I have a need to blog! It's kind of pathetic that guys like me always have to be trying to say something important. I've been working fifty-five to sixty hours and hunting one morning a week (Saturdays). Sundays are filled from the time we wake to about 8:30 in the evening doing glorious things for the kingdom of God. Not complaining mind you. It's awesome to eat breakfast every Sunday morning with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to go from there to my fifth grade Sunday School boys, from there to church service, from there to lunch with a group of people who just decide each Sunday to have lunch together, from there to home to get ready for small groups at six when our small intimate group gets together for dinner and bible study, which usually ends at about 8:30. Sharon and I go to bed exhausted but renewed spiritually. The only problem is that it takes about two hours after such a revitalizing day to come down to earth, so we literally don't get to sleep until 10:30 or 11:00 P.M. Then we get up at 5:00 A.M. to begin a new week. We really do live a pampered life, compared to those who fight traffic and crime in big cities. But, sometimes we forget how blessed we are.

To begin with, I have a beautiful bride of 36 years who loves Jesus and me in that order. I serve in a church filled with dear men and women who love God. I have a good job, though I tried with all my heart to be unemployed until January when I will begin collecting medicare and social security. I only live ten miles from one of the finest hunting spots in the nation. I only live twenty miles from one of the finest fishing spots in America. My boss just gave me a newer truck that is comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive. I'm trying to find a down side to this, but no matter how hard I try, I can't. Life is good. Jesus is gooder, And, being his child is the goodest. I know my English sucks, but I'm quite sure you get the point.

When Sharon and I moved to Montana in '93, we had no idea what God had in mind for us. Things have always been better than they were in Arizona and Sourthern California. But, there were times we questioned the wisdom of coming 1600 miles with no job awaiting us. We struggled for a few years, but God kept us in His grace and made sure we got to where He wanted us. All I can do is praise Him for His wonderful grace. Now, at 64 years old, I am getting to retire from the work force. Of course, that doesn't mean we will quit working. It only means we will be working at those things we believe are of eternal significance. I have been praying for this time in our life for many years. It will be a time of rich and abundant fellowship and labor in God's vineyard. I am so looking forward to it that I sometimes forget He has things for me to do right now. I work with people every day who are lost and floundering through life looking for answers to the most basic of questions: Why am I here? I have to keep reminding myself there is not a moment in our lives when God hasn't a purpose for us. Please pray for us that we will speak boldly as we ought when the opportunity arises, that we will be sensitive to the eternal needs of those around us, that we will be pleasing to Him in all respects, and that we will love the Lord God with all or our heart, soul, and mind. God bless.