Let all that is within me praise His holy name...
The two words THANKFUL and BLESSED seem to take on a new and fresh meaning each day. First thanking God for His Goodness (Romans 8:28) in our lives and then thanking my wife Jode for her 32 years of love, patience, and many acts of kindness. We are both blessed with 4 children and 5 grandkids. I continue to enjoy my work at the ranch and will continue to help it succeed. Thanks to those of you who continue to share your Time, Talents and Treasure with the ranch. Miracles Happen!
LOOKING BACK: On the last page of my first book, “The Marathons of Life” is this poem
“Looking back it seems to me, all the pain which had to be, left me when the pain was ov’r, richer than I’d been before.
And by every hurt and blow suffered in the long ago, I can face the world today in a bigger kinder way.
Pleasure doesn’t make a man; life requires a sterner plan.
For he who never knows are care, never knows what he can bear.”
2023 - Highlights
Family - We have added another grandson this year - Milo Bear Speltz, bringing the total to 5.
My role in finishing the 3 cabins was: Project Coordinator, Fundraiser, and Encourager. God is good
Celebrated my 50th Anniversary for my accident (photo) July 16, 1973 - July 16, 2023
Due to my back wound, I had to cancel at the last minute going with Jode to Hawaii for our 30th anniversary - daughter Abby went instead. I was happy to stay at home and take care of my health.
Daughter Lydia defended her thesis for her PH.D in Bio-Medical Research and Mayo. She passed with flying colors. Congratulations Lydia!
Attitude Changes Everything was the theme for the 37th Wheelchair Camp. I repeat it every day.
December is my month for singing Christmas songs. “From now on our troubles will be far away” Not sure about that one. How about - “His law is LOVE, and His Gospel is PEACE”.
2024 - Reminders
Fr. President Jimmy Carter reminded us what GIFTS we have that can KEEP ON GIVING. Listening EAR, HEART to Care, WORDS to Encourage and HANDS to Help.
Every December for the past 25 years, I get a card/letter from Hugh and DI Willis who have a ministry in New Zealand called Disability Trust. I was invited to speak there in 1998 on both islands and to complete the 1/2 marathon in Christchurch. The name of their newsletter is, The Encourager. Never let a day go by without encouraging someone.
Micah 6:9 “What does the Lord require of you but to DO JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, and WALK HUMBLY with your God.”
Life at its BEST is FRAGILE and SHORT. A happy heart makes a good medicine. Prov 17:22.
Go to the movies and watch “The Boys in the Boat’ - ”You don’t get gold at the starting line”.
HAPPY new year, HAPPY the days are getting longer
Let it Snow!
HONOR GOD - LOVE PEOPLE
January is the start of the 2024 Marathon. Pace yourself and keep your focus.