Romans

Will need to read Isaiah again. It’s not that you missed something, it’s that there are so many different things going on. Written that way.

Meantime, you’d been wondering, and signs have been mounting. Romans is easier. That’s the whole point of it right now.

Lots of little reminders. Subtle, for months. Not like Isaiah where you were going to Revelation and asked if He wanted you to go somewhere else and…well, you got an answer. That was odd. Definitely mixed things up with regards to how you thought you communicated with Him. It was pretty straight to the point, though, so hey, no complaints.

Romans verses here and there, lots of people talking about that Empire. Maybe even a trailer for a movie? Nah, that’s just your mind making connections. It’s important to remember that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. So when it’s Him, you know. You’re strong here – but tend to your strengths too, so they don’t become blind spots.

Second leg of the trip home, the Bible on the plane thinking Romans 1, and before you get it open the woman next to you says…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel,because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

She thought it was nice that you weren’t ashamed to read the Bible on the plane. And, naturally it was Roman’s 1:16.

Brief conversation to explain your giggling, thank her for letting Him tap you on the shoulder through her joy, and you started reading.

Oh yeah, it was easier. And Chapter 5 by the Fireplace tonight to use up some more wood since you didn’t realize you would be heading out so soon.

Glad you got the chance to meet up with the new group again. 10-15 people at a nearby house to have fascinating discussions of faith. Not just a Bible study… Really. Smart. People. Three college professors. Two biochemists. Doctors. You loved it. Got to be the guy just listening and the “simple” guy.

One topic was longevity tech; how it’ll be possible to live to 150 with vitality. You were one of the voices that said they could keep it.

You wanted out of the crib when He decided you were ready; to go Home. The future of a world run by man and AI sounds worse every day, especially since the next is run by Him…

The fact that they were all about great food, high-end bourbon and fine cigars; yeah, hog Heaven 😂 So glad you were here. Next ones in December; hopefully you’ll be back.

Met a few ‘someones’ there. Who knows. Focus on the wisdom first, then the social stuff. And you did, so it was fine. 😂

North Dakota in November is going to be a chore, especially given the levels of soreness that actually now qualify as minor injuries from repeated reciprocating, saw and shears cutting through that metal.

If it’s going to be like cutting metal was in Nebraska, you’re going to take charge on research and put together something for everyone to protect their arms. No one is used to doing this stuff at these angles, and vibration injuries look serious, IE potentially long-term if you aren’t careful. Microfractures to muscles where they attach to bone. Just reading about it hurt.

Wouldn’t have been as bad, but you chose to take the harder machines so the younger guys could use the better ones. Turns out the ones you started with just sucked, and the other ones were better. By the time you figured it out, you were used to them, so, hey…

It’s been over a week and your fingers are still swollen. Steroid injection and doc visit helped. You needed this second week home also. Folks need you. Dad’s shoulder now going. They can’t really move furniture; not that that’ll stop them.

As much pain as your arms were in, they’d warn you something was heavy, and it really, really wasn’t.

Far more difficult times are coming down the pipe. These are some of the good old days. Money doing well, lots of work on the horizon, you’re in good health, the folks are still walking, Ted still runs around the house on occasion, and the economy hasn’t collapsed yet.

Never too early to prepare, though.

Reading by firelight; so much peace…

*****

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*****

There is so much love in the world you live in. Reflect it like the moon reflects sunlight as best you can.

Even when it does get worse, there will always be a dawn.

If and when time takes away your loved ones, your health, money, eventually your home and probably your memory… you will be wealthy beyond comprehension in the Holy Spirit.

And then, you’ll have outgrown the crib. 🙂