The beginning of an era...

Here you can see me and my friends Mike, Kris, and John at a lovely little place called Mulgrew's, which can be found in the bucolic suburb of Dubuque, lovingly called "East Dubuque" that falls on the Illinois side, which is, of course, the better side! After a lovely evening of carousing at a wonderful wedding celebration we found ourselves here at this lovely little bar, not leaving until 1am, and thence not arriving back to Rockford until 3am. What an amazing night! We lived it up at a beautiful wedding whose reception was had at a beautiful convention center on the banks of the always impressive Mississippi River. I realize that I have so much to be thankful for in terms of my friends and all others who have so blessed my life throughout the last 24 years. Even as we sat together this Saturday evening at a friend's place I was reminded again of how small the world is, and yet just how many people we encounter in our lives, and thus the power we have to influence one another, whether for positive or for negative.

I believe that we need to take fuller account of just how much we can impact one another, and to focus more intently on affecting one another for the positive. It has been a fortunate turn of events that I have had opportunity to come home, and to stay with my parents and catch up with old friends. And these are always the best, the ones who know us best, and can see most clearly through the problems and issues that may have plagued us for months. These are the people who will always be there for us no matter what happens, and we need to remember this on every occasion that we have to interact with them.

I hope that this blog can become more and more of a testament to the importance of friends and family in our lives, and how our relationships with one another direct our eyes heavenward and help us endure the sometimes challenging situations we must endure here on this earth. We must also, however, remember to celebrate the good times, and always be thankful for the opportunities to praise God with our true joy and laughter. We are most truly blessed who have experienced this joy, and now it is to us to share it with those around us, that the entire world may become a testament to the truth, and to the freedom found in living a life for Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, such that whosoever believe in Him, might not perish but have eternal life!" Let us live this every day!