Plumbing dribbles

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Well, today I started working on a tub shower diverter.  Which is really a task that has been waiting for a while.

Which is the problem.  The longer something is not working, the sooner the parts begin to deteriorate.  And thus they did.

By the end on this task I had broken a part, replaced another part and found out our town does not have all the parts you might want.  So, tomorrow morning we will use the downstairs’ shower.  And for the next while – until we can get to another town where the part is to be found.  Maybe we can even find it on the internet?

The funny thing is, the older I get the less frustrated I’ve become.  Maybe that’s a matter of experience.  Not everything needs to be done in one day. 

But it would be nice!!

The will to live

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I’ve watched a few people lately.  Mostly aged and beyond the life of their spouses.  Their will to live is depleted. 

While this is a testament to their relationship with their spouse, there is an unfortunate side.  Family and friends may desire to encourage and support the loved one – but they too become discouraged.  They are drained emotionally and wonder how they can place a spark back in another’s life.

There is an old phrase – “let go, and let God.”  Never have I heard a tougher prescription.  If we could save our loved ones from pain, sorrow and hopelessness, we would gladly take their places.  But we cannot.  We can come alongside – we can lift weary hands – but we cannot become their life for them.

So, I pray for God to give marathon strength to each one.  And that they would have radical gratitude in their lives.  That they would see God more clearly, love God more dearly and follow wherever God is leading.  And in some cases that leading is closer to heaven than to earth.

Now, if we would just let go, and let God!

The end of an era

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The building came down today!  Kehrer’s Appliance’s has been in Kinderlsey for 50 years.  And today the final remains were placed in the ground – or at least, taken to the waste management facility on the edge of town.

Kehrer Appliance demolition Brian and Diane Kehrer, owners, are friends of ours for over 30 years.  In fact, our trusty Maytag washer was bought in their store over 30 years ago – and it’s still running.  the feelings are mixed on Brian and Diane’s part.  On my part, I also sense an end to an era. 

Right now our town is in the midst of changes – and these very visible deaths just remind us that a new resurrection is soon to come.  What has been, will be replaced – and we pray for the better.

Thanks, Brian and Diane, for your service to this community.

The tale of two deaths

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This past week saw two stalwarts of the Christian faith pass on to a greater reward:  Sam Stoesz and Bob Kuglin.

I knew and respected both of these men.  Bob was a feisty, conservative evangelist who traveled the globe to bring the message of Jesus wherever he could go.  He compared himself to a devil’s egg.

Sam was a practical theologian who studied the history of our denomination, explained how to bring in members and was a gentle soul.  His daughter, Gloria, was around my age.  When I visited in their home I always felt at home.

Now, I suppose, I and others of my age are becoming those stalwarts who will be considered mentors and teachers.  May we always seek to seek God more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly – whatever our personality, disposition or rank in life!