The Clock is Ticking...

We are quickly closing the books on 2012. For Haime and me, its been a year of blessings. As we look back on this year, we are thankful for our lives together; for our children (all 6 of them), our grandchildren (6 of them too), our parents (mom is the only one of this group who is still with us), and our siblings and their families. We are thankful for our health, our friends and our faith. We are thankful for the opportunities we have to travel, to explore, to entertain loved ones and mostly, to understand and acknowledge that all of our bounty comes from God. 

Neither Haime nor I would be considered particularly "religious." In fact, given some choices we've made in our independent earlier versions of ourselves, some might laugh at that suggestion for either of us. However, one of the great things about life is that it is ever evolving. Further, we ourselves continue to evolve. As we have both matured, so has our faith and our humble attempts to evolve into better and better versions of ourselves. I attend mass more frequently than does Haime, however, Haime has always had a much more personal relationship with God. As we look forward to 2013, our hopes, plans and wishes are more often inclusive of simple things like being more aware of the abundant gifts we are given and giving thanks for them.

One of the readings from mass this weekend was a road map for how to live our lives and the things we should strive to do in the coming year. It is taken from Col 3:12-17 and we believe that striving to follow it's message is a much better idea than making any resolutions for the New Year. 

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another,

if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Our wish for all of you, friends, family and readers, is for a year of good health, good friends, a loving family, good times, and good memory-making opportunities. 

Live Well, Love Much, and Laugh Often.

TTFN, 

Haime & Lois