January 3 - “Sky Chief?”

We finished the most recent jigsaw puzzle. We thought we lost two pieces, but they were hiding in plain sight. It was a very colorful puzzle, and the pieces blended right in. It’s a conglomeration of sights from Route 66. Lots of fun to recognize things like the old Texaco Sky Chief pumps, a sign for a public pay telephone, a big red Montgomery Ward sign, and even mention of Western Union telegraphs. 

Over the last week or so, our car has been telling us it was thirsty. Well, sort of. One of those miracle sensors indicated that it was time to get the oil changed. Fortunately Dennis was available yesterday, and he was able to help us out. Thanks, Bro. Oh! And another good thing to come out of this … I put the battery back in the truck. It has been charging in the garage (sharing charge time with the battery from Sam’s car). And it started right up. Woohoo. 

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭says, Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Father, bless Dennis for his willingness to help us out. Amen. 

January 2 - “Packed”

Christmas is officially packed away in boxes. Sigh. But wait! Now we return to what can always be an exciting part of living … Hope. The people of God lived in hope for a coming Messiah for hundreds of years. And now he has come! That’s the Christmas celebration. So why not make the rest of the year one big celebration of hope? After all, there’s only 356 more days ‘til Christmas! 

Oh! And not only are the decorations packed away in their boxes, but those boxes are now also neatly stored in the attic. They haven’t seen that resting place since more than a year ago. Special thanks to Corey and Brennan for helping us with the last few really heavy boxes. 

After the obligatory lunch of blackeyed peas and ham and cabbage, we watched the Texas vs. Arizona State football game. Wow. Double overtime. Texas finally won, but Arizona played an amazing game. After the game we needed a break from football, so we tuned into a movie, Six Triple Eight. It was based on a true story from World War II. No spoilers here. I do recommend it. 

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ says, Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Father, once again we are thanking you for our neighbors. Bless the Geran’s. Amen. 

January 1 - “Happy New Year … Now”

Our New Year’s Eve was just what the doctor ordered. Well, maybe not what he ordered, but I feel sure he wouldn’t have minded all that much. 

Of course we made a Walmart run. Important in that we got some  indoor walking done. Not the same as hiking a few miles, but hey, a step is a step. We just had to pick up a few odds and ends in the sustenance department. We even had a very pleasant checker. Her plans for the night were to go to church, then go home and go to bed. Good for her. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening we dragged out the Christmas boxes and commenced the yearly task of boxing up the holiday for another year. We decided to take it slow, though. Finish up today, maybe. My goal for the year is to get the boxes into the attic instead of in the middle of the garage. 

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ says, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

Father, thank you for one more year. Amen.