1. A wife whose beauty, creativity, and generous heart amaze me more every year. More specifically, getting to watch the beginning of her growing into the mom I knew she would be.
2. The birth of a healthy, sweet baby girl, Evangeline Jane. At six weeks, her smile and sense of humor already melt us.
3. Family who has loved, supported, and been patient with me for longer than anyone.
4. A church community that deeply loves Jesus, the Bible, and people.
5. Friends and co-workers, Gospel partners, who constantly challenge and inspire me; most often by pointing to Jesus.
6. The ability to receive theological and pastoral training from some of the best men I’ve ever met.
7. A memorable ‘babymoon’ with Kim where we drove from Seattle to Orange County down the 101. We met a Nixon, stayed in a place that looked like Dwight Schrute’s farm, ate two of the best meals (Syrah and Wild Flour Bread) we’ve ever had in Sonoma, and kayaked with sea otters.
8. Getting to explore, know, and love a new city with Kim. (We owe nearly every great restaurant tip to Anthony though)
9. A new home that is closer to work, cheaper, and bigger so we can host visitors and guests.
10. God’s relentless, faithful, patient love and grace that is most visible in all of the above but that sustains my every breath.
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Things that didn’t make the cut (but were still great): Netflix, a batting cage in the office, a few waves at Big Rock, Bonhoeffer bio by Metaxas, Mumford & Sons, and Bear Flag Fish Co.
