Happy New Year

As I prepare to say good-bye to 2009, I ponder what the year brought us. I began 2008 still morning the loss of my mom. I think I will always mourn that loss, if not so intensely, the rest of my life. In 2009, however, I began to see the good things that have come out of that mourning. God has renewed a thankfulness in me for the ordinary. I also have a newer compassion for those going through loss. My heart is a little softer. I thank God for that. I counted it a privilege this year to walk through death with my cousins as my aunt left this world to go to be with Jesus. To witness their love for her and her love for them was a precious gift. I was able to comfort them with the comfort God has given me.

We are also seeing our family expand. Pattie got engaged to Zach and we eagerly anticipate their wedding. God had a wonderful way of showing us what a great husband he will be for her, and we are getting a pretty amazing son-in-law out of the deal. I have wondered how this part of life would feel when our children start to leave home and marry. It has felt pretty good so far – not like part of our family is leaving but that it is just enlarging. That is pretty awesome.

Paul’s girlfriend Jen has also become a special part of our family. We are glad she feels so comfortable with us. We are touched by her sweetness daily. Paul has gotten his first job and is pretty excited to be employed. He will begin working after the first, and we are thankful for this new adventure for him called a paying job.

Paige was not flourishing at Foothill so we decided to home school her this fall. It turned out to be a great decision for her. She enjoys the flexibility and smaller classes. We are reminded again how different all three of our children are from each other. We are thankful that God opened up a place for Paige at Charlotte’s home school. I am thankful for all Perry’s running around this year, but even that is time well spent with his daughter. He has enjoyed getting a work out partner at the gym. Our warrior princess is back.

As this year started, I was in the middle of a school year with many different staff changes. I am so glad that those new staff have become part of the reason I love to teach. I love working with teachers who love their students and inspire me each day. What a synergy. And the students are beyond a gift. They are so precious. I find myself at points during the day when I can’t believe I actually get paid to be with these kids. Their integrity, faith, curiosity, and love are such a blessing. I love coming along side them in their faith journeys and living life together. I anticipate more in 2010. I miss them even as I write these lines.

We’ve been blessed to have a small group again this year meeting in our home. Josh and Jenn Bartlett are leading it, which is pretty cool to see. Monday nights are a time to worship and encourage one another. It has really been that to me – a time to receive courage from each other and to give courage. As we go through ups and downs, it’s nice to know that there’s a group of people you can share anything with and they will pray with you and be there to love unconditionally. Thanks for all those great questions Josh. It’s been very rewarding recently to see God freeing people in our church of unforgiveness and things that have held them under control. We pray for more of God’s freedom this year, for those in our church and for those in our community. God is increasing our vision of the church from four walls to our whole community. Come Lord Jesus and fill our city, free it from the chains that bind, and may your glory flow in the streets and fill the homes. We are seeing God provide in areas of leadership, and He continues to remind us of His love for the church.

As 2009 closes and we look into 2010, I am reminded that sorrow lasts for a night but joy comes in the morning. I am thankful for the full and abundant life God has given. I look forward to growing in my knowledge of God and experiencing more of Him.