Late in the evening, December 31, our party spilled outside for fireworks. “Blowing things up with Uncle Joe” is an annual ritual, and always a one-of-a-kind experience!

The children, most in their early teens now, bounded up onto the roof like mountain goats. They wanted to watch the explosions of light and color, yes, but more than that they wanted to be together, to be doing something out of the ordinary; they wanted to build one more memory at the end of a year that was full with them.

It was a good way to say goodbye to a most amazing 365 days.

Welcome to the Year 2014.

PATHWAY: For Rebekah and me, the coming 52 weeks will represent just a small fraction – 1/57th – of our lifetime. For our granddaughter, Beks, 2014 is going to be 114 times greater than that – a solid 200% of what she’s experienced to date.

Regardless of the numbers involved, 2014 is going to be a trip, a journey into the future, and I’m thrilled to be along for the ride.

MY VISION: I think it’s important that we begin this New Year with a clear sense of direction. Not resolutions so much as resolve. Not clinging to wishful thinking but living into promise. Not with fingers crossed so much as knees bent and head bowed. Not taking a running leap into the darkness but moving forward via deliberate steps of faith, with our eyes wide open.

I guess that is my vision for 2014. Moving forward with resolve; living into promise; grounded in prayer; walking by faith; our eyes fixed on Jesus.

I like the way Paul puts this in Ephesians 6. I’d like to echo his words, and I’d also like you to receive them as my “start the year right” encouragement for 2014:

 “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power… 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.”

Really. Please pray for me and my work in 2014. Pray that the message I share will make the truth about the Gospel of Love real, and alive; both evident and present.

Happy New Year. May 2014 be full with blessing and promise – DEREK