A Poem For the New Year

Twas the day after New Year

And time for reflection

On how to eliminate

All that confection.

Year after year

I am so resolute

But the best of my promises

Seem nothing but moot.

But really, those pounds

Are the least of my fears

As I think of the sins

Of my 63 years.

I want to do right,

Yes, my heart’s fully in it

But, time after time

Where there’s wrong I am in it.

The things I should do

I rather neglect

And things I should not

I do quite direct.

I know I am wretched

In need of a Savior

To cleanse me anew

From repeated behavior.

Praise God there’s an answer

That brings such elation

For in Christ I’m daily

A brand new creation!

This marvelous news

Of redemption and grace

Is the primary reason

We come to this place.

We all have been broken,

We’re hopeless alone

But Christ came to Bethlehem

For sins to atone.

And this is our message

To all who will hear,

Emmanuel, God with us,

Can cast out all fear.

His arms are wide open

For one and for all

Eternal life is yours NOW

If on Him you’ll call

And we, this church body

So strong with those hopes

Will humbly and lovingly

Hold onto your ropes.

Happy New Year!

It's been a little while so I thought I'd better at least let you know that I'm still here for 2010! My main focus as we launch into this new year is to get the book done. I have to really concentrate on that and get it done before summer or it will be of little value.

I will also do my very best to post here at least once a week just to make it worthwhile for anyone who takes the time to check in.

We have been super blessed throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays. We've been with all three kids and all five grandkids as well as both of Ingrid's sisters and families. Who can say that we are not rich. I wish I could see more of my family in Washington, but that just doesn't seem to work out as easily. Our church is doing so well and we are so blessed to have completed ten years in Napa now. Doesn't seem possible and we're still having fun!

In my next post I'll include the poem from last week's letter to the church. As you may know I do a letter (the VIP) each week and this week I included a copy of VIP #1 along with VIP #524! Bundle them all together and you've got quite an epic!

Here's to a happy, blessed, and wonderful New Year to each and every one of you. God bless us everyone!