Christmas Letter

I'm jumping in finally into the 21st Century and posting and/or sending our family Christmas/New Year's letter electronically. Snail mail is so 1999.

They say when you're down you can only get up. While that may not be entirely true, for the year 2008 it rings pretty true for the Tighe family. It was just a year ago that we were contemplating the loss of a "steady" job and income and were deeply feeling emotions of frustration, hurt and worry. We knew God was faithful, as he always has been, but honestly were starting to get tired of enduring one trial after another. Looking back to this time last year, I was trying to figure out where God wanted me in the workplace, figure out how to pay bills, dumping every possible material possession we had to make it and generally feeling down. And we thought 2006 was tough!

Yet God began to work in our hearts in the spring of this year. He surprised me with an opportunity to work 4 miles from home with an organic food company, a job which I love more than any job I've held. You can check it out HERE. We also found out we had a new life brewing inside Jan and were thrilled to know God was giving us a new addition to love and know. It also became clear that while trying to find a place in police and firefighting work, that firefighting was the best option and quickly the opportunity came after lots of testing, written and physical, with the Louisville Fire Department. You can check that out HERE. We also were able to secure a long term lease in our house and are so thankful to be able to stay in a community we love with some of the best friends we could hope for in life.

My beautiful wife, Jan, is a stay at home mom who quite honestly works harder than I'll ever know. She is the very best God had for me in a wife and as a mom to our three children. Jan is a steady stream of friendship, love and mercy to me. I could never want any more.



Jonatha Shay is our 2nd grade daughter who lives each day as it were her last. She loves people, reading, climbing rock, skiing and mixed martial arts. My days of getting her to tap out are soon approaching their end. She is a few months away from earning her green belt in Tae Kwon Do, too.



Aidan Reece is our Kindergarten train engine. He never stops moving. Aidan is kind, gentle and loving, yet full of energy. He thrives in environments where he can run, jump, dive, fall, whatever, as long as he is moving. Aidan also was baptized this summer in Boulder Creek by his daddy in front of tons of witnesses. Pretty cool stuff.



Liam Drew is our new baby boy who joined us on October 22. Liam looks just like his older brother, yet has his very own personality. He is a very loving boy and enjoys his older sister and brother (so long as they give him his space). He is starting to laugh a lot and cooes so beautifully when held. He also has his daddy's haircut, which shouldn't last too much longer. We think he's a pretty darn good addition.

For us things have gone up in a huge way this year. But, we wouldn't change a thing in the difficulties that came before the blessings. Because when you sit down and evaluate everything God allows in your life, you realize they are ALL blessings. It's only a matter of perspective.

I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a new year of hope and love. Thank you for being a part of our lives and walking this journey with us.

4th Picture of 4th Folder

Our friend Tara posted a blog with the rules choose the 4th picture of your 4th folder where you store pictures and explain. So, here it is. This is my Dad and his wife Chan playing with Jonatha on our living room floor. Dad apparently was shocked his amazing structure crumbled!

Sheep

Ever find yourself in a recurring theme for the week with which the Lord is obviously grabbing your attention? Well, for me this week, it is the concept of sheep. I read a quote online this week which caught my attention and got me thinking a bit..."Most people in our society are sheep-- kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident. Then there are the wolves, who feed on the sheep without mercy. I’m a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf."

I found this interesting. I suppose in a secular sense, this statement completely registers with me. However, there was a deepened sense that something was wrong when I read it, but I knew I needed to chew on it for a bit before drawing any conclusions. The part that registers with me is obvious - protection. As a father, I want to protect my children. As a husband, my wife. As a small group leader, I want to protect those in my group from the wolves out there. I even, at times, want to be the one they look to for that protection. However, with much reflection, I see this is pride on my part. I also relate because I find myself sometimes judging the intentions of sheep and consider them foolish or unwise. Again, pride.

So what am I to do with it all? Well, first off Jesus calls us sheep (John 10) so we shouldn't take offense. Jesus also separates the sheep from the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 and clearly it is the sheep who enter in. In John 21, Jesus tells Peter to take care of his (Jesus) sheep. So there is a sense of protection there and pastoral care given to Peter by Jesus. But, that seems to me a specific directive given to Peter by Jesus. In the bigger picture and as I examine the whole of scripture, there is instance after instance where "being" a sheep is given much honor. The ultimate example being found in Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as "oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

In Romans 8:29-30 Paul says we are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus which will bring him glory. What is that likeness look like? Well, Jesus remained silent when he was led to slaughter. He prayed for his enemies. He loved the unlovable. He healed the sick. He comforted the brokenhearted. He corrected sinful behavior in his people with love and gentleness, even when they were "defending" him, i.e. Peter and a little sword. He told us to pray in humility, not like the religious and pious. He set a pattern of being meek, humble, gentle, at peace and living in peace, demonstrating kindness, goodness, patience.

You know sheep can seem quite stupid. We scoff at their behavior, but really it boils down to trust. A sheep knows his shepherd's voice and listens. A sheep does what his shepherd instructs. We watch and call it stupidity, yet the shepherd has good intention. We also look at sheep as weak, incapable of protecting themselves. We look down on this as if we are strong. Consider every possible means of protecting yourself in this world. Every extreme. Now consider this: even with every one of those protective measures, are you safe apart from God's protection?

I want with every ounce of me to be able to say I can protect my family, friends, loved ones. The reality is I can only do what my flesh allows, but ultimately it is God who defends and protects.

I don't have it all figured out that's for sure. What I do know is I think it wise of me to be content being a sheep. To allow Jesus to conform me as a sheep to his image and to follow his example. It is a paradox to be a sheep in today's society. It may cost me friends, relationships with coworkers. It may mean enduring abusive statements and being ridiculed as "liberal" or "weak". It may mean being seen as someone who is incapable of surviving in a tough world, a dog eat dog society. It may cost me money, jobs, positions of leadership. I don't care. I'm gonna strive to be a the best sheep I can be.

My dear friend Josh did a video a few years back on sheep. It's worth watching and can be found HERE.

Fire Academy

It's been a long process, and usually is for most people in this field, but the day has arrived and it's official...I'm in. I am now a Louisville firefighter and will be sworn on to the department on December 9, 2008. January 1, 2009 will be my first official shift with my new crew.

When I was growing up, I could never shake the desire to enter into public service. I dreamed of being a police officer and firefighter and honestly never thought it would ever be a reality. I've always been drawn to both fields, but quite honestly pursued a "normal" life of a job, raising a family and settling down somewhere for the past decade. I was never content, however.

Over the past 18 months I have submitted applications to both law enforcement agencies and fire services agencies. It became obvious during the application process for law enforcement that I did not have the right suitability and that firefighting was a much better fit for my personality, skill sets and overall passions. The past 6 months I have been enduring physical agility tests, written exams, oral board interviews, background checks, etc in the hope of landing a spot at a local fire department. Considering that there are huge amounts of applicants for every position open, I knew it might take a while. I am blessed to have received my acceptance letter this week from the City of Louisville, CO to join the department and praise God for placing me in the town I work and do life with people.

2009 will bring new challenges for sure. I am overwhelmed by the support of friends and family in this journey and thank God for being surrounded by such people. Please pray for the Tighe family as we adjust to some pretty big changes...thanks!

What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church? A Parable.

Makes you think

Tae Kwon Do

Jonatha competed recently in her second tournament. She fought very well and made some very nice technical moves. She has a natural ability to fight and has found a great fit for her with this sport. She won the battle against the green belt, but fell to her fellow teammate in the final (who has a wee bit of a size advantage!). We're proud of you Jonatha...done real good.

Baby on Board

He's here! Liam Drew, born Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 1:00pm. 19-1/2 inches, 6 lbs 13 oz. He's doing great, eating well and is a very content baby. Thanks for the huge amount of notes on Facebook and emails of encouragement. We are so blessed by our friends and family!

Community (one last time...)

Okay, one more serious blog before the baby arrives this week...then you'll get hammered by baby pictures!

I've been reading 1 John lately. This week I was back in chapter 2 where it says, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Got me thinking some more about community. We've had a lot of discussion on community, primarily in a local mindset. I feel confident it's been addressed quite well and on many levels. However, community extends its reach worldwide...if we allow it to do so. Consider the last part of that verse, "...also for the sins of the world." Jesus, in his ultimate sacrifice and expression of love, offers himself to anyone who believes. That is not exclusive. It's inclusive. He put himself on the cross to allow anyone the choice to accept that very sacrifice. He said he would draw all men to himself when he was lifted up from the earth (John 12:32). His resurrection compels people to consider him for salvation.

I've been told that my faith is narrow-minded. That statement could not be further from the truth. Jesus' sacrifice is the most inclusive act of love ever to be done on this earth. He paid the penalty for the sins of the world and then made it available to anyone, regardless of their sins. It's called grace. And if that very grace is extended to me, I should find no struggle in extending it to others, locally and beyond.

So, how does this figure into community? Well, I think in America we have become exclusive. We tend to think as followers of Christ in this country that we are God's chosen people. That God favors America as a Christian nation. I find this to be a problem. I don't believe we are a Christian nation, rather a nation with a large number of Christians living in it. And I don't believe we are favored. I think the American church is missing the point in many ways. We spend tons of money on huge buildings, pastoral salaries, programs designed to fit our cultural relevance, even interest on massive loans to make it all happen. Just when we complete building projects, we find ourselves needing more building and the process starts all over. I'm not against church buildings, programs, salaries, etc. I question the pattern of the American church that they take priority over the obvious needs of our communities, locally and globally.

I have been compelled lately to get back to a global mindset. Jesus weeps over the lost across this great globe. He loves the Iraqi child deeply, who has been murdered under the banner of the war being 'God's will'. He longs for those in Darfur and Tibet to come to know him and surrender their lives to him. He waits patiently for his chosen people to see him as their Messiah. He died on the cross for them and offers his mercy freely. He longs for the day when America cares more deeply about justice for all the innocent of this world, not the defense of her borders. No, I don't have a bunch of verses to back that up...it's simply God's character, as shown by the entire scriptures.

No, I'm not angry. I find myself sad lately because I am part of the problem. It's taken me 16 years of knowing Jesus to get it. And I'm saddened by that fact. I'm saddened that I can't remember the last time I sent my money across the globe to feed a hungry child, or provide medical assistance to an AIDS victim in Africa. It's also been a year since I've talked to Tim, a homeless guy on Pearl Street that I personally find to be one of the most intelligent persons with whom I've engaged in conversation. I miss that. I miss the compassion. I want it back...and I think God is giving it back to me.

Community deserves this discussion. We need to talk with one another about how we can step it up and live, breathe this thing called community. Jesus did it. He wants us to do it. Let's do it.

Community (Continued)...

Ever find yourself sitting in a place with a group of people and realize you're the only person not laughing at something just shared? Can be awkward, really. I found myself in that situation recently. Thing is, I didn't feel awkward at all. I felt peaceful. I suppose because in my heart I sensed the Spirit of God compelling me toward him and reminding me that truth trumps the humor of the moment and not laughing actually provided some peace.

Social situations can be complicated. We find ourselves longing so deeply for community that we may compromise our convictions for a shared laughter, maybe even a smile to avoid any possible conflict. But is that community? Earlier this week the small group we are leading had discussion on community again. This time we addressed specific characteristics of community by examining several passages of scripture. We talked over peace, harmony, unity for a great deal of the time. Interesting when you break it down like that. For example, what did Paul mean when he urged believers to live in "harmony"? How does that differ from peace? Think about it.

Rewind to the "awkward" moment. I had a choice. Speak up and say the laughter was misplaced and I risk ridicule, angry responses, isolation from the group. Laugh, and I am inclusive, accepted, welcomed. Remain silent, and I risk either consequence. I walked away from that unnoticed mostly, so I doubt anything came of it. But, it has me thinking this week...community really goes so much deeper than I realized. There are so many layers to this discussion, I wonder if it will ever really conclude. So be it. If it makes me consider God more deeply, I'm game.

Community

“What is community?” is a question that has come up recently in my circles. In fact, the issue of community is something my small group is grappling with right now. And, there have been some interesting discoveries. We have dealt with the typical discussion of community in its purest sense, discussing the practical aspects of community. But, what happens to that discussion when we look at community in the Godhead? What changes might we encounter by examining how God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit experience community? Are there any real, hard passages to unpack regarding this issue in the Bible? Does the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit experience community the way we do? How does the One experience community in his three beautifully expressed Persons?

Community quite possibly may be the very heartbeat of evangelism. I can say with confidence it is not the foundation. The foundation is God himself. But, the more I live in community in an active way, living and breathing it to send a message of hope, I realize its importance goes beyond my highest assumptions. Community can be expressed in many ways. Community can be discussion about God, relationships, family. Community can be a worship experience amongst followers of Christ. Community may be a group of people sharing a time of prayer. Community may be a group of men discussing hard issues over a pint at a local pub, or a family hosting friends at their house for a movie. It may be watching your neighbor’s children while they run errands, or calling an old friend to join you for lunch. It looks, feels and happens differently in different circles. But one thing I have found is that we often miss it happening. We miss the simple beauty of community while striving to achieve goals, evaluate strategies for ministry, memorizing a sermon, and having church meetings. These things in and of themselves are of no harm. It’s when they take priority over community that the real danger occurs. When I read the scriptures, I don’t walk away from it moved by the apostles’ incredible passion for board meetings. I don’t see Paul calling people to pursue excellence in managing church programs. I don’t read about Jesus requiring his followers to be on time for accountability meetings. I am moved by the undying commitment by the apostles to reach the lost by teaching the truth in love. I am moved by Jesus calling all people to walk by faith and follow him radically. I am moved by the promise of the Spirit after Jesus left the earth to equip us do great things.

We have been called to live and breathe this thing called faith. We are called to be about the business of living transformative lives before the world in front of us, seeking to make disciples. It requires something. It requires us to get our hands dirty and get into the mix of our world around us. It requires us to dive into the places many people don’t want to dive into. And I don’t even need to list examples because each and every one of us knows what those places are for us. Here’s the thing…there are people around us who live in fear.There are people around us who are hurting, real hurts. There are people around us being abused, neglected, ignored. There are people around us who think they have it all together, but the reality is, they don’t. There are people who have never once had someone authentically look them in the eye and tell them “I love you”. And those of us who have the hope of Jesus are stewards of the promise that the joy of living eternally is but a step of faith away in anyone’s life. I am constantly challenged with the thought of “what am I doing this week to initiate community”. I want to challenge you with the same thought today. More to come...

Kids Blogs

Check out my kid's blogs by clicking on Aidan and Jonatha. They've both had a big day lately!

Yep, That's My Girl

Sometimes pictures just capture the personality so well...this is typical Jonatha

Good Things In Life

Today I had lunch with my wife, who stopped in at my office to pick me up and took me to a local favorite spot. It reminds me of the things in life that are simple and make me very happy. Here's a few:

Of course, skiing is right up there at the top. I live in Colorado. Enough said...

Organic fruit. If you're idea of good fruit is what you eat at the grocery store, then you are missing out. That stuff may "look" good, but it seriously lacks flavor. For example, strawberries from Safeway look amazing and have zero taste. Organic strawberries look small and blemished and melt in your mouth. It's true, try it sometime...

A cold pint of locally made brew. I prefer New Belgium from Ft. Collins, CO. The best! I enjoy, even more, the conversation with my boys at Theology on Tap when having one...

And, when I feel very lazy or just need mental stimulation, I crack a good book. I look for life application writings that challenge me in my faith and for authors who write out of the box. A good book can change a life. I've been blessed to read several of them.

So, these are just a few things I truly enjoy. How about you?

Simplicity

What does a picture like this mean to you? I suppose all kinds of thoughts come to mind. Maybe high school memories of riding in fields or tearing some tracks up on dirt roads. Maybe you wonder why anyone would drive a gas guzzler with current fuel prices or think "that pick-up could sure use a paint job".

For me, this picture represents a few things. One, it represents my newest vehicle. Two, it represents simplicity...no heated leather seats, or sunroof, or dual climate control (things in my previous vehicle). Three, it represents incredible generosity of the people who gave it to me last month. That's right, gave it to me. No cost, no obligation. Just use it for the Lord.

A year ago, I was spending $1000 each month on two car payments, gas and insurance. God said enough is enough Peter. Time to simplify. I told Honda they could have my cars back. You know what? God worked it all out. And you know what else? I love this truck and enjoy driving it way more than I did my Accord coupe with all the extras. I can actually see each part when I pop the hood...been a while since I could say that.

The bigger picture here is what I'm trying to convey. You know, when we live simply, God is given space to be seen. Jan and I have been living without credit cards and new debt for two years now. Praise God for leading us to this decision. It's been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. God is given the space to work in us and through us and our lives are much richer now than ever before. He is so good!

Some friends of ours told me the other day they are buying us a monster pack of condoms as a gift when the baby arrives next month (we're catching crap from friends b/c we didn't plan for baby #3). Well, looking at this photo, I just think I might never use those condoms 'cause my Janny looks hot when she's pregnant. Just look at her...she's stunning at 8 months pregnant!

Summer's End

It's coming to an end soon...summer. Been great, been fun, been hot and the grilling never ends. This is my favorite pic of the summer. Jan told the kids to bust out a Tae-Kwon Do move they know and jump in at the same time. Here's what they did.

Pregnant...and Beautiful

The girls put on a shower for Jan and our dear friend Jolie this month. I stole Tara's pics from her blog without permission (thanks by the way Tara!). I personally think my wife looks hot...I'll leave it at that. Thanks, ER girls, for making a special day for Jan.

Boy Gets Baptized

On July 12th, I had the privilege of baptizing my son Aidan. He came to faith in Christ a few months ago and expressed sincere interest in getting dunked. The weather was picture perfect, the water quite cold and tons of witnesses at Boulder Creek watching. Aidan did a great job, too.


Bringing him out of the water and knowing the incredible symbolism of the event made me thrilled inside. God is so good!

I also got to baptize my dear friend Greg. He and I met a year ago and instantly knew we were long lost brothers. Greg is a very special friend to me and having the honor to baptize him will remain with me forever.

Overall, it was a great event with young and old getting wet, people sharing about their faith in Jesus and opportunities to share with locals afterwards over a meal.

Well, it's a little bit past the date, but my blogging has been suspect at best. On June 29, Jan and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. Now, I know all the jokes about being married and some, although quite humorous, just don't apply here. God has literally gifted me with an incredible woman. Jan is first and foremost my best friend on this journey of life. We share our lives together as one, as we should. She is also my lover (yeah, I said it). God made us to love one another and he gave us marriage as a gift. As a married couple, we get to enjoy the physical relationship which is a blessing. She is also my sister in faith. She is wise in counsel, and gentle in correction. And Jan is an inspiration in her faithfulness to the needy. She works with those who are unloved and forgotten, and she loves them dearly. I only wish I could do the same with equal compassion. Jan is tender-hearted, although most don't get to see that in her. I do...and it's real.

I guess I could simply say I've got the best. Thanks, Jan, for being more than I could ever hope for in a wife and friend. I love you!

Where Do I Start?

It's been so longed since my last blog, I forgot how to do it! So where can I begin to catch up on our happenings? Well, much has happened in the past few months, but here are some highlights...

In mid April, God blessed me with a great full-time job at Door to Door Organics located just 4 miles from our house in Louisville. I am a route manager and also do some relations work for them. I am very thankful for this provision of work and it's been a fantastic place to be the past 3 months. I am still employed with Rampart Fire and was actually recently dispatched to the CA fires, but turned down the assignment to baptize my son Aidan. I think that was a legitimate reason. Speaking of which...

This Saturday, I will have the honor to baptize my son, my best friend Greg Hoffman, and Greg's son, Keegan. I think I will be overwhelmed with emotion that day...can't wait.



A few months ago, I was able to connect with Kate Hurley over coffee in Louisville. I've been listening to her music for years through Enter the Worship Circle. She lives just a few miles away, so I said "why don't you come do a concert in my house?" She surprisingly said yes and it was a huge success. Great time of worship and listening to her jam in my living room (she even stole my guitar and did the whole concert with it which was cool). Thanks Kate for a great night!



The kiddos are growing way too fast these days. Aidan tried biking without training wheels and off he went. No instruction, no struggles. Just hopped on and blew our minds. I've already taken him to a BMX trail where he ate dirt several times, cried his guts out, brushed himself off and said, "Dad, this is awesome!" Jonatha is now a 2nd grader and is killing it in Tae-Kwon Do. While Aidan takes a break from the rigorous training, Jonatha has been eating it all up and loving it. She will become a yellow belt in September.





Jan and I do have a prayer request. For the past year, we have been leading a house church in Broomfield through the Emmaus Road Community and have been blessed through this process. I have in no way sought after anything other than continued volunteer ministry since being out here, but the leadership of Emmaus has asked me to consider becoming a part-time paid staff member with the fellowship to allow more time to devote to the work God is doing in our community. I struggle a bit with becoming vocational once again, as I truly love serving as a non-vocational pastor with the Broomfield house church. However, I've been asked to pray about it and feel I should be obedient to this request. The fellowship would like Jan and I to attend a church planting conference in Wisconsin in January, so it appears that will be on the plate (who goes to Wisconsin in January??). Anyway, please pray for wisdom for us. God has been working in our midst, despite limited hours of commitment. He has also been confirming through a large number of people that leading house church is a good fit for us. Who knows what he might have in store for our group if someone could devote more time? We'll see..

Salvation

I'm glad God makes it easy for us to have eternal security. He says it is by grace you are saved through faith and that it does not come from your own works. It is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). I'm also glad we don't have to have everything figured out before choosing to believe in Jesus. My son, Aidan, made a decision last week (April 6) to pray and tell God he believes. We talked it over, prayed about it and he leans over and says, "Dad...I prayed. I believe." Done deal. You're saved and the angels rejoice, son!

I am so thankful that both my children have made decisions to give their life over to Jesus. Do they have it all figured out? No. But neither do I. And neither do you. But God is faithful. He gives us his Spirit (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:13) and promises that we will know him - personally. Religion accomplishes nothing. Faith can move mountains. I'm proud of you, Aidan. I hope I can lead you by example in faith to walk close to your Savior.

Mullet Madness

A few weeks ago, I had the unique and distinguished honor to participate in "Frozen Dead Guy Days" in Nederland. For those not aware, this is an annual event in the small mountain town of Nederland (where I work), where a family who has preserved their loved one cryogenically presents the body for public viewing. Creepy? Very much so. Interesting? Indeed!

The event brings over 15,000 people to the town of 1,800 population each year. One event is the coffin race, which takes place immediately following the parade of coffins. It is nothing short of a violent obstacle course of 30 teams racing to beat the clock, carrying a coffin made by the team with a live person inside and show a little style while at it. Our team theme was "Dumb Hicks" and we officially represented West Virginia (my boss leads whitewater trips there in the summer).



I must say the mullet is very stylish and I wore it proudly. Our team decided right before the race that, if we were losing at the point of the woops course (shear ice rollers), that we would put our coffin down and dance. Th strategy paid off with a 1st place for style by the crowd of 2,000 and I walked away with a free blue-grass CD from Telluride Bluegrass Festival. It rocks.

I had fun and was thoroughly entertained by all the teams and their costumes, attitudes and competitiveness. Good times.

Uh...that looks like a positive

That's right. I step out of the shower last week and, with my hazy vision see a white stick on the sink. Yep...it's a positive. Tighe baby #3 is on the way.

We've been having those parental discussions lately about how cool it's been to have the kids both in school this fall and how ski trips will be easier now that they are older, etc. You know, blah, blah, blah. And God says, "Surprise!"

I couldn't be happier. I love little babies. They are the sweetest thing on earth. Have I forgotten the crying and sludge filled diapers? Must have. Either way, I am a proud father to my third child.

Looks like a Thanksgiving will be special this year...

Fire Camp

This past week I attended Colorado Fire Camp to get my certifications as a wildland firefighter. It is located in Salida, CO about 4 hours SW from my house. Just so happens A-Basin is exactly half way there, right on the path down, so I figured I better check out the new back bowl. Did I mention I ski there for free? Uh huh...

In the Incident Response Pocket Guide (Firefighter's Bible), there are what's called the 10-18's. Part of the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders includes #2 - "Know what your fire is doing at all times". I'd say this rule applies with regards to the parking lot conditions at A-Basin. "Know what your ice is doing at all times before trying to turn around in a tight space." I left a note by the way...

Standard Firefighting Orders #1 - "Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts". Uh, yes I can do that. It is definitely snowing with flat light conditions and hard pack snow on the back bowl at A-Basin. Slope is 40%, aspect is SW, conditions for fire are safe, escape route includes high speed chair lift 1 miles from position...

Standard Firefighting Orders #4 - "Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known." Pretty screwed here. Escape route includes coming to a stop and hoping to see anything possible in front of me on Hoosier Pass. It cleared after another mile up the pass...


Standard Firefighting Orders #6 - "Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively." Got it...

Standard Firefighting Orders #5 - "Post lookouts when there is possible danger." I found a good spot at the peak of Mt. Shavano out my lodge window at camp. Incident Commander, may I post lookout here?

No, Peter. Shut up and sit down for the fire video.

And don't forget to relax and eat grub downstairs in the lodge.

Standard Firefighting Orders #10 - "Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first." Time to get to work, folks.

Dance, Fool!

My Friday night plans this week? Dancing with Jonatha. My little dance freak had a Daddy-Daughter dance at school and it rocked. Jonatha was bustin' moves like MC Hammer. She got wiggidy whack on the dance floor. Top picture was at the school as we entered and bottom picture Jan snapped as we were heading out the door. I enjoy dates with my children and cherish them very much. Good times!

Steamboat

Thanks to Emmaus Road and some nice residual benefits of working at a resort, Jan and I enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Steamboat Springs. We took in the sights, had some great fellowship with friends and enjoyed free skiing. A family offered up the house to our group and this was our view to the southeast. Not too shabby!

62" of snow fell Thursday and Friday and we skied Saturday on this...incredible. Waist deep in the middle of groomers and chest deep on the backside bowl. Most amazing ski experience of my life. Period. This picture is mid-mountain where the snow was "decent" compared to the peak area. I've never heard so many "whoo-hoos" going down the mountain. Everyone there was beside themselves over the conditions. Even locals were amazed. Fun times.

House Church

Picture from Christmas dinner with my house church in Broomfield. I am so thankful for these folks and their ministry in my life. Being a part of a group of people who are passionate about Jesus and reaching others for Him is one of the greatest blessings I have.