By James Lamkin

"Unverified Roads"

       When I drive home to Louisiana, I punch-in my mother's address in the car's GPS. I am not confused about the destination or the way to get there; it's just nice to know that I only have 500 miles to go...now 430...now 217...and only a little further to Vicksburg. (Since four of my uncles and cousins died in 1903 while crossing the Mississippi River on a barge at Vicksburg, I still err on the side of caution as I near the bridge.)

       With Mom's address in its memory, the GPS "goes to figuring" as it thinks through how far west to go on I-20 before turning south. But before giving the directions, a warning always pops-up on the screen. It advises that some of the routing will take me on "unverified roads."

       Unverified. Who knew?

       Evidently, there are two kinds of roads: verified and those which are not. According to my GPS, the road to Piedmont Hospital is verified. The way to Dr. Bedford Davis's house in Mableton is verified. The route to the White House? Also, verified.

Yet, the way home...at least, the way to my home...is not.

I have always wanted to believe that Robert Frost's poem, The Death of the Hired Man, was right:

"Home is the place where,

when you have to go there,

they have to take you in."

       Fortunate for me, Mom sees it that way too. Though I travelled by unverified means, Mom always declares me bona fide and takes me in.

       2012 is still in diapers, not yet toddling its way to New Year Day, 2013. However, my hunch is, by year's end, we all will have done some unverified road travelling: the crash of a car, the bulging medical chart, the iffy test results, the awful but awfully true necessary choices made across the breakfast table, the sweet business decision that leaves a bitter aftertaste, and the nagging nightmare that you never have enough. Plus, it always is a long way home.

       Yet, travel unverified roads, we must. But here's the thing, we never travel alone. In fact, even the road less travelled, still has a well-worn path.

       Sure, many "Oh-No's" will come our way; but God has a way of turning "Oh-No" into "Ah-hah!" God morphs dead-ends into new beginnings. As the late, great comedian, Gracie Allen, said, "Never put a period where God has put a comma."

       I look forward to this year with you. I anticipate a good journey with God...including, and perhaps especially, a few great side-trips on unverified roads.

All Northside Drive families are invited to meet at Mighty Jumps on Saturday, February 4, at 10:30 AM. We'll order pizza or go to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Please notify the church or respond to the Facebook event if you will be attending. We will be at the 1019 Collier Rd 30318 location. Come jump and play with friends.

For Northside Notes you can link to the Facebook event. And it can go on the web on the children's page or events or something.

http://www.facebook.com/events/312675818767861/

Wow! What a crowd filled the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 29! Souper Bowl 2012, was a huge success! Thanks to the cooks who prepared crock pots full of flavorful soups and chilies and to the bakers who shared scrumptious desserts, 150 Northside Drivers and guests dined and fellowshipped and gave generously to feed others, as well. Also, thank you to Tommy Clyatt who donated our wonderful soup cups! We collected $1,866 that will help hungry people in the Atlanta area and around the world.

The day ran smoothly thanks to all the helpers on the sidelines who hustled to make the annual event a winning success. Way to go, team!

A book review of Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout will be Wednesday, February 8, at 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Marjorie Rives will be the facilitator and Nancy Davis the hostess. Bring your lunch; dessert and beverages will be furnished.

on

Lenten Wednesdays

February 22-March 28

6:45-7:30 PM, in the Chapel

Tune My Heart to Sing...

February 22, Ash Wednesday -- Songs of Confession

   Jeff Harbin, piano

February 29 -- Songs of Grace

   Kurt Thomas, guitar & Jeff, piano

March 7 -- Songs of Lament

   Greg Colson, piano

March 14 -- Songs of Praise

   Julian Turner,  piano

March 21 -- Songs of God's Strength in Times of Trouble

   Kurt Thomas, guitar & Jeff, piano

March 28 -- Songs of God's Sovereignty

   Greg Colson, piano