Be a Sheep

What does it mean to be a sheep.
Why would our Lord use that reference.

What did He know, was He trying to show,
this is the way that He sees us.


It's funny you see, I firmly believe.
There's very little difference
between a sheep and me.

Richard.

I am a Sailboat

I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
Designed very extravagantly.
Crafted to bring, just pleasure to One.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

My anchor's been raised.
I'm off, on my way.
Wherever it is,
You take me today.

I'm a sailboat can't you see.
Design with a purpose,
Crafted to be,
whatever it is,
He desires of me.
I'm a sailboat, made to run.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

My sail has been raised,
I'm ready to go.
In whichever direction,
Your Spirit wind blows.

I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
Design for rough water.
Crafted to be,
strong enough,
to weather bad seas.

I'm a sailboat, made to bring pleasure.
I'm a sailboat, no matter the weather.
I'm a sailboat, made to run.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

Your Hand's on my rudder,
I'm in Your control,
You're taking me,
where You want to go.

I'm Your sailboat, made by Your hands.
I'm Your sailboat, I'm glad I am.
I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
I'm a sailboat, its fun to be.

Richard.

Our Place

The audacity of man,
to think that he can,
take the place,
of God the Creator.

When the Lord clearly states,
that it's He who owns this place,
and we were created
for His Good pleasure.

But, we travel along,
singing our song,
doing life in a way,
that is pleasing.

And, without a care,
we grab the best chair,
and bang our fist,
on the table.

Then we whine and we cry,
He's not treating us right,
He won't do that which we tell Him.

When all along,
it's us who's been wrong,
that's not why we where created.

O' yes, he came to serve us.
To show us the way,
to love God, and then love others.

But, we're not to be served,
why that's absurd,
it's not the way that He's
shown us.

So what will it take,
to put us back in our place,
and surrender all,
to our Maker.

To put our aprons on,
start singing His song,
and start helping out,
all our neighbors.

Richard.

Christmas meaning

Gold for Your Kingship,
they brought from afar.
To let everyone know,
just who You really are.

Frankincense because of Your Divinity.
Truly God and Truly man.
You came on a rescue mission,
to save wretched man.

Myrrh because You were born to die.
That was the Father's will,
the one true living sacrifice,
the only way to pay the bill.

The debt we owed was just to great.
A bill we could never pay.
So, You came in a manger,
and was born in the hay.

Angels announces Your coming.
Wise men came from afar.
Shepherd witnessed Your infancy,
as You laid in Your mother's arms.

You were only here at short time,
thirty some odd years and then
You offered Yourself as the sacrifice,
to put an end to the grip of sin.

On a hill outside of town,
they nailed You to a cross,
They thought they were getting
rid of You, but that was just the start.

You came back three days later,
to complete what the Father begun.
And, now Your setting next to Him.
God's only Son.

This is the reason for the season.
In Jesus, all is fulfilled,
So have a Merry Christmas,
and to all Goodwill.

Richard.

Yearning

From within the mystery begins,
a yearning in my soul.
a soul that's set in motion,
finding its way home,
spurred onward very seeking
that which is dearly yearned
never resting just repeating
the things so very fleeting.

Before I could speak,
or understand a thought.
longed for, ever seeking
stumbling in the dark.
driven by this yearning
hopelessly, hopelessly lost.

Then I saw a flicker
far in the distance there I saw
I saw a light there glowing,
growing very stronger,
as I crawled.

Crawling out from the darkness,
You set me on my feet,
showed me what I was yearning for,
helped me find Your peace.

The yearning is my calling
What I was created for
to worship and adore you.
from now till evermore.

For Your good pleasure
I was made to this I can attest.
To love and walk along with You
To enter in Your Rest.

Richard.

Emmanuel

His present Risenness is where I ride.
Each day I wake to be His bride.
Emmanuel, God with us.
This is where I place my trust.

His present Risenness is where I hide.
Each day I wake to a new surprise.
Emmanuel, God with us.
This is where I place my trust.

His present Risenness is all I see.
He's all I want, He's all I need.
Emmanuel, God with us.
In You is where I place my trust

His present Risenness is real indeed.
Sitting at the Right Hand for you and me.
Emmanuel, God with us.
In You is where I place my trust.

You lived, You died, You rose again.
To bring me life that never ends.
Not just life that's yet to come.
But, life right now, with God's own Son.

Emmanuel, God with us.
Jesus is where I place my trust.

Richard.

A Hurt Love

You entered deep inside me
farther than only a few

I let you enter deep inside
you know like lovers do

It went along just great it seemed.
uncomfortable but nice.

I was starting to enjoy it
feeling it was right.

And, so I took you to places
that had never seen the light

I really thought, we were growing close
You know, standing side by side.

But then something happened
Everything turned not nice.

It started to hurt, really hurt
allot like, way before.

Before you came, before the shell.
before the years of living hell.

And, I just can't go back there.

Richard.

Damaged

Sadness and sorrow, my heart does so grieve, hurt so deep that I must take my leave.

The meanness you showed, and the viciousness of your blows, left a wound very deep, deep within my soul.

It's not the first time, it's happened before and here I am without a door.

You knew I was defenseless, I'd welcomed you in. You were even there, when my old hiding place caved in.

And, now you wonder, what's wrong with him, as I'm lying there bleeding hurting from within.

It's OK, don't be alarmed, when the blood finally stops flowing, I'll just be gone.

Then you can wonder, what's up with him. I couldn't have done something that brought injury to him.

He must have been messed up, it must have been just him. I didn't mean to hit him on the chin.

Sadness and sorrow, my heart does grieve so, I can no longer stand the pain from your blows.

Richard.

Management to Mystery

I know not what's to come,
or exactly how it's to be played.
The details, should I ponder them,
with energies all my days.

Will we be taken away, or
will You return to stay.
Will this all pass away then
something new put in its place.

Do I need to manage,
to understand what's next.
To know its meaning,
so I can take my rest.

Or, is there something different,
something silly that seems bizarre.
Something that make no sense,
no sense of it at all.

Here's an ideal, something off the wall,
simple childlike trust in You
In You to manage it all.

Now it's a mystery, a mystery to me.
What's next Papa, I will shout,
with enthusiasm and an eagerness,
simple no doubt.

No worries about what's coming.
Not a care in the world.
Cause, I can see only my Savior,
the rest is a just blur.

So from management to mystery.
This is the way I'll move.

Richard.

To my Mom.

What could a son say to his mother,
who bore him, raised him, and tried her best.

What could a son say to his mother,
who was always there and would never turn away.

What could a son say to his mother,
who waited patiently as he tried so desperately to find his way.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I love you, I'll miss you, until we meet again.

When in Christ Jesus we are reunited with all our family and friends.
I love you mom, I always have, nothing can take that away.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I love you, I love you, I know you're in a much better place.

Have fun with Grandma and Grandpa.
Don't argue with Peter at the gate.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I Love you, I love you, you've always been Great.

Richard.

Standing Fast

I stand fast in Your loyal love,
even as my flesh tries to deceive me,
I turn my thoughts to You and You alone.

What can harm me, really harm my position.
Not this temporal life in this evil flesh,
if I fall into temptation, and succumb to your best.

Grace is greater, Love is greater, You are greater.
I rest in You, as the world whizzes by,
as the evil one throws a tempting prize.

It's not in them my heart longs after,
it's not in them my panting waits,
its not in them where my eternity awaits.

O' no, fallen world you have not won.
the battle has been fought, the Son has won.
It's You O' Lord where I rest, it's You my Lord
where I stand fast.

Richard.

What will it be like.

What will it be like on the day that You come.
Will I be sitting, twiddling my thumbs.

Will the Heavens open up with a loud clamp of thunder.
Will I stand there in awe, speechless full of wonder.

Will I see You from where ever I am,
even if I have my head in the sand.

O' what a Glorious day that will be,
the whole earth bowing down on their knees.
All eyes looking up, and seeing You return,
all tongues in harmony, "It's the King, He's returned"


What will it be like on the day that You come.
Will I be sitting, twiddling my thumbs.

Will I be at work, proclaiming Your Name.
Will I be one that's given a new name.

Will I have continued to striving for the finish,
of this great race, to help You save the many.

O' what a Glorious day that will be,
the whole earth bowing down on their knees.
All eyes looking up, and seeing You return,
all tongues in harmony, "It's the King, He's returned"


Come Lord Jesus.

Richard.

Wedding Day

Once a young couple, dreamed of their "I do" day.

That day has come. That day is here.

Thru the pain of prepariton, the tears of bringing it all together.

A community has stood up, and gathered around.

A community calls out, a welcoming embrace.

Offering love, understanding, mercy, and Grace.

Welcoming you in, cheering you on.

Offering hope for the future, a chance to grow strong.

When you remember this day, of all that's happened.

When it brings the tears of joy, the laughter of sweet memories.

You'll speak of the day, of the new beginning, of the Glory revealed.

That day has come. That day is here.

Why not Me?

Why not me? For who am I?

That I'd be immune from getting sand in my eye.

That pain, and sorrow, grief and regret,

loss and betrayal I would never have meet.



Am I so special that it shouldn't hurt.

That I would never fall down, landing face first in the dirt.

That I am exempt from the hurt on this place called earth.



It is a fallen world, you know, it's not paradise.

There are lots of mean people here,

They bring damage to one's life.

There's lots of confusion, there's hatred and strife.

It's not a safe place here, not safe at all.

It's not a safe place here, not since the fall.



So, why not me? Am I someone special?

That I could exist here, and never meet the devil.

That I could live in peace and great harmony.

And, not get wounded, not even my knee?

That something bad wouldn't happen to me?

So why then do I cry out so loudly: "Lord why? Why me?"



You sent Your Son, He hung on a tree.

They beat Him, they mocked Him, they kicked Him around.

And, I'm here thinking, I'm better somehow.

That somehow I'm better than the one You Crowned.

That I shouldn't suffer, no pain and no strife.

When they whipped You so bad it almost took you life.

But, that didn't stop them, they didn't even balk.

They marched you out of town, to hang on a cross.

If they could do that to You, the King of Glory.

Then I have to ask: "Why not this little boy?"

Richard.

Motive.

Is it just enough to know You?
To know how much You care.
Or do I want to be like You,
to save my ass from hell.

If there weren't any promises.
Nothing else waiting out there.
Would I just want to know you.
Or just save my ass from hell.

Is my desire to be intimate.
To know You and be known.
Does it come from curiosity.
Or am I serving my own throne.

I ask these questions honestly.
From a deep, deep need to know.
Do I just want You for who You are.
Or am I serving my own throne.

Is it just enough to know You?
To know how much You care.
Or do I want to be like You,
to save my ass from hell.

If there weren't any promises.
Nothing else waiting out there.
Would I just want to know you.
Or just save my ass from hell.

Richard.

Longing for touch

The longing for touch is driving me insane.
To be held, to be cuddled, will never be the same.
All is tainted now, since what happened in the past.
All that suspicion lying at the bottom, clouding all of that.

It's not sex that I'm after, it's all that I know.
That's all they were after, so many years ago.
I'm longing for something that I've never had.
A loving embrace, a cuddle, a hug, to sit on your lap.

Many are trying, trying to give me just that.
But, like I said before, I remember that past.
It's that past that haunts me, and is holding me back.

Each time someone touches, an alarm does sound.
I know what you want, the word has gotten around.
Your after my body, it's not me that you want.
I fall helpless before you, I don't know how to stop.

It's not you I'm afraid of, not anymore.
The you has changed faces so much, it's not you anymore.
It's my lack of ability to slam shut the door.

I don't know how to stop you, if you ever get started.
I already know what you really wanted.
So, take it, use it, then throw it back.
It's been used so many times before its nothing but trash.

It just the place I'm living, it no big deal.
I'll just stay in this loneliness, suspicious, with fear.
I'll just sit here remembering all those times before.
When I was just nothing, just everybodies whore.

Richard.

My world

As I sit writhing in pain.

Body twisted and damaged.

Years of abuse have taken their toll.

Damaged goods, just worn out.

So here I simply shout out.

Crying doesn't comfort.

Praying for death, but it doesn't come.

The worst of the pain is yet to come.

This is the physical world.

The one that I know.

Can't sleep, it hurts so.

Can't sit for long, walking's a joke.

Here let me light up another smoke.

This is the world that I know so dear.

Pain, Pain, Year after year.

Richard.

Lucas

Lucas is our first grandchild. He's doing Great!

He's a cutie, I mean handsome young man.

Grandson Lucas

Eyes on AIDS

This past weekend I was privileged to be a part of the first annual "Eyes on AIDS" benefit 5k run/walk for the Lubabalo Project which supports the orphans affect/infected with AIDS in the Transkei region of South Africa. This is a local effort in response to God's calling and leading.

I was blown away at the response of the community. We had around 100 pre-registration, and I was expected (silly me) a 100 or so runners/walkers to pass by. What happen was phenomenal, 200 plus came storming passed. All to benefit the orphans of the Transkei region. There were other activities, a pancake breakfast, face painting, kid run, moon-walk. All of which were attended beyond any expectation of mine.

All I can say is WOW! I Love to Watch God work!!!!!!!!!!

The following video was part of the programming for the Sunday Service which followed the run/walk the next day. Watch the entire Service at www.meaningfulchurch.com. 10-07-07.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtT5S4y1vOg

Thanks,

Richard.

Muse of the Abused

In one act of violence, my spirit was trapped.
The enemy thought he won, but he kept coming back.

Time after time, the offense was repeated.
Each time, I simply retreated.

Farther and farther into the shell.
Farther and farther into a living hell.

The tables turned, it was my shame that haunted.
Ashamed of what happened, of what you'd think.

I didn't want anyone to see my real face.
So in into the shell, the more I huddled.

Inside the shell, I did struggle.
Never peeking out, always hiding.

Until one day I felt Your prodding.
Every so gentle You came calling.

With Your patience and kindness.
You knew what I needed.

And, little by little You showed me the way.
Out into a life, I where I don't know the way.

So here I stand knowing, knowing just one thing.
That You are my Savior and You know the way.

The Way Everlasting, the only way home.
The Way You are taking me, taking me home.

Richard.

Inspired

Inspired, because of Your Love for me.
Inspired, because You came to me.
Inspired, by Your Mercy and Grace.
Inspired, I can face another day.
Inspired, by the beauty You set forth.
Inspired, by Your Strength and Support.
Inspired, as You lead me on.
Inspired, by the brightness of dawn.
Inspired, cause You hung on a tree.
Inspired, to love You, cause You first loved me.
Inspired, I'll continue to muse.
Inspired, I give all credit to You.
Inspired, to continue on.
Inspired, someone make this a song.

Richard.

The Meaning of LIfe!

Are you confused? Haven't made sense of your existence, yet? Can't explain the futility of life? You're born, you live, you work, you die. You come into this world with nothing and you leave with nothing. Very few men are remembered for very long. And to top it all off, you're only here for a very brief period of time. Not even a speck on the timeline of forever. So what's the deal? Why?



After months of thinking about these questions, it has become quite clear to me.



I/we were created for His good pleasure, plain and simple. It's not about us. He created us to be in relationship with Him. Our purpose in this life is to serve in praise and worship the Creator of all, the Ancient of Days, the Lord of Earth and Heaven.



I'm not claiming to understand what that means exactly. I know I fail miserably. I also know that with a willing, humble heart, I will lean solely and heavily on Him to lead me to my created purpose.



Richard.

Little Arrows

To my two youngest girl.
Who are every so sweet.

We dance and sing and play around.
We have such fun, long past sundown.

Your laughter, your joy, your very tender heart.
Give me reasons to smile, reasons to live.

My last two arrow, fly straight, hit the mark.
In the arms of my Savior, if I ever depart.

You see, you were never really mine.
You were on loan, for just a short time.

And, Oh what a privilege, an honor for sure.
That my Father, my Lord would bestow.

I enjoy our time, even when its been rough.
And, always remember, I love you soooo much.

Now remember, don't cry, cause it won't be to long.
I'll be back before you know it, to sing you a song.

You can bet it'll be silly and You'll really laugh.
Goodbye till tomorrow, your dear old dad.

Another Sunset

Saw another sunset,My eyes open wide

Saw another sunset, His Glory Inside.

Saw another sunset, fell down on my knees

Saw another sunset, It's so plain to me.

It's free, He gives his love away.

It's free, For all the world ya see.

It's free, He gives His love away.

It's free, for you and me.

Saw another sunset, My eyes open wide

Saw another sunset, His Glory Inside.

Saw another sunset, fell down on my knees

Saw another sunset It's so plain to me.

The Desert

Lead me to the desert, Lord.
Til there's nothing left of me.

Til all that I hold dear has departed.
Let it be as long as I need.

Keep me on my knees, Lord.
That's where I want to be.

Keep in the desert, Lord.
Til it's just You and me.

Clear out all the old junk.
Til I realized that I was made for you.

Then when the time is right.
And, I finally realize.

Lead me to Your banquet.
Somewhere on the other side.

Lead me to the desert, Lord.
Til there's nothing left of me

Sadness' Source

From deep within the hurt begins.
It's source is in my soul.

It's name is sadness, not regret.
It takes a different road.

It doesn't come from selfishness.
It's no kin of contempt.

It doesn't make me angry.
I feel no need to vent.

I knew the words would hurt me.
I've heard them times before.

But, this time I was standing.
Purposely standing outside the door.

I saw the arrow coming.
I knew what it was coming for.

I didn't raise my armour.
Like so many times before.

I let the arrow hit it's mark,
It's mark it did find true.

It's the source of deep sadness.
Sadness over me and you.

The Wake

In those time, when He's leading the way
The wake that goes fourth is full of Mercy and Grace.

It gives life, it brings Hope.
It's Great to be around.

It's painful most times.
But, then what in this world isn't

The other times this can't be said.
For the wake that follows in leaves many dead.

It's in those times that He's not leadin.
When I've took control, for whatever reason.

Those times are fewer, fewer than before.
They seem to diminish as He shows me more.

More of how much I need Him.
Need Him every second of the day.

To make the wake that goes forth.
Full on Mercy and Grace.

Richard.

Life

beatin, battered, and bruise
hurt, sad, and confused

battle weary, stressed out
full of frustration, only one way out.

comfort gone, chaos abounds
can hardly wait til the truimph sounds.

doesn't seem fair, doesn't seem right
that death would be such a welcomed sight

death's sting is gone, no longer a bitter taste
O' why, O' why, do I long to leave this place.

beatin, battered, and bruise
hurt, sad, and confused

battle weary, stressed out
full of frustration, only one way out.

Bluebird

This poem seemed appropriate to link to this site. I think it speaks to the struggle inside of all of us:

http://www.markscandrette.com/2007/07/18/bukowski-haunted-by-the-divine/


Eric
www.erichaynes.wordpress.com

A New Way

The sadness is gone, the self-piety has left.

Although everthing has changed and nothing's the same.

There's still the memories, the disabilities, the intense pain.


The New Way's a stuggle, very hard indeed.

The battle lines have shifted, no longer really inside of me.

I have something Greater now, something few understand.

I've let go of my old grip, it's no longer in my hand.


You can't do that, they scream and they shout.

That's not the way you move a'bout.

Other things are of greater importance.

Your priority are all out of whack.

Get back in line, you're making us look like hacks.

It's this away and like that, you're doing it all wrong, quick come back.


Sorry, I said, I can't do that. I've been given a New Way to live, I'm on a different track.

Come follow me, let Him show you the Way.

He'll never forsake you, or leave you, or let you stray.

Come let's have a party and do it a New Way.

Inside

she slept last night in a different way
her parts were covered, she had no intention of play
funny how you can't hide the truth
the tongue says what you want to hear
It's a liar, full of half truths
the body tells another tale
it reacts a diffeent way.

going out with a friend, I might be late
oh you're being silly, it isn't a date

she slept last night in a different way
her parts were covered, she had no intention of play
funny how you can't hide the truth
the tongue says what you want to hear
It's a liar, full of half truths
the body tells another tale
it reacts a diffeent way.

Richard.

Planks & Specks

It's easier to see the speck in your neighbor's eye, than the plank in your own. Jesus tells us to first remove the plank from your eye then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your neighbor's eye.

Wanting desperately to grow our relationship, sincerely wanting the best for both, ignorantly trying to orchestrate those needed changes my self, I set out on a quest to fix our marriage for both our benefit. It's easy to see what my wife needs to do for me to respond as I should. And, when I'm leading this crusade, it even easier to run on self-centered motives. I'm glad I'm not in charge anymore (not that I ever was), it's less painful.

It is amazing to watch the Lord move in both our lives. He has convinced me that I couldn't fix my own life, so I not capable to fix anyone else. I said this because I've longed to explore our marriage relationship, know my wife deeper and be known by her deeper. I see great benefit in working thru some of the couple oriented book on the market today. I have attempted, once, to lead us into one of those books, that attempt failed miserable. Then something strange happened at our couples group. My wife suggested we, as a group, work thru a book called "Love and Respect". I'm excited. I know there is this giant plank in my eye called "failure to love your wife as you should plank", and I don't have a clue how to love her like Christ loves the church. She deserves that love, and needs that love, and I want to help provide my part, the part Jesus calls me to. This should be fun, painful, but fun.

All I can say is: "What a ride". Thanks, Lord.

Richard.

Signifigance of a day

What is it about a birthday? Why is it important that people remember? These are the some of the questions that have haunted me this day, my birthday.

It's late afternoon, my wife as yet to acknowledge my birthday. I have six kids, only one of them has called, and she wasn't sure it was my birthday. The two littlest one are excused, they won't know because nobody told them.

So to say I'm hurt isn't a far stretch. Many thoughts of rejection run thru my heart. Even though I've never been more sure of my relationship with Christ, it's still painful, especially when your wife forgets or chooses not to remember.

The Days of Noah

As we, our local church, reaches out to South Africa. My heart is stirred to it's depths for the people, especially the children, who's innocent bears the brunt of the many outcomes of their condition. Not only do they face poverty, hunger, disease, but they endure the ravages of sexual abuse. It's reported that a 500,000 children each year are brutalize sexual in South Africa, many requiring surgery, multiple surgeries to repair the physical damage, not to mention the emotional damage that will haunt them the rest of their lives, if their attackers don't kill them in the act or to cover their crimes up. Click on the following link and read the article, read the despair in the young mother's life as she can see no hope, she knows what's happening to her two year old child, but there's nothing she can do. To her death only waits if she leaves. Read of the brutality inflected on this baby, the pain endured and the pain still to be endured. http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=304811&area=/insight/insight__national/

If you've read my blog, you understand why this is so impactful to me. To say I feel connected to these kids would be an understatement. This ever growing undercurrent in my soul is erupting. At this point I can do no more than use my story to bring awareness to theirs and in all things Glorify God.

Wedding

The wedding is just three days away. Wow, what an awesome privilege to be the father of the bride and perform the wedding, too. What an even Greater privilege to have a personal relationship with Christ. A relationship that He began and that He is in control of.

I am overwhelmed with joy and awestruck at the community God has placed us in. They have surrounded us with heart and soul and are pouring out love in immeasurable quantities. I am humbled by their actions and blown away at their eagerness to serve, when we aren't even sure of what we need or have.

I am so thankful. So blessed. So grateful.

Richard.

Been a awhile

It's been a long time, since I written. With that said, lets catch up. The New Year came in rather quietly. January seemed quiet on the outside, but internally and spiritually things didn't seem quite right. A period of waiting or dryness seemed to leave me with more questions than answers. February rolled in and thoughts moved to my mom, my wife, and the news. First, my mom's birthday rolled on by with the continual questions of why I don't feel pain or feel very little about her passing. More of my focus was on my wife, Valentine's day, our tenth anniversary, and how God is working wonders in our relationship, but I still don't know whether I just don't feel the lost because of the nature of our relationship, or if I'm just refusing to feel the pain.

My wife and I are experiencing God's blessings in our relationship. Because of His Great love, we are moving into an intimacy that I or we have never known before. Our anniversary was a sealing of a new covenant between us and God and in the days since as well as the month before we have experience wonderful moment after wonderful moment. We still have a long way to go, but we have the Greatest of Leaders and our combined thoughts are centering on Him. I am filled with excitement even in the mist of all the crap life in this fallen world continues to throw at us.

Which brings us to the news. One of our daughters is and has been engaged to be married. The wedding is one and a half weeks away. Near the end of February, she confesses to being pregnant. They had promised to wait, she had only a few months left of 18 years of virginity. Needless to say, we were quite saddened for them. They already had a rough road ahead, and this can only make matters tougher. We know God is in control and everything is for His Glory. It's still sad that they have to endure the pain of facing God with their mistake. I am hopeful and am assured that God is in control. This would bring us just about to the present.

With the wedding less than to week away, I find myself awe struck as God leads us into His future.

Richard.