Many years ago, our family lived in Pensacola, FL. We lived close to the Naval Air Station. The NAS facility was quite interesting. For one thing, it was home to the Blue Angels, the Navy’s precision flying team. For another, many times a day jet trainers flew over our home. We eventually got used to the noise, but still enjoyed the sight.

     There was an air museum at this facility that contained lots of airplanes dating from a Ford Tri-motor to the latest fighters. However, the most fascinating part of the base centered around the Lexington. Lady Lex, as she was known to sailors and locals, was an aircraft carrier. She was still used as a training ship.

     Our family used to love driving out to the Lex and taking the tour. The plank decks showed the signs of thousands of landings over many years. The sailor guides were always polite and knowledgeable. Their uniforms were spotless and their shoes shone with the power of a million candles.

     I remember standing in the wheel house on one visit. I got to stand right next to the gigantic wheel that was used to steer the ship. I asked the guide what would happen if I turned the wheel. His reply? "Nothing." I guess I risked looking stupid for pursuing the issue, but I asked him, "Why?" He said, "You can turn the wheel all you want as long as we’re tied up to the dock. The Lex has to be in motion before the wheel has any effect."

     Well, that hit me right between the eyes. Of course it made perfect sense. If the engines weren’t engaged, the wheel had no effect. Over the years, that scene has replayed itself in my mind many times. What do we do for "show" and what do we do for "go"? The fanciest gyrations at the wheel are of no value if our "ship" is tied to the dock and not in motion.

     I believe that God can guide us so much better when we’re in motion. We may even be headed slightly off course, but at least He can turn the wheel and gently guide us back on track. Just sitting still leaves us vulnerable. You may believe that the middle of the road is the best place to just sit and rest. Remember this: Road kill is what we normally find in the middle of the road. (g)

     Please send your responses to me by hitting my name in the lower corner of this piece. I’ll respond.

"RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD"...

- It's raining, it's pouring...again...PTL! Yes, the umbrella is a handy tool that is often in the wrong place at the wrong time. My view of God, the Lord, is that He is always at the right place at the right time...even when we feel it's the wrong time...He's there, too!

- Good one, PapaJ. Keep dodging those raindrops, :-)

- Funny you should have this as your subject today. My husband and I have been going over this same subject matter. In fact, just today we went to the book store and purchased a book for our daughter-in-law as a birthday present. The title of the book is "The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media Effect on our Children" by James Steyer. I keep saying that too many of the TV Shows do not reflect our family values. The movies and the TV make it seem like the norm for people living together without the benefit of marriage, etc. We hope the book will make a few points that have not been considered in the past.

- I am glad for the rain here, too! Good reminder, Papa. Thanks. I have been away literally and spiritually for awhile and just the comments below the message were a prod in the right direction. Funny how you never stop loving God...so you automatically think you are remaining a holy vessel. This is so not true. Get away from the Body and you get away from the constant reminder of who you are and how you are in Christ. As always, thanks for the insight.

- Good stuff! I always lose my umbrella, so I wear a hat :-)

- At church this Sunday we were discussing Ephesians and the wearing of His Armor. I use to think, like many folks, that His gifts and blessings were a far off thing. How wrong I was. As I am writing this I can feel His presence. When I am with another Christian and we have any sort of fellowship I immediately feel His presence. Through heartfelt Faith we can call upon the Lord and He comes instantly.

     Last Friday we, too, had a cessation of our drought and it came in a huge sheet of wind, rain and lightning. I was at work and out in the field. T here was a certain valve that I had to open. The lightning was very close and in quantity. I simply said, "Lord, I have to go and shut that valve. I can't wait for the lightning to stop so I ask that Your Spirit protect me, Lord, I place all my faith and trust in You, Lord, for I know You will protect me, in Jesus Christ's name I ask this. Amen."

     I knew He was there. I knew His presence was watching over me. The lightning was striking all around the area I was in and I don't mean a half mile away either. It was right where I was. I stepped out into the storm without a moment’s hesitation because I knew He would protect me. I know that He knew I was not testing Him and that I really had to go and open that valve. His Armor is always with me and with it I do not fear. Hallelujah! If we will maintain our relationship with God we are able to call upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit at any time. He is an awesome God and I Love Him.

- Good story about running through the rain! My husband and I were caught in Sunday afternoon's downpour. We ran through two inches of water and got the wettest I think I have ever gotten with clothes on, but I was so glad that we were getting the rain that the bother of having to change clothes, dry out shoes, etc. seemed minimal.

- Yes, technology is improving at my desk. I can now click on your sites and get there! Your site is very attractive, easy to read, and hits the nail on the head. I've often wondered about the armor of God...but never thought of it as like our umbrella. Right - it's no help unless it's immediately accessible!