Friday, November 21, 2008

Proud Moment

Joanna, after taking a stressful trip to downtown Raleigh, and in the face of sub-freezing windchill temperatures ... decided to go out and run today as she had planned ...



Trey was very supportive as Joanna finished the run with some intervals up the hill in front of our house ...






Joanna and I (and Trey) will be running a 5k on Thanksgiving Day! The goal is to finish without stopping ... but either way it'll be a blast! Can't wait! I'm so proud of my cute little runner girl!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Is This Guy For Real?

I think that's a fair question (on so many levels) when someone encounters Michael David Christmas. Answer - yea, he's for real ... he is every bit as fun, funny, insane, kind, nuts, loving, bright, hysterical, insightful, connected, relational, sketchy, and saved-by-grace as you perceive him to be. And he's my brother. I say that proudly, and I always have. I've seen this kid grow up and grow through challenges and accountability, and I've seen him desire to help others grow as well. November 10 ... 23 years ago (man I hope that's right) ... special day ... special guy. Happy Birthday Mike. Love ya. Your big brother.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Good Things Come In Small Packages ... The Gift of Mary Christmas

... some of you may be puzzled by that title ... I submit that you are no less puzzled than you would be were you to try to figure out how the one we celebrate today came to be so incredibly special as a servant-leader-warrior-princess-poet ... see what I mean ... puzzling. All I can say to this older, wiser, sweeter, better-looking sister of mine is ... I love ya Teec. You've meant so much to me ... from the huge amounts of encouragement I get from you, to the times you've challenged and taught me. God has had tons of fun with you, and He's so not through ...

Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Mighty Warrior Turns 18




For eighteen years God has been shaping, molding, holding, refining, and ultimately, loving Matt Christmas. I've had the joy of watching the whole process, and a joy it has been. This is a special young man ... a leader with his friends, a stud on the football field, a loving uncle and a compassionate person. An old Scottish proverb says: Never give a man a sword who can't dance. Well, I'm pretty certain Matt can't dance (unless you've got some moves you've been hiding), but the point is, a warrior must fight from a passion that goes deeper than rage against an enemy ... the passionate fighter must have a compassionate heart that provides the motivation to fight for the truths and people he loves. Matt is a great example of a man (and I emphasize man today) who shows courage and compassion. With all that God has done in your life Matt ... He's not anywhere near done ... embrace it, love it, hunger for His truth. The Lord is with you mighty warrior ... now go in the strength that you have, and may unconditional love be your battle tactic ... just as Christ loved you.

Love you bro ... Robby