Looking Back 2008

2008, December. Chicago is holding its breath tonight as another snowstorm is forecast to hit area in the next few hours. A few days ago, the evening rush hour was ground to a halt when snow fell upon the area. It took my dad close to five hours to drive home from work in Franklin Park that night. Why does Winter seem different now that were adults? Remember when you were a kid? The excitement of the first snow fall. Snow days. The Blizzard of ‘79 (if you grew up in Chi-town). Sledding. Making snowmen and snow angels. I’ll admit it – Winter is not my favorite season; but, on a few star-filled nights, it’s easy to let the wonder of your childhood memories come rushing back as you breath into your lungs the cold evening air and get that feeling that it’s good to be alive.

"A thousand times I’ve failed, still Your mercy remains
and should I stumble again still I’m caught in your grace.

Caitlyn (no. 7) playing in a conference volleyball tournament in October.

Caitlyn’s sophomore year of high school went by quickly. She is now in her junior year at Chicago Hope Academy and is beginning to take a look at colleges. Caitlyn continued to play volleyball this year and was the main setter on the junior varsity team. In May, we celebrated her 16th birthday with a giant fashion show that was held in our backyard. She had asked her closest friends from school and church to participate and everyone practiced and had a blast putting it together. (Here’s a link to the fashion show video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXo9tO6cOLE). Caitlyn also took driver’s ed this summer and now has her permit. Yikes!

Everlasting Your light shines when all else fades.

Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame.

Alex's long jump attempt at the C.A.L.L. Track & Field Event in May. She placed 1st in the 400 and 50 meter events for the 5th & 6th grade girls division.

Alexandra is in her 7th grade of elementary school now and has just begun practice for the upcoming basketball season at St. Andrew. She keeps busy throughout the school year by participating in all of the sports that are offered at school. During the Chicago Area Lutheran Association’s annual forensics competition last month, she placed 1st in Declamation for her performance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Alex also celebrated a milestone birthday this year when turned 13 on November 7th. It’s hard to believe that Darrin and I are now the parents of two teenagers.

Alexandra and her friends celebrating her 13th birthday.

The girls goofing around at Janice's new condo.

Both girls had opportunities to spend a week at different youth camps this past Summer. Alexandra attended Northland Camp up in Wisconsin and Caitlyn attended Phantom Ranch with her youth group from Armitage, as well as Sunshine Cove with the girls from Chicago Hope before the start of the school year.

My heart and my soul, I give You control.

Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace to love You from the inside out.

In June, we spent a few days up in the Wisconsin Dells. We drove up right after the Midwest experienced torrential rain, which lead to heavy flooding. The big talk of the town was how Lake Delton emptied out its contents into the Wisconsin River. It was a sight to see. Later that week, the girls and I surprised Darrin with a 40th birthday party at a local restaurant. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t surprised, but I think that he had a good time with his family and friends that were able to attend.

Old friends ... Rob Daulton and Darrin.

This past year has been a transitional year for me physically. I headed back to the gym in January, but it took me a few months to gather enough courage to try running again after last year’s surgery. I had to get past a big mental block; but, on April 8th, I ran for the first time after an eight month hiatus. In May, I decided to get serious about reaching some health goals; so, I started working with a trainer once a week at my gym. It was tough, but it was worth it because the strength training really made the difference along with the cardio. During the warmer weather, I run at lunchtime with my friend Jennifer from work and it has helped with accountability and encouragement. I trained for and ran in the Nike Human Race 10K (6.2 miles) in late August on behalf of The Lance Armstrong Foundation. At the start of the race, it was 87 degrees, which made it one of the most challenging runs in my life. I finished in 1:12:46 and my knee felt pretty good afterward. Jennifer and I are going to train for a half-marathon next year. It will be my big 4-0 goal. I am grateful to once again have the ability to run.

Your will above all else. My purpose remains the art of losing myself in bringing You praise.

And I remember ... the beauty of freshly fallen snow; early morning prayers with a friend; the joy of freshly brewed coffee at 5:30 a.m.; the cougar roaming Roscoe Village; dreaming of Dublin mornings; working the concession stand along with other Chicago Hope parents at Altgeld Park during home football games on Friday nights; the "Faces of Women"; the Big Give; the lunar eclipse; honeysuckle and fuller hydrangeas; holding a plank pose; Looptopia with the girls; watching my daughters participate in their sporting events; Chef Gordon Ramsey telling me that I had a beautiful name; singing "Politik", "Lost" and "Fix You" along with Coldplay at the United Center; seeing the city bathed in an August sunset as we made the turn to head back north along the lake shore path; saying good-bye to our pet hampster, Adam; celebrating more "40th" birthdays; celebrating the U.S. Olympic team at the Oprah Show in Millennium Park; having a cough that never seemed to go away; hugs from the 4's & 5's on Sundays; landscaping the corner garden; perfect days; trying to track down Ringo Starr at Buckingham Fountain on his birthday with a little love and peace; U23D; Earth Hour; Guitar Hero and Rock Band jam sessions in our basement; hearing that one of my pictures was selected for inclusion on the Schmap Dublin Map Guide; running around the perimeter of Grant Park during Lollapalooza; our very own shower in the office; hearing a voice that’s still whispering; the ability to fill my lungs with air to breathe and muscles that continue to propel this still 30-something body; just how good God is ... "all for His glory."

Everlasting Your light shines when all else fades.
Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame.

2009. May the new year bring you much love and peace. We pray that during this holiday season, you will be reminded of the blessings and gifts that money cannot buy. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Thank you for being a part of our lives.

Above: Caitlyn, Megan, Alexandra, Darrin, Jennifer & me ... at Megan's 16th & Jennifer's 21 birthday party in December.

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out."
"From the Inside Out" by Joel Houston