Ok, I'm over the World Cup thing now...  (Just Kidding) This is a long entry, just a warning. Seriously though, very few people who didn't grow up outside of the US understand how high emotions run during the World Cup. Every little boy in europe, africa, asia and south america dreams of scoring for their country, and every little girl dreams of marrying them (sort of like the quarterback/cheerleader thing in American Highschool, I guess). I think Rodrigo put it best, speaking specifically of Brazil: "Everyone knows our economy stinks. People are out of work, they don't have enough food or clothes, the government always steals from you and spends the money on themselves, our military is outdated, there is no hope. Then it's World Cup time again, and everyone can forget the bad things and come together. Suddenly in doesn't matter that you only have one set of clothes, and haven't eaten yet today. You are surrounded by your own people - all smiles and hugs - and you're watching the hero's of your country battling far away against foreign countries. And if you lose, your only chance for momentary happiness is gone..and your hungry again." It's just a stupid game, sure. But Marx was wrong. Religion isn't the opiate of the masses. Soccer is. Anyways, from an eternal perspective - some of you may have wondered about Trieve's last comment. If you don't know, my Grandfather is dying. To be fair, he's been dying for 18 years. That's when he was diagnosed with an uncommon form of hereditary cancer that runs in our family. Since that time, we've been told he has months to live. And yet he is still with us. About a month ago, he was rushed to hospital. His liver had finally broken down, and he was too old to have a transplant. Our whole family went to see him, and the Hospital sent him home to die. Except he didn't. I know, you can't live without liver function. It's probably not completely dead - the doctors probably exaggerated, who knows? What is more amazing that he is in no pain. None. The pain-killers sit by the bed, just in case, but they've been gathering dust. He is happy. An old cancer-rided dying man is happy. Why is he happy? I'll tell you why. I knew why all along, but I had to hear him say it himself. While I was taking care of him one weekend in New Jersey (helping him to the bathroom, putting him in bed, etc.), I tucked him in and turned out the light and for whatever reason, I stayed in the hall, and listened as he prayed himself to sleep: "Lord, thank you for all the mercies you have bestowed on me. I know you hold my hour of death in your hand, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Please, as long as you keep me here on earth, use me to bring Glory to you, whether in action, word, or example." And even to this day, confined to his room, God has been faithfully creating opportunities for Grandpa to meet unsaved people and share the Gospel with them. I love him, because he has faithfully taught his children and grandchildren to seek after God by example. I am excited for him - he will soon be home. When I came to xanga.com today, after so many months away, someone anonymous had left a comment with a what was probably a link to pornography. I deleted the comment, but it did hit a point home. Not only my friends read this. So, mysterious stranger, surfing the web for whatever reason...can you relate to the feelings about life my friend Rodrigo shared about brazilians and their football? Or can you relate to the prayer of my Grandfather? If you where on your death bed, dying from incurable cancer, would you be happy? Or would you be afraid? As a successful businessman in his mid-thirties, my Grandfather read these words, from John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten (unique) Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn (judge) the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." We are all sinners. There are many things people do to try and "make up" for their sins - confession, good works, meditation. The good news is, God knows you can't pay for your own sins! He sent His Son Jesus (who went willingly, because He loves you) to die for your sins. There is no judgement for those who are saved. What must you do to be saved? Romans 10:9 "...confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord (God) and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Tell God you know you are a sinner. Ask His forgiveness. Believe Christ died for your sins and paid your debt forever. Trust in His death as your freedom from sin, and Trust in His resurrection for your promise that when you die, you will see God as father, not as judge. Pray in your own words. It doesn't have to be perfect or flowery. Thats the great thing about God. He reads your heart, not your lips. Have a great day, Josh | 
