And before you know it, life is happening

Not sure whether this is a new start with updates for this blog or just a random splash of motivation. Likely it's been too long for anyone to care! It's hard to know what to update in this age of superfluous social media. At least one blog entry for 2011 isn't overdoing it. That's one way to look at it.

Short preface to our year: Kelly and I had a sweet time of prayer on New Year's Eve with our dear friends about what 2011 might hold. We clearly presented two requests - another child and an opening to be a pastor. Perhaps our prayers were too limited? Within two weeks we found out we were pregnant, and within 8 weeks I had interviewed and been called to the church where I now work.

So, there you have the epicenter of this year... all the various excitement and fuss and energy and change surrounding having our second child and starting work as a pastor. With all the preparations, it's hard to believe that it wasn't until 9/1 that both expectations became in-the-flesh reality. Yup, in a providential twist, Daniel Richard Maurer was born September 1 - the same day I officially began at the church.

And now we're learning how to be a family of 4 (with a soon-to-be 4 year old). It's not even fair to get into all the other 2011 details, but suffice to say we're in a grateful, joyful, and encouraged place at the moment (if a bit fatigued!).