March 9

As I think of this journey of my faith, over the years and especially this year, I feel that I have had experiences good and disappointing. I believe that I have not involved myself in the walk of my faith as I should. An excuse is that Shepherd of the Valley has always meant home to me. I have not involved myself in other congregations. I go to services and support their programs with my offerings but not my own service of hands on projects.

As I have traveled in the summer, odd years to Juneau, and even years back to my hometown home state driving with my dog, Juneau, I realize that I have no fear driving by myself, but I’m not really by myself. I know that God travels with me and I feel safe. I take precautions so I don’t put us in compromised states.

I keep close to my God by remembering that my folks kept us in prayer and attending Church. I always say my prayer that was taught to me by them. “Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my to soul to take “. After that I add the prayers for others and our country. Comforting yes but I know that I need to do more. I have been blessed in this journey of life by the many wonderful people I have been honored to call friends, family, and new people becoming part of me and I to them. God is always in the forefront. I have never (at least I can’t recall a time) a time when I did not feel God with me. Many times as a nurse I would turn to prayer for help with the care of a patient and feel him by my side. God bless each and everyone Amen Karen Stumpf