Kenilworth

Outside of my "Damascus Road" conversion experience in 1970, I recently kissed my beautiful bride, Christine, farewell, as she slipped into eternity on 10-15-15, ending 42 years of marriage. I'm a psalmist, and use my gift to comfort and encourage others dealing with life's traumas.

Proverbs 17:22 states "A cheerful heart is good medicine". With that in mind, here's my new favorite joke to brighten your day (March, 2019): The Circus came to town & a husband & wife in that Circus went to the nearest adoption agency. "We'd like to fill out a adoption application" they told them. "Sir, a Circus is not the best atmosphere for raising children", they replied; "what kind of living conditions can you provide?" The husband replied,"See that gleaming new 40 foot RV out in the parking lot? That's got all the latest appliances & electronics in it, AND a nursery has been built in the back!" "Well, that's impressive but who's going to care for the child while you're at the Circus?" "Not a problem, we've hired a live-in nanny to feed, change, and care for the child when we're not there." "OK, but who's going educate the child/? you can't go from school to school as you go from town to town!" "We've hired a tutor who will travel with us; she will teach the child Mandriane Chinese & French, plus everything else required." "Clearly, you thought about everything, so we'll let you fill out an application; but there's one more thing you should know: you can only select from the children that are available, which means you may not get an infant, but a toddler or even a 2 or 3 year old; is that going to be a problem?" The husband looked at his wife & they both shrugged & replied; "That shouldn't be a problem, as long as he will fit in the cannon". . .

Those "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" seemed so carefree then. Think about it, why would four brief years together forge a life long desire that compels us back to reunions? I think it was a snap-shot in time that gave us an anchor or compass to hold on to in our life's journey that we could always hark'n back too, as a starting point. From my freshman year, when I remember continually picking my textbooks off the hallway floor because of students coming up behind me and knocking them out of my hands; to my later years of "getting stupid" in ways I can't count. It was frightening and fun at the same time. As I'm writing this I remember Jim Collard, Greg Bray, John Hausner, and Scott ?, running through the halls after "frogging" someone; a painful hit with a sharp knuckle to the upper shoulder, leaving a visible raised hump that lasted a few seconds. I guess today it would be called a micro-aggression. And who can forget R.W.O.C. (perhaps you already have!)

"Glad you're alive and kicking", where the last words to me, Aug. 5th, from our classmate, Phil Naumoff. I thanked him for reminding me at our 40th. how he used to "beat the crap out of me in handball." Now that he has slipped into eternity, joining so many others, it might be a good time for some of us to be an encouragement to others. My main purpose in attending is to "love on & encourage" anyway I can that the reality of our mortality doesn't have to be dreaded if you'll allow Jesus to replace religion and revelation replace understanding. There's a bucket of perfect Love & Peace poised just over your head ready to drench you if you'll simply humble yourself and accept the new birth that has already been purchased for you. Truth is the ultimate reality, and it turns out "Truth" is a Person Who is not mad at you, but mad about you! So run to Him, not from Him. He can't wait to prove Himself to you. I would love to meet with you if you are a fellow believer, or want to be. The greatest Reunion of all is just around corner, in Eternity. I want all of us who remain to have your "ticket" when the train leaves the station!