Month: July 2024

Noah was told by God to build for himself an ark of gopher wood, but then told he should enter the ark with his wife, his sons, and their wives. Since we all descended not just from Adam and Eve, but from Noah’s family, I’m glad he took
them with him. With all the animals on board, I’m not sure they all enjoyed the
cruise, but were glad they were invited.

Obviously I’m not Noah, but I too have invited my family to join me on a cruise. It won’t last over a year, but only seven days. And while we may be a tad crowded in small cabins, we won’t be sharing quarters with all the animals on earth. However, we will have a chance to hug a sloth. No, not a lazy old man, but the three-toed variety.

Yes, I’m taking my family, including a new grandson-in-law and future grandson-in-law, on a Caribbean cruise. We’ll be leaving New Orleans on July 28th, and returning to port on August 4th. After a couple of days at sea, we’ll hug a sloth, soar over the jungle on ziplines, and spend a little time on a beach in Roatan, Honduras. The next day we’ll visit a Mayan ruin and go tubing on a river through caves in Belize. Then, after seeing sights, shopping, or snorkeling in Cozumel, we’ll spend a final day on the ship heading home.

I tell you all of this because I can’t think of anything else to write, and because I
really want to thank you for making all this possible.

When Marilyn and I went on a cruise for our 25th anniversary, I met an older
gentleman who brought all his kids and grandkids on the cruise with him. I loved
the idea, and hoped I could do the same someday. Over a year ago I decided I
could, and booked the cruise.

You have generously supported me for over fifty years, and even sent Marilyn
and me to the Holy Land several months ago. Your love and support is very much appreciated.

God Bless, Rick

What is it you want to leave behind for your kids and grandkids? What do you want carried into future generations?

Marilyn and I have closets and storage bins full of pictures and memorabilia, some of it left to us by past generations. You hope some of it will be treasured, but some will just remain in storage, and some will be discarded. And there are some things you may simply decide not to leave behind. My Harley is one of those.

For years I’ve said either Matt or Paul would get the Harley. Paul suggested he’d
let Matt take me, and he’d just take the Harley, but I insisted whoever got me got
the Harley. I’m pretty sure Paul was just kidding, and I hope the need for someone to take me never comes, but I did think the Harley would go to someone. Until I thought again about it.

Marilyn and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking motorcycle trips over the years. We’ve ridden through deserts, which she really didn’t enjoy, and along coastlines, over mountains, and through the redwoods on the seat of a bike. I’ve ridden since I was fifteen, and have been very fortunate to only require stitches once, and break five ribs, in the process. Matt and Paul both rode off-road bikes for a short time in their youth, but neither have road experience on a big bike. And they’re both getting older.

Even experienced older riders lose some of the skills necessary to survive the mean streets. So not wanting to be responsible
for their possible demise, and not wanting to further test the patience of my guarding angel, I decided to sell the Harley.

So what am I going to leave behind? How about a deep love for the Lord, and
homes that honor Him? No one could want a better legacy. And, thanks be to God, it looks like that’s what I’m going to be able to leave behind.

I have a son and daughter who sought out committed Christian spouses, and who are raising grandkids who love the Lord. And this weekend I’ll have the privilege of uniting Grace and Zach in holy matrimony.

What more could anyone want, or hope to leave behind?

God Bless, Rick