Goal for 2019: "....that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24, New King James Version NKJV

La Marque, Tx.

Good morning and welcome to where all things are new. Maybe not, but, it does sound good as we turn the page from 2018 and find ourselves here on this Tuesday, January 1, 2019. God gave us time. He has a lot to say about it in His word. He would have us to pay attention to it, especially as it relates to how we live out the life He has given to us. I know the wife has a big home-cooked meal planned for today. That is a favorite tradition of mine. Most of you know the wife and I made a short trip last week after we concluded our Santa and Mrs. Claus commitments along with enjoying a wonderful family Christmas. We needed a break. At least, we convinced ourselves that we did. I believe the wife used the R and R term as a way to describe our getaway. Most people define that as rest and recreation. I had thought the second R would have meant recuperation, given our condition, however, it became recreation, on steroids. We left last Thursday and made our way towards Galveston, Island. On the way, we stopped and had lunch with our granddaughter Danielle and her mom. We had a wonderful time. We then continued on our journey, arrived at our hotel, got checked in, and turned around and left again for an outing to something called Magical Winter Lights. We walked and walked, looking at all the beautiful festive lighting, and then we walked some more. They featured an acrobatic team from southwest China, and, the show we saw was amazing. What these athletes could do with their bodies, working together, kept everyone on the edge of their seats. That was definitely worth the price of admission. After that, we left and went to a late dinner, then back to the hotel to try and capture the first R, rest.

Chinese acrobatic team.

The second day was a sleep in day, for at least one of us. I had taken my Community Coffee and my little coffee maker with me, so, even though I was up early, everything was right in the world. We had some breakfast, got ready and went to the movie theater where we watched the new animated remake of The Grinch. It was the same story with a little twist but the graphical representation was really stunning. We finished up there and headed down to Galveston. There we drove down to the seawall and then over to one of the popular tourist attractions, Moody Gardens. We were there to experience something called Ice Land. We walked a long way to get to the place to get to the tickets before we could get to stand in line for the next group. Once we got in, they issued us parkas to wear because the temperature is kept at 9 degrees to protect the ice sculptures. It was really cold in there. It really was. The ice sculptures were representative of the two poles, from South to North. We really enjoyed ourselves. After that, we left and went to a place where we have eaten for over 40 years, Gaido's, on the seawall. We enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner and sat there watching the Gulf and enjoying some of the best seafood around. (I could remember when the same meal was perhaps 1/3 of what it is now.) We got back to our hotel and the discussion became focused on which R to pursue. I was for the first R, but, we ended up going back to the movie theater and seeing the new version of Mary Poppins. I know what many of you are thinking. Have I lost my ever loving mind? Finally, we got back to our hotel and I was able to re-visit the first R.

Our visit to the deep freeze.

We got up Saturday morning, got ready, checked out, went for a nice breakfast, then, our second R excursion focused in on visiting something called the Tanger Outlet Mall. We found some items and we walked some more. And, some more. We then left to return home and on our way, we visited our local Best Buy to pick up a new computer tablet for the person who truly loves the second R. She is excited and has already watched one of THOSE movies on it. So there you have it, we start the new year all recreated and still waiting for the resting part. (Joking only.) We did have a wonderful three-day getaway and so enjoyed our time together. That was not a paid political announcement. It happens to be the truth. Now it is on to a new opportunity in a brand new year. I started to say a clean slate, but, I'm not sure that's how it works, but, I am certain that God has something for us all to do. May He help me to get on with it. And, you too! Amen. Happy New Year, and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.