REFLECTIONS ON A YEAR

Where did the year go? They seem to fly by faster and faster as I get older. There must be some scientific theory concerning how slow time goes by when you are a youth and as you get older and older it goes by faster and faster. The Theory of Increased Speed of Time With Increased Age. I am going to apply for a government grant for the study of my new theory. This study should be worth at least a cool million dollar grant. If you would like to volunteer to be one of the subjects of my study, please let me know. There will be no pay as I will be keeping all of the money for myself in the tradition of those applying for government grants.

This year has brought change, as all years do. Life is always full of change and the challenge is to adapt to the change and trust in the divine wisdom of life's architect. My kids are on the move with The Jennings in Erie and Gabe now in Austin. Gabe's move should be an improvement for us. Although Austin is a greater distance than Baton Rouge, the boys are all in the same place and this helps. Scott and his family have bought a house and will be settling into a routine with their new home. Caleb and Cade have physically and emotionally matured by leaps and bounds this year. Adam & Camille have settled into their lives in Erie nicely. Adam has accepted the challenge of medical school and Camille has settled into a new job and new friends. She has the wonderful capability of making friends wherever she is planted. What a gift!

We have seen our small group grow in numbers and grow in the Lord during this year. We have had our share of challenges with the illness of our beloved friend, Dale. We have pulled together in prayer and work to serve these dear friends. We will continue to grow together, serve together & love our Lord together. We are blessed to have this spiritual community.

Our elder family members continue the march we all make to the end of our days on this earth. Life is not always kind and time can be cruel. We are challenged to make these days as good as possible while reassuring them of the love that surrounds them as only family can. The day is swiftly approaching when we will be the senior patriarchs of the family and our desire is to serve well in that capacity. As generations before us, we are observing and making mental notes of what we hope to do or not do when our day arrives.

Friendships have grown and time has been well spent nurturing and enjoying those relationships. We are blessed with life long friends as well as those that have appeared in our lives in the latter days. How does the old song go? "One is silver and the other gold." Wise songwriter. Fun and memorable trips to the beach and the mountains. Many a laugh and plenty of food-makes for "good times".

I've watched the days fade into night; the sun rise and fade; the moon appear over the horizon and the stars light the sky. I've seen icy winds turn to cold spring rains, spring rains bring the southern Gulf showers, mild warmth has turned to sultry humid summer days, that slowly faded into autumn crisp evenings; that once again became glimpses of icy cold as winter approached. The barren trees and bushes have turned to spring buds sprouting from the ground and leaf buds on tall hardwood trees, green stalks with buds ready to burst forth sprang from the beds, and flowers adorned every bed until late autumn, when dropping leaves and fading flowers signaled the end of growth. The birds appeared by the season and nests were built, eggs laid, chicks chirped for worms and bugs, and fledglings flew. There is such predictability in the order of the seasons as there is with the order of life. Sometimes the timing is thrown off, but as the scripture tells us for everything there is a season. We have to trust that our seasons will be as God directs and know it is for our best,even when we question and do not understand.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS-

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His Face to shine upon you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. My New Year Prayer for us all.

On a much lighter note, I went to the Quick Care this AM after not running my morning run. I felt as bad all last night as I have since I contacted the bubonic plague. When I don't get up and push myself through a run, I am dragging big time. The following medical formula should bring restored health in time for the Houston Marathon-which is 13 days from today:

2 Shoots + Antibiotic Prescription-Old Decongestant+New Decongestant =
Well Lora