Winter Sun

Yesterday the sun broke through and folks were seen around Shelterwood in T-shirts. It was 60-something degrees outside and it felt like spring or even summer. It was refreshing. The thawing process; however, is not without mess. A fair amount of slush and mud is generated as a result of winter sunshine. Inconvenient but well worth it. As I often mention in my blog, the seasons have a striking parallel to spiritual growth and, although winter is long from over, the winter sun warms the soul. A reminder of hope that brings joy as God shines in the winter exposing the slush and mud of growth.

Comings and goings at Shetlerwood...

We celebrated the graduation of a young lady on Thursday afternoon. Earlier that same day, one our big brothers shared some original hip-hop music during chapel. We were also blessed to hear the testimony of a local young man's journey through hardship and ultimately to Christ. Two new families arrived in the boys house last week and one departed bringing our total to 25. We have also received two new Big brothers. I know it's hard to keep track so you'll just have to take my word. 25 boy residents. 8 Big brothers. 1 new resident is scheduled to come next week and 2 more big brothers are in the application/approval process.

January exceptions

We received the first real snow of the winter season last weekend but somehow I feel thankful because it was much worse it other parts of the country. The local schools were cancelled for 3 straight days. There is still plenty of snow on the ground; par the course for a January in Kansas City. Today, of course, is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday postponing school yet another day. Holiday's and weather are acceptable reasons stay home but it is hard going back when you break routine. Just ask my boys, Corey and Kaiden. Something to keep in mind when you are taking on New Year's resolutions or goals in general. You can't control the unexpected, so it makes the daily discipline all the more important.

Things are moving along at Shelterwood (sort of). I mean, nothing epic to report. A new boy arrived on Friday and 3 more are scheduled on the calendar. Orientation and training is slowing down with the new big brothers and big sisters and the normal schedule will resume by the end of the month. Another big brother, Phillip, joined Doulos Discipleship yesterday. Last Thursday, following chapel, another big brother prospect dropped in. I showed him around for about an hour and talked about the program. As you can see, with the new model of Doulos Discipleship, new folks pass through beyond the old deadlines of August and January. With Shelterwood changing frequently, it makes a lot of sense to have new big brothers with flexibility, although we still target and promote the August and January start dates.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I trust you had a wonderful holiday season with your families. Jena and I had a quiet Christmas with Kaiden. We went ice skating at Crown Center downtown and ate lunch at famous Fritz burgers. At Fritz, your food is delivered to your table on a miniature train that runs through the restaurant. On Christmas Eve we left cookies out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. On the 26th the rest of the gang showed up. A house full of teenage girls coupled with a college boy made for a rowdy week. The kids all enjoyed our annual slide show; a family tradition. Lots of photos and memories. Jena and I have much to be thankful for today.

Things are back to normal at Doulos. There is a newness in the air. Three new Big Brothers have arrived and two new residents in the Guys House. This week and next is filled with training and orientation with our new staff and the new school semester has begun at Shelterwood. Tomorrow one of our girl residents will be graduating the program. Things always change at Doulos, one of the redeeming reasons I enjoy the ministry. Since I started my new role back in late August as Resident Director, over half the staff in the Guys House has turned over. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing but the new guys share my school of thought so it is encouraging have the right people in place to ensure effective and healthy ministry to the boys and their families.

Finally, I had a chance to share this morning in chapel. A few Truths God laid on my heart from the Creation account. First, "the Spirit of God hovered over the earth" indicates to me that God hovers over my life with anticipation of new and beautiful things to come. Second, "there was morning and night the first day." A key phrase repeated throughout the creation process. It reminds me that life is full of "day and night" seasons. Times of

rejoicing and times of despair. Regardless of the day or night, the third point is that man was not created to be alone. We need each other. A great concept but a difficult one to grasp unless we are willing to get up a pursue others as opposed to waiting for others to pursue us

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I deeply appreciate all of your prayers and support. Thank you for making 2o1o a successful year of ministry and 2011 a promising year of hope!