On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, our youngest son, Brent, was killed in a tragic vehicle accident. This video was produced by his brother, Nic, and was shown at the beginning of the memorial service.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JJR1_d6UXE
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Posted with Blogsy
Monday, August 27, 2012
Passing of Time
While driving today I noticed the maple trees on the mountains starting to turn. There are reds and oranges mixing in with the greens. Another notice, in addition to the coolness of the evenings, that heralds the coming of fall. That notice brings the realization that summer is over.
You look at the calendar and know that it is. But somehow it just doesn't sink in. You need other signs that yell, "Summer is over!" I suppose it is the human reaction to theassing of time. We know time passes, but we sometimes don't keep track of the accumulation. I mean, we know that days seem to go by quickly. But suddenly we realize that the month is gone. We remark how quickly time passes.
It is that passing of time that takes us by surprise. It's seems that our children grow into adults overnight. It seems the time between the holidays keeps shrinking. We realize our mortality; the "marching" of time seems to become the "running" of time.
So, what do we do? We enjoy every day. Don't get so caught up in the trivial, in the non-essentials. Focus on things of enduring quality. Hug your kids because they grow up fast. Those you love...TELL them. Those important people in your life, those who have impacted you in some way, let them know. Too often we miss the opportunity to tell people how we feel. That often leads to regrets when they are no longer part of our lives. Don't let that happen. Find them. Hold them. Tell them.
You look at the calendar and know that it is. But somehow it just doesn't sink in. You need other signs that yell, "Summer is over!" I suppose it is the human reaction to theassing of time. We know time passes, but we sometimes don't keep track of the accumulation. I mean, we know that days seem to go by quickly. But suddenly we realize that the month is gone. We remark how quickly time passes.
It is that passing of time that takes us by surprise. It's seems that our children grow into adults overnight. It seems the time between the holidays keeps shrinking. We realize our mortality; the "marching" of time seems to become the "running" of time.
So, what do we do? We enjoy every day. Don't get so caught up in the trivial, in the non-essentials. Focus on things of enduring quality. Hug your kids because they grow up fast. Those you love...TELL them. Those important people in your life, those who have impacted you in some way, let them know. Too often we miss the opportunity to tell people how we feel. That often leads to regrets when they are no longer part of our lives. Don't let that happen. Find them. Hold them. Tell them.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Staying In Touch
I recently caught up with friends I had not seen in a while. We reminisced about years gone by, old friends and how things we once believed had changed. In the midst of this discussion, I realized how life changes as time marches on.
Often from our perspective the change is imperceptible. We sometimes do not notice it until we see someone we have not seen for a while. Then we realize that each of us are no longer kids (as we remember) but that we have kids...AND grandkids. That life, and time, has not stood still.
As we talked, I realized how life has a way of quickly bringing people together but just as quickly tearing them apart. I was told of friends who had divorced and others who we just lost track of. And of one who met an untimely death. Funny, it seemed, albeit a lifetime ago, that we would never be apart.
As I tried to digest the changes that had taken place among "our group" it dawned on me that we had allowed the vicissitudes of life to call the shots. And while life make take us in different directions, there is NO excuse in the modern world for not staying connected. And to that end I have promised that I will not allow friends to drift totally out of my life.
My challenge to you is to do the same. I understand that jobs take us away and people move every day. But everyone has a cell phone these days. (Including some youngsters who shouldn't) The Internet reaches just about everywhere. Most of us are accessible 24/7...well at least 18/7. Don't let time chip away at your friendships. Reacquaint if you must.
To my reacquainted friends, I am glad you're back in my life. You know who you are. We'll be in touch.
Often from our perspective the change is imperceptible. We sometimes do not notice it until we see someone we have not seen for a while. Then we realize that each of us are no longer kids (as we remember) but that we have kids...AND grandkids. That life, and time, has not stood still.
As we talked, I realized how life has a way of quickly bringing people together but just as quickly tearing them apart. I was told of friends who had divorced and others who we just lost track of. And of one who met an untimely death. Funny, it seemed, albeit a lifetime ago, that we would never be apart.
As I tried to digest the changes that had taken place among "our group" it dawned on me that we had allowed the vicissitudes of life to call the shots. And while life make take us in different directions, there is NO excuse in the modern world for not staying connected. And to that end I have promised that I will not allow friends to drift totally out of my life.
My challenge to you is to do the same. I understand that jobs take us away and people move every day. But everyone has a cell phone these days. (Including some youngsters who shouldn't) The Internet reaches just about everywhere. Most of us are accessible 24/7...well at least 18/7. Don't let time chip away at your friendships. Reacquaint if you must.
To my reacquainted friends, I am glad you're back in my life. You know who you are. We'll be in touch.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Realize Where You Are
I was on a shuttle from the long-term parking lot at the Pittsburgh airport recently. We approached a stop and the door opened. A lady burdened with baggage asked the driver, "Where are you going?" The driver courteously answered, "To the departure terminal."
I thought that was a strange question to ask. Actually, I am not sure I would have been so polite. I thought of many answers: "We are lost. Do you know the way to San Jose?" "We are hungry and making a border run." "All the planes have been grounded and we are driving to Timbuktu."
As we drove to the terminal, I wondered how one stands in a parking lot at the airport and honestly asks where the shuttle is going? But as I thought, I realized that often people are surrounded by the answer and fail to realize it. Sometimes we are so overcome by circumstances, we are so focused on our little world, that we are unaware of what is going on around us.
So, what is the solution? First, slow down. Life passes fast enough without us making it faster. Take time to enjoy. Second, pay attention to what is happening around you. You may be missing your kids growing up or an opportunity to influence someone's life. You may just be missing the beauty of the world around us. Third, enjoy life. Don't let life happen without you.
I thought that was a strange question to ask. Actually, I am not sure I would have been so polite. I thought of many answers: "We are lost. Do you know the way to San Jose?" "We are hungry and making a border run." "All the planes have been grounded and we are driving to Timbuktu."
As we drove to the terminal, I wondered how one stands in a parking lot at the airport and honestly asks where the shuttle is going? But as I thought, I realized that often people are surrounded by the answer and fail to realize it. Sometimes we are so overcome by circumstances, we are so focused on our little world, that we are unaware of what is going on around us.
So, what is the solution? First, slow down. Life passes fast enough without us making it faster. Take time to enjoy. Second, pay attention to what is happening around you. You may be missing your kids growing up or an opportunity to influence someone's life. You may just be missing the beauty of the world around us. Third, enjoy life. Don't let life happen without you.
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Uncertainty of Life
I awoke this morning, as did you, to the news of the shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in this horrific event. Seeing the video, hearing the discussions, one thing came to mind, and in fact, was emphasized in President Obama's statement: life is uncertain. The President talked about hugging our kids and spending time with our loved ones. These are important things but often are neglected or pushed aside due to the busyness of our schedules. I want to encourage you today to TAKE TIME.
James wrote these words: "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes." James 4:14, NIV
We do not know what the next moment holds. We are not guaranteed our next breath. Too many times the focus of life is about accomplishments, upon attaining financial goals or public accolades. The most important thing in life is relationship--relationship with our family and relationship with God. Take this day to reflect upon your mortality and the . Pick up the phone and call your family. Hug your spouse and kids. Invest in those relationships. And most importantly, talk to your Creator. Invest in that relationship. For you and I do not know when we will move from this life into eternity.
James wrote these words: "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes." James 4:14, NIV
We do not know what the next moment holds. We are not guaranteed our next breath. Too many times the focus of life is about accomplishments, upon attaining financial goals or public accolades. The most important thing in life is relationship--relationship with our family and relationship with God. Take this day to reflect upon your mortality and the . Pick up the phone and call your family. Hug your spouse and kids. Invest in those relationships. And most importantly, talk to your Creator. Invest in that relationship. For you and I do not know when we will move from this life into eternity.
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