ln the midst of the 'organized chaos 'that has seemed to descend upon us
over the last 6-7 months I feel like I have lost my sense of 'time'. I feel like I keep
finding myself rushing from one challenge to the next, and never quite catching
up. I do realize a couple of things.
   First, I am not alone. I don't know if the world is spinning faster or if some
how we are all trapped in a time warp. I'm beginning to understand why my
Grandmother never took her Christmas tree down'
   Second, I'm getting old. (l started to say 'older' instead of just 'old', but old
seems appropriate.) Everybody gets older every day, but I am simply old, and
that's OK. I've heard stories my whole life, we all have, about how much fun
aging is. Unfortunately, they seem to be true. Fortunately, it still beats the
alternative, so far.
  Third, It's OK. I need to remember, and practice, what I tell others all the
time, namely, it's ok to take a break, to relax, to rest, to live. I love what I do, but
to do it the best I can I have to take care of myself better.
   THE MOST IMPORTANTTHING-- God is still God and He is still in control. lt
may feel like August or early September, but the Christmas trees and decorations
are up. And God is still in control, and we can still trust Him to handle whatever
comes our way, every day. He is never surprised, He is never unprepared, He is
never tired, He always knows, He always loves us, He is always there-and here.
And the last thing--naps are a gift from God!! Take time to enjoy His gifts.
   Finally, it's November 13th as I write this. I know the date, I remember my
name, I love my God, my wife, my family, and my Church, and it's all good.
   ln closing, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy
Valentine's Day, and Easter is just around the corner. I have to close, it's time to
start loading the truck for Fails Creek.

                          Blessing, Prayers, and Love,
                                        Bro Tom & Sue