GRACE AND GRATITUDE!

So often we compare our lives to roller coasters. At least, I do! There is so much variety when it comes to roller coasters. There are the simple and gentle ones, like the mini train at Bay Park in Green Bay. and the same type is found at Como Zoo in St. Paul. I wish my life were like these rides; slow, simple, gentle and predictable.

I think the more accurate comparison for me is one of those Extreme roller coasters at the more adventurous parks, like Valley Fair or Seven Flags! Find the line where they have a nurse screening your health to make sure you are fit to ride. Look for the fleet of ambulances and EMT techs wearing dark sunglasses and a telling smirk on their face. This is the roller coaster that represents my life!

This past week I went through some wild and violent twists and turns. I mean, the kind that make you reach back to the seat behind you, scoop up your heart and put it back in your chest. I can't wait to get on some straight track again!

There are times that I simply want the ride to stop, or go slower or stop turning. The problem with that is, if it did slow down, we would not be able to experience God's grace in action. This is what I saw last week in the court room.

My roller coaster was headed for jail. At the very last second, the track was switched (by the hand of God) and I was allowed to leave the way I came in: FREE (for a while)! My heart was pounding in the seat behind me until I put it back in my chest.

I love to see God's grace and mercy at work in my life! I only wish that I had not been so stubborn and full of pride that I needed a wake up call for me to see it.

When you experience grace like this, there are often other people involved to make it happen. This is very true in my case. There are many people who have intervened on my behalf so that I could enjoy this temporary freedom.

I have spent some time writing thank you cards to some. Let me give you a snap shot of things people have done for me:

• Prayed earnestly and ceaselessly


• Walked with me through recovery


• Encouraged me by texts, emails and phone calls


• Took vacation time, rearranged schedules, gave up Wedding Anniversary's, etc. to stand with me at my Plea Hearing in Madison


• Gave me a job after I lost mine


• Gave me a home after I was no longer able to live in mine


• Accepted me for who I now am


• Voluntarily gave up freedoms so I could be FREE


• Took on an unfinished remodeling job at my old house


• Etc., etc., etc.,

My heart is overwhelmed by the sacrifices and generosity people have shown to me! It brings me to a new level of humility, which I have not known before.

I am so thankful to all of you for how you intervened in my life! You are the EMT staff who were waiting at the most dangerous part of the ride. I am eternally grateful for your support! If I had not received this grace and kindness, I would have been writing this in the Dane Co. Jail. Instead, I am watching the sun head for the horizon here at this beautiful retreat center in Pittsville. Yes, the name of the town is "real and intentional". They want to keep this town small so that it does not lose its charm.

Life is short. God has a plan for everyone of us while we are here. Whether your life is a wild roller coaster or a little train in the park, don't resist what God is calling you to do. Listen to God and trust Him. He will not let you fall. Accept His grace -- it is FREE! Live your life with a thankful heart, even if the ride gets bumpy!

With grace and gratitude,

McFreedom