Happy Birthday to our Christmas loving Granddaughter, Kyleigh!

Good morning. I bring you greetings today, on this Monday, March 16, 2020, where we are celebrating the birthday of our Christmas loving granddaughter Kyleigh. That's right. Kyleigh, since all the way back, has wanted Christmas to be a year-round celebration. She is now all grown up and she is teaching high school students. But, she still loves Christmas, and just so you know, we do too! (The photo gave it away?) Happy Birthday to our beautiful Kyleigh and may God add His blessings to your special day. Amen. Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

Here is an excerpt from the disaster declaration that went into effect last Friday at midnight:

1. Any event sponsored or permitted by Montgomery County shall cease.
2. Events greater than 250 persons shall cease at all public facilities across Montgomery County.
3. Any event greater than 250 persons held at private facilities is urged to cancel but should make those determinations within their organizations and with staff of those facilities.
4. Events of 250 persons or more that would include any population at severe risk of severe illness should cease. The population at the greatest risk is anyone over the age at 65 and/or those with severe medical conditions as defined by CDC guidelines.
5. Nursing homes and senior living centers should limit visitation of the public within their facilities.

This order does NOT extend to law enforcement activities, emergency responses, court operations to include jury operations, and to all school districts or private school facilities within the jurisdiction of Montgomery County.

The balance for a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ comes in trying to honor God's Word: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." (Romans 13:1-7)

Just for the record, the wife and I are way past the 65-year threshold. Some see any cooperation with local government in and of itself as a compromise. That obviously does not square with The Scriptures. We are attempting to make decisions based on our faith first, but, also in honoring the directives given to us as believers. It's worth the angst. And, seeking God is a good way to start but be aware He typically doesn't speak again where He has already made clear what we should do. And, we did attend our worship service on Saturday evening where we limited the crowd to no more than 250. Our fellowship had two more Sunday services where we observed the same limitation. This is how our pastor led us to continue to serve the Lord while also cooperating with our local governing authorities. One thing I can tell you. I have no answers but I know the One who does. I can't but He can. We are secure without regard to what happens because we belong to Him. Amen. ....More later.