Stay engaged; Get informed!

It is easy to be dismayed (and I must say I fight it) by the cost of modern democracy, and the opportunities that cost creates for abuse.

BUT...our process today is so much better than it was 40+ years ago (things began to change in 1964).  The rise of the primaries (which has driven up the cost) have replaced smoke filled rooms where scores of people (some with money, some with power and some with money and power) made the decisions millions make today.  By comparison, there is much greater transparency now, than ever before.  The issue of disproportionate influence, well, that's part of the baggage of democracy.  Andy Stern is a good example of that in this administration...but this is a problem  in EVERY administration.

Democracy...It's messy, it's flawed and it's easily manipulated; that said it's the the last-best hope freedom has.  All I can do is participate in the process in an engaged/informed way and pray for those who are raised up to lead.

That's enough.

Today...

Today a gift; time, breath, life.  Now what?

Today horzion indigo-blue dawn.

Today sweet slumber, my retreat.

Today moments with God, my hope.

Today wished away?

Today sundance East.

Today love's gentle touch, my confidence. 

Today grandson smiles, my delight.

Today mine to squander, make great?

Today sun blazes zenith, Noon.

Today disapointment, my challenge.

Today sweet fragance, my respite.

Today spent, invested?

Today  moon reflects suns glory, sublime beauty.

Today kind word, my comfort.

Today quiet reflection, my strength.

Today, something of significance to last?

Today, here, gone.

Today, all I have, all I need.

Today, I will rejoice and be glad.

Taps begin to play...

Time adds little perspective.
Death in a hostile place, a time not chosen.
Cities hard to pronounce; countries hard to find.
Cause, clarity; clouded, confused. Hard to recall.

Time dulls memory. 
Pace pushes people on.
Space vacated, empty, gone.
Place dissolves, no trace, so it seems.

Taps begins to play.
This I remember. 
Their laughter, their scent.
First date, first kiss, first love.
A Friday night, when life was simple.
The future a certain dream, bullet proof...not.

Tears flow freely now.
Pride in a life well lived.
Grief for a life given; invested and gone.
The loss, the pain; heart broken, shattered.

These are the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen...
Their last full-measure given; duty, honor, country.
May they rest in peace. 

May we never forget.

To the women in my life...

This weekend, our country honors Mothers...

I want to extend that "honor" to a host of women God has used in my life; too many to name them all, but these stand out. My grandmother, Mary--who stood in the gap for me; my mom, Pat, who loved and raised me; my "little" sister, Tamara, who shared my childhood with me and is now such a good friend; My Aunt Carolyn who rescued me and cousin, Patty, who is a "big-sister" to me. A select few of my Friends "Mom's" who took time to invest in me like I was their son; teachers who brought out the best in me; my mother-in-law who was a part of my life for 42 years; my daughter, an inspiration for me; friends who've believed in me, encouraged me and stood with me through the intersections and storms of life; partners in ministry who've shared a common vision with me.

You are a tapestry of faithfulness and virtue. Thank you for the part you've played in making my life better, and me a better man.

Mary Patricia B.

Patricia B.

Tamara M.

Carolyn C.

Patty C.

Janice C.

Erin H.

Miss Arlene

Mrs. Rattray

Mrs. McCann

Ruth B.

Sheila Z.

Betty C.

Patty C.

Marilyn B.

Norma Z.

Stana M.

Carlene L.

Carol S.

Karen H.

BJ R.

Deb M.

Miriam R.

Becky Wag.

Ruthann L.

Connie S.

Nancy K.

Vicki J.

Beth L.

Jan F.

Lori V.

Jan K.

Finally, I honor my best friend, "for life" companion of 39 years, mother to our wonderful children and my most faithful prayer warrior.  My lovely bride who has refused to give up on me; I love you...

Laura

...Thanks to all of you.

What Moms do...

God makes the day.  

Family makes the day a joy. 

Mom's make the day a ministry.

Good day.

Good day.

Laura and I worked outside at our office building all day.  Cleaned, stained and opened the fountain, transplanted a really big Hydrangea and three Hostas...cleaned up the beds and put down our the rubber snakes (keep birds away); scrubbed the oxidation (looks like salt) off the brick finishes on the building (only happens on the North side of the building).  Packed up and drove over for a drive-by of our daughters home (in escrow) and found an open door, NICE place--so pleased for them.  Locked it up tight and grabbed a burger and salad.  Then, collapsed back at home.

Yes, it's been a good day.

Rejoice!

"My redeemer is faithful and true.  Everything He has said He will do.  Every morning his mercies are new.  My redeemer is faithful, and true."

Steven Curtis Chapman

Wait.

Wait.  Be still and wait.

In time, we will see clearly; till then, those who wait will rise up on wings of eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.

Waiting...what a glorious calling.

Yet I will Hope...

Long day; long week.
It's late, I'm reflective.
59 years; dreams of a young man, gone.

I've been vulnerable; 

Believed in, invested in; loved people. 

My heart has been broken; yes, crushed.

Made mistakes; operated in false pride, paid the price.

Yet, I will hope. 

My Redeemer is true.

His mercy, new every morning.

His faithfulness, restores my soul. 

His strength, perfect in my weakness. 

His steadfast love, walks with me in valley of death.

Long day; long week.

It's late; I'm reflective.

Through Christ, I can do what's needed.

That's enough.

Yet, I will hope.

the Mulligan...

We don't get many "do overs" in life, but thank God, every 24 hours we get a chance to start over.