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I’ve just finished listening to a reading of a message by Henri Nouwen once again. I recommend it highly, and recommend returning to it several times. It’s a reminder for each of us of the importance we approach the ministry we are involved in together.

Nouwen reminds us to begin with Solitude, then Community, and then Ministry. To quote Nouwen: “So often in ministry, I have wanted to do it by myself. If it didn’t work, I went to others and said, “Please!” searching for a community to help me. If that didn’t work, maybe I’d start praying.”

He points us to the story in Luke chapter 6 which contains three main times: evening, morning, and afternoon. We are urged/led by Jesus to spend time in God’s presence before anything, a time where we exist in the identity He gives us as “my Beloved”. It’s a great place to be, in solitude, and just allow God to pour that identity over you as one who is Loved by God. Meditating on a few words from the Gospel, or simply being silent, breathing before the throne.

And it’s having that identity firmly planted in you, that moves you to seeing that same identity in others, as Loved by God. That moves one “Beloved” to desire to relate to another “Beloved” as we respond by our lives to God in a statement of “We Love you too”. And as we form communities (marriages, families, churches, other groups) of Beloved’s, our identities continue to come solely from our loved-ness. We are able to let go of anything else. “He is my shepherd, I shall not want.” No desire for praise/approval from man, or worldly comforts, etc.

As we are freed toward Love, Compassion, Mercy, etc. (Kingdom Living); our Love infinitely compels us to reveal this “being loved by God” to others. In word, in deed, both infinitely sacrificial, and infinitely rewarding; we find ourselves filled by His Spirit, and involved in Ministry that helps communicate God’s Love to this creation, and these who are created in His image.

And it all began by spending time apart. Away from busy-ness. Away from distraction. Not awaiting some mystical voice to come calling on a rushing wind. But simply aware of Words already spoken, and being spoken through all of creation: I am Loved by God.

You may remember a post from September, about TEAM USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey team. I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath. Waiting, as team Russia, team Sweden, and various other countries have announced their roster. Waiting for the January 1st outdoor “Winter Classic” game, where the 2010 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey team would be announced.

If you’re like me, you may have missed it because you were driving home somewhere between Calhoun, GA and Decatur, IL. But no worries, the results are still available. Yes, a LOT of young players, that includes a son of the former “Miracle” team from 1980. It’ll be a struggle, but might be possible for us to get some sort of medal. Remember to tune in mid-February, I’ll keep you posted on the schedule. For now, in case you don’t like clicking:

Forwards

First Line

C Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche

LW Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

RW Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Second Line

C Chris Drury, New York Rangers

LW Scott Gomez, New York Rangers

RW Phil Kessel, Boston Bruins

Third Line

C Mike Modano, Dallas Stars

LW Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning

RW Brian Gionta, New Jersey Devils

Fourth Line

C Tim Connolly, Buffalo Sabres

LW Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey Devils

RW David Backes, St. Louis Blues

Defensemen

First Pairing

LD Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings

RD Mike Komisarek, Montreal Canadiens

Second Pairing

LD Ryan Whitney, Pittsburgh Penguins

RD Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

Third Pairing

LD Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues

RD Paul Martin, New Jersey Devils

Goaltenders

Starter

G Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Backup

G Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

We took a family vacation, together with my side of the family, to Orlando, Florida for Christmas this year. On my wife’s recommendation, we did not drive the full 16 hours each way at once….but split into two 8 hour days…ish. 🙂 Probably a safe decision.

Addie was able to meet Cinderella, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. Not to mention countless other characters from those and other popular Disney classics. Sophie got to ride Dumbo, Small World, and see the Country Bear Jamboree, etc. And Ruby…well, Ruby got to drool a lot, and was kissed by Minnie Mouse.

We started out with Addie coming off a cold/fever thing. She ended up giving it to her sisters, and they ended up sharing it with most of the family at one point or another on our trip…culminating in daddy gettin’ it pretty bad on the way home, and still hackin’ up a lung as he types. New Years was spent at a hotel in Calhoun, GA….with daddy passed out on the bed and mommy trying to convince 3 little girls who sat in car seats all day to sleep.

But illnesses aside, it was a pretty sweet trip. Just spending such amounts of time with my daughters made me realize just how much I’m usually away from them. Being able to spend one on one time with each of them was pretty great…watching them in everyday moments. (read “everyDAY moments”, the middle of the night moments were still taken for granted, probably) Hanging out with family, Disney, chillin’ at the resort, dinner in/out together, Daytona Beach, etc. Nice to be home, even if the thermostat is borderline for flip flops. 🙂

Looking forward to all that God has in store for us in 2010, and thankful for the friends and family we’ve been blessed with!!!