so this is the new year....

almost. New Years Eve is upon us and I really haven't reflected on it much until today at church. There are several things that I am thankful for during this past year. It's amazing how God continues to bless when you take risks and make sacrifices. Despite a difficult last six months God has provided for us through friends, family members and jobs. It is clear that God is leading us. We're just trying to stay open to his call.

My favorite moments of 2006 (in no particular order):
1. Moving to Portland, OR
2. Touring the Northwest (Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver B.C.) in March.
3. Driving from Florida to Oregon.
4. Getting to spend a month with friends and family in Illinois.
5. Having friends visit and stay on the beach in Florida (Bill, Josh, and Jeff)
6. Starting Seminary
7. Being a part of Evergreen Community.
8. Seeing Bob dance at Sarah and Jonathan's wedding.
9. Going to Sea World for my birthday.
10. Brad Prunty's wedding and bachelor party.
11. Completing The Brothers Karamazov.
12. Going to CIY with Andy, Courtney and the students.
13. Going a full year without soda!
14. Playing church league softball.
15. Hosting several beer/wine tasting parties in Florida.
16. Hanging out with the students at Impact (most nights).

Toughest moments of 2006:
1. Striking out at church league softball.
2. Making a joke in a sermon about Joel Osteen and having a woman come up after the service with a picture of her and Joel Osteen.
3. Dealing with customers at the video store who have over 100 dollars in late fees.
4. When my professor asked me what Leviticus 16 was about and then told me that I was an "ignorant fool" (exact words).
5. Driving a Uhaul trailer across the continental U.S.

It's been a fantastic year. In light of the challenges and the losses of this year I wouldn't do anything differently. I hope that this next year is just as exciting, and if not, that I will be just as (but hopefully more) faithful to God and his Kingdom.

Happy New Years!