A lesson in trust

I am rarely effected by the negative bad news we hear most mornings/evenings. With all the talk about gas prices increasing, the housing market tanking, and the most of our society spending more than they make, it can be a little bit of a downer.

Just a week ago I was in Walmart buying a few items and as I reached into the self check out change dispenser I found a penny with wheat on it! "Sweet, an old penny!" I thought. I looked at the date - 1924. That is one of the oldest I've ever handled personally.

I put it in my pocket and then felt God speak to mind and heart. I began to think of all that penny has been through before it got to my hand that day. In 1924, one could buy a loaf of bread for 5 cents. That penny had seen several presidential administrations, the depression of 1929 into the 1930's. A couple of World Wars, economic turmoil and upswing. How many times have we walked by pennies on the ground, thrown them in a wishing well, or disregarded their value. Countless times!

God reminded me that as this penny has been through good and bad times, it made it through economic struggles, I too will make it through rough times. I read the inscription on the front and it said it all to me - In God We Trust. May sound a little cheesy but it really reset my focus!

If you haven't failed, you haven't lived

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The best thing that has happened to me

Originally posted on Typepad - February 29, 2008

I am proud of my wife. Since August of 2007 she's lost 62+ pounds.

She is more energetic, confident, we are all eating better, and she looks healthier.

I appreciate her courage to try something to improve her health. And now, she's helping others achieve their goals too.

She's the best thing that has ever happened to me!