Update, Chronicle and a pic

The last month has been a roller coaster for my family and I. We have had some definite ups and downs. Throughout the ordeal, I have slowly started putting life's events before God. My quiet time has dwindled down to just about none and my attitude has shown that. I see myself falling back into some old habits that have controlled my life in the past and I woke up yesterday afternoon, while thinking over a couple of things, and said 'Wait a minute!' Not having my quiet time and getting wrapped up in the flesh are in direct correlation with each other. Not to mention I have not had any words to send out to you all. My hypothesis to that is, when I am not in touch with God consistently, I am not able to do His work effectively. This has happened in the past and, will no doubt, happen again in the future. I have been struggling with my sin. Fortunately, we have a rock, a refuge (Prov. 18:10). Thank the Lord for that. I went back and read a part of Romans that has become a turn-to point for me. It is Romans 7:14-25. It deals with struggling with sin. Paul describes his struggle with sin as being "sold into slavery, with sin as my master." I totally agree and that is where I find myself. This next portion hit me square between the eyes. I try so hard not to sin, and when I do, I feel horrible about it. I have to come to the realization that I am a sinner and I am going to sin, no matter how hard I try not to. Verses 18-20 hit home. They read:

18 I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. 19 When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. 20 But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it.

So, there it is. Those verses describe my life perfectly. No argument from me. Man, I sure do love God, especially for giving us a way to deal with life's petty problems. The Bible is perfect and infallible. No part of it is false and it is perfect, both then and today. Read it folks! It's good stuff! It will wake you up, guide you paths, teach you about life's lessons and give you insight. But most of all, and I'm not sure how else to say this, God can love you through His word. He brought the hammer down yesterday afternoon, and did I ever need it. We ALL struggle with sin, but some of us (especially me) try to fix it ourselves. Stop trying, give it up to the Almighty. He's a great fixer-upper.

I love you all, each and every one of you, with all the fiber of my soul. Please continue to pray for each other and yourselves. Prayer is more powerful than you might think. Stacy and I continue to pray for all of you and we pray for boundless blessings for each of you. Take care and love one another.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.