Shirley's Retirement Dinner

Girls and Leaves

There is nothing like playing in the leaves at your grandparents house! Claire and Ellie enjoyed themselves last Saturday.

A Thought

I can't believe it has been a month since I wrote here...but it has. Oh well, I have no obligation to write here. Besides, because I have not written here doesn't mean I have not been thinking or reflecting.

I have been thinking about the following statement: My life is shaped by what I take for granted. I assume so much. I was thinking about the things I assume or take for granted. There are the basic things of life; the next breath, the next heartbeat, etc. is not owed to me or due me. Every breath is an undeserved gift from God. But if I correctly assume that God is keeping me alive for a purpose, I assume clean clothes, warm water, electricity, my vehicle starting, the other driver will stop at his red light, my house will be here when I get back, my wife and daughter will be here as well, and on and on. It is amazing to me to think about all the things I take for granted.

I had a great conversation with my spiritual mentor and I will not take the presence of the Holy Spirit for granted. I asked him to hold me accountable for my self-prescibed process of spending specific time with God each week. I am determined to not take for granted the Holy Spirit and His transforming presence in my life.