Wheeeeeeeeeeee! 2011 Blizzard

Don’t you just love the snow? I haven’t had this much pleasure since the Blizzard of 1967. I was 12 years old back then. The snow drifts had reached the second floor of our home. My brothers were thrilled to be able to climb out of their bedroom window and walk down the biggest snow mountain they’d ever seen. One of my older brothers shoveled his way out of the front door making his version of what he called an igloo. School was closed, no homework---- pure bliss.

Although I’m older this time around (much older), I’m enjoying the snow storm of 2011. I’ve even personalized this wonderful fluffy white snow as a gift from God just for me!

My days are so filled with work, followed by ministry responsibilities, and weekend extended family care; that my needs, and "Sabbath" time in the presence of the Lord are often neglected.

This blizzard has allowed me to catch my breath-----to slow down and reflect on God’s grace and His love for me. I have enjoyed unhurried time in prayer and study of His Word throughout the day. I’ve been able to catch up on writing assignments; and even partake in some creative art activities.

Hopefully the roads and the parking lot of my apartment complex will be cleared soon and I can get to work tomorrow. But if I can’t, I’ll continue to enjoy God’s gracious gift to me.

A CHRISTMAS WISH

If I could have one wish for Christmas it would be that God would send me a special, unique friend, different from the friends and acquaintances I already have.
This friend would be one who valued being single as a gift from God, one who isn’t called to be married; one who has a passionate desire to know Christ in every area of his life; a person who loves studying and sharing God’s Word. This special friend wouldn’t be offended by my quirky character, or become fearful of my challenging questions and ponderings about God and His involvement with humanity and His church; a friend that I could share a meal with; a godly companion that I could share my walk with Christ with and he would share his walk with Christ with me.

I had a friend once, which was very much like the friend described above, except he was married and older than I. I was about 15 when I met him and his wife, Deacon James and Lucinda Scates. They were members of the church my family attended. They gave me my first job working in their laundry, and after work we’d have dinner together.
A former alcoholic, I never tired of hearing Deacon Scates’s testimony, of meeting Jesus "on a street called Straight,” he would say. And from that point on, he remained in hot pursuit to know Christ more. We would talk for what seemed like hours about Jesus, God, the scriptures---his faith and walk with the Lord, and my young faith and understanding of the Lord.
When I became a young adult, he would have me lead his Sunday School Class. Here I was, a young woman, in my late 20s, discussing the scriptures with aged Christian men and women who were well versed in the Word of God with life experience to back it up. In recalling those days, I can see a glimpse of Jesus as a boy speaking with the doctors and teachers of the law in the temple.

The last time I saw Deacon Scates was 17 or more years ago. He was in the hospital and sent word through my mother to come see him. His wife was going through the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease; I imagine he felt somewhat alone.
He wanted to tell me that God was with me, and even as a youth, he had witness the Holy Spirit in my life. He warned me about false teachers who would try to confuse me and turn me aside from the truth I had learned and knew about Christ. He then placed my hand on his stomach and asked me to pray for him. After I had prayed, he said he felt the Holy Spirit leap in his belly, and he knew everything would be all right. He was soon released from the hospital----I never saw him again. In every church I’ve served in since, I’ve never had a friendship like what I had with Deacon Scates.

For several weeks, I’ve been feeling homesick and lonely; couldn’t understand what was wrong till a few days ago. I miss having a special, unique friend in my life.

“God send me a special friend who values being single (as I do) as a gift from You, who is looking for someone like me that together we can share our passionate pursuit to know You more, and share our faith walk with You, with one another and others.” Amen.

December 14

Today (December 14, 2010) made 1 year at my current place of employment. On December 13, 2007, I became unemployed. And on December 14, 2009 I became employed with a salary and benefits that exceeded my former job.

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY T'MIYAH!

Today, October 22, 2010 is my eldest granddaughter's birthday. Sixteen years ago, a week after her birth, I was diagnose with breast cancer.
Each year on her birthday we share two celebrations: (1)her birth; and (2)my extended life. This year on her 16Th birthday, I celebrate 16 years cancer free.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME!

David Brian Miller 1965-2010

Friday, October 15 (2 days before his 45Th birthday) my brother, David, died. He was brother number 6 of 7; and sibling number 9 of eleven. He is the first of my siblings to pass away.
David was more than just a brother to me, he was also my surrogate baby. When he (and the 2 siblings after him) was born, our mother worked nights, so his crib was set up in my bedroom. From early afternoon to breakfast I cared for him as well as my other siblings. For awhile, David thought I was his mother. He seemed to cling to me more than the others in that he never wanted me out of his sight.

David recovered from an extensive surgery on Tuesday, and appeared to be doing fine. I was at work when I received the call that David had died, I was stunned. In unbelief I threw myself into my work, working non-stop till it was time to punch out.
On my way home I stopped at the church, ran into the sanctuary, and kneeled before the presence of the Lord and began to worship Him in prayer, praise and song.

The stress of David's death intensified as the family struggled with planning his funeral which changed several times before it was finally settled to be held tomorrow.

Wednesday evening, I turned off my phone, made a pot of herbal tea, lit some candles, wrapped myself in a soft blanket, reclined in my chair and meditated on the goodness of God to my family. It was during this time that I came to grips with my brother's passing, and found relief from feuding siblings over our brother's remains.
David's body is an empty shell----he's gone into the presence of the Lord.
The medical staff said when he transpired, there was no trembling, jerking, or struggle; just a peaceful exhale, and he was gone. Before his demise, he made amends with God and his girlfriend; he saw his baby, and he left me a message that he loved me.

For me, Wednesday evening was the funeral for my brother, held in the privacy of my apartment between me and the Lord. I take comfort in knowing that I will see my baby brother again.

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

Today I celebrated my 55th Birthday by taking in every moment with a grateful heart to God for all of His goodness to me. I still marvel at His grace and tender mercies----His discipline of me, and His eternal love for me.

I've received so many well wishes and blessings from family and friends, even co-workers. I am truly, truly a blessed woman.

Thank You Lord for another year!

Perfect Love

 

Last night (the night before Valentine's Day) I notice several "last minute" men scurrying through the leftovers at Walgreens trying to find gifts for their significant other. I chuckled to myself as two of the men debated between themselves which of the two had found the better gift for his sweetheart.

 

As I walked out of the store I thought about the Savior, my Savior. He didn't wait till the last minute to show me how much He loved me. His gift of love was a well thought out plan that He and the Father put together long before the earth was formed (Eph. 1:4-5)! He looked down through time and chose me to be a recipient of His amazing love and grace.

 

In my life time I've met men who could talk a good game of love but couldn't demonstrate what true love looks like. Jesus demonstrated His Love for me in that before I came to faith in Him, He died for me (Rom. 5:8).

 

The awesome thing about being the Savior's Valentine is, His love for me is perpetual. I've been married and divorced twice, yet Jesus has never left my side since I accepted His gift of love at age 13.

Even now He is preparing a place for me within His Father's mansions, that where He is I will be also.

 

John 15:13; Romans 5:7-8; I John 3:1-2;

 

AIN'T GOD AWESOME?!

December 13, 2007 I became unemployed. December 14, 2009 I began a new job. It's amazing to me how God works in our lives. He is so precise in all that He does.

In the two years that I was out of work, struggling with on and off unemployment benefits----God took care of me. He secured my apartment and utilities, provided food for me to eat, clothes to wear, and maintenance of my car with gas to keep it running.

My life has been filled with numerous crisis. But in each one, God has spoken "peace be still" to my heart and has taken me by the hand, and walked with me on the storm tossed waters of life, bringing me safely through.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Year's Eve has, for the past 5 years, been the loneliest day of the year for me. Not so much because I'm divorced and live alone-----but because there was no one to share my life in Christ with in celebration of overcoming the obstacles of the old year and going into the new year with a fresh start.

All of my life, from childhood to adult, my family spent New Year's Eve in church where God's people gave testimonies of victories in their lives, illumination of God's Word that led them into His presence, stories of personal growth, friends and family members who were won to the Lord, etc., etc. We would then get on our knees, around 11:30, praying and worshiping God for bringing us through another year, with anticipation of His continued love and guidance in the New Year. Shortly after midnight we would gather in fellowship hall where we would continue our celebration with food and well wishes to one another in the New Year.

Not many churches today have "Watch Service"----so I've been spending the evening alone, on my knees in prayers and songs of thanksgiving and hope as time closed out the old year and ushered in the new. At midnight I would partake in the Lord's Supper in remembrance of my union with the Savior.

This year, my church combined its Candle Light Christmas Eve Service with one of our neighboring churches. What a blessing! God truly left His throne and visited His children on that evening.

Tonight, our neighbor church is having New Year's Eve (Watch Night) Service and I look forward to attending with great expectation that God will again minister to His children, re-igniting our hearts with passion to press on toward intimacy in Him.

LORD, Send A Revival!

I awoke this morning feeling very discouraged. This week began with a fight to withstand the demons of apathy, indifference, and hopelessness that’s plaguing the faith community I belong to. The atmosphere among the staff and leaders is so depressing that I fear for my own spiritual health.

It’s obvious, at least to me, what the problem is. My church has left its first love. There is no intimacy between individual members and Christ, which means there is no spiritual intimacy among members toward one another. We go through the motion of Sunday programming without heart or passion. We go home and busy ourselves with jobs or unemployment rituals, pay TV, entertainment vices, food, criticizing and blaming the government for the mess our country is in; and at the end of the day give 7minutes (if that much) of unconscious prayer to a distant Heavenly Father in the name of His distant Son, Jesus, and go to bed, and repeat the same scenario the next day and thereafter.

I can hear Jesus calling out to His people to rekindle their love for Him and His Word. I hear Him knocking at the door of hearts who claim they are His.

"Here I am, open the door and I will come in and commune with you. I want to renew our relationship. Remember when you first met Me, when you first accepted Me as your Savior? You were so grateful for salvation, you devoted yourself to talking with Me in prayer daily---you loved to study My Word and apply it to your life. You willing showed love and forgiveness to others. You actually cared about My other children and did what you could to help them and show them My love. And you weren’t ashamed to share your faith in Me with family and friends. You were passionate in your worship of Me and My Father. My light shone brightly within you.

But now you’ve forgotten the old days. Your heart is no longer in your Worship of Me and My Father. You come to church with a desire to hurry up and go home. You no longer spend time getting to know Me through personal and corporate prayer. The only time I hear from you is when you’re in trouble and everyone you trusted above Me has turned their back on you. Come, open the door and let me in. I will forgive you and hold you in My arms. Come, let me in."
　
Most Gracious Father,
Thank you for undeserved mercy to me and your people. Please, Lord God Almighty, send a revival to your children. We need You Lord, I need You Lord-----we can do nothing without You.
Please, don’t let our light go out (Revelation 2:4-5).
In Jesus’ name,
Anna

MEMORIAL DAY BLESSINGS

As I join our nation in pausing to remember the sacrifice of our soldiers who gave and lost their lives in defending and protecting the many freedoms we enjoy in America, I am especially grateful to God for allowing my son (Air Force) to return home from two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. Today he is in Germany celebrating Memorial Day with his family.

I am also grateful that God kept my nephew (Navy) safe and allowed him to return home to his family.

Thank You Lord, Amen

THIRSTY?

Friday, March 6, 2009
I thought about Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well today when a co-worker walked into my work area looking for something to drink. "I’m looking for a drink that will quench my soul" he said to me. "There is no drink in the world that can ever quench your soul" I replied.
Unlike the woman at the well, who was thirsty for the Messiah, my co-worker was thirsty for something else and it wasn’t Jesus.

My biggest fear in being assigned to work in the Food Pantry Warehouse was that I might run into former clients and their family. Would my being unemployed and a recipient of General Assistance (being in the same boat they’re in) ruin my testimony of faith in Christ, before them?

On my first day I saw a former client’s sister who in the past, was very resistant to the gospel. To my relief she didn’t recognize me. But in route home at the end of the work day I felt convicted. So on my next scheduled work date I revealed myself to her. And to my surprise, she didn’t mock me; she was awed that despite my circumstance, my faith in Christ was still intact with a continued demonstration of care for her and her family.

Although she hasn’t made a commitment to Christ yet---who can say she won’t? Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why God has engineered my placement there that she and others are given opportunity to receive the gospel and be saved.

TRUTH

"What is truth?" asked Pilate of Jesus. Illinoisans are probably asking the same question in light of Sen. Roland Burris’ ever changing story surrounding his appointment to the senate by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The world’s version of truth is based on whatever it chooses to be true, in order to achieve a desired goal or purpose. Even religious folks have its form of truth; it’s rooted in self-righteousness and pride. The practice of these types of truths enslaves us to our sin nature because it is based on the cravings of the flesh.

Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth shall make you free."(John 8:31, 32)

The truth Jesus spoke of comes from Him and it is realized only in those who have saturated their heart and mind with the Word of God. The truth is no matter how high we’ve climbed the ladder of success; no matter what office or title we hold in the world or in the church----we are not exempt from sin and its entrapment. We are swayed to overlook our sin to protect our reputation or to gain power and position over others, and we’re all subject to being duped, and misled by Satan through close friends, associates and family.

The only person who is free from sin is Jesus, and we experience His freedom from our sin when we acknowledge it, repent, and align our will with His.

Most Gracious and Heavenly Father,
Create in me a fervent desire for Your Word to burn brightly in my heart and mind.
Continue to expose sin areas in my life, so I may experience freedom from my sin through repentance and forgiveness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

GLORY in Poverty

If my revisiting poverty results in one soul coming to Jesus, it is more than worth the trip.

As an eligibility requirement to receive General Assistance, I have to give one day a week working in the Township’s Food Pantry Warehouse packing food boxes for needy families. Today during lunch a young man asked me what I was reading. I told him, I was reading my Bible. Ten minutes later he came and sat near me and asked, "What are you reading now?

"The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis"

"What’s it about?"

After explaining to him what the book was about, he opened his heart to hear the gospel and conversation began centered around a personal relationship with Christ.

To GOD is the GLORY!

The Lifter Up of My Head

I heard a song on the Worship Net channel by Jocelyn Brown that has refreshed my soul these past few weeks. The artist combined an old hymn (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms) with the song, "Praise the Mighty Name of Jesus."

The chorus of the song says –

Praise the mighty name of Jesus,
Praise the Lord the lifter up of my head –
Praise the Rock of my Salvation,
All my days are in His faithful hands.

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms –
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms.

I’ve been unemployed for 14 months. My unemployment benefits ran out in December. My life from a human viewpoint looks quite bleak. But from the standpoint of the scriptures presented in the song, I, even now; dwell in a place of blessedness. How? My life is in the Faithful Hands of Jesus. Because I trust Him to care for, and protect me I can lift my head above my troubles and worship Him. By His love for me He has touched the heart of people around me to share their substance with me. The Lord has given me favor with my landlord, allowing me to keep my apartment for less than what he’s due. He has even sent people to encourage me and stand in prayer with me. And most important-----just as He had taught me the blessedness in graciously giving to others; He has now taught me how to graciously receive from others as receiving from Him.

A POST ELECTION THOUGHT

"For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south, But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another." – Psalm 75:6, 7 (NKJ)

When one commits his/her life to walking on the water with Jesus, all of life’s decisions are based on an understanding and belief in the Word of God.

At age 53 this was the most intense presidential election I’ve participated in. I spent more time researching each candidate and their views than I did in previous elections. I also spent a great deal of time praying, asking God to show me what to look for-----including which candidate would be more receptive to His influence.

In light of the scriptures, this is what I observed of both candidates.

1 John 4:15 - "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."
When Both Senators spoke with Rick Warren, Sen. Obama confessed faith in Jesus, Sen. McCain did not.

Deuteronomy 5:20 – "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." In Sen. McCain’s campaign speeches, he assassinated his opponent’s character by falsely accusing him of being a socialist, a Muslim, and a Muslim friend of terrorists. Sen. Obama never slandered Sen. McCain character. What he said about Sen. McCain was that to elect him would be keeping President Bush in office.

Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is……..self-control……"
Sen. McCain’s own party described him as a hot-head; cursing and storming out of meetings when his views weren’t taken. Throughout the campaign, Sen. Obama’s character was that of self-restraint.

James 1:8 – "…..a double minded man, unstable in all his ways."
At the onset of the Economic Crisis, and throughout the campaign, Sen. McCain changed his position on how he would run the country several times; whereas Sen. Obama remained steadfast and focused. He never allowed himself to be tossed back and forth.

1 John 4:20 – "If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"
The only time I hear Republicans speak against abortions is during presidential elections. Once they’re in office they do nothing to change our law concerning abortions. This makes me think that the topic of abortion is only a ploy to gain evangelicals’ votes. According to scripture, it’s impossible to love someone you can’t see, if you don’t have love for those you do see!
Beginning with President Reagan’s administration, I’ve notice that when Republicans are in office, all types of tax credits are granted to large businesses and corporations. After these companies receive their tax benefits, they pack up and move their companies overseas putting thousands of Americans out work. Despite their tales of why they do this, it all boils down to GREED. Where is the love for the American people that allow and support a company’s right to do this? Where is the love for individuals who can’t retire because the government allowed businesses to seize employees’ pensions for themselves after they bankrupt their companies? Where is the love for the working poor when government removes restraints (that would protect consumers) from greedy lenders that allow them to exploit the poor into thinking they can afford a house that the lender knows they can’t? Does the lender care? No, because he has already worked out a scheme to get the government to pay for the defaulted loans. Where is the LOVE?

In his choice of a VP, Sen. McCain chose someone who was weak in all the areas he is weak in. Sen. Obama chose a VP who is strong in areas he is weak in.

Sen. McCain’s campaign catered to evangelical leaders and the wealthy. Sen. Obama’s campaign catered to all Americans regardless of religion, gender, race, economic status or political party.

When Sen. Obama gave his acceptance speech it brought tears to my eyes. Not because he was elected as our country’s first African American president, but because his speech of unity should have been a message that our prominent evangelical leaders, and a particular Christian Radio Station (in Chicago) should have spread throughout our nation instead of the divisive and fearful propaganda they made against Sen. Obama.

I thank God, that in this election, the majority of Christian Americans from every culture in our nation chose to vote their own conscience instead of blindly following orders from the Pharisaic elite.

I pray God’s direction and protection over President Elect Obama, his family and the administration that will lead our country for the next four years. I pray he will never take lightly his responsibility as Commander in Chief. I also pray that he will walk in integrity and wisdom, with a heart that remains open to God’s prompting.

CHILD LIKE FAITH

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

As we mature in age, and become indoctrinated in modern technology and its amazing powers, especially in the medical field------we lose our practical, child-like faith in the omnipotence of God. In our heads we know God is omnipotent, omniscience and sovereign. But experientially, we don’t know Him as such because we do not exercise our faith in these areas.

In our prayers for the terminally ill where there is no known cure, we ask God to please give the doctors the knowledge to make the person well. How come we won’t ask God, who created the human body to heal the individual? Why do we confine God to working through doctors and medical research only?

We read scriptures that we say we believe, where handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from Paul’s body and placed on the sick and they were healed. But, when challenged to do that today we say, “God doesn’t work like that anymore, that was for then not now.”

Four years ago, following the birth of her baby, my youngest daughter called to tell me she and the baby were coming to visit----she said she wanted to cook dinner for me. While she was in the kitchen preparing the meal I held my infant grandchild in my arms, walking and singing spiritual songs to her. My daughter sat down next to where I stood and touched the hem of my dress. A week later she called me. “Mom, remember when I touched the hem of your dress?” “Yes.” “Well, the doctor told me I had cancer and needed to think about having my uterus removed. I remembered the woman in the Bible who touched the hem of Jesus’ robe and she was healed (Luke 8:43-48). I know you are a woman of God, so I asked God if He would heal me if I touched the hem of your dress. I just came back from the doctor, the cancer is gone!”

I believe the reason we don’t experience God’s miracles in our presence today is because many of us don’t believe He can, or want to grant miracles as He did in the Bible.

In 1974 my family of three was in a personal famine after my husband was laid off his job. All we had in the house was a half a bag of pinto beans. Believing the scriptures that tell of God multiplying meal and oil for a widow, her son and the Prophet Elijah during a famine (1 Kings 17:11-16); I asked God to multiply my pinto beans. For a week, my husband, daughter and I ate pinto beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pot never ran out of beans. Our famine ended on the seventh day.

At another time I prayed, asking God to multiply the gas in our car so we could pick up a family member who was in trouble and make it back to our house. We didn’t have any money to buy gas, nor did the relative we were helping. Remembering the woman, whose sons were about to be sold into slavery to pay a debt left by her deceased husband, and how God multiplied her small pot of oil to many pots of oil to sell, to get out of debt (2 Kings 4:1-7)--------------I asked God to multiply the gasoline in our car. He did.

Have you ever wondered about the two fish and five barley loaves the Lord multiplied to feed the five thousands (John 6:5-12)? It’s true. When unexpected guests stopped by my house to visit while I was preparing dinner (fried catfish) for my family, God multiplied the fish making enough to go around for everyone to be filled.

Child-like Faith in God believes God can do everything He says in His Word He can do. Child-like Faith in God enables us to practice what we read in scripture when our circumstances mirror what we’ve read.

My own healing from breast cancer was a result of my child-like faith in God. Well intentioned friends who had lost relatives to breast cancer tried their best to prepare me for certain death, especially after the chemotherapy didn’t work. But I held on to my child-like faith in God and His Word (John 9:3, 32) and He brought me through. The Lord worked through the surgeon to remove the cancer, but He healed the damage chemo did to my heart solo of the doctor’s hands.

BACK TO AFGHANISTAN

On last Friday, my son returned to Afghanistan. My greatest fear since he joined the Air Force nine years ago was that he might end up in a war zone. This is the third war zone he’s been in.

I am so grateful to God for watching over my son. No matter how old our children are we never cease to want to put our arms around them and protect them from every threat of danger.

My arms are too short to reach him; I’m powerless to protect him as I did when he was young. So with hands clasp together and head bowed, I commit the care of my son into the hands of the Everlasting Father, the Mighty God; that He would grant me mercy in allowing my son to return home from the battle safe and sound. Amen

HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

My only born son came home on leave from Afghanistan last Wednesday. What a joy to see him. I am so grateful to God for keeping him safe. So far he has been to Korea, Iraq and Kuwait. He will return to Afghanistan in two weeks.

Yesterday I prepared him a catfish dinner with all of his favorite side dishes. In all the places he’s been to (including his home base in the US), he has not been able to get fried catfish.

It was hard for me to accept my son’s decision to pursue a career in the Air Force. He has always been an honor student from elementary school through college. It seemed to me he could have fulfilled his career goals in the civilian sector. However, he is pursuing (and fulfilling) his goals while serving his country. Admirable.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please continue to watch over my only son. Keep him close to you in everything he encounters in war and life in general.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Real Equal Opportunity Employer

Too old! Not old enough! Outdated Education. Looking for someone younger.

Since December 2007 I’ve been looking for employment. Above are the responses I’ve gotten. Funny, when I was younger seeking employment I was told, too young, too educated, not suited, lack experience.

Being over 50 but under 55 is not a good time to change careers or be unemployed. It’s a shame too, because at this age stability, fortitude, reliability, and life experience with gained wisdom are great assets to any company.

Though the world may be ready to put me to pasture, God is not.

As long as there is a burning passion for God within an individual, he or she is viable and valuable to Him. At age 85, Caleb told Joshua he was just as able to wage a winning fight as he was 45 years ago under Moses’ command. And he did. Moses himself was 80 years old when he was ready to be awesomely used by God. The Bible is full of accounts of how God used aged men and women (as well as the young) in His service. (God truly is an EOE!)

Despite my plight, I know the Lord has a plan for this phase of my life. God specializes in using what the world considers useless.