Dear Friends and Family,

If anyone has been wondering where I’ve been, there’s no special story. Actually, a lot of life just plain caught up. A big thing is Emmaus. As some of you know, I was appointed Lay Director of the men’s side last May, with responsibilities to plan and lead the big event in early April. The timing of my little artery problem was unfortunate as January is when everything gears up. The good news is that I was cleared to re-engage, albeit watching that I don’t overdo it. The other good news is that a team of absolutely terrific men and women have picked up the slack. The challenge is on how to navigate the next six or seven weeks.

On top of that, church and a number of other things have kept me pretty focused and I just haven’t had the three plus hours each day that I dedicated to preparing and writing my pieces. I tried exercising again … in a limited fashion. The first two times went fairly well but I overdid it the third time. Compared to my old routine, it was nothing, but I came home with shaky hands and a problem with my grip, so have stepped back for the past five or six days.

Honestly, a main focus of our attention has been on dear Shannon, whom I’ve written about before. She is really battling and has been in and out of the hospital. Even if you don’t know her (and you should really wish you did!), please pray for her … and her husband Jim and their four lovely daughters, Megan, Chelsea, Sophie, and Molly. What a beautiful and faithful family who is faced with such a difficult situation … that developed out of nowhere. I’m attaching a picture we took on Friday of our Little Band of Believers, reaching out in joy and prayer to our sister, Shannon. We love you and are praying without ceasing! So happy to see Connie and Rex join us, as well. (Susan, of Team Susan, is the beautiful lady in the far back with her hand raised. A miracle if there is one!)

I have started and written parts of posts on several other themes and will get to them when I can. God bless each of you.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of each day. Thank you for providing us with moments of deep joy in the midst of times and places that seem desolate. What greater gift than the gift of love, as expressed through full hearts? We are reminded all of the time that we are not in charge and that, if we just surrender, we can find immeasurable strength in that simple and profound action. From you all blessings flow. Amen.

Brad