Funkyjimmer's Blog

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

THE SILENCE IS BROKEN -- I AM STILL ALIVE!

I know, it's been far too long since I've Posted. I've just been busy/lazy (choose your response)! I have no idea how I ever found time to work! Between volunteering at church, working for the funeral home and just "living", I've kept busy.

But here's an electronic version of my 2008 Christmas Letter -- without the pretty card! It will give highlights of my year.

Jim

posted by jim 9:07 AM 0 comments

Christmas, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE!

As I review the year 2008 there have been sufficient significant events in my life to warrant another Christmas letter. I am about ready for what is often referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year”. Anita helped me get the Christmas tree and decorations from the attic and decorate the house inside. I long ago gave up decorating outside except for colored outdoor spot lights! Most of my shopping is done—the wrapping is yet to occur! Now it is time to get these cards and letters sent.

My biggest event of the year was retiring September 1st from the Principal Financial Group after 19 ½ years -- first with ClaimAid Consulting Company, then J. F. Molloy and Associates and finally the Principal Financial Group. The timing for my retirement was definitely a God-thing. I haven’t been sorry! As one preacher friend said of his retirement, “Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – it’s a whole lot better!” I agree and wonder how I ever had time to work!

I volunteer at my church, Traders Point Christian Church, staffing the Welcome Desk at least a half day a week and occasionally answering the telephones when the staff is at staff meetings. I also work part time for Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Home. I passed the test to get a Public Passengers’ Driver’s License so sometimes I drive a flower van, limousine or coach. Other times I work visitations and funerals at the Zionsville funeral center. I have also had opportunities to conduct memorial services for families who did not have a church home. I am thankful that by engaging in the above activities I am able to minister to others.

Often when people ask how I am, I reply, “I am grateful!” I am grateful . . . for God’s love and protection, good health, enjoyable retirement activities and my children and grandchildren. Jackson is such a loveable 4-year old and Addison a loveable nearly 2 year old. I could fill pages with their activities and cute sayings but I’ll spare you! My team at work gave me a Grandparents’ pass to the Zoo for a retirement gift. The kids, LeDena and I have enjoyed some zoo trips this fall.

Anita moved again—this time to her own apartment just down the road from my house. She continues her same type of work but her company was bought and is now called Lexus Nexus. Time will tell what that means for her employment status.

LeDena hasn’t changed apartments but she began a new job this month as a Health Care Specialist for “Small Blessings” Day Care. Rather than a classroom teacher she will do more administrative type of work and help some in the classrooms as needed.

Karla and family still live in Royal Run. Karla now works for Kipp Brothers, a large toy and novelty company. If you go in the store Karla is most likely the one to assist you! Bill has been doing some telemarketing. All three girls are a15 minute or less drive from my house. It is nice to have them all so close. I am grateful that all three are active at Traders Point Christian Church in various capacities.

Anita and I made a couple of trips to attend Alabama football games. We always enjoy those trips and do a lot of Christmas shopping whenever we are there. Some day we are going to do something other than shop and watch football when we are in Alabama!

You might say I am responsible for the trashing of the world’s economy! As I prepared to retire everything just lined up so well. The Christian young man who serves as my financial advisor reviewed my financial situation and assured me I would be able to live and pay my bills when I retired. Everything appeared to be so perfect. I remember praying, “Lord, I have always trusted you to provide and care for me and my family. The same biblical principles that guided me at 22 years of age still guide me at 72 years of age. Lord, I want my retirement to be a walk of faith also.” It wasn’t two weeks after I prayed that prayer that the U. S. economy really “went south”! As they say, “Be careful what you pray for! You just might get it!”

People ask me, “Aren’t you worried about the economy? Aren’t you worried about how you’ll make it? Aren’t you worried about our country’s political situation and leadership?”

No, I’m not worried. The Lord promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5, 8) It isn’t as important who is in the White House as who is on the Great White Throne! It is not as important who is controlling the economy as who is controlling the Universe. God is on His Throne and Christmas is an excellent time to remind everyone of God’s continual love and care. That’s why He sent His Son—and I’m so grateful that Jesus came.

I hope your Christmas celebration and your 2009 are God-blessed.

Love in Christ,

posted by jim 9:06 AM 2 comments

Here's a picture of my grandchildren in the Halloween Costumes. On the left is Jackson, who turned 4 years old in November. Beside him is is sister, Addison, who will turn 2 years old in February

posted by jim 9:04 AM 0 comments

posted by jim 9:03 AM 0 comments

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A CHALLENGING BOOK

I've decided to try to read this book (see below) -- all 760 pages! And it's fairly small print! I probably wouldn't have tackled it except for the cost. As you can see, it was marked down from the original $24.97 to just $10. My "Scotch" nature got the best of me and I bought the book.

I had never read the original "Evidence That Demands A Verdict", even though it is often quoted by many authors. When I saw this revised edition at such a good price, I thought, "Well, I'm 'retired' and I've wanted to do more reading. This should be a good project!"

Having started the book I am now wondering how long it will take me to complete reading the book? It is more of a text book or reference book. But I figure it will be good for me to attempt this and even better if I complete the reading. So we'll see how I do.

I was given a comprehensive history book on the life of the late Paul "Bear" Bryant, the great coach of the Crimson Tide football team. That book was 546 pages and not so small print. I received the book for my birthday April of 2007. I completed the book in September of 2008! So I'm not sure how well I'll do with this new book. I'm sure I'll read other books during the time I am wading through this "Evidence" book.

Oh well! It should be good for the mind. Maybe it will forestall the onset of Alzheimer's!

posted by jim 9:20 PM 0 comments

posted by jim 9:20 PM 0 comments

Monday, September 22, 2008

posted by jim 9:35 AM 0 comments

I just finished a great book a couple of days ago. It is entitled "Same Kind of Different as Me". It was recommended to me by my minister, who had just completed reading the book. I am sure glad I was retired before I heard about this book and began to read it! I started it and couldn't put it down. I finished it in just a little over 48 hours—which is something of a record for me! I am usually not a quick reader.

One of the unusual things about this book for me is that not only could I hardly put the book down (I read until after 3:00 o’clock A. M. one morning to finish the book!) but even when I wasn’t reading the book I was thinking about it.

Without giving away too much about the book, it is a true story written by two unlikely friends--one, a former share cropper from the South who lived in slave-like conditions for the early part of his life, and the other a white art dealer from the city. Denver Moore finally jumped onto a train out of the South and headed to the city where he would live on the streets as a homeless man for most of his life. Ron Hall was coerced by his wife to leave their upscale neighborhood and begin serving in a downtown shelter. Ron and Denver meet in that shelter and the rest of the story is a record of their developing relationship with each other, their relationship with God, and how they overcome tragedy and discover how God can use two very unlikely men in a very similar way.

Part of the book was difficult for me to read because of recent events in my life but I am so glad that I read the book. It may not be something everyone would read but if you want something to give you an honest look at a part of life some of us hopefully will know nothing about, I highly recommend this book. If you pick it up, let me know what you think.

posted by jim 9:27 AM 0 comments

Monday, September 08, 2008

RETIREMENT PARTIES

Now I feel “officially retired”! I’ve had two retirement parties and 5 actual days in retirement. The days have been busy. (You should see my “to-do” list!) And the parties were great.

The office had a great reception the last week of my employment at Principal Financial Group. They even invited former associates with whom I had worked in that past and many were able to attend. It was great to see everyone and hear all their kind words. We got some good pictures, too.

posted by jim 11:17 AM 0 comments

posted by jim 11:16 AM 0 comments

Last Saturday my three daughters, my son-in-law and my grandchildren put on a great retirement reception for me at our church. They did a great job with everything. I got to see a lot of people and several came from out of town. It was fun to get to visit with so many. Although I didn’t get to spend as much time with some folks as I would have liked. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience for me. I appreciate all the words of well wishes I received both verbally and written. And how about these cakes my girls had baked and decorated for me! And I am so grateful to my girls for their hard work. And the day was completed when the University of Alabama football team won! (ROLL TIDE!)

posted by jim 11:13 AM 0 comments

posted by jim 11:07 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

posted by jim 12:37 PM 0 comments

FINALLY RETIRED

It has happened! I am officially retired from the Principal Financial Group. My last day at work was last Friday, August 29th. I officially retired August 31st. Now I am “on my own” – of course with the Lord’s help and the guidance of my financial advisor! I get my last check from Principal this Friday. My team mates at work had a great retirement party for me last Monday. I’ll write about that in a later Post. My family is having a retirement party for me at our church this coming Saturday. I’ll write about that later also.

Some have asked, “How did it feel?” I told everyone who asked, “Wait until next Tuesday.” Nothing was really different until yesterday. I worked a full day last Friday. Saturday and Sunday were regular weekend days and Monday was the Labor Day holiday when most people didn’t work.

But yesterday the television personalities were talking about students going back to school and people going back to work after the Labor Day holiday weekend. And I kept thinking, “Not me!” And it feels great.

Of course it isn’t fair to say I’m not working at all. I had a graveside funeral service yesterday for which I had been preparing. I’ll be working at my church’s Welcome Desk each Thursday morning this month. And I’ll be doing orientation for my part-time work at our local funereal home, studying for—and hopefully getting—my Public Passengers’ license. I have some speaking engagements coming up for which to prepare. And there are many things I want to do around the house and on the computer. Plus lots of books I’ve been putting off reading and DVDs I’ve been putting off watching until I retire. So I plan to be busy.

I think it is going to be great. There will be time to serve the Lord, study His Word, and interact with people via email, telephone and personal visits. And there will be plenty of opportunity to continue to “walk by faith” and continue to trust in the Lord’s provision and care.

A new chapter in my life about which I am excited!

posted by jim 12:31 PM 0 comments

Saturday, August 09, 2008

14 WORK DAYS AND COUNTING

posted by jim 8:39 AM 0 comments

posted by jim 8:38 AM 0 comments

As the calendar above shows, I’m counting down the days until retirement. I already volunteered a couple of half days at the Welcome Desk at my church. That was wonderful! I am looking forward to doing it on a regular basis and more often.

I talked with the funeral home directors informally yesterday. I am so excited about the opportunities that await me there. There will not only be opportunities to assist the funeral home in a variety of way but also opportunities to minister to families who have no church connection or who have no minister to conduct funeral services. I will meet with these men formally to finalize things and get answers to some questions Wednesday morning.

I’m headed to Mason, Ohio, in a little while to attend the 90th birthday celebration for the man who was the Dean of my Bible College when I was a student. It will be great to see him again and remember “old times”! It has been years since I’ve seen him.

Tomorrow after church I’m headed to the Indiana State Fair with any of my kids and grandchildren that are able to attend with me. This appears to be the perfect weekend weather-wise to attend.

posted by jim 8:35 AM 0 comments

Saturday, August 02, 2008

“IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES”

Most will recognize this as a quote from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”. That may describe life for me right now. For many people throughout the world they would probably say that it is only the worst of times.

It doesn’t take much listening to the radio, watching t. v. or reading the newspaper to realize there is a lot of trouble, tension, violence (Indianapolis has recorded 70+ murders so far this year), and other horrible things in our world today. The stock market plunges, gasoline is truly a “pain at the pump”, banks are failing, the economy is struggling and the politicians are slugging it out. The national presidential campaign seems to be getting dirtier by the day on both sides.

Yet I am choosing to retire from my “day job” in less than a month. (August 28th is my last day of employment at the Principal Financial Group.) Some would ask, “Aren’t you afraid? Aren’t you afraid that you won’t have enough money to pay your bills? Aren’t you afraid of the economic situation of our country?”

If one chose to be fearful there are a lot of reasons. However, I’m choosing to trust in God. He has wonderfully cared for me and my family all these years. And the Bible says that He is the “….same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). So I have no reason not to trust Him and every reason and evidence to put my trust in Him.

Everything has worked so smoothly toward my retirement. Every detail seems to have been orchestrated by God. I am convinced it is His Will that I retire at this time.

Then recently I was studying God’s Word and I came across this Scripture: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crops fail and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD, I WILL BE JOYFUL IN GOD MY SAVIOR. THE SOVEREIGN LORD IS MY STRENGTH; HE MAKES MY FEET LIKE THE FEET OF A DEER, HE ENABLES ME TO GO ON THE HEIGHTS.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

That Scripture spoke to me in this season of my life. So I plan to enjoy my retirement. I plan to enjoy volunteering at my church’s Welcome Desk some during the week; to enjoy other volunteer ministries at my church. I plan to enjoy my part-time employment at our local funeral home. Reading is one activity high on my list as well as other things I want to do around the house.

26 days and counting. (Who is counting? ME! See the calendar below.)

posted by jim 10:43 AM 0 comments

posted by jim 10:42 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 25, 2008

CANA LILIES ARE IN BLOOM

Pictured below are my canas blooming in my back yard. I've had them for several years. I had them planted close to the house where I couldn't see them very well. I like this location much better. I can see them from anywhere on the west side of the house. I thinned out my bulbs and just planted the best ones--thus the lesser number of plants this year. Also, I didn't always dig them up in the fall as is recommended in this climate. But they survived. They seem to have a way of multiplying over the years. I'll probably have more plants as time goes by. I'll be sure to dig them this fall and store them properly.

posted by jim 12:21 PM 0 comments

posted by jim 12:19 PM 0 comments

posted by jim 12:18 PM 0 comments

Sunday, July 13, 2008

THINGS ARE PROGRESSING TOWARD RETIREMENT

September 1st is the official date for my retirement from the Principal Financial Group. The details have proceeded smoothly thus far. My house re-financing is completed. I am very pleased with the whole process. I had a very good appraisal and a very smooth and satisfactory closing. I now have a fixed rate on a 15-year mortgage with reasonable monthly payments.

All things seem to be in place for my monthly income to be equal to my monthly expenses—hopefully with some money left over each month!

There are several more details to be finalized in the next few weeks – getting enrolled for Medicare Part B and an adequate Medicare supplement; arranging for part time work; and others as well. But I think I have a “handle” on each item and plans are progressing to a satisfactory competition before my planned retirement date.

As now planned, I’ll work through August and be officially retired September 1st. I’m ready for retirement. I have much I want to do. I’m hoping having more time will allow me to accomplish some of these things more quickly than if I were still working full time. And I have two very sweet grandchildren who need some more frequent “Papa” attention! I’m really looking forward to that!

I just pray that things proceed as smoothly from here as they have gone to this point. Your prayers to this end are solicited and appreciated.

posted by jim 10:55 PM 0 comments

Friday, July 04, 2008

CLOSE UP VIEW

This is a close view of my Tiger Lilies by my front porch and across the front of the house.

It is nice to have something different blooming throughout the spring and summer. My Cana Lilies in the back yard are growing tall. One of these days they will bloom. They are red. When they bloom I'll Post a picture or two of them.

posted by jim 1:33 PM 0 comments

DIFFICULT TO PASS

These Tiger Lilies (there may be a more technical name for them) are multiplying so much that it is difficult to get in my front door. I'll have to thin them out before next year.

posted by jim 1:24 PM 0 comments

CONTINUED BEAUTY

I call these "Tiger Lilies" that are in front of my house. There is probably a more technical name for them. They are spreading and crowding out my Iris, which bloom earlier in the year. I'm going to have to thin these lilies before next year. It is difficult to get to my front door because they are hanging over the sidewalk. But they are pretty from inside and out.

posted by jim 1:22 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 23, 2008

A BIG DECISION REACHED

After much prayer, consideration and counsel from godly, trusted people the past several months, I have made the big decision: TO RETIRE FROM MY FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AT THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP. I have informed all the proper people at work. I’ve asked that my retirement be effective at the end of the day August 31st, 2008.

I had thought I would like to be employed at Principal for 20 years. That would have occurred March 14, 2009. But the situation at work has changed so much that I am ready to join the ranks of the retired. The detailed reasons behind this decision are best left for personal conversations. For this Post suffice it to say that I have great peace about this decision and I am excited about the future.

The plan is that I will do a lot of what I want to do, which includes volunteering in various ways at my church and reading. For extra income I plan to work part time for our local funeral home, Flanner and Buchanan.

There are several details yet to be finalized but it seems to be a “green light” for me to retire, effective September 01, 2008.

There will be future posts as this all develops. Prayers are solicited and appreciated!

posted by jim 11:13 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

SPORTS LEGENDS DINNER

What a wonderful evening my daughter Anita and I had tonight. We were privileged to attend the first annual "SPORTS LEGENDS DINNER". The purpose was to honor -- and raise money for -- a great servant of the Lord, Lucious Newsom. The money raised will go for a shelter for battered women and their children.

Lucious came to Indianapolis from Tennessee some 20+ years ago and began his ministry of feeding the poor in the poorest section of Indianapolis. For years he distributed food from a vacant lot, or from a warehouse in bad weather. He has also established other distribution centers to feed the poor. Thanks to God's people and state and community leaders, a house has been built for this purpose. It is called, "The Lord's Pantry". And Lucious doesn't just do this one or two times a year. He does this seven days a week, year after year. He says we eat each day and so should the poor.

Lucious was a retired baptist minister when he came to Indianapolis and begain his ministry. He has since converted to Catholicism. We think he is 93 years old. Even he doesn't seem to know exactly how old he is. The age varies depending on when you ask! Lucious' story is awesome and moving and I'm not able to tell it all here. I've only known Lucious a little over 8 years. Lucious' influence has been trememdous. Young people who have been introduced to Lucious and his ministry have had their lives dramatically changed.

Anita and I had the privilege of having a nice personal chat with our Govenor, Mitch Daniels. He is a very down-to-earth, personable man. He had on blue jeans and an Indiana State Fair shirt. He had just come from helping victims of the flood in southern Indiana. I was able to talk with him about how serving at the Lord's Pantry had changed the lives of so many.

I was also able to thank Indianapolis Colts' coach Tony Dungy for his Christian witness to so many. He truly is a great Christian guy. Later during the formal program Colts President, Bill Polian, told how Tony's Christian witness had changed his life and how he no longer uses bad language and has a different world view.

There were four speakers. They didn't make speeches, they just talked from their hearts. And it was WONDERFUL! The speakers were Congressman Mike Pence (a really great Christian with a tremendous testimony in and out of Congress); Coach Tony Dungy, Colts President Bill Polian, and fromer Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and unsuccessful vice presidental candidate, Jack Kemp. Mr. Kemp was also a San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills football player.

A number of Colts players were present also: Jim Sorgi, Marlin Jackson, Kelvin Hayden, Jeff George, among others. Coach Dungy said they started their vacation last Thursday. He said that if they hadn't started their vacation all 53 players would have been present.

The evening's Master of Ceremonies was my friend, Leo Stenz. Leo was also the chairman of this event. He did a magnificant job putting this all together with a lot of good help. They put it together in about 10 days or 2 weeks! A lot of notable greater Indianapolis dignitaries, radio personalities and other communty leaders were present.

I'll be anxious to learn how much money was raised for the Lord's Pantry and the battered women's shelter. There is so much more we experienced tonight. I can't relate it all here. I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to experience a very special evening in my life.

posted by jim 10:56 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 02, 2008

FULL BLOOM

My rhododendron bushes (pictured to the right) are now in full bloom and seem to get more beautiful blooms each day. A dear friend confirmed that these are, indeed, rhododeron bushes. He lives in an area where they are plentiful. They are not so often found in my part of the country.

My lone peony bush, which every year until now, has had only one bloom per year, now is loaded with beautiful blooms. The second picture is one of the blooms. It is wonderful to see so many blooms on the bush this year.

Last Friday night we had a horrific storm. Lots of tornadoes and high winds. Much damage was suffered by many in our area. Many are still without electric power. One of my daughters was without power for a couple of days.

I was sure the storm would destroy my flowers--the bushes pictured to the right and my iris. But I had no damage here. Everything survived and just a few small limbs in the yard.

Now I'm waiting for my cannas in the back yard to grow up and bloom. I'll have some pictures of them later this summer.

Jim

posted by jim 7:27 PM 0 comments

Monday, May 26, 2008

As you can see, I'm standing in the steet at an angle for this picture. You can see the entire front yard and a bit of the back.

The family was over today for a "backyard cookout". We had steaks, brats and hot dogs. Complimenting the meats were macaroni and cheese, pineapple salad, veggie tray, green beans and home made brownies and ice cream.

After the meal my daughters and Jackson pitched in with various tasks -- cleaning up the kitchen and washing the dishes; blowing out the gutters on the house and pulling weeds from the flower bed. Of course grandson Jackson and I found time to ride the lawn tractor. He's getting to be a good driver. Grandfather and grandson have a great time together! "Tractor-driving" is one of our favorite activities. Grandson Jackson also climbed a ladder -- part way with Grandpa's supervision!

All in all, a fun day!

posted by jim 11:04 PM 0 comments

PICTURES OF MY HOUSE
I thought perhaps some of you might like to see a couple of pictures of my house. I have called this residence home since August, 1990 -- soon to be 18 years.

We have a nice front yard and an even bigger back yard with 5 trees. This view is from the end of my driveway--standing in the street. These pictures were taken Memorial Day, May 26, 2008.

posted by jim 10:51 PM 0 comments

Saturday, May 24, 2008

MEMORIAL DAY

I remember when we observed Memorial Day ON Memorial Day--May 30th

I can still see Mom and Dad cutting the peonies, filling buckets with water and then placing the flowers in the buckets. It was a challenge to get the buckets of water and flowers to the cemeteries without any spills!

One of the cemeteries was local and the other it seemed to a small boy to be miles and miles away. A hard ride in an old-fashioned car! Probably the cemetery was no more than 35 or 40 miles away!

My one peony bush is loaded with buds this year for the first time, as you can see in the picture below. Always before it has only had one or two buds. Sad to say, the bush is not going to bloom for the Memorial Day weekend but may be in bloom for the traditional Memorial Day, Friday, May 30th.

We have an artificial display to place on Karon's grave for Memorial Day. We had an appropriate one for the Mothers Day weekend. We will add our Memorial Display to that one tomorrow.

Thinking about the current Memorial Day and about Memorial Days of boyhood days, motivated me to take the following pictures in my yard.

Jim

posted by jim 6:57 PM 0 comments

I have three of these beautiful plants in my front yard--right by the front door. I think they are called Rhododenron plants, but I'm not sure. They don't always bloom prolifically but they are doing well this year. There are more buds about to open also. It should be a beautiful display for seveal weeks. I am enjoying them--and some other flowers you will see below.

posted by jim 6:55 PM 0 comments

These iris plants in my back yard have been beautiful this year. It looks like they are going to spread out their flowers. There are more iris that will bloom in the next several weeks. It proves one doesn't have to always go far from home to find beautiful flowers!

posted by jim 6:47 PM 1 comments

Maybe this peony (my only bush) will be in bloom for the "real" Memorial Day, Friday, May 24th. This is the first year this peony bush has had so many buds. Usually there is only one--sometimes two. But this year it looks like it will be bearing several beautiful pink flowers.

posted by jim 6:45 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Well, I'm not Gulliver but I am traveling a lot for work. As I write this (Wednesday night, May 7th) I am in Evansville, Indiana. Not all of my travels are over night but this one is. I have travels scheduled the next two weeks also.

I really thought that my travels would greatly lessen by the middle or end of May. But I have learned that they will continue probably at least through June! Some will be "overnights" but not all.

I'll keep the car rental branch busy! The branch of Enterprise Car Rental that I use is staffed with great personnel. A number of them have become friends. One especially has become a close friend and was a huge blessing when Karon passed away.

Enterprise is treating me and a guest of my choice to a day at track--the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I've invited my middle daughter to accompany me. She is the only one who can get away during the day. We will be entertained in the Enterprise Suite with food, etc., and get to watch the cars practice.

Sounds like fun! I just hope the weather is good that day.

posted by jim 9:59 PM 0 comments

Sunday, April 27, 2008

A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY

Today in our worship services we had the privilege of being led in worship by the Choir and
Band from the Cincinnati Christian University, Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a marvelous worship experience.

We church members had the terrific opportunity of hosting these fine young people in our homes Saturday night. Pictured here are the two young men I had the honor of hosting. They were gracious, appreciative guests. I enjoyed them so much. Although our time together was short, the bond of friendship was formed. I am so grateful for their dedication to serving our Lord and His Church with their talented lives.

The young man on the left (in the yellow shirt) is Tim, a General Ministries Major. The other young man is Scott, a Worship Ministry major. I'll pray for them as they continue to serve our Lord in their internship ministries, even as they complete their formal education.

posted by jim 7:53 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTY

The beauty of the south that I described in my last Blog Post (with pictures) has begun to move north. After going all the way to Alabama and back two weeks ago, I am finding beauty in my own neighborhood. These are among the prettiest of the scenes I have seen on my nightly neighborhood walks. Tonight I remembered to take my camera along on the walk. Thus I was able to capture these beautiful trees.

I'm going to have some pretty flowers in my own yard to show before too long.

posted by jim 9:35 PM 0 comments

Friday, April 18, 2008

I figured that if these people (not my friends) had this award sign in their yard, they wouldn't mind me taking pictures of their beautiful yard.

You'll have to read these Posts from the bottom up. Scroll down to the heading, "ALABAMA TRIP". Sorry, but I don't yet know how to Post things so they read from the top down--unless I think "backward"! (You'd think I'd be good at thinking backward--but I'm not!)

Thanks for reading/viewing this. I really enjoyed actually seeing this beauty of God's creation in person. And I enjoy looking at the pictures--even though the pictures aren't as glorious as seeing these things in person.

posted by jim 11:06 PM 1 comments