2011 a quiet year with a health blip

Georgie's well read Bible on display at her memorial service yesterday.

We had a good year, marked by two heart cath procedures, which led to our decision to stay close to home during Laura's summer vacation. I was able to get back to exercising quickly and enjoyed a four day study leave in San Diego in August.

I have always felt personally helped by observing the seasons and passing of time, for it is the way in which life is experienced, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly.

2012 is an important year for our world, how can it not be given the present tensions.

Nevertheless, Happy New Year, friends.

In Case of Rapture

I have acquaintace with a respected Christian leader in the area of music who published a book recently about his passion for Bible Prophecy, which he told me he had been studying for fourty years. This year he placed an insert at the end of his book which shared his reasoning and his biblical understand of the math involved, and basically state that he believed that the first stage of the end times, the rapture of the true believers from the earth will take place.....tomorrow, December 31st, 2011.
Not being an expert in these things, but living most of my adult life surrounded by various predictions, I am not holding my breath or spending my wifes inheritance. I did this past month, in light of this knowledge, thank God daily for my life and for His presence over the decades. I am pretty sure I am a true believer, although I will not be presumptuous.
If he was sincerely mistaken, I am OK with that, I still love and respect the brother and know that I myself have gone down some sideroads over the years I had to back out of.
But, I did want to let you know just in case this blog is unmanned, I am sure the crash will leave no one left behind injured, just befuddled.
Happy New Year?

The Inn is temporarily closed for remodeling

Lots of changes when Shannon turned 12, she will no longer be bunking with Ben. Her newly designed room will feature a 60+ year old dresser, bed, and nightstand that we inherited from Laura's mother.

It leaves us guest roomless, but no matter how many years I done been beggin' and beggin' hardly any of our northern or southern friends comes to visit.

No worries, Laura has plans.

The Contemplative Life

I am hearing the call to get away to a quiet place before the New Year begins and listen and renew. I try to do this twice a year, just a day or two. But I am the only person in the office this week and a memorial service is coming. These tensions we all face. I will find the time.

Spending time with a family in grief, walking through a home that is every inch the reflection of the interests and passions of the dear departed wife. An office/hobby room that is organized and efficient. Collections of memorabilia lining shelves, jewelry and clothing no longer awaiting their selection for the day. We Christians believe in hope beyond the grave, but I continue to agree that death is the last enemy. It is deeply difficult to lose a life partner.

GIGO leaves a lasting residue

This is me, dressed in dark clothing, trying to look slender for a photo, and it is not quite working.

Garbage in Garbage Out was a computer concept from the early days of programming I think, and it is also a spiritual truth in the physical and spiritual realm. My body has been treated to many sugary treats, and some second helpings this week, and my body dutifully tries to deal with it, but some calories get packed in the storage zone and now something has to happen to get those guys burned up.

What we put in our minds and hearts leaves a residue of sludge if we think and react poorly as well.

We are not and will not be perfect in this life, but I love the phrase Peterson shared in his book on Psalms, "a long, slow, obedience in the same direction".
Just get back on the right path and keep going.

My messages this January will be developed from the theme, "He knows our weaknesses".
"touched with the feeling our our infirmities" the old KJV put it.

A Wonderful Day for Family

I amg proud of catching such smiles.

Christmas 2011 was a joy. Great food, gift exchanges, relaxing.

We lost a sweet friend yesterday. Georgie M died from complications of surgery. We are in shock and saddened by our loss. She was so honest and interested in others.

Waiting

Wet Hair and Beautiful, many Christmas's ago.

What I am doing I could not have done when I was a kid. An afternoon present opening an an almost evening Christmas Dinner. I had some eggs at 7, and am snacking of Christmas candy, but waiting for a great meal of Turkey and Dressing.

Enjoy you day and your family.