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The newspaper headline was ominous. A potentially deadly virus had been detected in our area and health officials were concerned. It was unnerving because the virus is carried by a common rodent and can be contacted just by breathing in the dust in an infected area. The article gave specifics about what to do if you discover a dead rodent and later I went on the web to learn more. The information stated that it wasn't enough to just clean up the area. In fact, attempting to do so was dangerous, since sweeping would stir up the infected dust. Details were given on how to wet down the area with a solution of water and bleach, and caution was given about wearing gloves and a mask. It was a relief to know that though the danger was real, the prevention was relatively easy.

There are a lot of dangerous, even deadly things in this world. There are also a lot of pitfalls ? dangerous and deadly traps - that we can fall into spiritually. The Bible has a simple, three letter word for them ? sin. Sin can be unnerving because it's so common, so easy to slip into and so devastating if it is sustained. Sometimes, even when we try to clean it up, it seems like deadly dust results. But it's a relief to know there is a prevention. The guidelines are relatively easy to follow. All we need is the . . .

As THEY were--the disciples, that is! It's one of my favorite stories, fright and all. For panic must surely have been aboard that fishing boat, tossed about on the Sea of Galilee, the Savior sound asleep--the sailors wide-eyed in terror. "Wake up, Master, we're about to drown. Don't you care!!" And Jesus, calm as He always IS in a crisis, awakens, stands with authority, speaks to the wind and the waves, "Peace, be still" and with one last, wonderful WHOOSH, the wind and waves obeyed! A calm settled around and within these mighty men of . . .

There are certain statements that sound like the truth but really aren't. Here are some that seemed to make sense to the kids who heard them:

* Give us this day our deli bread!
* Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Whole East Coast.
* We shall come to Joyce's, bringing in the cheese.
* Gladly, the consecrated, cross-eyed bear.
* Yield Not to Penn Station.
* He socked me and boxed me with His redeeming glove.
* Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures, HERE WE GO

There are things that sound like the truth but really aren't, they're just a mistakes. There are however things which are true, things which are there to direct us and even ensure our protection. The sign that blocks the highway saying . . .