Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. (Matthew 2:1-2)
- We thank God for His grace and mercy for our family this year - not that we are surprised.
- I daily reflect upon the truth of Romans 9:15, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion"
- In my 63rd year, I am cognizant of my own mortality and that every day is a gift. My responsibility is to gift my life back to my Lord and Savior: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
- Highlights of this year:
- My daughter married on Labor day and we welcome a fine son-in-law into our family
- We received news that we are to be grandparents (my 2nd son who was married 2 years ago) this coming July.
- We had a great vacation with my sister and mother to San Antonio in May
- The year commenced with my being arrested . This hung over me like a black cloud until it was finally resolved in June.
- After I had a nasty intestinal infection in 2011 (that took almost 8 months to resolve!), I again was sick this year until the weird procedure this month that cured me. I have too many people to thank with regard to this:
- My manager Denise who was patient with me.
- My Liberty Mutual case worker, Erin, who worked all the details on my short-term disability.
- Nila S my infectious disease Doctor.
- Dave S my Gastroenterologist
- Methodist Hospital and the staff who cared for me (link and link)
- My wife!!! and family (who prayed for me and encouraged me)
- Our 38th anniversary (to be celebrated this week)
- Kathee and I continue to serve in our church and minister in one of the young adult Bible fellowships
- I am completing my 19th year with Wells Fargo and am thankful for the material provisions that God enables through my employment.
Comment: The Christmas card image is from my sister-in-law's antique Christmas Card collection
