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I remember writing notes to my best friend in high school, at the end of class, during lunch or even in lieu of taking notes on a boring lecture. We would exchange them as we passed in the hall or stuff them through the vent on each other's lockers.

I came across a box full of those notes years ago when I was cleaning out the closet in my old room at my parents' house just before I got married. I guess I didn't want to leave anything behind that might incriminate me. I mean, my mother could have rented out the room or my "baby" brother could have gone snooping. I read through them all - there must have been 40 or more. They made me laugh and, in some cases, puzzled me. What were some of those references to jokes or incidents I no longer recalled? Why were we talking about a certain someone who, in my memory, had no interaction with either of us? They didn't seem to have much relevance now.

I kept one or two of the notes. I probably should have kept more.

There likely isn't much note passing going on in today's high school hallways. The kids just text each other if they are unable to call. I guess they won't have anything amusing to read five or ten years down the road when life makes a big shift and mementos of more innocent times might bring comfort and be appreciated.

But those notes on life are available anytime to anyone. They are God's gift to us, a love letter, an instruction manual and the greatest and most truthful story every told all in one easy-to-find volume.

Last week my husband and I were discussing a difficult decision and he said, "I wish there was a book that would give me all the answers." I walked across the room and handed him a bible. It's sad that we sometimes don't even think to turn to scripture when we need it most. It's sometimes viewed as Sunday morning luggage or a daily ritual to be completed. I know, though, that when I let myself get deep into scripture reading God always provides me with encouragement and new insight.

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes to the heart."

God's notes to us are more than a random collection of thoughts and observations; they are His well-laid plan for us and are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago and as they will be until Christ's return.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 25 - March 1