Our school system in the state of Alabama is in a heap of trouble. This troubles me greatly because I have four grandchildren sttending public schools in this state. There has been a big layoff in the Tuscaloosa County schools where my two oldest grandchildren attend school. This layoff included school nurses, all teachers aides and custodians.

My son-in-law works at Brookwood Middle School. He has not been with the school system but a few years so he was really worried that he would be one of the first to get the axe but he made it through this cut.

Mike has worried himself sick over this situation. It literally has made him physically ill. He was taken to the ememrgency room back in November with chest pain. The tests revealed no problem with his heart. Then he began spitting up blood and now he is scheduled for more tests. I believe it to be stress due to his worrying about losing his job.

I know times are bad, jobs are few and people who are trying to cope in these bad economic times, can't help but worry to some extent. But there is an answer. And that answer is God. My belief is if we look to God and believe His promises to us, we will make it through any situation or problem that comes our way. I believe that God will make a way where there is no way.

One of the main things we need to do is get back to basics. Many people live way above their means. This should and must stop. It certainly wouldn't hurt any of us if we all began to plant gardens again. Besides we need the exercise. It would be good for us.

We now have a new president. Let's all pray for him daily that he would look to God for ways to lead this country and that God would supply him with wisdom in all the decisions he has to make. He may be just the one, with God's help, to lead this nation back to the way it once was.

I still believe in America and the American way. It is the greatest country on earth. But for America to keep standing God must be in control.