I'm currently sitting at home on this New Years Eve reflecting on this past year. Boy what a life changing year this has been. In January the company I have worked for for 34 years offered to pay me 22 months severance plus my pension plus benefits. So I had to make a choice to retire or not. I can say that it was not an easy thing to decide. As with every major life changing decision I have ever been faces with, God had his hand all over it. In the end it wasn't hard to say OK God, now that you have freed me from a steady job ,what do you want me to do with this gift.
SOOOOOO!!!!!
I went on my first adventure for God outside the US. Susan and I went with our church on a mission trip to Mexico in February. I had never been on a mission trip before. What a mountain top experience. We went to Monterrey Mexico and ministered to the poorest of the poor with prayer, music, crazy dancing, Bibles and food. All of this through an organization known as YWAM, better known as Youth with a Mission. It was an experience that Susan and I will treasure our entire lives.
In March we were informed that Megan and Everette were going to have their first baby due in late September.
Then in April Michelle and Brian informed all of us that their third baby was coming in November. So we quickly will go from two grand children to four.
Susan and I went with our good friends Jim & Cathy on a motorcycle ride to Natchez Mississippi. It was a really hot time. It was Late May early June it was Really Hot. Had it not been overcast and rainy for some of it, that was a blessing, we really would have been misrable.
It was Susan's first long adventure on a motorcycle. She did great except in the heat. The good news is we are planning another trip for 2008. So it wasn't too bad.
Then in late June and early July my good friend Brian and I headed up to Michigan on the bikes for a long week end. We made it to the Upper Peninsula road across the big bridge to Paradise. That was cool.
It was a great time we even ran into Brain and Michelle in St Ignace . They were having a little alone time before Baby number three arrives. They were camping in a very primitive beach front park. So they used our shower at the hotel to get comfortable. We all went to dinner and
Just had a great time. Would do that again.
Well things slowed down a little through July. I did some work around the house and helped move Megan and Everette into their new house. We also moved our Good friends Jim and Cathy to their new house in Williamsport that was sad. I don't like to have my best friend/ neighbor move.
Life sped up again in August. The family all got together in Holland Michigan for a week of sand and water fun. For me the most traumatic event of my week was when I went swimming with my cell phone in my pocket.
We all had a great time being together. The family included Susan's Sister Nancy and my Brother-in-law Al along with their son Sam.
On September 20th God brought in to the world Jonathan Danial Mills. He was small but mighty.
Baby and Mommy are great. He truly is a gift from God..
It was time to gear up for another great God trip. I was asked to serve as a team member on a Prison ministry called Kairos. WOW what a time I had. We go into the Westville Correctional facility in Westville Indiana for three and a half days. Where we spend time hearing talks given by the team members on various themes having to do with a walk with Christ. I was privileged to give one of those talks. I came away with a totally different perspective on serving a prisoner. It was another Mountain top experience which was made even more wonderful in that I had the honor of serving with several close Christian Brothers.
After Thanksgiving Emily Ruth Greene was born November 28th. With I hope just as much joy as each of our children I know that Big Brother Elijah and Big Sister Mary were all revved up about a new sister.
If all of this is not enough for one year we have one more great time to celebrate.
MY BABY LAURA IS GRADUATING FROM PURDUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So one more party to plan and enjoy.
As I have reflected on what a memorable year this was I'm exhausted but happy. I cannot express my gratitude enough to God for allowing me to be a part of all that has gone on this year. It has been blessing upon blessing upon blessing.
I am hoping that next year will be quieter but I doubt it. You see God has a plan for me and he only lets me in on a little bit at a time. If he told me the whole thing I'm sure I'd figure out a way to screw it up. So I'm looking forward and upward in 2008.
What a ride this has been in '07.
May God be with you for ever and always Amen.
