Merry Christmas!

Over the holidays, my internet access is quite limited, so I probably won't post again until the new year. So, to all of you I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Template Change

I am having problems with adding links to my blog. It keeps erasing the entire template. I am going to try this simpler one for now. For today's link of the day, see Jeff's travel journal at Peachwater, TX.

Touching the Void

First of all, thanks for those of you that sent your condolences about Robert. Last week was a blur. The family received a great deal of support, which was really appreciated. The funeral was wonderful. It was truly a celebration of Robert's life and the joy and love he brought to others. It was also a celebration of the certainty we have that he met Jesus last Monday morning and that we'll see him again. It was beautiful and Robert's kids did a great job planning it.

This weekend I was so tired. I tried to rest all I could, and I'm still exhausted. I forgot how tiring grieving is.

Last night I watched a movie from Netflix called Touching the Void. It was absolutely outstanding. It is the story of two young British mountaineers who climbed Peru's Siula Grande in 1985. After a successful ascent, the climbers face disastrous obstacles on the descent. It is breathtaking and frightening. This DVD is one where the extras are really good. I especially enjoyed watching Back to Siula Grande. It is an amazing story of the choices a person can make in order to survive. Although the climbers are not Christian, to me it was such an example of how God can bring us through anything if it's His will. I highly recommend it.

In Memoriam

A dear friend of mine, Robert Brannon, went home to the Lord yesterday morning at the age of 51. His passing was very unexpected and left many in shock. There are not words enough to describe the impact Robert had on those who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother in Christ. He is dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Henry Van Dyke wrote a poem about death called Gone From My Sight. I have modified it to fit Robert's love of flying.

I am watching from the control tower.
A plane on the ground lifts its white wings to the sky.
It is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch him until at length he hangs like a speck of white cloud on the horizon.

Then someone at my side says: “There, he is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight. That is all.

His diminished size is in me, not in him.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
“There, he is gone!” there are other eyes watching him coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:

“Here he comes!”

And that is dying.


Please keep Linda, Josh, Jessica, Angela, Anna, Becky, Rhonda, and James in your prayers.

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. This horrible disease continues to grow and destroy lives around the world. Africa and India are especially cursed by the disease. I blame ignorance as one of the major culprits for the spread of AIDS in these areas. In some areas of Africa, the average life expectancy is now in the early 30's. Women and girls are especially at risk. Please pray today for all those affected by this disease. Pray to ease the suffering of those with the disease, those left behind by the disease, and those finding a cure for the disease.