The race well run

up sleepless in the early hours. fretting.
praying fitfully.
singing hymns in the dark at the dining room table.
Faith in God who created all things and holds all things together.
Peace.

Can't find the one in my head in the hymnals at hand. Found lyrics online. Oh the memories. Tears well up thinking of God's goodness to me. The family I was born to, the parents I was blessed to have. A dad (and mom) I've always been proud of. A dad who's fading now at 83. Came to visit this weekend from Seattle -- his last hurrah roadtrip. A son of Midwest pioneers who himself pioneered in Alaska.

Passed out standing up in my closet yesterday as we looked at a rifle of mine. Hit his head on the way down, caving in the drywall. Thought I'd lost him, that he'd died right there as I hustled to help him/reposition him.


Grace of God another day together this side of glory. A strong man, a man of impeccable integrity, wouldn't take a paperclip home from the office that wasn't his. My hero all my life. An unmatched example of godliness this side of heaven. A faithful man.

All flesh is like grass. A life lived to share the good news, children's work, Gideons, prison outreach, church planter, teacher, discipler, Elder/pastor. God Lover.
No fear for those who are in Christ Jesus. Hope that will not disappoint.

Great God of Wonders
1 GREAT God of wonders! all thy ways
Display the attributes divine;
But countless acts of pardoning grace
Beyond thine other wonders shine:
Who is a pardoning God like thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?

2 Crimes of such horror to forgive,
Such guilty, daring worms to spare;
This is thy grand prerogative,
And none may in this honour share:
Who is a pardoning God like thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?

3 In wonder lost, with trembling joy
We take the pardon of our God;
Pardon for crimes of deepest dye,
A pardon bought with Jesu's blood:
Who is a pardoning God like thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?

4 0 may this strange, this matchless grace,
This God-like miracle of love,
Fill the wide earth with grateful praise,
As now it fills the choirs above!
Who is a pardoning God like thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?