I have been gone for most of the last three months, but I got home last night from Alaska. I am home for the next nine months before I head off on some more adventures. I slept in my own bed last night, sitting in my favorite recliner right now, and got a cup of coffee from my favorite wife 😀!

I have a list of twelve things I try to do faithfully daily. I call them my “daily dozen duties.” When I am gone bicycling, fishing, hunting, or traveling, I am not very faithful in accomplishing them. I usually get four of the twelve done each day and most of the dozen done at least weekly.

I won’t bore you with all twelve, but a few of them are reading my Bible, praying, writing my blog, memorizing Bible verses, reading in a good book, riding my stationary bike, and praying with Patty. I excuse my mediocre performance on my “daily dozen duties” because of my irregular and hectic schedule and weariness. But now that I am home, my first goal is to get back on track with those duties.

The discipline that goes down the drain worst of all during the summer activities is “Eating in a healthy and disciplined way.” The result is that I have gained five pounds since July 1st. I am determined to reach my goal weight of 188 lbs by my birthday, October 27th. Feeling tired is one of the plaques of getting older; the heavier I am, the more exhausted I feel.

It is funny, but this one is the hardest of all my daily disciplines. I hope my desire for more energy and good health will motivate me on this one! Another thing that has gone down as I get older, besides my energy, is my resolve, determination, and self-control. Succeeding at accomplishing my “daily dozen” is the best exercise for me in growing in self-control. So, here we go!