"My proposal is: To set off walking this afternoon. To stop when we are tired. To get a lift when we can. To walk when we can't. To do it at once, and do it cheap." – Charles Dickens, from his Novel: Martin Chuzzlewit

Well folks, Wednesday is awaiting our response: Let's do this thing! Welcome to my write-up for today on this September 25, 2013. I've mentioned before that I did quite a bit of hitchhiking as a teenager. Now I know why I didn't always get picked up. One fellow recently confessed that he always thought they were giving him a thumbs up on his good driving. I tell you, life can be tough. Back then we thought nothing about standing on the side of the highway late at night trying to flag a ride. If that didn't work, we thought nothing about walking for hours to get home. Why? Weren't that many options and the dogs that came out to see me helped motivate my legs. I'm not saying I was never on edge because when you are out like that you hear all kinds of noises and when you try to guess what they might be, well, it can be a little scary. Yet, times have changed and I cannot even imagine folks hitchhiking today. I know some still do but it doesn't have the same look or feel as it did back then. Or maybe I'm just getting older and more cautious.

This next paragraph comes in the form of a special prayer request for some exceptionally special people. Kellie Vanderslice was diagnosed with breast cancer as well as osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone) earlier this month. She and her husband Nick have 5 children, 4 boys and a long anticipated baby girl. Kellie grew up in our local fellowship. Her husband Nick and I stood by each other in the choir for a couple of years. They live in Missouri where Nick is in fulltime youth ministry. They are some very special people to us and we seek God's provision and peace into their lives. Please add your voice to this worldwide prayer circle. Their testimony in the face of this challenge has been inspirational. It reminds me of our Kayla. They are doing their best to make a difference for the honor and glory of God as they deal with this unexpected development. Check out Nick's blog: http://pointingtohim.wordpress.com/

That verse comes to mind, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;..." (1st Peter 3:15, New King James Version) The New English Translation Bible (NET) has a good take on this thought with their wording of this verse, "But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess." Kellie and Nick have already had a number of folks who have inquired about their obvious faith in the midst of this storm. Where did Kellie and Nick learn about the foundational truths they are now leaning on for strength? In their homes and in the Churches that God allowed them to grow up in. It matters folks. It really does. We all want our children to find Jesus and the eternal life He and He alone gives. But it is much more than just a get into heaven card because it is also all about what we do with that changed life while we are here and those works for the Lord count for time and eternity. May God bless them is my prayer and may we all be ready to give our answer when asked about the hope God has placed in our hearts. Amen.    ....More later.