As I remember, I started 2008 with a promise to partner with the Lord to lose some weight…..and it worked!!! I lost 45 pounds in 45 days without really even trying and even had to buy new pants and wear smaller shirts! I felt great, although I thought I looked like I was sick!!! But at my age and height, it was better to have the weight off and look different than to keep it on and look “marvelous!!” (right)

But of course in April I suffered a stroke, and that was post-diet. My weight, my blood pressure, everything was good. I just wasn’t. The rest of the year had me struggling to get back to my old self, which I am afraid will have to just stay in the past. There are things I probably will never recover, but other things I find I have compensated and do better. Personally, I am a LOT more happy with where I am than where I was before the stroke. Sure I still have my days, but heck, who doesn’t? I am just thankful to be around.

We planted a fourth Church in 2008 and moved 2 of our Churches to their own facilities. I survived Ben turning 1, Stephanie turning 17, and my son Scott driving on a permit…yep, the child trifecta! And I think I can endure even more! I would like to see at least two more Churches next year and maybe more. But I am okay if Ben doesn’t drive for a few more years, Stephanie never moves out, and Scott stops wanting a sports car.

Ben and Amanda are in our bed. Stephanie and Scott are still in NYC, and if I stay up just an hour and 45 minutes more I will be able to toast in the New Year with the cat (who only sleeps in the day). We will see…..I think I can, but at my age that is often disproved.

Anyway my friends, I hope you have had a great day and year as well. May 2009 be a year full of God’s abundant blessings for you!

Goodnight and Good Year!

Fr. Tom+