September 17, 2001

Hi friends,

The DJ on the Christian radio station said exactly what I was thinking: Think of what was on your mind last Monday and how the events of Tuesday made what you were worrying about Monday so insignificant. She said she thought she couldn't stand the Atlanta traffic anymore. I myself have to confess what an ingrate I am, I was wondering if I will ever get my new big house CLEAN and if , since I decided to continue homeschooling , will my children drive me batty and fall behind academically? The nurse who took my blood Thursday said, when I told her I had five children, "You have five kids? And you're sane?" I answered "No".

Well Sarah didn't fall behind and she's doing very well in high school, so far- nothing but A's and B's. Ian, who turned 8 on Friday [the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance], is learning to pray for our leaders in government in our homeschool and I don't think he ever prays without thanking God for his baby sister! Sarah said they observed "a moment of silence" Friday at her school. So she did what she learned for her seven years in homeschool, she prayed to God. I'm glad we made the decision to keep Teddy, Ian and Claire home, so we can discuss the HOPE we have in Christ and pray to God for the victims, their families, the rescue workers, our President and leaders in government. We will also pray for those innocent Islamic people in this country who are being attacked wrongly by angry hurt Americans. Fellow Christians what an opportunity to tell everyone of the hope that is found in Christ! What an opportunity to warn others of the TRUTH of God's Word? READ Matthew chapter 24 or Luke ch. 21. "Wars and rumors of wars" . In Luke Jesus says for Christians to "be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the CARES OF THIS LIFE." [like Atlanta traffic or big messy houses!]. Jesus also talks about all the other "signs of the times", many which are happening today and says to CHRISTIANS, "When you see all these things take place, stand up and lift up your heads FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH." MY EMPHASIS ADDED. [Vs.28]

I was reading Peter Marshall's sermon today, written in the 40's and titled "The American Dream". Peter tells of how this country was founded on Christian principles. He says how, even in the 40's? we've made "freedom of religion" into "freedom from religion". He said "Today a large percentage of our population are without even a nominal connection with any church, children and young people entirely without religious training of any kind. But our children are souls- made in the image of God. These souls are immortal and will live forever, and the human brain is but a tool and an instrument which the human soul shall use. In the name of God…In the name of truth…teaching about religion must be demanded and provided for the children of today, if this democracy and this civilization are to survive." Later, Peter continues "Let us remember that we are a republic under God. Let us remember that each of the metal coins we jingle in our pockets bears the inscription "In God We Trust." Is that just blasphemy? What does it mean to trust in God? Certainly no conception of trust in God can make any sense which assumes that He will prosper our ways or bless us, until our ways become His ways…until we begin to keep the conditions He has specifically laid down for national blessing. The blessing of peace is not a product of politics-but a fruit of righteousness. God's order is always righteousness and peace-not peace and righteousness. The Bible has been telling us that for centuries. When will we learn it?" Peter Marshall closes his sermon with his text and said, in the 1940's, that it is God's word for America today. I believe that it is STILL God's word for America today, in the 21st century: "If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Yes, May God Bless America!
Sincerely, Susan


We've a Story to Tell to the Nations

We've a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noon-day bright,
And Christ's great kingdom shall come to earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

We've a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.

We've a message to give to the nations
That the Lord who reigneth above Hath sent His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.

We've a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow hath trod,
That all the world's great peoples might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God

Ernest Nichol