Prayer for Chapman Family

Very sad news yesterday: Daughter of Christian music star killed by car

Please keep the Chapman family in your prayers and may God grant them peace.

On Moving a Family

"The family that moves together, stays together." Or something like that.

We survived our second move in seven months. Our new home (new to us) is truly a blessing. We managed to live in a 3-bedroom apartment, for a little over six months, and the experience has made us realize that we don't need a whole lot of room to live in. Our needs and wants certainly have changed for the better.

We made it through a lot of stress and multiple illnesses, but we are so much stronger now. If God weren't in our lives, we would be in far worse shape.

Now the hard part... We need to find a church. One that is not too big, or too small; one that is just right. Most important: One that we can worship God in and put Him first. We were attending Johnson Ferry Baptist for a while, but it's way too big.

So, any help finding a church would be deeply appreciated. We are open to community-style churches with family ministries. We are located in the north part of Marietta, Georgia. Feel free to send me an email at:

mmansheim@gmail.com

Peace be with you...

On Faith and Disease

Sad story from FoxNews. An 11-year old girl, with insulin dependent Diabetes, dies from apparent ketoacidosis because her parents believed the disease could be cured through prayer.

Being a "type 1" diabetic [of over 31 years] and a follower of Christ, I do not doubt that God can cure people of diseases. However, as much as I have witnessed miracle cures of Cancer and the like, I have yet seen a miraculous cure for insulin-dependent Diabetes. Sorry...it just doesn't happen.

Again, I am not doubting God's power. He does His will, not mine. Is it His will for me to be diabetic? No. Is it His will for me to properly take care of myself - my disease -, love with all my being, and live a life to glorify Him? Yes.

So where did these parents go wrong? Why did they fail to care for their daughter? Why couldn't they have taught her to use the disease as something positive - to help others - instead of something God needed to rid?

Only they truly know.

I have faith that God loves me for being His creation. Yes, I have a disease, but it doesn't control my life; I control it. I have done wonderful, great things even with a disease. I live for my Heavenly Father, my wife and children. I live for today.

Live for someone greater than all of us, love yourself, and love others.

Oh, and all you diabetics out there...take good care of yourselves.

Tourney Time!

It's the most wonderful time...of the year!

I follow college athletics throughout the year, especially my beloved Wisconsin Badgers. I have watched almost every men's basketball game and cheered them through the Big Ten tournament. Arguably, they have the best defense in the nation.

Now it's crunch time. Win or go home. Do or die. Eat or be eaten.

Pick a catch-phrase, it all means the same: There is no room for loosers. You either play with the heart and soul of a warrior or flop. I will be pulling for the Badgers to go all the way. Why not? It's tourney time! Anything can happen.

Side Note: How crazy was that for the University of Georgia to win the SEC championship?

Yes, anything can happen...

Warrick Dunn Released From Falcons

One of the few reasons I watch the Atlanta Falcons play is Warrick Dunn. He brought excitement to the game, he never gave up, and managed to keep a positive attitude even when the Falcons weren't doing so well. Cue violin...

Today, the Atlanta Falcons announced that they released Dunn in light of their new running back, Michael Turner. I could rant and rave at such a poor move by the Falcons, but hey, they know what's best, right?

Dunn's work will probably be remembered more off the field than on. His charity, Warrick Dunn Foundation, has provided single-parent households with the opportunity of home ownership. Please visit the site.

I know there are other sports figures who are heavily involved with their communities and charities alike, but Warrick stands above. His character on and off the field exude the qualities we should all strive towards.

Warrick, we will miss you...