I love bread! I can't remember when I was not enjoying bread, even as a young child. Of course, corn bread and biscuits were staples around the Crider household. In fact, we took some of our 'good corn' to the mill to have it ground. Some came back with a coarse texture, some was more fine. But it all wound up in the same skillet - a big black cast iron one. Pouring the mixture in a puddle of hot butter or lard sent a message throughout the house - 'it's going to be good.'  Crackin' bread was a specialty we enjoyed for weeks after 'hog-killing.' It was crunchy and tasty too. Cornbread in cold sweet milk was almost at the top of the favorites' list. But when we topped it with buttermilk, I thought I was in heaven. Still do!

We all long for a changed heart from time to time. When we have heated words with another, when we are confronted with sinful actions or attitudes - we long for a changed heart. When we hurt others, or do things that displease our Lord, our 'inner person' calls for a changed heart. Sooner or later we come "heart to heart" with our Father in deep contrition and confession, kneeling before our Lord. We then feel a cleansing, a change taking place. Our heart is being washed by the cleansing power of the "blood of the Lamb of God". The power of the Holy Spirit is at work. God is glorified!

With the school bells ringing and school buses making their runs, we are reminded to slow down and watch for our children. As we pray for the teachers and staff steering our "precious resources" through the schedules on these hot days, memories of our school days come to mind! (walking to school, at least 3-4 miles, getting whuppings for chewing gum and shooting spit balls and a host of others). Also, it reminds us of new shoes and overalls, many assignments, and meeting new friends. Of course,the teacher was the center of all activity happening in the classroom. Just like today, the teacher 'makes learning fun and demands results."

 Haven't you been led to the very doors of heaven with beautiful, worshipful music? I have. We all have been blessed by singing (or hearing) The Hallelujah Chorus, or a great anthem of old. Gospel music answers the call for many. We all have the capacity to praise and worship the Lord through music. Even the birds, the wind, the trees! "Let all of nature rise up and praise Him." , Scripture teaches. Whenever a time of worship is being planned, music is almost always an important part of the triangle....prayer, preaching, music!