Don't give up, with God's help, you can do it!

Okay. It is Tuesday, February 9, 2010 and I bid you welcome once again to the view from here as we seek to experience a little more winter here in these parts. How in the world are you doing, anyway? We were able to spend some quality time with our little great grand, our bundle of Madelyn Joy, this past Sunday afternoon. We were invited to our eldest's to watch the Superbowl and between MiMi and I we had a Superbowl of loving on our newest family edition. The game was exciting in spots and there were some outbursts from our little group along with huge laughter at some of the commercials. Poor little girl nearly jumped out of her skin several times. But this is the family she is a part of and I suppose she will get used to our noise soon enough. One thing is crystal clear: She is about as precious as they come and we are so thankful to God for her being here with us.

I called over to Louisiana in the waning minutes of the game to tease my brother-in-law about the Saints winning but my wife's sister answered the phone. She said they had been jumping up and down and hollering throughout the game. She sounded out of breath and a little hoarse. This puzzled me because I'm almost certain my sister-in-law is not a football person. But, think about it. Having your own home state professional team go to and then win the world championship would cause anyone to become a fan and get excited. It's like the upcoming Olympics. We may not know that much about the different winter sports but we certainly know how special it feels to see our country wearing gold on the podium. We feel that patriotic sense bubble up as we join the athletes in their pursuit along with so many other of our fellow citizens. Go USA means something and it should.

Even more so we should be encouraging and rooting for each other as we seek to run out our race in our sojourn here on the planet. That same enthusiasm that causes someone only slightly aware of football to be excited about the big game should be what we show in urging each other on in dealing with the obstacle course of life that surrounds us each day. We can be each other's cheerleader and coach as we provide positive support in making progress as God leads. The Spiritual life lived as God desires is not for the fainthearted. It is a contact sport and very difficult. We need each other. We need prayer. We need encouragement. We need help if we are to accomplish the goal set before us. As a believer, my calling may be different than yours. My challenges may be different as well. But we each one run our race for the honor and glory of God. He designed it to be an individual run but not as a loner. He desired that we provide help to one another and when we do people grow and accomplish, and God is honored and glorified. The victories may only be fully known in eternity future but we can be sure that all we do in helping others will make a difference both in the here and now, and later at that great gathering place where we will make our home in heaven, together. Amen. ....More later.