Time's a Going Fast

Hello my blogger universe....once again it is time to wake up from the dead and blog. So much has happened since our last encounter that to recall it would be futile.

I am still fighting the battle of the bulge. However, because our church family has gifted us with a membership in the YMCA for the past two years, I have been able to lose 25 pounds. My goal is to run a half marathon in May and I am also signed up for a Novice Adventure Race which will happen in April. I will let you know how the training progresses.

Deb and I, Frank and Vivian, and Jake were blessed to travel to Peru last June with a group of 20 or so others from around the states to take part in The Amazon Project. We participated in outreach to several villages along the Yanayaku River with is a tributary of the Amazon River. It was a blast and we are looking forward to a return engagement.

Our family is blessed to have two grandsons now: Jackson and Harrison. We can't seem to get enough of these two fellows and are blessed indeed to be called PopPop and Granny.

My prayer is that you all are well and my hope is to blog again before the Summer of 2011 comes and goes.

Blessings to all....PopPop (pmike)

Blogin Time

Hello My Friends,

I just can't seem to get everything going at the same time. Blogging, then Facebook, and now my friend Jason has be doing the Twitter! So this morning, I realized that I have not blogged in quite some time. So, here is another try. Knowing myself, there will be several blogs in a row, interupted by several months of dead silence. But, you never know, this may be the time when a breakthough is made.

Tonight at FBCGV we will have a creative worship time called, "Fresh Fragrance". I am thankful for the creative folks who surround me that come up with these wonderful ideas. And, I am excited to be a part. For my part, I seem to be the steady, faithful, plodding type who has never had an original idea but knows one when he hears it.

Blessings on you all, Pilgrims.

My Sweetie

Here is a picture that was taken last Saturday evening at the Kennedy Center. The beautiful lady with me is my bride of 35 years (June 29). Deb is such a blessing and a joy to me - every day she encourages me and shows her love in a multitude of ways. Words cannot express how much she means to my life or the ministry God has called us to. Thank you, Lord for giving me a wonderful helper and partner.

A thank you is also in order for our friends Paul and Denise who invited us to be with them at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Denise took this photo with her phone! Ah technology!

The Cross

This photo reminds me of how simple the message of the cross, and yet how profound the meaning. In the pictue you see a quiet lakefront scene with a cross near the center. You can imagine how quiet and how wonderful it would be to be somewhere near praying and thinking about the issues of life. The Cross gives those issues perspective, in that no matter the outcome of any problem in life, we have the promise of eternal life because of that wonderful message. The cross is empty. Jesus lives and because He lives, we can live also. Praise His Wonderful Name!

Two Steps Forward

March is almost over and I do not have many blog posts to show for it. It seems that I only have so much time for computer interaction and since facebook came along....the blogging has suffered. I will try to achieve more of a balance in the coming month of April.

My last blog entry had to do with exercise and losing weight...of course since that time I have exercised little and gained some weight. Here is my problem....when my schedule is interupted I have a hard time re-establishing my routine.

Thankfully, I have a friend who holds me accountable by asking, "have you been to the gym?" If you have a problem getting started on something you know you should be doing, get an accountability partner.

Just knowing that you will be asked about something might get you moving in the right direction. It does for me.

Have a great week pilgrims!

Exercise and Losing Weight

I guess I have been fighting the "battle of the bulge" for what seems like ages.  And, I am back in the battle once again.  I am trying to eat a little more healthy and exercise some every day.  It is hard work!  So far, I have lost only about 8 pounds and it seems like I have been going after it for months now.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6 am I am part of a progressive weight training class.  Because I am getting to know the other members of the class, it is hard for me to miss one - even if the bed is bidding me to stay.  I find that the mild accountability that comes from the other members of the class is enough to keep me getting up early.

On the other days of the week, I am going to the gym for aerobic work on the eliptical trainer, bike, stair master or some other machine.  Sometimes, I try to lift a few weights on these days.  Usually, I don't do anything on Saturday or Sunday (maybe I should).

Anyway, thats my story - and I am stickin with it.

Hope you all are well.

The septic tank issues continue.  The next step is to seal the openings around the tanks to prevent ground water from getting into them.  This seems to be at least part of the frequency of pumping problem.  We have not made a decision on whether or not to pursue the grey water system or not....we will keep you informed.

Be blessed!

Photo Collage

Here is a sampling of the things that have happened for us in the past month. Compliments to Deb for the great job in taking, collecting and arranging these photos. Deciding to get her a laptop has turned out to be a great blessing to everyone!

Hope you all are having a great week - looking forward to seeing some of you tonight at AWANA.

With the weather being iffy the last couple of weeks it has seemed like a long time since we had AWANA. Tonights the night.

Tonight is also the first choir practice for our Easter Cantata. I really enjoy singing together as a group in this format. Not only does it give the opportunity for more people to be involved, but it is a great way to present the message of the Cross. Come on out and join us tonight following AWANA - around 8 pm.

Blessings to all!