End-of-the-Year Thoughts

It's that time of the year when I invariably begin to start thinking about what happened throughout the year; and about what I might expect for the coming year. I'm sure that over the next month or so, I will have several more such contemplations. I've had quite a full year. I participated in the life events of friends - weddings, funerals, and anniversary celebrations. I worked on my house - started painting the garage, changed the windows and patio doors, and bought a new HDTV. I saw my Career Adult Sunday School class quadruple in size. I finished the Apologetics Certificate program at Biola. One renter moved out of my condo property; and a new one moved in. And, I would say that two of the highlights of my year were probably my trips to Israel and to Australia. I didn't really expect to go back to Israel again this year; but, I saw the flyer from Insight for Living; and took the opportunity. I'm so glad I did; for, it really was a neat trip and I had the privilege of being baptized by immersion in the Jordan River. I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing Pastor Chuck Swindoll preach; and listening to the great music of the piano duo Nielson & Young. Australia is somewhere I've wanted to go to for a very long time. Sydney was beautiful; and I had the great privilege of being able to go to both an Opera and a Concert at the Sydney Opera House. As for what I may expect the coming year, I hope to see my class grow closer together. People in the class are already actively serving in the church; but, it would be neat to see how we might be even more effective serving together as a class. I have more plans for work on the house; and I would be interested to see what new areas of service the LORD will bring me into. I would like to form deeper relationships and make more of an impact for the Kingdom in the lives of those around me.