W.I.N.

Way past my bedtime, I watched our president's "State of the Union" speech last night. As I waited for it, I skimmed the autobiography of Lou Holtz, legendary football coach. I like his strategy for winning, W.I.N., What's Important Now? It seems like habitually asking that question would prevent wasted time and opportunities, impulsive hurts, and later regrets.

I've never had a more painfree "stick" for blood than yesterday morning. When I get the CA 125 number sometime today, I'll go back into this blog and add it for those who are tracking it. If it goes down, What's Important Now is to thank God. If it goes up, what's important is to thank God. Really. He is so much bigger than numbers and labs and cancer.

I slept really well last night, and to my delight, whenever I did wake up, a terrific hymn by Charles Wesley was ringing in my head. I'll quote it here, old English words and all.

And can it be that I should gain an interest in my Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father's throne above, So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Hin, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine;
Bold I approach the eternal throne and claim the crown, through Christ, my own.

Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

I have no more to say.

Carol