But the Gift of God is Eternal Life!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 (NIV)

How true that is, thinking back on my life it is so amazing that God has allowed and given me breath this long. I have had the pleasure of fast cars and some crazy adventures in them. My dad clocked me going over 110 mph one day on my way to work on route M-66, in Michigan. Frankly, the speed and lack of real skill, at 17 wasn't as terrifying as my father catching me.

Needless to say that day quickly revoked my driving privileges. But I loved racing, and it's fair to say I didn't have enough common sense to fear death at the time. Through the years God's mercy and grace have revealed major flaws in my character and habits. And then, I was blessed with a son and daughter who really put the fear of God in me about radical driving, dare devil stunts, and lack of common sense around dangerous people.

I am rarely afraid of anyone I may encounter, or what I will say to them. Unfortunately, my daughter is even less intimidated by any person. I ask God every day to watch over my children. Michael loves a fast car even more than Mark, or I do. Heidi has a beautiful smile and a pretty face, she fears no one. She's a missionary over seas. She travels and meets all kinds of people.

The fear of something happening to one or both of my children is some times overwhelming. Yet, they both like me know Jesus as their personal Savior. Because He lives and holds all our futures I can face tomorrow. With confidence, I know that one by one we shall all die in these temporary bodies. But because Jesus lives, we too shall live in permanent bodies in heaven, with Him. Eventually we will all meet up again in heaven.

The best gift I ever gave my children as a parent was introducing them to Jesus. Once they asked Him for forgiveness of their sin and ask Him to be their Savior they were His. I can never out love, or out give my Lord. My family is in the best of hands. God holds their hearts, bodies and souls! That's an Awesome blessing As a Mom!

Carry on my Wayward Son....There will be peace when you are done!

As those words run through my head I can still hear one or both of my parents screaming, "Turn it down, or turn it off right now, Kathlene!" I still love that song. If you listen to the words it is so true for Christians.

We are all God's wayward sons or daughters. We try to stay on the straight and narrow and please God. But before we know it, we've slipped into sin again. Sometimes we get so discouraged, and even depressed. It's so important to encourage one another. As we help each other on the journey, this life can be productive and even fun. It's so good to meet in God's house, the church. We all have different sins, but we can encourage growth and happiness in Christ.

Should you encounter the lofty believer who thinks they have no sin, remember God loves you. He's here for you and so are other believers. Remember the woman who had several different husbands? Jesus, the only person without sin confronted those pompous people in such a tactful way.

"When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any of you is without sin let him be the first to throw the first stone at her."

John 8:7 (NIV)

One by one they all walked away. After they all were gone, Jesus said to her, "go and sin no more." God does not expect perfection. He just wants you to try to walk in the light. As you grow in love and grace through His word, it will become easier to do what's right.

Never forget you have a Savior who loves you more than anyone ever could on earth. He holds his arms out to hug you. Let Him pick you up when you fall. We all fall down; the real issue is do you try again or just give up?