tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74355553816261991982024-03-19T06:53:00.966-05:00Mike Lanting ReflectionsThoughts about stuff.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-542422086555052022011-02-10T20:19:00.002-06:002011-02-10T20:28:40.166-06:00MexicoSo many stories of bad news come from Mexico.<br /> Drug smuggling,illegal entry to the US,be headings and other crimes of all sorts.<br /><br /> I was there once as a kid and I don't remember much,just a lot of scary looking people on the border.<br /> My friends and family have visited as lately as this past week.They come home with nothing but praise.<br /> My work causes to me visit many homes in Chicago where Mexicans have come to this country.I have found nothing but the best of people,the best customers.<br /> Friendly to a fault,we always have a nice visit with these people.<br /> I just have a hard time understanding how awful some people are when there is so much good in the world.<br /> Many of my friends on facebook are from Mexico,and you guys are all the best.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-22295321340686234732011-02-10T19:41:00.002-06:002011-02-10T19:55:29.136-06:00Small Things Going WrongSometimes bad things come on threes.<br /> Sometimes you might have a week that has more than 3 bad things.<br /> I have had such a week.<br /> Furnace went out,I was able to fix it.<br /> Car idled at 70 mph.I fixed it.<br /> Water tank went out..fixed it.<br /> So far so good.<br /> Next,furnace went out again.Fixed.<br /> Car again-fixed it.<br /> Morning at 5 AM,we both woke up freezing.I had forgot to shut the furnace door.<br /> I shut the door properly,the heat came on.She went back to bed.I was wide awake.Ugh!<br />Started car to get it warm,Idle at 1000 mph.<br />Gave up on the car,called "the guy".He fixed it for $300.00.New sensors needed.<br /> Made a few stops when we got the car back,came home,had ham sandwiches and tomato soup.<br /> This is good comfort food.<br />Compared to most people in the world I know these troubles are not much but it's not fun to go through them.<br /> So,reflecting tonight on the past week I am grateful to have a wonderful wife and a great family. Life is good.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-32987700431157337192011-02-05T22:56:00.002-06:002011-02-05T23:08:52.238-06:00He Hid Most of the TimeIn high school and well grammar school too.<br /> I noticed John when I was very young.I noticed he kept away,he kept to himself.<br /><br /> His mom would come to school to feed him lunch.<br />We were all afraid of John,He was subject to strange fits.Violent fits.<br /><br /> After he would with withdraw,he stopped speaking.He would not look at me.Or anyone.<br /><br /> He is in a few class photos,looking tall,standing always in the back row.<br /> Looking away and looking scary.<br /><br /> I don't think I ever said much if anything to him and of course now looking back I regret this a great deal.<br /><br /> I know he was with us in high school until one day his mom came for him.She told us John was going to a special school where he would receive special treatment.<br /><br />I don't know what brings John to my mind after so many years.I just know now that I take the time to talk to those who may not even understand me.<br /> <br /> Life lesson learned.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-68532976761031505502011-02-05T22:38:00.002-06:002011-02-05T22:51:52.399-06:00All My Life I Have Picked Up PebblesSmall stones,small pebbles.<br /> If there is a lake nearby or a river,that is where the pebble will go.<br /><br /> It may be silly,but I will look at it and wonder how old it is.How long has it <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">lain</span> there waiting to be picked up by me?<br /><br /> Sometimes these small pebbles just bog to be skipped across the water,I was at one time quite good at it.Now sore shoulders and sore hands make me not as good.Ah,well life goes on.<br /><br /> I guess I spend my life throwing small stones.I love disturbing the water a bit and watching the ripples until they fade as if nothing happened.<br /><br /> This is best when you are alone and you then sit by the waters edge.<br /><br /> Sometimes your mind needs to rest and do nothing important.<br /><br /> Be a kid again,throw that stone.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-31087821647482737442011-02-05T21:57:00.002-06:002011-02-05T22:20:02.602-06:00The BurdenHe often travelled the world,the burden was always on his shoulder.No matter where he went it was there.<br /> It was heavy and becoming heavier.When he was old he could barley lift it.He had to lift it,he had no choice.<br /> The sky looked good,the water even better but the burden never left him.Days and nights it was with him.<br /> Nights were supposed to be the relief,sleep might hide it for a while.<br /> Sleep interrupted suddenly made the days worse.A sudden awakening at 3 AM made it so.<br /> It was there at 3 AM it was there when he was in mid day.<br /><br /> The thought of doing something drastic slowly entered his mind.<br /> He tried to put the thoughts away but his burden would not let him.It never left him.<br /><br /> He saw friends go.He knew it was true,when you got money you got friends.Now he had no more money,he had just a few friends left.No one wanted to be around him with that burden he had on his shoulder.<br /> If he believed in God,it no longer mattered,he still carried it.He could never let it go how could he?<br /> A night in confused and mixed up prayer brought him to what was the only answer he ever could find.He found it in the book of Psalms.<br /><br />Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.<br /> He didn't feel righteous but he knew God was truth.<br /> He did not feel religious but he also knew he could not be alone with this burden one second more.<br /> When he threw it,he threw it far.It could no longer be found.<br /> He knew he would be going Home to say thank you,thank you,thank you.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-9561635405295046882011-02-04T22:53:00.004-06:002011-02-04T23:28:01.815-06:00Joe.I saw Joe M.play minor league baseball a few years ago.<br /> He was of course a superstar in high school. Everybody had the highest hopes.<br /><br /> He signed with a new minor league team a few years later.<br /><br />The team manager like him,his team mates like him too.<br /> Baseball came natural to Joe,he played everyday when he was a kid.<br /> He was well grounded in the fundamentals of the game.Second base was where he lived his life playing defence.He was good,very good.<br /> He was offered a contact with a major league team out west.The kid showed great stuff his first year.The second year was not as good but still not bad.<br /> Year 3 things fell apart.He seemed lost as second base and his hitting plummeted to a pitiful .198.<br /> A wife came along this year,a baby boy soon followed.<br /> Year 4 things started to look up.His coaches instructed him.He worked harder then ever.His average at mid-season climbed,people once again adored him for his abilities.<br /> He once again became the heart of his team,everybody loved Joe.<br /> Joe played many years in baseball.He had an excellent record,he had many friends.His family loved him and was very proud.<br /> When it came time to retire Joe had it all planned.He would buy several car dealer ships.He had enough money to buy several.<br /> When Joe was killed by a drunk driver it was a cool and quiet morning.<br /> When Joe got to heaven everyone asked"what was the greatest thrill in your life,there must be many to choose from.<br /> Joe said quietly and humbly,it was the day I gave my life to Jesus.I found out He was real,he was involved in my life.He died for me.<br /> All heaven applauded Joe.<br /><br /> My question to God was,why? Why Joe of all people?<br /> He was loved here,he had a family.He had everything.<br /> My Lord put His finger on my lips and said it was not his will that we die like Joe.<br /> The He said,I took your place in death so you will live eternally with me.<br /> I don't think I understand it all,but Joe does and Jesus does.That is a good thing.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-71209980005220150142011-02-04T21:29:00.002-06:002011-02-04T22:01:37.337-06:00The Irish GirlShe came to America 6 years ago when she was 17.<br /> She came with her mom and 3 sisters.<br /> The accent held on although she always tried to hide it.She wanted to fit in.<br />A mistake 3 years ago brought her a son.A fierce devotion to him is what kept her alive. The father never came through with all his promises. Proving for her son was her responsibility.<br /> There was no time now for an education,only her sisters could go on to school.<br /> The family back home did not scorn her,her uncle John even sent money when he could.<br /> Her mom was her help,her baby sitter.She knew she was loved.<br /> Thoughts of the next few years frightened her.She didn't date now,she stayed home when she didn't work as her crummy waitress job.Thoughts of the future consumed her.<br /> Where would she be when she was 30? What future was there for a poor girl who had a hard time fitting in anywhere?<br /> Reading was not easy,writing almost impossible.<br /> Her weight problem was a constant battle,another reason to stay hidden inside.<br /> Hope was fading fast for Kieran. Her life did not count but to see her son grow and get the education she wanted for him.<br /> Day dreams of her son Ryan making it big consumes her.Her hopes were that he become a doctor.<br /> When her own doctor told her she had breast cancer she started the fading.Her mind went away.She neglected herself,her son,her life.<br /> When she died she died alone.Her mom and 2 of her 3 sisters went to her funeral.<br /> Only heaven could have loved this Irish girl with the accent.<br /> A Sunday School teacher had told her once about God's love for her.She believed that old lady for a day or two.<br /> That's all she needed.Heaven did welcome her.<br /> Good bye Kieran,I will see you soon.<br /> MikeReflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-53498948796921153252011-01-28T22:09:00.004-06:002011-01-28T22:56:00.255-06:00To The Boy and The Old Man Who Was LostI saw you from here,it was easy for me.I am one who loves you as you are.<br />You knew,down deep inside that I had been watching and waiting for you a very long time.<br />You had been close to me and sometimes you were quite far from me.I knew you would come back of course,it was just a matter of time.<br />You did not need to worry like you did about passing a test.There was never a test I gave you.There were trials you needed to understand your life and to point your life more towards me.<br /><br />You did not need to worry about your family.<br />While your time is getting close,you do not have to worry about your wife.You know that I will watch over her too like I have for so many of your years.<br />You did not have to hide the bad things from her,she loved you deeply.Just like I do.<br />She understood you better then you thought.She and I both knew your needs.Your fears were understood and you needed to let all that go before you came home.<br />The deep love you have for all your family always made me smile.The friends that came your way were special.They were people that you needed at the time.<br />I have been waiting for you.I have helped and protected you when you did not know.<br />Your blessings arrived in your life when you needed them most.<br />Angels have been with you.They will be with you again when you get here,that is something to look forward to isn't it?<br />I laughed along with you at the absurd,the strange things people do.I always love your sense of humour.Your God laughs easy and often.Did you forget that?<br /><br />The children brought us great joy.They are wonderful people.<br />I know the times when you thought you failed with the children and I know you still have doubts.Have no fear,all children are in my hands.Always.<br /><br />Remember my forgiveness,I know you don't always.Put the past away now and live.<br />No, I am not telling you the day or the hour.Be ready.<br />Think of me as I think of you.<br />A friend of ours recently wrote about how I said I was very fond of him.<br />You know I am awfully fond of you too<br />I will see you soon.<br />With Love Everlasting,<br />JesusReflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-74875973411340413002011-01-13T23:57:00.002-06:002011-01-14T00:16:55.893-06:00My Friends Down UnderFor many years I have secretly been in love with another country,Australia!<br /> I have read many books,scanned the local papers I find online published in the smallest towns with most odd names ever. The stories usually make me asking more questions.<br /><br />I read about the animals which to us Americans seem so bizarre! We have snakes and bugs here obviously but they have bugs and snakes that can kill you right quick!<br /><br />I read about the history,early settlements,how they became our allies in all foreign wars and most of all I read about the people.<br /> We seem to have many natural disasters here in the USA and so do they.<br /> Wildfires where it seems half the country is fire,dust storms that reduce visibility to zero and now of course the floods.<br /> My friend Will Lanting sent me a link where I can watch the coverage.I saw the damage,the heartbreak,and now I see the water is coming down a bit.<br /><br /> The damage remains and now the people of Australia are coming together to help clean up and rebuild.<br /> Nothing has impressed me more then to see the courage and tremendous spirit of the people.<br /> Complete strangers showing up a house to clean it,not for money,not for thanks,just because this is the right thing to do.<br /> It reminds me of 9.1.11 when we had that same spirit of coming together to fight terrorism and to mourn for the lost.<br /><br /> The times will be hard,the loss is great yet I see the spirit of my friends down under and I love that country even more.<br /> God bless you.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-57299666854625143262011-01-13T23:21:00.002-06:002011-01-13T23:37:05.609-06:00When are you going home?I do wonder now that I am a year older again.<br /><br /> How much time is there left?<br /><br /> So many people I have met who are now in their 90's.<br /><br /> They are living out the end of all this the best they can.<br /> Some have smiles a mile wide,isn't that the coolest thing ever?<br /><br /> Some have gone demented,some cruel joke played by some chemical imbalance or maybe it's just because they got tired of trying.I don't know.<br /><br /> Some of said,cover my face with a pillow.Well we can't do that.<br /> We remain hopeful that there will be a cure.Or we pray for release and a home going.<br /><br /> What is our lot in life now? Shall we live in memories? Shall we live for the smiles our grand kids bring us?<br /> Shall we weep and mourn for the things we wanted but just never came?<br /><br /> Some older folks have got it.They got it right.The Bible says the whole duty of man is to fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.<br /><br />As much as I am able,this is my life's commitment.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-32093001449546701912011-01-10T21:27:00.002-06:002011-01-10T21:46:22.972-06:00A Day For Remembering Our SailorsNot long ago I sold a book to a sailor on the USS Juneau.<br /> I sell a lot of books on the Internet and don't give much thought to who gets them.<br /> This time I had to stop and think about where this book was going.<br />The sailor said there was no rush to get it because he would not see land for another 4 months.<br /> Four months.<br /> So tonight I am grateful for your service son,and I thank you.<br /><br /> This one one of thousands of sailors patrolling seas that are danger filled.How may sons,daughters,moms and dads are serving on the watch tonight?<br /> They are serving for me and they are serving for you.<br /> 24 hours a day,they are serving us,we must always remember the dedication these people have.They remain watchful for us.They are diligent for us.They are following the orders they receive.<br /> Think now of sailors in the Atlantic,the Pacific,the Barents Sea,the Indian Ocean,the seas of all the world.Think of them as family,think of them as loved ones who are away for a very long time.<br /> Today I honor you,and I thank you.<br /> MikeReflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-27645212652306677442011-01-02T19:28:00.002-06:002011-01-02T19:40:38.930-06:00Facebook is CoolA few years ago I join Facebook and really did not have many expectations about it.<br /><br /> Well,it really surprised me how many people I have connected with,not only from my past but people I did not know existed have become very good friends.<br /> I don't know how many countries are represented but it is amazing to me.<br /> If I don't know the language there is Google Translator which is an awesome program.Google continually is updating this and adding more languages.<br /><br /> Facebook has bugs and flaws but I can deal with that,it's a small part of it.<br /><br /> I found many people who lived on 104th place when I did as a kid.<br /> The girl next door(Janis),the girl across the street(Mary Ann) and Kenny who lived across the street and a few houses down.<br /> Using my last name in the search function I found hundreds of Lantings spread around the world. How cool is that?<br /> I enjoy Facebook a lot,five hundred million of us do.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-25790123211300023942011-01-02T19:15:00.002-06:002011-01-02T19:25:12.085-06:00Simple Easy TimesIt's now the second day of the new year 2011.<br /> Looking back over the year 2010,I find the simple things are the things I liked best.<br /> The times with family of course mean the most to me.Christmas,Easter,Thanksgiving we all get together,all 23 of us.<br /><br /> The next best thing is I joined a local church which I am very happy to attend.<br /> Great people there and I enjoy them very much.The church is very old and well established.<br /> The are many old people there and our pastor is 27.Pastor Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Waterstone</span> has his hands full and does and excellent job leading us.<br /><br /> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Business</span> was up a little but still nowhere near what it should be.I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">grateful</span> for the work I do have as I really love what I do for a living.We will try to match our record income which happened a long time ago.<br /><br /> I guess I am an optimist,I have to be.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-739707568372636392011-01-01T01:37:00.002-06:002011-01-01T01:52:28.253-06:00New Year 1-1-2011Tonight Linda and I spent a nice evening with some excellent friends.<br /> There were just 6 of us there so it was a small intimate celebration of the new year.<br /> <br /> These are friends who know my faults,flaws and even the slightly crazy parts of me.<br /> I would rather be with them on a night like this then anyone in the world.<br /> Except my brother Bud,he is the best brother imaginable.<br /><br /> It is a good thing to have friends,they are reminders of good things,and good things to come.<br /> Thank you Phyliss,Larry,Lindsay,Donna and Linda.<br /> You make my life better.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-24781547822430840602010-12-31T18:24:00.002-06:002010-12-31T18:32:01.943-06:00Old CustomersToday Linda and I made a service call on a clock that I have worked on many times.<br /> The first call on this clock was in 1982 when I was 32 years old.<br /> It was brand new then,and it was an easy job.<br /> My customers were the Elliot's,a super nice and friendly couple.<br /> Over the years they would call for service on the clock and as time went by I got to know them.<br /> They save every receipt I had given them down in the bottom of the clock.<br /><br /> I often thought they were a favorite customer.<br /> Today their son has the clock,mom and dad Elliot passed away a few months ago,both were well in their eighties.<br /> I honor them with this post.<br /> I will miss you a great deal.Thank you for being a special part of my life.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-35397372754343512792010-06-15T22:49:00.001-05:002010-06-15T22:55:16.283-05:00Pain or lack of it.Neuropathy PostToday June 15 201o.<br /> It is one week since I had a pain pill.<br /> I was taking 11 or more a day and now I am down to zero.<br /> I am slightly nervous about it but I want my life back.<br /> To hell with neuropathy.I don't need it I don't want it.<br /> Enough zombieland.<br /> Good bye Neuropathy. You suck.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-81982088755673735092010-06-15T21:44:00.002-05:002010-06-15T21:58:27.477-05:00So now we are 120Thats 120 years between us,that seems like a lot to me.<br /> Has it gone fast? Yes<br /><br /> Are you happy? Yes,very.<br /><br /> Has God let you down? No.I have wondered where He is though at times.<br /><br /> Do you still love her? More than ever.<br /><br /> Do you have the fortitude to go on till death? Yes.<br /><br /> Do you worry about things? Yes.Business mostly.<br /><br /> Whats makes you happy? God,her,kids,grandkids.Friends are scarce but good.<br /><br /> Do you like the new church? I like sitting in the back. Yes I like it.<br /><br /> What are your faults? I have to many to mention at this time.<br /><br /> When did you want to go Home? Not yet please.<br /><br />Will the Cubs call you to play left field? Yes,soon.<br /><br /> Are you sleeping? It's better.<br /><br /> What about pain pills? From 11 a day to zero.And holding.<br /><br /> Are you enjoying your hobbies? Fot the most part yes.But I miss painting a lot.<br /><br />Ever angry? Seldom.<br /><br />Goals? I want to travel a lot.<br /><br />Is this the end of this post? Yes.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-86284521165466983992010-04-04T22:56:00.002-05:002010-04-04T23:00:02.727-05:00Easter 2010Today we had our family over to celebrate Easter.<br /> I think this day will stand out as a highlight in my life.<br /><br /> It is amazing to me how very much they all love each other.<br /> Not a cross word,not a sarcastic comment,just peace.<br /> Thank You God.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-52439646414228113322010-04-03T23:23:00.005-05:002010-04-03T23:43:59.116-05:00Happy Birthday Whitney!My Dear Whitney,<br /> Today you are 10 years old.<br /> Happy Birthday !<br /> I am so happy to have you in my life,you always make this ol' papa smile.<br /> I write to you today having so much hope and love in my heart for you.<br /> I wanted to say some things about your future.<br /> Your first 10 years have been good.I see you have made many friends and that is so important!<br /> Keep these childhood friends Whit,you won't ever forget them.They are a gift.<br /> Your next ten years will be life changing.<br /> Growing into womanhood will be a truly amazing experience.<br /> Schools,learning,trusting God daily,these are things to remember as you go.<br /> There may come times when you don't understand God.There may come times when you don't understand your dad or mom.There may come times when life is to confusing.<br /> These times will come and go quickly.<br /> The experiences God puts us through shapes us,teaches us and matures us into the kind of person God wants us to be.<br /> Always be on guard because there are many things in life that want us to fail.There will be temptation's to face and many choices to make.<br /><br /> I wonder about your life,will you be a teacher? Will you be a mom? Will you be a doctor or nurse? A lawyer? Somehow no matter what it is I know I will be so proud of you.<br />I see in you a spirit of kindness.<br />I see in you a sense of humor.(probably from your dad) and this is a good thing.<br /> Most of all I see in you a spirit of loving others and I love you for that.<br /> So,life will be a mystery for the next ten years.When you are twenty you will be an amazing person Whit.<br /> Happy Birthday Whitney,<br /> Your Papa loves you Verrrrry Much.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-83690379850857968532010-04-03T22:47:00.002-05:002010-04-03T22:55:47.829-05:00They Scourged HimThe men who did it.<br /> The men who scourged him.Beat him.Whipped him with more then just whips.<br />They spat on him.<br />They laughed at him.<br /> I think about these men.<br /> I wonder about these men.<br /> Heartless,cruel.<br /> Men in a crowd of like minded men.I am sure that gave them courage.<br /> A crown of thorns was placed upon his head.<br /> They put him up on a wooden cross.<br />They nailed him to it.<br /> They put a sign over his head for all to see.<br />For hours they mocked him.<br /> They cast lots for his garment.<br /> Then he forgave them all.<br /> Even me and you.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-69436927670185031552010-03-07T22:26:00.002-06:002010-03-07T22:46:52.260-06:00How Long Will Blogs Last?I write for my kids and my grand kids.<br /><br /> I wonder if the things I write will be here in 30 or 40 years.<br /> Will there be some new technology that makes blogs unreadable?<br /> I hope the technology that we have now in 201o won't become like a VHS tape.<br /> I write because I think my past is important to me.<br />There are not many great words of wisdom here,it is just me trying to share a life.<br /> Sharing this past of mine is a way for the future generations to know who I am,or was.<br /> My own grandfathers have been gone many years and although I have memories of both of them,I don't know the details of the lives they led.I have a few faded photographs and that's it.<br /> I never had any grandmothers,they both died before I was born.I am told I missed out on a lot of things. What I don't know about them both makes me wonder who they were.How and why did they do the things they did.<br /> So,my children if you read this many years from now,know this;there was a father and grandfather who loved you with all his heart.I think about all of you everyday.<br /> More important I have prayed everyday for you all.<br /> It would be so interesting for me to see how you all turned out.<br /> What do you do? Have you married? How many kids do you have?<br /> Did you go to college? Are you in love? Are you serving God?<br /> One more thing to say for now-I am so happy to know you and to have you in my life.When I was a younger and had Kevin,Mark,Michelle and Joel as children,I never thought about grand kids.It never occurred to me that I would have so many!<br /> You bless me,all 13 of you.<br /> Your papa loves you verrrrry much.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-48286896776740088912010-03-07T20:36:00.002-06:002010-03-07T20:50:14.282-06:00Family WeekendFriday night we went to dinner at Joel and Lisa's house in Dyer,Indiana.<br /> Caleb and Alistair were so happy to see me they did a little dance.<br />These are such happy times for this old papa.<br /><br /> Saturday we went out to Michigan City,Indiana to have lunch with Michelle,Maddie,Whit and Belle.<br /> I got many hugs from my girls during the lunch.We laughed a lot and took silly pictures.God gave me some amazing grand daughters.<br /><br /> Sunday Mark,Abbey,Alistair and Jared came over for dinner.<br /> We waited for the ball game to start,it never did because of rain.<br /> Alistair wanted to watch Andre again,so we did.It is a great DVD and I think I have seen it a hundred times.Alistair loves it so I did not mind at all.<br /> Alistair always helps me feed my fish,and the dogs.<br /> We went back to get the food and Alistair asks me "Where is Robin Papa?"<br /> I didn't know exactly what to say.I said Robin has gone away.<br /> He asked me again ''Where is Robin?" I said shes gone to heaven.<br /> I know he didn't understand but he let it go.<br /> I think if God loves us enough to let us have pets,he will make sure we see them again.<br /> There is no Bible verse to back me up,I just have a feeling.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-87368749983866620082010-03-07T20:34:00.000-06:002010-03-07T20:35:52.210-06:00OSCARS!!I don't care!<br /> That is all.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-46741841595338194162010-03-04T23:06:00.000-06:002010-03-04T23:25:53.002-06:00Good HeavensPeople say strange things.<br /><br /> I hear these a lot<br /><br />Good Heavens !<br /><br />Goodness Gracious!<br /><br /> Good God!<br /><br /> Jesus Christ!<br /><br /> omg!<br /><br />Good Lord Almighty!<br /><br />For Christs sake!<br /><br />For Gods sake!<br /><br />For the Love of God!<br /><br />For Craps Sake!<br /><br />Mother of God!<br /><br />Mary,Mother of God!<br /><br />Holy Shit! (sorry)<br /><br />We all have heard these phrases.<br /><br />I have used some of them in moments of anger.Maybe you have too.<br /><br /> Now we know God is in Heaven,we know God is Holy.<br /> It is time to stop and think,please.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7435555381626199198.post-80035547723083050092010-03-04T22:01:00.002-06:002010-03-04T22:12:52.333-06:00There May Come a Day For ThisPerhaps the day is coming when God calls us home<br /><br /> Maybe it will be soon<br /><br /> Maybe it will be years from now<br /><br /> The day will be a good day<br /><br /> There shall be no great sorrow<br /><br /> A tear or two would be fine<br /><br /> This time here has gone very fast<br /><br /> How did it all happen?<br /><br /> I know you were there,Lord<br /><br /> I knew all the time<br /><br /> I seemed to ignore you<br /><br /> Sometimes<br /><br /> But I did know<br /><br /> So when the time comes<br /><br /> Please don't remember the bad stuff<br /><br />The alone times<br /><br /> The prideful times<br /><br /> The anger<br /><br /> The questions,the million questions<br /><br /> Just bring me home.Reflections On Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446541371178361613noreply@blogger.com0