Coming to the Still Waters

     I remember as a kid bringing in the new year by firing off the shotguns.  So this day I spent with my son-in-law and son firing off some of our guns.  Needless to say, I now remember why I don't shoot the 8mm too much.  If I don't shake your hand or give you a hug on Sunday, don't hold it against me, I just can't move my right arm very well right now and I am sure it will be even worse in the morning.  We sure did go through some gun powder today.      Pure and uncontrolled laughter is such a good thing.  I don't think I allow myself to do this enough.  Even though I know that happiness is not the same as joy,(happiness is more the moment and joy is a state), happiness is found in joyful people.  It is a by-produce of joyful people like smiles and uplifted voices.  So how much I find myself laughing and happy could be an indicator of how joyful I really am.  I do need to laugh more.     ...

     Today I am thankful for my father and the lesson and practice of hard work.  Over the years I have had the opportunity and necessity to use my hands and feet and back to get the job done.  My father was a janitor for 23 years and our school vacations were spent at the school painting and cleaning floors.  We didn't get paid for this but I think we really did because of what training I received during that time.  Dad whistled while he worked and there was always a spring in his step and satisfaction was getting the job done.  I am thankful for a positive role model that gave me such an outlook at whatever task is in front of me.  I hope I have done the same for my children.  Thanks Dad. Adam

     Today was a day to do some extra cleaning at the job that my wife has.  I can't help but think about all the times that I have thought about how much I love just being with her.  It doesn't matter if we are in a room together reading or cleaning floors and toilets, I would rather be with her than by myself.  I am so fortunate to have the mate I have and therefore I will do whatever it takes to build upon what we have.      I have been looking back over this year and at the sermons I have delivered.  Some of my highlights are these:  the men's retreat and the illustration of the crack in the wall; the marriage series and the point or vow to always pursue my two; the series on giving, especially looking at our own personal finances and realizing they are not ours; and then the latest series on Christmas and asking the question if God's word is enough.  And to think that was just the fall.  I don't think people realiz...