As time flies, reflections on family, faith and resolutions for a new year
We used to mark time by the ticking of a clock, but the digital age has ended that.
The passing of a year is like a bolt of lightning, and I am incredulous that 2010 is nearing an end. I seem to be one of the few old adults who still makes resolutions — which I review regularly and strive to progress in carrying out.
So I treasure the end of a year as a time to take stock of where I am personally, socially and spiritually.
This year has been eventful for the McBride clan. Our youngest grandchild, Garrett McBride, turned 7 in July.
My second child, Lynette Brown, and her husband, Pat, celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in December. Their oldest daughter, Kailey, turned 18 last March.
And on New Year’s Day, our oldest grandson, Luke Roe, will marry Rachel Varno, a girl he met when they both were participating in an international study program in Costa Rica in 2007.
And Joyce and I just keep chalking up the years and doing what we love the most — teaching: she in church preschool and I at Oklahoma Christian University.
My resolve for 2011 is to spend more time with my younger grandchildren and to listen more to my children.
One of the great blessings of my life has been my amazing family at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla.
Although we have worshiped and served with the same church for 44 years, it is not the same church. It has grown from about 100 members in 1966 to an average Sunday morning attendance of about 2,400 in two services.
The church has had remarkable leaders who understand the importance of keeping members active. Our annual Missions Sunday raised more than half a million dollars for missions on top of the vast resources in the regular budget.
In 2007, the congregation set out to have 1,000 members involved in missions, and at least 300 more than the target were active in foreign and domestic efforts. Members are encouraged to work on neighborhood projects and to become “fully devoted followers” of Jesus.
I am resolving to be more active in serving others — even as I continue serious Bible studies.
Since 1981, I have been deeply interested in The Christian Chronicle as a vehicle to encourage great unity among a body deeply fractured over minor issues.
Although I have spent time editing and reporting, my main contribution has been keeping the tone and spirit of the reporting positive.
I have been challenged to share ideas month after month for 29 years. Although I have always been given a lot of latitude, I have always tried to look for positive insights about people, churches and the kingdom of God.
The Chronicle has the strongest staff ever. For this great work I am resolved to pray more and to help promote the value of having an informed brotherhood that accepts diversity and differences in opinion.
I am especially blessed that Oklahoma Christian still permits me to do what I have believed since the first day I walked into my own English Literature Survey class — that God meant for me to teach 18- to 22-year-old students. It is work, but it always has felt natural.
As I have taught, I have extended my preparation beyond literature and composition. I teach philosophy and interdisciplinary studies. The subjects are special, but my great interest is the brightest and best minds of young Christian women and men.
I also am delighted to have good teachers as colleagues. They are professional and have professional goals for preparing students for graduate studies and professional careers. They live their faith and serve by going the second mile.
I am determined to keep expanding my knowledge, my ability to understand people and my capacity to love. I seek God’s help in knowing and understanding what is most important in developing minds and characters.
Time flies. That means we must make the most of every minute.
Redeem the time.
Cntact [email protected].
The passing of a year is like a bolt of lightning, and I am incredulous that 2010 is nearing an end. I seem to be one of the few old adults who still makes resolutions — which I review regularly and strive to progress in carrying out.
So I treasure the end of a year as a time to take stock of where I am personally, socially and spiritually.
This year has been eventful for the McBride clan. Our youngest grandchild, Garrett McBride, turned 7 in July.
My second child, Lynette Brown, and her husband, Pat, celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in December. Their oldest daughter, Kailey, turned 18 last March.
And on New Year’s Day, our oldest grandson, Luke Roe, will marry Rachel Varno, a girl he met when they both were participating in an international study program in Costa Rica in 2007.
And Joyce and I just keep chalking up the years and doing what we love the most — teaching: she in church preschool and I at Oklahoma Christian University.
My resolve for 2011 is to spend more time with my younger grandchildren and to listen more to my children.
One of the great blessings of my life has been my amazing family at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Okla.
Although we have worshiped and served with the same church for 44 years, it is not the same church. It has grown from about 100 members in 1966 to an average Sunday morning attendance of about 2,400 in two services.
The church has had remarkable leaders who understand the importance of keeping members active. Our annual Missions Sunday raised more than half a million dollars for missions on top of the vast resources in the regular budget.
In 2007, the congregation set out to have 1,000 members involved in missions, and at least 300 more than the target were active in foreign and domestic efforts. Members are encouraged to work on neighborhood projects and to become “fully devoted followers” of Jesus.
I am resolving to be more active in serving others — even as I continue serious Bible studies.
Since 1981, I have been deeply interested in The Christian Chronicle as a vehicle to encourage great unity among a body deeply fractured over minor issues.
Although I have spent time editing and reporting, my main contribution has been keeping the tone and spirit of the reporting positive.
I have been challenged to share ideas month after month for 29 years. Although I have always been given a lot of latitude, I have always tried to look for positive insights about people, churches and the kingdom of God.
The Chronicle has the strongest staff ever. For this great work I am resolved to pray more and to help promote the value of having an informed brotherhood that accepts diversity and differences in opinion.
I am especially blessed that Oklahoma Christian still permits me to do what I have believed since the first day I walked into my own English Literature Survey class — that God meant for me to teach 18- to 22-year-old students. It is work, but it always has felt natural.
As I have taught, I have extended my preparation beyond literature and composition. I teach philosophy and interdisciplinary studies. The subjects are special, but my great interest is the brightest and best minds of young Christian women and men.
I also am delighted to have good teachers as colleagues. They are professional and have professional goals for preparing students for graduate studies and professional careers. They live their faith and serve by going the second mile.
I am determined to keep expanding my knowledge, my ability to understand people and my capacity to love. I seek God’s help in knowing and understanding what is most important in developing minds and characters.
Time flies. That means we must make the most of every minute.
Redeem the time.
Cntact [email protected].
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