GOD first...Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many blessings we have received and for all the friends we have met that keep us aware of Your Amazing Grace. We ask that, with all the things we are grateful for, we want to be able to share and help those around us as we try to follow Your teachings. We ask in the name of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pray for those who are ill, suffering, grieving, or are in harm's way.
Today I decided to visit my childhood home. I asked the owner of the residence if I could come inside because I was feeling nostalgic, but they refused and slammed the door in my face. My parents are so rude...
'I work with animals,' the guy says to his date.
'That's so sweet,' replied his date. 'Where do you work?' 'I'm a butcher at the slaughter house.'
Well, it's time to look back at all that happened during 2024. My wife, Mary, and I had discussions about who would last longer and still be here when one of us would pass on. She did show me how to wash and fold clothes as I started helping her with house chores which came in handy after she left me on February 9th. I miss her a lot and sometimes it's hard when there are so many reminders all over the house. I keep telling myself that I'm not the only one who has gone through something like this. So since then, I have resolved to face facts and go on with my life that I still have and make the best of it.
I have been going to the Rec. Center in Cuero three times a week for the past 15 months trying to keep Uncle Arthritis from taking over. I have met so many new friends there. Some I already knew, some who were relatives I never knew, and a lot that keep encouraging me to keep it up. It has improved my health and the doctor took off two of the pills that I no longer have to take.
I have kept writing for the Nordheim News now for over 25 years and started to retire from that and take it easy. I keep getting encouragement from readers that always say it's the only reason they take the paper. I even get some of the jokes I get from readers via e-mail or when they stop me at a store.
The editor of the Cuero Record, Virginia, has expressed that I need to keep writing. So I guess, with reluctance, I will continue on until I either cash in my chips or get too old, whichever comes first.
Kaffee Klatch on Thursday mornings has me going to the parish hall at 6 a.m. and making coffee. Been doing that for a while now. This week, there were 14 people attending. We had lots of goodies with seven different kinds along with laughter and stories being told. One of these days I am going to get better hearing aids so I can hear what's going on... or start to read lips. There are some interesting conversations and a lot of laughter. It keeps us young in our old age. It's a place where no one gets angry and we all are happy beyond belief.
One wonders what and why GOD has kept us around for so long. I guess He has more for us to do or to influence others. We take one day at a time and hope we will be of some use to someone down the line because 'GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.' Have a good new year, stay healthy, and be good to your neighbor. See ya.
