My dad, Jim

     Last Sunday morning, Sept. 16 at 10:45am, my dad breathed his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven.
     This is something I have dreaded my whole life. I feared that I would not be able to even think about dealing with the loss of the most important man in my life; my father, my daddy, my hero, my teacher, my example, my friend. But the grace of God has provided me such an incredible peace through this past week. Yes I am very sad, but only for those of his family and friends who have to wait our turn to go on to glory.
     The outpouring of love and support has been just amazing. I knew Dad had lots of friends, but it was so awesome to greet so many people whose lives Dad touched.  We so appreciate each kindness we have been shown.
      My dad leaves some mighty big shoes to try to fill, but he has left a great example and legacy to help guide the way to give it my best effort.
     If your dad is still with you, spend every moment you can with him. You won't regret it.

A very proud and grateful son,

Jeff Hulsizer

Happy New Year!

     2018! Oh my!! Well if you stick around 363.3 days, another year clicks into play by God's grace and provision!

     2017 was quite a year! Another grand baby joined our family. This makes two for us. Savannah and Charlotte have made such a wonderful impact in our lives, but most especially in the lives of their mom and dad; our daughter - Jessica, and our son-in-law - Matt.  Aunt Jenny is quite smitten with them as well! A smile, giggle, hug or sugar from either can melt and capture my heart all over again!

     2017 had many wonderful moments and blessings, but living on a sin-cursed planet guarantees the fact that challenges and hurdles will inevitably be a part of the journey and this year was no different.  We seem to have weathered most of the storms, but we remember those who are no longer with us, and those suffering with disease and/or injury during this time. Along those lines, I would ask for your prayers for my dad, he has always been such a busy, hard-working provider and care-taker for our family (and many others). Last week he was diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, and frankly we are all pretty messed up about it. But, we rest in the comfort and knowledge that God is still in charge, still on His throne, and that nothing is impossible for him. As much respect as we all have for modern medicine and those who practice in that field, we know that any cure or positive progress with this disease will come directly from our Heavenly Father, who we recognize as The Way, The Truth and The Life!

    I'm not really big resolutions guy, but I do try to take advantage of the promise of a new year, a new leaf, a new beginning; and thus the opportunity to improve. I've resolved to be a better student of the Bible, a better follower of Jesus, a better minister & musician, a better husband, father and grandfather, a better servant of the Lord and of others, and to be a better witness of God's amazing grace.

     So as we begin a new year, let's all resolve to make it a good one and to give it our very best and to finish empty every day, every week, month, and at the end of 2018!!!

Happy New Year!