I'm going to share my Bucket List with you. Items are in no particular order. My list is a work in progress. Next year will find the list slightly changed, but that's okay. I am giving these goals thought and prayer.
1. I want to baptize all my grandchildren.
In my religious tradition, my grandchildren will not be baptized until they have made a thoughtful decision to follow Jesus and are able to understand the consequences of that decision. I'll need to be around for the next 5-25 years for this to come to pass.
2. When I grow up I want to be a neat old man.
Fun to be around
Wise
Sought out
Role Model
Wizened by life’s experiences
Mellowed by God’s grace, mercy, and blessings
A Man of Faith
I want to be a man who has made a difference in the lives of those around me.
In order for this to happen...
I must stand ready to stand up and meet the challenges of each day.
I must live within God’s Glorious Now.
I must allow myself to be placed in uncomfortable and painful situations.
I must trust in God’s grace and His strength.
I must rely upon my calling as a Christian.
I must acknowledge my lost battles.
I must have faith that Christ will be victorious in the war.
I must be ready to act in Such a Time As This
3. I want to do motivational speaking and revivals. Not full time, I still want to pastor. But I would love to get The Word out about how God has touched my life. Maybe people will see that Papa also wants to touch theirs. I finally have something to say and people tell me they are willing to listen. (Listen up my preacher friends and denominational leaders; you can help make this happen.)
4. I want to raise money for cancer research. When I get on the other side of this cancer and can refer to myself as a survivor, I'll begin with some 5K's in the spring.
5. I want to author (or co-author) a book that brings hope to cancer victims and their families. This one will be tough to accomplish. I don't have the credentials that publishers want in their authors. Maybe this blog can serve as the skeleton and one of you authors out there could add the body.
6. I want to own a antique Farmall Cub Tractor. This is a small tractor with full capabilities. I want the mower, and front blade. I'd finally be able to clear the snow from my own driveway (and my neighbors'). Plus, I'd look so cool in the parades driving that bright red tractor decked out with patriotic bunting. I could take you for a ride on my little red tractor.
7. I want a motorcycle, a big one with a windshield, full fenders, large tires, and floorboards. I want the pipes loud enough that when I goose the bike in a tunnel I can feel the power. I want to ride to the next Thunder in the Hills Rally. I don't know when I will have a bike. Discretionary income is an issue. Right now, my medical team is driving my future bike and my little red tractor.
8. I want this blog to help people cope with their cancer.
That's all for now. There will be more later. God will allow some to come to pass. Others will stand aside in honor of more important items. I am positive that God will be in the middle of my life and even my bucket list.
By the way, God also has a bucket list. Would you like to see a part of it? Here is one bullet.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity." God to Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 11-13a
Plans to prosper you
Plans not to harm you
Plans to give you hope
Plans to give you a future
Plans to make myself available to you
Plans to give you freedom
This is a wonderful bucket list.
Bucket Lists can be Street Lights, especially God's list. His shines brightly on me and you.
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