Well, today we got all of the shopping done for Christmas! Kathy and I also went to the grocery store to get what we need (of course there is always going to be something that we forgot)! But, during this time of the year, I always like to look back and see the "road" we have traveled together for twelve months. WOW!!!  What a year we had!! There were so many things that went on but the biggest thing was Kathy's spinal surgeries and the cancer diagnosis. Also, you have to include two spinal implant surgeries on top of that!! It seems like a long time ago. During this time, we also had to make a decision about going to a church closer to home. With Kathy's condition the way it is, it was hard for her to get down to church and stay there the whole service and then drive home. I had to go church separately because of being a member of the worship team. We had been going to this church for over 23 years. Kathy and I had been Life Group leaders, run a Cafe for charities, she had been in the Drama ministry and directed it, and I had been in the Worship team. It was tough to change but we knew we needed to be involved together. Our Pastors agreed with us and we decided to go back to the church we had come from. We knew a lot of the people there and it was a lot closer to home.
Well, what a blessing they have been! Pastor Derek and MJ and the people there have been great! During Kathy's surgeries and the recovery time at home, the ladies of the church would come down and stay with her for twenty-four hours a day since she couldn't stay by herself while I was working. And they still have blessed us so much! It was one of the most toughest summers we ever had. Kathy was on complete bed rest when she got home and then with the unplanned second spinal surgery, that made it even more difficult to deal with.
But, she is now making some progress. We have to keep a close watch on the cancer situation but hopefully, that doesn't get any worse. Through all of this, we saw the hand of God work in so many ways! Many of the doctors and nurses had expressed how fortunate we were and they were amazed at Kathy's uplifting attitude she had through all this. Sure, we both have our bad days, but that is not an excuse! We know that God is moving and that one day, we will see the fruits from all of this!
We know that many people go through a lot more than we have and I am so grateful for all the blessings that we have. We are praying for a better year for us and all our families and friends!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Paul

On a day off and you can't sleep.....

Well, this morning I was awake real early; happens a lot when I get off working nights. So I got up to do some online shopping for us. Can always find some good deals when you are half asleep(at least you think they are!). Then I take the time to study the Word and pray. It is such a great time of the day when it is quiet in the house (depending on how Taylor, our Golden Retriever, is doing..) and you can begin to focus on what you want to do. I make a list (checking it twice!) of what has to be done....not that I always follow it but it does help. Sometimes I just stop and pray for someone who I know might have a need or is going through some tough times. I will have my FB opened and I will go down the list of who is on and pray for them.
Prayer does work! I am the example of that with what happened to me over three years ago with my heart. A huge miracle happened and the medical field still can't figure it out!! If you want to read about it, send me an e mail.
But just being able to quiet oneself to start the day off is so good. We put to much pressure on ourself's and we need to know when to stop and take a break.
I do like to exercise to begin the day. That alone is a struggle but it does do the trick of waking up the "old bones"! I admire people who I see who are committed to exercise. It doesn't guarantee perfect health but it sure makes life a lot easier! Especially  by removing the stress in our lives! That stress alone will make the day terrible if we let it. If we let it...hmmm....we have a choice of what we allow in our lives. Not everything can we prevent but the reaction to it is controlled by the emotional characteristics and structure that we have in us. That can make a huge part of how our day will go. Mine can start off great then something can blast me right off and there goes my day!!! That's why I need to rely on God to get me into the right attitude when those things happened to burst into my day. I don't always do that but when I do, I know I will be better off.
Well, time to get on the bike and pedal away for a while. I like reading my kindle while I do that. It's better than looking at the bike display and counting the minutes I have left!!!

Later!!!

Begining blogging 101

Hi All!!  Well, people have said I should start a blog about what is going on in our lives so here we go!! We will be talking about all sorts of stuff. From guitars to photography to interesting topics and issues. I hope to keep this a weekly update and maybe even a daily.
We enjoy sharing our lives and stories with others. We have been through a lot and people have always encourage us to share with others.
Our first one will be soon so please check back!

God Bless!

Paul