Times are a changin’

My how times change as we get older. My kids did a great job this year of picking out my Christmas presents. You know how it is, Dad is always the hardest person to buy Christmas presents for. For the past five years of so, it's been great, because they would buy me gift certificates, and I would go out and buy me something that I wanted. As nice as that is, it sure takes a lot out of ripping that present open and being excited about what you got. I am so thankful for the gift certificates that I have gotten in the past, because I was just at that age when there was nothing that I wanted that they felt was a good present.

Sadly though, it wasn't always that way. I can remember years when I wanted a new saw or drill for my present, but Susan would fuss and complain that I'll just use it for work, and she didn't want to get me something for work for a Christmas present. That must be a woman thing. So, gift certificates were a wonderful thing at Christmas.

This year, however, I turn 60 just a few weeks ago. I guess things just change a lot as you get older. No longer did I want a drill or an electric stapler. Times are a changin'. This year my kids got me a Vidalia Chopper. I almost cried. I couldn't wait to get home to chop some onions. Wow, this is a great little gadget. I chopped three onions the next day, and wasn't even cooking anything. I mean I just peeled the onion, cut it in thirds and whala, chopped onions. No stinging eyes, just chopped onions. I went to spoon them out to put them in a plastic , and this time I did cry. Oh yeah, the chopper is great, but not perfect, it was the onions this time. I love my Vidalia Chopper. They also got me a new pressure cooker. Oh, My, Goodness. I had a pressure cooker years ago and loved it. It got old and I could find the parts I needed to keep it working, so it just became a big pot to cook in. I am so thrilled with my pressure cooker. It's fun to cook again. Oh, yeah, they also got me some summer sausage logs. Again, something that I really like. So, they get an A+ for Christmas presents this year.

Somebody please tell me that a 60 year old man is not really weird for getting excited about his Vidalia Chopper and pressure cooker for Christmas presents.

This Time Of The Year

What is it about this time of the year. It's always the most joyous time of the year, that's for sure. That is, unless tragedy strikes, and then this time of the year never seems to be the same. I don't know if it's because I turn 60 this month and I'm just noticing things more, but it seems that this season is eye opening for me. I've been reading in the news of several sports figures, who were in their prime, young fellas, passing away. What a waste, yet what permanent effect it has on the families at this time of year, forever. I've heard of several of my friends who died suddenly, then others had spouses that died suddenly. I just heard of a friends husband who just found out that he is terminal with pancreatic cancer. Now we have teenagers going into malls and just killing innocent people. My spirit yells out, "WHAT'S HAPPENING". "This time of the year is supposed to be happy and joyous."

I really didn't mean to be so depressing, here, but there is some good news here. As I've tried to comfort people who have lost loved ones at this time, or have just found out that their loved one is terminal, I am constantly reminded of the song that Amy Unthank (my daughter) and Rebecca Peck wrote a few years ago. "Even In The Valley, God Is Good". This simple statement is so true in times like these. It's the best advise that I can give to my friends who are going through these trying times. Even in the darkest part of the valley, when we for sure do not understand how these horrible things can be happening to US, God is still good. He's still in control, and while we may never understand, if we only look around, God is still good to US.

I wish you all the happiest of Christmas' and I pray for God's blessing and safety for you and your families. I pray the same thing for my family. Maybe as you look around at those around you it would be a good idea to remind everyone that "Even In The Valley, God Is Good".