Final Count Down 2005

It's hard to believe that this is December 31 and tomorrow morning we will awaken to a brand new year! (I say "awaken" because I truly hope I "sleep it in"!)

What a full year 2005 has been. Permit me to briefly re-cap the milestones for you:

Jan 5 - Mom had major lung surgery
Feb 15 - Steve had rotator cuff surgery and was diagnosed with diabetes literally minutes before surgery (a definite surprise)
Mar 2 - Steve developed a staph infection and was back to surgery for a complete flushing of the shoulder
Mar 18 - Steve's shoulder still not healing and retained signs of staph. We were referred to an infectious disease control specialist. He ordered a PICC line installed through which we would have to intravaneously administer antibiotics twice a day at home.
May 2 - "L" left for Batticoloa, Sri Lanka to minister to tsunami victims
May 21- Mom developed complications breathing; scans indicated an air pocket had formed between the linings of the lung. It was back to surgery for the insertion of a drainage tube and another week long hospital stay
May 28 - Denea became Mrs. Jacob Griggs
Jun 11 - Mom is admitted into Harris Hospital a third time with lung complications
Jun 12 - Steve, L, A and myself flew out of DFW for Wasilla, Alaska to work at an RA Camp
Jul 13 - I left for a 9 day trip to Montero, Bolivia to participate in a church planting campaign
Sept 28 - Mom has second major lung surgery

And here, on December 31, 2005, I look back on all that has transpired and say without reservation, "Our God is an awesome God!" It has not been an easy year, it has not been a year without crises, but neither has it been a year without incredible blessings.

Looking back over the year I am aware of just how differently the ending could have been were it not for God's grace literally poured out on us again and again and again. We have been reminded in a very real way just how precious family is and that having those you love near you should never be taken for granted.

Not only were we blessed by being able to celebrate another holiday season together but our family was blessed by the addition of a wonderful, godly son-in-law. Jake, we love you and we're so glad you're a part of our family.

And so, here it comes ........ 2006

Let's celebrate! Let's embrace what God has in store and with one heart say, "Your will be done!"

Memento vivere!!!!

Memento Vivere!

Memento Vivere! .... remember to live!

Come on in. Welcome to my "blogspot." May I get you a cup of coffee? Cream? Sugar?

Ok, so maybe I can't really get you a cup of coffee, but I hope your visits here will have the feel of home. That you and I can slip our shoes off, sit back and just chat a while.

A few comments about my title: "Memento vivere! "

This is a Latin phrase for "remember to live!" Too often we get so caught up in the business of life - working, paying bills, going to school, keeping appointments, etc. - that we forget to live.

Jesus said He came that we might have life, "abundant" life. I hope you will come and visit here often, sharing with me the adventure of discovering and celebrating the "abundant" life. I'm sure we will find it if we dare to slow down and look about us with the eyes of a child. Simple things like rainbows and sunsets, butterflies and buttercups, laughter on lazy summer days and walking barefoot in the grass, time with family and friends, and even struggles and sorrows can be gathered into fragrant bouquets of joy and fullness to grace not only our own hearts but those we love.

And so ...... Memento vivere!!!! Let's live! Let's enjoy together the gift of life!