Born Again

I was in High School during the political turmoil of the early 1970's.  Richard Nixon was President.  The radical 60's were over and the unpopular Viet Nam war was winding down.  Leading up to the election of 1972, a break in at a condominium/apartment/office complex called Watergate dominated the news.  A powerful aid to the President, Charles Colson, became embroiled in the investigations.
Born Again is the story of his life, involvement in "Watergate", Christian conversion, indictment, and prison sentence.

I never read the book when it was written back in the late 1970's.  I just finished reading it last week on vacation.  It's a story of pride, arrogance, emptiness, repentance, conversion, accepting responsibility, and spiritual growth.  Along with an insider's look at the what goes on in the White House.
And it is interesting to look back on the controversies with the perspective that 40 years later can give to the period.

We spent last week at Bass Point Resort at Lake of the Ozarks for family vacation.  Everyone made it for at least a couple days (out of a possible 61) , except one niece and one nephew and his family.  I managed to fit in a lot of sleeping and eating, plus a little reading, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing.  I didn't catch a lot, but I did get a 14" crappie.
Unfortunately we were there at the same time and just a few miles from the tragic accident that killed 4 people including 3 from Benson.  Cousin Paul (who was also there) worked with the father at Cat.  That can cast a pall over the enjoyment of a vacation.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3

Cool

We were invited to spend the day in Gridley Sunday, and we enjoyed a blessed day of worship and fellowship.  It had been a long time since we had been back, and it's always good to visit for something other than a funeral.  It was a little sobering though, to see how some of the faithful pillars have aged, especially the number of them shuffling around with canes.  We enjoyed the lunch call on Tim and Sonia's deck, even with the occasional need to dodge the wasps!

Monday we met with our Insurance Agent and started the process to purchase Long Term Care Insurance.  I would like to think that that is still 25 or 30 years in the future, but I know it is better to plan ahead while we are still healthy.  The agent gave us a gift certificate for lunch after our meeting, so that made the time sacrifice worthwhile.

Today I drove down to Heyworth to attend the Farm Journal Soybean College at Ken Ferrie's research farm.  I got to spend much of the day visiting with Jack K. (and Nancy at supper) so that added some enjoyment to the time.  It was so cool (July 15, Central Illinois) that I wore my jacket all day.  Much nicer than the expected 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity.

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Galations 2:9