unless I have a reason to do so. My time is better spent "Sticking to the Book" as Billy Graham warned, so I may be aware of evil in this world, but I don't need to read about it. Pray, yes, but in secret.

You may recall that I have been studying the book of Ezekiel, and God is warning about the evil that has caused His anger to boil over and lead to the total destruction of Israel and Judah. God's graphic description of the sinful and evil acts of Israel pales in comparison to certain things I have heard this week in the selective news that I choose to read. Lately, as the prophetic clock ticks faster, the enemy has been sharpening his talons for a deeper grasp, ensnaring the unwary or the extremely proud. Some things haven't changed from the beginning of Creation when the serpent tempted Eve. I am generally very cautious about what I post on my Facebook page, as I try to seek the counsel and wisdom of Holy Spirit before posting any content on my "podium," as I call it, but some things must be said. The Apostle Paul, who was called by God to take the Gospel to the nations, to the Gentile nations, warned Timothy of the impending threats to come and of those who would turn from the truth. Over the years scandals have been exposed, with a quick slice to the jugular. I found it interesting even decades ago when scandal happened in the church that some received a pat on the hand, while others were cast out on their ears, depending on who committed the sin. Sometimes people convicted by the power of Holy Spirit who can no longer bear the burden confessed their sin, yet they endured the shame and abandonment of the Christian church. In one instance, one such man found his way back, restored to the ministry, aided by the counsel of a gospel music ministry pastor, after the church threw the man out, and the music industry erased his name from existence. This is the way it should be done, as we all sin and fall short of God's glory...every day! Paul speaks of restoration of a fallen brother or sister in Christ in Galatians 6:1. In 1 Corinthians 10:12 Paul warns the church to take heed lest they too fall into temptation that leads to sin. The enemy is very crafty, as I well know.

The phrase "oil and vinegar days" was used in a recent prayer meeting, but I did not catch the full context of how it was being used. My interpretation of this could be based on the use of the two ingredients in making salad dressing. I have never enjoyed the harsh smell of vinegar used as a cleaning agent by my mother when she cleaned windows. I avoid any use of the smelly, caustic concoction as much as possible, and I am not one who uses salad dressing on my salads...unless I am at Olive Gardens Restaurant enjoying their famous salad dressing. They have a very unique method of using olive oil and spices to offset the acute acidic effect of the vinegar producing a flavorful blend. I imagine if we can use this analogy of the acidic burning and sour pungent smell, an assault to the mucous membranes, of vinegar and liken it to the sinful nature of man, then look at olive oil as the purifying, soothing quality it adds, we can get an idea of the use of this phrase "oil and vinegar days," as the days we are now living.

When I searched to see if the phrase was used in Biblical terms, I was reminded that vinegar was used in the gall of wine and vinegar provided to Jesus by the soldier when He was suffering on the cross. Oil has been used to refer to Holy Spirit anointing. One commentator said vinegar represented truth while oil was a metaphor for love. This reminds me of the scripture found in 1 Peter 4:8: "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins." James 2:13 says: "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." I'll leave it to the reader for further consideration, but we must always be mindful to consider the context in which scripture is used in the Bible. It is the inspired Word of God, and sadly, many times it is used totally out of context in order to accommodate a person's thoughts or behavior. It has become very commonplace these days, so please be wary of falling into the same trap the devil used on Eve in the Garden, and when he attempted to use with Jesus in the wilderness when He was led by the Spirit to be tempted. Satan knows scripture, and he knows how to twist it, but our response should be as Jesus when He answered "It is written...!" (Matthew 4:4-6)

These are indeed perilous days, as Jesus warned. May we walk circumspectly with wisdom, heeding the warnings lest we too fall. 

Day 231 Remember...You are!

 

8/19/2026

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God."

John 1:1

 

When the Lord first spoke to me about writing, He led me back to His beginning to help me understand, if one can truly do that, the Kingdom of God. He directed me to the Gospel of Matthew, the introduction as: "Matthew is the gospel written by a Jew to Jews about a Jew." In today's society, even in the church, I think that many have forgotten these important facts, especially that Jesus is a Jew. In fact He is the King of the Jews.

The Gospel of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus beginning with Abraham, the man God chose to be the father of all nations. I have always loved reading and studying through the "begats," because it is here I can see so clearly not only the love of God, but His amazing mercy and forgiveness to imperfect man. 

When John the Baptist was sent by God as a forerunner to announce the coming of the Messiah, his message was simple, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2). After John was imprisoned, and Jesus began His ministry His first words were the same: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). Jesus hand picked His disciples and simply said "Follow Me." And they did without hesitation. I often wonder why it is not that simple today, and yet, perhaps within the hearts of those who truly hunger and thirst for righteousness, it can be so. I know for myself, I have never doubted who He is, and following Him is all I want to do. 

This world has much darkness, and many are confused, especially young people. Summer is almost over, and colleges are starting up, and where there is excitement in the air about being part of a college community, meeting new friends, living in the dorms, with all the freshness of a new beginning, no longer under the watch care of parents, I imagine there is also much fear because of the ugliness and uncertainty  in the world today. Life is not just about moving out of the family home, meeting new friends, acquiring new knowledge, it means growing up, becoming of age and accountability as an adult. And who really knows what they want to do with their life at 18 years of age?! We all have dreams, and for some of us, our dreams never die, they never age, but we have to be realistic and sometimes things don't happen overnight or way past that stage. Many times young people become caught up in society's view of what becoming successful means. It's easy to fall into discouragement, especially once classes begin, and the curriculum is not as easy to grasp as it was in high school. If one hopes to succeed there's a new level of achievement necessary, and this can often cause some to feel "less than." And so, we tend to judge ourselves by how others are doing, rather than just being accepting of who we are and adjusting our pace accordingly. And it's never a sign of failure to need help to get through a tough course load. 

I recently read this quotation from Max Lucado from his book No Wonder They Call Him The Savior:

"You are valuable just because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are. Remember that. Remember that the next time you are left bobbing in the wake of someone's steamboat ambition. Remember that the next time some trickster tries to hang a bargain basement price tag on your self-worth.... Just think about the way Jesus honors you...and smile."

I think Max spoke some pretty good advice for any age, because we all fall into the rabbit hole of defeat at times. Life is hard, and people can be cruel sometimes...or maybe not cruel, but callous for the wear and tear on their lives. I also love the wise sayings of Winnie the Pooh who once told Piglet some advice that Christopher Robin may first have said to him: "Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you ever know."

 O, how we need more Winnie the Poohs in this world today!