I am always surprised when it happens, but it always happens. This time like all the others, it snuck up on me. Here I am another year older. Mike tried to make this Birthday Special. He planned a surprise party, but the Surprise was on him when all the grandkids and Heather got sick and could not come. But it was very much of a surprise to me. And he and my neice did a great job of putting it all together.

The other surprise that arrived this month is to realize it has been a year since my first knee replacement and six months since my second knee replacement . How quickly this year has flown by and how much I have had to re-learn. How to stand, how to walk and last week how to run ( well jog at 3.5 miles an hour). Each step has built on the next. How much like teaching our children that is!

Every step builds on the next. That is what I want to remind you all about today. Do not skip a step! As the year is winding down it is so easy to say lets just finish up the work. Don't rush them through their studies. Let it grow and blossom.

Like our gardens some seeds will sprout up quickly ,while others sleep beneath the surfice for a great number of weeks. Don't rush, the years rush on by themselves. Enjoy the moments they are fleeting. As you consider the curricula for the next year prayerfully remember the bend of your child and the Foundation of Jesus. Do not neglect that which matters most.

Yes this has been quite a year lots has transpired. Hold on, this one although starting fresh for me may be ending for you. The next one is right around the corner filled with new books, new ideas, new building blocks. But all of this will be put on the firm foundation you are now laying down. Check it for cracks and reinforce all the weak areas before you build the next floor.

Because of Jesus, Bobbie, The Bionic-Bubbe version 5.3