It is funny how the perceived value of certain events changes over time, but it is still worth reflecting a bit on the year gone by.  These things, in no particular order, seem important today:

– During prayer times, there was a recurring theme of thankfulness for knowing Jesus.  It can be called by a number of names: born again, called by the Spirit, given faith to believe; but the bottom line is an assurance of receiving wisdom and understanding so that I can know God better.  I also know that some people don’t comprehend this, and I continue to pray for friends and family who have not yet responded.

– Frisbee is always a wonderful Sunday evening activity from May to August when the days are long.  Playing on the grass makes it less hurtful to run or fall, and others will pick you up.  A few  14-year olds came this summer, so I was 4 times older than some participants.

– Diane and I reached a milestone – we reached the point(s) where we have been married twice as long as we were not married.

– Our Michigan Knapp Family Book Reading times have been serious for prayer and study and hilarious for discussion.  We finished A Praying Life and Taking God at His Word, and started Show Them Jesus.

– I learned a lot by participating in the church task force petitioning to change denominations.  There are important things to know about orthodoxy, acting out what your documents say, and what I truly believe. I also learned more about the blessing of working with strong brothers in the process.

– Diane’s position change – she is now a focus teacher at the same school she taught in last year– has been a wonderful thing.  She is as skilled at helping other teachers plan as she was at teaching the kids herself. And she doesn’t bring home as many papers or prepare grade cards or have parent conferences!

– I worked more than full time for the first six months of the year, with two clients.  I learned that was too much.  I am grateful for the work and grateful to have just one regular client for now.

– We had a delightful Knapp family reunion in July in St Louis, arranged by sister Cindy.  The events included a Cardinal game, Grants Farm tour, two different nights of fireworks, and lots of time to visit.