Bridge Builders

I had never seen this poem in its entirety until this weekend.  It was recited by memory by one of the attendees at a conference.  All this time I had assumed this poem spoke of wisdom and the peace in knowing what should concern me and what should not.  When anxiety would overshadow me, well-meaning friends would recite the first two verses to remind me about the things I could not change so stop worrying.  There is a nod to serenity and wisdom in the poem but most importantly, it’s about contentment. Philippians 4:11-13 11  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  12  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13  I can do all things through Christ [ a ]  who strengthens me. Live one day at a time, one moment at a time and accept what life brings.  To do this, we must entrust all things to God.  H

NO Scripture today, just a thought. The anti-vaccine rate is up in Texas due to the increasing number of parents that utilize the vaccine exemption clause.  Their decision not to vaccinate is attributed to the debunked belief that vaccines cause autism.  When vaccine rates decline, the likelihood of childhood diseases making its way back into the community increases exponentially.  This phenomenon is based on what is called herd immunity.  Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become   immune   to an infection through immunization, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune .  Non-immune people are infants not old enough for vaccines, children with cancer on chemotherapy, people born without an immune system and the elderly.  If the majority of people around them are not immunized then they are vulnerable to deadly infections.  Lack of herd immunity ma

     I didn’t sleep at all last night.   Stretching and floor exercises to relax did not work.   Drinking hot tea with a heating pad on my neck and shoulders was of no use.   Sad to say, reading my lesson for Sunday not for understanding but using the scripture as a sleep aid was ineffective with good reason.   Many nights we lie down thinking about the news of the day, making plans for the following day, rehashing old conversations and re-configuring responses already uttered then spend the night fretting about not being able to sleep.   We try in earnest to put ourselves to sleep. Psalm 127:2 For so He give His beloved sleep. God gives His beloved. Sleep.  How will He do it for us?  When we consider our day and are content with what God has given.  When we understand tomorrow is not promised and it will take care of itself.  When we can be grateful for the quietness and the time of refreshment He provides.  When we allow Him to do what we cannot do for ourselves, rel