27 - Colored Pencils

By Kay Heitsch

When I was typing the tips from Dr. Peale's books for Todd, I did my best to try to skip over any Bible verse Dr. Peale used. I had no use for religion.

I found it fascinating to read, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13, at the bottom of each page after Todd died.

Now, I didn't understand what seemed to be motivating and giving me this desire to study the Bible. This was not like me.

Dr. Peale mentioned using colored pencils and highlighting any verse that stood out. I bought a box of colored pencils and started using them.

I found that what was standing out at first were verses about not being afraid and not worrying. I was a big worrier. God knew exactly what I needed.

Interesting that years later, I sat in a Sunday School class and a woman called me out for writing in my Bible. Little did she know.

I was seeing and understanding that things that were drilled in my head by some religious belief were not correct at all. The more I studied, the more freedom I had.

Bill was still drinking, and before he fell asleep in his chair, I would jump out of bed excited when I would find something wonderful in the Bible and share it with him.

However, I still hadn't found any verses about where Todd was, but I was learning so much.