Friday the 13th is to be celebrated!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24

This is a day that strikes fear in maky people. While some who suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia will not be able to enjoy today, I know that today is another wonderful day that has been created by the creator and that we should enjoy it!

A study estimates that nearly $900 million dollars will be lost in the U.S. alone because some refuse to fly or to do business on this day. It is a proven fact that for these people who fear this day, yes bad things happen. Mostly it is becuase of the psychological effect that their fear creates. People can actually make themselves sick over this day on the calender. However silly this may seem to us, we are not alone in our society's misguided fears. In Spain they fear Tuesday the 13th, and Tuesdays in general. In China the numbers 4 and 7 are both bad while the numbers 8 and 9 are good.

It's amazing the superstitions that different cultures hold on to. If we don't ship out on the 13th or on Fridays, and Spain doesn't start on Tuesdays, and the Chinese don't start their journeys on the 4th or the 7th, well....it's amazing that anything ever gets done in the realm of international business.

I will say that I find it sad how strong of a hold this kind of fear and blindness can have on people's lives. I find that superstitions often are intertwined with religion and that these futile practices will somehow help one gain prosperity either in this life or the next. If you know anyone of with another religious background other than your own, or know of anyone who is highly superstitious, I challenge you to get to really know what they practice and to try and understand why they practice it. These kinds of conversations open the door for us to talk about spiritual things and can lead to an opening for our Father to work. (Keep in mind though He is not dependent on us, we are dependent on Him)

How great it is to have assurance of our salvation, because of what Jesus did on the cross!

Below is a quick video of what Michigan is like in October. It could me much worse like it is in Buffalo. They got nearly 2 feet of snow last night!