Grandfather, Grandsons, and Friends

Harry and his grandsons and friends in Hawaii. I think he is having fun, but he isn't saying.

Compassion

If you ever wondered about those TV ads asking for money to help children you need to read this. I have wanted to help in some way, but was skeptical because I did not know if the organizations were legitimate. Recently, I met the President of Compassion Intl. and decided to sponsor a child in Peru and one in India. It has been a great experience so far. We have corresponded. Their names are Anthony in Peru and Balaji in India. If you feel led to help others, Compassion is a great organization. Our church, First Presbyterian of Honolulu endorses them too.

Harry in Hawaii

Father-in-law Harry seems to be having a wonderful time in Hawaii. Yesterday we all went to First Prez at Ko'olau. After the service we had lunch in their fabulous restaurant "Honey's" named for Don Ho's mother. The Church/Golf Course is nestled in the valley with the majestic Ko'olau mountains on one side, and Kaneohe bay on the other. Great place for church, a round of golf and a meal. Today grandsons Aaron and Brian took Harry to lunch at Hooters. He had a wonderful time, but isn't saying much. I think there might be some pictures coming!

Cherokee Indian

Here is a good story with a great moral sent to me by Cousin Bruce.

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's Rite of Passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him, and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfolduntil the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for helpto anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some humans might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him. Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' God Bless.

Facebook

Working on a Facebook page and wondering how that venue ties in to this form of communication. http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1280043711

There are some good discussions with BRC the moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the PCUSA.

Adrenalin Surf Co

Check out Aaron's new store. Click the link below for really great t-shirts with a Hawaiian theme.

http://www.zazzle.com/adrenalinsurf

Three Generations

Gail's father Harry arrived last night. He is coming to live with us, and at 90 it is a huge change for him..for us too! We are grateful to have three generations living under one roof. I count this as a blessing. Aaron has updated his web site "Adrenalin Surf Co" with new products. He is off to a good start at learning how to conduct business via the internet and working on a degree in business.

Transitions

It is now official. After nearly 28 years in the Air Force, I will be retiring effective 1 June 2009. We will be moving to the Tampa Bay Florida area to care for Gail's 90 year old father, Harry and purchasing what Gail calls her "forever home."

Although I will be retiring from the military, I will not be retiring from ministry. I am praying that I will be led to pastor a PCUSA church in the Tampa Bay area. I have posted my PIF on my web site, "Wild Blue Yonder," and am also learning how to record and add sermons to the site just in case a PNC wants to hear my preaching. Its a poor substitue for the real deal, but in this age of electrons it is convenient. I am not quite ready for You Tube...yet!

Please pray for Gail and our family, and pray that God will lead me to serve a church.

Adrenalin Surf Co.

HI Good Company. I would like to introduce you to my son Aaron's new company here in Hawaii...Adrenalin Surf Co. He carries a line of tee and golf shirts, as well as decals for surf and boggie boards. Aaron is very ecology minded, and is concerned with the restoration and preservation of the Hawaiian Islands. The link to his web site is found on my web site as well as to the right under "links." JGG