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As I awoke this morning, I wondered what phrases spill from God's heart to mine.  This has been a busy last few weeks, and the sabbath of my soul is found best in God made real through Jesus and given live through His Spirit! You are my beloved Your sins are taken because of Jesus' work of redemption Your life is given abundance in Jesus' name You are called to others You are called to serve Enjoy this day - I have made it! And so I head into this day with assurance and desire to see what God has for me!

As I awoke this morning, I immediately began thinking of things that this year will include.  Little things and big things.  All things that will make for an eventful year. And now, I'm off to the first event - back to work!  The holidays have been great - a bit of work and more of family time. My reflection on the past year is that change is inevitable.  Only God knows what is going to happen.  I'm glad for that.  What looked to be disastrous in the death of my wife, has become a glorious beginning. Jill has been welcomed home.  To a place where there are no more heart problems or people conflicts or budget concerns. At the same time, I have begun new relationships that have stretched me.  Both with the way our society views certain customs, and with the health and joy that friendship and companionship brings. Our church has weathered the change of new people.  This coming year will be one of adopting wholeheartedly those who have come, and welcoming in even more people who seek to be kingdom keepers with us. In all, this year looks to be the same as last year.  Which means nothing is the same!

My aunt's funeral was a celebration.  Imagine 1/2 hour of tributes that led back to Jesus.  From the comments on scripture, to a eulogy of love, to a dance of delight, to a meditation of God's mercy.  That is the type of funeral I want to have. Etta was her own person.  She believed that Jesus should be the main person.  And now she walks and talks with him.  From the funeral Cynthia and I headed down to a family celebration in Swift Current, 2 1/2 hours away.  There we ate some of the most delicious, delightful and different foods.  Finished off with cheesecakes - a real chore to consume - NOT! Two of my sisters were present.  That is the nuclear family that was present.  My sister Nadia, also had three of her children there, along with Wayne, whom she is courting.  My sister Bren  came with Shawn.  The room was full. The day was full. And now we begin a new year that will be full!

Sunday was one of those days. The start of the visiting began with my son arriving for just a few minutes.  He was here to pick up some things on his way through to Calgary.  Then off to the church for practice with our worship team for the day.  Church service saw various people there.  Then out for lunch and afternoon games with two couples.  Back for supper with relatives.  The evening ended with funeral preparations. These are days I enjoy.  I appreciate moving from one activity to the next.  I enjoy the interaction of friends.  And I see God in the unexpected moments of the day. Today looks to be busy as well.  Starting with breakfast with friends at 8:00, a funeral at 10:00 and a family meal (in Swift Current) at 3:00. May your day today be filled with God's presence in the midst of the activity of life.