I Believe...

I am a puzzle freak. I love puzzles, crosswords, logic problems, etc. In addition to being a puzzle freak, I am determined to accomplish things on my own. Puzzle books with answers in the back do not tempt me to cheat and look in the back. Not because I view it as cheating, but because I am determined to do it on my own. I will accept the occasional hint, but never tell me the answer...I much prefer that feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish it on my own, no matter how long it takes me. This charactor trait has been a strength as well as a weakness. Once in high school our youth group had a scavenger hunt event. The location of the items for our scavenger hunt were given to us in cryptic riddles. This was just for me! Many of us breezed through the riddles until we got to the last one...no one could figure it out. It seems the creators of the riddle were a little to cryptic and abstract. After the event we all gathered together for fun, food, and fellowship. The leaders, knowin...

Just over 9 months ago a special little girl was created. I listened to my oldest daughter every week ask "Is she here yet?". I watched as her Mommy and Daddy decorated her room. "Is she here yet?"...No dear, not yet. They bought her clothes and toys, anxiously waiting for their little one to come and use her new toys. "Is she here yet?"...Not quite. Mommy's face grew brighter and bright, and Daddy's chest pumped out with pride. "Is she here yet?"...Almost. For the longest time I waited and waited for to see her face. "Is she here yet?"...Yes! One week ago my little niece came into this world. Yesterday I got to hold her for the first time. Creation is the greatest miracle!

Isn't it divine how God creates "real-life" situations to remind us of His character? A few weeks ago I parked my truck in a public lot with a "for sale" sign. Little did I know that this was illegal, and as a result I received a parking ticket. I put my ticket some place where I would not forget about it, and as always happens when I do that...I forgot about it. Yesterday, when I finally noticed it again, I saw that I was supposed to have appeared in court last week. Aagghh, the demise of the un-organized! Knowing that there was most likely a fine to pay, and possibly even a bench warrant for my failure to appear in court, I went to the clerk's office first thing this morning. I was overwhelmingly surprised to find out that with out that the court had given me an extension...No fine, no warrant, no penalty. After paying for my ticket I drove to work considering my good fortune. I was shown incredible mercy by the court. I had done nothing to merit this favo...