More Late Night Thoughts

It seems like the only blogging I do is on those nights when I can't sleep. I blame this one on a distraught friend, the declaration of "it's a chocolate cake night," and the heartburn and consumption of caffeine that ensued. That being said, maybe this post is just preparation for tomorrow's (or should I say today's) marathon of research paper writing for my public health class.
I don't have any wonderful epiphanies to post. No profound meditations. Actually, the most insightful words I've read as of late come from writers like Peter, Paul, and Jesus (Mary didn't write a book as far as I know)...I find it interesting that so many people are intent on ridding the US of those "religious fanactics" known as Christians, but where would our country be without them? I'm not referring to the historical birth and development of our nation but to the numerous social services provided by faith-based organizations. If we eliminated Christians from our society, would our government be able to sustain the efforts of feeding and clothing the hungry, widowed, and poor that currently exist? Just an interesting thought....but here's some even more interesting thoughts as of late (not mine)....

Luke 8:48 "Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
A woman who had spent all she had on professionals like me, an outcast with the audacity to reach out to someone like Jesus, and a compassion received that would call her "daughter."

James 4:9 "Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom."
Kind of a strange verse to be associated with drawing near to God.

Isaiah 58


1 Thes. 5:16-18. "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
This is God's will for us, but why is it sometimes such a struggle to do these 3 seemingly simple things?

So those are the thoughts/verses of the week. It's been an interesting 3 months playing small town doc and with a few more months, I think I could have a collection of stories to rival that of Walt Larimore's Bryson City Tales. Anyways...it's one more month to go before I renounce my temporary citizenship of Rogersville for a one-residence status back in Johnson City...