Ah... Christmas

Christmas seemed to go in a blur. We were in pretty good shape considering all that there was to do, but, we were still busy. Busy. Saturday morning I left for Lansing at about 6:40 AM to complete a Christmas gift for my mom. I got back late in the afternoon and we went caroling with friends. That was great. Sunday, we did the whirlwind clean on the house so that we could celebreat Christmas with my aunt Sue. She's my favorite aunt. She, her boyfriend, and my mom all came to the Christmas Eve service with us at church, and then we went out for Chinese afterwards. Eating Chinese on Christmas Eve has become a weird tradition for us.

Christmas morning the kids slept in. They have never ever been early risers for Christmas. We read the Christmas story, open gifts, ate coffee cake that we made together as a family. Then, we were off to preparing for more company. Jean made a sweet looking, and tasting, apple pie for dinner, as well as a mint chocolate chip pie. When the chores were done, Sam and I went across the street to the school to launch his glider.

Then, the company came. Jean's mom and dad, and my mom. After visiting with them for a bit, Sam and I fixed a plateful of goodies for snack, then went downstairs to play video games. That time with Sam was the best part of my entire holiday. Just being. Hanging with him. Not having to do anything to prepare, not having to entertain anyone. Just enjoying being Sam's dad.

Afer about an hour, nearly the entire extended family was downstairs. Shalom felt shattered. The rest of the night was good, too. But, not the same as being able to just "be" with my immediate family.

Most of my friends have jobs in ministry or industry where they have this week off. What I wouldn't give to have this week off. To just "be" with Jean, Sam, and Alina.

Strength

I received this story of adventure from one of the Adventure Racing e-groups I belong to. So powerful.

Some of you may have heard about Danelle and her accident. I just spoke with Gary, her dad, and got some details. She is okay, but is in pain and has a long recovery ahead of her.

Danelle was trail running with her dog Taz in Moab and took a fall on black ice near the Amasaback trail. She broke her pelvix and was basically immobilized. Some lucky factors came into place for her though, as she was where someone wouldn't normally go. She had a couple of gels and some water and was able to get to a puddle for more hydration. Her neighbor called Gary when she happened to notice thelights on at Danelle's house and Gary called the Moab police. Rescuers found her truck immediately but not her. They searched for her on foot and ATV's and came closr to not immediately finding her. Danelle ended up spending two nights out in sub zero temperatures and was found on the third day by rescuers who were led to Nellie by Taz. She came close to spending a third night out, which Gary thinks may have been the end of her.

She was transported to Grand Junction and is now at Denver General Hospital, where she will have surgery on Tuesday.

Obviously, the positive side is that she is okay and alive, but Gary says it will be a long emotional, physical, and financial recovery. She may need help down the road in many ways, so keep your ears open and feel free send a card, give a call, etc. The hardest part may be after surgery when she needs friends most.

I hope you are all well.
Dave

A Good Tired

It has been a long week, but a good week. A good good week. Monday morning we returned from St. Louis, and I got to go to work just for the afternoon. Monday night Jean had an eye appointment and I spent time with Sam and Alina.

Tuesday night was orienteering. It was the greatest one to date. The course rocked. Better yet, our worship time and small group time was awesome. I hate the phrase, "God showed up" because God is always present. Sometimes, we are allowed to see his presence. His presence was seen in each of the groups Tuesday. Guys are hungering for a deep, true, relationship with Him. Not just a religious empty relationship, but one that moves the heart into motion and life.

Wednesday was my late day at work. Which is never great.

Last night was our First Thursday run through with the men's ministry leaders for this event. It gave me goose bumps watching the movie. We previewed the movie for our kick off next Thursday. But, it was more than the movie itself. It was being with guys who have passion. More than that, it was being with a God who has passion for those he came to rescue. Those He desires to breathe the breath of life into so that they might become alive, a livng soul.

Tonight is set up for the Porn and Pancakes event at church. The event is sold out. Guys want to be rescued and to help rescue others from what seemingly is like an odorless gas, that slowly kills without being recognized.

The best part of the week, though, were the moments I had with Jean, and Sam, and Alina. Though the week was busy, time with them was enjoyed. Time just being able to listen to Jean's heart and her joys and hopes, as well as hold some of the burdens that weighed on her. She is so tender. As she talks it is as if the tenderness of her heart flows through her eyes. Wow I love her. The thing I love most, possibly, is that she doesn't have to try. She just oozes beauty naturally. She is not a pretender. She is real and tender femininity.