The Computer Zone...

Hello everyone! Sorry that it has been so long, I've been in something of a slump. I've been sucked into "The Computer Zone". Like the Twilight Zone, the Computer Zone takes you to another dimension of sight and sound. Strangely the world around you grows dim and all you can do is mindlessly look at one page after another. Until the moment that your eyes grow sore from staring at all the pages in mindless fascination. Every so often, I find myself going into that zone. Where I'm not really looking for anything in particular on the internet, I just zone out and stay on for hours doing nothing in particular. It is a trap, much like quicksand.

Today I spent many hours working on one little project after another, jamming out to my three new '80s CD's. It was actually quite fun as every aide that works with us out there was just as excited about the CD's as I was. I got quite the laugh when one of the older men started singing along at the copier and nodding his head in tune with the music. It was fun. Yet as I was watching these men, I began to think about the Lord and how He is the redeemer of all men.

I will admit that I am more often than not of the opinion that prisoners are almost hopeless to ever find salvation or to turn their lives around. I guess that comes from working in the system too long and seeing far too little change in these men. Yet there are times, such as what I wrote about previously, where true repentance is clear. I was contemplating that and wondering if these men even know that there is forgiveness if they just cry out to Jesus. Some of their crimes are horrendous. I'm bound to not disclose any of it but it can make a person jaded to know what man is capable of committing.

Many times, the decline in these men's lives begins with one bad choice. This then causes a domino effect that ultimately leads them to a place where they never thought they would be. I think of the song by Casting Crowns, Slow Fade:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

One bad choice can lead a person down a dark and twisted path. Temptation can lead to all manner of destruction if we give into it. Yet there is still redemption. It is my hope that this message will reach these men.

The person I once was before my salvation... wow, what a despicable creature. I still look in the mirror and know the darkness in my own heart... It is amazing what Jesus can do. It honestly is amazing.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound...