True Retirement

As of July 1 I will be truly retired.
I have been appointed in retirement for the past two years.
My mind has been moving 'out' fro months.

This morning was my last Sunday to preach.
in the summer of 2006 I began a very ambitious project:
to preach from Genesis to Revelation,
tracing the themes of God's creating, commanding, calling and covenanting through the Scriptures.

Today I wrapped up Revelation:
the great Separation at the last judgment.

It was a fitting end--last sermon, last chapters.

I will be quilting, gardening, playing guitar, and studying something.

Random Thoughts

Does anyone in government pay taxes?
Or is it just us ignorant little people?

I read that Antarctica is warming up

hmmm . . .

According to experts on global weather based on data
as opposed to computer models

the ocean currents and wind currents affecting Antarctica operate
in isolation from the rest of the globe

with the result that Antarctica cools when the rest of the globe warms
and warms when the rest of us cool

so . . . maybe we are cooling

With the recent weather here, I'm easy to convince
ground covered with snow for more than two weeks
ice building up

And ask the Brits what they think!

you might want to read The Chilling Stars by Henrik Svensmark and Nigel Calder

Their thesis is that low cloud cover drives the weather, and cloud cover ultimately depends on solar activity, sunspots.

Whoa!

Obama's pick for Secretary of the Treasury owes back taxes

Didn't know he was owed self-employment taxes when working for IMF?

This expert doesn't have a tax accountant?

He's to be in charge of the Treasury and can't even keep his own taxes straight?

OK, he's paying up. That's good.

But it makes me wonder . . .

Alive and Well

It's a New Year
I hope and pray it will be a better year than 2009
in many ways

I'm alive and well
stomach virus been going through the community
my family has escaped so far, thank God

weather is very variable
sunny and warm
freezing and snowy
rainy and snowy
rainy and freezy

I'm in the mood to hibernate
but have forced myself out most of the time

GOT MY 100 CURVES WORKOUT TEE-SHIRT!!
only 84 more to go to 200

I have dropped 5 pounds and one clothing size
the weight is finally staying off
rather than bouncing around
last HBA1c was 6.0 [!!!]

It has taken months to see any results
but FINALLY
I'm encouraged for the future

Building Update

Sure, it's about time!

The building has begun
The earth has moved
septic system installed
concrete pads poured for foundation of block tiers

problems, delays, as to be expected
halt until spring

What? Pictures?
well I haven't installed my camera stuff on new (last January!) computer yet

Hey, I'm old and tired and still busy

Count your blessings
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

One Major Milestone

Wednesday evening, at one congregation which I serve, the building committee and trustees met with the District Committee on Buildings and Locations.

They examined our mission, rationale, plans, estimates, and financial situation.

We are approved to go forward with our fellowship hall which will include running water, a kitchen and indoor restrooms.

A major hurdle overcome.
Relief. Deep breath.
Go on.

Retreat, Rest, Renewal

Just returned from a weeklong directed retreat
wonderful time of extended time for silence, solitude
prayer

PEACE

Feeling renewed, refreshed, and ready for action