NEW YEARS DAY IS TOMORROW, TODAY AND YESTERDAY

I am sure I will read some very good posts in the next few days dedicated to reflections, regrets, resolutions, ramblings, resolves for 2009 and 2010. Truly, tis the season for taking down Christmas decorations and car ads and commercials for weight loss programs. For some, New Years resolutions will be made. Some will resolve to lose weight, some will really stick with their read through the Bible plan. Some will look back on a great year and some will think the turning of the calendar will, somehow, change their lot in life.

I can not reflect too much on 2009. Not much happened, actually. Nothing that would change the course of the world.

Oh sure, I lost 40 pounds. I gained 25 back. I had hip pain, so I got a new knee replacement. I have both knees replaced now. Because of that, I can not run to exercise. Like I ever did. Ending the year waiting on a root canal. Blood pressure medicine seems to be stablizing my high blood pressure. The dizziness I was having from the one medicine has gone away. Any dizziness now is because I have not gone to the gym in about two months. See, not much happened health wise

I actually was affected by the politics of this country. The drive to pay for more educated, properous, motivated workers allowed my employer to reduce the size of the worker-ant force and I lost my position four years away from retirement. Unemployment insurance suddenly became IN and I receive a payment each week as I continue to look for the elusive job, both at my former employer and outside the ivy walls of the institution. See, not much happened job wise.

We got older this year. With it, we saw death get a little closer than year's past and we anticipate it will continue to be a part of our lives in the future. My step dad died. My best memory of him was how much he loved my mom. When we surprised her on her birthday, he sat and cried because someone had done something loving for her. Jean's mom also died. I never met her but I know her from how much Jean loved her. There will be more, I know that. See, nothing happened death wise.

My reflection of 2009? No matter what, I can not believe how much my wife loves me. And no matter what, I can not believe that I wake up more in love with her each day. I have enjoyed so much watching her love for God grow and how lovingly she serves Him and His children. See, that is what happened this year.

New years day is in three days and in a week it will be three days past. It is just a day. Another day that will be affected by Real Life and Real Love.

NOT NOW, NOT EVER

It is amazing that no matter how often I watch Nobody's Fool, it continues to entertain me and touch my heart. It is truly my favorite movie of all time. I used to see it as my favorite Christmas movie. Now, I say it has passed up such great flix as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Kelly's Heros and Casablanca as my favorite any time of the year.

I do hope every one has had a meaningful Christmas. I can not be so bold as to wish each of those that may see this as having a great season. I do not know where you are at spiritually. But even if you are down, I pray you a season and time that is meaningful and you grow from it.

The Thanksgiving Message: Appreciation and Compassion

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving week end. It was long. Lots going on. Lots of family. I had a chance to have all the grand boys over at the same time.
Thats Nathan, Josh, me and Dylan. I do think that grand kids are a tool God gives you to make amends to your children.

I appreciate all of my children so much. We have been blessed with six wonderful kids and all of their spouses and kids. Now, if I can spread the compassion I feel towards our kids to others in need, this would be a better world.

SO MANY QUESTIONS

I can not go through a day without having so many questions to be answered. Well, such as:
1. If they were invited to the White House dinner, did they ever find their table? Wouldn't there had been a place setting with their names on it?
2. If your wife heard a crash out in the front yard, would she grab your golf club and see if she could help you? Or would she run outside and see that it was you and run, empty handed, towards you to see if she could help? The only way she would have a golf club in her hand is if she were already chasing you with it.
3. How is that Notre Dame contract working out for NBC?
4. I wonder if someone could explain to me how 15% interest is so much better than 17.5%.
5. Can Mark Grace see how much better he is away from Darrin Sutton? And how much more he could accomplish if he were down on the field with Matt Williams next year? Or anywhere other than with Sutton?

Thanksgiving

There was a question I saw the other day. Is there too much emphasis on God when it comes to Thanksgiving? Afterall, isn't Thanksgiving all about Family, Food and Football? People ask why so many people have to make it a holiday that God comes into the picture.

It is true, we tend to get together with more family members on that day. It is true we tend to make a rather large meal to have for the family. It is true we tend to watch, at least, a little more football on that day. Thanksgiving is always reserved to watch the ultimate turkey, the Detroit Lions, play football.

I am sure the pilgrims did not say about that the first meal of thanks, "Hey lets have the first annual festive dinner and we can call it Thanksgiving". They actually were thankful that they lived through the trip across the Atlantic, they got through a harsh winter and could begin a new life in a new land. They left their homes to worship God. they left a land they could not openly worship God. They actually were thankful, uh,er to God.

I am glad we have Thanksgiving. I am glad we take extra care to thank God for the blessings He gives us. I am glad those Christians put too much emphasis on God during this time of year.

Good Bye Soupy

The flag at The Spales Swoy is at half mast today. Soupy Sales died last night. There will never be another like Soupy. Fun, Frolic and wisdom shared that all shouldlive by. Good bye Soupy, Pookie, White Fang, Black Tooth and I will miss you greatly. I will never forget the advice he gave, such as.. Don't bite your nails, especially if you are a carpenter.

Reminders From The Past

I was looking through some old papers yesterday and came across my dad's birth certificate and the program from his memorial service. The service was held at the Falconer Funneral Home. The following was poem was on the program. I thought it has so much meaning even now as I am going through a not-so-high point in my life. It is just a reminder that I have an advantage, even now, over those who do not know God, that I do have the faith that God will provide for my every need. I am thankful I have friends and a wife from heaven to remind me of that each day.

Here is the poem:
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
rest for the labor, light for the way,
grace for the trials, help fromabove,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love...