REFLECTING ON 2011

At the close of 2011 I want to share some thoughts as I look back. This has been a really good year for Mary and me. We have enjoyed each other in an increasing way. We have spoken the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 to each other every morning. We have walked and ran together over 1000 miles. We have read through the Bible together and enjoyed eating out together until Mary went on this high protein diet. But, we will endure that. Our times of prayer have been good. God continues to use us in the lives of those He sends our way. We have sensed God's blessing on the church. He has given us wonderful people. We have had special times with family. Our "Camp Gramma" at the YMCA of the Rockies was very memorable for all of the family. We had a great time with Mary's cousins at a reunion at our home. Mary's mom, who lives with us, continues to be in good health. We also had an opportunity to visit my dad's family at our reunion in Iowa. Greg and I built "Gramma's Perch" on our cut off pine tree that pleases Mary in a big way. We have made a practice of accepting what God has for us each morning and resisting what Satan plans, and I can say that is has been an outstanding year, and God gets all the praise.

NOVEMBER RESULTS

Only one more month to bug our kids for their results. This has been quite a deal for very busy families. Here is what I have through November.
Roger - 1035 miles, Mary - 1210 miles
Roger - 197 miles, DeeDee - 214 miles, Dawson - 118.5
Julie - 149 miles, Owen - 119 miles, Malia - 85 miles, Merideth - 80.5 miles, Brooklyn - 21 miles
Damon - 751 miles, June - 941 miles, Maggie - 214 miles, Micah - 160 miles, Evan - 132 miles, Eli - 92 miles, Molly - 61 miles
John - 128.4 miles, Elisa - 706.4 miles, Trey - 156.1 miles, Avery - 54.2 miles, Ethan - 20.6 miles, Reagan - 18 miles
Susan - 595 miles, Brendon - 137 miles, Caleb - 140 miles, Trevin - 130 miles, Meryn - 165 miles

FUN IN MEMPHIS

June and Lisa signed up to run the marathon in Memphis on December 3. Mary and I decided to go and support them, so we signed up to run the 5K. June had her 40th birthday on Nov. 30 and wanted to celebrate by doing a marathon. Lisa ran one 15 years ago and wanted to try it again. June had injuries in both feet, so it looked impossible for her to do it. BUT, June is very tenacious and completed her first marathon. Lisa did well in her run. We are very proud of these gals and had a great deal of fun running the 5K and cheering our daughters on in their race. All our children are such a blessing from the Lord, and it is "fun" to be with them and join in their challenges when we can.

ENCOURAGEMENT ON HALLOWEEN

October 31 was the last day of Pastor Appreciation month. I want to journal about how God encouraged me. On Sunday October 30, I spoke on the importance of the Christian being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and the importance of putting on the armor. The end of October is always dark because of the honor given to the kingdom of darkness by the use of all the symbols and observances relating to darkness. I woke up on the 31st being harassed with all sorts of belittling thoughts. Though I do know how to handle that sort of attack, it still had its effect on me. That day I received three calls from totally unexpected sources that greatly encouraged me. It was as if God told them what I needed, without them knowing anything of my need. I don't believe they called to encourage me, but that was the effect. And then there was a card that said things that reached the deepest need I had. I marveled at the insight in that card. I must say I stood amazed at what happened that day. It was as if God had come in those three calls and the card to address every fiery dart that had come my way. And it all took place on Halloween. Thank you Lord!

TWO MONTHS TO GO

Here is the update on miles through October.
Roger - 1010.5, Mary - 1194
Roger - 197, DeeDee - 187, Dawson - 118.5
Julie - 137, Owen - 119, Malia - 85, Meredith - 77, Brooklyn - 20
Damon - 731, June - 867, Maggie - 191, Micah - 153, Evan - 126, Eli - 90, Molly - 57
John - 117.1, Elisa - 618.3, Trey - 154.6, Avery - 51.7, Ethan - 18.1, Reagan - 6
Susan - 515, Brendon - 127, Caleb - 130, Trevin - 120, Meryn - 155
Keep it up guys!

GOAL REALIZED

This past January I made a commitment to walk or run 1000 miles during the year, I had no idea of how I would do, but I was determined to do it. What I have learned is how important it is to stay with a thing in order to finish. It also gave Mary and me a lot of time together, which was special. I reached the goal on October 26. I recorded walking and running  217 days averaging about 4.6 miles on those days. I am thankful for God's prompting and grace to keep me going. It has been a special journey for me. 

SEPTEMBER MILES

This is the report of miles through September.
Roger - 949, Mary - 1139
Roger - 181, DeeDee - 140, Dawson - 113.5
Julie - 127, Owen - 97, Malia - 72, Merideth - 66
Damon - 664, June - 781, Maggie - 165, Micah - 142, Evan - 114, Eli - 80
John - 112.4, Elisa - 534.2, Trey - 137.2, Avery - 47, Ethan - 13.9, Reagan - 3
Susan - 475, Brendon - 118.5, Caleb - 120.5, Trevin - 112, Meryn - 142
There are still three months to go!

AUGUST REPORT - A LONG HOT SUMMER!

In January I challenged the family on walking and running for the year as well as reading through the Bible or for the younger ones, the New Teastament. I think till the end of the year I will just report the miles. Just let me know if you complete the whole Bible or the New Teastament. This summer has been exceedingly hot, but progress has been made.
Roger - 873 miles, Mary - 1058 miles (Congratulations to Mary - Good job!)
Roger - 153 miles, DeeDee - 104 miles, Dawson - 108 miles
Julie - 112 miles, Owen - 78 miles, Malia - 62 miles, Meredith - 55 miles
June - 771 miles, Damon - 561 miles, Maggie - 150 miles, Micah - 132 miles, Evan - 103 miles
Elisa - 451.5 miles, John - 104.4 miles, Trey - 97.2 miles, Avery - 42 miles, Ethan - 8.4 miles
Susan - 378 miles, Bendon - 102 miles, Caleb - 104 miles, Trevin - 82 miles, Meryn - 127 mile
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

JULY REPORT - OVER 5000 MILES

Here is what we have at the end of July. Those keeping track logged 5161 miles
Roger 767 miles, Mary 935 miles We are reading through the Bible
Roger 146 miles, DeeDee 65 miles, Dawson 105 miles
Julie 112 miles, Owen 78 miles, Malia 62 miles, Meredith 55 miles, Julie is reading through the Bible, Owen and Malia the NT
Damon 453 miles, June 700 miles, Maggie 134 miles, Micah 113 miles Evan 91 miles Eli 44 miles, Molly 33 miles Damon, June and Maggie are reading through the Bible and Micah and Evan the NT.
John 83.9 miles, Elisa 411.7 miles, Trey 80.6 miles, Avery 38 miles and Ethan 5 miles
Susan 320 miles, Brendon 77 miles, Caleb 79 miles, Trevin 71 miles and Meryn 102 miles KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

CAMP GRAMMA 2011 (July 30-August 3)

This year we did our Camp Gramma at the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park. Everyone was able to attend except Taylor(37). It was a blessing to have the cool weather while it was so hot in Kansas. Our theme was "Following God's Leading" centered on Proverbs 3:5-6. I was very pleased with the cooperation from all of the family. Some of the activity highlights were, the 800 ft. zip line, wall climbing, archery and a trip over Trail Ridge Road. We pray that God will use this special time in our grandchildren's lives.

JUNE REPORT - WE ARE HALF WAY THERE

This is the report I have recieved with the year half over:
Roger and Mary - Roger 682.5 miles, Mary 821.5 miles. Up to date on reading through the Bible
Roger and DeeDee - Roger 131 miles, Dawson 100.2 miles.
Julie and Phil - Owen and Malia almost caught up on the NT, Julie is working on reading through the Bible.
June and Damon - Damon 348.1 miles, June 615 miles, Maggie 114 miles, Micah 98 miles, Evan 65 miles. Damon, June and Maggie are reading through the Bible, Micah and Evan the NT & Eli is plowing through Genesis. (Bless him)
Elisa and John - John 83.9 miles, Elisa 370.4 miles, Trey 80.6 miles, Avery 37.4 miles, Ethan 4 miles.
Susan and Greg - Susan 250 miles, Brendon 61 miles, Caleb 65 miles, Trevin 59 miles and Meryn 82 miles.
THANKS FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING!

May - Exercise Is Paying Off

It is time to update our progress on the goal for 2011. I just had blood work checked and the results are the best they have been for many years. I am very pleased. The following are the results reported to me.
Roger & Mary - Roger 541 miles, Mary 677 miles. We are up to date reading through the Bible.
Damon & June - Damon 247.5 miles, June 528 miles, Maggie 100 miles, Micah 61 miles, Evan 46 miles, June, Damon & Maggie are working on the whole Bible; Micah & Evan are working on the New Testament
Greg & Susan - Susan 210 miles, Brendon 56 miles, Caleb 60 miles, Trevin 54 miles, Meryn 67 miles
John & Elisa - John 76.9 miles, Elisa 326.4 miles, Trey 79.6 miles, Avery 37.5 miles, Ethan 3 miles. Working on Bible reading
Roger & DeeDee - Roger 126 miles, Dawson 95.2 miles
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

APRIL UPDATE

I have checked in with the reporting families and this is where we stand.
Roger and Mary: Roger - 381 miles, Mary - 504 miles, We are still on schedule with our Bible reading.
Roger and DeeDee: Roger - 112 miles, Dawson - 71.2 miles, Brittany - 19.6 miles,Taylor - 9.6 miles, Cooper - 7.9 miles
John and Elisa: John - 71.9 miles, Elisa - 265 miles, Trey - 71.6 miles,
Avery - 33 miles Bible reading behind but still moving.
Damon and June: Damon - 180 miles, June - 410 miles, Maggie - 69 miles
Still reading through the Bible, the kids are behind, but working at it.
Greg and Susan: Susan - 180 miles, Brendon - 44 miles, Caleb - 45 miles,
Trevin - 45 miles, Meryn - 57 miles
Phil and Julie: Julie says ditto for March.
It is amazing how fast the month goes by. Some good catching up this month.

CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN

I don't consider myself a mountain climber, but I have climbed West Spanish Peak a couple of times. I can relate my 1000 mile goal to those experiances. You begin with enthusiasm and it soon becomes real work. What it takes is staying at it and not quitting. As V.R. Edaman would say, "Quitting make a dead end to any road, It is always to soon to quit". The peak, the goal always looks so far off, but if you look back, it is always amazing to see how far you have come. For the first 10 days of April, I was ill and not able to make progress. The end looked a long way off. I have been back at it and today I reached 334 miles or 1/3 the way to the top. That encourages me. So much of life is like that. You begin something with enthusiasm and the the real work begins with a temptation to quit. I repeat if the thing was worth beginning then it is TOO SOON TO QUIT. It is the discipline of determination. One of my grandchildren may be in a situation where you are tempted to quit. Keep your eye on the goal, ask Jesus for strength to continue on and sometimes look back and see how far you have come. IT IS ALWAYS TOO SOON TOO QUIT!

March Update, For My Sake

It is time to report on our progress toward the 2011 goal. Not every one is involved, but I’m happy to report what is given to me. This goal is probably more for me than any one else in the family. I have been down sick this week and it would be easy to forget all this exercise, but I have made myself accountable, so I guess I better get back with it next week. Oh well, maybe someone else will profit also. I don’t want it to be like so many resolutions that are forgotten by February or March. We will see what April brings. (BY HIS GRACE!)
Roger & Mary: Roger-291 miles, Mary-357 miles We are on schedule with Bible reading.
Roger & DeeDee: Roger -38.2 miles, Brittany-18 miles, Dawson-20.4 miles, Cooper-4.2 miles
Damon & June: Damon – 107 miles, June – 310 miles, Maggie - 60 miles
Damon, June and Maggie still reading the whole Bible
Micah and Evan are still reading the New Testament
John & Elisa: Johnny and I have fallen a little behind on the Bible reading but are going to be trying to catch up in April. Trey is a little behind but on better track than his mom and dad. Avery has fallen behind too but will be trying to catch up reading the new testament...our miles are
John- 62.4, Elisa-217.7, Trey-47.1, Avery -holding steady at 29 :)
Greg & Susan: Bendon-22 miles, Caleb-23 miles, Trevin-40 miles, Meryn-42 mile
Phil & Julie: Julie-15 miles, Owen - 29 miles, Malia - 24.5 miles, Meredith -11.5 miles
Owen & Malia reading NT - Julie reading OT/NT - we all are a little behind but still reading

ARE WE CUTE?

Recently Mary and I quoted part of Isaiah 40 together at church and the people clapped when we were finished. Karen spoke up and said,"they did not clap for me". I said it was because we are cute. (laughter) Jack said "Mary may be cute but you aren't". So I said, let me tell you the story. We were walking at the arena recently, holding hands. A nice young lady said, "that is so cute". Now, I have always thought that cute was reserved for little children or for the elderly. So, I was not sure it was a compliment. Last Saturday night we ate at a restaurant, and when we were finished, Mary got an ice cream cone. She offered me a bite and our waitress said, "that is so cute!". This is getting a little out of hand. We are trusting we are not appearing that ELDERLY. I will update if this continues.

FEBRUARY TAKES ITS TOLL

It is time to report progress on the 2011 goal. I think February must have been difficult for staying on task. There is plenty of time before the end of the year for catching up. The following is what I have received:
Roger and Mary: Roger-175 miles, Mary-222 miles, we are up to date on reading through the Bible.
Duehrings: Damon-47 miles, June-220 miles & Maggie-55 miles, Damon, June& Maggie are on track reading through the Bible, Micah & Evan are on track reading the New Testament.
Seabas: John-33.2 miles, Elisa-164.6 miles, Trey-23.5 miles, Avery-22.5 miles Elisa, John & Trey are up to date reading through the Bible and Avery is in the NT.
Lankers Greg-38 miles, Susan-45 miles, Meryn-16 miles, Greg and Susan are working on catching up in Bible reading.
Veers Julie plans on catching up on Bible reading in March. If others let me know I will edit the post. I remember what it was like in the business of raising a family. I will look for a good report at the end of March.

A BUSY JANUARY

I am taking this opportunity to report on progress in the 2011 Goal. I am only reporting what has been given to me.
ROGER & MARY Roger-107 miles Mary-137 miles We are reading the Bible on RBC plan
VEERS Owen-3.5 miles Malia-3.5 miles They are reading the NT Julie-the Bible
DUEHRINGS June-178 miles Damon-17 miles They are reading the Bible, Maggie-51 miles
Micah-9 miles Molly-4 miles Maggie is reading the Bible, Micah & Evan NT
SEABAS Elisa-154 miles John-32 miles They are reading the Bible, Trey-22.5 miles
Avery-21.5 miles Ethan-12.5 miles Trey and Avery are reading the Bible
LANKERS Susan-25 miles Greg-35 miles They are reading the Bible Brendon-3.6 miles
Caleb-2.15 miles Trevin-19 miles Meryn-11 miles Brendon & Caleb are
reading the Bible Trevin the NT
J.Neirs John & Melanie are reading the Bible
THANKS FOR REPORTING IN. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF WE CAN KEEP IT UP THROUGH 2011

GRADUATION

I have decided to write this blog before I am any older and still in good health. Unless we have the joy of being caught up in the rapture, the day of death will come. I believe we have the joy of being close to our grandchildren, but that makes death even more of a trauma. When that day comes it is so important to be able to see it as "graduation". I have had two small visions that have left an impression on me. They were brief, but very real and the picture I saw was indelibly imprinted on my memory. The first was shortly after my dad died. I saw him and I would judge that he appeared about age thirty. He appeared to be so happy. I remember him having that look when he was really pleased about something. It left me with a lasting impression of his present happiness. The second was seeing a grandson who seemed to be in his early thirties or late twenties. I didn't recognize him, but I knew who he was and he was a very handsome man. I was in the picture in bed, but not very distinct. I assumed I was about finished with my time here. From our perspective here death is always a sad thing because of separation and the weakness that accompanies it. I want my grandchildren to know that when that time comes; It will be GRADUATION. I will be happy, even as I had that impression about my dad. You grandchildren will have life before you and a mission to complete. Rejoice in the blessed hope we have in Christ, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord".

2011 Challenge to Family

As I was walking and running at the arena early this month, I had an inspiring thought. Why not set a goal of running and walking 1000 miles in 2011. My next thought was, why not challenge the family to that goal. I have always found that if I am more disciplined physically it helps me be on track spiritually. I passed that on to the family with a financial incentive. Then the Lord reminded me of I Timothy 4:8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Therefore I added reading through the Bible in the year also. I added some smaller goals so the grandchildren could get involved as well. It ended up as follows:
$100 reading through the Bible
$30 reading through the New Testament
$100 for 1000 miles of purposed walking or running
$50 for 500 miles of the same
$25 for 250 miles of the same
Must be completed by Dec. 31, 2011
God has encouraged me to invest in the family. I trust this is helpful. May God bless our family.