1. St. Paul’s St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church Ev. Lutheran Church

2. Pentecost 13 Pentecost 13 Jesus Gives the Bread of Life So That We Will Not Stumble in Faith Jesus Gives the Bread of Life So That We Will Not Stumble in Faith Service of the Word and Sacrament Service of the Word and Sacrament Page 26 Page 26 Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

3. God’s Word for Today: Living as a Christian is hard. The devil places many obstacles in our way, all of which lead to sin and unbelief. But by his death in our place (by losing!), Jesus defeated Satan. The risen Christ gives us a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Most of all, our Savior gives us the Bread of Life, his promises of forgiveness and eternal rescue. As we nourish our faith on this Bread of Life, Jesus will give us boldness to fight our spiritual enemies.

4. Bible Class Sunday Adults: Revelation Wednesday Men: Various Bible accounts; 6:30 PM Women: True Woman 101 – Divine Design 6:30 PM Saturday Men: "Sanctification: Alive in Christ", the 2nd and 4th Saturdays 8:30–9:30 AM.

5. Remember in your Prayers: Prayer Chain: Please call 637-8673 or 637-2450 if you have a prayer request. Vickie Balza Edna Bartholomew Anna Gerome Jennie Johnson Rev. John Kenyon Roy Knittel Marsha McDowell Evelyn McNatt Kristy McNees Betty & Clint Rogas, Sr. Carl and Evelyn Schlaack Chris Schumacher Leo Shurr Avis Spencer Jim Thomas Gladys Winkel Harriet Yeider

6. Cry Room: If your little one is having a hard time in worship, we encourage you to make use of our cry room located immediately to the left as you exit the sanctuary. It’s equipped with audio so you can still follow along with the service. Nursing mothers can use the pastor’s office. Recorded Services: Our service is recorded on CDs. If you would like a copy please contact pastor or Don Holzhueter. Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available. Please speak to an usher if you would like to use one. Church Directory: It's time to update the church directory. Please send any updates you have for your contact information.

7. Holy Communion Holy Communion “Personal Preparation for Holy Communion” is on page 156 of the Christian Worship Lutheran Hymnal. “Personal Preparation for Holy Communion” is on page 156 of the Christian Worship Lutheran Hymnal. The Bible and Lutherans teach that Holy Communion is a holy act instituted by Christ. Together with bread and wine we receive Jesus’ true body and blood. In this special meal Jesus gives the forgiveness of sins, strengthens our faith, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe. The Holy Spirit uses the Lord's Supper the same way he uses the Word of God to maintain and strengthen our faith in Christ.

8. Flowers: Given IHO Bobby Blagg’s birth & baptism by the Berndts. Also given by Bonnie Wortman. Memorials: IMO Esther Heuermann for General Fund by W. Edgar & Loretta Durand and Rich & Ellen Miller. Volunteers Needed: St. Paul Lutheran School is looking for volunteers to assist with the hot lunch program and boys’ basketball. Lisa Gorenz ran the lunch program during the 2011-2012 school year, but she is no longer able to due to personal obligations. Mr. Greefkes has been the head boys’ basketball coach for the last 5 years, but with a newborn entering the home in October and with other school/family duties, he will be regrettably stepping down from this position.

9. (continued) Volunteers Needed (continued) Hot Lunch Description- A volunteer for this position would need to be available Monday – Friday from 8:45-9:15am. The volunteer’s duties would include taking the morning lunch count for each classroom, relaying the lunch totals to the public school, and compiling the monthly account balance to be paid to SHPS at the end of each month. Training is available. Boys’ Basketball: Head Coach Description (B-Team: Grades 3- 6)- A WELS volunteer would need to be available to start leading practice the middle of October. Game dates are between November 1 st and December 15 th. Practice days and times would be up to the head coach to decide.

10. (continued) Volunteers Needed (continued) Duties include: leading practice, communicating with parents via notes/email, attendance at home and away games, communicating with the athletic director (Mr. Greefkes). Training is available. Sunday School: St. Paul is seeking qualified members to teach Sunday school for the upcoming year. Currently we are looking for someone to teach preschool and grades K-1. If you are interested in helping out please speak with Mr. Greefkes. Thank you for considering this service opportunity! Preschool: The preschool has openings in both the morning and afternoon sessions. If you know anyone who would be interested in enrolling their child in our preschool, please see Mandi Ehrenberg for more information.

11. Youth Group Trip To Chicago Group picture after getting off the train in Chicago. Checking out the jellyfish

12. Youth Group Trip To Chicago Checking out the jellyfish Dinner at Pizanos

13. August Ushers: Tim Honke– Head Usher Ben Stegman Aaron Fillmore Art Frank Elder: Dave Landry Altar Committee: Debbie Fillmore and Lisa Gorenz

14. September Ushers: Gary Sturm– Head Usher Bill Durand Craig Atwood John Lofberg Elder: Ron Klug Altar Committee: Deb DeRosia and Renae Irish

15. Upcoming Schedule: August 26Worship with Communion 9:00 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM August 27Worship with Communion 7:00 PM August 29Men’s/Women’s Bible Study 6:30 PM Sept. 2Worship 9:00 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM

16. Church Cleaning Schedule Week of Aug. 27Brewer, Susan and Bob Week of Sept. 3 Brink, Rodney/Mike Packard Week of Sept. 10 Brohn, Dave & Celia Week of Sept. 17 Daggett, Jim & Brenda Week of Sept. 24 Deneau, Alex & Suzannah

17. Pentecost Jesus Gives the Bread of Life So That We Will Not Stumble in Faith Service of the Word and Sacrament Page 26 Opening Hymn: #222, Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

18. Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Hymn 222, Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Verse 1 Songs of praise the angels sang, Heav'n with alleluias rang, When creation was begun, When God spoke and it was done. Verse 2 Songs of praise awoke the morn When the Prince of Peace was born. Songs of praise arose when he Captive led captivity.

19. Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Hymn 222, Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Verse 3 Heav'n and earth must pass away; Songs of praise shall crown that day. God will make new heav'ns and earth; Songs of praise shall hail their birth. Verse 4 And shall man alone be still? Has he neither breath nor skill? No, the Church delights to raise Psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

20. Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Hymn 222, Songs of Praise the Angels Sang Verse 5 Saints below, with heart and voice, Still in songs of praise rejoice, Learning here, by faith and love, Songs of praise to sing above. Verse 6 Whispered with their final breath, Songs of praise shall conquer death. Then, amidst eternal joy, Songs of praise their pow'rs employ. Text, Tune, Setting: public domain.

21. STAND M:The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C:And also with you.

22. C ONFESSION OF S INS M:God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us. C:Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

23. M:God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his one and only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son †, and of the Holy Spirit. C:Amen.

24. P RAYER AND P RAISE M:For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all you gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord. C:Lord, have mer – cy. M:For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ. C:Christ, have mer – cy.

25. P RAYER AND P RAISE M:For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord. C:Lord, have mer – cy. M:Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care: C:A – men. M:The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

26. O LORD OUR LORD C:O Lord, our Lord, how glo – rious is your name in all the earth. Al – might – y God, mer – ci – ful Fa – ther, you crown our life with your love. You take a – way our sin; you com-fort our spir – it; you make us pure and ho – ly in your sight. You did not spare your on-ly Son, but gave him up for us all. O Lord, our Lord, how glo – rious is your name in all the earth. O Son of God, e – ter – nal Word of the Fa – ther you came to live with us; you made your Fa – ther known; you washed us from our sins in your own blood. You are the King of glo – ry; you are the Lord! O Lord, our Lord, how glo – rious is your name in all the earth.

27. PRAYER OF THE DAY M: Let us pray. Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift of grace that we come into your presence and offer true and faithful service. Grant that our worship on earth may always be pleasing to you and in the life to come give us the fulfillment of what you have promised, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C:A – men BE SEATED

28. FIRST LESSON : Proverbs 9:1–6 M: 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

29. Psalm of the Day Psalm 1 Page: 64

30. Refrain Refrain Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the 'wicked* or stand in the way of 'sinners. But his delight is in the law 'of the Lord,* and on his law he meditates 'day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in 'Season* and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does 'prospers.

31. Refrain Refrain Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the 'judgment,* nor sinners in the assembly of the 'righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the 'righteous,* but the way of the wicked will 'perish.

32. Refrain Glory be to the Father and 'to the Son* and to the Holy 'Spirit, as it was in the be'ginning,* is now, and will be forever. 'Amen. Refrain Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord. Refrain, Tune and setting: Robert J. Thompson. c 1986 GIA Publications, Inc., Chicago IL. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Psalm Tone *Tune and setting: c 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer. Used by permission.

33. Ephesians 5:15–20 SECOND READING : Ephesians 5:15–20 M: 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

34. VERSE OF THE DAY : M: Alleluia. The Word of God is living and active sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Alleluia. (Hebrews 4:12 cf. RSV) C:Al – le – lu – ia! Al – le – lu – ia! Al – le – lu – ia! These words are writ – ten that we may be – lieve that Je – sus is the Christ, the Son of God. Al – le – lu – ia! Al – le – lu – ia! Al – le – lu – ia! STAND

35. John 6:51–58 GOSPEL : John 6:51–58 M: 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

36. John 6:51–58 GOSPEL : John 6:51–58 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” C:Praise be to you, O Christ! BE SEATED

37. Hymn Of the Day Oh Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace H YMN : 185, Oh Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace Verse 1 O Holy Spirit, grant us grace That we our Lord and Savior In faith and fervent love embrace And truly serve him ever, So that when death is near at hand We at his cross may firmly stand And there find our salvation. Verse 2 Help us that we your saving Word In faithful hearts may treasure; Let e'er that bread of life afford New grace in richest measure. Make us to die to ev'ry sin; Each day create us new within That fruits of faith may flourish.

38. Oh Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace (continued) H YMN : 185, Oh Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace (continued) Verse 3 Then when our earthly race is run, Death's bitter hour impending, May your good work in us begun Continue till life's ending, Until we gladly may commend Our souls into our Savior's hand To rest in peace eternal. Text, Tune, Setting: public domain.

39. Sermon J OHN 6:51-58

40. T ODAY W E E AT AND D RINK AT THE T ABLE OF O UR S AVIOR T HEME : T ODAY W E E AT AND D RINK AT THE T ABLE OF O UR S AVIOR 1)Where the conversation is stimulating (vv. 51–55) When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’ (Jn 6:14) Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself (Jn 6:15). I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (Jn 6:51)

41. 30 They said to him, ‘Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ (Jn 6:30–31) The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ (Jn 6:52) Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? (Jn 6:42) So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.’ (Jn 6:53)

42. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. (Le 17:11) Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (Jn 6:54) For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. (Jn 6:55) This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. (Jn 6:29) without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22)

43. What must we do to do the works God requires? (Jn 6:28) For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. (Jn 6:55) 2)Where the food is exactly what we need (vv. 51, 54, 56– 58) Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (Jn 6:56) If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. (Jn 8:31) As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. (Jn 6:57)

44. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. (Jn 6:58) Professor Wendland; “This text defeats the notion that a good ‘head knowledge’ of the teachings of Scripture is the highest level of Christian faith. “Head knowledge” is too distant from the Savior. He requires something much more ‘up close and personal” than that.’” If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. (Jn 8:31)

45. RC Lenski; “Unbelief always takes offense at the truth, but always does so without reason. The more truth unbelief meets, the more it takes offense, revealing its true nature, its folly of unreason, and its inexcusable guilt. Yet truth alone can turn unbelief into faith, and the greater the measure of truth, the greater its power to convert offended unbelief into satisfied faith.” Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (Jn 6:54)

46. Nicene Creed Page 31 STAND

47. A:We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. (continued next page)

48. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. (continued next page)

49. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. BE SEATED

50. Offering August 26, 2012 Offering August 26, 2012 (The members of St. Paul Lutheran congregation have joined together to spread God’s message both in this community and around the world. If you are a visitor you are welcome to give an offering, but please do not feel obligated to participate. You are our guests and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to share God’s Word with you!)

51. STAND PRAYER OF THE CHURCH M:(read by minister) LORD’S PRAYER (p. 32) C:Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

52. T HE S ACRAMENT M:The Lord be with you. C:And al – so with you. M:Lift up your hearts. C:We lift them up to the Lord. M:Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C:It is right to give him thanks and praise.

53. T HE S ACRAMENT M:Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. He sends the Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children and to strengthen us when we are weak. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory for ever and ever.

54. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY C:Ho – ly, ho – ly, ho – ly is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of your glo – ry. You are my God, and I will ex- alt you. I will give you thanks, for you have become my sal – va – tion. Ho – ly, ho – ly, ho – ly is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of your glo – ry.

55. WORDS OF INSTITUTION M:Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” M:The peace of the Lord be with you always. C:A – men.

56. O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD C:O Christ, Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; have mer – cy on us. O Christ, Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; have mer – cy on us. O Christ, Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; grant us your peace. A – men. BE SEATED DISTRIBUTION Hymn# 348: Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Hymn# 475: The Man Is Ever Blest

57. Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Hymn 348, Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Verse 1 Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus Can my heartfelt longing still. Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus, What he wills alone to will, For my heart, which he hath filled, Ever cries, "Lord, as thou wilt." Verse 2 One there is for whom I'm living, Whom I love most tenderly; Unto Jesus I am giving What in love he gave to me. Jesus' blood hides all my guilt Lord, oh, lead me as thou wilt.

58. Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Hymn 348, Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Verse 3 What to me may seem a treasure But displeasing is to thee -- Oh, remove such harmful pleasure; Give instead what profits me. Let my heart by thee be stilled; Make me thine, Lord, as thou wilt. Verse 4 Let me earnestly endeavor Thy good pleasure to fulfill; In me, through me, with me ever, Lord, accomplish thou thy will. In thy holy image built, Let me die, Lord, as thou wilt.

59. Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Hymn 348, Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus Verse 5 Jesus, constant be my praises, For thou unto me didst bring Thine own self and all thy graces That I joyfully may sing: Be it unto me, my Shield, As thou wilt, Lord, as thou wilt. Text, Tune, Setting: public domain.

60. The Man Is Ever Blest Hymn 475, The Man Is Ever Blest Verse 1 The man is ever blest Who shuns the sinners' ways, Among their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorners' place, Verse 2 But makes the law of God His study and delight Amid the labors of the day And watches of the night.

61. The Man Is Ever Blest Hymn 475, The Man Is Ever Blest Verse 3 He like a tree shall thrive With waters near the root. Fresh as the leaf his name shall live; His works are heav'nly fruit. Verse 4 Not so the wicked man! He no such blessing finds. His hopes shall flee like empty chaff Before the driving winds.

62. The Man Is Ever Blest Hymn 475, The Man Is Ever Blest Verse 5 How will he bear to stand Before that judgment seat Where all the saints at Christ's right hand In full assembly meet? Verse 6 God knows and he approves The way the righteous go, But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow. Text, Tune, Setting: public domain.

63. T HANKSGIVING Thank The Lord STAND C:Thank the Lord and sing his praise. Tell ev – ’ry-one what he has done. Let all who seek the Lord re – joice and proud – ly bear his name. He re – news his prom – is – es and leads his peo – ple forth in joy with shouts of thanks – giv – ing. Al – le – lu – ia! Al – le – lu – ia!

64. M:Hear the prayer of your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised you here may glorify you in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of your Son may long for his coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C:A – men.

65. M:Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and † give you peace. C:A – men. A – men. A – men.

66. Feed Your Children, God Most Holy Hymn 616, Feed Your Children, God Most Holy Feed your children, God most holy; Comfort sinners poor and lowly. Jesus, bread of life from heaven, Bless the food you here have given. As these gifts the body nourish, May our souls in graces flourish Till with saints in heav'nly splendor At your feast due thanks we render. Text and Tune: public domain. *Setting: c 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission of CPH.

67. Footprints - One night I had a dream-- I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints, one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. "I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. "When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."