Happy Wednesday! Three down and two to go!! Today went really well. Career Day was a big hit and took most of the morning and the rest of the day was devoted to the first Thanksgiving. First graders have a hard time relating to a world without running water, Wal-Mart, computer games, Chuck E. Cheese and McDonald’s.

Hebrews 13: 8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and forever.” In the last year the words “I Am” have come to mean a great deal to me. Those words have become an affirmation and a security for the place God hold in my life. It is the name God calls Himself. It is a name of self assurance. When I am in my prayer time and my heart is sad and I cannot speak the words I would like, I remember “I Am” and I remember that God has not changed or moved or even taken a break from this woman who usually talks His ear off.

As a teacher I began to look at the syntax of this two word sentence. “I Am.” God does not say, “I Was.” He says, I Am.” He tells us “I Am the way, the truth and the life.” He says, “I Am the resurrection and the life.” And in the beloved 23rd Psalm He says, “The Lord is…” No matter where we are in this life, God does not change and He does not move. He is never in the past tense. God is always with us right where we are. If we are shouting with joy from the mountain top, God is there. He did not say I will get there in a minute. And aren’t we glad that God is never late because He is always where we are.

I take comfort in knowing that this same God who walked on water, restored sight to the blind, healed the lame, preached blessedness to the poor and mourning 2000 years ago still says, Gaylene, “I Am.” When you call on Me I Am here to comfort you, celebrate with you, walk the road with you and help you to take joy in the journey even when there are bends in the road and pot holes. As long as I keep my eyes looking toward Jesus the bends may not straighten out and the pot holes may not get filled in, but God promises to remain with us no matter what and get us through. We have said that God will get us through dealing with Casey’s death. We will never get over the loss of our son, but we have Jesus as our constant guide, friend and comforter. No matter what, He never changes and He never leaves us. Cling to the great I Am in faith and take joy in the journey.

Love you, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.