We started out the new year in a very cool way.    Early Thursday morning (earlier than we expected) – the phone rang and it was Josh calling from Kenya; he only had a few minutes, but had a chance to wish us a Happy New Year and me a Happy Birthday and tell us how great things were going in Kenya.  It was great to hear his voice; we can’t wait for him to get home and share with us the many stories of his mission trip.

Then we had a mid-morning New Year’s Day breakfast at our house for our Small Group and family.   Chris and Julie came and helped us as waffle connoisseurs.  Most of the people in our small group were able to make it and it was a lot of fun.  They surprized me with a gift  (my birthday) which they weren’t supposed to do; this was totally unexpected and the gift and notes in the card were special.  I hope to have a few pics up later, but it was a fun way to start the day.

After the breakfast was over we played a new form of Yatzee and I beat everyone! YEA! (that was fun).  Then we went to WalMart to play “The WalMart Game” with Chris & Julie, and Rocky & Kristie Johnson and AnnaBeth & Parker.  Don’t ask me about the game – it’s pretty crazy!  It’s Rocky’s brainstorm, so if you want to know more – ask him.

We finished the game off with dessert at Chilis and then played “Flash Uno” at the house.  Another crazy game.  Needless to say after my bragging about whipping everyone in Yatzee – I got pummeled in Uno  (worst score ever!)

That afternoon, I also received a call from Jeremy who was bringing in the New Year with friends in Houston.  He was having a blast and staying with some mutual friends; the friends’ kids sang me happy birthday as soon as I answered the phone (cool!). 

During the day I also received a call from a long time friend, Danny Moore, who was one of my students when I did Student Ministry in Bossier City back in the mid 80’s.  (Yes – we’re both OLD).  He was in town so we got a chance to meet for coffee this morning at Starbucks in Lake Worth.

Danny has been a missionary in SE Asia for a number of years and is now the Missions Pastor for the largest Chinese Baptist Church in the US  (in Los Angeles).  It was great to talk with him and hear what God is doing and to share with him the exciting story of Grace Fellowship.  There’s a photo of me and Danny in front of Starbucks at the end of this blog.

The cool thing about the start to this new year was spending time with family and friends and doing simple things like playing games with the kids.  Getting a chance to talk with Danny about what God is doing around the world was icing on the cake.

I love the holidays, but I’m ready to get back to a regular schedule and on with the incredible vision God has for us.  I know there will be changes in the coming year and I’m excited about the adventure of pursuing some lions with the GFC Family in 2009.