Recharging my outlook...

As I stated a few posts ago this past May I turned 60. Now when I was in College back in the early 70's I thought 60 was a long way off and I had plenty of time to do many things I wanted to do. Little did I know that the golden age of 60 would arrive so soon and without notice. In some ways I have been depressed with regrets of things that might have been, or what I could have done different but as we all know hind sight is always better that fore sight. Last Sunday Morning our Pastor and his family shared about their recent nearly 3 weeks mission trip to Kenya. This trip is one I had originally planned to go on but due to the quick change of schedule and some health issues as well as some financial restraints I decided not to go. My daughter Rachel had planned to go also and began to raise money to go even got her plane tickets and was progressing towards going. God had a different plan though as her husband and her had been trying to have a child for 5 years even going to specialists to find out why they could not. Just 5 weeks before the trip to Africa she found out she was expecting and because of the shots required to go to that part of the world; she felt it would not be wise to risk even though slight would not be worth it. She did not go to Africa. As the Pastor and his family shared stories and videos of their trip I had tears running down my cheeks as I have always had a heart for missions. You see 20 years ago next month I went on the first of 3 missions trip to Juarez Mexico and ministered in several churches, orphanages, at the Dump area where some very poor people live as well as street ministry and parks. My son Jonathan is now ministering in some of the same places I did 20 years ago going over several times a month from hos home in El Paso, TX. All these things have sparked in me a desire to go again to Juarez with my son and daughter (who is fully fluent in Spanish) to minister and then possibly to the Dominican Republic to help some missionaries I know there and then I would still like to go to Africa and minister also. Goals I know are big but I serve a Big God who is Lord of the seemingly Impossible!

Living Life to the Fullest
     I just had lunch with my oldest Son at one of our favorite places to eat for some good old fashion down home cooking the Dixie Pig in Abilene, TX.   I wanted to take him out for his birthday which is Sunday (he will be 29) and he thinks he is old!  While he was on his way to meet me his ex-wife called and asked if she could drop off his two kids to spend some time with him.  So I not only got to have lunch with my Son but also two of my Grand Kids!  Now I think I am the one who got the treat!  Not only are kids a gift from God but Grand kids are even more special!  I am so thankful for the family God has given me!  I have not always thought like that but as I get older I realize Family is the best support group you can have.  I plan on spending as much time with my Family as I can from now on out!  

New Beginnings

     It has been quite awhile since I have written in this Blog.  There has been many changes in my life in the last two years and it seems that change lately has been the only constant!  After the loss of both my parents in a very short time and now seeing all my children over 21 and on their own with the exception of the youngest son who is living with us for a short time,  I have been reflecting on all the things I have done in my life and all the things I still want to do.
      This past May I turned 60 and while I don't feel old it does cause one to ponder what you want to do with the rest of your life.  I started doing Substitute Teaching in the fall of 2010 and worked about 50 percent of the school days and then this last school year which just concluded I ended up working almost 95 percent of the school days and could have done more if I had not had to take some days off for rest and personal matters.  I still work a night job at 7-11 and so when working all day at school then going right to work I end up working about 16 hours a day with little time to sleep. 
     My health has been an issue this year with the cellulitis in my leg has been causing open sores and infected most of the year with a constant battle with antibiotics and bandaging an a regular basis.  I have battled weight and have been working on giving up on fatty fried foods and eating more vegetables and juicing as much as possible.  I plan to begin a juice fast for a few days in July when many local vegetables and fruits come into season and will be readily available,
     My goals are many such as loosing 100 lbs this next year and strengthen my legs and be able to do some short term missionary work to Mexico with my Son and Daughter who have both been working some in Juarez Mexico going to some of the some locations I ministered 20 years ago this summer!  I also have a goal to go to the Dominican Republic to help a Missionary Friend I know and hopefully be able to go to Kenya Africa in 2013.  I missed going this year because of health issues.
     I believe God will help in providing the funds and health to minister in these countries and will provide enough income so that I will not have to work two jobs any longer.  Until next time...Steve