2011 ends.... 2012 begins!

2011.... The end, the last day of another year.  They seem to be stacking up faster as I get older.  I look and I have a marriage to the best woman in the world, I have three incredible children that teach me about myself every day.  I have some incredible friends that have become “incredible” this year.  I have some relationships that have been a struggle but have made progress. 

I have had a few changes at work, and have had the chance to establish a positive example of character.  I have been able to make relationships with people I never would have expected, and love all the things I am getting to look into.

At church we are still working at building Infuzion, and pouring into those young people.  It is a challenge and is so amazing to see.  I love each one of them for who they are and they too also have taught me about me, and I thank each one of them.

This year has had its ups and downs.  It has had successes and opportunities to try for success again.  Such is life... Life in general and the life of a Christian are not meant to be easy but challenging.  Jesus never said that if you become a Christian that your life would be easy.  He said it would be abundant life... life to be lived... to be experienced.

So what have I learned this year?  Take the time to plan before acting, but don’t let the planning be so bogged down that you never get to act.  Spend time with your kids because they will teach you so much about yourself, and there is a lot that they can learn from time with their parents.  Speaking quietly can get better results than yelling.  Don’t be afraid to love people... to hug them... to hear their struggles and be there for them.  And cherish each special moment you have with them as you never know when that will be the last time you are with a loved one.  Keep reading the Bible.  No matter how many times you read it you will always learn more the next time around.  Pray... daily... hourly... minutely.... as often as you have a need or something to be thankful for.  Faith can move mountains, but it takes a step to put the faith into action.  Fear and faith are opposites.

For 2012... Love deeply.  Give of yourself.  Give like you are giving to God.  Keep moving forward, and keep yourself aligned to the cross.  Point others there and let God do what he wants with them, not what you want with them.

I love you all and can’t wait to see what God has for us in 2012!