How Long Till Spring?

Here we are in the midst of winter, .. Christmas and New Years have past, .. snow everywhere, and I have the urge to "fly" south, at least somewhere warmer, BUT alas, I have grandchildren and I live with their grandmother ... she's not budging! I'm now finding ways to stay warm, thank God for a roof over my head, a warm bed, food to eat, and best of all, Godly family and friends. Thanks to all of you who care one for the other (me included).

Knowing God is perfecting those things that concern me, I expect to find some time in a warmer climate when He's ready for me to make the trip.

If in this life only we have hope we are of all men most miserable, and I'm not miserable ... I am confident of His gift of life and His promises for me, both now and in eternity .... guess what, .. I'm already living in eternity and so are you, but there will come a transfer to our final home, and I'm looking forward to that home that promises eternal comfort and joy, reuniting with loved ones. How about you? Are you living for Him, having accepted Him? Unless you personally accept the gift of forgiveness and life eternal, ... your home will not be in heaven ... the good news is, if you're still above ground and breathing, you have another opportunity to receive His free gift and choose to live for Him.

I pray that you know Him or will give your life to Him today!

On Retirement

Stroke, stroke .... get it covered and make it look good.

Well, you can see where I'm hanging out on my days of retirement! .. good news is, I'm actually glad to be doing something to improve the looks of the house. I now have the basement walls, inside and out, sealed and painted, as well as the front door landing. Glad it's done though!

At least this one I got to watch .... and it's paid for by our insurance as well ... yes!!

The wind storm last fall paid for this.

Now this is from our trip to Virginia, .... Jamestown. We did take a vacation after retirement and enjoyed some time away from chores, etc. The ships at Jamestown are really interesting, full of history. These are actually sea worthy.

One Day At A Time For Him

Being on the downside of summer, I could begin to get depressed ... but I have had a new opportunity to enjoy a little more of it since retirement than previous years. Every day belongs to God, but I've found that there have been too many days that weren't released to Him and as I take note of that, I am looking for new opportunities to allow Him to live through me, and all my "circumstances".

Reading Joni's journals (www.rodparsley.com) I have been awakened somewhat to remember, many are hurting and only the true love of God reaches us when we're down or at a loss for direction. What if each day, someone is offered God's love in their situation, in stead of pointing out there problem and who's fault it is? May it be that I (and we) could be more aware of ways to reach out (blog, email, phone, out in the community, workplace) and just allow His love to be seen through simple acts of kindness. Oh yes, and forgive the nerd who cuts you (me) off in traffic!

It's my desire as unto Him, that tomorrow, today won't be a regret!

Prefer others above self!

Well, here's another attempt at keeping my blog current .... retirement has been good and the work here is plentiful ... no I don't miss my job. This is certainly new ground for both of us and we're looking forward to whatever God has for us.

We've been to our family reunion in Waynesboro, Virginia, the place of my birth and continued to the east coast for some sightseeing. Jamestown was good and I enjoyed the 3 ships there. Our adventures took us to North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills, home of the Wright Brothers memorial and museum of their first flights.

What has gained my attention today, is what I can do for others, that I would like done for me ... giving rather than concern about receiving. Jesus went about doing good ... I think that's the example He intended for us.

No picture for today, but eventually I may find a few worthy of sharing again, but a picture I hope to leave with everyone, is one of compassion, and love for my neighbor (includes you of course).

Thought I forgot eh? ... just been busy "retiring" from my job .... being retired is NOT over rated ... no bon bons, or sitting on the couch watching soaps ..... so far the "honey do" list isn't overwhelming and I'm liking getting some chores down without interruption .... and I might still get a job part time at some point. Right now, I'm on vacation everyday. Oh yea, I did go camping with the Rangers for the past weekend .... and it was hot .... not complaining since I wait all winter for summer and now that it's here, it's my kind of weather. I'll work on some pic's soon.

What Do YOU See?

I took this picture at our last Royal Rangers Gold Medal Camp evening Council Fire, which is our ministry time to present God's Word to our boys and men. I can not take any sort of credit for what you see, but when I first saw the photo, it was awesome to see what is being revealed.

Changing Times

We certainly would be living in a cave not to notice the world is changing by the day. While we are challenged to face the uncertainty of a new leader and his agenda, we are promised by God that He is able to move in behalf of those who believe that He Is and that He's a rewarder (not a taker) for those who diligently seek Him (not His stuff, but Him). Much is yet to unfold and we may not readily understand, but we have the hope given by God through Jesus Christ that life for us is in His kingdom, which is not of this world (which will pass away). That which is eternal will remain, .... that which is temporal will fade and pass. We are called to walk by faith not by sight, .... seeing what is not seen and not allowing what is seen to keep us from our promises. If in this life only we have hope, we really do not have hope at all. Let's put our trust fully in Jesus and run this race with patience, determined to lay hold on the prize.