Year 2002

A wonderful and amazing thing is that amid such national tragedy
there seems to be a renewed confidence in the human race and a purposeful direction
for the people of our country that has not been present for many years.
Our perceived reality was shaken and we now recognize
that every minute of our lives is a precious gift
not to be wasted on ourselves or to be taken for granted.

The Year the World Changed

As this year draws to a close I'm at a loss
To express feelings and thoughts of this past year.
I've had joys, new expriences, fulfillment beyond the norm
But 9-11 brought horror and fear.

Fake security was ours before that fateful day
Good jobs, vacations and what we bought
Were the things we believed gave us happiness.
Freedom and safety ? Gave them no thought

What have we learned through this trial by fire?
That love and people count the most.
That God is our one and only source
Of lasting Hope and Comfort when we feel lost.

So through the pain of the past few months
We have searched our souls and found
They were empty, self seeking, shallow at times
Nothing of which to be proud.

But with God's help we can gain in the days ahead
More than ever was taken
If we look up and follow Jesus, God's Only Son
This year we will never be forsaken.

Copywrite BJ December, 2001

Not just our country, but the entire world
has taken on a different perspective, as reflected below.

" More coalition partners are arriving daily. The amount of naval power headed this way is staggering. Great Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, and Japan have ships here or they are enroute.
Many more countries are pledging ground or air forces.
This is truly an international fight.
It is sad in way that it took the 9/11 tragedy to bring the world together like this. "

Captain Richard J. O'Hanlon,
USN, Commaning Officer,
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
November 17, 2001

Let us pray that our memories not be short,
but that we will continue to find ways to demonstrate
love and intregrity in our everyday lives.

The Bible tells us that until The End there will never be a lasting peace.
But we can commit to living in peace with those around us
and to spreading love wherever we go.