10 for the 2000s: 2009 Personally

1. Uncharted Territory: Pastor Dave started a series examining the times in life where we might say, "We've never been this way before." I was asked to preach during the series, and my focus was on two words; Preparation and Perspective. Uncharted territory is often preparation for a new chapter God has for us. In the midst of uncharted territory, we must look for God's perspective. This message could easily sum up my 2009.
   
2. February 6: I got a phone call from my mom that would change the tone for the year, and in a lot of ways the rest of my life. Dad was in an accident. He wasn't responsive. 2 days later, he passed away.
3. Rwanda Night: My dad died 10 days before a very significant event for Student Ministries. We were partnering with Caleb Bislow again in a disciple-making movement to the unreached areas of Rwanda. We were going to be his only source of funding. I had to back way off this student planned and led event. In the end, it was awesome to watch as students rose to the challenge and raised $20,000 to see the conference and movement take place. The reports we heard back from Caleb were awesome. 60,000 people hearing about Christ. 30,000 responding to receive Christ. 25 churches started.
4. Taxes on my Own: Every year my dad had helped me do my taxes. This year, I sat at the computer he always sat at and did what he had always done. It was therapeutic.
5. No Missions Trip: For the first time since I came on staff at NMC, I did not lead an IMPACT or GO trip.
6. Happy 9 Years! With the break from the trips, Janelle and I decided to celebrate our 10th anniversary at year 9. Katylynn stayed with grandparents. We stayed at a Marriot Resort in Orlando and had 7 days to simply focus in on each other. It was perfect timing.
7. I WANT IT! Summer Camp 2009. Terry Bley was back. Powerful times of worship and response. I'm still seeing the effects in kids' lives.
8. K.I.N.: As we took time to consider our follow up to Maasai, Kenya, and Rwanda Night, an idea was thrown out. What if we didn't focus on an event but took a year round focus? The thought was to take a ministry or cause and encourage our students to own it for the sake of Christ. Kids In Need became the focus, and we are mid way through this. The stories are exciting and broad.
9. Geoff Cocanower: Geoff served as a Junior High Intern in 08-09. He raduated from Bethel and we felt like our relationship with him wasn't done. He has stayed on as an in-resident intern. It has been awesom watching him develop and grow through this time!
10. The Year of Firsts: When losing a loved one, you are told to be ready for all the "firsts" you will experience. The first month, the first birthday. the first easter, the first Christmas, etc. after the death. This year has been filled with those firsts. We have walked through many of those firsts together as a family. Those times have been bittersweet to say the least. The pain of the loss is real. The amazing blessing of who my dad was and the family I have been given is just as real also!