Goodbye '08

What an amazing year these last 12 months have been. Our lives have changed so drastically and when I look back at it I can clearly see God's hand at work in the lives of of our family. Family meaning my immediate little nucleus and extending to Melissa's side and my side. It's been an amazing journey to say the least. We started the year with anxiety from our old church, uncertain which direction to go. We were in integral part (or so we thought) of the weekly operations but felt called to something more. We left solid ground and found ourselves in downtown Macon full of uncertainties. The only thing we seemed sure of was that this was where God wanted us. To be apart of something new that He was building. To see his desire to redeem this city through all these people was amazing. So the first change of '08 came there. Shortly thereafter we found out we were pregnant with Baby #2. No one can really prepare for life with 2 kids. With 1 you can both share the duties needed to provide for that child but with 2 your contribtion individually to each grows tremendously. Sarah Kate was born 11/24/08 and despite a scare she is completely healthy. We saw 2008 bring both of our families together. Not that there was a divide outside the obvious geographical differences. We have been able to worship weekly as a family. I cannot tell you (whoever you are out there reading this) what that means to us to be able to have both of our families together especially for worship. Amazing, and again God at work. We saw 2008 bring me out of youth ministry and into leading a missional community from my home. I joined the praise band at NCCd which normally would have stroked my ego quite a bit (and still does to some degree) but has also taught(teaching really) me humility through my inexperience. We have seen our finances improve through the grace of God and a little discipline. But most importantly 2008 showed me the Gospel. While 2008 was a great year, the truth is that I am a still a sinner saved by the grace of God. Like Paul says, sometimes I even feel like the chief of sinners. What amazes me about the Gospel is not only the enormity of God but how I am still pursued by Him. But not just me. He pursues you as well. You who are reading this, He is pursuing you. His desire is to redeem you just like He has redeemed me. I like how paul writes in Romans that Gods love was demonstrated to us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Amazing stuff. Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful, merry christmas. May we all remember that Christmas is not about presents, it's not about anything other than Christ. May Christ be the center of everything that your family does today. May we all remember that He is the present that we should be thankful for. That eternal life given by faith in Christ is what we are celebrating. The coming king who would bring salvation to all who place their faith in Him. Happy Birthday Jesus. We praise you and celebrate your coming and the salvation you bring. Thank you for the sacrifice that you made for us. May our lives be a reflection of our praise and adoration, and thankfulness to you and may you be glorified in all we do.