What 32 Years of Journaling Has Taught Me

• Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
• I definitely married way, way "up."
• I know what the perfect pastor should be...and I'm not it.
• Relationships are messy.
• It's easier to tell married couples how to repair their relationship than to repair my own.
• My three children love Jesus, their parents, their siblings and the church.  Not bad for Pastor's Kids.
• Life is an adventure.
• Marrying Sharon is the wisest choice I've made in more than 40 years.
• There is no problem that cannot be solved if people would simply do what I tell them.
• Living with my mother-in-law for 7 years is a challenge and a blessing.
• God is more interested in my relationship with Him than my ministry for Him.
• God is more interested in my obedience than my happiness.
• Life has seasons.  If you don't like the one you're in, wait 3-5 years.
• Journaling consistently for 32 years is difficult but helpful.
• My children will probably not find anything surprising in my journal.
• Looking back is helpful if you use what you see to move forward.
• I have changed in so many ways.
• I am the same in so many ways.
• Pastoring a church would be easier if it weren't for the people in it.
• Sharon has been the person God has used most often to nudge me toward maturity.
• I love all three of my children, but I am especially fond of Kristi, Kelli and Jonathan.
• All of my grandchildren are above average.