Former Jr. Higher Killed in Iraq

I got word today that one of my former Jr. High wrestlers was killed in Iraq. Joey Strong was his name. I remember coaching him and watching him grow into a fine young wrestler. He was a hard worker and he had God given athletic ability. Please be praying for his family during this trial!

I hear virtually everyday of American Soldiers being killed in the war, odd how I've come to expect it, even more odd...no sinful really, of how hardened to the death of someone's husband / son / brother / friend, I realize now I've become. Now, for the first time since March of 2003, the start of the war, the death has hit closer to home than I'm used to, and my eyes have been opened. My heart and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Please be lifting them up in your prayers as well. I'm unsure of their or his spiritual condition(s), which for me actually makes it a little harder, not knowing...but God knows.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God sent His son!

I awoke this morning with these words in my head. This is a very busy time of year for all of us and if by chance you had time to read this blog I wanted to encourage you with them, as I was encouraged this AM. And though I am not a scrooge by any stretch, by now I've had my fill of the radio "holiday" songs...they started them even earlier this year, before Thanksgiving as I recall. It doesn't help that I can't find my Christmas CD's, as I have recently moved and they're surely in of box somewhere. These words below bring to mind a simpler time. I hear my grandmother singing them, in her sweet old grandmother voice, as she plays the piano in her living room. Merry Christmas!

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives.

But greater still the calm assurance, This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain.

And then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone!

Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives!

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~