IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Early this past Tuesday morning. Around 4:00AM I left Chandler Arizona bound for Ceres California.

My drive to the Bay Area was directly connected to the recent transition of my Aunt Joyce Nelson (Fort); from earth to heaven. It was also connected to the fact that I wanted to see my Aunt Kay Lee (Fort); my Aunt Elma Fort and my sister Arnita Echoes (Fort).

I arrived in Ceres California around 3:30PM. I visited with my Aunt and some cousins for about 30 minutes. I then drove to East Palo Alto California to see my Aunt Kay. I visited with Aunt Kay, Uncle Bobby, Cousin Jackie and others for about 30 minutes. I then drove to my sister Arnita's house near downtown San Jose California. I visited for a few minutes with Arnita and her husband Steven Echoes.

Then I went to sleep in their spare bedroom for about 3 and one half hours. I got up around 2:00AM California time (3:00AM Arizona time) and went to the gas station. I left the gas station about 3:32AM bound for Chandler Arizona.

I arrived in Arizona shortly after 3:00PM.

Brothers and Sisters, I made a vow to The LORD several years ago not to ever drive from San Jose California to Los Angeles California again. My reason for that declaration years ago was the fear and danger of driving through the "Grapevine" in fog so dense that I could not see the front of the car.

Well, I must confess that I broke that promise years ago. In fact, I've driven back and forth from Arizona to the Bay Area a number of times since then.

That said, let the record reflect that I revived my previous commitment to not drive to California again... period.

I cannot tell you how terrifying it was driving from the Bay back to Arizona. Perhaps you heard about the terrible rain, flooding, mud slides and the like from southern California through western Arizona? If not, let me tell you it was bad!

The rain seemed relentless, the wind was strong, the fog was present. To top all of that off the windshield wiper on the driver side of the car caused problems too. Instead of wiping the window clean it smeared the rain water across the window causing bigger problems with viewing the situation outside.

I prayed to The LORD and asked for His guidance, grace, mercy, love and favor the whole way. Quite literally I thought I was going to crash perhaps even die a number of times. But The LORD is faithful. I said to my sister "God still takes care of babies and fools". I was a fool for taking that trip, and continuing on despite the weather.

So in essence I'm writing this blog to encourage everyone to exercise Common Sense. I didn't do that. To make wise decisions... I didn't do that. To pull your car over when inclement weather is the order of the day... I didn't do that. To spend time with The LORD when you don't want anything... perhaps this will influence His blessing and keeping you- when you do want some things.

On a closing note, my Aunt Joyce Fort as I said earlier passed away two weeks ago this past Thursday. My Aunt Elma has been diagnosed with bone cancer. My Aunt Kay, Aunt Joyce and Aunt Elma were "runnin' buddies. Please pray for God's will to be done with my Aunt Elma and her cancer diagnosis. Ask The LORD to heal her completely... if that's His will. Ask The LORD to speak peace to my Aunt Kay and my Aunt Elma with the lost of their sister. I have another aunt, Aunt Zelma who still lives in Texas. Pray for her too.

Heck, just pray for my whole family.

Now then have a holy, healthy and happy CHRISTmas Eve and CHRISTmas Day. If you're a member of Canaan, or if you're looking for a CHRISTmas morning worship service, let me invite you to join us in our annual CHRISTmas morning worship service from 8:00AM until 9:00AM at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Visit us online at: WWW.MYCMBC.ORG for more information. Or just stop by CMBC 931 South Stapley Drive Mesa Arizona 85204.

I call this blog "... THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!" not because of the CHRISTmas holy-day- but because I am trully full of wonder at how and why our GOD does what He does. Indeed He loves us one and all. Indeed His grace is sufficient.

Safe in the arms of JESUS CHRIST my SAVIOR and LORD,
Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST