Dear Family & Friends,
Life in 2011 was busy with memorable things going on every month. Susan has chronicled most of them in her Christmas letter so I will highlight a few things from my point of view. For me the loss of dad was a hard way to start the year but a gentle reminder that the responsibilities to consistently live Godly and faithful until my final day. His legacy is wrapped up in his love of the Word of God and his faithful commitment to reading it. (Psalm 61:5; 68:19; 119:37)
This year Mike & Jenni relocated to Alabama and settled into a new job, a new home, a new Church family and the challenges of living so far from family. Luke & Kelly purchased their first home, Kelly took a fun job and Luke got a nice promotion before the end of the year. Nathan & Emily likewise purchased their first home, Nathan completed his first year in ministry and they announced that Charlotte is anticipating a little brother in 2012. Aaron married Catie Hankins in June and he completed his first year of ministry in Western Illinois. Caleb and his 4×800 team won state (One of my most emotional moments of 2011) and has completed his first quarter in college. Kristin solidified her love of music and we all enjoyed her stage work acting and singing and if you need a haircut she is really good at it!
The Hoosier Workshoppe finished the year slow because I lost the motor on my table saw (Still hoping the new one arrives before the new year.) However, I completed a large painted kitchen and a number of odd projects including two different beds. In October Susan, Kristin and I journeyed to Mike & Jenni’s to work on a covering for their back patio. I am grateful that Aaron came with Catie to assist. He was a great help. However, the most fun was my version of a ‘Stand-up Desk’ that replaced my credenza in the office. I really like it! I do more and more study/reading standing up.
This year I have spent Sunday morning expounding Acts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I settled on three vital long-term questions that speak to the power of God in a man’s life (Personal Integrity; Passionate Pursuit of God through His Word and Private Purity). I have thoroughly enjoyed discipling one on one and spent part of the summer working with interns at the Baptist Mission. The most important addition to ministry at the Bible Chapel has been a Filipino Pastor who has become a new and precious friend. I had great feedback on my AM messages on ‘Spiritual Discernment’, which came from Acts 13. However, there is still much to understand.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior I would challenge us to take the good news of the angels along with the rest of the message to those who have not yet heard—He lived a sinless life, died for sinners and rose from the dead three days later. This is the good news—announced by angels and left to us to carry to those who have not yet heard.
Glory to God in the Highest!
Mark
