If you are reading this, you have blood in your body. Contrary to what some loyal sports fans say, it’s a shade of red for all of us too. The human body contains approximately 6 quarts (or 5.6 liters) of blood. In one day your blood travels nearly 12,000 miles. However, that same blood that is in us can also be lost. Lose half of your blood or more, and your physical life becomes endangered. That’s the model. Blood is really important.
            However, blood is messy. I don’t do so well at the sight of a lot of blood. Some of us do better than others. We usually take care when blood appears. Blood can come slowly and very little or faster with a very lot. How would you have done at the crucifixion scene of Jesus? How would you have done at the mess leading up to it? He lost enough blood to end his physical life. He was beaten and carried through the streets. He had a crown of thick thorns placed on his head that made him bleed from there too. He was not given a transfusion or an extra pint. He died slowly and painfully as a sacrifice for you!
            Certainly, the message remains clear. We understand the value of shed blood in the example of our soldiers’ sacrificial living. We understand that example through others who have given their lives for the sake of saving another’s life . Salvation came through sacrifice. You cannot save yourself eternally and spiritually, so Jesus shed his blood for you physically. Soldiers die for freedom that is often abused. Jesus died once and for all people whether they accept the message of it or not. Blood is precious. Hebrews 9: 26- 28 speaks to this “But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. “

          Postseason college basketball has now begun. I enjoy it since I am a fan. This time of year is known as “March Madness” for all the crazy games and memorable finishes. March is also the start of Spring and the beauty of that season. Already trees and flowers are blooming all around us, and the grass is growing greener and taller.

How’s your life going? Are you in a season of madness or gladness? Life is more than just today. We don’t have to dwell on the past, and our future can be promising. However, we can have madness by making our lives tense, filled with unnecessary drama, and void of happiness and peace. What’s the truth in your life? Are you feeling like an “underdog” waiting for some sort of “upset special,” or are you “feeling like the favorite” hoping to continue winning out? Just remember that your life does not have to be such a gamble. There is certainty in God’s plan for you. Are you up for the challenge? What are your “title hopes” built on? The bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Enjoy your life. Share it well with others.

I don’t have to do it all myself. I don’t have to try and be Superman. I don’t have to be so full of pride and arrogance that I don’t welcome and ask for help. I don’t have to cry alone. I don’t have to suffer alone. I don’t have to pick myself up after falling so hard. I don’t have to wonder where I am going or what I am doing in such fear. I don’t have to be defined by my weaknesses, my sins, regrets and mistakes. I surely don’t need to hide behind a front of artificiality. I don’t have to feel defeated by my failures and foolish decisions. I don’t have to ever wonder “am I the only one?” Why? Because we all need each other. We all need salvation. We receive hope from each other. We receive salvation through Jesus. We receive all we need from God. Because we need each other, we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Be blessed today. Love, Rob

             The word super is defined as “superior in quality or degree; exceeding the norm; and extraordinary.” This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday which has become as American as apple pie and corn dogs. It’s a professional football championship game, but its way more than that. It’s more of a production than a game. If you don’t like the game, watch the commercials and load up on some food. This is an event with something for every one of all ages, but it’s not the only thing to see on television during that time.

            All the other stations on your television will also broadcast something that day during that same time! Isn’t that interesting? One year, when the game was not so good, I remember changing channels just to see what else was on. There’s a point here. While millions of Christians make Sundays special as a day of worship, many others are not interested. They are “flipping through the channels” of life making Sundays just like any other day. What are you going to do to make Sundays super in your life? What kind of offering are you bringing to the table today as worship? Will it be your best? John 4: 23-24 says “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Are you ready?

          My little man and me are quite a pair. He has blue eyes and fuzzy hair. His face lights up when I look his way, and he smiles at the silly things I say. He’s growing up and learning more, and I can’t wait for what’s in store. He’s such a blessing day by day, and I love him more than words can say.

           My little man and me laugh together, in rain or shine, or any weather. He likes to play and look around at anything that can be found. He’s a miracle child from God above, and I do my best to show him love. I’m learning more and more each day about baby Keaton who has come our way! Thank you Lord.