MY FRIEND RON

He was a good man, kind and gentle, always considerate of others,

wanting to know how they had been and what they were up to.  

He would inquire if there was anything he could do to help out. 

He was happy when things were going well for others and

very encouraging to those who had a struggle. 

He had a genuine concern and there was nothing phony about him. 

He had his beliefs and was faithful to them,

not one to go astray for a selfish reason. 

He was a true gentleman and was always on

the lookout for others, helping them in many ways

including the most important, the spiritual way. 

You did not always know he was around because he was quiet. 

He always wanted to do more than was necessary. 

People liked the way he treated them. 

Everyone was a soul, a child of God, and

deserved his best which he gave willingly. 

He could think, analyze, laugh and I am sure cry. 

He showed up when it was his turn to volunteer with Carolyn

and always had good suggestions on how to improve things. 

We were moon brothers, both being born on July 13 as was my Grandson

There came the time when age caught up and

he could not continue with his regular schedule. 

He had a home to take care of, a wife who needed his help

and Ron had a church and was committed to it. 

His neighbors liked him and he would help them if they needed him. 

He was not boastful but was proud and thankful for his accomplishments. 

He was a jewel and the Master Jeweler needed him for a crown,

a flower that the Gardner had to gather home to make a bouquet. 

He was a lovely person who bore his cross, silently and with dignity. 

He will be missed by those who knew him, but remembered with the hope

that we will meet again in the Kingdom.  A good lamb, he will be waiting

for his missing sheep, while helping the Good Shepherd. 

We will also be waiting, but being human will not be in too much of a hurry.

By Steve Haarman

December 21, 2021 ^

MY MEDITATION FOR DECEMBER 24

A beautiful morning is here, 
just a different kind of beauty.  
Ice and snow castles are forming 
along the shore line.  Waves are 
slapping the shore which seems to 
have extended to a football field away.  
Meanwhile conditions on the mainland 
continue to be the same with natural 
disasters and manmade misery.  
Dictators are persecuting believers 
who are willing to die for their faith.  
Such strength is immense.  
Many of us have been blessed.  
We need to give back for all 
the gifts we have received.  
We have made many promises and 
have kept only a few of them.  
It is so easy to make errors and 
then be blasted for them.  
We may forgive the blasters and ourselves.  
We look for new beginnings, 
thinking of those who only have one chance.  
Our good fortune brings with it responsibilities.  
We must prepare ourselves 
to step up and be accountable.  
Our love for Jesus must be exemplified 
by our love for others, including 
the least of these, my brothers.  
Then we may be a little more 
at peace with ourselves, a little more
like the gentle summer waves 
than the frightful winter blasts.  

Steve Haarman aka Stanski
December 24, 2021 ^

A CONVERSATION WITH JESUS

I’ve heard the chatter, Lord

I’ve heard it all

The paths people say

They are going to take

Then I wait and watch

And know what chatter means

Sweet Jesus, You are my brother

Come into my heart and settle me

I do not wish to be a judge

Just want to be a better version of myself

Do what I know must be done

Be happy and thankful for the opportunity

Keep my hand in yours

For I need guidance and your love

You provide the fountain of fulfillment

I want to drink that living water

You have given me all I need

Now my turn to give honor to You

You have provided my friends

They constantly provide challenges and

Know how to walk and not just talk

What a gift from you, my closest friend

You provide abundantly

I remain in humility

So happy you are my brother

Stanski

December 24, 2021 ^