Bombings, crashes, terrorism -- it's been happening all over the world for years, but not here in the U.S.A. It's always wrong to hurt others, no matter who it is or what country people live in. Sometimes, we hurt people and don't even know it. But if it were made plain, we could correct it. That's what forgiveness is. Clean heart, right spirit, retribution, etc.

Bob's philosophy -- Matthew 18. Bob calls it the real attitude. If you have a problem -- go to that person. Risk your good name and reputation, financial assets, character future, and then if that doesn't work -- take someone with you who is hopefully neutral or open-minded. Then, finally, everybody that cares enough to show up to help a brother with another brother. Jesus knew that this philosophy would hold down or off most problems.

We rarely do number one of this text. Usually sharing our opinions with others, making WWIII out of some minute insignificant opinion. Well, kids, I could write more, I could give more, hopefully insightful material. But the bottom line seems to be to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind -- and love your neighbor as yourself.

Of course, it could help if you knew who your neighbor was, first. Or, I guess love yourself. Bob believes that if you don't love yourself you cannot love others and you will do the blame game when something bad happens to you.

May your house not fall apart. May you have wonderful friends. May you mesh your talents with others in the effort to make life a more wonderful place for all people. Listen to some music, drink some powerade, write, call, visit, e-mail, touch, love someone today before you lose the chance. One more thing, remember to forgive. I believe it is the key to happiness. Jesus said this "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." I believe that's everybody including us. How grateful I am. Pretty liberal, eh? Just like my leader, Jesus.

A spiritual thought from
the pen of Ellen G. White

"God can and will answer our prayers if we believe. Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in a certain situation because from our standpoint the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied. No human relationship is too strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding. No habit is so deep-rooted that it cannot be overcome. No one is so weak that he cannot be made strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need or desire, if we trust God He will supply it. If anything is causing worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, for love, and for power."

Review & Herald, october 7, 1865