Bonovox

Here & Here

A lot has transpired.  We miss home, that is Buffalo, Niagara Falls and WNY.  We miss the weekly contact with our family and friends.  But, we belong here.  This is where God has us for at least 2 more years.

We’ve had a good summer despite the disappointment and assorted other feelings over the cancelled (or more accurately, never authorized) ordination.  But we had a great family vacation in No. Carolina.  Spent time with Kelley’s dad and step-mom.  Kelley and kids got to spend a month in Western New York.  We spent the 4th of July on Liberty Island. Attended the ordination of a friend.  Had a great second honeymoon in St. Croix.  Two eldest got to go 2 weeks of camp at the Antiochian Village.  Spent a long weekend with our friends the nuns at the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfigurationin Ellwood City, PA.  Colin is now on his way to spend a week with my mom.  The 3 youngest have Vacation Bible School next week at a local Orthodox Church.  We’ve had visits from Kelley’s mom and SubDcn Justin (aka “Uncle Toad.”)

But  we are now BUSHED.  Following the news from Palm Springs wasn’t helpful either.   But some rest is in order; not only because I get the nose to the grindstone in 3 weeks, but also because it won’t be relaxing next summer with the Baby on the way and all that.  ( You heard me right!)

God is good.  Life is hard.  But He is constantly giving us blessings and opportunities to turn from our ways that lead to sickness and darkness, to rest in his love and light, that is never overtaken by night!  Our suffering, whether it be big or small, is not what he designed us for.  But He has turned it on its ear through it, brings us salvation.  That’s the message of the Cross and the empty tomb.  And more than that, thats the WAY of the Cross and Empty Tomb.

There is not a man or woman, boy or girl alive that does not have trials in there future….whether immediately, or down the road.  Ever person Christ healed, even those that like Lazarus He rose from the dead, went on to die and their bodies are smoldering in graves.  But He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  Our sorrow can bve transformed into a “Joyful Sorrow.”  But we must abandon our sinful ways, and the pursuit of our own will.  We must be willing to let Christ Himself be the “Lord and Master” of our lives.  Not easy to do as our fallen will demands to be satisfied.  BUT, with God ALL things are possible.

I have no clue what the future holds.  BUt to answere the question that Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy would always aks his team: “Where would you rather be, than right HERE, right NOW?”  NO WHERE!

By your prayers…..