With the end of 2007 quickly drawing nigh, I find myself sitting here thinking about some of the things that have taken place in our world this year. Of course there were the usual natural disasters that always tend to dominate the news for a few days here and there, but by and large the hot topic once again has been the War on Terror – and more specifically, the Iraqi front.
But in spite of all the troubles and trials that faced us throughout the year, there was also plenty of good news to be reported. For one, the war in Iraq has taken a dramatic turn for the better thanks to the success of “the surge”.
Now it’s up to the Iraqi people to step up and decide whether they want to build a successful nation with our extremely generous help, or if they prefer to simply return to a violent and ruthless, but somewhat stable dictatorship similar to the one they “enjoyed” under Sadam Hussein.
But whatever the Iraqis decide, they need to understand that the American people won’t stand for an endless occupation of their homeland with our brave young men and women dying for a cause that the Iraqis themselves seem to care little about. Enough said.
2007 was a bittersweet year on the personal front as well. Cheria’s beloved Uncle Jerry finally won his long battle with health problems, and today he is no doubt singing tenor in God’s heavenly chorus right alongside her Uncle Doug and Mr. Herman Widener, both of whom passed on before him. It’s been hard adjusting to life without Uncle Jerry around, but the fact that we’ll see him again some day without all of the pain and suffering he had to endure down here makes it a whole lot easier.
We also had a wonderful new addition to our family this year. Our beautiful granddaughter Madison was born on April 21, and Cheria and I have had a ball “babysitting” while her mom and dad were at work. Now if I can just get Granny to stop spoiling her!
As we prepare to embark on our journey into 2008, I’m happy to report that God is still in charge of all of His creations and our precious Saviour Jesus Christ is still sitting at His right hand, waiting for the appointed hour when He’ll come back in all His magnificent glory to take His people home. What a wonderful day that will be!
It is my hope and prayer that the new year will bring you plenty of happy times, and that the good Lord will provide the comfort you’ll need to get through the bad ones. Well, take care, and I hope to “see” all of you next year!
Amen and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
Yes, God sure was good to us. And we didn’t lose Uncle Jerry because he is having a good time being healthy and enjoying life in a better place. He might even being telling God what a big talker I am…Hahaha