Welcome 2011

Dear 2011,

Welcome!
I've been looking forward to your arrival for a while now and I must say that it's really been a pleasure to see you. If the rest of your stay goes as well as the first day you could very well become one of my favorite years. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for your predecessor, who has been relegated to sharing the designation of One of the Worst Years of My Life along with the infamous 1993.

You already have a leg up, though, as the day has been a blessing from start to finish. I'll list a short recap so you have a guide to go by for the rest of the year (in case you get sidetracked at some point and forget what you were supposed to be doing).

The day/year started at midnight at church sharing communion, lovely music and warm fellowship with our church family followed by a good night's sleep. The morning broke delightfully warm and bright and a tiny bit later than usual with a lovely smile from my beloved. Fellowship with the Lord and some time ingesting His word, then breakfast and a wonderful walk, enjoying the beauty of His creation.
Next came some time on the computer researching a few ideas on how to fulfill a couple of new resolutions followed by a brisk shower. A little light reading, lunch and some quality time with the family, and then a wonderful, blessed nap.
This evening has held lovely inspirational music and a short visit with a dear brother. I'm anticipating relaxing with my beloved and another good night's rest.

Now, I realize that today has been a true day "off" and a work day would have a whole different flavor but I must say it has been a beautiful day nevertheless. I also realize that I am probably a tiny bit spoiled *cough* *cough* but I still think that this day would make a perfect template for the rest of the year. If you wanted to spice things up a bit you could add some visits with the children and grandchildren or a few friends and extended family would also be lovely. Some opportunities to use my gifts to bless the Lord Jesus through meaningful work and a few creative outlets would be good as well.

If we work together I think we could have a great time and you could become my very own BFF.

Lest We Forget

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae


Remembering with gratitude all who have sacrificed for the freedoms I too often take for granted.