By BILL MILBY

Two major things were happening in my world last weekend……one awful and the other quite good.
First, the bad news. The global stock market seemed to be in free fall. And whether you’re invested in it or not, it will affect all of us. First, it was, and continues to be Greece, which needed and got, albeit very reluctantly, another bailout from Europe; then global falling oil prices (who would have guessed it during the last presidential election when Newt Gingrich was almost laughed off the stage when he called for a rollback of gasoline prices to $2.50 a gallon) that are killing Russia, Saudi Arabia and her OPEC cohorts along with major US oil producers; then China went into freefall; and over the weekend, the US markets went into panic mode.
What’s a senior to do…..except as the Good Book says, in Phil 4:5-7: “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” By the way that’s a wonderful sleep aid for times like this.
Now the good news. Nine months ago, our Vet, who used to live on this old farm we bought, helped us AI (Artificially Inseminate) a couple of our cattle. Although Sept 6th was supposed to be the “Official” due date, just like with humans, the stork can arrive early. So when I looked in the barn Saturday afternoon and saw one of our mothers-to-be by herself and breathing quite heavily, I knew it was almost time for her to deliver. That’s really saying something for this city boy who three years ago didn’t know the difference between a heifer and a steer! So I got her out of the barn to greener pastures and sure enough within a couple hours she went into full labor and I even got to do a little midwifery to bring the new calf into the world on its own. A beautiful 54 Lb little bull!
So what does that have to do with people panicking over global stock markets in free fall? It was a wonderful reminder, to me at least, that God is still in control. No life enters this world, animal or human, without Him; He is the author and sustainer of all life. It was such a welcome and serene moment to watch mother and calf lie down in green pastures as the little calf drew its very first breaths all on its own. Thank you Father for that special reminder of my favorite Psalm, 23: “…..He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”.
So what’s on the horizon for this world that seems like its sitting on the edge of a cliff? I believe a great deal, especially with all that’s scheduled to happen in September. Books have already been written on what to expect in September, 2016 so obviously I can’t discuss it here in any detail. But do pay special attention to the Pope’s first ever address to the US congress and then to the UN General Assembly toward the end of the month. Will he call for a “One World Government”? Don’t be surprised if he does, at least on global environmental and poverty issues.
But in the meantime, remember Phil 4: 6-7.
If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach Bill Milby at william.mercylink@gmail.com  or search for us at www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsMacon .