Wow-Here we are the last day of the year...It just seems like yestersday we were doing this. Time is an interesting thing, the older I get and the more precious I think time is, the faster it seems to pass by.

2001 was a good year. It is time to make a list... mentally or on paper, (I think on paper has more of an impact on reality) of all the things we are thankful for that happened in our lives this past year. A couple of days ago I hinted at general things, now is the time to make a very specific list. And how much did we play a role in what happened? Did we control our destiny or did it control us?

And part B list what things do we want to see for ourselves in 2002? and how much if any can we control them? How much is in God's control? How much can we influence them by our actions or deeds?
"I past this way but once...any good that I may do, let me do it now, for I past this way but once" ( not sure if I quoted that correctly, but the meaning is there).

Time to contemplate the passing of time....

It's time to think about making a difference...
I don't where this story came from, but it has truly touched my life, everytime I hear it (or tell it) I am blessed.

The Old man and the Starfish
There once was a young man walking along the beach.
As he walked he could see an old man in the distance.
As the old man got closer he saw that every couple of feet, he would bend down and pick up a starfish and toss it back into the ocean.

The young man was curious and stopped to ask the old man what he was doing. “Well, you see there was a terrible storm last night which washed hundreds of starfish onto the shore,” the old man replied, “you see if these starfish don’t get back into the water they will die.”

The young man began to laugh, “that is ridiculous, there are hundred and hundreds of starfish on shores all over the world, what possible difference can you make?”

The old man smiled as he reached down and picked up another starfish. He tossed it back into the sea and looked at the young man and said… “I made a difference to him.”

What a different world this would be, if we all tried to make a difference in someone's life this year.

Reflections:
You know, as I was reflecting on the last year’s events and of course September 11th I inventoried those few weeks in my life because life truly changed for me that month in many many ways. I don’t know if I see the world differently because it is or it is because I see it differently.

September 2001 will be long remembered in the hearts and minds of people everywhere; and for me, it has been an even deeper loss. On September 27 I lost someone very special to me and it is sometimes funny how the Lord works because on that same day someone very different but just as special walked into my life and has become a very special part of my circle of friends and has helped fill the emptiness. I have been blessed with special Friends and I am Thankful.

But now is the time to reflect and remember and make changes to our lives so that each day that we have here on this earth is filled with meaning and love.
Clean Slate, start fresh, begin a new… What changes will we make in our lives this year?

Well, another Christmas put to bed, this one turned out nice, once again time with family and friends... always a great time. And of course, time to wrap-up yet another year of events.

I really like this time of the year; reflecting on accomplishment and events and also a time to re-evaluate events and activities that perhaps didn't go exactly as planned, or didn't get completed. Reflection is a good thing, it helps... helps us appreciate what we have: friends, family, freedom, jobs, warm house, peace in our hearts and so, so much more; and it also helps us appreciate what we don't have: despair, heartache, hunger, illness turmoil and so much more.

And some how, this year more then others the things we are thankful for mean so much more. Simple things like FREEDOM!

And then, one of my most favorite times of the year... my most favorite things to do...not resolutions, but plans, plans for MY future. How can I make a difference in my corner of this world this year? And keep happiness and peace in my heart and bring happiness and peace to the hearts of others.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yesterday I cried, today I cried and tomorrow I will surely cry... it is the 18th anniversary of the death of my father.

They say it gets easier with time; don't believe it. Some years are just better them others, but then others just seem to wash over you like a wave. This year is one of those years.

I Miss you Daddy!