Yesterday I wrote and spoke of the emotional struggle I have been in for some time. Today in a call from my friend Chris I was rebuked starting with 2Co 4:16 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” We read several verses in that area and verse 13 is a quote from Psalm 116 which I dwelled on fully. It is wonderful for someone NOT to say “I’m sorry for you”, but rather point to the Scripture in loving rebuke to remind me of the wonderful blessing of the Lord and to renew my strength.

Then this afternoon I took an eight mile hike, and I think I can now say I am officially ridiculous. Except for the last half mile where I probably did 4MPH since I stopped to visit a friend and it was difficult to restart, for the bulk of the trip I probably did 4.5MPH. I was moving with haste, and it was a joy. It has become my habit when I return from a longer hike to cool down a bit, then do 128 jumping jacks before my shower. So, Dorothy-Jane, do you want to grow old with a healthy guy? That is obviously a rhetorical question since you already committed to doing so. I’m available to you and you alone.

One other thought has come to mind on my walking. I know no one who can keep up with me, but I also know there are many who can. But more importantly, I do know some who will still walk with me even though I have to slow down, because the desire is to walk together. In the same way I know few now who can keep up with me with the Scripture, but again there are many who can do so much better than I. But when the joy comes, and it continues to come, to engage others in serious dialog on the Scripture, it is typically a mutual joy. It would be such a joy to do that with Jim Cross and the rest of my family. As I stated on May 27 ‘Mr. Cross, “Dress for action like a man”.’ Sorry, that was a quote from Job 38:3, and 40:7, not the Talmud. And yes, I remain concerned the last case Jim Cross presented was from the Talmud and not the Scripture and then he ran. Come back to the table Mr. Cross! Not doing so is hating my family and spitting in the face of the Lord. Are those strong words? Yes, and they are in hope of seeing the 2Peter3:15 result I have often mentioned.

I describe myself as an “unrepentant walk-oholic”. I have no intent to give this up until the Lord stops me. In the same way I am an “unrepentant married man” and I am married to Dorothy-Jane as the Scripture defines. I am also fond of her.

Dorothy-Jane, My Lady, I love you!