To Be Thankful, and then Sleep!

I am sitting in the midst of the preparation for our family Thanksgiving meal. My job is to simply to simply stay out of the way, yet keep the glasses the full. So far so good! The Turkey has been rubbed, stuffed, and is roasting ever so slowly, and the kitchen (like yours) smells marvelous! We are all so blessed and, dare I say, should all be very thankful for the stuff (and stuffing) we have this day. When we sit down and eat our abundant meal, know that God and his beautiful nature have built in the ingredient to make it all perfect. TRYPTOPHAN! Tryptophan is, as defined in the British Dictionary, which is appropriate on this truly unique American holiday :), "an amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins. It is an essential nutrient in the diet of vertebrates." I'm sure that it is essential for many reasons, but one ting I know is that anything to help this country relax is certainly essential! Later, we will drift off to sleep knowing that our bellies are full, life is great, and all shall be well! Is Tryptophan a drug? No, not really! Do we need it to relax? No, not really! But it sure is a welcome gift this day, and yet another reason to be thankful! "To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub..." - Hamlet

The Final Week of My 46th Year!

One of the joys of my work and ministry is serving families at funerals. No, it's never fun, but it's always fulfilling. Yesterday I helped celebrate the lives of two wonderful people, one was 6 and the other 56. Both died suddenly, and without warning. Each left behind a shocked and very bewildered family. This, of course has me thinking and writing this morning, where I am getting ready for yet another funeral, this for a woman who lived a very long life, finally succumbing to old age.

I am alive and living out the last week of my 46th year on earth, and I have an ear ache!

Where I do not know what will happen next in my life's journey, I do know that spending time at home last night, eating with the family, and having dessert with my wife on the back porch was absolutely wonderful! Perspective is an amazing thing, and recognizing blessings is equally fabulous!

While 47 is one of those prime number, boring birthdays (not like turning 40, or holding at 29), it will be MY birthday! I just want this little part of the world to know that I am grateful beyond measure... So, bring it on Lord! Throw whatever you've got my way. I am ready!

When You've Only Got 100 Years to Live...

Today I am taking part in the celebration of the life of a wonderful woman who spent 95 years on this planet. As she is laid to rest, (after such a long and full life, who wouldn't want a little of that), I know I will be thinking of the time I have left, and the living I plan to do!

As we approach the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, there are, and will be a lot of messages sent about LIFE being a beautiful choice... I can't help but pray for and desire a similar long and full life for everyone who can swing it! May all life on this planet have 95 years to do great things for one another like Marguerite. May God bless the way we LIVE!