As we enter the third month of 2026 here is some of what I’ve experienced so far this year:
I’m doing quite well for an 89-year-old. I’m exercising almost daily and sleeping well.
I’ve led a Vesper service once a month for over two years with attendance ranging from 12 – 18. My great granddaughter Adalia sang at the last one – she was a great hit!!
My radio program in Portuguese has been broadcast three times daily, over four stations in Brazil, starting January 1, 2026. It also continues to be broadcast or podcast in the other four languages as well.
I continue to distribute my books and have had some good feedback.
I was able to fly down to Jacksonville, FL and spend a week with friends, Mintz’s. We drove back here last Saturday, and they continued to Ohio on Sunday.
Three different visitors from Ohio have stopped by this year while on trips through NC. I welcome anyone who lets me know they are going to be in the area.
Outside of my “senior community,” I meet regularly with a couple of retired pastors and a few other guys I’ve connected with. That’s a good change for me.
During the past year we have had 12 residents die. I try to be available to encourage those going through the valley of the shadow of death.
No new spectacular, Serendipitous Encounters, that I can identify. Maybe there were some God knows about. My responsibility is to be salt and light and leave the outcome to God.
The other day I filled in for the regular leader of the weekly Bible study here. I based my thoughts on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. He prayed that his readers would experience the joy of having Christ “dwell in their hearts through faith.” The word “dwell” has the idea, “be completely at home”. That is, in contrast to just being an occasional guest. Does that describe your daily heart experience with Jesus? Then he prayed they would “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Paul prayed they would have the power to grasp that great love. And finally, he shared that he had confidence in God, knowing “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” That is my prayer for you. May God grant it in abundance. Amen!