On the last day of 2011 I am finally doing what I have thought about doing for the last two weeks; writing a few thoughts about the year that ends today. My buddy Mark Wingfield gave me that last bit of inspiration I needed. He writes so well and so often and I really enjoy reading his notes. Thanks Mark and hope you keep notes coming!
Here is my lookback:
Early 2011 was a little rough as my Mom passed away in January. She had suffered for several years with COPD and we all knew that the day of her passing would not be far away. It was difficult, especially for my Dad as he said goodbye to his bride of 60 years. Mom was personally ready to go and had that peace of God that Jesus gives right to the end. I know she is with the Lord.
The year brought some more death of people I knew well. Bruce’s Dad, Cecil passed away in March. We all miss Cecil, especially at the Coffee House this year as he used to wear his powered Santa hat and make us all laugh. I also lost a very special friend right before Thanksgiving, Mr. Tom Bass. I spent some great days with Mr. Bass over the last few years. That man taught me a lot and he did it with very few words. I will miss him greatly. I would love to see his face at the table that is set before him now!
At the beginning of 2011 Jordyn got involved with the Richmond Christian Youth Theatre (CYT). She was in two shows and loved it. We enjoyed the process as well and even all the trips to Richmond were fun as we spent that extra time together. We knew Jordyn would be leaving for college in the fall so we tried to squeeze in as much family time as we could this year. Speaking of college, in preparation for those financial challenges, Becky went back to work (outside of home and church) in May after many years devoted to being a teaching Mom and Volunteer Church Administrator.
Jordyn left for Liberty University in August and has completed her first semester as a resident student. She loves it and is doing quite well if I may brag about my daughter. Before she left for college we enjoyed our annual beach trip with Johnny and Pat, Ryan and Holly and Amanda even made it with Jaelynn in tow. That was a great week as always.
2011 was year seven for Community Christian Fellowship. Once again God amazed me through the people that are CCF. I would mention specific church events, worship services, bible studies, prayer meetings, service projects, or the fact that more were baptized through CCF than any other previous year (guess I just did) but it sounds like I am talking more about our accomplishments instead of God’s work. It is all God. Little CCF is part of God’s massive Kingdom here on earth and it is good and just so awesome to be a part of His work. “This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”- Psalm 118:23
As 2011 came to a close for CCF we had our annual Christmas Coffee House and on Christmas Eve Eve, CCF had a first ever impromptu “Christmas Pageant.” It was fun and a blessing as we worshipped the Lord remembering the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
On Christmas Day my new baby granddaughter arrived! Zoey Maria Rivera was born to Amanda and Josh and Jaelynn has a little sister. Beck, Jordyn and I were able to head down to Fayetteville the day after Christmas and see that beautiful child! Wow! What a way to end the year! Amanda and baby are doing great and Josh is not on deployment (praise the Lord!) so he is able to be with his family.
As 2011 began I read a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas and was inspired to focus more on personal self-denial, really taking up my cross and following Jesus. Looking back on 2011, I know that self did not like that idea at all and resisted constantly but on the eve of 2012, the call is the same. I still hear Jesus say “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Another year, another chance to die. I’m preaching about that tomorrow. I pray I can live it in 2012. Happy New Year!
