October 1, 2001 HERE'S MY HEART... It's October, and probably the most beautiful time of the year in the mountains of East Tennessee. The handiwork of God is evident everywhere as the leaves begin the "changing of the colors". The praise of my lips is so insufficient to express the praise of my heart for all God has done in His creation. Amen! Miss Fanny Crosby, the blind lady who wrote so many of our beloved hymns, was once asked what had sustained her during some very difficult times in her life. Without hesitation, she said, "Oh, that's easy, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..." What a wonderful testimony of God's amazing, sustaining grace during turbulent times. America has faced some very difficult days recently. Now we are at war once again, defending the freedoms that God, in his grace, has allowed us to enjoy for so many years. Our lives were changed forever on the morning of September 11, 2001. Many dreams were destroyed. Lives were lost. Families were ripped apart. Not enough can be said about the valiant efforts of the rescue workers in New York City and Washington, D.C. Nor can enough be said about the courageous leadership of President George Bush, his staff, and our nation's leaders. Nor can enough be said about the brave men and women who serve in our nation's military, and their willingness to protect us and defend our freedoms. It has become our duty, our responsibility, and our privilege to pray for all of these. Yet, having said that, let me remind you again of the words of Fanny Crosby. For our TRUE HOPE is not in the rescue workers, our nation's leaders, nor in our military. Truly, "our hope is built on nothing less than JESUS' BLOOD and righteousness." May God help us during these difficult days, to keep our eyes, our hearts, and our minds focused on Him. May God Bless America. - Jim Clayton, Pastor