I’ve been doing this blogging thing for six years now. I started the process of writing a daily article about my walk through life, my faith, aging, humor, politics, opinion, more humor, art and poetry and again more humor. Through this platform, I’ve created a sort of journal of things I face on a daily basis and hopefully my experiences and thoughts can help someone to get through their lives a little easier.

Along the way, I’ve made some very close friends – friend I’ve never met, but feel totally connected to them. Kindred spirits, you might call them, but they’ve become more than that. I consider many as part of my extended family. There’s Julie at Cookie crumbs to live by. Julie is like my younger sister. I love her ability to teach me new things about history and world events. She’s not only smart, but a passionate follower of Christ, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. There’s Mark Rackley at Hatrack4 who is a story teller par excellence. His stories always lead back to his faith in God. The movie producer, Mitch Teemley has shown us his gift as a writer, a performer, humorist, movie maker, husband and father. Insanity Bytes is a favorite too with her feisty opinions and common sense answers for what’s happening in our world. David Kitz and his wonderful interpretation of the Psalms, gives daily comfort. Lady Quixote/Linda and her husband both suffer from PTSD and overcome anxiety with their relationship to God. Oneta Hayes gives us so much wisdom through her life experiences and Citizen Tom is a great resource for political information.

There are so many more in this vast family of writers. Those who share their stories and bring so much to the table. A veritable feast awaits for those who can find time to read all of them. Like our own families, each one is unique. Each one has a special flavor to add to he recipe. Each one has difficulties in their lives and yet they have a positive influence on our lives.

Our church family is like that too. Each one is different. We all have our special gifts and things we can offer to serve our Lord. Some fall away for a time. Some are zealous and show great joy when they worship while others choose to be humble and quiet. Like the human body, we’re made up of all different kinds of parts, working together for a common goal.

If our world began to think that way, I believe we’d be less angry, hateful, negative and be able to solve problems without so much violence. When we realize that each person God has brought into this world is an important part of the whole picture, our vision should become clearer. I hate the phrase, “We’re all in this together,” but we are all bound together by the Creator of the universe. He has a great plan for this family of His. Even in times of chaos, we can count on that.

WE ARE FAMILY!