Twenty Fifteen

The ball is about to drop in thirty minutes and I'm staring at a screen reflecting on the year that was. I'm not upset about my lack of plans for this evening. In fact, the blank space on the calendar is the most refreshing sight after hosting our families for the holidays. Family is such a blessing that God has put in our lives to love on our kids and make memories with them.

This year our theme was "endure and explore". Looking back...we made it. There were both personal and professional struggles, but we navigated through them. Endure...check. I branched out into the world of speaking, web design and social media marketing. I've learned a ton this year. It is super fulfilling to see someone sell a product using a website that you helped create. Erin and I joined a new LifeGroup and are now enjoying community here in Indiana like never before. God has answered that prayer in powerful ways. Explore...check.

Twenty-two minutes left now in this year. My heart has been deeply troubled by the global crisis of terrorism. This year has been filled with it. Extremist groups claiming responsibility for chaos and mayhem around the world. It doesn't look like it is going to end any time soon. I pray and trust that God's ways are higher that my ways. I'm thankful for peace that passes understanding because of the Holy Spirit alive inside me.

As the year turns over, we are one year further away from the cross, yet we must run back there. We must make a pilgrimage of the heart back to the foot of the cross and see anew Jesus dying there to forgive us of our sins. He is the Savior of the world, not one agenda. The true agenda belongs to our Holy Father who lives in Heaven. The good news is that anyone who puts their faith in Jesus will never be put to shame. Those who lose their lives for refusing to renounce Christ will not be put to shame.

"I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown."
Revelation 2:10

Thirteen minutes left...I'm going to wrap up this year with Paul's words, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."

God Bless You...and happy new year!