New Year's Eve; the last day of 2015; how has this year been for you? I guess it has been a fairly good year for us in some respects and not so good in others like most other families. We lost three family members this year; my mother, Kathy's aunt, and my brother-in-law. Ms. Kate and I are rapidly becoming the senior generation in each of our families. She only has one aunt left, and I have one uncle and his wife left. He is now 90 and in bad health. Ms. Kate's aunt is still doing fair although she has had a series of strokes, but still gets around. Ms. Kate only has her sister Karen left from her immediate family and Karen is my age. I have only my younger sister left. Time does take its toll on families.

But -- 2015 has seen many good times too. Oldest daughter Julie and her husband bought their first home. Middle daughter Heather got engaged to a wonderful man and April 2016 will see their marriage. Youngest daughter Lisa and her husband Gary successfully open a small business and it is doing very well. Oldest grandson Josh is engaged to a wonderful girl and they hope to buy a home come spring. Oldest granddaughter, Amanda is preparing to cut apron strings and move out on her own. Second oldest granddaughter Lauren graduated from high school, got a job, and is preparing to ride the pro-women's Moto-Cross circuit of races this coming year. Second youngest grandson Matt will graduate high school in June and already has a job. And youngest grandson Jon is a freshman in high school and is just enjoying life.

Things have gone well at the two churches and I have been contracted for another year. Being a Licensed Minister as opposed to an Ordained Minister with our denomination, essentially means that I am "self-employed" and contracted to the churches. However my "fitness to serve" must be approved through our local United Church of Christ association. So, every year, despite the fact that the two churches "called me" as their pastor eleven years ago, we have to go through the bureaucratic rituals so I can be their pastor for another year. The association has the authority to ordain me but I've often said that our local association wouldn't even ordain Jesus because he didn't have a Masters of Divinity from an approved seminary; which is a degree I don't have.

The year is ending on a cold note. It is 34 degrees this morning and only going to 36 by this afternoon. It is about time we had winter. However, I continue my prayers for the millions that are going through some terrible flooding and blizzards across our nation. So many have died, and so many more have had homes ruined. Major highways are under water and people are doing without electricity. I pray for their welfare and safety.

I hope your 2016 is a wonderful and blessings filled year. I pray that I will be a better person in 2016 than I was in 2015 and I give God prayers of gratitude for carrying me along through the year despite my many flaws. Peace to you and yours.

Wow, it's Wednesday already; mid-week and only two days left in the year. It is also bulletin day at the church and a day of catching up on some other stuff. My morning began with notification that the oldest member of our parish, Ms. Charlotte, passed away this morning. She was 102 years old, faithful to God, and put her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think that is about as high of a compliment that I could give her. I hope that when I pass that people will say that about me. She will be missed.

Yesterday I managed to start and finish my sermon and worship service for next week. I very seldom can sit down and put all of that together in one day. I reckon God had checked the calendar of today's events, saw that Ms. Charlotte was coming home and knew I'd need funeral prep time. I love it when God puts a plan in motion.

I have a bunch of woodpeckers this morning nibbling at the bark butter feeders. The cardinals are coming back and forth and even a mocking bird is trying to challenge the woodpeckers for a bite or two. The big red-headed woodpeckers are having none of that from the mocking bird. We had a bevy of small birds out here a while ago but right now the back yard is empty. I don't even see any squirrels up in any of the trees. So, it is just me, Montovani playing on my new Bose Christmas present, and a warm cup of coffee enjoying the serenity of the morning. It's cold out but there is no wind to speak of so there is even peace in that.

I'm going to make this short today so I can get started on Ms. Charlotte's funeral service. I generally put a lot of work into a funeral because it is that last thing thata I can do for that person. I try to make them personal and a celebration (a way over-used term when referring to funerals) of their life.

So, I leave you today with prayers that you will have a blessed day and that you will take the time to feel the presence of God as God surrounds you with love and grace. Until our next time together.

It was hard to believe, but I actually saw blue sky this morning. Ok, it was only a small patch and it went away quickly, but it was there. I think that is the first we have seen since last Friday. It actually brightened my day, although I admit that most everyday I have starts off bright. I'm convinced we determine what kind of day we are going to have as soon as we open our eyes to consciousness. I've always heard about "getting out on the wrong side of the bed", and I try to have only "right sides" to my bed.

I began my day by going out and filling fourteen bird feeders as I had promised I would when it stopped raining. We got over four inches here. Indications are that we won't see anymore rain for a week. I guess that means we won't see any rain for the rest of the year! That sounds a bit ominous doesn't it. But the yard was dry enough to walk around in without leaving tracks etc. The birds have come quickly this morning to the feeders. I had a downy woodpecker practically land on the feeder as I was hanging it back up. Since then, the cardinals, titmouse, finches, woodpeckers, and nut hatches have all been here. I think they are keeping it a secret from the squirrels until they get their fill because so far, I have only seen one squirrel and a BB hurried along its exodus. But that won't keep them away for long.

The sun is now breaking through the clouds and is brightening up the back yard. It goes just perfect with my cup of coffee and my round-house of cookies on the plate beside me. I fixed Ms. Kate and I each a plate of cookies consisting of a couple of each of the kinds she made last week. So, I'm sitting here eating oatmeal chocolate chip crisp cookies, Springerlies, peanut butter with Hershey's kisses on them, and the last two of the snicker-doodles with my coffee; all while I listen to the Boston Pops and John Williams play all of the Movie themes that Williams has written. Many years ago, as in about 1987, Ms. Kate and I went to see the Boston Pops when we were stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base. I remember it for two reasons; first of course is that it was a great concert, and secondly, because I was in big trouble with Ms. Kate. I had gone deep sea fishing that day and barely made it back to base in time to catch the bus that was taking us all to the concert. I probably still smelled like fish as we sat there drinking our champaign at the concert hall. Yes, --- in our fifty years I have had a few less than sterling moments. LOL.

My cookies are all gone and my coffee cup is half empty. Time to get busy. I finished my sermon for this week last night but today I need to work on the one for next week. But first I have prayers to lift up; so I am going to end this here. Rest assured that you will have been prayed for today. Thought you just might want to know. Peace.

Happy last week of 2015! It is 47 degrees with a 17 mph wind constant this morning. It rained most of yesterday, last night, and will again today. However, we are so blessed because the really terrible weather that is ravaging this country has missed us. So many lives have been lost this week due to tornadoes and other weather related phenomenon. I offer my prayers for those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost homes and all of their possessions. I ask that God will lay a calming hand upon the winds and calm them. While it is 47 degrees here this morning, my daughter Heather is having 28 degrees in Southern California with frost warnings. How strange is that? They are going to need swim suits that will cover up goosebumps out there this morning.

We had a good weekend around here. We didn't do much after Julie and Jim left on Saturday morning.  We've just kind of chilled out. Yesterday of course was church and we had a fairly well attended couple of services considering the weather was crappy. Ms. Kate and I usually go to our favorite resturant, (R'z), after church on Sundaay but they were closed yesterday for the holiday. In fact, the owner, Candace and her family came to our St. Lucas service to worship with us. They don't get a chance to go to church on Sunday's because they are always open for business waiting to serve guys like us who want to eat after church. They also came to our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.

We don't have a lot of birds out there this morning. There isn't much sunflower seed left in the feeders at all. The bark butter paste feeders are empty and I don't have suet out there. I'm just a bad host this morning. The wind is strong enough this morning to give the squirrels a run for their money as they try to hang on to smaller branches as they travel tree to tree, and it is raining again now. It's not "fit for man nor beast" out there and this man just ain't going out there. The safflower feeder is mostly full which the cardinals like and the squirrels don't. There as still a mesh feeder mostly full of peanuts for the woodpeckers, and the caged cylinder feeder has a mostly uneaten feed cylinder in it and the squirrels haven't figured out how to get into either of those. So, there is plenty of food there, but the squirrels are just going to have to find another restaurant this morning.

Today has to be a writing day. I have only finished half of my message for this coming Sunday and have done no work ahead. I guess I lazed around too much enjoying the Christmas season instead of keeping up or keeping ahead. So today and most of this week is crunch time because I also have end of the month and end of the year reports to work on to get ready for Congregational meetings coming up in two weeks. As a former boss and friend of mine once said; "keep it to the Pac Man theory; one bite at a time." So, having said that, I reckon I will sign off, go pour Ms. Kate another cup of coffee and make a fresh pot, and get cleaned up for a day's work. As I do so, I offer prayers of gratitude for blessings received and thoughts of love for friends and family. I pray your day will be fully blessed. Have a great last week of 2015!

Good morning on this rainy day after Christmas. As predicted, it looks like we are in for about three or four days of this wet stuff. Julie and Jim have left for home and I pray for safe travels for them and all others that may be hitting the roads of America today.

I have a yard full of squirrels this morning now that Julie and Jim have taken their dog home. Unfortunately for the squirrels, the feeders are mostly empty and they won't get filled until we have a good break in the rain. There is plenty of food for the cardinals that they can get to. I may have to fill the bark butter paste feeders. There is a big ol' red headed woodpecker out there gobbling up the last of it.  But, I'm not going to slop through a soggy yard to fill the sunflower feeders. I never did find the feeder that the critters stole a couple of weeks ago.

So, Christmas 2015 is over. Unfortunately for many people that is a literal statement. People will take down the Christmas trees and the decorations today. I suspect many already have. Those with natural trees will have tossed them to the side of the street for the garbage man to take away. The wrapping paper and boxes that were wrapped with love, --- are in the trash with no more thought being given to them. For weeks ahead of Christmas, Facebook was full of people reminding us to  "remember the reason for the season"; and to "Keep Christ in Christmas."  Today those voices are silent. I just find that an interesting comment on society; although I'm not entirely sure what that comment is. I need to think about that for a while. But --- I'm willing to bet it will eventually end up being part of a Sunday morning sermon before too long.

What I do know is that the poor and hungry  that were able to go to a church or a shelter or some other place for a Christmas meal because they were hungry and had no place to go, --- will be hungry again today and those extra places won't be available. Those people that were homeless yesterday, will still be homeless today. The people in our nursing homes that had no one come visit them over Christmas, won't see any visitors yet again today. After-all Christmas is over. And far too many people boxed up their Christmas spirit with the rest of the decorations, So my plea today to those who read this blog is to never let your Christmas spirit die. Be generous every day. Share God's abundance of blessings that you have been given with those less fortunate than you. Let the joy of Christmas renew itself within your heart every day. Do something for someone else every day. Afterall, God does something new for you everyday. So, one more time I say, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all my friends and loved ones. The rush is all over for the season around the country at least until tomorrow when the "take it back" lines form and the after Christmas sales bring in the throngs of people wanting to get the "really good deals". Over the years we have met people that did all of their Christmas shopping for the next year during these sales. They assume of course that whomever they are giving to will still be alive, and will not have changed sizes or taste. I guess there is a method to their madness ; I just find it redonkulous!

I just got a news flash on my IPad that the local police and coast guard are in the process of a water rescue because someone has jumped from the bridge across the Ohio River. How sad is that? But it happens so very often.

The Christmas Eve services went well. We didn't have a large crowd at either church; maybe forty - forty five a each church. But, as one parishioner wrote on Facebook; there is just something about a candlelight worship service and singing Silent Night. We had communion at each service which I think makes it special too. Ms. Kate and I have a lot of "Thank-You" cards to write and send out for the gifts we received from parishioners. I hope to get those written and sent out no later than Monday.  In the mean time, I still have a sermon to write. I'm good for this coming Sunday but the following week is still running around in my head and not on paper. I never understand how I can be ahead one minute and behind the next. I thought I was a better time manager than that. But that's the way way when you live from one suspense to the next. Any project manager knows the feeling well.

Well, as much as I am enjoying sitting here enjoying writing and listening to Christmas Carols on my brand new Bose Blue Tooth portable speaker --- there are things to get accomplished. I may start in the living room and tear down a bunch of cardboard for the recycle. When you get suff from Amazon --- they do box it well. So my recycle bin will be filled quickly again today.

I hope your day is full of Christmas joy. God has sent God's Son to earth for the very express purpose of bringing us all salvation from our sinful way of life. Presents don't come any better than that! Merry Christmas.

     'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the house; the place smelled like cookies, ---    
       thank goodness there's no mouse.
       Ms. Kate's at the computer, her usual routine, and Julie is helping; they make a good team.
     
       Jim is still sleeping, like a slug in the bed; we all hear him snoring; --- he should cover his head.
       And I'm on the sunporch, writing my blog; being constantly interrupted by this silly of dog.
     
       He wants out, he wants in, can't make up his mind. He's hoping eventually a squirrel he will find.
       He chases, he runs, --- in wide circles he goes, his feet moving quickly, to follow his nose.
       He looks up, he looks down, while running carefree; but a squirrel he never catches, cause  
       they're up the tree.

Enough of that! Yes, it is Christmas Eve and it is Ms. Kate's birthday. Julie and Jim and Auggie Dog made it over through the storms last evening just fine. Our storm was pretty big and we did get a lot of rain. Although while today is quite pleasant, it looks like it is going to rain for the next five days. But --- it isn't snow!!! Thank goodness.

I've had a lot of birds again this morning. They come in waves and they leave the same way. The squirrels are being driven nuts by Auggie as he goes chasing them away from the feeders. They go up the tree and chatter and chatter at him.  Then when he comes back in, they cautiously make their way back down until he notices them again and wants out.

Of course, it being Christmas Eve, we will be spending the evening at church. I do a 7:00 and a 9:00 pm service. I would love it if we could just do a single combined church service but, the churches have their traditions and the fact that I have changed the times so that we don't have to be there at midnight is a big accomplishment on my part. The first couple of years they had a 7:00 at one church and an 11:00 at the other church which meant that Ms, Kate and I had to sit around up there for three hours with nothing to do but wait for the next service. That was no way for her to have to spend her birthday. The really aggravating part though was that attendance was low especially at the late service, and the excuse always was the same --- "that's when we do our Christmas."

We've a lot to do today, including baking pies so I better get cleaned up and ready for a day's work. I'm thinking we will maybe all go out for a nice meal before the church services this evening and celebrate Ms. Kate's birthday that way.

Remember this is th celebration of our Savior's birth. God loved us that much taht God was willing to give a part of our God's self to insure that we will have eternal life. Focus on that fact for the couple of days. May the peace of the Christ child be with you.