Category: Straight to True North

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday (can’t really call it a vacation when you’re more tired after the long weekend then before) visiting family, cleaning house, and Christmas shipping. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Lord had put the theme of gratitude on Jenni and my heart this month, and I’ve been reminded of how easy it is to be selfish and greedy when I have much to be grateful for.

For our third wedding anniversary, we had planned to visit Silver Falls and spend a night at a rustic cabin, but due to health circumstances, we were unable to go.

I think it was better that we went this year, for our fourth anniversary, since we were able to go without a baby and spend two wonderful days alone together (thanks to Jessica and Jenni’s parents for watching Kadie last minute).

Oh yeah, Jennilyn was very, very proud of the photo on the right. And she should be 😉

It’s hard to imagine that we’ve been married four years. Where did the time go? We’ve been married as long as we were both in high school, a president’s one term in office, and the number of years between olympics. On second thought, four years was not very long at all—there are great blessings in each year.

A little over a month ago, I read the last two chapters of Revelations and exhaled. While I missed my original target by two weeks, I still managed to finish the bible with my group in about five months. Funny, I thought, the book of Revelations wasn’t as hard to read through as I had imagined.

It’s been a white Christmas in our parts. We’ve had the most snow I’ve ever seen in my hometown. It’s been a challenge getting to and from work, trudging through thick snow and ice, hoping that the mass transit system is working. I’ve actually enjoyed the challenge, but sympathesize with those that the snow is a hardship. One of my coworkers has stayed at a hotel the past few days because water doesn’t work in her apartment complex. I pray that people are able to spend time with loved ones warmly and comfortably.

Jenni’s mom and dad normally hosts Christmas eve at their house and we all spend the night with all her family. With Kadence this year, all of Jenni’s family were generous enough to celebrate at our house.

I’m looking forward to the first Christmas where Kadie should be able to play with her presents. She’s been gabbing away and trotting around the house. It’ll be fun to see her play with her uncles.

Two weeks ago I was discussing with David about why politics is such a touchy subject. He mentioned something I had known but hadn’t put my finger on before: people are so passionate about politics because it reflects their values, their world view – something very near and dear to them.

When I look at it from that angle, it makes sense why many people who share the same faith in Jesus Christ, share similar views on politics. What was interesting about this most recent election is how Christians seemed to be on both sides of the fence; I didn’t know who to vote for until the last remaining week or days.

Going into the third year of our marriage, we had major changes that were only a few months away. Six to be exact. We celebrated our second anniversary in China, and our first anniversary at Reno Dance Sensation, which made the expectations for this year very high. Thankfully, each anniversary doesn’t have to top the previous one by how far we travel, but how far God has taken us from the moment we said, “I do.”

My heart is full of thoughts waiting to burst out.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place were I am going.”

I love being with you everyday. Whether we’re creating a project together, doing laundry, grocery shopping, dancing, or taking care of Kadie together. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, I’m so glad it’s you I get to do it with. Thank you for taking time to be one with me. Thank you for desiring to be the kind of father to Kadie that God has in mind for you. Thank you for making us both laugh. Thank you for holding us both when we cry. Thank you for being so patient with me when I don’t have the energy to take care of the house, or Kadie. Thank you for cooking and cleaning when I need you to. Thank you for changing Kadie’s diapers. Thank you for going to work everyday to provide for us as the Lord has provided your blessing of a job. Thank you for listening to my hopes and dreams and encouraging me to try new things. Thank you for praying with me and for me. I hope you know how special you are to me.

In love with you,

Jenni

In early November, our friends Tracy and Pastor Steve Mitchell visited us for lunch. They approached us about being part of Beaverton Foursquare’s Christmas ministry and Steve described the Christmas theme as “The Hidden Gift,” And he wanted us to share our love story with the church.

Like a favorite movie, we’ve enjoyed sharing how God put us together with friends and family, but sharing it with our whole church body of what seemed like 3,000 people was… God-sized. We had asked God to use us for His purposes, and it was time to take a bigger leap of faith.