"Phoenix"

My latest trips have been to Phoenix, Az. There is a story there that I would love to tell. I have known this awesome woman for about five years. I was out to visit her in March and we had a great week eating, talking, sharing thoughts and ideas. I left there to return to Colorado knowing I had a great friendship with a great person.

Now, I don't know what God has planned for me always. I do trust that God will take care of me and provide all I need. This latest turn of events was a welcome and awesome blessing. I called my friend in Phoenix and during our convesation became keenly aware that we could be much more than friends.

I am a firm believer in Gods' timing and through a lot of junk I sorted out this last summer I was ready for a new beginning. She is the exact God, gifted person for me! I am so excited that we are together and will be with each other to live and share life!! Praise God!

Verse: Song of songs 4 (all)

"Durango Colorado"

Labor day weekend and I found myself touring Colorado on my motorcycle along with my son and my two daughters. We toured from home to Montrose Co, and spent the weekend exploring some awesome countryside. One of our stops was where a year earlier I had hit a deer on the very same motorcycle we were riding. My tibia was broken but by the grace of God all else was fine.

I just love that area of Colorado. Come to think of it I love all of Colorado!! Being with my three children and sharing that time was memories for a lifetime. The weather was awesome and the scenery beautiful.

I praise and thank God for safe and pleasant travel. I also praise and thank God for the vast and varying landscape he has provided for all of us. I also praise God for my awesome and wonderful children and their spirit and love they have.

Verses: Isaiah 52 : 7 2 Peter 1: 16-18 Dt 10: 12- 22

"Austin, Texas"

I was also able to visit some old friends in Texas. Some of our friends are from past relationships. It seems a shame to lose them because of life changes. My daughters mother had such a relationship with an X- boyfriends grandmother. They were friends long after the boyfriend was gone from her life.

My favorite all time mom in Austin is named Pat. She is a great testament to what a good and faithful mom, grandma, neighbor, friend should be. If ever there was a woman who honors and glorifies God in her actions and words, Pat would be it.

Other friends there are also good to me and my visit with them. They treated me with love and respect and great conversations. Sometimes our greatest lessons come from teenagers and their pure innocent views on life. Michael had that quality.

Pray: God, thank you for all the experiences of life! There is so much to look forward to and so much we have already seen. Friends , family, and, neighbors are all equally important to our time on earth. Verses: Gal 5: 22-26 2Peter 1: 3-11 1Thes 5: 12-24

"Pennsylvania"

June found me driving to Pennsylvania. Being that I spent 35 years there it is always nice to go back when I can. A large part of my family live there. My parents were facing health issues and I was glad to be able to visit them!

God in his infinite power and wisdom got me there, got them healing, and left us all with good memories! A new baby, an old friend, a favorite eating place, my parents farms, a dew covered grass, plenty of humidity,great people, all were there.

My daughters and I got to explore Pittsburgh and actually saw the Pirates beat the Giants. We rode roller coasters at Kennywood Park all day long. We did an enormous amount of driving but cherish the time we had together!

I absolutely love Colorado and think God designed it just for me. I am glad that my children and I are all native Pennsylvanians. We have such blessings in both places. Thank you God, for all the places you have put in our hearts!!

Verses: Ex 20: 12 Det 5: 16 Matt 15: 4 Eph 6: 1-4

"Arizona"

Spring Break 2010 found me in Arizona. I really like it there especially in March and April when it is 80 degrees. The cactus and palm trees are amazing to me. They have close to a perpetual summer all year round. The residents there tell me that the middle of summer is brutally hot.

My visit was with some great people I know and think the world of ! They allowed me to be a part of their family for a week. We grilled and ate together and did cool family things. It was nice to become a part of their daily lives.

I got around by bicycle while they went to school and work. Let me just say that by bike you see a whole different scene than any other way. It's slow enough to take it all in but fast enough to cover a lot of ground.

My experience there was awesome and I thank God for great people like them! It also was to be life changing for me although at the time I didn't know that. Verses: John 15: 9-17 Prov 27: 10 Prov 17: 17

"This Baby"

This is a pretty spectacular day for all of us Most of all if you have kids you know how excited they get with Christmas this close. What and why we are celebrating sometimes gets lost in the excitement.

This baby that was born so many years ago was the baby of all babies!! Jesus came and the world would change forever. We all are today saved by his sacrifice and love.

Baby Jesus came to this world like any other baby, from his mother.The difference is how he started out. God allowed Mary to carry his only son, Jesus. God himself came to us in his son Jesus How cool is That!!!

Christmas is a celebration of that day. Christmas is also a celebration of that day. Christmas is also a celebration of those we love. It is a time to share in our love for others and of course, Jesus. In the very act of loving others we spread the very essence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.. This baby came and our lives are now supremely blessed because of that!

Verses: Luke2: 8-14 John 1: 35-42 Luke 1: 39-45 Song: Stephen Curtis Chapmans, "This Baby"

"Babies"

No greater sound can be heard than the sound of our babies. Small children are just larger babies. Their laughter and talk is unique to them only. Any parent can be taken back in time when they hear the chatter of kids at play.

All of us would have been at one time a baby. For some that may have been a long time ago. For others not so long ago at all. I think we all keep a small part of that with us. Just because we are grown doesn't mean we don't require love and care from others.

Dads and Moms alike, often call their grown children "Baby". Maybe we just want to keep them at that wonderful and awesome age. Or more likely we just know that there is still that wonderful child inside each of us. Praise God for babies and the most wonderful gift they are!!

Verses: Isaiah 49: 15-18 John 16: 21-24 1Peter 1: 3-9

Eat Pray "Love"

Love has been written about for many generations. Everyone has their own interpretation of what love is. My own has changed over time. I believe that it is the one thing we all can relate to and experience.

What we perceive as love in our lives may vary among us all. The core of love is basic and pure. Love for our children is unconditional and a continuous one. Love for others can be more complicated.

To truly love one another requires us to be unselfish and open minded. Any amount of ulterior motives will not encourage true type love to emerge. We can only experience the purest of loves' depth when we are loving another person.

God is love, and God can help us to find and live life with wonderful and loving persons! What an awesome and powerful gift from God!!!

Verses: Amos 5: 14-15 Matt 22: 34-40 Col 3: 18-20

Eat "Pray" Love

I am unsure if I will be awarded for my undying prayer life. I do believe that prayer is more than just me asking, celebrating, or thanking God.

I feel prayerful when I am appreciating the love God has for all of us. I feel prayerful when those I love are taken care of. I really feel prayerful when I am singing and worshipping God. Maybe a better description of prayer is any time we feel a connection to God.

A quiet time to pray and listen is also hugely important. We need quiet time to hear and speak to God. Life can be stressful but Gods' presence gives us peace.

Prayer: God, you are our source of life and living well. God, encourage all of us to listen, hear, and live life's that praise and glorify you. In all we say and do, and in our worship we should honor God and his precepts.

"Eat" Pray Love

I hope I don't get into trouble for using that line? Seems like a good place to start. What better subject than food. We all get hungry and we all love food. God designed us to need nourishment and God wants us to enjoy what we eat.

There are a lot of options that are less than desirable. There are a lot of very wonderful and healthy ones though. I personally am blessed or ? with a sweet tooth. I love pies, cakes, candies, breads and the like. Fortunately I also like bananas, grapes, strawberries, apples etc. A good hearty meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables is hard to beat.

It is the one social and necessary act we can all share in. Nobody really likes to eat alone, do they? Conversation and interaction at our meals draws us closer together and fills our minds and our stomachs. Thank you God, for all the wonderful foods you have provided for all of us.

Verses: Psalm 107: 1-9 Matt 25: 35 1 Cor 10: 31-46

"Learn from Others"

Life is a constant and varying journey. Everyone in it offers a life lesson. Anyone I have met and got to know has somehow enlightened and taught me. God created us all, so all of us can get a better glimpse of God when we spend time with others. My favorite and closest friend is filling me up with so much of God.

She is my answer to prayers and has a depth of soul equal to the deepest oceans. She may be only one of Gods" created but she has touched my heart! God touched my heart many years ago and life has never been the same!

I have been extremely blessed and oh so grateful for all my friends, family, and my love. God knows what best I need and God is great at filling my life up with so many. My head, heart, and soul are constantly being fueled with their involvement in my life.

I continue to learn and grow and am excited about all that will come in my future. My excitement for each and every day God gives me couldn't be better! I am glad God has brought me this far and to this place in my life.

Verses: 2 Tim 2: 1-7 Isaiah 1: 17 Phil 4: 10-20

"Be a Role Model"

My kids think I am a goof ball. I guess they thought their dad would be this serious, straight laced figure of strength and stability. Instead they get this older version of themselves!

I have given them a distinct and thorough set of expectations for their lives. Rules that are good for their development and character. Some were early on to keep them safe and respectable. As they age some have been slackened up somewhat.

How I treat them and others provides a ground work for their lives. How I live my life does affect them tremendously. My beliefs or lack of them, is also hugely important.

They all know I love and trust God. They all know I would never harm them in any way. They know that I have deep respect for this planet and all God has put on it. They know that they are loved and will always have me as their dad. Whether I am a goof ball or a scholar I can't say? I would rather be a little goofy though and enjoy every day!!

Verses: Eph 6: 1-4 2 Tim 2: 22-26 Gal 5: 16-18

"Care for Others"

What should all of us do to have fulfilling and productive lives? Most wont accomplish world renowned acheivements. Most of us will have to concentrate at a more personal level.

My experience has been that we get the most satisfaction from serving those we love. I have no greater reward than to know my kids are safe, smart, sincere, and living well.

Families are sometimes scattered about. It is harder to maintain relationships but every bit as important. We can continue to be involved in their lives as well as they in ours. Traveling to see each other and be with family keeps relationships going strong.

All of our days have certain built in schedules. We can make sure we make time to be with those we love. All of our relationships need time to prosper and grow.

A life filled with others close to us is a great way to live and live well!! Adding friends and neighbors just is like icing on the cake!!

Verses: John 21: 15-19 1 Corin 12: 21-26 1 Peter 5: 1-4

"Living life Well"

Each day has a beginning and an end. At the end it is nice to say, " That was a good day". The requirements for that to happen are not all that strict.

One of my favorite memories was almost always on a Saturday. After a pleasant day of task doing and hanging out with my kids, a great ending would come. I would sit on the porch and rest for a bit. While I was doing that I would listen to the sounds around me. First I may hear my kids laughing and playing. Then I might hear a lawnmower or hedge trimmer running. Then a car would drive by and maybe a plane would fly over.

At those times I would realize that the sounds of a lazy Saturday afternoon are some of the best sounds I know!! Life never felt so good!! Those were and are great days. No vocation or experience in an exotic location can surpass those days. That is living life and living it well!

Thank you God, for the simplest yet most rewarding days of our lives. Verses: Luke 17: 11-19 Mark 5: 21-34 Matt 9: 12-13

"Life is short"

I recently realized my life is about half over. I have this goal to live to be 100. I may not make it that far but then again maybe I will?

I don't think it is ti lofty a goal. After all modern medicine is quite amazing. My families main health weak point is the heart. I hope I am caring for mine and keeping it healthy!

No matter what the outcome I still believe that we get a relatively short life span. It probably is best given that our bodies do wear out. Old age is inevitable for all of us. The cliche your only as old as you feel is my motto too!

While I am still living in this body, on this planet, and where I am at, I want to live a life well lived. I want to continue to explore this world both by geography and education.

Pray God: You gave us all life. Lead us to live it to our absolute best. Life is short but we have a great place to go when it's over, with you Lord! Amen

Verses: Ex 20: 12 Acts 17: 24-28 Philemon 1: 4-7

"Healthy"

All of us are bombarded by healthy promises. Better food, better health care, better life styles. All around us are others encouraging us to be healthier.

Spiritual health is not always one single definition. If we are in church every Sunday as a requirement of life we miss the point. If we say and do all the right things only to feel otherwise we are hypocritical. Others can tell us what is right and what is wrong but that is their opinion. Health comes from balance in what we eat, expend, believe and act on.

Physical health requires a discipline to eat and treat our bodies with respect. The net return is a better and likely longer life. Spiritual health is from our relationship with God and our sincerity of our beliefs. The net result is eternity! So many choices and so much pressure in our lives. The best approach revolves around love and respect for God and his principles.

Verses: Prov 3: 7-10 Prov 15: 29-33 Mark 2: 13-17

"Satisfaction"

I suppose there are all kinds of ideas out there on how to be satisfied. None are completely correct. Having anything or all things is no guarantee of being satisfied.

Satisfaction comes from a deeper understanding of self, God and others. I am more often satisfied when I am doing something for others. My expectations are simple and few. God entered my life many years ago and has brought me great satisfaction. Being healthy and able to do the things I love is very satisfying.

As time ticks by I only can pray and be confident that God will always fill me up with the things he knows I need. My own choices are best when I weigh them by Gods' standards. Prayer: God knows our needs and desires, God is and always will be our best source of satisfaction! Amen Verses: Isaiah 55(all) John 10: 7-18 1Peter 4: 1-11

"No Limit"

I made a cool discovery at an art fair last weekend. There seems to be no limit to what can be thought up. Even nuts and bolts and scraps make pretty cool art. The people attending are like a moving art pictorial.

I believe that all our inspiration comes from God. Artists draw from God his awesome and beautiful depth and make it into art. Man may be here a long time but there is no limit to what can be accomplished. God is and always will be the ultimate artist!! We can only create a part of his majesty.

Music, prints, paints, crafts, sculptures are just some ways we try and imitate God. Nobody can reach Gods' awesome ability but we all can sure be inspired and encouraged by it all.

Verses Hebrews 1(all) Phil 4: 8-9

"Bookmarks'

What bookmarks do you use in your reading life? I have numerous ones to choose from. Sometimes it is part of a utility bill we have folded up. One of my favorites is one my daughter made for me. Another is a bible verse a good friend of mine wrote down and gave to me.

I believe that the fact that some are with us for many years is a great testament to us all. Sometimes we aren't even aware that they are there until we stop and check them out.

A new favorite one was just handed to me!! Sometimes a slip of paper folded with a kind word becomes a bookmark we will cherish for life.

Life is filled with bookmarks foe us to find our place. Milestones could be a form of bookmark. A specific time we remember is also a bookmark for us to cherish. There is a bookmark in my bible that changes its' location but takes me on awesome and God filled journeys!! Verses: Job 1: 1-5 Psalm 1(all) Prov 16: 1-9

"Flying"

Airplanes have this great ability to introducing us to people we would never know otherwise. The relationship may only be for a few hours but could make a difference in our lives. Maybe we share an experience with each other and grow in our understanding of people. Maybe as I personally experienced recently, they were interested in a book I was reading.

The book is one of my favorite reads every Christmas season. It is called "The Glory Of Christmas". Not even sure where I got it from but I do enjoy reading it every year! It has a great ability to open our eyes as what Christmas is really about. Sharing it with another person just seems very appropriate.

The power of God is so much more apparent when we share something with another person.

It also has blessed me with a new recognition of how important that is to all of us. I look forward to the shared "flying" experiences yet to come!!

Verses Isaiah 6: 3 1 Cor 10: 31-33 John 1 6-14

"Messy Cleanups'

I have been on many industrial type cleanups because of my career. You get to the site and realize it is going to be a while before the job is finished. You also realize that no matter how thorough you clean up a spill some thing is left behind. A certain amount of impact always happens(Gulf spill, Valdez, main street gasoline spill, etc).

Not so different in our personal messes. My experiences have been varied and everywhere from major to minor. I am glad that God was my strength throughout my cleanups. I am also glad God has used me to provide strength for others during their cleanups.

Prayer: God: life, work, home relationships, can all get messy. We can only trust that you God will provide us with so many tools to clean them up. Like most tools, they will need our help to accomplish our goals. Thank-you God for all we need in life to purge and clean our messes!! Amen

Verses: Matt 23: 25 Psalm 24: 1-6 John 15: 1-8

"Messy People"

I may be writing this about my son? That may be a little harsh? He is a great person and a great son! He is a little bit messy, but then so am I.

I have been involved in so many ministries but my all time favorite is called C.R. It stands for Celebrate Recovery. It meets at 7p.m. every Friday night at a Loveland Co. church. All the people attending this special service are recovering from some kind of addiction. Their lives have been pretty messy. They themselves are probably messy people. Their hearts are what I admire most!

All of them are trying to take their lives and dig out from so many messes. It is a life long commitment and struggle. Where does their strength come from? God puts all the other people in their lives to be there for them. Cleaning up messes always is better with lots of help!

Verses: Isaiah 51: 1-6 Prov 1: 8-19 2Corinth 5 : 1-10

"Messy Relationships"

I suppose anyone over the age of ????? has had some messy relationships. If not then I am glad for them. The rest of us will have to accept that all of our relationships have not been perfect. Some have possibly been down right messy!!

It is pretty easy to realize that we may be caught up in a relationship that is way too messy. Relationships that are healthy have the ability to grow and prosper. Messy ones might be more draining and taxing in our lives. It is even more difficult when the person involved is also a close relative. Our family members have the closest connection to us and therefore can affect us most.

I know that what I have the power to do is through God. I have the responsibility and desire to be a positive impact in others' lives. There is no other gift greater that I can give then to serve and honor God in all I say and do. All of us can better live to provide healthy relationships and reduce the messy ones.

Verses: 1Tim 3: 1-16 Jos 2: 2-5 Eph 6: 1-9

"Messy Lives"

Seems that the longer we live the more stuff we have. Sometimes a purging of our possessions seems in order. I have had the blessing of condensing my life down numerous times. Somehow stuff seems to reappear and add to it once again.

Kind of parallels our lives, we have our past and it is gone. It will leave some impact on our present. We can all do our best to use that past mess and pull from that experience a positive and less cluttered present. No matter how much we discard more stuff will enter our lives. Our choices in what we keep and what we don"t will greatly affect our future.

It is nice when others can help us to clean out the old and unwanted stuff. Many a group I have been involved in has done just that. Other peoples' experiences and insights can help us to grow. We likewise can help others as well. God desires we all be in community and share in our struggles and successes. God has the master plan in front of him and our guide book ,(bible) to help us out on our journey. Praise God for cleaning up our messes!!

Verses: 2Peter 3: 11-18 John 3: 16-21 Romans 7: 7-25

"Messy Houses"

I visited a dear and womderful friend a few weeks ago. I was amazed at how clean and organized her new home was. She had only been there a few months and had it all looking pretty nice!

We on the other hand, had lived in our new house for twice as long. Our house still had boxes lying around and clutter and a sense of not quite done,ie, messy!! Not that there is some standard we all must live up to but more that we can always do better in our lives.

This last weekend I decided to improve our situation and straighten it up and put stuff away and organize it all. Now our home feels inviting and clean more homey!! All because of someone elses home that felt just right to me.

Messy homes are like the natural environment we live all live in. We could all do better to clean out some of the mess and fill it up with its' natural beauty. Pray: God, help us all to look at the clutter in our lives and put things in their proper places. Guide us in what is important ans what needs to be discarded.

Verses: Matt 12: 43-45 Psalm24(all) 2 Kings 20: 1-11

"Patience"

Actually there is a song by "Guns and Roses" with this title. Like all songs there is quite a bit of truth in it. Patience in any part of life can seem so overwhelming at times. Waiting and watching while we anticipate something requires a lot of patience.

Some of our careers and hobbies require quite a bit of patience also. Ever build a model and patience will be key! God has had patience that far surpasses all others. The plans of man are nothing compared with the plans of God!

God patiently takes us from birth to death with a patience only a holy father could have. God patiently waits on his creation to evolve and grow. And yet through it all we can see his handiwork and love shining through! God never tires or loses patience, only steadfastly encourages and amazes all of mankind.

Verses: Col 1: 3-14 Psalm 40 1-3 Romans 8: 18-27

"Running"

Ask me about running and I will tell you it cleanses and fills me. Ask my youngest daughter and she will say, WHY!!! Given the health benefits both physical and mental it is hard to beat.

Running away from something may be a good idea? Especially if it is a bear or mountain lion!! Running away from life is not wise. Running towards a goal is usually met with success. Running around in circles may be all we seem to be doing at times. Well at least we are running!!

The bible tells us of running to something, like something, for something. What are we running to? God. like? God. for? God!!

Running our lives may seem like an easy enough pursuit, but sometimes even that can be difficult. Running on empty is a hard place to be. Running free and like the wind is awesome and a grand gift from God. Running along side Jesus is so important and necessary for all of us. Thanks to God for all the races in life, we couldn't do with out him!!!

Verses: Gal 5: 7-15 1Cor 9: 24-27 Heb 12: 1-13

"Wake Up"

Most all of us will see tomorrow. We will "wake up" and most likely get out of bed. Some may opt to stay in bed for a few more ZZZZ's. Some may even read a book or listen to music, but they still have awakened.

There also is wake-up calls to us. Some may realize that a long term habit of smoking, drinking, cheating, etc. has to stop. They will have to decide how to best heal from their addiction. Unfortunately some may get a wake-up call about their health.

Cancer, diseases, all kinds of ailments can affect any of us. Not a pleasant wake-up call but often a part of our lives. All of us will ultimately face some sort of wake-up. We could just wake-up to a new realization of how we would like to live our lives.

Throughout it all our strength will come from God. Our decisions too, need to be God inspired! Verses: Psalm 17:14-15 Exod 23: 1-9 1John 3: 7-10

"Decisions for Life"

I have throughout my years of life had many decisions I have had to make. Some may have seemed to be of poor quality? Others seem to have served me well. All of those various decisions have been in some way beneficial. Take out the parts that seem to be wrong and there still is quite a bit right!

New ones seem to be better approached with a desire to follow God. Most of the time we think we are doing just that. We may or may not initially be under Gods' hand. The amazing thing is that it will still work out if our hearts are for God.

Our stories of our lives continue to grow and prosper each and every day. Thanks goes to God. Once again my praise is that our lives will have significance and purpose if we just follow God!! Verses: Prov 16: 33 Joel 3: 9-16 Jonah(all)

"Timing"

Ever wonder what is happening right now and why? Ever desire to change that and not been able to? There is a large part of our lives that we have no idea why and how we got there. It takes a leap of faith to allow God and his wisdom to shine through. We may not quite understand it but it has a way of making sense later on.

The very story of each of our lives is on going and unknown except by God. I am glad that throughout it all a master of timing and creation is in charge. Having faith and confidence that God is, and always will, provide the proper timing for our lives is a blessing to all of us.

Where I am and where you are today is where God needs us to be. Our part is to pay attention and listen and follow a Godly path. If we should sway God will draw us to him and put us back where we belong!! Verses: Eccl 9: 11-12 Rom 9: 6-9 Acts 1: 7-8

"Kit Defined- Define Kit"

Happy Birthday to my youngest sister. Her role in Gods' world is greatly varied. To her parents she is a daughter. To me and my other siblings she is sister. To her children she is mom and to her husband she is his wife. She is also friend to many and most importantly, child of God!!

She is also a caretaker of animals and Gods' planet. She is a valuable reference of Gods' word to me. She is an apple pie connoisseur!!! Her artistic talent surpasses many others.

I am blessed to have her as my sister and grateful that God put us in the same family. Distance may separate us, but our hearts are still connected no matter how far we are apart.

Praise God for all the roles we play and all the people that interact in our lives. ( come to think of it this describes most of us???). Verses: Psalm 148(all) Psalm 113 (all)

"Priority One - One Priority"

Priority one is to be a positive impact on and in this world. Our one priority should be to God, love, honor, obey, and glorify God.

Priority one requires us to be unselfish and generous. All we have comes from God. All we do should be a response to that. It is impossible to perfect our thoughts and actions, after all we are not God! Culture pulls us in a lot of different directions and our options are endless.

Focus on one priority and all the other life's' issues are less overwhelming. Love your family and friends as God does. Honor them and be honorable. Obey Gods' rules and desires for all of us. Glorify God in our actions and words.

When God calls us each home, go knowing that you did your best to improve this world here on Earth. What a wonderful ans awesome act of worship to God we can all strive to accomplish!! Verses Psalm 133(all) 1 King 8: 56-61 3 John 2-4

"Love Others- Others Love"

I have always been amazed at Jesus's teachings of loving others. There are so many bible references to us to do that. Often loving some people can seem difficult. I would think in those cases Jesus would encourage us to be more loving towards them.

A few people that I know seem to have that gift. They seem to be able to love all others and be loving towards them. I pray and hope I am getting better at that. I would ask God to build that skill up in me.

So many times in my life others have come in to love and be supportive of me. God is awesome at providing what we need when we need it! Our desires may be slightly different but God knows what is best.

Pray God: In this crazy mixed up world show us all how to be more loving and lovable. God: fill our hearts with your unfailing love, patience and kindness!!

Verses: Hosea 12: 5-6 John 15: 9-17 Philip 1: 9-11

"Own Things, Things Own You"

I am probably somewhat keenly aware of this concept. I owned a house and when we first lived there it was the "Family" home. We utilized it all as a family should. As the kids grew up and I was alone trying to keep it up I realized my house now owned me. The days of all chipping in were gone.

I felt owned and controlled by the demands of my house and property. I love the outdoors but I am allowing God to take care of natures needs.

My cars and bikes and stuff require quite a bit of my time but I sure do enjoy the challenges they present. There is always going to be an areas where I fall short( house keeping) and areas where I excel(staying healthy).

Balance once again is hard to define. I do know that who I share my time with significantly affects how I choose to live. God and his plans are always there, I just need to pray, listen, and follow what, where, with whom, and how I live my life.

"Health-Wealth Wealth-Health"

Here is an interesting concept. We as humans use our younger healthier years to try and accumulate our wealth. We then use our wealth in our later years trying to improve our health.

I personally like the idea of living to our fullest now and working till the end of our lives. Our limits of what we can do as elderly is an issue. Our brains however should be sharp enough throughout our lives. Physical ability is the direct result of the care we give our bodies and of course genetics.

There is a certain amount of our careers that is important to our financial and mental health. The trick is not to become obsessed with power, money, prestige etc... Taking a day off to spend with your loved one should be a priority. Taking time to be with God is also extremely important. Those with children are a huge part of their kids lives. Their kids need them interacting together. Bottom line; Live and love with balance, and God leading!!

Verses: Eccl 5: 8-20 Prov 3: 7-10 Mark 10: 7-31

"Thoughts on Thoughts"

Do we really know why we are able to process and develop thoughts? Are our thoughts completely and wholly ours? Do our thoughts help to lead us along in all we do? Thinking is a good exercise for our minds. It keeps us sharp and continuously learning.

Lots of us like either crossword or sudoku puzzles to tickle our brains. I love challenges of problems that I encounter. Sometimes I create my own challenges by the things I want to accomplish. They say when we stop learning and thinking we are very near death. The teachers edict of learn something everyday is very much vital to each of us.

God can use our thoughts to speak to and guide us. God won't necessarily be in all our thoughts. The bible gives us a great outline to determine when and if it is God speaking. Thoughts of love and care for another are Gods' ultimate gift to all of us. "I think and therefore I am". Verses: Heb 3 : 7-15 Isaiah 30 : 21-22 Eph 5: 17

"Thoughts on Life'

What a joy to be alive!! Each day brings forth some new adventure, or story, or learning. We can also be a tool for God to support and encourage others. My life, your life, their lives all are somehow intertwined.

God is the giver of life. God is what we all should live for. My prayer is that in all we do during our lives, we acknowledge and serve God. Sometimes we are serving ours and ours alone. It is a time for us to grow and prosper in character and understanding.

There is no absolute length of our life that we know. Some may be here for a long period of time. Others may not be as long. I am glad I do not know how long. God has planned foe me to live. With out that time table I am determined to live well and with passion!

Thank you God, for breathing life into me. I will cherish and offer that life as a living testament to you God!!! Lead me where to go and encourage me on what to do. Life with God is so awesome and complete.!!!

"Thoughts on Music"

No other creature on earth has the equal ability to produce music the way humans can. Humans seem drawn to and predisposed to music. The varieties are so vast that all of mankind can find a style that suits them.

Sometimes I want an AC/DC type of raw rock and roll!! Other times I am more attune to a softer Amy Grant type of song! Blues playing and singing is one of my favorites. One of my best friends is a huge Country music lover. I worked for years with another Country lover and was attracted to that also.

Whether we are making our own music or enjoying someone elses performance, we are transformed by it. My all time favorite is Worship music to God. People in churches and the like are singing out with God in song and harmony.

Praise God: We are and always will be drawn to and ministered by music of all kinds. Sing out to the Lord up high and fill this world with Joy!! Verses: Judg 5: 3 Eph 5: 19-20 Psalm 95: 1-7

"Thoughts on Walking"

Walking is a lot like moving "Art". It is a variable picture show of a multitude of art. Seasonally it can also change dramatically. As humans when we walk together we tend to spend some time conversing and sharing thoughts and ideas.

The canvas around us is inspiring, soothing, and beautiful. That is what opens our minds and souls to so much more that is around us.

Of course our doctors will tell us that walking is good for bodies. "Well Duh"!! It goes without saying that the health benefits are there. The other underlying benefits are not so obvious. My guess is that if all couples walked for one hour each day together, their lives and relationship would improve.

Finally, I suggest we all walk with God throughout our lives. God is the perfect walking partner, no limits to distance, time, conversation or weather affect God. Walk with God and life is grand!!!!

Verses: Amos 3:3 Prov 13: 20 Micah 6: 8 1John 1: 7

"Thoughts On Art"

I would not ever profess to be a connoisseur of any kind of art. I would admit I am impressed by the artist's abilities and vision.

Strolling through the art museum I am seeing some of the same things I have seen before. Somehow when you spend that time with someone else you observe a whole new experience.

Nothings really changed except you are now sharing that with someone else. I guess their eyes and yours are now combined? Details you notice can be offered and and details they observed are shared. There lies the beauty in "Art" it has no definable definition!!

Kind of like God, we all have our own definition of what God means to us. A lot of what we believe is shared by many others. A little bit though is our own personal vision and understanding. Praises to God for all the Art and God we get to experience!!

Verses: Psalm 111(all) Gen 1(all) Isaiah 6: 3

"Love God"

That is all I need to say!!! End of story!! All else in life revolves and and depends around this precept,? concept,? doctrine,? choice,? irresistible urge,? live giving fact,? human need,? answer to life,? awesome gift,? comfort,? salvation,? truth,? mystery!!! or simply the purpose of life!!!

I am amazed at how all of life boils down to some very simple truths.: "Love God" "Love Yourself", "Love Others", and share your love with all!! Love this planet and all that is on it! Love sunrises and sunsets!! Love water, earth and fire. Love the one whose hand you hold. Love those you don't even know yet. Love those you have known and may or may not ever see again.

God is Love. All else in life comes and goes and has no lasting value. ( money, possessions, power, prestige, position, etc....). Grasp this and life becomes a life well lived!! Pray: God, Inspire, encourage, and allow us to truly live a loving and loved life!!!!

Verses: 1John 4: 16 Deut 30 : 8-10 Matt 22: 34-40

"Love Yourself"

Every therapist in the world is at some point trying to explain this to someone. Look in the mirror, step on the scale, mess something up and try and say "I love myself"?

Easy to say harder to actually do.! Teenagers struggle with image, character, self worth, sex, choices......... and loving themselves. Do we mature and grow out of those issues? Probably never completely. Ask any sufferer of depression what their thoughts are revolving around.

God is able to forgive us in all the things we do. We could do well to do the same. Forgive ourselves, forgive others, and allow us to love us. It's all our attempt to become more and more like God. In Gods' eyes we are all his perfect and wholly lovable creation. We all could try to see ourselves as God sees us and love what we are!! Pray God, for those struggling, we pray your power of love to them and for them. Amen

Verses: 2 Thes 2: 16-17 1 Thes 5: 12-15 Psalm 18(all)