"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." .. Hebrews 3:13 .. I don't know about you, but isn't it sad how troubled and divisive the world has become? .. It seems that most all folks that I come into contact with today, be it Church friends, family, or even strangers, seem deeply troubled about what is going on around them .. and this being the holiday season only seems to amplify it all. .. Simply, most folks are very fearful of what might be coming next in this crazy world - that time just might be shorter than what they'd always expected. ... While I was out & about a few days back, I had a quiet moment while sitting in my car. .. So I dug out an old CD of mine I had recorded back in the late 80's. ... I listened a bit to old memories & thoughts of the past. .. While doing so, I happened across a song I'd written about my dad .. a song about how time goes by so quickly & how so many things seemed left undone. .. While dwelling on these memories and the lyrics of that song, I began to realize that it was in many ways very relevant to all of us .. of how quickly life can change and how unprepared we are to deal with it .. how many things we had intended to say but suddenly went by unsaid .. and how all of a sudden, it was too late.

Let me now share those lyrics with you & then I'll close with a brief thought ..... "I've been standing on the edge of time - wondering where - I belong Feelin' strange like something left untold - how can it - be said in a song

I've been shedding tears - 'cause the years keep slippin' away It's pushing time to go - But I'm still wanting to stay To share those feelings now - it's time - if not they will go away I know it must be soon - 'cause time keeps slippin' away

Looking long as shadows of the past - drift along - no where do they lite like a thought that has a hidden link - O so close - but just outta sight

I've been hiding fears -'cause this life keeps slippin' away The grains of timeless sand - keep running their own way A moment not too soon - it's time - if not they will go away I know it must be soon - 'cause time keeps slippin' away."

So here's my hope & prayer for each of you this Christmas season - and beyond. .. Too may times I've witnessed folks who's hearts are broken because there was something they wished they'd have said or done, but all of a sudden, it was too late. .. So now, for just a moment .... STOP! .. Turn off the phones & computers & TVs ... clear the room of anything that may interrupt you .. then make a list of who you need to say something to .. someone you just want to put your arm around & thank them .. to show gratitude to some person that's made a difference in your life .. to exhort some poor , lonely soul that may never hear anything good .. to tell your mom or dad just how much you love them & how grateful you are for how they sacrificed all those years to make your life better .. to forgive someone, or ask forgiveness for something you may have done or said .. but whatever, MAKE THE LIST! ... For those of us who have grown older, & if we are completely honest with ourselves, there is something we wish we would have said or done to, or for someone, but now it's too late. .. We can't go back, but we can make a difference going forward ...... and remember this one thing ... time keeps slippin' away ........ Until next time, Red