"It happens every spring." Ray Milland starred in the '40s movie about how to win the baseball world series by being real slick.

The sneak preview of spring 1999 has been fantastic. Imagine spring year 'round!

However, reality breaks in upon us and we recall that this season can either be hot or cold, wet or dry and even stormy, as Mother Nature has her surprises, too.

Follow the lead of Nature or of God, if you like your Bible stories, and, of course, we do, whether anyone else likes them or not.

These "stories", or rather "collection of books and letters" all deal with the message of forgiveness. We all have some "stroodle in the noodle," to quote the advice columnist Ann Landers.

Not to make light of sin by any means, but one who is forgiven can show forgiveness. Brother Clinton needs to know that he is loved and forgiven, and needs to go with the business of running the country.

When we change our attitude and direction by trusting to the grace of God, we can't help but to forgive others. Yes, of course, the New Life is not a license to sin, but we have Someone to help us with a new "want-to."

It happens every spring and when we truly believe the Gospel, we have a clean slate. A second chance. A new beginning. All our wrongs are cast into the sea of forgetfulness with a "no fishing" sign posted there! Though some try to pull them out again, the Red Sea of Christ's blood has washed them all clean.