Dear brothers and sisters,

Today I want to share a story with you. I pray that you will find renewed hope through your own experience, chapter by chapter.

We have been talking about the promises of God. We know without a doubt that God will fulfill every letter He has written. We know truly that someday that great day of the Lord will arrive. We only have two choices in this world. You know what they are.

Once upon a time, because that is how most stories begin, there was a young girl who asked Jesus into her heart. She sang the songs, prayed the prayers and yet, she always found the intrigue of what could be. Outside of her loving, caring home. Beyond the fence that surrounded her family. But, as I said, she was intrigued and wondered what it would be like to be in someone elses shoes. There always seemed to be comparisons in her life.

As she grew into a young lady, hate for the way she looked and all her disappointments in God, grew stronger. She thought she was saved, but hadn't the understanding of God's grace. An insight that only came to her many years later. Right now, God just seemed too gruff and mighty, always wanting perfection. Which she knew she was far from. The hatred grew.

Until one day the thought slipped easily into her mind that life was hers to take. She could and should be the one in control of her future. This led her down a traitorous path. The lies became truth and everything got mixed up. It was so easy to step outside of the fence of safety.

Yes, she still prayed at night. She wasn't sure if she would be heard due to the fact that she couldn't stop sinning. Church only became more oppressive, except for the singing part. She loved to sing and could imagine that was the only time God listened.

Skipping ahead many years. She married and had children. As everyday was a matter of choices and change, she started searching for truth. She so wanted the promises of God to be her own, as though directly from Him. After many trials, thoughts of taking her life, trying to make changes in her appearance...well, nothing lifted her heart.

One day, during a snow storm on the high desert, she decided to go for a walk. That was even dumb in her own mind! But, it got her out of the confines of where she lived. As the winds becames stronger and the cold turned more bitter, stinging her face, she found a place to hunker down and try to wait it out. The direction of the house was now only a guess.

During this time she screamed out to God that she didn't need Him. She had hoped that would get His attention. But, only the sound of the wind. No tears formed. Only more anger until she raised her fist to the sky and said, "Help me because I don't want to be helped!" Not long after, still with no words from God, everything began to calm and so she journeyed back home.

Something had changed that day. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. But, it was stirring in her breast. Warmth, peace, and the beginning of a new thing called contentment. Words that were not in her vocabulary. She became hungry for the Word of God so picked up her Bible. Not just for appearance sake but for her own search. She found and still knows that God, her Father, is a good God and loves with endless love.

Why did I share that? Well, other than feeling very impressed to, for the reminder that God is the only Way to Truth. Jesus makes the way to the Father. WE have nothing to fear by leaning on Him. We can go where He sends us and share what He says to. All the while the story progresses. There are many chapters to this one, as with yours; this was only a once upon a time.

There is a promise from 1 John 1:9 that I love..."If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteouness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]." Pause and think about this.

Would that we could stay on the path of His choosing and not stray. Pilgrims Progress is a story that each of us can relate to. What will carry us away in the wild pathways of this world? What can make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

I could go on but know it is time to close. In all the choices we make there is only one that is good. We can seek His face and really find out His heart in any matter. You can even holler and scream at Him and He won't get offended. He will wait until you calm down, take a breath and can listen to His still small voice. Be still then, my soul.

God bless you. I pray that nothing will occupy your heart, soul, mind and strength but Jesus Christ. There are no substitues! Will you give Him first place today? I will be praying for you. Your sister in Christ, Patricia.

Abundance is...within the boundaries of His love