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It was a sad day! Most of Jesus' followers had deserted Him and only a few stood around watching in horror as their Lord was dying on a Roman cross. As they tried to piece together the events of the last week they strained to recall all the things He had told them over the past three years. They wanted to make sense of the circumstances, but their grief-filled hearts wouldn't allow it.

Moving up the walk towards the big house a familiar feeling stirred in the pit of my stomach. When I was younger whenever I had to enter a crowd of strangers I would feel very nervous and hope that I wouldn't be awkward and alone. Today a few of us were attending a dinner and Bible study that was comprised of many strangers, quite a few of whom were international students. I am not very good at small talk and wondered if this would be one of those times when I would stick close to Dad and let him carry the conversation. 

Over the years I have noticed that there are many people who have a negative self image. They do not recognize that they have been specially made by God and are loved by Him, not because of what they do or what they look like, but because of who they are. Often when people struggle with this lack of self worth they tend to put others down thinking that this will make them feel better about themselves. 

"Loose lips sink ships" is a term used in WWII to warn against unguarded talk. The United States Office of War Information utilized this phrase on posters during the war. The posters were created to warn servicemen and citizens to guard against careless talk about secure information that might be used by the enemy. The slogan particularly warned that talk about ship and troop movements and destinations, if overheard by the enemy, could result in our ships being sunk by German U-boats. The phrase has remained in use and today generally means to avoid all careless talk.

That was the cry of the newspaper girl in the recent Cedarville Middle School production of Kilroy was Here.  Who doesn't love a good mystery? That is just what we got to enjoy as Abigail, two cousins, & many friends all worked hard to provide quality entertainment as well as an important history lesson for each of the attendees. 

I dragged myself out of bed a few months ago burdened by many questions and concerns. I had tossed and turned all night as my mind churned on and on, unwilling to shut down. I had only just fallen into a deep sleep when the grating sound of the alarm startled me and I knew I had to get up. After making lunches and saying goodbye to you kids leaving for school I sat down in my chair and wondered how I would ever get through the day. I opened my Bible to Isaiah 40 hoping to supernaturally imbibe some hidden strength from the words on the page. I waited and prayed and after a few minutes felt that I could at least take a shower and get going to work.