I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

This is a picture of my youngest when she was about a year old. She is a gift from the Lord. She said to me this morning, "I didn't ask to be born", which is true. None of us ask for birth, but it is an honor given by God. I'm thinking she doesn't see this at the moment.

The teen years can be brutal especially in our current society. What someone thinks of them can ruin not only their day, but  their week or more. It's been so long ago for me since I was this age. I know it was hard, and I was a different person after High School. A new freedom came to me, and that I remember well.

I gave my heart to the Lord at about the same time as graduating from school. These were both major turning points in my life, but obtaining eternal salvation as a free gift from the hand of God, nothing can compare! I knew a freedom and confidence never imagined before! I was lighter, or so it seemed. 

The burden of sin was heavy on my shoulders, and giving over everything to Jesus was a release I will never forget. Our verse today is uplifting and inspiring and has helped many over thousands of years. There is one thing I cannot do, however. 

I cannot save myself; none of us can. Jesus, as the sinless, perfect, Son of God had to take our place and die for our sins. This truth never ceases to amaze me! Why would He do this? Why would He give up everything to take my place? Only love would be strong enough to keep Him on the cross.

This season is all about life! Jesus is risen from the dead, and life begins to sprout out of the earth. Newness of life is celebrated,  but  not everywhere. Death reigns in the hearts of unbelievers, and in some of them even to the level of destruction.

40 Days of Life, an  international organization asks us to pray to stop abortion. Planned Parenthood in Smithtown where our church is, has people outside holding signs every day from 7am, to 7 pm. I am one of them. Many churches are involved, and we stand hand in hand for the cause of Christ.

Unity doesn't come easily. It took a tragic law to be passed in New York to wake many of us out of our stupor. I love the people I stand with on Maple Ave. in Smithtown, and they love me. I would never have met these lovely catholic people, if I had stayed home. God has a way of turning the worst circumstances into good! We have saved 2 lives so far. Who can stop the Lord Almighty?