For those who may not know my interests, I am a fan of Superman. Every Christmas I can be guaranteed to receive 1 or more items with the famous “S” logo on it. This shirt came from a good friend in Indiana. I wore it a party on Sunday and was able to get a picture of me in it. While I realize that Superman is fiction, every time I see the “S” I am reminded to depend on my inner strength and the loving God who continues to supply me with strength. Have a blessed day!

Each year on the day of the Super Bowl the Animal Planet sponsors a “Puppy Bowl” game. Here is a picture of one of the 2017 contestants practicing. A good lesson from a canine friend: EVERY ONE NEEDS PRACTICE IF THEY WANT TO ACHIEVE MORE! This applies to a game, concentrating on our job, or improving our relationships. This little guy is so cute to be teaching such an important lesson!

My son, Erik, is happily visiting Jefferson City, Missouri because he has been invited to the inauguration of Governor-Elect Eric Greitens. The picture above shows the new Governor-Elect smiling following the election results. I was with my Erik the day he received his invitation in the mail. His excitement was contagious! I wish him well on the trip and new Governor well as he begins to lead the state of Missouri.

Today a good friend of mine flew into Ft. Lauderdale to begin a cruise trip on Saturday. She has looked forward to the day of her flight for months. She texted me from her plane saying she was safe but there had been shootings in the baggage claim area. In the past two weeks, I have flown twice with no life-threatening events taking place. I feel for everyone who was at the airport today and for those who know people who were there. For families of those who were killed, I uphold them in prayer. For those who survived but have injuries, I pray for healing. The shooter was apprehended and we have no guarantee there will ever be an acceptable answer to why he committed this horrific crime.

One of the reasons I did not post blog articles between Dec 23, 2016 and yesterday is that I was travelling to St Louis MO and to Peoria IL to see family. The picture above is of me officiating the wedding of my oldest nephew Jordan Book to Leslie Hayes.

The event was distinctive for several reasons.

• It was held at the Peoria Civic Center the same location as our Annual Conference sessions are held.
  
• It was only the 2^nd family wedding I have officiated and the last one nearly 25 years ago, Jordan was in attendance.
  
• The theme for the wedding was “Book to the Future” based on the movie “Back to the Future”. (The “Back to the Future” movies are favorites of mine.
  
• The wedding started at 8 PM New Year’s Eve, then the reception was an intermission in the service and we resumed the service shortly before the new year arrived and the marriage was pronounced as 2017 began.
  

I had great fun in organizing my comments around quotations from the “Back to the Future” movies. Please join me in wishing Leslie and Jordan a happy married life together!

This story was reported on Twitter by United Methodist News Service. It can speak to all of us!

Shirley Bachelder is 95… “and a half,” she adds with an infectious laugh. In those 95-plus years she has learned a great deal about life, faith, friendship, gratitude, love and more.

At a time when many of us are longing to hear a word from the Lord, Shirley receives explicit instructions. Advertising the words “love one another” on television and billboards in the Nashville area, came from God. When she needed a new, best friend, she asked the Lord to supply one. God did, and they were friends for decades. She has also asked God where to sleep and where to eat when she and her friend were on the road together.

Shirley maintains a constant conversation with God. “He’s interested in everything,” she says.

In our conversation, we talked about her love for God, the importance of friendship, ways to show God gratitude, and what it means to “love one another.” What a privilege to sit at the feet of someone who has lived a life of deep faith. Her wisdom will encourage and inspire you.

All of us have sources we treat as authoritative in our lives. All of us also have hobbies that bring us joy.

If you have read earlier posts on this site, you probably know that super heroes are a hobby of mine and that of all the super heroes, Superman is my favorite.

The picture above was posted on Twitter by Brad Meltzer a published author of many books. (I recommend his books.) He wrote that receiving this book and the small statute of Superman was one of his favorite gifts he received this year. As I read the post I celebrated for him getting such a nice gift.

Our challenge in life is to keep our hobbies from taking a higher role in our lives that the of belief that guide our lives. As a Christian my faith in Christ and support of Christian friends keeps me centered.

As this new year opens before us, I invite you to think about that centers your life?