December 31, 2004

Auld Lang Syne 2004

photo Wailuku Stream, Hilo

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, I have no delight in them...
before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain
in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim
and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly.
Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street.
Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed
then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity!
In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.
The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails they are given by one Shepherd.
But beyond this, my son, be warned the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
The conclusion, when all has been heard,is... Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

The Words of the Preacher, Ecclesiastes Chapter 12

The year has been intense, fruitful and fruitless. A learning experience that I would not change for anything.

I know that it is hard to look at 2004 through any other lens but the incredible disaster of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the other causes of loss of life, such as the War in Iraq, as well as other conflicts in the world... Other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, famine, hurricane and other weather related disasters....

To some the year has been a political disaster, (not to me) but to some. I have friends that are still mourning the loss of the Democratic Party in the national elections,and that we are becoming less and less of a free nation... That may be. I do see losses in personal freedoms and privacy rights...

Yes, I am going into 2005 with a business and re-location "failures" perhaps, on my mind as I look towards a change of careers and location. I feel a bit crushed but then, in light of the world events It is truly nothing

When I start thinking about this I start to think of things to thank God for...

My Life
My Health
Woody's Health
My living in the US, the greatest priveledge in the world. Where I am free to worship, work and live and own a home and business where ever I wanted to... Where I was provided an education and franchise, regardless that I was female, and not wealthy.
The freedom to write on this blog without fear of retribution or censorship. The freedom to photograph any object and area and post those photos on the internet.
Hope... Do you realize how many people exist on this planet and have no hope of a better future...Its ghastly.

I could go on and on...
The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end,
they are new every morning,
great is Thy faithfulness...


The passage in Ecclesiastes says "Remember your Creator" I think that is the thing that has sustained me the most in the past years difficulties... Knowing that God was with us every step of the way has kept me going...

I want to thank all of my family and friends that read my writings and comment. I appreciate everyone of you. With your support you have been a support that has had a huge impact on my life. You give me a voice and I never for get that.

I wish you and yours a wonderful safe and prosperous New Year. May God richly bless you.

Aloha Nui Loa

Hokulea