1. Christmas holidays were good in some ways, not so good in others. It was interesting to see our oldest (Erin) be kind of out of sorts for the first few days of the holidays, as expectable routine is very important for her, and she loves her school situation so much she definitely hates not being able to go.
2. I'd just like to forget most of the month of January if possible. Depressing, lifeless, dark, and frosty, in more ways than one.
3. On Jan 26 I flew to Vancouver for Missionfest weekend. Besides representing SEND International at the conference, and having a great time doing a program with 70 kids one night, I had an awesome time reconnecting with old friends and some family. When I get together with my sisters (my two older ones in this case) we talk, laugh, eat, laugh, talk, eat, try not to choke while we laugh and talk while we eat, and of course there's talking. Did I mention talking? Thanks, Karen, and Sandy, for a great visit I will always remember.
4. From Vancouver I went to Winnipeg, to represent SEND at Manitoba Missionfest. Talk about arriving on a different planet, meteorologically speaking. Driving out to Providence College one day, the blowing, drifting snow and sub-arctic temps made it seem like I was driving across the surface of Pluto. How did I ever live in this place for 5 years??!! Anyway, the coldness of the Manitoba winter is often quickly melted by the warm fellowship of friends I have had there seemingly for a lifetime (and in some cases that's true). Thanks to all friends there that I had the chance to reconnect with. And thanks, cousin Roy, for the use of your house and your truck. I missed not seeing you and Anne, however, and I am very jealous that you were in Hawaii while I was in "Winterpeg".
5. Had a very warm welcome from my wife and kidlets when I returned to London on Feb. 8. It's great to be missed. And it's always fun to dispense with gifts I collect along the way for them when I go on a trip like this. I am so thankful for each of my children, and that I have a close, affectionate relationship with each of them, even my "going on 13 years old" son.
6. As I spend time in God's word, and am fed with the teaching and fellowship at our church, I am gaining a new understanding of who Jesus is (cf. John, 1 John, Colossians, Hebrews). His pre-existence means that when the universe was created, he was there. Think of what that means, and now this same Jesus loves me more than any other ever can, and he will never leave me or forsake me. I can have peace in the storm, and fear nothing, as I know he is always with me and in control.
7. I'll finish this list with a "Biblical #7", just by saying that God is doing some wonderful things in my life. Yes, I'm getting old (I will turn 50 this July), and I'm overweight and out of shape, and I have chronic hip pain that makes me think I might be better off in a home commiserating with a generation older than me. But, in my spirit, I have hope. God has blessed me with so much, and I recognize maybe only a tenth of the grace He has poured upon me, and even just that much overwhelms my soul to sing.
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