So long 2016! Welcome 2017!

It is afternoon on the 30th of December as I begin to write this post. The kids are on their way over and I fully expect to set it aside at some time and complete it tomorrow on the final day of 2016.

All-in-all, I'd have to say that this past year has had its ups and downs as any other year has. The ending has been particularly rough, but rough times are a part of life. Because I have the choice, I choose not to dwell on the things of the past but to look forward to the days ahead with hope and optimism.

As I wrote a month ago, I am re-focusing on good health and well being. I did manage to walk my 100 miles and have done it with a day to spare! I hesitate to say that it has become a habit because I struggle every day with getting out and getting it done. There were many days when it was well past dark when I went out for my walk.
I plan to keep up with the better diet and daily exercise, but haven't yet decided on the short term goals. I'll be figuring those out shortly and posting them on my other blog.
In spite of the holidays and the holiday treats, I did manage to lose a few pounds in December and will continue to lose more as I return to healthier habits.

At some point during 2016, I decided that I needed to return to reading -- as in reading books. I renewed my long expired library card and borrowed a number of books for the first time in many years. I managed a few Kindle books, as well. Again, I wouldn't call it a reading habit, but I am working on it.

I am writing more than I used to write. This is my 181st post of the year; a new PR that surpassed last year's 173 posts.
Retirement has its advantages.
One of my friends has published his first novel and is getting ready to have his second one published. Perhaps, it is time for me to get serious about writing and setting aside a regular time to research and write.

(Dec 31st)

I did more in the way of ministry in 2016. I participated in six different camps in several different capacities. I also did more preaching than I have in the past and became more focused on simple discussions about faith with individual people. I really don't know what 2017 will hold in that way. I know that I just need to be ready and willing to serve as I am called upon to do so.

At the end of last February I got my motorcycle endorsement and purchased a used 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic. In the ten months since then, I have ridden over 14,300 miles. I plan to ride often in 2017, as well! If you are within a days ride of the Ozarks, live near a major league or minor league ballpark, and don't mind me sleeping on your couch or in a guest room -- just let me know and I may drop in for a visit! You won't even need to feed me! I'll have a ballpark dog in the evening and you can just point me to the nearest coffee shop in the morning!
If it happens to be over a weekend and your church doesn't mind a visiting evangelist, I'll throw my Bible in my saddlebags, too! (I actually always carry several New Testaments to give away.)

Have sermon. Will travel.

It's now passed 1:30 AM on the 31st.
The kids have gone for the evening and Chris is snoring softly next to me.
We had junk food and watched the UFC fights. Aaron and Jenny are staying at Hannah and Daniel's place. I figured it was only a matter of time before they would be staying there instead of with us. Even though I like having them here, I'm glad that they get along well enough to stay together. We'll see them again tomorrow night, exchange our Christmas presents, and ring in the new year together!

2017 should prove to be interesting.
My plan is to live each day as it comes, and to live it well.
I hope to offer more words of encouragement and fewer words of complaint or criticism.
I hope to give more and to expect less.
I hope to be a better John in the year to come. Truly, that shouldn't be that difficult given the place and person that I end 2016 as.

Thank you for reading along in the 2016!
I hope that you will continue to read and comment in 2017.
I wish you many blessings in the New Year!

God loves you.
Jesus died for you.

John <><