This Turkey Day is particularly special for me.  This whole year has marked the START and END of a lot of different chapters in life.

In the last 5 years we have stood on the highest peaks of mountains and cried in some of the deepest valleys.  We have struggled and we’ve thrived.  We’ve been a part of 7 different ministries from Romeo, MI to Houston, TX.  We’ve had no money for food and money to give others for food.  We’ve been sick and we’ve been healed.  We’ve had love and we’ve had lose.  We’ve celebrated births and mourned deaths.

But in all things – we’ve seen how God works all things together for good.  It’s hard to see the tops of the mountain when you’re at the bottom of the valley…but this Thanksgiving I stand humbled on the top of this mountain reflecting on the valley below and I celebrate that God has never left my side on the climb.

I am thankful for the journey.  I am thankful for those who have endured it with me – Specifically my wife, Ashley and kids Jadyn and Eli (Beauty and The Beast).  I am thankful for Heritage Church who is willing to risk everything to reach everyone.  I am thankful for all the crazy people at The Movement for taking ground for the kingdom of God.  I am thankful for my family (both by blood and by marriage) who has been there through it all.  I am also thankful for all the stuff.  May my life be more about giving stuff than getting it.  I am thankful for the undeserved love of Jesus.  Thank you for loving me…even though i’m a moron.  Amen.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

A few weeks ago my wife and I had the privilege of traveling to Michigan…it was our first flight with our little ones also. I was going to lead worship for a conference and was bringing the family with me, to spend time with our family there. (this blog post has a few dimensions – I’ll apologize for the length of it now)

To keep the story moving – we got to the airport in Houston with more than enough time (usually) to get through all security and baggage deals. Well. We ended up in a line to end all lines. We waitied for 2 hours to check our luggage. The whole while – I was feeling a little anxious. You see our daughter is 3 years old now. And I had been told that as long as she sat on our lap – she would be free for the flight. The day before we left, I started feeling concerned that we would not be able to do that and feared having to purchase a last minute flight to get our daughter on the plane…which would be money I didn’t have to spend.

While in the ridiculous line to check our luggage, we meet a wonderful young couple. They were there, not to fly anywhere, but to send off her parents, who had been in town getting treatment for cancer. We spoke of family, how horrible an ordeal cancer is, and how we had all ended up in Houston.

We told them goodbye as our flight was preparing to board, and we were preparing to check our bags, finally. Everything was going fine and normal, until the lady behind the counter looked at our kids and asked, “how old is your daughter?”. She then informed us that as soon as a child turns 2 years old, they are a full price ticket for a flight, because they must have their own seat. Quickly, Ashley and I tried to figure out what to do. Do we hand over the credit card and hope it all works out somehow? Do I end up traveling alone and Ashley pack the kids back up and go back home and not on the trip?

But almost as quickly as we freaked out, the guy who we had met in line, walks up, puts his hand on my shoulder and hands his credit card to the lady behind the counter. In shock and confusion, I say “no way man…you don’t have to do that”. With a BIG smile on his face he looks at us and says…”You don’t always know how you can be a blessing to someone…but we overheard, saw the need, and we want to bless you”. WOW. As we take care of the details of getting the flight booked, this couple goes on to tell us how they really felt God prompt them and they believe there is a reason we need to travel to Michigan together.
To keep the story moving – we end up making it to our flight. Which is amazing. We get to our gate and they were holding for us and one other family. We were in our seats for about 2 minutes before they plane pulled away from the gate. GOD works out details!

Ash and I just sat there on the flight – teary eyed – thinking…what just happened? Was that for real? We could not even begin to express how much we felt God’s touch from the couple we JUST met in the airport.

BLOG POINT #1 – Keep your eyes open for ways you can be a blessing to someone around you. You never really know how a small thing from you, can go a really long way to someone else.

Here’s where it gets awesome…or awesomer. The next day, we’re in Michigan – (Kids were great on the flight, everything was smooth, eat at Mexican fiesta when we landed…bliss) – I’m in the lobby of the hotel where the conference is that I’m leading at. I get a phone call from my family that I have been dreading for a year. My Aunt Linda had passed away. After 1 year of battling brain cancer, 1 year of astounding doctors, friends, family, and strangers with her faith, and a lifetime of burning like a forest fire for Jesus…my aunt was restored and ushered into one crazy party in heaven.

I get the word that the funeral will be that coming Wednesday in Springfield, MO. I spend some time crying, talking to Ashley…thanking God for healing my Aunt…and I realize. If that couple hadn’t blessed us by purchasing a flight for my daughter, we would not be together as we get this news…and we would not have been able to go to the funeral together.

Whoa. My Mom and Aunt had said through her whole journey – “God is the God of details”…to which, I say, Amen.

The Point of this ridiculously long blog – Love Big – or Go Home. Ashley and I are forever touched by the random act of love from the couple in the airport. We are forever impacted and touched by the love we felt personally from Linda Noble as well as from being witnesses of her huge LOVE for Jesus. My Aunt’s favorite verse is Matthew 5:16 “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – The more we Love the brighter our light shines. And the brighter we shine, the more clear the people around us will see Jesus.

My prayer for you and for me…as oddly as I can put it…is that you will catch on fire.

Jimmy

There really is no time like it. This is the day we celebrate what separates our faith from every other religious or spiritual idea in the world. Our God is ALIVE. As a worship leader and as a worshiper, there really is no other day that I sing as hard.

At Thrive – Tom and I have been talking a bit about how Easter is the “super bowl” for the church world. It’s funny to say, but so true. Everyone is looking for a place to go to Church. Everyone is willing to go – even when 51 other weeks out of the year – they may find any excuse not to go.

So we’re praying for some huge things. We’re starting a new series this easter called “The Office”. Sure it may not sound like a typical topic for an Easter service. But it couldnt be any more real life. We’re believing that in this series – starting on easter – that over 100 people will saved! WHOA. Yea thats a big number to some of us…but in that could be your friends, family, spouses, coworkers, and mail carrier. (we just sent out 50,000 mailers last week – I bet we see a couple postal carriers at Thrive this week – most people only saw 1 or 2 of these – they’ve seen HUNDREDS!)

Who are you inviting to Church with you this Easter!

May you be blessed this Easter – and may you be overcome in joy and thankfulness for what Christ did for us. “while we were sinners, Christ died for us!”

Grace and Peace
Jimmy

Last week in our Growth Group we watched the Rob Bell = NOOMA = DIRT.
If you’ve seen this – you know it’s pretty awesome.

Not only do we believe in God – which is important.  But GOD believes in US! Think about that.

In scripture – Jesus was walking on water and one of His disciples says “Jesus is walkin’ on water? I want to walk on water too!”
Jesus said “Come On Brotha”.  So Peter gets out of the boat – starts WALKING ON WATER.  Then – he gets scared.  Takes his eyes of Jesus – and starts to sink.  After this encounter – Jesus says (my paraphrase) “you of little faith, why did you doubt”.

I always thought in this story that Peter doubted Jesus.  But JESUS was sinking was He?  So who did Peter doubt?  HIMSELF!?
So he starts to sink – because he loses sight of the fact that he CAN be like Jesus and DO what Jesus DOES.  Jesus knew he could – or else He wouldn’t have invited Peter onto the water.

Do you believe in yourself?  Do you believe that God believes in YOU?
He left this world to us.  He left His mission to us.  He believes that we can do it!

It’s time we get out our boats and take that first, huge, scary step into a world where we can walk on water.
We can change the world.  We can make a difference.  We can do anything…God believes in US.

Jimmy

This past weekend I had the privilege to travel back to my hometown of Detroit to lead worship. First at an awesome College group called “The Gathering“. Second for a middle school retreat for Kensington Church.

Thursday night – the speaker – Dom Russo – spoke about Fear. A very commonly talked about issue in the bible. He said – every major figure in scripture first had to face their fear – before they went and achieved – or fulfilled the calling on their lives (my paraphrase). What a true statement not only in scripture – but our lives.

I might take it another step and say that if there is something that you fear – its probably something God would want you to walk into. Obviously – if you are afraid of sharks – i’m not saying you go swim with them. Here’s an application for my life – I dream of being a great leader and a great worship leader. I saw a step to this for my life – moving to Texas – but I was terrified of this step towards my goal. My wife and I have stepped into it – faced it head on – and now both of us are growing and stretching 10 fold.

What are you afraid of? Do you dream of doing music – but are afraid of criticism? Do you dream of being a pro sports player – but are afraid you dont have the chops?

For me – I was convicted. I dream of doing crazy things with music and worship – but I fear what that could mean for my family and my church which are of huge importance in my life.

Instead of fearing – I’m gonna tackle the fear – move hard towards the dream – and trust that God will allow for my family and my church to become even better as I move even more into who I was created to be.

Chase after your dreams – and leave fear for the boogyman!

Today – was a defining day.

Inspiration is an interesting thing.  There are songs that ‘inspire’ me.  There are movies that leave me feeling motivated.  Sometimes there are conversations that make me want to be better.  Today, I experienced inspiration that is not just a emotion.

This morning I woke up at my parents home in Shelby Township, Michigan.  Tonight, I lay my head to rest in the home of a life long family friend in Springfield, Missouri.  As I left this morning, my dad sending me off with fresh coffee and a goody bag for the road – waving me off and holding up the sign language for ‘i love you’, I had a whirl-wind of emotions.  My family and I are moving to Texas.  This is crazy.  Its exciting, terrifying, expensive, and everything in between.  I left this morning feeling like I was slightly out of my mind.

“what are we thinking?”

“this is a really long drive!”

“will we be okay?”

“will my kids like it there?”

“will ashley and I make great friendships?”

This questions and more rushed through my head with each mile on todays 800 mile road trip.  But tonight – I’m going to bed asking a different question.

By now – most people know – my Aunt Linda was diagnosed with brain cancer in May of 09.  A more terrible thing could not have happened to a more sweet, loving, God fearing women.  Aunt Linda is the younger and only sister of my mother.  My mom, has spent a large portion of her last 8 months in Missouri with my Aunt Linda.  (and just to add, the protectiveness of an older sister to a younger sister has never amazed me more).  I did not get to hug my mom before I drove a truck away this morning.  Instead – my friend and riding partner Doug and I drove to Springfield tonight, so I could see Aunt Linda for the 1st time since this whole thing started…and to hug my mom.

As we neared our destination tonight, I realized more and more what I was about to experience tonight.  I grew nervous.  I’ve seen pictures of my Aunt Linda, but I have not seen her since she was diagnosed.

My Aunt and I have a special bond through Worship.  My aunt LOVES to worship the Lord.  I mean LOVES it.  She is not a ‘bored’ Christian, she is not a ‘passive’ Christian, she is not an ‘unsure’ Christian.  My Aunt is a Follower of Jesus, and little pleases her heart more than to sing to Him.  I am shamed to say it, but years ago, I used to find my aunts faith annoying.  I thought it was fake.  I thought that there was no way she was as seriously passionate about Christ as she talked.  I am ashamed that I ever had those feelings – but I realized that it wasnt her being fake – it was me being dim.  If we are followers of Jesus – we are called – “let your light so shine before man”.  I was not shining very brightly.  Sure I played worship music at church.  I would even talk about faith issues, or spiritual things…but I was no light.  So when I saw it – I didnt get it!  Aunt Linda got it.  Aunt Linda GETS IT.

Like a scared little boy I walked into St Johns Mercy Hospital and into the room on the 7th floor.  I was afraid of what I was going to see because I was used to seeing my Aunt Linda, beautiful and full of life – I was nervous to see her now.  When I walked in – I saw my sweet, frail, beautiful Aunt Linda more radiant than i’d ever seen.  Her eyes opened wide as she tried to look towards the door to see me and she said, “my favorite jimmy is here?”

I mentioned earlier my Aunt and I share a bond in Worship.  So I brought my guitar into her room with me.  I pulled it out and gathered around her hospital bed and spent about 20 minutes singing praises to the Lord.  She loves the song “friend of God”, so we started there.  As we sang the chorus (yes, she was singing out) “I am a friend of God, He calls me friend”…she tried with all her strength to lift her hand and stretch it out towards the heavens…to reach out to Christ…My Uncle Rick was helping her hold her hands up as she sang.  (My aunt loves to sing)  We sang for 20 minutes and the whole time my aunt was praising the Lord with passion and life.  When I would stop a song – she would quote scripture and speak of how she wanted to live a life that made God known.  Now, let me just paint this picture a little more.  Hospital room, obnoxious lights, IV things everywhere, her head in a bandage from the surgeries, a pillow around her neck to help support her head, she can hardly move on her own, death pending.  She lifts her hands towards Jesus and sings “Is it true that you are thinking of me?  How you love me!  Its amazing…I am a Friend of God”, “You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, blessed be the name of the Lord”, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come”.  “You are the Everlasting God”.

As we concluded singing – I told her how I love her “so much in the world” – and how she has been one of the brightest lights for Christ I’ve ever seen, and how she has touched my life.  She took a deep breath – as in relief – and said “all I want with my life is to be a light that shines before man, that they may see my good works and worship my father in heaven”.  Aunt Linda gets it.  She has lived a life that has been about MORE God, and Less Linda.   She has and is still, living a life that is making God known.  She is a daughter of the Most High King…and she is BRIGHT and Loud about it.

How can you let your light Shine?

Do you have the light of Jesus Christ in your life?

Today I was inspired.  Tonight, Im not asking the same questions I was earlier.  I am asking one question…”How can I let my light shine before man?”

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Sunday morning was my first Sunday to be able to lead worship as a father of 2.  Towards the front end of the 9:30am service we played the old tune “Give Thanks”.  The line says “And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us.  Give thanks”.  I sing this line – then look up and gentleman in the front row is wearing a t-shirt that says in bold letter “expect miracles”.

So let me tell you about some miracles…

The last few weeks have been full of them.  Lets start with a short short history.
the last few months have been sort of difficult on a few different levels.  My aunt was diagnosed with brain cancer, Pregnancy was taking its toll on Ashley, Housing things for us were crazy…many more things I cant say on a public blog page.

I’ve thought often of Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

In the last week few months God has blessed my family with strength beyond our expectations.  My uncle had written on a blog – “We believed in faith, cried out in hope, and HE answered as promised. We, all of us (including each of you) did our part AND our God did His!”. So on to the miracles…

As most know – on July 25th – God blessed us with a Son (we still ask ourselves “God really trusts us that much to give us a son?  wait…and a daughter?  is He crazy?”).  We are so blessed – and thrilled at this new addition.  A beautiful (yes boys can be beautiful), healthy, 10 fingers and 10 toed son.  The delivery was super smooth and without hitches for Ashley – who is on an fast track to full recovery – not to mention shes almost lost all that baby weight and its been 9 days…all other women hate her for that.  Its amazing that at 25, I am able to have all of this.  My life has gone a very different direction than I thought it would go, however God is so awesome – that he has (as Romans 8:28 says) worked all things to the good of those who love him.  I have a beautiful wife – an awesome, energetic daughter – and a brand new precious baby.  Miracle 1

Next – My aunt who was diagnosed with Brain Cancer a few months ago. When it started – it was inoperable and incurable – but treatable.  It was discovered this past week that the tumors had not been effected by radiation and chemo  the way they had hoped – they had in fact grown together.  Now to us – this was horrible – but to God it was necessary for the healing He wanted to perform.  On Friday morning – she was taken in for surgery (when to start – this was not an option).  After a few hours of surgery – the DR came out and announced to the family that he was able to get ALL of 1 large tumor and at least 99% of the other large tumor.  This was a life saving surgery.  (to find out more of the story read her blog it’ll blow you away http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindanoble/journal)

God is good.  The shirt that the man had on at church is right on.  When we are placing our trust, our hope,  and our lives in the hands of God – we should expect miracles.  I would be willing to say God finds great joy and pleasure in showing us these sort of miracles.  One thing my family has claimed a lot the last few months is out of the book of Acts.  it simply says “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened”.  But if you dont ask – would you expect to receive?  If you didnt seek him, would you expect to find him?  God is Awesome.  Deserving of our awe.  If you dont know Him – SEEK Him…and expect to find Him…and be blown away.  And if you do know Him…CLAIM His power in your life.  Ask of Him – Seek Him – and Knock until He answers – because HE will answer…

Standing in awe…

Jimmy

daddy holding Eli for the first time

So for some reason…the majority of the day yesterday I had the song “Glory in the highest by Chris Tomlin” in my head.  If you’ve not listened to this song – do it.  its great.

So – we had a wager (and by wager – i mean we were all guessing) about the time Eli was going to come.  Some were saying 8pm –  others 9.  Some didnt think it would be till the next day.  Quickly – and very quickly might I add – Ashley went from 4cm Dilated – to 8cm Dilated.  At this – we all got excited.  Exp the dr…”Dr Loooove” – who said “i was so worried you werent going to progress and I was going to have to do a c-Section and it would have been all my fault”.  We would have also blamed him…but God is good so no one had to be blamed – instead – we celebrated Dr Love as DR of the year.  (again – feeling like im a part of Greys Anatomy so I wanted to give him an Oscar).  From that point – it was minutes till they were saying “its time to push”.
As the pushing began – and as Ashley began breaking my hand – the magic really began.  In the room with Ashley was Both grandmas (na na and mi mi) and aunty erin (and obviously the man responsible for this pain…tha’d be me).  As we began we shared with the Dr’s that with Jadyn, Ashley only pushed for 19 minutes…we thought we’d try to beat that.  So she began to muster up more strength then 10 mighty men..exerted out of a small framed, pregnant woman.  Now – this is were it gets really cool.  Ash the dr…(dr LOVE)…starts saying – “I can see the head”…one of the grandmas (na na or mi mi) said – “LOOK – theres a rainbow on her thigh”.  I look down – and on Ashleys legs (both legs) there are fully detailed rainbows on both legs.  WHOA – Gods cool (my mom starts crying “God of the details”…so true…Gods promises…).  Right about then – Eli entered the world…after just shy of 20 minutes of pushing.
Now – Elijah James Savage is here – and present…and wonderful!  Jadyn got to come up to the hospital this morning first thing to meet her baby brother for the first time.  She was very excited and she loves her “be be broda”.
Today we’re enjoying some visits from family and some friends at the hospital – but mostly just relaxing and recovering…We head home from the hospital tomorrow morning around 11am.  Were very excited to be home with our new…complete…family.

God is good.  Ashley is doing awesome.  No tearing or swearing so recovery time should be minimal for her.  We had a wonderful prayer around Eli last night with the family – and we’re excited to watch as we grow as parents and as teachers.  That we could raise both these beautiful kids to know and Love the great God that we know and love and who takes care of the details of our lives when we put them in His hands.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  We’ll need you all as we head home and adjust to this new life.  Stay tuned for updates on getting the boy home.  And when we’re home – we’d love to see you…and feel free to bring us meals and diapers.

Humbled By Gods Blessings

Jimmy, Ashley, Jadyn and Elijah Savage

(Just notices something awesome.  When Jadyn first got her she came prepared with stickers…My mom just notices that of all the stickers Jadyn had…she stuck a rainbow sticker on Eli’s little hat…awesome)

Look at our Daily Goals

Happy Christmas in July Everyone.

So this morning 7.25.09 – my girls woke up and I had turned our home into a Christmas place.  I put christmas lights up all over – and an animated reindeer in the livingroom for us to celebrate.  So in all of this – Jadyn looks at Ashley and I and said “Eli’s coming today”.  Well she was right

Ashley had been up since midnight basically having some pretty bad contractions.  However – we’ve been wondering for a while since the contractions have been going on for about a week or so.  But they got really bad this morning – so after our Christmas Breakfast – I called the Dr’s office and talked to a charming DR named “Dr Love”.  I thought for a minute I was suddenly in an episode of Greys Anatomy.  Dr Love was awesome and said “hey – come on in – we’ll check her out – and lets have a baby today”.  This sounded like a great idea.  So we came on into the hospital (after turning off the Christmas lights and the reindeer) and the journey had started.  We got here pretty quickly (thank the lord for our new home being super close to everything) and the nurses got us into triage and started checking us out.  THEN – in walks DR Love.  now – let me just say – usually at this point you wait for a long time for someone to actually come in and check you.  Dr Love – rocks.  He was in like 4 minutes after we got here.  Checked Ashley out – and admitted us right away.  YAY.  We praised the Lord…  and it was wonderful.

So they broke Ashleys water about 1:30pm and then gave her an epidural for the pain about 3:30pm.  So – now we wait.  Ashley is nice and comfortable…people that do this naturally (without the epidural) are in my humble opinion…nuts.

So now we are waiting – i’ll continue to keep things posted on here…along with pictures and all the wonderful joy of a new baby.

Please keep Ashley and the baby in your prayers.  Pray for strength and an easy delivery for Ashley – and a beautiful healthy baby boy to be born…SOON.

Much Love

JImmy  and Ashley

So – Today – I turned 25 years young.  Its a strange birthday.  Often on birthdays, I dont feel much different…usually its just a fun day.  Today was slightly different.  Perhaps this is the turning point – and from this point forward birthdays will just be a reminder of getting older – and not much else…perhaps…we’ll see.

But TODAY – was a great day.  Let me welcome you into the life of a Savage.  First – I wake up this morning at – almost 9 (major sleeping in for me).  My 9 months pregnant wife was allowing me to sleep in (awesome), so I get up to her, scared that Jadyn is going to tip herself over in her chair at breakfast. So I jump out of bed to make sure all was well (it was).  Ashley then makes me some breakfast and I got to sit and watch Shrek with Jadyn.  Then – Jadyn took a nap – and Ashley was asking me “what is your birthday wish”…I didnt have one – I was doing it.  So we showered – then I took some time to play Wii.  always a great time.  We went to the mall – got a smoothy (so good) – got some new shirts – then went to the parents house to get some steak and hang out and celebrate my moms b-day also (hers was yesterday)(which means I was her birthday present 25 years ago).

SO – the day was really pretty awesome.  But the best part is – My family has this tradition.  At most special occasions (mostly birthdays) we all sit around and do “words of affirmation”.  IDEA BEHIND THIS TRADITION – life is short – and sometimes we dont take the opportunity to say things that we feel to the people we love, and sadly – sometimes we mis the opportunity.  So we like to make sure we always tell each other how we really feel about them, share memories, and celebrate the ‘YOUness of You” as it were.

So TONIGHT – we all affirmed my mom – and me.  This is a very humbling sort of tradition.  As my family was going around tonight – I heard some of the most amazing things being said.  I heard my awesome wife telling of her love for her servant of a husband.  Who shes so excited to be expanding her family with.  A man shes so greatful for.  I hear my Dad sharing that he is so proud of his son as a father and a man, I hear my Mom sharing that she also is proud of her son and of how he is an encourager to her.  And my sisters (and brother) sharing there love for me.  I’m sitting back in this conversation – amazed – these are comments that any man would LOVE to hear.  These are things that I think about often – I was hearing my family describe this man who is pretty much everything I want to be – but often feel like i’m falling very short of.  Talk about humbling.
I have this thought in response.  I always feel like I have something I’m striving for.  I have a character trait I want to display, a sense of responsibility I want to develop, integrity I want to fight for, and a faith I want to achieve.  Lately, more than I’ve verbalized, or have even realized, I feel as if i’ve been falling short.  I have great goals and dreams but often they stay goals and dreams.  But tonight – I realized something as I sat there with the people I love the most in my life.  While I might have goals and dreams for who I want to be – and often feel like I’m never going to get there.  These people closest to me are watching me be chiseled into the man God is creating me to be.  I dont have to have it all together…I dont have to make the right decisions all the time, I dont have to say the right thing all the time, I dont have to do the right thing all the time…and lets be honest – who expects that anyway…but, I think, as long as we have a dream for ourselves…a goal for the person we want to become…a better father, a better husband, a better friend, and better child of God…If we allow ourselves to strive for more – and not just strive for it – but to do something about it…it doesnt really matter how far we are from the end result – because what people will see is the journey.

I think of this – a great song…When you hear a great song – you reflect on it.  You think about the melody – the lyrics – the sound – you wonder about the story behind it – the emotion put into it.  When you hear a great song – you usually dont want it to end.  You dont want to find the ending – you want to keep it going.  At 25 – I hope to live a life that isnt focused on the ending.  But living in the melody and lyrics.  I hope to pursue and dream big for the man I’ll be…and I pray that the melody will be sweet to those around me.  That the lyrics of my journey will inspire others and bring them closer to the presence of Christ.  That the sound of my existence  will be a beautiful medley of loving God and loving people.

Thank you God for another year…may you use me for your service greater than in years past.  May I be a better husband, father, son, brother, friend – because of my pursuit of your grace.

(also – this day in history – Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Armstrong gave one step for man – and a giant leap for man-kind…or did he? )