Follow our trip to India

HERE IS THE LINK

singing happy birthday to Jesus on 12seconds.tv

We love you Jesus!!!!

we trust you

we surrender our independence, and choose dependence on you

Thanks for hanging out with us!

sending our christmas letter on 12seconds.tv

Now for the blooper reel

on 12seconds.tv

Some of you will be getting an email or paper copy as well, but I thought I would put it on here for anyone that cared

Here it is . . .

Continually thankful for your influence in our lives, we wanted to share this past year’s happenings with you. We would say that this year’s experience was centered on Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Let’s start with Walk Humbly . . . God has definitely shown us what is good this past year.  So many blessings. . . we are humbled by the overwhelming love and provision that God has shown us.  Our family continues to grow both in numbers and in age, and it looks like there will be another boy joining the crew in March, 2009.  Elliana (almost 5) and Kya (3 ½) have both had a wonderful transition to Countryside Montessori Academy. Elliana is often seen bringing home more and more advanced books, and Kya is surprising us all the time with his increased assortment of skills and knowledge. It really is a joy to see them love learning ☺. Dakota (1 ½ ) is loving his dedicated Mommy time and enjoys making us laugh each day; he’s a little ham.

Continuing now to Love Mercy. . . Ang took a wonderfully risky leap of faith this year. . . and I couldn’t be more proud of her transition.  She resigned as a mental health therapist from St. Mary’s College in May, so that she could be home with the kids. Such hard work. . . with very little credit. . . but we both feel much better about our “new” system of things. Ted also took a leap this year with establishing greenLockers as an official non-profit organization. There’s a possibility that it’ll be in 20 schools this year . . . just crazy!! . . . but I guess when God wants to provide for the poor – he finds a way, and we feel humbled to be a part of God’s mercy to others.
-     Mercy sure is interesting isn’t it?. . . never is it fair, but God keeps giving it to us. . . and in turn we can share it with others. I have ventured into the blogosphere this past year (www.tedbryant.org) – and it has proven to be an incredible daily tool to show others God’s mercy – feel free to check it out sometime – there is much more about India, greenLockers, my random ranting, Bethel College, and our family on there.

Now to Do Justly. . . . justice has taken a new place in our hearts this year, for starters . . . our next child is named Dane Justice Bryant. In addition, I am venturing to India in a few days with a team from our church (including Angela’s father) to pioneer efforts in discerning how we can partner with International Justice Mission (http://www.ijm.org) to facilitate the end of child slavery and prostitution in the state of Tamil Nadu. God always seems to be up to something . . . hopefully we will be still enough to hear God’s will for our lives.  We look forward to the adventure of 2009. May you feel God’s abundant love all around you this Christmas season!

So, there once was a man named Stephen. . . .

He started coming to church, and God blew his mind. . .

He decided to follow this Jesus – even down to Mexico. . .twice . . . and baptized there.

Then down to College, where he is becoming an animator . . . . seriously, I love this guy!

He is a FORCE for the Kingdom, though he will never admit it, and I can’s wait to see what God continues to do with him.

Check this out:

So, I thought for those of you who are not sure what the point is for me and the team to go over to India – here are two videos introducing International Justice Mission, which is the organization we are partnering with while over in India.

video 1

Video 2

Yesterday morning a group of tremendous friends of mine got together at 7:30 in the morning to pray for several aspects of our trip. . . . seriously, I cannot thank them enough!!!!

I want to invite you to be a part of our team as well. . . . God has already provided for my finances, but pray support is always needed – AND I actually believe that Pray IS EFFECTIVE, . . . .so here is a list of 9 things that we prayed about yesterday morning, and that I would love you to pray for as well . . .

9. Our families that we are leaving behind (including spouses and children). . . . you know, my wife is amazing!! She is almost 7 months pregnant, and has a 5, 3, and 1.5 year old running around the house. . . . . you talk about commitment and sacrifice, . . . she is bearing the burden of this trip WITHOUT GETTING ANY CREDIT (which is not unusual for mother’s these days). . . . . all for God’s glory – -Trust me. . .  her offering in all of this is tremendous, and I am grateful for her sacrifice. . . . . . . . she is not alone, each of the team members have people that are sacrficing so we can go – I pray that God blesses them during the 11 days.

8. For the Leaders – both on our team, as well as over in India. . . . that their discernment and communication is clear, and that their preparation is sufficient.

7. For our safe Travel (O’hare to Newark – 3hours; Newark to New Amsterdam -10 hours; New Amsterdam to New Delhi – 12.5 hours; New Delhi to Chennai – 3 hours; then on a train for 6-8 hours, then on a car/bus for another 2) . . . . one way

6. For our attitudes – both individually, and as a team – that humility, flexibility, servanthood, enjoyment, unity, patience, and being positive will be pervasive.

5. For our spiritual development, openness, and protection (here at home as well)

4. For our accurate analysis of the worldview that we are up against, and eyes to see any opportunities presently and/or in the future that God may have for us reaching those that are in bonded slave labor and prostitution.

3. Our health and strength (for our families as well)

2. That God will already be preparing the hearts of those that we will encounter so that His love and truth may be received in full

1. That all that happens in our homes and in India will be according to God’s perfect plan and purpose

Do you want to know what my biggest fear is in going to India . . . . ?

I would say that overall, . . . I am not afraid much at all about this trip. . . . anxious to get there. . . . excited about the possibilities. . . . . OF COURSE!!. . . . . but not a lot of fear. . . . EXCEPT -

You see, I have been on many trips, even mission trips, both domestic and internationally, . . . I have traveled all through Europe, been to Africa twice, Jamaica, Mexico and Canada several times, Japan. . . . . . . I have a lot of experience with other cultures. . . . . . now we are getting close to my fear. . . . can you guess it ???

My greatest fear is that I will not humble myself enough, acknowledge my ignorance/biases/naivete/short-sightedness/pride – you know. . .  think that this is in some way old-hat. . . right. . . that I am so experienced. . . . . .because for some reason I have to make others think that I “have it all together” . . .  blah, blah . . . . . . . that I will miss it. . . that I will miss even a minute of what God is trying to show me, how he is wanting to use me. 

You see if I don’t humble myself completely. . . . . . submit myself COMPLETELY. . . then I am just taking up space in my heart and mind that could be filled with GOD – if I would just get out of the way. . . . . . . it reminds me of the fact that I am just supposed to be a clay pot. . . and the minute that I start thinking “I got this down” or “I know what to expect” etc… is the minute that I put a lid on my pot. . . and a lid on how much God can use me. . . . . . I miss out on all of the “living water” that God wants to fill me with. . . .to carry to those who are hurting, broken, and hopeless. . . . what. . . a tragedy, . . . . .and here’s the kicker of my fear. . .I know that I’m pretty full of myself sometimes. . . .

Please help me Father – I submit to you now all that I think I “know” about this trip. . . . may I experience and learn fully from you. . . without the hinderance AT ALL of my own prideful heart and mind. . . . . . I want to boast of NOTHING besides you. . . . . use me, . . please . . . . . despite of me.

So, with 12 days to go before India. . . I thought it was appropriate to give you my top 12 reasons for being excited about going to India:

12. I have studied the Indian Bonded Labour System Act, 1976 in detail, and the International Justice Mission review of the lavour laws of India. . .  I feel like I am ready on the legal side

11. I have studied Hinduism and the possible communicative avenues with Christianity

10. There are 27 million slaves in the world today. . . 20 million in India!

9. I do not deserve what I have . . . nor did I have any choice in being born where I was born to the parents that I was born too. . . . . . . . . . . . . neither did these Indians. . .

8. The Church has done a decent job with feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and healing the sick (though we are still behind quite a bit with the AIDS epidemic), but has done virtually nothing. . . . with Justice. . . . it’s time to start!

7. These people do not deserve to be beaten and/or raped every day . . . just so they can keep there jobs, and feed their children

6. God commands that we “do justice” (Micah 6:8)

5. I want to help the church discover what type of worldview we are up against. . . . and what is the door to get through those particular barriers. . . .hey, . . . I can’t help that I’m a social scientist!

4. I have 3 children (4th coming in March, whose middle name will be Justice/Justus) . . . I want them to know that their Daddy loves people enough and hates injustice enough to be a pioneer half-way around the world

3. Because when people say that they do not want to hear. . . or see. . .  about the atrocities of this world. . . . that they can’t do anything about it anyway. . . . . . well, . . . . . I just flat out disagree. . . . what else is the point of “being a light” unless we are trying to discover a path in the darkness for the weak and wounded to follow, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to show love to those who have never known or felt what it means . . . . to come home. . . . to be accepted. . . to be free. . . .and to be loved.   

2. Jesus in essence became a bond-servant. . . enslaved to the limitations of humanity,  our sin, and even death. . . . . he actually CHOSE that everyday. . . why? . . . so that we (all humankind) don’t have to.

1. I am just trying to love like He loved. . . I just can’t get enough of Jesus. . . the more I get to know Him. . . . the more I understand really how beautifully/powerfully different He was/is. . . . and the more I want to be like Him. . .. . pray for us all please, AND our families that we are leaving behind. . . thank you

I got these in an email recently, and thought I would share them all with you. . . . These are some great comics . . . . especially for a psychologist!

so, I love vocabulary games, and I love to feed hungry people starving all around the world . . . .

I can do both here: . . (a game that can really help someone study for the GRE too!)

http://www.freerice.com/index.php

My colleague (Dr. Stephanie Carlson) told me about this link – Thanks Stephanie!

We were covering some social psychology stuff the other day in General Psychology - specifically, conformity and obedience.  So, . . . . . and I am sure you will all be surprised by this. . . . I decided to use some youtube videos to bring home some of the material.

I first showed them this video on conformity (a little old, but the students always get a kick out of the sweet clothes!), and it gets the students warmed up:)

I then ask for some of their reactions, but we do not spend very much time on it. . . because I am just wanting to lay the foundations for the next video:

I then go through a series of questions that the students respond to – usually in written form first (just because some people want time to collect their thoughts – and feel much more comfortable writing it all out first), and then we end up discussing them after we are all the way through. I give them a couple of minutes after each question to write out their responses . . . . a few more minutes after some of the more difficult ones (i.e., #6).

1. What are your intial reactions to this?
2. Why do you think it is that when Stanley Milgram (before he did the experiment) asked psychologists to predict what percentage of people they thought would go all the way to the lethal level of shock (450 volts) . . . the psychologists predicted only 1/10th of 1% . . . . . .?
3. Migram’s parents were Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany. . . how do you think this might of changed his view on Nazis?
4. What do these two videos/experiments tell us about the human race?
5. Do you think you would have gone all the way to the most severe shock if you were the “teacher” in the second video? . . . explain why
6. How do these two videos. . . and especially the second one. . . .relate to our faith. . . what we believe. . . and how we end of up believing certain things about our faith.
7. Define obedience
8. What type of obedience does God want from you?

What ensues then is a great discussion involving class material, personal experiences, and faith. . . . . . . and that combination, . . . . ALWAYS makes me happy. . . . .man! I love what I get to do:)!

First of all, thanks for caring . . . and I always welcome your prayers for me, my wife and kids, and all the other individuals going on this trip (and their families that are left behind).

I just wanted to ease some of the concerns that some of you might have (i.e., Mom). . . so here are some highlights that our fearless leader . . . Jack Magruder. . . . has given us (feel free to view the whole message. . . at our Team Blog).  

1. By now you have probably heard of all the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India – if not you can get the full story here:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,458270,00.html

a bit of a snapshot can be viewed in this video:

2. From Jack’s update – First of all, please let me state plainly and simply that we will never willingly drop a team of GCC members into a situation that is known to be overtly dangerous or hostile. While there is always a certain amount of risk associated with international travel of any kind, of course, we will monitor the situation in India closely for resolution, and will be paying attention to the US State Department for analysis about the relative safety of contiuing to travel to/from or operation within the country.

3. Where we will be going is actually very far away from the terrorist attacks ~~ the distance resembles the distance between New York City and South Bend (roughly 700 miles)

4. Our airline tickets DO NOT have us routing through Mumbai

5. That being said – please continue to pray fro India and our pioneering Justice team . . . . read these last few words from Jack. . . In the last 10 years, it has attempted to bring itself out of the Stone Ages and into the light as a global super-power (economically, militarily, socially and governmentally), and the tension that occurs with that kind of seismic upheaval is always difficult, and sometimes (as in this case), violent and tragic. As you pray, please ask God that this horrific evil will result in a greater openness for those of us who are attempting to bring the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior into such Darkness, and that his Light and Love will triumph over the spirit of oppression and violence that is pervading India now.

Much more on India coming the next few days!!

So, Rob Wegner had a great little discussion about this video the other day on his blog. . . and I just wanted to continue it here:

What do you think this video means – is it good news or bad. . . or both . . . or neither? You tell me:

Here was the last question from the post the other day:   In your experience, when you know you’re “meant” to become something/someone, yet there is a hurdle that looks to huge to jump over, what do you do? It’s like you know and feel you’re on the right path, but in the middle of the path there is a wall that goes for miles and miles. What do you do then?

1. First and foremost, continually pray for guidance and discernment throughout each and every one of these steps – seriously. . . it is my belief that without the Spirit’s guidance – we have very little chance of perceiving the fullest extent of God’s hand in our lives.  He is soooo far above us. . . His ways are so far above our own understanding. . . . everyday I acknowledge to Him that I have no shot at having a successful day without His Spirit. . . seriously!

2. Analyze your SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart/passion, abilities, personality, experience) to see how God has wired you up – and see if it lines up with your perceived calling. If it does not – then this DOES NOT mean you abandon the idea completely b/c God has done stranger things than that, but the analysis of your SHAPE will bring you to quite a bit of insight on how to proceed. . . .in both your strengths and weaknesses

3. Seek wise counsel - open up in detail to people that know you, AND will be honest with you.

4. Seek out an expert on this particular wall – ask them how to get through it - who knows. . . you may meet somebody through that search experience that God wants to connect you with.

5. After gathering all of this information: break the wall down into smaller steps if possible

6. So you don’t become overwhelmed, always remember – many times, you don’t have to knock the whole wall down – you just need to knock enough down to slip through

7. Somewhere around here – remind yourself of the story of Jericho. . . . . remind yourself of God’s soveriegnty amidst impossible barriers. . . . and remind yourself that He asked them to walk around a huge wall, get mocked, be patient, and blow horns for 6 days – i.e., the barrier will seem impossible to get through, there may be persecution, there will likely be a time of waiting and diligence on your part, and there may be be a time where you just need to do what God tells you – even if it seems a bit far-fetched

8. After each small step – reevaluate the wall to make sure it hasn’t changed (thus, there may be a change in strategy)

9. After each small step – reevaluate yourself to make sure you haven’t changed (thus, there may be a different plan for you or for how you specifically – based on your SHAPE – should move onto the next step).

10. Enjoy the adventure. . . . there will be ups and downs (and it is great to document those for later review - e.g., a journal), but I believe that in time – God will reveal it to you. . .

Ok so here’s the deal  – a few people have asked me about this lately, and even though I was originally going to wait until website www.greenlockers.org was finished – I decided to go ahead and catch everyone up now, and then I’ll let you know when the site is done:).

History (brief):

4 years ago I was working on my PhD at Notre Dame, I decided to go down to Back2Back in Mexico with Lifeline (now called Granger Student Ministries), Corey Mann mentioned to us that we needed to fill 40 suitcases full of school supplies to give away. I think that stressed us all out a little bit. . . that is a lot of pencils! However, I remember that night in my quiet time God telling me, with His great sense of humor. . . “40? . . . I am so much bigger than 40 suitcases”. In the coming days, I believe that God allowed me to remember back to my own school days, and specifically, the locker clean-out days at the end of every year. You know. . . . when there is a controlled dump of all of the contents of your locker into the nearest trashcan (which were located every 3 feet in the hallway). I simply thought. . . what if, . . . instead of throwing away everything, I provided different containers that the students could put new or slightly used school supplies and clothes into?? That was the beginning of greenLockers (it was called Trash to Treasure until this year).

Simple enough idea, I thought. It is a long story so let’s fast forward a bit. . . I was in two schools that first year (Clay High School first and then Discovery Middle School). Though I am forever grateful to Joy Laurent over at Clay . . .  it was a nightmare at the high school level – all of my boxes were destroyed with pop cans, and the custodial staff – literally – cussed me out, until they saw me cleaning all of the hallways myself . . . . side note. . . . I was literally, so discouraged that first day that I nearly gave up. . . that is, until someone cussed me out about how stupid of an idea this was. . . . well. . . that’s all it took for my competitive juices to go into overdrive. . . . . I decided right then in there that I was all in!!! . . . no way was I going to back down now!!   On the other hand. . . Discovery Middle School was a complete success. I received, with no advertising, and minimal effort, over 20 pillow boxes worth of materials (way more than 40 suitcases) that year.

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During year two, I partnered with 5-star, Waste Management (who donated over 200 big trash totes for free), Feed The Children (used some of their warehouse space for free), and Granger Community Church (for sorting and distribution of collected materials – to The Crossing for example). In each 5-star school, I set up leadership teams of students that would be in charge of putting the totes in the hallways on the appropriate days as well as advertising by word of mouth. I focused on Middle schools due to the wide range of supplies (i.e., art supplies for little kids as well as notebooks and stuff for older kids), the respect of the students and teachers, and the already present influence of 5-star. I received over 6500 pounds of materials from those 5 schools – - an unbelievable success! Those supplies then went to a local alternative school, some ministries in Chicago, as well as Back2Back in Mexico.

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Here is a picture of Corey and I unloading some more containers

good times - over 6500 pounds of supplies!

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Last year (year 3), we were going to be in 9 schools (same as 5-star), but I had to leave to go out of town at the end of last May, and so the project did not go through.  That is why this year. . . .it is not all on me. . . in fact I am raising up a team right now that is going to be able to take this project to the next level

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So where do we stand this year:

1. 5-star is in 11 schools. . . . we’ll be there too!

2. If you would like to get your school involved – please let me know – it’s very easy!!

3. I am now officially partnered with Entermission, which means that I have non-profit status. . . . . so yes. . . I know you are dying to donate . . . it can be a tax deduction. . . please let me know if you want to donate – time, materials, trucks, and/or finances

4. I am also partnering with Better World Books to help distribute the books that I received through greenLockers – in return a portion of their profit will be donated back into greenLockers. If you want to help with a book drive at your school or college for used novels or textbooks (college only) – to help fund greenLockers – please let me know!

5. I am currently trying to set up drives for people in St. Joseph county (except for Mishawaka) to donate their old recycling bins from Solid Waste Management – as they are changing over to the new big toters at the beginning of 2009, and they are not requiring you to turn them back in. I have been working with Solid Waste Management – and they have already gotten me started with some of their exra bins. . . . but I am going to need hundreds/thousands of these bins in order to be in all of the schools in the area – if you want to donate your container or organize a drive at your local school/neighborhood – please let me know

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The vision:

Short-term: Run a successful campaign in 5-star schools – solidifying the role of the 5-star students, establish a reasonable and replicable drop-off/pick-up/storage system from a logistics perspective, and establish new avenues for distributing materials.

Long-term: I would like to be able to move into schools outside of 5-star with other eligible student/parent groups (NHS, PTA, etc…), and also move into some High schools – once the program is established in their associated/feeder middle schools (i.e., so the students know what to expect – more likely to respect the effort).

Dream-term: Not going to shy away from this. . . I don’t see any reason why this can’t someday be in every school in the country . . . . there is a great need nationally and internationally, and it costs very little money. . . seriously. . . if God wants it to happen. . . and I don’t screw up too badly (that’s a big “if”). . . it’s going to happen.

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Mission slogan (still a work in progress):

resourcing students, moving them forward

resourcing students, moving forward

resourcing students. . . forward

resourcing students, moving the world forward

*****let me know if you prefer one over the other and/or have another suggestion

=

The Logo (or with black background?? - I am open to suggestions) ** this was showing up last night, but may not be displayed on some computers – sorry:

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The Credit:

To the creator God who charged us to be responsible over His creation. . . . . what an honor! . . . . . . humbly, I come to play a small part . . . .

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Why it works?

1. There is no extra pull on a school’s resources – financially or staff-wise.

2. Adults and children alike naturally want to help others, if it is at no cost to them.

3. It could help supplicate local school resources – especially in the inner-city.

4. It is easy for the student body to understand, and takes little to no extra effort on their part.

5. Participating in this project is not a risk to the student’s peer status.

6. Students are more likely to contribute when they see fellow students (5-star, NHS, etc…) leading the charge.

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My prayer:

That others will experience God’s love through both the giving and receiving of these supplies. . . gifts that can help break cycles. . .give hope. . . enable them to no longer be ashamed. . . provide access to truth and discovery. . . .helping them . . . moving the world forward. . . .together as one. . .

First question asked through Facebook to me:

. . . why are you so excited about what you teach? how do you do it? dealing with kids like me…lol marking tests and still having time for your family.

Answer: First of all, I love College students in all of their diversity because they are trying to figure what type of men and women they want to become- and they are starting to get serious about it- -  – I don’t get discouraged at all when I see them have hiccups in their path (whether it is their choice or not) – in fact I really enjoy playing whatever part I can in journeying along with them during those times – That’s what God does for me – - and though I am not God – I’m just doing what I can to love like He loves. . .

I get such a kick out of seeing the “aha!” moments in students’ lives, but what people often forget is that in order to have those moments – there must be times preceding those moments when there was confusion and misuderstanding – so I expect it – it’s just two sides of the same coin. . . . I just love being the one that trys to flip it for them. . . . . . and. . . . I’ll admit. . . . I love to entertain, have fun, and start some fires . . . and teaching in College just seems like such a natural spot for that – -at least for me

As far as family goes. . . a lot of that credit goes to my amazing wife!!! (read some of the posts about here on this blog!). Together. . . . . and that is the key phrase. . . . together, we discuss priorities, time management, scheduling. . . we are far from perfect. . . . . but being commited to communicating well with each other. . . . that has been such a help when it comes to the dillemas surrounding balance in our lives.

Question 2:

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Answer:

This one is easy. . . and it’s actually a conglomeration of multiple events summed up simply as . . laughing at the dinner table with my family . . . we would be eating – discussing the day, and then we would start laughing sooooo hard, and then Jonathan (My older, but not the oldest brother) would not be able to control himself, so he would have to leave the table into the other room. . . .we would all calm down a bit. . . . slowly. . . . but, everytime he would try and return. . . he would just bust out again, which would make the rest of us completely lose control again. . . .oh!. . . . good times!!

TOMORROW – I will give all the details you could have ever wanted on my School recycling project!!! – stay tuned

So, it has officially been about 4 months into the blog project. . . . and I wanted to give you guys a chance to ask me questions. . just write a question down in the comments link below. . . any question at all – it can be something personal, professional, spiritual, or just curiousical (ok. . . not a word – but you know). . .

Thanks again for your time and interest. . . . your thoughts are invaluable to me. . . thanks for sharing them over the past 4 months

BY THE WAY: I will have new information regarding my greenLockers project (collecting new or slightly used school supplies and clothes from area middle schools during locker clean-out days) coming out soon

I love being a professor and having a flexible schedule. . . however, right now I am very busy and needing all of the extra time I can get, and so can my students. . . .

So, I mentor three young men at Bethel (who are amazing by the way!), and I decided to cancel our weekly meeting today, so that they can relax, take a nap, chill with friends, or get something else done. I did that around noonish or so . . . . . . . .well . . . . .at around 3:30. . . . . I was watching the snow globe outside and decided – - you know what. . . . I will stay up a bit later tonight grading – but right now. . . I am going home to go sledding with the kiddos !!!!

What a great time we had outside today in the snow. . . sledding, snow-angels, making a snowman (you know the classics) . . . then – ginger bread house making . . . topped off with hot chocolate . . . yep. . . that’ll do . . . . making memories!!

I saw this video posted on Anthony Parrott’s facebook and I really started thinking about it. . . . could it really be this simple? . . . .why do we spend so much?. . . . why do we feel so obligated to do so? . . . can we do both – give material gifts, and live out the meaning of this season? . . .you tell me?

I am hoping that I can, b/c well . . . . I have already bought some of my gifts, . . . but we also are making a real push in my family to limit such spending for many of the reasons listed in this video. As Ang and I were talking the other night we decided that it would be an absolute tragedy for our children (and ourselves) to unlearn gratefulness, or to ever think that it is better to receive than to give. . . .these are difficult principles to instill in us. . . . which is why so very few people actually have them as part of their core (by NO MEANS am I saying that we are some of those few). However, I have no doubt that they were part of Jesus’ core . . . . . and that is what we are aspiring to as individuals and as a family. . . . . . one small step at a time . . . we (Ang and I – as well as Elliana and Kya) had a great time serving at faith mission in Elkhart for Thanksgiving. . . . can’t wait to see what the next opportunity is . . . . I am sure that it will take time and effort. . . but, . . . . . . we believe it is worth it