Dear "fellow workers in the Kingdom of God:"

God is good! In recent months, my inherited Polycystic Kidney Disease, has taken a big turn for the worse. In addition to the local doctors and staff, I have a great nephrologist from Billings and his staff that are helpirlg me adjust to food restrictions (avoiding foods high in salt, potassium, phosphorus or protein) and by adjusting things in my blood chemistry, helping me feel better physically. God has been so good to me, for when I have been most stressed by these new "challenges", God has been there to remind me, through Scripture promises, childhood hymns lilting through my consciousness, exhilarating worship, clarity of preaching thoughts, support from my family and "consolation and conversation of the saints" (through conversations with you, my brothers and sisters in Christ) of God's presence and love.

In another very personal way, some of you remember that I was a bit bummed at my last birthday, turning 50, the age my mom was when she died. By the grace of God, in a few days I shall outlive her, and that too, has been a reminder for me of the goodness and blessings God continues to shower down upon us; "morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me" to quote that beloved hymn.

I trust you will continue to pray for me, as I do for you! God's goodness is there for us always. An author unknown, had this to say about worry, through email the other day: "Worry has been defined as "a small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind until it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. "

I have experienced this feeling, too, but God is good -and that makes all the worry pale in comparison.

May God's goodness continue to ,fill our lives with peace and hope!

P40t.s~Sdo