Solid Ground.

My heart breaks when I see an old barn falling to pieces from neglect. In a large percentage of these cases, the barn roof was left to fall into disrepair. I can still hear my father mention that fact and then go on about how we needed to keep our barnroof patched and sealed with roof coating. That usually meant a lot of back breaking work. Ugh!

Our barn, built in 1888, is still standing strong today.

There is another important factor to consider when watching a barn, house, or (in our current situation) our country fall apart. THE FOUNDATION!

I can remember helping dad repair the field stone foundation upon which our barn and house were placed. Smearing cement on rocks and laying one on top of another was the task in rebuilding the nearly 6 foot thick wall. Underneath all those stones was a huge footer that supported all the weight above. Unless one builds on a soild footer/foundation the building will fail. Yes, it is back breaking work, but it is essential in repairing and restoring the building.

Lately, I have been reading a book entitled, 1776 by David McCullough. It is small wonder that our nation got started much less thrive over the last 235 years. Divisions, suspicions, and a host of other ills permeated through our young nation. Our country then sounds much like our country now with one exception. One underlying theme seemed to follow the path of the early United States of America and that was the acknowledgement of God's providence and provision.

Our early war heros and presidents relied on the Almighty for guidance and victory. Not sure they would have been on the same page as I regarding theology (Jesus) but never the less they believed in one God. (I chuckle when reading Thomas Jefferson's Bible.)

We can all see the cracks (gaping wounds) in our American culture and wonder when the building will fall in on itself. Digging deeply into the ground of liberty to repair the foundation does not seem to be high on the list of importance. I hear about building new infrastructure, raising taxes for more assistance programs, and a multitude of other ideas to help strengthen our nation that currently is resting (tilting) on an unstable foundation. Race division, crime, and self-centeredness run rampant and the crack in the foundation wall grows with each passing day.

STOP!

Stop trying to place a band aid on a gaping chest wound. Its not working. Reviving the nations acknowledgment of the Almighty and turning hearts toward the restoring power of Jesus Christ will stabilize our nation and chart the future path of America.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the

city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1, NIV)