For Leila's birthday (which was Wednesday) we rented bowling lanes and then in the alley's snack area we had burgers and a cake. Here are a few shots. At left, Mom lights Leila's cake.

Above, the group sings "Happy Birthday," first in English, then in Portuguese.

Ladies from the Baker Heights congregation in Abilene, Tex., made this beautiful quilt for us. Vicki stored it away for several years in our hope chest. She decided last year it was time to enjoy it. So she had our whole bedroom painted -- while I was putting Micah in college in the U.S. -- to match the colors in the quilt. Turned out well, don't you think? It also keeps us warm these days when the winter cold comes seeping in.

Eternal Father, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. But with us, ah!, age seems to creep in as the cold seeps into our homes and bones from a wintery front. Just yesterday, it seems, we were young and strong and healthy. Now we go slower, walk more unsurely, battle sicknesses and ills.

You have declared old age to be a blessing for the saints. Experience, wisdom, joy in children and grandchildren, satisfaction at good works, plans for new avenues of service -- a new season of life for people who have much to contribute to the Kingdom.

May we look forward to growing old in Christ and feel more sharply the desire for our Lord to return for us. Amen.

I receive several quote services, and today this appeared in my inbox from one of them.

"Man has no nobler function than to defend the truth." --Ruth McKenney

I don't know the source from which the quote came, nor the context of the author, but certainly, the thought is a good expression for Christians dedicated to doing the whole will of God.

I've been lax lately about posting, even when I'm sending items to UPLift or really have some to ponder. All these wonderful thoughts, events, and facts getting lost in the dust of the past. What a pity!

At least you can get UPLift. Click here and make it happen.