Footsteps
This an area to share moments in our life in which we realize the significance of God. These are our daily footsteps.

                                              He cares for us!
                                               By: Susie Wright

For those of you who know I am an animal lover....

Animals are just that, animals, but there is something so special about them. They are like special friends from God. The unconditional love, protectors and comforters in funny different forms.

Who among us does not like dolphins. We hear stories about how they swim along boats and ships for fun (either theirs or ours), are the only sea animal that can fight off a shark, cute little Flipper. They do tricks that make us laugh. Have been said to protect people in dangerous situations. And sad things like being caught in tuna catching nets. And so on.

Years ago we would see commercials for Sea World, or whatever, advertising 'swim with the dolphins'. It was so cute, these well trained dolphins swimming up to a person then sticking their little snout out and slapping the water to splash you.

Years ago Jack and I visited Hank and Bobbi in the Keys and went to a dolphin show. One of the trainers called on people from the audience to come to the front to show how dolphins are trained. I was one. I think, if I remember right, the idea was to relate a treat to a trick and I didn't catch on. If that wasn't embarrassing.

Anyway, the dolphins were so sweet and came up to the trainers and got a pet and a treat for a trick. I thought wouldn't that be fun to pet a dolphin? Wouldn't it be nice to get in the water with them?

When we went on our cruise to the Bahamas with our friends from England, Ruth and Chris, one of the sight seeing places had 'swim with the dolphins'. I said that was always something I'd love to do, but it was way to expensive. Chris said to just do it but there was no way I would spend such money that way.

I never really thought about it again, unless seeing an advertisement for Disney World or something, that I can remember.

Today, Wednesday, I got a call from Hank and Bobbi. They were on their way to Pensacola to visit Joey and family. After talking about our trip to see them January 14th to the 21st, Hank said he had gotten a call from some very long and dear friends from Colorado. I guess Hank had told them about me and my ALS bosom buddy, and these friends called to say they had a pass for a 'swim with the dolphins' and wanted me to have it. As I understand, they had gotten it for a daughter or niece a year ago but she never came to visit.

Well, I should have jumped for joy, but all I could do was cry. I felt like it was a gift from God. Something that I never prayed for, nor even thought much about but God knew I would enjoy, He so lovingly gave to me out of the clear blue sky.

This is the second time He has used an unusual (by unusual I mean not a dog or cat) animal to remind me Jesus is right beside me through this earthly journey home. A couple of weeks ago I was standing at the kitchen sink and most of you know we have a window right there, too. I was looking out and suddenly this little bird flew right up to the window and touched it's beak to it, directly in front of me. I was momentarily startled but this joy went through me. I said "Thank you, Lord" out loud. It reminded me of the Christian hymn that says "if His eye is on the sparrow then I know He watches me".

The Bible is the only totally secure means to know He will never leave us nor forsake us , but I think too that He sends little things or people our way as just an extra touch of His love. It seems, too, the Christian radio programming I listen to has been written just for me!

Now if that is not self-centered, I don't know what would be.

Susie

(This footstep was written by my most beloved friend. She touch my soul. We almost always talked about God (which of course was our most favorite subject).  We were both passionate about many of the same issue to include supporting the military and pro-life issues. Soon after I met her, she was diagnosed with ALS. Today was her funeral. She past away on Good Friday. We talked and when she was unable to talk she wrote. Here is some notes (handwritten) that are self explanatory for why I love her and always will.

"I really believe God brought you into my life for times such as this...I think of you all the time. You could be here everyday and it wouldn't be too much for me. I cant tell you how happy I am that your here...(you) are... filled with the Holy Spirit. I really need you to come. I need you and missed you"

All these things she said about me, I said most of them to here first. She was such a blessing to me. Once she told me that I should be jealous of her because she was going to see God first. I cannot say that I am jealous even though I really do want to see God. I honestly just miss her here and now. However, I am glad that she is no longer limited by her physical body which brought it share of torment. I thank and praise God for Susie. She was my friend.)read the article called 'soul friend'.

WHAT IS A WASTED LIFE?

What is a wasted life?
Is it a life without social position?
Is it a life without recognition?
Is it a life without change?
Is it a life without increase or gain?
Is it a life without connection?
Is it a life without direction?

A wasted life…
Is a life lived without walking with our Savior.
Is a life lived without knowing God’s unfailing favor.
Is a life lived without feeling God’s unmerited grace.
Is a life lived without daily seeking His perfect face.
Is a life lived without God’s personal vision.
Is a life lived without His supply of provision.

A truly wasted life is a life without knowing God.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
 

Casey Anthony Verdict

        After I heard the news of the Casey Anthony verdict, I was so disappointed and upset. I immediately told God to dispense His justice to this situation. Then it was as if God opened my eyes and I realized that God has seen children die daily at the hands of their mothers. Abortion, even in the Christian community, is rampant. How disappointed and upset God must be with us daily willingness to kill the very precious gifts that He gives us. I am sure that all these deaths must break His heart.