As a new year approaches, It is an emotional time.  The holy spirit is moving within me, countering old temptations and old habits that creep up in my soul. It will be my first Christmas as a blood stem cell transplant survivor.  There is much to be grateful for, to rejoice over, and be excited for as 2024 quickly approaches.  And, with this comes anxiety and a nervous energy seemingly constantly nagging me, edging me on, speaking to me urging me on to become the special person all of us were born to be.  

In a few days, I will have my 1st colonoscopy, to help me continue to find out why my gastrointestinal issues plague me with daily diarrhea. Constant since the 1st week after chemotherapy and the subsequent transplant around May 10th.  That would now be 7 months straight.  I like to live in the positive and count my blessings, so I recognize that over the past 4 weeks my bowels have been noticeably more stable.  The duress of the 'normal daily activities' of getting the kids ready for school on time, to church on time, ensuring their meals and extra curricular activities are up to par, and coordinating with my wife, I notice tend to aggravate my system, especially when my expectations are not met.  There is no doubt that the health of my gut and mind are directly interconnected.  Compounded with the rebuilding of our finances, in which cash flow remains tricky, the anxiousness to more quickly reach a healhty level of financial independence is relentless and often unforgiving.  

So as the 2nd Sunday of Advent approahces, I look for the stars to guide me, and will rely on my spiritual GPS.  As it is written in scripture, "...one mightier than I is coming, and he will baptise you not with water but with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:1-8)  May God bless all those who read this, and may the holy spirit be with you always!