SUMMERTIME …

and Master is resting. Sometimes it’s hard to get a bark in edgewise with him, but here goes. I’ve been a busy dog, training Master’s daughter, Michele, to be my second handler. I have two handlers now and I trained them both. I nailed this exam once before, so Michele mostly watched and followed what I did. We went on to complete all the required protocols and now we’re official. I’m proud of both my handlers.

 

We visit kids in schools and they read to me. Never heard a book I didn’t like, although cat stories are a bit of a cultural stretch. Once a week we spend an hour with older adults in assisted living and memory care. I’ve lost count of the numbers of other meetings I’ve helped Master with. I take him and occasionally her on long walks every day. But I’m doing too much ‘panting’ here so I’ll stop. Tell your dog and the gang in your neighborhood GAGE says, “Woof.”

 

YES, IT IS SUMMERTIME

and lots of good things are happening. Our C3 Leaders group continues to meet weekly via Zoom and in person when possible.

 

Here at TimberRidge where I live, we began a new widow/widower in-reach this year. Two group sessions, with new friends in each, have been completed and a third will take place in the fall. We meet every other week for dinner with the graduates.

 

The TimberRidge “Sunday Fellowship” began last October. We gather each Sunday at 10 o’clock. It is not a church and not a class. It’s a kind of ‘inBetween,’ gathering for those of us who never had a church home, or don’t have one now, or cannot make the journey to the one we used to have, or for those who just want to be with good neighbors and new friends, thanking God for his blessings. It’s a meaningful hour and is growing.

 

“Tuesdays at Two” on first and third Tuesdays is currently featuring a special film/discussion series on the life and ministry of Jesus. And this week we will complete two “Understanding My Bible Better” small groups. Fun stuff. We will repeat this series with others later this summer.

 

I’VE COMPLETED

the draft manuscript of an exciting new novel. It is presently headed to a group of beta readers for their input and critical feedback. During this phase, ongoing discussion regarding publication options will continue with my literary agent. Your prayers are important for me and I am grateful. God is in charge of all we do, isn’t he?

 

IF YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO

walk where Jesus walked, now is your chance. This summer, Gary Gulbranson, senior pastor at Friendship Church in Palm Desert, California, and I are inviting you to register for an exciting “Foundations of Our Faith” journey to Israel, taking place April 29-May 10, 2023, with an additional 3-day Jordan/Petra option. If this is something you’ve always dreamed of, check it out. Registration will be first come, first serve and I expect will fill quickly.

 

WITH ALL THIS IN MIND

GAGE the wonder dog, has insisted I spend more quality time with him, walking along some of the Cougar Mountain trails we enjoy close to our home. I think it’s a good idea, so I’m selecting a few special Perspective blogs from the past to share with you again until I get off the trail. Carlo and Scott partner with me in doing the technical and artistic website and blog work, without which none of this would be possible.

 

I also thank Michele, who keeps her dad from drowning in organizational disorder, and who will join me writing some future articles in Perspective. You may have noticed the  subtle change in the header title, “an elder’s Perspective.” There is a reason for this change. Like my new novel, I’ll tell you more soon.

 

But for now, I’m pleasantly surprised at how hungry and grateful are so many of my peers and their adult children for the hope-enriched stories and insights often learned the hard way that I write about. About the time I’m ready to pack it in, a reader finds me at a meeting or stops me on the sidewalk, or writes to tell me what Perspective has meant to them, and to be a reminder to me that we are in this together and we’re not done yet.

 

May Jesus keep us close.