Go West, Old Man!

The year 2008 brought dramatic change for Helen and me. A year ago right NOW our house on the Cape was for sale, but we had little hope of selling as the market had begun flooding with foreclosures, the Cape prices falling ahead of the general market it seemed.

I was serving on staff in a Methodist church that showered us with love and provided plenty of opportunity to minister.

Then in rapid succession I went to the hospital with a fast infection that refused to be knocked down with the strongest IV antibiotics. In and out again and finally diagnosed (after bone marrow examination) with CML, a serious form of leukemia. Then our oncologist (or person in his office) located a foundation which underwrites the really expensive co-payment for a 'miracle' drug which does not cure, but keeps the production of cancer cells from happening; side effects are a bother but manageable-- then offer to buy-- at $100,000 LESS than what we were assessed taxes for-- decision to go for it--

...then Mark and Joy and Steve and Sharon along with Ben and Russ and Russ IV climaxed the packing of 18+ years of accumulation into a PODS unit-- after we had FILLED a large dumpster with stuff-- some semi-precious but only to us-- years worth of notebooks, etc-- gave away boxes of books . . . drove to oHIo and lived with Sharon and Steve for two or three months. They had set up our own bed and very comfortable quarters.

We began looking for permanent housing solution . . . ended up in a condo that seems near perfect for us. Were able to pay cash, andf anticipate that the monthly condo fee will be manageable- no snow to shovel or grass to mow. Found doctors. Found library. Found swimming pool (Helen's therapy!) Have NOT found church home- (have Bible, will travel!)

We've had several things published this very year, and submitted a book October 31 (on deadline) that was written (finished) in the midst of all this change. I do feel useless at times, but that ultimately, is the problem of my Owner. He has taken good care of us, and we are profoundly grateful.

It is a cliche I suppose that growing old is for the brave.But we (Helen and I--this is her 76th Birthday TODAY) are looking forward to the new year with anticipation of bearing fruit even when we finally get old! (John `5:8) And we are even claiming the promise that not only will the Lord not forsake us but that even in this economic stress our children will not be begging bread (Psalm 37:25).

Happy New Year! Godf bless you!

"Ding-Dong" and "ding-ding"

Two old laymen met at the back fence by chance, a deacon from one church and a trustee from another- solid pillars in their respective churches. It was in character for them to talk about their churches which they loved.
"How was church yesterday?" one asked. With a faint sigh the answer was, "I'm afraid the same old 'ding-dong. ding-dong.'" "You're fortunate," said the first. "All we get is 'ding-ding, ding-ding.'"
Of course that was years ago. Maybe today the conversation might be "DING-DONG"' and "ding-ding" due to electronic amplification.

Anyway-- in sermons and services-- there is no substitute for clear notes, beautiful melody, varying dynamics, and humble but sincere presentation. The unpardonable sin in worship is human manipulation, or making what should be the most exquisite joy humans can know a matter of performance or excitement instead of openness to divine invasion.

Reading Habits

How do you read the Bible? I'm not preaching now- just interested in how to do a better job myself . (I wish I knew how to maneuver this type/format!). .

Helen and I read the lectionary passages together each morning-- the scriptures leading up to the next Sunday's Gospel -- then we pray together. It is the best part of the day for us both.

Then I use a One Year Bible, the NKJV version, but do not always get all the passages each day-- and often 'catch up' --always Psalms, NT and OT. This time of year --the end-- comes Revelation. There is a promise at the beginning I take literally: " Blessed are those who read these words and those who hear" But that does not mean I understand all the symbolism, or even believe I am supposed to understand-- still there are some portions that are amazingly understandable: the promises, warnings, and blessings in the first three chapters-- what Jesus says to the seven churches.