There once was a man...

who said he didn't believe in God. He was into the whole Indian way of thinking. Healing with crystals and stones was his thing. Talk of indians, sweat lodges and praying to gods wasn't unusual in his home. He thought he had it all figured out.

He was three times divorced with no children. He said he didn't think God ever wanted him to have kids. Strange coming from a man who didn't believe in God. Then one day at the age of 45, his son was born. The apple of his eye. He started making plans for his future, saving money for his college education. He wanted him to try baseball and piano and experience Disney World when he was older. He loved that child with all his heart.

Imagine how he felt the day the doctor told him he had Lou Gehrig's Disease while his eight month old son crawled around on the floor of the exam room. He was being told he would not see that baby grow up to be a man. He would miss it all.

Instead of living life to the fullest and enjoying what time he had left, he sunk into depression. He gave up. And because of that, his body gave up much sooner than it would have if he had a different attitude.

Then a preacher came to the house. He shared the bible with him. The man chose at that moment to believe and was baptized in the church that he attended until he couldn't physically visit any longer. The man died when his son was 19 months old. Our son Thomas is now 10.

Today he is in a better place. He didn't want to leave...but if given the choice to come back I'm certain he would refuse. For what lies ahead of those who believe is so much greater than anything we've ever experienced here on earth.

It's hard to imagine since this life here on earth is all we know. There's a verse in the bible that says, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Right now we don't understand why we have such hardships in this life. We don't understand how God can take us from our family at such a young age, with half our life still to live. It's hard to accept that "A God who loves us can do this to us." All I can say is now our vision is clouded, we don't know all, we don't understand...but one day when we stand face to face with God, it will all be revealed.

I have a friend who is facing a terminal illness right now. He doesn't seem to be sure what he believes. Or if he does believe he's not willing to admit it. This is for him.

It's all I have to give.

It won't make your problems go away. But it can give you peace. You just have to reach out for it and screw anyone who thinks your nuts. Not everyone gets the chance to make things right. You have a chance to choose where you'll spend eternity. I pray you make the right one.

And if you think I'm nuts well then I'll wear that badge with pride. I know where my soul is going when I die...I have peace about that. The rest I have no control of. I want you to have that peace.

You are not alone...