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Dear Reader "Follow your leading"--a phrase uttered by well meaning Friends, preachers from pulpits, parents to children. Sounding simple when others speak about it, leadings are sometimes difficult to discern and follow. Several authors this month share their personal struggles so we can see some of the ways God is at work and moving among us. With transparent honesty, Jane Kohut-Bartels shares her struggle to follow a leading to aid tornado victims. Poet Arthur Roberts and writer Crissa Hoy challenge us to step out in daily life and Ruth Kinsey shares her personal struggle of trusting God in the midst of losing her eyesight. Lance Wilcox describes the struggle of listening in worship and Don't Blame the Moths reminds us to store up treasures in heaven. In my life there have been times when I was very clear about a leading and following it. At other times, though, my leading progressed as I stepped forward in service. Almost always, God has surprised me with the way my leadings have appeared and unfolded. Writing about the experience of finding divine guidance for himself, John Greenleaf Whittier penned: "O, thou! Whose power could rule the sea, Extend Thine influence e'en to me! Control my will, and lay to rest The stormy passions of my breast; Check there, each wild discordant mood, And grant an humble quietude, To list, amid earth's jarring din, The teachings of thy voice within." Whether it is aiding tornado victims, assisting those needing medical care, or trusting God in the midst of storms and difficulties, may the stories this month touch your heart and help you to follow your leadings. Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 10 Help Can't Wait Jane Kohut-Bartels In 1998, Jane struggled with how to follow her leading to aid tornado victims. Today, she encourages others to follow their leadings. 12 Storms Arthur O. Roberts Poetically moving our thoughts beyond natural storms, Arthur challenges us to reach beyond our inner storms in order to love others. 13 Invisible People, Invisible Christians Crissa Hoy Silence, lost causes, indifference--these are the characteristics of invisible people. But are you an invisible Christian? 14 Getting In Touch With Your Inner Triviality Lance Wilcox Examining how one's mind often reveals the triviality of weekly concerns, Lance points us to the movement of God's Presence in Friends worship. 16 Trust God Ruth Kinsey Amid the reality of failing eyesight, Ruth shares the trustworthiness of God. 16 Don't Blame The Moths Elizabeth Claggett-Borne Are your possessions, leisure time, family heirlooms preventing you from hearing a Divine call? How do you store up treasures in heaven?   FEATURES 2 Epistles 4 Valiant for Truth Patricia Edwards-Konic 6 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 16 South of the Highway, North of the Mill Tom Baugh 18 Salt and Light Who Does the Work of Worship Planning? Bruce Bishop 20 Turning Points A Warning Vision Carl Ippolito 21 Bible Study Angels in the Sand Jan Hodson 22 Viewpoints 24 Reviews 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench Chaos Revisited Tom Mullen

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