O.K. someday, I am going to get the knowledge to add another photo, Could really use one for this post, but, Not working, so another day for that.  I had originally wanted to post a memorial day tribute, and still will do that, but for some reason this was really on my mind, and felt I needed to use this for today.  This is a card that I have kept for a long time, and was to send it to a friend, but never sent it.    I am real worried about alot of you all down there.  PLEASE, just keep praying, LEAN ON EACH OTHER!!!! and remember, Friends are Friends forever, Tho it's hard to let them go, in our Fathers hands we know, That a lifetimes not to long, to live as Friends... (may have some of the words wrong, but you get the idea.) 

Here is the words from the Card, .....

I wish I could go back in time...back to those unspoiled moments in our relationship before hurt ever touched our hearts, before doubt ever entered our minds.  Because if I could go back and start from those moments once more, I would hold you longer, never miss a chance to tell you how much you mean to me...... and I would never ever hurt you.

But, I know we can't go back to those days.  I know I can't erase the mistakes.  I can't take away the questions you must have or the hurt we both feelt.  But, I can assure you of one thing:  I love you as I did then, and as I always will. 

Your Friend....

I miss you all down in A-Town, hope this means something to one of two of you and helps you to move on... Remember, Friends are Gifts from God, take care of them.

I know it will be hard for most of you to believe, But I am actually updating my Xanga.... Who knew the old guy from up Chicago way had it in him.  First and foremost, I want to appologize for not updating my site more regularly, since that is what I feel is the right thing to do and to make sure each and everyone of you know what is up with me, and also, I want you each to know how important you truely are to me.  All I can say in my defence, is I am human and as was the entire weeks message when I was able to be in Ashland, There is alot of CHANGE going on here in my life, and I am searching each day and hour and minute to keep strong and survive the next page of my life.  I want to address that even tho I do not update, I do keep up by reading your all's Xanga and keeping you each in my prayers.  I need to add that I get very worried about some of you and the life's challenges that lay in front of you on a daily basis.  PLEASE, PLEASE and PLEASE remember to listen to what was preached to us via Pastor Ruby, Pastor Brian and also from Interim Youth Pastor, or whatever the new title is for Brandon, (always #1 in my book!) about the word Change.  Change hurts, it's scary, but it is necessary and life hands that to us each moment of each day.  Incorporated in the word Change, is ... Death, Broken hearts, School ending, Friends leaving, But also, New Life, Mended hearts, new opportunites, new friends, and also more importantly the memories that are in each and everyone of our minds and also hearts.  As I peruse your Xanga postings, Some of you, and you know who you are, seem to forget that you are suppose to be here encouraging each other, Loving each other, being there for each other, and not only on the good days and when all things are going great.  I also mean on the bad days...

As I type these words for you to read, I am having to digest my own medicine.  My life is in so much change, My career, My parents illnesses, My education, My healing from a tragic time in my life (which I hope to share more with each of you when I get an opportunity) but it deals with Airline Disasters and the loss of so much, first and foremost, and innocence that I miss so much as well as dear friends.  However, because of that horrible time in my life, I must say God's true Love for me has shone through and has shown me, since going through that, How much He does love me because of what I still have.  I appreciate all that I have now more and more, and realize He does love me.  One of the biggest blessings I have and a strong message from God that He does love me, is that I have each of you in my life and also in my heart.  If it were not for Him, I would not have the blessing to know each of you are special to me, and also that He loves me because He allowed me to meet you, spend time with you and feel your love.  If that alone is not enough to go on each day (even tho so many days are hard still) what is ??  Please you special loving people that I care for, Hang in there with each other, Love each other, Do not miss an opportunity to tell each other... I'm sorry, I forgive you, or Please forgive me, Or, when you get through this hard day, remember I am still here.  Don't let the "Dating game" ruin true love provided you by God himself.  Please remember all the great things that Pastor Brian, Pastor Ruby and each other have shared and hold strong and true to those.  I know I am and try to each day.  I fall on some days, but know I WILL get up and get going again as soon as I can. 

(LONG POST I KNOW.. Almost done for now..)  Congratulations to you all for making it another school season, For Michael and whoever else has finished High School, Congratulations and remember to enjoy the memories, enjoy the Summer and Move forward..  For those of you who are finishing a grade and getting ready to enjoy summer break, CONGRATULATIONS as well.  Take time now to enjoy a well deserved break, and remember to enjoy each day.  You REAL DISCIPLES hang in there, Life is full of roads, turns, and twists, but the whole journey is worth it.  I hope some of this has made sense, please know it comes from me caring for each of you.  I think you all should check with your new youth pastor Jamison and ask for a youth retreat up to Uncle Ricks place in Chicago!!!! Think of it as helping the old guy!  My love to you all and please keep fighting the good cause.. 

I will update again soon and try to keep it more regular.  Pass on the fact that I have finally updated and I hope you get something out of reading this!

Love to you all

Uncle Rick

Currently Playing Songs 4 Worship: Shout to The Lord By Various Artists see related

UPDATE...... UPDATE...... UPDATE..... UPDATE.... UPDATE....

Hello EVERYONE!... I am back in Dundee, Illinois and back with my daily life.  My parents are doing well and enjoying me being back as well.  I really miss all of my friends down in Ashland.  What a AWESOME week it was... Well, besides the fact it seemed there was always someting going on and I was always loosing fluids, CRYING... Thanks Disciples, thanks Brian, Heck... Thanks to all of you...  But, more importantly, I am thrilled that I did get to come down and it was in God's plan and His timing.  I did not want to miss the opportunity to hear Brandon's first message and also just getting recharged at Church.  Pastor Ruby is so ON... An amazing man, and could Pastor Brian and Kelley be any more loving and more in tune with what God's plan is.  I do believe they had the message and songs for the youth and that was the main point, however, I received so much each time I heard his message.  The love you all have down there for each other and for the Church and for God is amazing, and a true testament to all who see you.  You all should know how blessed I am to be able to know you each, and also more blessed to know and feel that we are friends.  Friends and the love is what will allow you to get through whatever life offers you, as well as God's love. 

My trip back from Ashland was very relaxing and I had time to read from my MANY BOOKS i brought back from Ashland, as well as I was able to get some sleep.  I did try to see the cool sites on the way home for you sport fans.  The Baseball park in Cincy, and also the Indy Colts stadium, and finally in Chicago, the White Sox park and the United Stadium.  The train offers some great views.  I have pictures to add to my site so you can see some of these, just have to figure it out.  Well that is all for my update at this point, I will be back on soon to give more and also, PLEASE keep in touch with me.  I am hoping you are all doing well, getting along well, and also ENCOURAGE each other and stay loving and friendly to each other. On some days, that love or kindness for each other is all you have.  Brandon, keep everyone in line.

You know you have my love each of you..

Your Friend

Rick