Several years ago, we began a tradition of burning down a bayberry candle on New Year’s eve. The idea is to commemorate the good, the bad and the ugly from the closing year. And to be reminded that it all comes from the loving hand of God.
There’s been plenty of each this year. We thank God for never leaving, never forsaking us. We’re here in spite of ourselves and are pursuing His good purposes for our lives. Our names are written on the palm of His hand – we’re never forgotten. and always cherished by Him.
Family
- Dorothy (Lisa’s mother) – after a hellacious health start to the year, she’s getting stronger. The kids look forward to seeing her when she’s up for it & we’re blessed to have her with us still.
- Mom & Dad (Jerry’s folks) – they’re alive and well after enduring another grueling Santa season in West Palm Beach. Dad had a bypass this summer & is feeling great. They’re never home. They’re hipsters with iPhones & have learned how to text. And Skype.
- Weston – 4th grade, 2-3 hours of homework every night, never takes off his Tebow jersey.
- Aubrey – 2nd grade, destined for law school, is in pre-team gymnastics.
- Molly – our cat. She sleeps. Once caught a mouse. Then went back to sleep. Has cattitude.
Audience Of One
Ao1 is a huge blessing in our lives (click the link). An awesome south metro Christian Community theater group. Great kids, great energy, great staff. Lisa has been the music director for several productions over the years. In 2011, Weston was in Seussical, Jr and Peter Pan. Aubrey was in Once Upon A Timeshop and Annie, Jr. All 3 are involved in Beauty and the Beast (Spring, 2012). I employ my vast artistic talents by driving them all over creation to rehearsals, etc.
(Back in a minute – the kids are fighting)
OK – where were we…
Lisa Work
Lisa’s Kindermusik business continues to grow. 2011 was a banner year for her – more students & locations than ever. In addition, she received several notable recognitions:
- Board Position – she was nominated and elected to the PKE board in November (3 year term)
- Maestro – she achieved Maestro status in the summer. Places her in the top 5% (out of 5,000) Kindermusik educators worldwide
Travel
We were privileged to take to the road several time this year.
- Carlsbad Caverns – went to the caverns during spring break. Cool place. Learned what guano is.
- Phoenix Road Trip with Weston – Weston went with me during a 2 week business trip to Phoenix in July. Thanks to the Baude cousins for watching him while I worked. We did some man stuff. A massive haboob greeted us on our arrival into town. Cool.
- Fall Break in Kansas – honestly, the kids pretty much think this was the highlight of their year. A week with Grandma & Grandpa without mom & dad. Doesn’t get much better than that.
- Ireland – I somehow fanagled my way into a 5 day trip to Dublin in November, courtesy of the folks at Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit (more below). Words cannot describe the memories & impact this trip has left on me. Or the food. I’ll never forget the generosity & hospitality shown me on this trip.
- Scottsdale Four Seasons – courtesy of the Wheaton Dillon’s, Lisa & I were able to get away for 5 freakin’ awesome days at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale in May. Did NOT suck. At all. Lisa had a personal pool boy. Nuff said.
- 14ers – bagged a couple 14ers with my brother Jon over the 4th of July holiday. Belford & Oxford. That brings me to 20 successful summits.
Cherry Hills Community Church
Building on the many years of service and community at New Life in Aurora, we made the move to CHCC in 2009. The weekly call to courageous faith, the challenging thought, the opportunities for growth and expression of faith resonate deeply with us. CHCC took a risk on me in January by appointing me Promotional Strategist for the Global Leadership Summit. It’s been rewarding beyond measure – a perfect fit for my talents and calling.
Global Leadership Summit
I simply cannot express how grateful I am to be associated with the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. We had 800 ministry leaders, pastors, business executives and volunteer leaders at our local event at CHCC in August. Nationwide, 75,000 leaders attended the simulcast from Willow Creek. We received volumes of feedback describing the effectiveness and impact of the Summit. It’s so refreshing and encouraging to provide a forum for the sole purpose of helping leaders get better at what they do.
In October, I received an invitation from Willow Creek to join their national leadership team for a local hosting of the Summit in Dublin. We were there for 5 days in November (that’s me at the Hill of Howth along the Irish Sea in the photo above). Buy me a Starbucks & I’ll talk your ear off about the insights gleaned regarding global leadership, the Irish perspective on faith (not that they’ve ever had any church conflict) and Guinness. Dave, Eric, Beth, Jarrett and Grame – thanks for including me. You guys rock!!
Executive Coaching
The thing about me is that, no matter where I go, there I am. After fuddling through some personal challenges & self-imposed glass ceilings, we decided it was time for me to seek out some Executive Coaching to help me get better at whatever it is that I do. I signed up for a one-year commitment with Ministry Coaching International in October.
We meet a couple times a month to discuss personal blind spots, better life practices, courageous faith and visionary leadership. I write a lot of stuff, read a lot of stuff and try to apply some of it. There’s been some significant soul searching and reality to deal with, but this is turning out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s not shrink-wrap. It’s solutions. Much appreciated.
CIM
The organization I work for, Computers In Ministry, enjoyed our best year ever. We added new Ministry Partners throughout the year, became members of Microsoft’s Cloud Champions Club and hired several new key members to our team. We currently have staff up & down the front range, as well as in Phoenix, Seattle and Indianapolis. I love my position with CIM and am blessed to work in partnership with so many ministries focused on kingdom building.
Books
Reading continues to be a passionate hobby of mine. I was moved and challenged by a number of great reads during the year. I manage my book list at Goodreads – you can have a look if you’re like to see what’s on my current reading list.
Friends
There have been a number of friends that have helped us do the life dance this year. Numerous folks that have shouldered the weight of marriage, parenting, work and life with us. God has moved them at strategic times to assist, challenge and process the seasons of life with us. They are the unsung heros that have kept us on the high road and breathed hope into dark places. May God grant them increase in 2012.
Farther up & further in.
Jerry