With
each passing year, we understand more than ever that what really matters are
relationships. The connectivity and
trust we have with the people intertwined in our lives and with our Father and
Savior is of utmost importance and worthy of pursuit. It’s difficult to be close to someone,
though, if we don’t know them deeper than what is on the surface. Most of us go through life fearful of letting
people know who we truly are and what we really think and feel on the inside. So,
we train ourselves to say things or behave in a way we think others expect of
us rather than be ourselves for fear they will not like us. That is unfortunate
and diminishes our chances of meaningful relationships. We decided this year,
rather than just tell you what we have done, we would allow you to see a tiny
bit J deeper under the
surface and discover that if you really knew who we were, you would know this
about us………….
Dave – fears bats and socialists ~ has a goal
of being a wellness coach ~ read “Bonheoffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” by
Eric Metaxas and found the book to be life changing ~ loves the quote: “Become
what evil fears” ~ had an original thought – “uh…… umm…… yeah…” ~ thoroughly
enjoys good conversation in which he learns something and getting up at 4:30 to
listen to lectures on YouTube ~ regrets not appreciating each moment to its
fullest ~ wonders how it is possible for a placebo to work? ~ frustrated because
he can’t find the answer to why he has neuropathy in feet ~ completed a 2 day handgun
class
Brenda – fears elevators and driving alone ~
loves learning new things and having meaningful conversations ~ regrets not
being a more routine/consistent person ~ loved the book, “Speaking of Jesus” by
Carl Medearis ~ has an interest in becoming a Notary Public ~ wants to improve
thinking before speaking ~ is questioning her love for her wringer washer ~
wishes there was more time to spend as “grammy” ~ realizes it is easy to make
Jesus who we want Him to be instead of whom He really is
Ben – fears the drive thru at the bank J, rats and mice ~
enjoys being informed, and foreign languages ~ regrets not being more frank
with people ~ turns 27 on the 1st ~ wants to be a millionaire by age
30 ~ read “What Every Body is Saying” by
Joe Navarro ~ completed a first action medical class
Kelsey – she would have a very interesting and
fun newsletter if I can convince her to write one
Solomon – married a pretty little lady on Dec.
12th – too in love to add to newsletter
George – enjoyed the book, “Fearless….” By Eric
Blehm ~ met Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Author, Military Psychologist ~ likes the
quote, “When you say to yourself “someone should do something about that” that
someone is you” by Garry Marr
Uriah – fears heights ~ loves hanging out with
friends and being social ~ desires to raise meat chickens again ~ finds school frustrating ~ thinks this
newsletter is not so cool
Oliver – fears needles ~ loves swimming and
being with friends ~ finds Uriah frustrating ~ loves the quote, “It is not
shameful to have fear, but it is shameful to let fear control you” ~ thinks his
life is pretty boring
Family highlights this year was adding a
bathroom downstairs, going to cabin in August, redoing bathroom upstairs and
finished out the living room. Wow Wee!
J Wifey
had this idea that they were simple projects.
“Simple” projects prove to always, ALWAYS take 3 times longer than
anticipated. But, now that they are
complete, they were well worth all the weekend and evening hours of labor.
God created each of us so unique, so
intricately - just like He planned us to be. May we strive to see and except
ourselves and each other, in all our messiness, imperfections, interests and
fears, as Jesus sees us. Be yourself,
everyone else is taken.
Have a very merry
Christmas - 2015! Dave and his cronies
