Merry Christmas!

Some simple decorations at my house Macy’s.

Merry Christmas! I haven’t written a Christmas letter in years – which some people may appreciate!

Here’s a brief pictorial update on my life (outside of ministry).

 

Friends Return:
Andy:

Around Christmas last year, one of my closest friends, Andy, moved back to Chicago from San Diego.

“Are you sure you want to come back at the beginning of winter?” I asked.

Talk about a rude re-entry.

He went from this:                                                      To This:

   Ahhh.                             Brrr!

It’s been great having him back.

Rusty:
In the fall, one of my other closest friends, Rusty, moved back to the Midwest from North Carolina.  He is currently attending seminary just outside of Milwaukee.

He went from this:                                                          To this:

                                           

I took a trip up to see him:

When they are all running around in those black cassocks, the place looks like Hogwarts!  Can’t you just picture it?

 

Up Where We Belong?

I ventured up to the clear bottomed sky decks on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (former the Sears Tower). Yikes!

I took some of these photos without looking down.  I went with my motto of the day, “just aim and shoot…and check your pants later”!

 

Family Events:
Scott Graduates!:

My youngest nephew, Scott, graduated from college this year.  Wow, they grow up so fast!  It seemed like just yesterday, he was sucking on a bottle…oh yeah, he was…at his college graduation party!  We celebrated in a park after the ceremony.

Kristin Weds!:

One of my god-daughters (my cousin Kathy’s daughter) got married this year. She was a previous Miss Teen Minnesota.  Almost everyone from my mom’s side of the family traveled to Minnesota for the wedding. It was fun having extended time with the family…

 

 

Step Aside Picasso:

I allowed my inner artist to express itself through painting this year.  These were my favorites:

Some people thought the first picture was of a lady with blue hair (like Marge Simpson, I guess).  It’s supposed to be a blue head covering like the kind women wear in Muslim countries.  After these art critics told me the blue hair thing, I noticed their faces turning blue.  Then I realized my strangling grip around their throats was a little too tight!  I’m still learning how to receive constructive criticism.  It’s tough being an artist!

I had some painting parties with friends which was fun.

I love seeing people express their creativity, including those who swear they don’t have any talent.  Those are the ones to watch.  They crank out masterpieces that put all my paintings to shame.

 

Birthday Celebration – 49 and holding:

My friend, Andy, treated me to an awesome Bob Schneider concert for my birthday.  It was a FUN concert.  Lots of people singing along.  I was going to put a Youtube sample of  one of his many great songs, but then I noticed at the end it led to other songs I wouldn’t necessarily recommend.  Ahhh, living in the tension of life’s paradoxes.  I wish I could recommend all his songs.  He’s brilliant.  It truly was one of the most fun evenings I had this year.

 

Praha and Pivo:

I went to Prague this year with a 20something group from Willow Creek Church.  I got the chance to graffiti on the side of a building…all for a good cause (a promo video)!

It was a mission trip, so it wasn’t really a vacation.  I’m realizing I am soooo in need of a real vacation…and perhaps some Pivo (beer) would help too!  If you know of anyone with a condo someplace warm, available in February, let me know!

Small Group – being known & loved:

My small group has been an on-going highlight.  It’s important to me to be in circles (as opposed to rows) where I can be known and loved.  Our group has been together for about two years.  We continue to dive deeper together.  I’d tell you more, but what happens in group, stays in group.  (Note: this old photo is missing Matt).

 

 

Moses From Burma:

I love opening my home to friends who are in town.  We had numerous house guests throughout the year.  The winner of the “Traveled the Furthest” Award was a guy named Moses.

Moses is from Burma (Myanmar)(between India and Thailand).  He is a new friend of Rusty’s from seminary.  Moses experienced his first Thanksgiving with Rusty, me, and my family.  It was his first time tasting turkey, pie, and mashed potatoes.

Whenever Moses would try something new he would say, “Welcome“.  A slice of pumpkin pie – “Welcome”.  When he’d see something amazing, he’d say, “God bless America”

We took a trip downtown.  It was the first time Moses had seen buildings over 12 stories tall.  God bless America!

 

Ministry:

Many of the other highlights of the year involved ministry, which has been a huge highlight in my life…but I’m not talking about ministry in this Christmas greeting.  You can read about some of those highlights in my monthly ministry blogs.

 

Closing:

That gives you a little taste of my life this year.  I’d love an update on yours.

May God bless you this holiday season and throughout the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Randy