Wow! Where do I begin to try to catch up after so long an absence? First, I must explain that for several of the months I was busy maintaining our wedding planning website. Then, it was due to the overwhelming joy of of wedding, honeymoon (in Hawaii), then just the tasks of integrating two houses into one, integrating two lives, integrating two families (5 children and their spouses, each with two children, giving us 10 grandchildren), and simply viewing in awe the joy that God has brought into Nancy's and my lives.

We are still feeling our way into God's plans for our lives. My business has had its downs and ups - now mostly up. After initially taking a sabbatical from elder's meetings for six months after the wedding, a brother elder died suddenly from a heart attack; so Nancy suggested I abbreviate the sabbatical after only two months. Now our lives are full with church, family, social schedule, business, and oh, by the way, the garage with furnishings and memorabilia yet to be integrated/dispersed.

We have also found an interesting niche of ministry - working with widows/widowers trying to cope with the loss of a deeply loved spouse.

Today I have no profound observation - only the wonder at just how great God is and has been through the horrible journey Nancy and I went through before He brought us together; and how surprised and delighted - awestruck at what He has now given us. I can only grieve for those who don't trust Him to carry them through the valley of tears when it comes; because I know He has a plan for joy for those who trust in Him instead of in themselves.