Not Forgotten

          Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect upon your life and possibly redevelop a spirit of gratitude and thanks for what you have.

          Now in reflection we have had a very challenging year health wise.  The year has included several surgeries, over 320 visits to doctors, cardio and pulmonary rehabs, physical therapy, and medical tests of all sorts.  We've never had medical bills like we have had this year. It has been a long year. 

          At cardiac rehab each week they would ask my wife how our social life has been and what vacations we have taken.  The weekly answer was that our social life was just going to doctors and to church.  How true!  Not even any breakfast visits with friends.  And we've only been able to take one short vacation all year - no trips to the ocean at all this year.

          And recent medical tests show us that the coming year could even be worse with more serious problems to deal with.  I just received word of that possibility from a doctor right before Thanksgiving.  Dianne may also get the same type of news from test results taken yesterday. Both of us are scheduled for more tests.

          And as I write this blog, the day before Thanksgiving, I find it is so easy to be discouraged and concerned.  It is easy to have a pity-party. It is so easy to forget the many promises that God has given us.  It is so easy to forget His presence.  It is so easy to forget what He has done for us in the past and what He has promised to do for us the future.  How short sighted we can be.

          Am I the only one who has ever felt this way?  Have you?  Well there are many others, including David who went through times of severe doubting and discouragement. He had to avoid Saul and flee for his life.  And his psalms are filled with his discouragement but also his recognition of God's leading and blessing upon his life

          "How long, O Lord?  Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?  How long will my enemy be exalted over me, O Lord my God ... But I have trusted in Your mercy, My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.   I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me."   Psalm 13: 1-2 ... 5-6.

          At times David felt that God didn't even hear him or didn't care about his needs.  He felt alone.  Have you ever felt that way?  I know that I have.  But I also know that He has always been there and as His child He does care for me.  Maybe it would be easier if I could just talk to Him face to face.  Someday I will be able to do that.  But now I can talk to Him at any moment or at any time of the day or the night.  And believe me, I have spent much time doing that, especially during the long hours of the night.

          Now as I sit here the Lord is reminding me of the many good things He has provided for me.  I am now nearly eight decades old and have lived most of those years without any major physical problems.  Many of my close friends never had that opportunity or blessing. And the surgeries I have had in the last few years have generally been successful.  God has provided me with excellent surgeons and therapists.  I am blessed.

         Dianne is also reaching the eight decade mark. Although she has lived with a serious condition for many years, she didn't need surgeries until recently.  Her last one was a miracle. After many tests she finally qualified for the new TAVR surgery to replace her aortic heart valve. It was an amazing surgery with a quick recovery.  Of course we both still also battle with arthritis and kidney stones - ouch!

           And God has blessed us in so many other ways - a great marriage, a wonderful family that is serving the Lord, a great job for 39 years, a family ministry for 25 years, serving in Awana for 38 years, a comfortable home, plenty of food, friends, a great heritage and so much more.  He has been so good to us. Why should I worry or fret?

          Now I realize that life can't always be filled with sunshine and roses, but I also know that God will be there in the dreary and stormy days.  Do I really want to go through these stormy days?  Not really, although I hope that I will learn from them.  But I also know that He has a plan for me and that plan includes carrying me through the tough times and eventually taking me to the home He is preparing for me.  And at this Thanksgiving I thank Him for that and rest in this truth.  God is so good - all the time!

(1)    Jesus will walk with me down thru the valley,

Jesus will walk with me over the plain;

When in the shadow or when in the sunshine,

If He goes with me I shall not complain.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(2)   Jesus will walk with me when I am tempted,

Giving me strength as my need may demand;

When in affliction His presence is near me,

I am upheld by His almighty hand.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(3)   Jesus will walk with me, guarding me ever,

Giving me victory thru storm and thru strife;

He is my Comforter, Counselor, Leader,

Over the uneven journey of life.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(4)    Jesus will walk with me in life's fair morning,

And when the shadows of evening must come;

Living or dying, He will not forsake me.

Jesus will walk with me all the way home.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

A Challenging Forward (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on December 30, 2009.

          I really don't want to upset anybody, but please don't put me on a list to regularly receive e-mail forwards from you. If the forwards include attachments or downloads, I will delete them immediately. I don't want to catch any virus that could be part of such a forward. And most of the time I delete plain forwards, too, unless I have a good idea what it is. 

         I find that many of these are full of big pictures that tie up my computer for several minutes while they load. My time is too valuable for that type of entertainment. Or they often include hoaxes that have circulated through e-space for years. Some are attacks on Obama and I already know more about him than I want to know. The Bible tells me to pray for him, even if I disagree with him. 

         Others are cute poems or prayers that I am asked to pass on to others. But doing so with my e-mail address makes me more available to spammers who love to get such lists of e-mail addresses. So, my delete button gets plenty of action daily. 

          Now having said that, once in awhile (maybe 5% of the time) there are some that are worthwhile. Recently I received one that many of us seniors can relate to. I've saved that one to share with other seniors as we end 2019. So here it is. 

         Who would have thought... 

(1)    that when you wished your kids didn't need you so much, you would someday wish that they did? 

(2)    that when there wasn't enough time in the day, you might someday wonder how to fill your free time? 

(3)    that when you couldn't wait to get your driver's license, you would someday try to decide when to give it up? 

(4)    that you would finally have more than enough stuff? 

(5)    that grandchildren grow even faster than children? (So very true!) 

(6)    that when people told you to enjoy your (time, education, job, kids, friends, health, spouse, etc.), you would someday realize why? 

(7)    that some people are grateful no matter what, and some are ungrateful no matter what? 

(8)    that when you struggled to make ends meet, they finally would? 

(9)    that each day can be a blessing and a chance to be a blessing to others? 

(10)    that a smile, a touch and a listening ear are worth more than expensive presents? 

(11)    that there's always something new to learn? 

(12)    that you would never get tired of watching a sunset, a rainbow, or a baby's first steps? 

(13)    that the best things in life ARE free? 

Maybe I could add two more of my own … 

(14)    that life goes faster the older you get? 

(15)    that 2019 would already be over? 

Have a great and safe New Year's Day and enjoy each new day that the Lord grants you.

1.    The sands of time are sinking,

The dawn of heaven breaks;

The summer morn I've sighed for -

The fair, sweet morn awakes:

Dark, dark had been the midnight

But dayspring is at hand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

2.    O Christ, He is the fountain,

The deep, sweet well of love!

The streams on earth I've tasted

More deep I'll drink above:

There to an ocean fullness

His mercy doth expand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

3.    The bride eyes not her garment,

But her dear Bridegroom's face;

I will not gaze at glory

But on my King of grace.

Not at the crown He giveth

But on His pierced hand;

The Lamb is all the glory

Of Emmanuel's land.

4.    O I am my Beloved's

And my Beloved is mine!

He brings a poor vile sinner

Into His house of wine

I stand upon His merit -

I know no other stand,

Not e'en where glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

What Are You Saying?

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on April 30, 2010

         You hear them everyday  ...  At the end of the day  ... I personally  ...  At this moment in time  ...  with all due respect  ...  24/7  ...  it's not rocket science ...  your call is very important to us  ...  no offense, but  ...  in order to serve you better  ...  no problem  ...  cool  ...  listen carefully as our menu options have changed  ...  our computers are slow today. These are just some of the many phrases that have become part of our vocabulary today and I am getting tired of "modern day phrase speak" (although I guess I do it at times myself!). 

         But there is one phrase which really drives me crazy - "thinking outside the box".  Today I have already heard it used two times, it was also in a book I am reading, and there is a guy running for governor of Pennsylvania who uses it constantly in his television campaign advertisements.  I shudder every time I see him waddle across the TV screen sharing how it is time to "think outside the box" to solve the state's many problems. Actually I think he should "think outside the box" to come up with better commercials (and to lose some weight). 

         Maybe that is the problem with today's society, everyone is "thinking outside the box" and neglecting all the common sense and moral values that have been "inside the box" for years.  Now I really wonder, if everybody is really "thinking outside the box". isn't all this thinking and behavior really "inside a new box"?  What's the difference - maybe it just depends on what the box is (whatever that means). Maybe this candidate should say that he "thinks outside the box"  but he really is "inside the new box of modern thinking". 

         At the end of the day, with all due respect, I personally think, at this moment in time, this might be more appropriate.  In order to serve us better, thinking outside the box, 24/7, might be better, even if the menu has changed. But, no problem if you feel otherwise, because it's not rocket science. And that folks is my "outside the box" blog for today. Think about it, either inside or outside the box.  And that's cool!

Speak, Lord, in the stillness,

  While I wait on Thee;

Hushed my heart to listen,

  In expectancy.

Speak, O blessed Master,

  In this quiet hour;

Let me see Thy face, Lord,

  Feel Thy touch of power.

For the words Thou speakest,

  They are life indeed;

Living bread from heaven,

  Now my spirit feed!

All to Thee is yielded,

  I am not my own;

Blissful, glad surrender,

  I am Thine alone.

Speak, Thy servant heareth,

  Be not silent, Lord;

Waits my soul upon Thee

  For the quickening word.

Fill me with the knowledge

  Of Thy glorious will;

All Thine own good pleasure

  In Thy child fulfill.

Like a watered garden,

  Full of fragrance rare,

Lingering in Thy presence,

  Let my life appear.

Help!

        I recently read an interesting story with an interesting application that we all could use.  Read, think and apply.

         A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.  "What food might this contain?" the mouse  wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

         Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

         The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

         The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"  The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

        The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"   The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

        So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap ... alone.

        That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it - a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. 

         When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup.  So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

         But his wife's sickness continued.  Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.  But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well. She died.

         So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

         And the mouse looked upon it all, from his crack in the wall, with great sadness.

         So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem, and you think it doesn't concern you, remember ... When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.  Remember - each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend. 

         Is there somebody who today needs your help?  Maybe we need to take action to help them out.

1     Look all around you, find someone in need,

Help somebody today!

Tho' it be little--a neighborly deed--

Help somebody today! 

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

2    Many are 'waiting a kind, loving word,

Help somebody today!

You have a message, O let it be heard,

Help somebody today!

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

3    Many have burdens too heavy to bear,

Help somebody today!

Grief is the portion of some everywhere,

Help somebody today! 

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

4    Some are discouraged and weary in heart,

Help somebody today!

Someone the journey to heaven should start,

Help somebody today!

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

Gravity Situation

          Here is a recent report about how gravity, which is a non-renewable resource, is gradually diminishing.
         "With the present rate of consumption, the earth's supply of gravity will be exhausted before the 22nd century," say several prominent physicists. "There is a direct link between the vanishing of the ozone layer and the decrease in the earth's gravity supply. 
         We're already seeing the effects of the disappearance of the ozone layer, but we're not likely to feel the effects of vanishing gravity during our lifetimes. However, our children will probably have to deal with the issue."
          It is interesting to think of some of the results science has yet to consider. The obvious impact will be on engineering, like keeping bridges and buildings weighted down. 
        But what about sports? Breaking records for the high jump will become easier. Football kicks will grow longer and a 92-yard field goal will not be unheard of.
          Until scientists discover a cheaper alternative, we need to help.  We can conserve Gravity by just following these simple suggestions:

1)  Walk with a light step. Carry helium balloons if possible.
(2)  Use tape, magnets or glue instead of paperweights.
(3)   Give up skiing and skydiving for more horizontal sports like snorkeling.
(4)   Avoid showers  ...  take baths instead.
(5) Don't hang all your clothes in the closet, keep them in one big pile.
(6) Stop flipping pancakes.

          This is most assuredly not a joke. What could be more serious? After all, gravity is the opposite of comedy. You may be laughing now, but just picture your great-grandchildren wearing safety tethers and tied to concrete posts, unable to play outdoorsfor fear of floating away on a windy day.

          Please be gravity conscious, while we still have some.

(NOTE - I wanted to use this report on April 1, but I forgot to do so.  I think my copy became attached to my helium balloons while I was walking with light steps!) 

(1)   I sing the mighty power of God,

that made the mountains rise,

that spread the flowing seas abroad,

and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained

the sun to rule the day;

The moon shines full at God's command,

and all the stars obey.

(2)     I sing the goodness of the Lord,

who filled the earth with food,

Who formed the creatures through the Word,

and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,

wherever I turn my eye,

If I survey the ground I tread,

or gaze upon the sky.

(3)      There's not a plant or flower below,

but makes Thy glories known,

And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from Thy throne;

While all that borrows life from Thee

is ever in Thy care;

And everywhere that man can be,

Thou, God art present there.

Gardening Tips

        While growing up my parents always had a vegetable garden.  For many years they had to travel to reach their plot. That was difficult but it saved them money when money was tight.  But when they moved to Lititz they had a plot right on their property.  Later when we bought our house they also planted things in the farmland behind out house.  Growing up during the depression they learned the value of growing vegetables and canning them.  And they regularly did that.

          After we moved into our first house we also planted a garden behind our place.  Then at our second place we really didn't have room for one.  But after moving to our present location we had plenty of land behind us and we annually had big gardens – often larger than we could even take care of.

          But over the years our vegetable gardens shrank until all that we planted were tomatos.  But a couple of years ago we even gave up on that because we could buy better ones at local markets.  We did buy corn most years at the Corn Wagon and we would freeze it.  But this year with Dianne's heart surgery even that was too much for us.

         We' ve also tried to maintain our flower gardens but that too is getting more difficult for us to do.

          But while we can't do the physical gardening anymore, there is the garden of our life that we can still care for.  Recently I found the following instructions for properly caring for that garden.

GARDENING FOR GOOD RESULTS

Plant three rows of peas:

  Peace of mind

  Peace of heart

  peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:

  Squash gossip

  Squash indifference

  Squash grumbling

  Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce:

  Lettuce be faithful

  Lettuce be kind

  Lettuce be patient

  Lettuce really love one another

Plant three rows of turnips:

  Turnip for meetings

  Turnip for service

  Turnip to help one another

Water freely with patience

  Cultivate with love

  There is much fruit in your garden

  Because you reap what you sow.

To conclude our garden...we must have thyme

  Thyme for each other

  Thyme for family

  Thyme for friends and especially

  Thyme for GOD

Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair;

And every one who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there.

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare

Are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there.

Thy Word is like a starry host: a thousand rays of light

Are seen to guide the traveler and make his pathway bright.

Thy Word is like an armory, where soldiers may repair;

And find, for life's long battle day, all needful weapons there.

O may I love Thy precious Word, may I explore the mine,

May I its fragrant flowers glean, may light upon me shine!

O may I find my armor there! Thy Word my trusty sword,

I'll learn to fight with every foe the battle of the Lord.

Coming Through (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on November 14, 2009.

        I am told that there are loads of "Murphy's Laws". If there are, one of them must go something like this. The probability of a person arriving late for an event, such as a game or concert, is related to how close that person's seat is to the middle of the row. 

         Most likely you've experienced this, hopefully as an end seat holder and not as a middle seat holder. Let me illustrate this fact. At Penn State many rows contain 30 or more seats. The seats are very, very narrow and the rows give you just enough room, at best, for your feet. Your knees usually press into the back of the person in front of you. I guess it must be that way to squeeze in more than 104,000 spectators. 

          Now guess who will almost always show up to be seated, five minutes after the opening kickoff - the ones with the middle seats. They will make everyone stand up and lean back while they try to squeeze through with their blankets and cold weather gear. They also block everyone's view of the game usually during a big or crucial play. 

         Now also guess who will need to get out to go the bathroom late in the first quarter. You're right, the ones with the middle seats. Now that is probably because they were out in the parking lot finishing their beverages when the game began. Now guess who will return early in the second quarter from the bathroom, and then, of course, leave again for the refreshment stand late in the second quarter to avoid the halftime rush. You've got it again - the ones with the middle seats. 

        And, of course, who will come back midway in the third quarter carrying their food which will pass right by your nose if it isn't spilled on you? That's right - the folks with the middle seats. I often wonder why many even come to the game. Obviously not to see the game. Probably they come to help those who have the end seats get their daily exercise. Stand up, inhale, lean back, move ... as they squeeze through ... again and again. 

        Now a final question, guess who leaves with a few minutes left in the game. Wrong! Not the ones in the middle seats, but us, the occupants of end seats! We leave to beat the crowd out of the parking lot ... and maybe also to avoid those in the middle seats who will soon want out once again. It probably isn't one of Murphy's Laws, but it should be. Expect it and accept it and maybe help yourself to some of their food as they squeeze by - now that's an idea ... maybe next year.

Laugh A Little

        One of the real challenges of aging is to remain pleasant and friendly and retain a good sense of humor, even as physical disabilities and loss of freedoms invade your life.  So many senior adults grow bitter and complaining and are discouraging to be around.  I pray daily that this won't happen to me, but at times it is hard to avoid.

          Many months ago a good friend, Nell Ruch, sent me a copy of an article, "Why Your Sense of Humor Fades the Older You Get."  It was published in 2012 but I don't know the name of the author.  I decided to share it for two reasons.  First, we seniors need to understand what happens to us.  Second, you young readers need to understand the challenges of aging and how to try and deal with us.  So here is the article.

          Along with aging come an array of health concerns and research from the University of Glamorgan shows that our sense of humor may decline as we age too. There are many benefits to having a sense of humor and laughing once in a while. Research has shown that laughing can reduce pain, achieve greater happiness and increase your immune system response among other health benefits. All of these benefits will help with all of the struggles that aging can present. If you want to feel younger, trying to maintain your sense of humor may be the best anti-aging remedy.

     Aging Leads to a Poor Temperament?

          The researchers from the University of Glamorgan discovered some pretty bleak findings related to aging and laughter. The carefree lifestyle of babies may be the reason that they laugh on average 300 times per day, but this positive attitude doesn't last for as long as you would expect. Teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to laugh at someone else's misfortune but only laugh six times per day. People in their twenties laugh even less at four times per day. People in their thirties laugh five times per day which the researchers attribute to having children which may help to restore their sense of humor and make them feel younger. 

          Once an individual hits the age of 50, they laugh only three times per day and it gets worse once you get to 60, laughing only two and a half times per day. The researchers also found that joke telling also decreases as we age with 600 of the 2000 participants not being able to recall telling a joke in the previous year. The study also found that people over the age of 50 were also more likely to complain and spend time worrying. The findings from this study suggest that aging makes us take life a little too seriously. If you want to feel younger, perhaps laughing a few more times throughout the day would help.

     Laugh a Little for Anti-Aging Benefits

          There are many anti-aging and health benefits of laughter including: boosting immunity, decreasing stress hormones, decreasing pain, relaxing muscles and preventing heart disease. Additionally, laughter can provide you with mental health benefits including: improving mood, decreasing stress and anxiety, and increasing happiness. Laughter can also help with your social life by improving teamwork, strengthening relationships, enhancing teamwork and helping to resolve conflict. All of these benefits can help you to feel younger and be healthier.

     How to Feel Younger as you Age

          If you want to keep laughing during the aging process, here are some suggestions to help you along the way ….

1.   See a movie – a comedy of course!

2.   Connect and laugh with friends – life is busy, but maintaining social connections is an important anti-aging tip to help you feel younger. Going to a comedy club or going to see a movie with some friends is a great way to experience the anti-aging benefits of laughter.

3.   Laugh at yourself – instead of getting embarrassed or frustrated, try to skip ahead to the future and see how funny the moment actually is.

4.   Smile, even if you don't want to – studies have shown that you get the same health benefits whether your smile and laugh are genuine or fake. So, even if you don't feel like smiling, just do it.

5.   Pay attention to children – aging can shift our way of thinking, kids know how to enjoy life, laughing along the way. Watching them may be a gentle reminder to enjoy life.

          Aging can come with unwanted worries and stress, but laughter may be the best anti-aging medicine. Tell a joke to a friend, share a laugh with a loved one and try to maintain your sense of humor with life. It will help you to feel younger and it will provide you with many health benefits that will help you live a longer, happier life.

I’m so happy

And here’s the reason why

Jesus took my burdens all away;

Now I’m singing

As the days go by

Jesus took my burdens all away.

Once my heart was heavy with a load of sin.

Jesus took my burden gave me (wonderful) peace within,

Now I’m singing

As the days go by

Jesus took my burden all away.

Good Old Days??

        The older one becomes, the easier it becomes to yearn for "the good old days".  But the old days weren't always as glamorous as we seem to remember.  Of course our better health then makes them seem better because we could do more.  And we had special experiences with friends and relatives who are no longer with us.

           While life was probably simpler years ago, we experienced World War 2 and the Korean War.  We did not have the medical advances we now have and we lived with diseases such as polio.  Many had to work and drop out of school.  Travel and communications were often limited.  Sometimes we forget these things about "the good old days".

          However, in those days we never really thought about growing old and how that would one day limit us.  Then suddenly these changes happened and almost overnight things we took for granted were done.  And we began to wonder how this happened to us so fast.

          Now there are things that I do miss.  For example I miss being able to walk very far, even with help such as a cane.  I used to walk every day, not only for my health, but because there was so much to see.  I now realize that I will never be able to do that again, but I have good memories.

          Music was always an important part of my life.  I enjoyed leading worship, hymn sings and Senior Saints at Pinebrook. I enjoyed singing in groups like the Gospel Four. Those opportunities to minister were highlights of my life.  But my voice is gone, my breathing is limited and those opportunities are now history.  But the Lord has given me good sources to listen to good music all day.  And He has given me the opportunity to minister to folks all over the world through my Hymn Blog.  Over 320,000 visits have been made to my blog and literally they have come from all over the world.  Recent visits have been made from folks in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Philippines, India, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and Jamaica, just to name a few.  Even though my voice is gone, the Lord has provided a much greater field of ministry.

       I miss my mother's great macaroni salad.  It was so special but its secret died upon her death.  A number of family members have tried to recreate it, but with little real success.  And of course, I still miss my parents.  So often I wish that I could  visit them, take them out to eat once again or even just call them.  But I know the time is coming quickly when I will be with them once again, this time for ever.

         I miss the opportunities to travel.  Over the years during my decades as district math coordinator, I was able to travel to about 30 major cities to participate and speak at national math conventions.  We also spent a summer in Florida as I attended FSU and of course we had a few family trips to Disney.  And I thought that after I retired, like many of our friends, there would be many more chances to travel.  But for a variety of reasons that hasn't happened and probably won't and at times that has been disappointing.   However, we have had many great experiences that have provided us with many special  memories.  

         I also miss my longtime family doctor, Dr. Fuchs, who retired two years ago.  He was so intelligent, so kind and so helpful.  He would do anything to help us, at any time.  Doctors and family practices like that apparently no longer exist.  Now I see eight specialists.  They are good but they only handle their specialty and they are hard to schedule.

         I miss attending Penn State football games.  For at least two decades we were able to attend almost every home game.  But now it is almost impossible physically to go and it has also become too expensive now that we are retired.  But almost every game is now on television and we can watch them in HD in a comfortable chair.  We just miss the tailgating and all the activity not shown on television.  But we don't miss the traffic.

          And I do miss so many of my old friends - Norman, Gary, Ralph and my brother Terry.  But like my parents, I will soon see them again.  And He has provided me with good sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren.  And that is a real blessing which I would not trade for anything.  What more could I want.

          There are many other things that I miss but God has provided replacements. I really have no regrets. God has been so good to me - all of my life.   And I am reminded that He is the author of my life and my story.  How could I complain about that.

(1) My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(2) My Father's own Son, the Savior of men,

Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;

But now He is pleading our pardon on high,

That we may be His when He comes by and by.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(3) I once was an outcast stranger on earth,

A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,

But I've been adopted, my name's written down,

An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(4) A tent or a cottage, why should I care?

They're building a palace for me over there;

Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:

All glory to God, I'm a child of the King.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.