new birth

since the topic of new birth (John 3)  has been on my mind at this point in the current sermon series (the secret of the kingdom), it seemed like as good a time as any to begin blogging again.

using a new tool to blog, called windows live writer.  recently released by microsoft, I think (and free, too).  seems ridiculously easy to use.  we'll see how it works.  by way of a test, I'll try inserting a video I've been working on to kick off the message this weekend.

my daughter Elle just climbed in my lap as I'm writing.  she's pure gift. going to be 3 this month.  which is probably why she's already jumped out of my lap, gone out of the office, and is on to some new and exciting activity.

Speaking of gifts, Phyllis Tickle recently gave the kids a copy of her new fixed hour prayer book for children.  One simple, poetic prayer each for morning, afternoon, and bed time.  Colin's been loving it. he's just at the point where he can read all the words himself.  just at the point where he's beginning to treasure brief times of prayer.  good timing all around.  thanks, Phyllis.

in closing, it's only appropriate to give a shout out to my sisters, all of whom have accomplished remarkable and varied things:

Maja, featured here in this youtube video:

Amy, who spoke recently at the Cloud 9 youth retreat (she generally hates seeing pictures of herself - which is ridiculous given her beauty - so I'll let her off the hook this once, as a way of giving her props)

Judy, who recently completed the New York City Marathon:

And Grace, who scored 13 of her team's 27 goals in field hockey this season (and against whom zero goals were scored):